Trip Report: Do not fear!

[countofmc]

Got back from a short stay this past Mon-Wed. Because of some of the negative feedback, I was very concerned about going and it was a last second decision. I did want to post a brief report so assuage some of those concerns.

First of all, I'm a pretty impatient and short-tempered person, so I'm probably not the type of person that should be going to Disney during times like this. In fact if it wasn't for my love of Disney going back to childhood, I probably wouldn't go even during good times. But I still decided to take the plunge. Pointing this out because I think if even someone like me was able to have a good and fun trip, I'm sure a lot of you would as well!

It definitely was crowded at night, esp on Tuesday at DL (due to the Bash at DCA). But it just felt like a normal holiday type crowd, nothing too crazy. I wasn't willing to wait too long for some rides, so the longest was my 45 min wait for Peter Pan. Otherwise we got a lot of stuff done on Tue/Wed morning, when it was quite pleasant. I'd say the crowds started trickling in pretty heavily around 10-11am.

Dining was pretty easy. We didn't make any reservations to any difficult places, but we usually don't anyway except for the occasional special meal at Napa Rose. We did manage to get on the walk-on list at Carthay Lounge and got a table very quickly. Enjoyed that meal. Otherwise it was all quick service. Never any issues. I'm guessing what may have helped was always mobile ordering (we did this even if we were physically at the location) and trying to eat at odd times (we had dinner around 8pm). But yea, absolutely no issues getting food. We did think it was a bit strange how many people seemed unwilling to use mobile ordering and were just standing in line to order instead.

I'll be honest, nothing about Disney itself felt "off". Maybe I had set my expectations low because of some of the horror stories, but I was expecting rude CMs, dirty environment, not being able to get food, etc. Nope. The CMs were mostly polite with some rude/unknowledgeable ones mixed in. But this was no different than any other visit during pre-Covid. The park felt just as clean as any other time, especially with the crazy amount of people there. Disney always does a good job with this imo.

If anything felt "off", it was the visitors. People just seemed more impatient, rude, and downright nasty than on prior visits. Just to give you one example, we were about to get in line for a ride when there was a couple with their kids talking to a CM about height restrictions. While they were doing this they were physically blocking people from getting into line. I initially waited behind them but then I saw others going around them to get in line, so I did the same. At that point the couple handed off their kids to the grandparents and jumped in line. Then the guy made some remark about "*******s cutting in line". He said this just loud enough for me to hear, so I felt like he was itching for an argument or a fight probably because he was in a rotten mood. I almost wanted to turn around and tell him off, but I didn't.

People also seemed to have lost all respect for personal space. Which is bizarre considering we should be used to social distancing by now. But so many people would get so close (often making physical contact) while in line. Also saw parents yelling at their kids, just losing tempers, etc.

So yea, honestly if anything felt off or different, it wasn't Disney. It was the visitors. I honestly think people have forgotten how they should behave in public over the last 2 years and we all need to reacclimate to society or whatever.

But anyway, in sum, I actually had a great trip. Fun, got to see Avengers Campus and some of the shows for the first time. Tried some new food. Took it easy, went with the flow. So don't fear, if someone like me can have a good time, I'm sure most of you will as well!

 

[FeistyDisneyMom]

This is very reassuring! Thank you for the trip report

Good point about the impact other visitors have on each other - re-learning how to 'people' is definitely a real thing for many of us.

 

[tlcdoula]

Thank you for sharing, this has put my mind to ease a little more for our upcoming trip. I can't wait to get off that plane and be warm and walk into my happy place.

I find people in general are way less patient and more rude. Working in retail I had noticed in the start of the pandemic how nice people were, lots were chatting in line etc. Waiting their turn, spacing out etc but as time went on that all went sideways and now there is bickering in line while waiting, complaining we have to clean the debit/credit terminal etc.

 

[countofmc]

Thank you for sharing, this has put my mind to ease a little more for our upcoming trip. I can't wait to get off that plane and be warm and walk into my happy place.

I find people in general are way less patient and more rude. Working in retail I had noticed in the start of the pandemic how nice people were, lots were chatting in line etc. Waiting their turn, spacing out etc but as time went on that all went sideways and now there is bickering in line while waiting, complaining we have to clean the debit/credit terminal etc.

