Trying to stay positive

[GatorChris]

I hear ya! Hard to say that an AP is even close to worth it when you realize when you go back, half your favorites are moth-balled. I personally think it's absolutely ridiculous how long the list is. Sure, Fantasmic! will supposedly be every night. Bummer since we all think WOC is a far better show and my youngest goes into a panic attack when the dragon arrives. Magical.

What's worse is that with these APs we have, we were planning a trip for when I have to be in LA for a Saturday business meeting in May. So let's go to DL right before and take advantage, right?!?! That would be May 13-15. Booked the hotel only to find out that all of the 60th stuff starts up right after that. So some of the rides will STILL BE DOWN! APs=waste of money. If I wanted to go to half a park, I'd just drive to Six Flags on a student ticket that costs less than a meal at Big Thunder Ranch.

And what do I get when I call and talk to Disney? Nothing, of course. They already hosed me for the cash. Now I have to try to "stay positive". With my two "take advantage" trips right in the middle of the Refurb Celebration, it's not very easy. Hoping that when November rolls around and we take our normal winter trip, there's a few remnants of the 60th lingering.

 

[minneylovesmicky]

What are they doing to the castle any way?

Rumour has it, it is going to be covered in diamonds for the 60th celebrations, not sure how true that is.

Add us to the "same boat" list. Dates are not really flexible. Oh well, like others mentioned, I will still be happy to be at the happiest place on earth.

We will join you in that "same boat" with non flexible dates. Just hoping we are over the disappointment by the time we get there, first trip and we are missing so much.

 

[DreamIsaWish]

I can definitely understand how intimidating and disappointing the refurb list is however this year is a double whammy of slow season and 60th anniversary work. While I'm local not everyone is so firtunate so this can seem like the worst possible thing. You definitely seem to have the right outlook that you'll still be at Disneyland so that's a start.

Some of our favorites will be down too during out trip so these are things I am hoping to focus on. Take it with a grain of salt since it's just DH and me :

Drawing characters at animation academy

Finding more hidden mickeys with our book

Taking the slow and steady approach - taking things in rather than focusing on going going all the time

Catching some of the DCA street entertainment

Enjoying a half pool/resort day ( staying at the DLH ourselves)

Taking photos around the park and finding new areas to photograph

Taking the Carthay Circle restaurant tour which happens at 10:30am

Strolling around the park at closing - the most peaceful and magical time of day especially around Rivers of America.

Watching the lighting of Carsland at dusk

Just a few examples and obviously much different with a family but these are things we look forward to on this trip.

What's the Carthay Circle restaurant tour? Do I have to register in advance? Is there a cost?

 

[ClaraOswald]

To me, the character meals are a rip off unless your child is old enough to appreciate it. My child, is not. He is only 16 months old. So he doesn't have a clue about any of it. I just really wanted to get a picture of him with Winnie the Pooh. Such is life. I'm just adding it to the list of disappointments.

We've already decided to get a photo in front of every refurb wall or sign. Though I feel that may take up an entire day of our trip!

 

[starjazz]

We are so excited for our trip!!

Our family is looking forward to things we haven't done like the Marvel Meet & Greets and Asimo show in Innoventions (my 6 yo Nephew will DIE!!), and Princess Fantasy Faire, Mickey's Map, rides around Rivers of America and time on Tom Sawyer's Island, the Aladdin Show, etc.

Plus last year when we went the subs, BTMRR, IASW, and Alice were all down, so we're VERY stoked to get on those this time around!

With 5 days - we can't wait to ease up on the normal rush, and just soak in Disney's dream, the sights, sounds, smells. We're gonna hunt for penny machines and fortune tellers, look for the pins in Carsland.

Woohoo! I love Disneyland in February!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

What's the Carthay Circle restaurant tour? Do I have to register in advance? Is there a cost?

The Carthay Circle restaurant tour is free. Show up near the front doors of the restaurant a few minutes before it starts (10:30 AM last I checked). The tour is brief, maybe 15-20 minutes, and is led by a Carthay Circle CM. It's a nice way to see the inside of the restaurant and hear a bit of the Disney lore/history without actually eating at the restaurant.

 

[Aladora]

To me, the character meals are a rip off unless your child is old enough to appreciate it. My child, is not. He is only 16 months old. So he doesn't have a clue about any of it. I just really wanted to get a picture of him with Winnie the Pooh. Such is life. I'm just adding it to the list of disappointments.

