Rough day at the Happiest place on Earth + tips and observations from our recent trip

[Niebz]

Okay, this may get long so bare with me.

First let me say that our recent 2-week stay at the DLH exceeded our expectations in every way. They upgraded us from standard view to fifth floor pool view which was spectacular, the new room was huge, beautiful and very clean, and the minor construction finishing touches going on were hardly noticeable. The whole resort is fresh and new. My only complaint is that we'll never be able to stay anywhere more affordable again!

Christmas at the DLR - again, exceeded our expectations. Coming from Canada with real snow I was slightly worried it wouldn't feel as Christmasy as home but I was blown away by how truly magical it was. The fake snow was a great substitute and the holiday decor and detail was everywhere. I loved the christmas music piped in and themed to each land - still felt very Disney but Christmas themed. Also loved the holiday treats, Santa with real reindeer, parade, fireworks and holiday overlays (particularly Small World which blew me away!). We even got an unobstructed view of Gary Sinise and the amazing Candlelight Processional.

Now for the only negative part of our trip. The last few days we were there (December 9 and 10th in particular) got so busy that it was very difficult to get around the parks. Fine, we can handle that. The lines were pretty bad too but again, nothing that we can't handle. What made for a less than magical day however was the rudeness of other guests.

First we were in line for HMH and DD (3) was having a minor outburst as DH and I were trying to get her to walk on her own and she wasn't cooperating. Embarrassing enough on it's own but a woman in front of us in line said very loudly to her 2 young children that she couldn't believe what horrible parents we were and then, to quote her, "that's why you don't have babies when you're too young to handle them." I was too stunned to say anything but I wish I had. We're 28 and 30, not unwed pregnant teens and even if we were who is she to judge? As a mom who fought through infertility and multiple miscarriages to have my babies my life's ambition is to be a good Mom so I let this comment affect my day more than I should have.

Later, we were waiting for a table at the Plaza and a cast member was nice enough to lead me to one which was unoccupied. She cleared it and I sat down only to later be reamed out by the guy at the next table that we took his family's spot who'd be back shortly. Um, why didn't he speak up sooner then? Besides they were done eating, his family never did show up and they left 2 minutes later. I guess the crowds made other people grumpy and therefor confrontational as we witnessed many other arguments and pushy behaviour that day. Hard to stay in the Christmas spirit when everyone around you is miserable.

Our miserable day was capped beautifully when after waiting 2 hours for the parade some kid behind us puked all over our spot 2 minutes before it was scheduled to start and we had to move. LOL - at least we can look back at it all and laugh.



To end this post on a happier note I'll close with a few tips we picked up on our trip:

1) We went to the 5:30 Christmas parade nearly every day on our long trip and it was crazy busy. If you want premium, Main Sreet curbside spots you need to line up no later than 4:00 - sometimes the street was already busy at 3:30. The early parade was less busy though. One of our favourite spots to view the first parade when it starts at small world is under the Christmas tree facing the castle.

2) Our last day was very rainy which totally cleared out the crowds. The rain let up by evening so we went to the second WoC and there were only a few hundred people. Ropes were taken down, no tickets needed and we got a perfect railing view only minutes before it started. So if you get a rainy day, take advantage of it as it might be a blessing in disguise. It was the perfect ending to our trip.

 

[Astylla]

I'm sorry that some other guests were so rude during your stay..unfortunately not everyone out there knows how to follow the "If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all " rule I was brought up with. I have witnessed such behavior myself as well , not just at DL but honestly everywhere , sadly some people feel they are the only ones that matter - and after over 16 years of working with the public and retail I have learned to tune it out no matter how rude they are.

But the important thing is that you enjoyed yourself there ! *hugs* Thanks for the report

 

[DizMe]

What a beautiful report! I'm so sorry for the rude behavior you encountered. You sound like wonderfully grounded people and I can only say that you were the shining example, not the nasty woman in line in front of you--as if her 3-year-olds never had a "moment."

I'm glad you enjoyed what was great and hopefully the rest will fade away. I know how hard it is to let those things go, though! If you ever consider going during the holidays again, try to swing it right after Thanksgiving (US one ). My sister and I went on a Tues, 5 days after the holiday, and the crowds were very light but all of the holiday stuff was in full swing.

 

[Virgoinab]

Okay, this may get long so bare with me.

First let me say that our recent 2-week stay at the DLH exceeded our expectations in every way. They upgraded us from standard view to fifth floor pool view which was spectacular, the new room was huge, beautiful and very clean, and the minor construction finishing touches going on were hardly noticeable. The whole resort is fresh and new. My only complaint is that we'll never be able to stay anywhere more affordable again!

