ROFR Thread April to June 2025 *PLEASE SEE FIRST POST FOR INSTRUCTIONS & FORMATTING TOOL*

[ClaraOswald]

Yes, I have tried to explain to my British husband that Disneyland was our place, like most teens used to hang out at the mall. He still can't quite believe it.

Anyway, getting this back on track, BWV is a great resort! Congrats @AstroBlasters - enjoy every bit of that contract over the next few years.

My husband grew up in Orange County and would take his homework to Disneyland and would sometimes even do some of it while riding the Peoplemover (RIP.)

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

I’m going to say something blasphemous here but I think I’m doing Disneyland wrong cause I just don’t get it. I keep thinking I’m missing something and giving it the benefit of the doubt and ok this time was meh but the next one! And then it’s just meh again. I know it’s so beloved and I really, really want to love it, but every time I leave more disenchanted. I’m gonna need one of you DLR ride or dies to adopt me next time you go and help me see it through your eyes….though this is probably best as a topic for a new thread…

 

[VGCgroupie]

I’m going to say something blasphemous here but I think I’m doing Disneyland wrong cause I just don’t get it. I keep thinking I’m missing something and giving it the benefit of the doubt and ok this time was meh but the next one! And then it’s just meh again. I know it’s so beloved and I really, really want to love it, but every time I leave more disenchanted. I’m gonna need one of you DLR ride or dies to adopt me next time you go and help me see it through your eyes….though this is probably best as a topic for a new thread…

I think a lot of it comes from west coasters who went there as a child. Im not sure how or what it is but the music and ambiance at DLR just hits differently for me at DLR. It's not ride specific.

 

[intamin]

My husband grew up in Orange County and would take his homework to Disneyland and would sometimes even do some of it while riding the Peoplemover (RIP.)

A bit more recent but I definitely studied for biochemistry midterms while in line for Midway Mania back in the day..

 

[intamin]

I love being a DL local. Door to door to Main Street in under 30 mins, sometimes as short as 15-20. It is fabulous for quick after work trips or weekend mornings. I love DVC because now we can do weekend trips to VGC/VDH, whereas previously I balked at the cash prices given I live so close.

WDW and Aulani are my vacation destinations and both are more exciting to me, likely because I have to hop on a plane to get to each. I used to take my homework to study at DL in high school and college. It just feels like home to me.

We know we want to add on more points, and are struggling with where to add on. Resale at WDW or Aulani, direct at VDH? But very thankful I live so close to DL and am halfway in between WDW and Aulani and get to go to both so often.

We are visiting Japan for the first time later this year, and I assume I'll fall in love with Tokyo Disneyland, too. So thankful there is no Japan DVC!

If there was a Japan DVC I could definitely get my wife to commit all of our money to DVC points.

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

I think a lot of it comes from west coasters who went there as a child. Im not sure how or what it is but the music and ambiance at DLR just hits differently for me at DLR. It's not ride specific.

I’m sure that’s part of it. But as adults, I don’t think many of us are going to Disney cause they have the best adult geared rides lol I can’t even hear the music or enjoy the ambiance with how crowded and busy it is all the time. There are so many choke points it’s just all chaotic and feels overwhelming. And I’m not one to get overwhelmed easily. When is the slower season for Disneyland because maybe I’ve only been when it’s really busy?

 

[VGCgroupie]

I’m sure that’s part of it. But as adults, I don’t think many of us are going to Disney cause they have the best adult geared rides lol I can’t even hear the music or enjoy the ambiance with how crowded and busy it is all the time. There are so many choke points it’s just all chaotic and feels overwhelming. And I’m not one to get overwhelmed easily. When is the slower season for Disneyland because maybe I’ve only been when it’s really busy?

I notice it's not the same as it was in 2016, I thought it was us and how we have to run to rides now that my son is into that, but it could be the parks are busier and I think LL has taken some of the magic out of Disney for us. Not to sound old but I miss not having my face in my phone and having to walk to the ride to get a fastpass.

 

[that1jeff]

I’m going to say something blasphemous here but I think I’m doing Disneyland wrong cause I just don’t get it. I keep thinking I’m missing something and giving it the benefit of the doubt and ok this time was meh but the next one! And then it’s just meh again. I know it’s so beloved and I really, really want to love it, but every time I leave more disenchanted. I’m gonna need one of you DLR ride or dies to adopt me next time you go and help me see it through your eyes….though this is probably best as a topic for a new thread…

There's a lot of reasons. But I think most of them come down to the small details all over Disneyland. The average visitor probably doesn't even care about or appreciate. But when you add it all up, you kind of realize how "special" Disneyland is.