We've already decided to get a photo in front of every refurb wall or sign. Though I feel that may take up an entire day of our trip!

I thought when you were still posting on the Feb thread that you said you had backup dates for April, since all the things you were looking forward to are not on for your Feb dates, are you looking at switching to April to minimize your disappointment?

 

[D23Ry]

are you sure these are all closed at once? seems like a lot of stuff to be down at one time. usually they space it out. The park is getting older by the day so I can understand all the refurbs, but wow, so much at once!

Trying to stay positive. We still get to go to Disneyland, but man, this refurbishment schedule is crazy all at once:

Disneyland

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough Closed for Refurbishment
Disneyland Railroad - Mickey's Toontown Closed for Refurbishment
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes Closed for Refurbishment
Peter Pan's Flight Closed for Refurbishment
Splash Mountain Closed for Refurbishment
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Closed for Refurbishment
Disneyland Railroad - Main Street, U.S.A. Closed for Refurbishment
Disneyland Railroad - New Orleans Square Closed for Refurbishment
Matterhorn Bobsleds Closed for Refurbishment
Disneyland Railroad - Tomorrowland Closed for Refurbishment
The Briar Patch Closed for Refurbishment
Professor Barnaby Owl's Photographic Art Studio Closed for Refurbishment
Enchanted Chamber Closed for Refurbishment
Le Bat en Rouge Closed for Refurbishment
Pooh Corner Closed for Refurbishment
Hungry Bear Restaurant Closed for Refurbishment

Disney California Adventure Park
Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar Closed for Refurbishment
Soarin' Over California Closed for Refurbishment
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail Closed for Refurbishment
World of Color Closed for Refurbishment
Grizzly River Run Closed for Refurbishment
Boardwalk Bazaar Closed for Refurbishment
Sideshow Shirts Closed for Refurbishment
Point Magu Tattoo Closed for Refurbishment
Fly 'n' Buy Closed for Refurbishment
Taste Pilots' Grill Closed for Refurbishment
Ariel's Grotto Closed for Refurbishment

 

[YukonMommy]

"We are so excited for our trip!!

Our family is looking forward to things we haven't done like the Marvel Meet & Greets and Asimo show in Innoventions (my 6 yo Nephew will DIE!!), and Princess Fantasy Faire, Mickey's Map, rides around Rivers of America and time on Tom Sawyer's Island, the Aladdin Show, etc.

Plus last year when we went the subs, BTMRR, IASW, and Alice were all down, so we're VERY stoked to get on those this time around!

With 5 days - we can't wait to ease up on the normal rush, and just soak in Disney's dream, the sights, sounds, smells. We're gonna hunt for penny machines and fortune tellers, look for the pins in Carsland.

Woohoo! I love Disneyland in February!"


Great Attitude!!

I hope you and your family have the most magical time!

 

[T0rrent]

In case there are any other Winnie the Pooh fans...there will be no Winnie the Pooh and friends meet and greet during the refurb. So much for my son meeting the only character he knows. Thanks, Disneyland! I'll be sure to take a photo of him in front of your lovely refurbishment wall instead.

well if you are going to go in with that kind of attitude, of course the trip is going to be a disappointment. While there is no guarantee, you may still see them wandering around in non meet in greet areas. But if you go in with a sour my trip is ruined demeanor, then that is how your trip is going to be. Do you really want to ruin the memories of the fun times my taking pictures like that?

 

[Malcon10t]

well if you are going to go in with that kind of attitude, of course the trip is going to be a disappointment. While there is no guarantee, you may still see them wandering around in non meet in greet areas. But if you go in with a sour my trip is ruined demeanor, then that is how your trip is going to be. Do you really want to ruin the memories of the fun times my taking pictures like that?

Totally agree. Your trip will be a major disappointment with this attitude. I would suggest looking at moving or canceling the trip.

That said, last time they closed Critter Country, Pooh and Tigger joined the group on Main St and could be found near the Opera House.

 

[T0rrent]

are you sure these are all closed at once? seems like a lot of stuff to be down at one time. usually they space it out. The park is getting older by the day so I can understand all the refurbs, but wow, so much at once!