Christmas at the DLR - again, exceeded our expectations. Coming from Canada with real snow I was slightly worried it wouldn't feel as Christmasy as home but I was blown away by how truly magical it was. The fake snow was a great substitute and the holiday decor and detail was everywhere. I loved the christmas music piped in and themed to each land - still felt very Disney but Christmas themed. Also loved the holiday treats, Santa with real reindeer, parade, fireworks and holiday overlays (particularly Small World which blew me away!). We even got an unobstructed view of Gary Sinise and the amazing Candlelight Processional.

Now for the only negative part of our trip. The last few days we were there (December 9 and 10th in particular) got so busy that it was very difficult to get around the parks. Fine, we can handle that. The lines were pretty bad too but again, nothing that we can't handle. What made for a less than magical day however was the rudeness of other guests.

First we were in line for HMH and DD (3) was having a minor outburst as DH and I were trying to get her to walk on her own and she wasn't cooperating. Embarrassing enough on it's own but a woman in front of us in line said very loudly to her 2 young children that she couldn't believe what horrible parents we were and then, to quote her, "that's why you don't have babies when you're too young to handle them." I was too stunned to say anything but I wish I had. We're 28 and 30, not unwed pregnant teens and even if we were who is she to judge? As a mom who fought through infertility and multiple miscarriages to have my babies my life's ambition is to be a good Mom so I let this comment affect my day more than I should have.

Later, we were waiting for a table at the Plaza and a cast member was nice enough to lead me to one which was unoccupied. She cleared it and I sat down only to later be reamed out by the guy at the next table that we took his family's spot who'd be back shortly. Um, why didn't he speak up sooner then? Besides they were done eating, his family never did show up and they left 2 minutes later. I guess the crowds made other people grumpy and therefor confrontational as we witnessed many other arguments and pushy behaviour that day. Hard to stay in the Christmas spirit when everyone around you is miserable.

Our miserable day was capped beautifully when after waiting 2 hours for the parade some kid behind us puked all over our spot 2 minutes before it was scheduled to start and we had to move. LOL - at least we can look back at it all and laugh.



To end this post on a happier note I'll close with a few tips we picked up on our trip:

1) We went to the 5:30 Christmas parade nearly every day on our long trip and it was crazy busy. If you want premium, Main Sreet curbside spots you need to line up no later than 4:00 - sometimes the street was already busy at 3:30. The early parade was less busy though. One of our favourite spots to view the first parade when it starts at small world is under the Christmas tree facing the castle.

2) Our last day was very rainy which totally cleared out the crowds. The rain let up by evening so we went to the second WoC and there were only a few hundred people. Ropes were taken down, no tickets needed and we got a perfect railing view only minutes before it started. So if you get a rainy day, take advantage of it as it might be a blessing in disguise. It was the perfect ending to our trip.

I am so sorry to hear about your negative experiances with other guests. I just do not understand how anyone can be rude to another person while at Disneyland, I mean it is just Wrong. I can understand frustration at times, especially when you have small children, been there done that, however as a mother whose children are now teenagers, I have compassion with young mothers, not anger. Small children at times can become overwhelmed with it all, it happens, and usually the moment passes so quickly that really, anyone could, and should just smile and carry on and let the parents do what needs to be done without the out of line comments.

I am glad to hear however that the DLH was up to expectations. We are going to be there next week, not only for a large family vacation (19) of us, but for our wedding at the DLH, and on the grounds.

Being from Alberta, well, I want some nice warm weather, although we really do not have a lot of snow right now, it is still cold lol

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I'm glad you had a mostly magical trip. I'm sorry rude guests infringed on that magic.

 

[Bambi&Thumper]

Nice Report! Sorry so many rude guests... to me its the most magical place every invented .... only nice people should be able to go! my kids through the ages including myself has had mini-meltdowns... LOL it happens, crowds, weather, long lines, bathroom trips even though you just went, hungry husbands... etc.... LOL ..... Rain, un-expected sickness.... I could go on...
I like to try to help the people in line before me and after me- engage in small talk, play games, get the kidos all excited. Whatever it takes. Why be strangers? Why be so rude? Creating memories and meeting new people is wonderful!
I really enjoyed hearing that DLH was great! Someday maybe my family can stay there too!
Don't give up on the believing in a dream of magic..... someday your family will have the best trip ever!

 

[Eeee-va]

I'm sorry about the guests! (Though the kid vomiting probably wasn't really being rude; just unfortunate timing…glad you can laugh over it now!)

I think there always seating problems for eating when there are crowds…I had a similar problem at the Hungry Bear during a NOT crowded, but rainy day (so the covered seating area was VERY crowded). In our case, a woman would NOT let us sit at the table next to her because she was saving those 2 tables for her family. Another nice family packed up their nearly-finished lunch (which in fairness they had brought from home, not purchased at Disneyland) and let us sit at their table; we hadn't asked and felt a little bad.