I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Your observation from your job reflects my personal experience at DL. We also went not too long after the parks reopened in May, when all the strict social distancing was in place. People were very friendly, polite, etc back then at the park for sure.

 

[Pluto468]

Thanks for the report! Glad you had a good time!

 

[evilmommie]

Great feedback and breakdown of current climate in DLR.

This is my observation of visiting the Parks on a weekly basis...the technology aspect of navigating the Parks has people on edge. They are constantly checking their phones, reservations, mobile ordering, etc. Guests who are able to balance checking in on their phones and being present with the atmosphere seem to be more relaxed. There has become a culture in the Disney community of having to cram everything in and it's a disappointment if guests don't achieve their monster DLR wishlist.

 

[Pluto468]

Great feedback and breakdown of current climate in DLR.

This is my observation of visiting the Parks on a weekly basis...the technology aspect of navigating the Parks has people on edge. They are constantly checking their phones, reservations, mobile ordering, etc. Guests who are able to balance checking in on their phones and being present with the atmosphere seem to be more relaxed. There has become a culture in the Disney community of having to cram everything in and it's a disappointment if guests don't achieve their monster DLR wishlist.

I bet you're right about this. Also, one of the things I always loved about Disneyland is you could just go with the flow. We never planned out our day, we'd just have a few certain things we really wanted to get done at some point during the visit. But now with needing park reservations, dining reservations if you want a guaranteed sit down meal, virtual queues etc it seems harder to do that. From what I've heard it's hard to just stop and grab a dole whip, or decide on the spot where you want to eat or what ride to go on. This must add at least some stress for people.

 

[countofmc]

Great feedback and breakdown of current climate in DLR.

This is my observation of visiting the Parks on a weekly basis...the technology aspect of navigating the Parks has people on edge. They are constantly checking their phones, reservations, mobile ordering, etc. Guests who are able to balance checking in on their phones and being present with the atmosphere seem to be more relaxed. There has become a culture in the Disney community of having to cram everything in and it's a disappointment if guests don't achieve their monster DLR wishlist.

Great point! I will say that I do sympathize with those for whom it may be their first trip, or only trip in a very long time. Kind of understand if they are constantly in a rush and trying to squeeze everything in.

We are lucky to be able to visit a couple of times a year, so we never pressure ourselves to do anything. That's a recipe for stress/frustration imo. Everything has a substitute. If we don't feel like waiting in line for Peter Pan, we just go on Alice. Haunted Mansion was a longer wait than we were willing to do this time, so we just went on Pirates instead. Same thing with food, if we can't get into eat something we want, we just try something different. I find this to be a much less stressful way to enjoy the park.

 

[evilmommie]

I bet you're right about this. Also, one of the things I always loved about Disneyland is you could just go with the flow. We never planned out our day, we'd just have a few certain things we really wanted to get done at some point during the visit. But now with needing park reservations, dining reservations if you want a guaranteed sit down meal, virtual queues etc it seems harder to do that. From what I've heard it's hard to just stop and grab a dole whip, or decide on the spot where you want to eat or what ride to go on. This must add at least some stress for people.

Oh, for sure it does… at the same time, I think quite a bit of the over-planning is self-induced. Although, yesterday when I was at Dland, I was pleasantly surprised to see families using real paper maps to figure out where they were going! Almost brought a tear to my eye. LOL

 

[Epicnemesis]

Glad you enjoyed your trip. What is it with people behind you in line crawling up your butt? You aren’t getting on the ride any faster breathing down my neck my dude.

I was looking forward to that changing post covid. We don’t need 6 foot stickers anymore, but at least “leave room for Jesus” as my catholic school dance chaperones would say back in the day.

 

[Araminta18]

Agree about the guests. Our first trip was in September and while we had some great conversations with other guests, there were just as many not great experiences. The one that sticks out was waiting at the gates for the turnstiles to Disneyland to open. This was our third or fourth day, and just like every other day, everyone was lining up at individual turnstiles, so two lines at each gate. We got there maybe 5 min after security opened (we were a bit far back in the line pre-security opening) and there was a turnstile on the far side with no CM, and two or three other couples lined up at the other turnstile that had a CM manning it. My husband decided to line up at the turnstile with no CM, taking the chance that a CM would show up (since all the turnstiles were manned the other mornings).