Characters walking around freely and socializing with guests. Not being afraid to get completely mob'd like at MK/WDW.

Another small example I like to use is comparing the theming and story telling of the queues at Disneyland vs Magic Kingdom. And I know, "Who cares about the queues?!" But if you compare them, you realize Disneyland is much more focused on story telling there. The way MK is laid out is purely to serve the masses. Switch back style queues. Get as many guests on and off the ride as fast as possible. Many attractions (but not all) are a watered version of what's at DL.

I think a lot of it comes from west coasters who went there as a child. Im not sure how or what it is but the music and ambiance at DLR just hits differently for me at DLR. It's not ride specific.

A lot of this as well.

I’m sure that’s part of it. But as adults, I don’t think many of us are going to Disney cause they have the best adult geared rides lol I can’t even hear the music or enjoy the ambiance with how crowded and busy it is all the time. There are so many choke points it’s just all chaotic and feels overwhelming. And I’m not one to get overwhelmed easily. When is the slower season for Disneyland because maybe I’ve only been when it’s really busy?

Yea, crowds do feel worse now than in years past. Or maybe I just didn't care when I was younger.

If you are local with an AP, you can slow down and appreciate individual aspects of Disneyland. As you say, if God forbid you come on a incredibly busy day, no biggie. You can just come again next week for a few hours after work. And roll the dice again. Instead of being pressured to cram in as much as you can if you're from out of town on a short trip.

I've also had to realign my own expectations concerning crowds at DL. Kinda like going to Costco on a busy day. Much happier when I just accept my fate. lol.

 

[supercarrie]

A bit more recent but I definitely studied for biochemistry midterms while in line for Midway Mania back in the day..

Not going to lie...I still work from DL on occasion. Love the Sketch Pad Cafe at Pixar Place if I need quiet, and I go to Jolly Holiday if I need noise/kinetic energy for brainstorming/broader strategy projects. I sometimes go to the lounge for a short break, too.

I’m going to say something blasphemous here but I think I’m doing Disneyland wrong cause I just don’t get it. I keep thinking I’m missing something and giving it the benefit of the doubt and ok this time was meh but the next one! And then it’s just meh again. I know it’s so beloved and I really, really want to love it, but every time I leave more disenchanted. I’m gonna need one of you DLR ride or dies to adopt me next time you go and help me see it through your eyes….though this is probably best as a topic for a new thread…

For me, apart from the childhood memories, it is the history of Disneyland that I love. Knowing it was Walt's vision, walking through the gates that the children ran through on that first day, visiting his apartment, walking past the petrified tree, going on the original attractions that were designed by Walt and the original Imagineers, etc. We also take a much slower pace when going to DL, often just walking through the park and maybe hitting up an attraction or two. The only day I go full out is once a year for the Gumball Rally, which is part scavenger hunt/part race to ride as many attractions in a day event.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I’m going to say something blasphemous here but I think I’m doing Disneyland wrong cause I just don’t get it. I keep thinking I’m missing something and giving it the benefit of the doubt and ok this time was meh but the next one! And then it’s just meh again. I know it’s so beloved and I really, really want to love it, but every time I leave more disenchanted. I’m gonna need one of you DLR ride or dies to adopt me next time you go and help me see it through your eyes….though this is probably best as a topic for a new thread…

Vibes > Rides

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

Vibes > Rides

That’s just the thing. I’m getting very little of these magical vibes everyone talks about The last few times I’ve gone I’ve done just a single ride a visit actively focusing on vibes (partly cause the lines for most things I’d want to do are 40 mins+) and it’s just busy and feels messy and just not a good time really. I know I’m being very negative and there are things I’ve liked. Strangely, I get much more out of DCA than I get out of Disneyland. And I enjoy the history, I’ve already signed up for the new 70th anniversary tour in May and I’m really looking forward to it. But I guess if it’s what you grew up on and the nostalgia is strong, it does allow you to see past what it currently is versus what it once was….but ok, ok I won’t fix my feelings here in this thread, I’ll make an appropriate one soon and try to get to the crux of it so I can get on everyone else’s level lol

Also, I appreciate your thoughtful responses @supercarrie and @that1jeff and totally see where you’re coming from it’s just hard without that personal history and nostalgia behind it all. Maybe @VGCgroupie was right and what I’m missing is that formative connection and maybe I overhyped it for myself.

