Jennafoo
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2012
- Messages
- 366
I will do a real trip report later, but I wanted to give you some preliminary thoughts on my trip yesterday. I flew down in the morning and back in the evening, and spent the day hopping to both parks.
Here are a few observations, in no particular order:
DAS - Even though I've had DAS in the past, the (rather rude) CM refused to renew it, because my condition wasn't "serious" (according to her) and they only give the DAS for "cognitive disabilities." That doesn't explain why I was able to get it before, and I don't know if that's really a new process or if the CM was just confused or being surly, but it is interesting to note. It should be noted that the website doesn't say it's only for cognitive issues. Unfortunately, since I'm solo and require frequent breaks that make it hard to stand in long lines, this did impact my ability to enjoy the parks.
Attractions unavailable - Since I mostly wanted to enjoy less popular rides and attractions, I wasn't expecting this to be impactful. But a lot of the things I wanted to do - the Paradise Pier rides, the Anna and Elsa art exhibit, Mr. Lincoln, Aladdin, etc. - were not available. Between that, the major refurbishments and the crowds, I ended up just wandering around a lot. If I had to do it over again, I think I would have chosen another day.
Blue Bayou - I must say, I disagree with everyone who says you just go to BB for the atmosphere! This is my second meal here, and both were absolutely delicious. This time I had the Tesoro chicken with spinach and blue bayou potatoes (I subbed those for the mash on the menu). The chicken was perfectly cooked and everything was delicious. The creme brûlée was outstanding. I sat at a non-waterside table and did not regret it at ALL.
AP Discounts - I bought one of the Star Wars Dooney and Bourkes (So. Cute!) because of the discount. It certainly helps!
Movie Theater - Man, I love being able to slip over to this theater during the day and catch a movie when I'm getting overwhelmed by crowds. (Kingsman is awesome, btw.) It was about $12 for a ticket; well worth it.
Other People - I think the CMs are for the most part okay, but boy did I run into a few crackers amongst the other guests. The girl who high-kicked me in the arm on a very crowded walkway earned my special ire. Seriously, kid?? Oh, and the family of twelve people who pushed all in front of me pair by pair on Haunted Mansion, even though I was ahead of them, were great, too.
On the other hand, the toddler who kept waving at me over her dad's shoulder on the way out of the park made my day.
Cinderella preview - I actually really enjoyed this, though I'm still a little unsure about the movie. (Those DRESSES, though!!) Having it in the ITTBAB theater was actually cool, with the effects of mice running under your bench, etc.
Castle - The castle was completely uncovered, open and really pretty.
All in all, I didn't exactly have a "magical" day at Disneyland. The attraction refurbs and breakdowns, and the lack of the DAS, really did make it hard for me to do anything and it felt like I didn't get my money's worth. A bad day at Disneyland is still a good day, but I'm not sure when I'll be back...
Here are a few observations, in no particular order:
DAS - Even though I've had DAS in the past, the (rather rude) CM refused to renew it, because my condition wasn't "serious" (according to her) and they only give the DAS for "cognitive disabilities." That doesn't explain why I was able to get it before, and I don't know if that's really a new process or if the CM was just confused or being surly, but it is interesting to note. It should be noted that the website doesn't say it's only for cognitive issues. Unfortunately, since I'm solo and require frequent breaks that make it hard to stand in long lines, this did impact my ability to enjoy the parks.
Attractions unavailable - Since I mostly wanted to enjoy less popular rides and attractions, I wasn't expecting this to be impactful. But a lot of the things I wanted to do - the Paradise Pier rides, the Anna and Elsa art exhibit, Mr. Lincoln, Aladdin, etc. - were not available. Between that, the major refurbishments and the crowds, I ended up just wandering around a lot. If I had to do it over again, I think I would have chosen another day.
Blue Bayou - I must say, I disagree with everyone who says you just go to BB for the atmosphere! This is my second meal here, and both were absolutely delicious. This time I had the Tesoro chicken with spinach and blue bayou potatoes (I subbed those for the mash on the menu). The chicken was perfectly cooked and everything was delicious. The creme brûlée was outstanding. I sat at a non-waterside table and did not regret it at ALL.
AP Discounts - I bought one of the Star Wars Dooney and Bourkes (So. Cute!) because of the discount. It certainly helps!
Movie Theater - Man, I love being able to slip over to this theater during the day and catch a movie when I'm getting overwhelmed by crowds. (Kingsman is awesome, btw.) It was about $12 for a ticket; well worth it.
Other People - I think the CMs are for the most part okay, but boy did I run into a few crackers amongst the other guests. The girl who high-kicked me in the arm on a very crowded walkway earned my special ire. Seriously, kid?? Oh, and the family of twelve people who pushed all in front of me pair by pair on Haunted Mansion, even though I was ahead of them, were great, too.
On the other hand, the toddler who kept waving at me over her dad's shoulder on the way out of the park made my day.
Cinderella preview - I actually really enjoyed this, though I'm still a little unsure about the movie. (Those DRESSES, though!!) Having it in the ITTBAB theater was actually cool, with the effects of mice running under your bench, etc.
Castle - The castle was completely uncovered, open and really pretty.
All in all, I didn't exactly have a "magical" day at Disneyland. The attraction refurbs and breakdowns, and the lack of the DAS, really did make it hard for me to do anything and it felt like I didn't get my money's worth. A bad day at Disneyland is still a good day, but I'm not sure when I'll be back...