A CM did show up to that turnstile, and so we were all just waiting for the gates to open. I noticed that the couple at the front of the other line seemed to be glaring at us, but I assumed I was imagining it. (Spoiler: I was not)

When the CM opened the gates, that couple in the front of other line immediately went to the turnstile we were in front of, to go in front of us, rather than staying in the front of the line they were in. We were confused but before we could even say anything, the man started yelling and lecturing us about how there was only one line at the gate, even though there were two turnstiles, and we had cut “all those people”, and how dare we, and we should get out of line and stop cutting everyone, and that they purposefully jumped over to our line so we wouldn’t be first because that’s not how they do things there. Seriously, like 3 mins of raised-voice lecturing to us, because he had decided in his head to do one line for both turnstiles (even though they were lined up to one side, not in the middle, and every other gate was doing one line for each turnstile) and we didn’t follow that rule.

We were flabbergasted. Even if we had done something wrong, why wouldn’t you say to us right when we got in line “excuse me, we’re doing one line here”, rather than wait and glare and then decide to lecture us? We responded a bit to his lecture (with the same points above—every other line was one line per turnstile, we didn’t cut anyone, we were taking a chance on a turnstile with no CM, etc) but he kept getting louder and louder so we just stopped listening/responding.

it was the weirdest thing, and such a weird start to our day. The CM at the turnstile was just not engaging at all (which I do not blame her for at all—it was so weird!). Being around people again is hard I guess. I just couldn’t get over having the audacity to lecture In raised voice strangers in public over something you made up, but not enough boldness to address it in the first place. And the whole “I’m going to punish you guys by leaving my front of the line spot to go in the front of the line spot in front of you so you can’t be front of the line”. So so weird. It did give the morning a bit of a weird vibe, which was a bummer.

we did have a great trip overall but I think we and everyone are still under a lot of stress, even on vacation, and that comes out in weird ways.

sorry for the novel!!

 

[nicole88s]

Agree about the guests. Our first trip was in September and while we had some great conversations with other guests, there were just as many not great experiences. The one that sticks out was waiting at the gates for the turnstiles to Disneyland to open. This was our third or fourth day, and just like every other day, everyone was lining up at individual turnstiles, so two lines at each gate. We got there maybe 5 min after security opened (we were a bit far back in the line pre-security opening) and there was a turnstile on the far side with no CM, and two or three other couples lined up at the other turnstile that had a CM manning it. My husband decided to line up at the turnstile with no CM, taking the chance that a CM would show up (since all the turnstiles were manned the other mornings).

A CM did show up to that turnstile, and so we were all just waiting for the gates to open. I noticed that the couple at the front of the other line seemed to be glaring at us, but I assumed I was imagining it. (Spoiler: I was not)

When the CM opened the gates, that couple in the front of other line immediately went to the turnstile we were in front of, to go in front of us, rather than staying in the front of the line they were in. We were confused but before we could even say anything, the man started yelling and lecturing us about how there was only one line at the gate, even though there were two turnstiles, and we had cut “all those people”, and how dare we, and we should get out of line and stop cutting everyone, and that they purposefully jumped over to our line so we wouldn’t be first because that’s not how they do things there. Seriously, like 3 mins of raised-voice lecturing to us, because he had decided in his head to do one line for both turnstiles (even though they were lined up to one side, not in the middle, and every other gate was doing one line for each turnstile) and we didn’t follow that rule.

We were flabbergasted. Even if we had done something wrong, why wouldn’t you say to us right when we got in line “excuse me, we’re doing one line here”, rather than wait and glare and then decide to lecture us? We responded a bit to his lecture (with the same points above—every other line was one line per turnstile, we didn’t cut anyone, we were taking a chance on a turnstile with no CM, etc) but he kept getting louder and louder so we just stopped listening/responding.

it was the weirdest thing, and such a weird start to our day. The CM at the turnstile was just not engaging at all (which I do not blame her for at all—it was so weird!). Being around people again is hard I guess. I just couldn’t get over having the audacity to lecture In raised voice strangers in public over something you made up, but not enough boldness to address it in the first place. And the whole “I’m going to punish you guys by leaving my front of the line spot to go in the front of the line spot in front of you so you can’t be front of the line”. So so weird. It did give the morning a bit of a weird vibe, which was a bummer.

we did have a great trip overall but I think we and everyone are still under a lot of stress, even on vacation, and that comes out in weird ways.

sorry for the novel!!