 

[intamin]

Vibes > Rides

To be fair the rides at DL are better than MKs anyways

 

[Girlstar30]

That’s just the thing. I’m getting very little of these magical vibes everyone talks about The last few times I’ve gone I’ve done just a single ride a visit actively focusing on vibes (partly cause the lines for most things I’d want to do are 40 mins+) and it’s just busy and feels messy and just not a good time really. I know I’m being very negative and there are things I’ve liked. Strangely, I get much more out of DCA than I get out of Disneyland. And I enjoy the history, I’ve already signed up for the new 70th anniversary tour in May and I’m really looking forward to it. But I guess if it’s what you grew up on and the nostalgia is strong, it does allow you to see past what it currently is versus what it once was….but ok, ok I won’t fix my feelings here in this thread, I’ll make an appropriate one soon and try to get to the crux of it so I can get on everyone else’s level lol

Also, I appreciate your thoughtful responses @supercarrie and @that1jeff and totally see where you’re coming from it’s just hard without that personal history and nostalgia behind it all. Maybe @VGCgroupie was right and what I’m missing is that formative connection and maybe I overhyped it for myself.

You're not wrong for this. I have become disillusioned with Disneyland as well after having gone so many times for 20 years now. First off, as a magic key holder now it is very hard to get a weekend reservation that's not three weeks out when your paying nearly $2000 for an inspire pass.

Secondly they are much stricter with virtual queues then disney world in my experience. If you don't have one, you're not going and they don't care. I found the virtual queue at Haunted Mansion Holiday laughable as I've been on that ride so many times and they're acting like it was a new attraction.

70th anniversary seems lazy to me. Bringing back the same parade they had before and the lame Pixar parade. Pass. For us locals, Knotts Berry Farm actually has way better food festivals than Disney.

It's extremely crowded and a nightmare on Friday nights.

I used to LOVE Disneyland. That's why I dont really think I may have these contracts still longer than 20 years. Times and preferences change. Disney world hasn't changed for me yet. I'm sure I'll have my gripes about it soon enough and I'm sure I'll want to go back to Disneyland eventually when they do something new.

 

[VGCgroupie]

That’s just the thing. I’m getting very little of these magical vibes everyone talks about The last few times I’ve gone I’ve done just a single ride a visit actively focusing on vibes (partly cause the lines for most things I’d want to do are 40 mins+) and it’s just busy and feels messy and just not a good time really. I know I’m being very negative and there are things I’ve liked. Strangely, I get much more out of DCA than I get out of Disneyland. And I enjoy the history, I’ve already signed up for the new 70th anniversary tour in May and I’m really looking forward to it. But I guess if it’s what you grew up on and the nostalgia is strong, it does allow you to see past what it currently is versus what it once was….but ok, ok I won’t fix my feelings here in this thread, I’ll make an appropriate one soon and try to get to the crux of it so I can get on everyone else’s level lol

Also, I appreciate your thoughtful responses @supercarrie and @that1jeff and totally see where you’re coming from it’s just hard without that personal history and nostalgia behind it all. Maybe @VGCgroupie was right and what I’m missing is that formative connection and maybe I overhyped it for myself.

excited to see how you like the tour!

 

[AstroBlasters]

To be fair the rides at DL are better than MKs anyways

BTW, I think of DL/DCA as one park.

And if you just do an early morning/ LL/ park close strategy you generally wont wait in any lines over 20 min.

You're not wrong for this. I have become disillusioned with Disneyland as well after having gone so many times for 20 years now. First off, as a magic key holder now it is very hard to get a weekend reservation that's not three weeks out when your paying nearly $2000 for an inspire pass.

Secondly they are much stricter with virtual queues then disney world in my experience. If you don't have one, you're not going and they don't care. I found the virtual queue at Haunted Mansion Holiday laughable as I've been on that ride so many times and they're acting like it was a new attraction.

70th anniversary seems lazy to me. Bringing back the same parade they had before and the lame Pixar parade. Pass. For us locals, Knotts Berry Farm actually has way better food festivals than Disney.

It's extremely crowded and a nightmare on Friday nights.

I used to LOVE Disneyland. That's why I dont really think I may have these contracts still longer than 20 years. Times and preferences change. Disney world hasn't changed for me yet. I'm sure I'll have my gripes about it soon enough and I'm sure I'll want to go back to Disneyland eventually when they do something new.

Fwiw, reservations aren’t an issue when staying on DVC. The hotels have their own reservation bucket.

Also, there are no rides with virtual queues currently. I’m sure that will change as they build out new ones.