By the time that rude woman's family showed up, we were literally about 1 minute away from finishing our meal. Good thing she held 2 tables empty for 15 or 20 minutes.

That rain tip for World of Color is excellent. Thanks!

 

[Mama Who]

When I was pregnant with my first, a very nice lady on a bus struck up a conversation and told me "how nice it was" that the schools had programs for "girls like me" because when she was a girl I'd have had to drop out and it was much better now...

I was 24 and married. Some of us just look young. It's a shame she got so old she forgot her manners. (She, the lady picking on you. My lady was actually quite sweet.)

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It looks like you were able to enjoy your trip despite the rude people. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a way to point out a person's rude behavior and have them realize that their experience would be enhanced if they focused on the positives? It sure would make everyone's time at the Land nicer.

That's really nice you were able to be upgraded at the DLH. I stayed there back in 2004. It would be nice to stay there with the new refurbished rooms.

 

[Niebz]

(Though the kid vomiting probably wasn't really being rude; just unfortunate timing…glad you can laugh over it now!)!

Yes, definitely not rude nor something that can be helped but really unfortunate timing!

Thanks everyone for your kind words. If only every disney guest could be like the kind people here at The Dis, then Disneyland would be even more magical!

 

[wolfaroo]

I was also at DL on tDec 10th. My first visit ever! And probably my last. I only had one day during my trip out west to do disney so I knew going in i was going to have to pick and choose. But the intensity of the crowds really cemented that I will not return to that resort. I went early, 8am and it was pure and magical heaven for three solid hours until the crowds picked up. I left and returned at 10:30pm thru midnight -Which was significantly less crowded, however due to unknown delays on IASW, it took me that entire time to get thru the line and ride it.

The high-crowd time was unlike anything I have ever seen. It was dangerously crowded. I wondered if they do not have a maximum occupancy as Magic Kingdom does? We were like sausages, literally, packed together, taking baby steps. It really gave me a bad feeling about the whole Disney Industry...greedy and certainly not magical. The traffic flow is terrible and though the CMs were doing their best, they were all yelling and stressed.

A veteran of many WDW visits, I have been to MK and Epcot on and around Thanksgiving before and still did not experience the misery on any scale near what I experienced Saturday.
I tried many foods throughout the day, but unable to recommend any as anything special...except one, the house salad at Cafe Orleans was fabulous.

I did get to do some rides, especially in the early morning hours that I thoroughly enjoyed, many exceeded my expectations and were significant improvements on their DW counterparts, such as the Haunted Mansion, and Pirates. And Toon town was quite impressive! And IASW was TOTALLY worth the wait, not just because of the outside show....which I sort of know by heart now. I wouldnt say the day was a bust, I am just saying the experience has dampened the allure of the Disney magic for me.

 

[bumbershoot]

wolfaroo, of course they have maximum capacity numbers.

I bet that there were spots with very few people, while there were other spots with scads of people; you only know the crowded spot because that's where you were. And I've read countless descriptions of very packed times at WDW.

I wouldn't let one crowded day keep me from revisiting. Would you want me to take one crowded day at WDW and decide to never come back?

 

[8timesblessed]

We were there on the 10th as well. The crowds were busy but we managed. We saw WOC at 8pm and raced over to watch the fireworks and ended up just walking the path and enjoyed them that way because everything seemed super crowded. We then went to New Orleans square and hopped on Pirates which had been long lines but was short because of the fireworks and the starting of Fantasmic. We then got a soup bowl and found a spot in the front to sit down and wait for the 2nd showing of Fantasmic which was great.

IASW fills up because the fireworks are at 8:45 and then it snows up there and the Memories show starts at 9:30pm so more people get in line at that time. Sorry to the person before me who had a hard time. If you had gotten on the train you could've gotten off at Toon Town and it would've made it alot easier.

 

[DisneyMomof2inSLC]

I was also at DL on tDec 10th. My first visit ever! And probably my last. I only had one day during my trip out west to do disney so I knew going in i was going to have to pick and choose. But the intensity of the crowds really cemented that I will not return to that resort.

Wolfaroo, Don't give up on Disneyland! We were there M-F and M-W were wonderful, thursday started to pick up and friday was too busy for me!! We left early due to crowds and tired children (mine! ). I can't even imagine how Saturday was. But the point is, there are great days to visit Disneyland! And I hope you will give it another chance

 

[LizzyS]

I wouldn't ever be surprised if you're there on a weekend day and it's busy. We went on November 5th and it was also heaven for three hours, 8am-11am, then it started to pick up and get busy. For our next trip, I think we'll include a Monday into the mix so that we can get a view of the park when it's a little more low-key.

I will say, it does get VERY crowded as the day goes on, no doubt about it. I thought nighttime was the worst, just before and after dinner.