Wow, how awkward! I hate it when people don't know how things are supposed to work and then take it out on you. They are absolutely designed to have two lines on each side.

Something mildly similar happened to us at Hollywood Studios at the end of the night. We were in a super long line to ride the skyliner and I realized there was an opening on the other side of the metal railing to form two lines and no one was going in it. I peeked my head around to see and the cm at the front of the line was frantically waving for us to come forward. We walked all the way to the front and were boarding the skyliner before even the people at the front of the other line because they were a big group with strollers and older people and were slower to get on. I heard a few people say "hey!" as we passed, but I'm glad no one yelled at us!

I also noticed that people were ruder than usual at Disneyland last week. We did rope drop for the first time ever and people were intense! We were only a few people back from the front of the rope and when they dropped it we walked quickly following the cm the was leading the line. We weren't running, but we definitely weren't walking slow enough that people should pass us. A mother and son were running and tried to cut us off on either side, my daughter tripped over the son that was trying to cut her off and then the mom started yelling at us! It was very embarrassing for my daughter and kind of put a bummer on the start of the day.

Got back from a short stay this past Mon-Wed. Because of some of the negative feedback, I was very concerned about going and it was a last second decision. I did want to post a brief report so assuage some of those concerns.

First of all, I'm a pretty impatient and short-tempered person, so I'm probably not the type of person that should be going to Disney during times like this. In fact if it wasn't for my love of Disney going back to childhood, I probably wouldn't go even during good times. But I still decided to take the plunge. Pointing this out because I think if even someone like me was able to have a good and fun trip, I'm sure a lot of you would as well!

It definitely was crowded at night, esp on Tuesday at DL (due to the Bash at DCA). But it just felt like a normal holiday type crowd, nothing too crazy. I wasn't willing to wait too long for some rides, so the longest was my 45 min wait for Peter Pan. Otherwise we got a lot of stuff done on Tue/Wed morning, when it was quite pleasant. I'd say the crowds started trickling in pretty heavily around 10-11am.

Dining was pretty easy. We didn't make any reservations to any difficult places, but we usually don't anyway except for the occasional special meal at Napa Rose. We did manage to get on the walk-on list at Carthay Lounge and got a table very quickly. Enjoyed that meal. Otherwise it was all quick service. Never any issues. I'm guessing what may have helped was always mobile ordering (we did this even if we were physically at the location) and trying to eat at odd times (we had dinner around 8pm). But yea, absolutely no issues getting food. We did think it was a bit strange how many people seemed unwilling to use mobile ordering and were just standing in line to order instead.

I'll be honest, nothing about Disney itself felt "off". Maybe I had set my expectations low because of some of the horror stories, but I was expecting rude CMs, dirty environment, not being able to get food, etc. Nope. The CMs were mostly polite with some rude/unknowledgeable ones mixed in. But this was no different than any other visit during pre-Covid. The park felt just as clean as any other time, especially with the crazy amount of people there. Disney always does a good job with this imo.

If anything felt "off", it was the visitors. People just seemed more impatient, rude, and downright nasty than on prior visits. Just to give you one example, we were about to get in line for a ride when there was a couple with their kids talking to a CM about height restrictions. While they were doing this they were physically blocking people from getting into line. I initially waited behind them but then I saw others going around them to get in line, so I did the same. At that point the couple handed off their kids to the grandparents and jumped in line. Then the guy made some remark about "*******s cutting in line". He said this just loud enough for me to hear, so I felt like he was itching for an argument or a fight probably because he was in a rotten mood. I almost wanted to turn around and tell him off, but I didn't.

People also seemed to have lost all respect for personal space. Which is bizarre considering we should be used to social distancing by now. But so many people would get so close (often making physical contact) while in line. Also saw parents yelling at their kids, just losing tempers, etc.

So yea, honestly if anything felt off or different, it wasn't Disney. It was the visitors. I honestly think people have forgotten how they should behave in public over the last 2 years and we all need to reacclimate to society or whatever.

But anyway, in sum, I actually had a great trip. Fun, got to see Avengers Campus and some of the shows for the first time. Tried some new food. Took it easy, went with the flow. So don't fear, if someone like me can have a good time, I'm sure most of you will as well!