Yes, but some of those are stores as well, and there's probably a 2-1 vendor to ride ratio already at the park Also a couple of those rides on the list are typically closed jan-feb anyways due to the weather. I know the last few years SM, GRR and I believe the canoes always get closed, but with the 60th, they are doing some extra work to make everything theoretically shines. It's a bummer as Splash is my favorite ride along with Indy, but I know I'll still enjoy my time in the park even if 1/2 of the rides are closed. Just gives me more time to honestly take in some of the stuff we always miss on other trips.

 

[Astylla]

While it's understandable to be disappointed it's also important to look at the overall picture and options. While it's reasonable to suggest moving or cancelling dates this may be difficult to swallow but if there are things you consider must do : I would hold off even if that means another year. If the trip is paid for already without ways to cancel the make the best of it.

I see these posts every year around this time yet if people took time to do research they would have known last year that a hefty refrub schedule was going to happen in preparation for the anniversary adding to the normal slower season seasonally.

I remember before the new DCA reveal first time I was there with my now husband that it was a maze of walls and I laughed about it and had a great time. During our first year being AP holders BTMRR was down for much longer than anticipated. I guess what I'm saying is that there is NO PERFECT TIME.

Consider also walking around the Disneyland Hotel and GCH for new adventures as even if not staying on site you are welcome to enjoy the sights and enjoyment. It's possible to find new favorites and you could try to catch the shows even if it's not your normal routine you might be surprised!

Just because it's Disney doesn't mean you are entitled to anything being perfect. You have a choice to go or not. Everything is a choice and if it's not worth it to you right now consider your options.

 

[Aladora]

are you sure these are all closed at once? seems like a lot of stuff to be down at one time. usually they space it out. The park is getting older by the day so I can understand all the refurbs, but wow, so much at once!

Here is an easier to read list with the shops and restaurants taken out. The Disneyland website lists each of the Railroad stops separately and lumps in the shops and restaurants with the attractions so it looks like a huge list.



Rides:
Disneyland Railroad
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes
Peter Pan's Flight
Splash Mountain
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Soarin' Over California
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Grizzly River Run
Luigi's Flying Tires - CLOSED permanently.

Shows and other:
World of Color
Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

If you go to the Disneyland website and go to Things to Do then Attractions and go to the map view for the date you want, all of the things that are closed are greyed out and when you click on the name it will show you the dates they are closed.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

We're going the first week of February, and I'm a little gutted about the castle, but I think the only other thing we'll really miss is the Redwood Creek play area (my kids are 4.5 and 3), but that just means extra time at Tom Sawyer's Island, which is cool. We were also planning on doing the character meal at Ariel's Grotto, but now we're doing Minnie and Friends instead, and my kids won't know what they're missing.

We go to WDW for marathon weekend (second week of January) a lot of years, and so we're well-acquainted with having half the park closed for refurbs during the off-season. We went in May last year, and though everything was open, the parks were so much busier than we were used to. I'll take off season ride closures over big crowds and lines, any day!

 

[Lauren in NC]

To me, the character meals are a rip off unless your child is old enough to appreciate it. My child, is not. He is only 16 months old. So he doesn't have a clue about any of it. I just really wanted to get a picture of him with Winnie the Pooh. Such is life. I'm just adding it to the list of disappointments.

Ymmv, but we took my son to Goofy's Kitchen for his first birthday and also when he was 18 months old. He loved the characters, and the Mad Hatter at the 2nd breakfast was fabulous - they banged on the table together and stuck their tongues out at each other. DS giggled his head off and he still giggles every time he sees the pictures from it. But, we only scheduled the breakfast for our last day after we saw that he was fascinated by the characters during the regular meet & greets.

 

[thatgrljme]

While it's understandable to be disappointed it's also important to look at the overall picture and options. While it's reasonable to suggest moving or cancelling dates this may be difficult to swallow but if there are things you consider must do : I would hold off even if that means another year. If the trip is paid for already without ways to cancel the make the best of it.

I see these posts every year around this time yet if people took time to do research they would have known last year that a hefty refrub schedule was going to happen in preparation for the anniversary adding to the normal slower season seasonally.

I remember before the new DCA reveal first time I was there with my now husband that it was a maze of walls and I laughed about it and had a great time. During our first year being AP holders BTMRR was down for much longer than anticipated. I guess what I'm saying is that there is NO PERFECT TIME.