I also had a great time and it wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be. Mobile order times were available right away, it seemed clean and I feel like we got a lot done. I agree people shouldn't fear. And yep, I also agree, it was the visitors that seem off. People just seem rude and entitled.

 

[TikiTikiFan]

I was looking forward to that changing post covid. We don’t need 6 foot stickers anymore, but at least “leave room for Jesus” as my catholic school dance chaperones would say back in the day.

I have never heard this saying and it might now be my new favorite phrase.

 

[GrizzlyGirl]

I really appreciate threads like this. It helps prepare me to be a better visitor and enjoy it more. I could see myself having some unconscious unrealistic expectation that I won't be triggered by people standing too close and not wearing a mask because... Disneyland!! And then getting there, being miserable, and frankly, acting like an *** (probably mainly to my family). So, instead, I am preparing myself to take the prevention measures that are in my control and then #LetItGo.

 

[countofmc]

Glad you enjoyed your trip. What is it with people behind you in line crawling up your butt? You aren’t getting on the ride any faster breathing down my neck my dude.

I was looking forward to that changing post covid. We don’t need 6 foot stickers anymore, but at least “leave room for Jesus” as my catholic school dance chaperones would say back in the day.

Thanks. Yea, my spouse and I agreed this was the best part of social distancing. You'd imagine as a general rule if you are close enough to literally brush against my body with your body then you are too close. But it's odd people don't seem to understand that.

 

[countofmc]

I really appreciate threads like this. It helps prepare me to be a better visitor and enjoy it more. I could see myself having some unconscious unrealistic expectation that I won't be triggered by people standing too close and not wearing a mask because... Disneyland!! And then getting there, being miserable, and frankly, acting like an *** (probably mainly to my family). So, instead, I am preparing myself to take the prevention measures that are in my control and then #LetItGo.

Thanks!

I just came to the conclusion a while ago that I had been doing DL all wrong in the past. It was just rush rush rush from rope drop to closing. Running to rides, making sure to eat exactly what we want, trying to squeeze in everything. I noticed after I'd come home that I had pictures of rides but very few of myself and my spouse and all I could remember was being exhausted and stressed.

So I had a paradigm shift and started doing Disney differently. I don't freak out if I miss rope drop by 30 minutes (if anything I prefer it as the park is still fairly quiet but that initial crowd has dissipated). In fact, I much prefer trying to stay until closing rather than making it to opening. I never run (or even walk fast) to rides. What is that old saying? Hurrying to go nowhere? If dining is crazy we'll just graze on Mickey pretzels and baos from Tropical Hideaway or try the restaurants at the hotels. And I take a lot more time just sitting on benches, watching everything around me, and just relaxing and taking it all in. A bit corny but it never ceases to amaze me what a wonderful and amazing place DL is if I just stop to take it all in, and I've been going for almost 30 years.

 

[wowsmom]

Thanks!

I just came to the conclusion a while ago that I had been doing DL all wrong in the past. It was just rush rush rush from rope drop to closing. Running to rides, making sure to eat exactly what we want, trying to squeeze in everything. I noticed after I'd come home that I had pictures of rides but very few of myself and my spouse and all I could remember was being exhausted and stressed.

So I had a paradigm shift and started doing Disney differently. I don't freak out if I miss rope drop by 30 minutes (if anything I prefer it as the park is still fairly quiet but that initial crowd has dissipated). In fact, I much prefer trying to stay until closing rather than making it to opening. I never run (or even walk fast) to rides. What is that old saying? Hurrying to go nowhere? If dining is crazy we'll just graze on Mickey pretzels and baos from Tropical Hideaway or try the restaurants at the hotels. And I take a lot more time just sitting on benches, watching everything around me, and just relaxing and taking it all in. A bit corny but it never ceases to amaze me what a wonderful and amazing place DL is if I just stop to take it all in, and I've been going for almost 30 years.

My DH and I are working on that shift as well - no need to rush everywhere, try not to get mad at people being rude, etc. It can be challenging at times! But my health has caused me to slow down anyway, so we're working with it.

 

[Tinkaboo]

I have never heard this saying and it might now be my new favorite phrase.

Mine too
thats hilarious

 

[gelatoni fan]

Thanks!

I just came to the conclusion a while ago that I had been doing DL all wrong in the past. It was just rush rush rush from rope drop to closing. Running to rides, making sure to eat exactly what we want, trying to squeeze in everything. I noticed after I'd come home that I had pictures of rides but very few of myself and my spouse and all I could remember was being exhausted and stressed.

So I had a paradigm shift and started doing Disney differently. I don't freak out if I miss rope drop by 30 minutes (if anything I prefer it as the park is still fairly quiet but that initial crowd has dissipated). In fact, I much prefer trying to stay until closing rather than making it to opening. I never run (or even walk fast) to rides. What is that old saying? Hurrying to go nowhere? If dining is crazy we'll just graze on Mickey pretzels and baos from Tropical Hideaway or try the restaurants at the hotels. And I take a lot more time just sitting on benches, watching everything around me, and just relaxing and taking it all in. A bit corny but it never ceases to amaze me what a wonderful and amazing place DL is if I just stop to take it all in, and I've been going for almost 30 years.

I don't think there's such a thing as doing Disneyland "all wrong". I see Disney parks visitors going through several stages as they visit the parks more often:

1. Most first time or super infrequent visitors know they won't do everything so they just enjoy their time. A lot of this group is not going because of the lack of shows, increased complexity of visiting and no conferences bringing people who aren't necessarily fans of Disney to the area.
2. Then comes a stage of having some experience but visiting not enough. These people feel like they have to optimize everything to make use of limited time which can be stressful. I think this is the group that is over-represented in the parks right now because they haven't been able to go for a long time and are unleashing their pent up demand.
3. Afterwards comes a stage of comfort where people have been enough and know they can return if they want so they don't feel the pressure to hit everything each visit. But on each visit, there's still usually at least one or two things that they'd really like to do. A portion of this group isn't visiting the parks right now because they are waiting for their favorite shows, meet & greets, etc while others are satisfied if they can get a couple of favorite rides in and fill the rest of the day with whatever.
4. Some people progress to a "fear of missing out" stage. At this stage, they see things on social media and shift priority from well known attractions to things that are only doable on a very specific day or time period. This can mean waiting half a day for Candlelight, going into the parks just to watch them film something for Disney+ or Disney Channel, trying all the seasonal food even though some of it doesn't look good, etc. This becomes stressful again but in a different way. At this stage, people are fine occasionally going on zero rides in a particular visit if that was not the purpose of their visit. But they get frustrated when they are not getting accurate information or when Disney makes completing things prohibitively difficult/expensive. A portion of upset Magic Keyholders right now are in this group because reservations make it difficult to do all the Halloween/Christmas things.
5. Then comes the stage of contentment. At this stage, people realize that doing every single tiny thing is impossible or simply not worth it. They sometimes go into the parks just to do one specific thing like eat dinner or trade a pin with someone they met online but also sometimes go into the park with no goal at all and do whatever they feel like at the moment. These guests are no longer frustrated by cast members lying to them because they've encountered their fair share of bad/lazy CMs and situations when managers have told CMs to lie about certain information. They recognize that Disney is a flawed company and will just change their habits whenever Disney changes something. Some of this group is willing to adjust their spending up by buying day tickets or booking Disney hotels to cover dates that they can't get reservations. Others will make conscious decisions to adjust when/how often they go to the parks.

I suspect you've moved on from stage 2 to stage 3 which is a healthy place to be. Assuming my organization of stages lines up reasonably well with guest psychology, we're seeing reservations lead guests to feel like their ability to visit the parks is more limited which pushes them towards stage 2 style thinking. With the easily satisfied stage 1 guests gone and some stage 3 guests choosing not to go due to lack of shows, the guest balance shifts further towards the easily frustrated.

 

[Ladyslug]

Oh, for sure it does… at the same time, I think quite a bit of the over-planning is self-induced. Although, yesterday when I was at Dland, I was pleasantly surprised to see families using real paper maps to figure out where they were going! Almost brought a tear to my eye. LOL

I had to double-back after entering the parks to find the paper map kiosks! I did a lot of things on my phone (mobile ordering, picture taking, Play Disney Parks games), but using it for the map to figure out where to go next was not one of them. Being able to have the paper map folded up in my pocket for reference is something I hope never goes away.