Consider also walking around the Disneyland Hotel and GCH for new adventures as even if not staying on site you are welcome to enjoy the sights and enjoyment. It's possible to find new favorites and you could try to catch the shows even if it's not your normal routine you might be surprised!

Just because it's Disney doesn't mean you are entitled to anything being perfect. You have a choice to go or not. Everything is a choice and if it's not worth it to you right now consider your options.

Thank you for posting this! I am so excited to be taking another trip with my son. We were there in May last year when a lot of key rides were down and we had so much fun. You have to know, when you are going during what is considered a slower time there will be refurbs, and on the heels of the 60th anniversary it does not surprise me one bit that the list is this long.

I travel for this. I do not live in California, and cannot reschedule, so I take it in stride. There is no point in being angry, or expecting Disney to offer discounts when things like this happen.

Yes the castle is a disapointment, but there is so much to do there between Disneyland and DCA, I honestly won't even miss the rides that are going to be down.

I am going to have fun, just like I did last time, and won't even notice the refurbs!

 

[KalamityJane]

While it's understandable to be disappointed it's also important to look at the overall picture and options. While it's reasonable to suggest moving or cancelling dates this may be difficult to swallow but if there are things you consider must do : I would hold off even if that means another year. If the trip is paid for already without ways to cancel the make the best of it.

I see these posts every year around this time yet if people took time to do research they would have known last year that a hefty refrub schedule was going to happen in preparation for the anniversary adding to the normal slower season seasonally.

I remember before the new DCA reveal first time I was there with my now husband that it was a maze of walls and I laughed about it and had a great time. During our first year being AP holders BTMRR was down for much longer than anticipated. I guess what I'm saying is that there is NO PERFECT TIME.

Consider also walking around the Disneyland Hotel and GCH for new adventures as even if not staying on site you are welcome to enjoy the sights and enjoyment. It's possible to find new favorites and you could try to catch the shows even if it's not your normal routine you might be surprised!

Just because it's Disney doesn't mean you are entitled to anything being perfect. You have a choice to go or not. Everything is a choice and if it's not worth it to you right now consider your options.

DCA was walled up partially when we were there in 2011 (possibly for carsland?) and that was also while they were doing so much work on DLH as well. Honestly, it was pretty awesome. There were not many people in the park, the weather was great (it was slightly rainy at times, which kept the locals mostly away) and we got to ride on the things that were open a TON. I will miss Redwood Creek BUT we've never gotten to Tom Sawyer's Island, so I'm excited about that! Also, my kids are now tall enough to ride most everything that is still open or too young to care, which is the perfect in between!

Also, the last 2 times we have gone, I was recovering from compression fractures, or pregnant, so I am SUPER excited that I get to actually ride rides this time!

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Ymmv, but we took my son to Goofy's Kitchen for his first birthday and also when he was 18 months old. He loved the characters, and the Mad Hatter at the 2nd breakfast was fabulous - they banged on the table together and stuck their tongues out at each other. DS giggled his head off and he still giggles every time he sees the pictures from it. But, we only scheduled the breakfast for our last day after we saw that he was fascinated by the characters during the regular meet & greets.

We took our son for his first DL trip when he was 15 months old, and our breakfast at the Plaza Inn was the high point of the trip. We still joke about him trying so hard to share his waffle with Rafiki.

 

[ClaraOswald]

well if you are going to go in with that kind of attitude, of course the trip is going to be a disappointment. While there is no guarantee, you may still see them wandering around in non meet in greet areas. But if you go in with a sour my trip is ruined demeanor, then that is how your trip is going to be. Do you really want to ruin the memories of the fun times my taking pictures like that?

You do not know my personality at all. We actually find humor in the refurbishment walls and have taken goofy pictures in front of them on past trips. It's sort of our "thing" since we travel in the 'slow' season.

Not sure where I said my trip was "ruined." Obviously if I felt it was ruined, I wouldn't be going at all.

I think some of you assume everything must be black or white. You must LOVE everything or HATE everything. But sorry, that isn't reality. At least not for someone with at least half of a brain. I can be annoyed with the closures and still have a lovely vacation.

I feel bad for people that have to live their lives in such black or white, love or hate terms.

As you can see from my signature, I've been to Disneyland far more times than most. I certainly haven't loved every second I've spent in the park...because that's just not real life. But obviously I have a good time or I wouldn't have gone over 200 times in the last decade.