Anyone been to Disneyland lately?

[MooCow]

DH and I have not been there in  12 years.( All of us have been there except our youngest.)

 

We took a family vacation to Disneyworld about six years ago, and we all hated it and had a horrible time. The kids

were begging to leave and go back to the hotel. It was so overcrowded and you couldn't even walk because guests

were sitting the street & sidewalk.

 

We're going to So Cal in a couple of months. DH & I want to take youngest to Disneyland on a Sunday,

our only 'free' day.

 

Is it worth it? Will it be overcrowded? Is it rundown?  It's a lot on $ for one day, but dh and I are both thinking

 it's pretty much the only chance youngest has to go there.

 

So, what do you all think?

[cjzimmer1]

While I've never been to Disneyland, I've been to Disneyworld.  Personally I think the whole Disney stuff is completey overrated.  We actually turned down free tickets to go because that is how little we think of Disney.  So unless your child has been begging to go, I'd just skip it altogether.  He/She will grow up just fine without experiencing the Disney "magic".

[Outdoorsy Type]

Disneyland isn't run down, but it will probably be really hot and crowded on a summer Saturday. If it's after school starts in September, it will probably be perfect weather and lower crowd levels.

[EmseB]

It's definitely not run down. There is a lot more Star Wars stuff now that they have the rights to the franchise (Star Tours and Space Mountain - now known as Hyperspace Mountain - are both Star Wars themed rides now, an improvement I think).  If your DS is into Star Wars, Tomorrowland is the place to be. 

 

They changed the submarine ride to be Finding Nemo themed now and it is so much less awesome than I remember.  I mean, I was younger, obviously, but I remember being able to be just about fooled that we were really going underwater and such. Now it is a lot of cartoon screens that you pass by and it is just not as whimsical, IMO.

 

We went on a Monday, and I really think the key is to get there as soon as they open.  Do the popular rides, use the Fast Pass system check out Disneyland Prep School for tips on that (I'm mobile, or I would link).  They give possible "schedules" for the day or a good order to do the rides in, at least.  If you go early, you can go back to your hotel in late afternoon when things are most crowded and take a break, then go back in the evening for parades or more rides.  We ended up powering through are day, but I was glad we got there early and did what we wanted and then sort of slowed down after lunch.

[MooCow]

Disneyland isn't run down, but it will probably be really hot and crowded on a summer Saturday. If it's after school starts in September, it will probably be perfect weather and lower crowd levels.

 

It would be the last Sunday in September.

[OhanaBee]

I love both Disneyland and WDW.  Grew up going to DLP, then moved to the East Coast and have spend a lot of time at WDW.  I've been to both parks in the summer and winter.  Seen them both crowded and not crowded.

 

And I have to say, if you had a problem with WDW because of the crowds, you're probably going to have the same problem at DLP, even in September.  DLP is filled with locals who, for the most part, can really only get there on the weekends.  The last few times I've been to DLP has been during a weekday, when I thought it would be less crowded, and I was shocked at how many people were actually there. 

 

Is there anyway you can go on a Monday?

 

Weather-wise, it's still pretty hot and hazy in September, so don't count on cooler temperatures.

 

DLP isn't run down at all, and CA Adventure just got a new makeover a few years ago.  If you spring for a park hopper you can go back and forth between the two parks and avoid some of the crowds. 

 

Are you staying nearby or would you need to be at the park the whole day? 

[mommyoffive]

We went to DL in Jan 2015.  It wasn't crowded.

 

We went to DL in Jan 2016 and it was AWFUL.  So crowded.  

 

We went to Legoland in April 2016 and it was great.  WE loved it Sooooo much more than DL

[MooCow]

I love both Disneyland and WDW.  Grew up going to DLP, then moved to the East Coast and have spend a lot of time at WDW.  I've been to both parks in the summer and winter.  Seen them both crowded and not crowded.

 

And I have to say, if you had a problem with WDW because of the crowds, you're probably going to have the same problem at DLP, even in September.  DLP is filled with locals who, for the most part, can really only get there on the weekends.  The last few times I've been to DLP has been during a weekday, when I thought it would be less crowded, and I was shocked at how many people were actually there. 

 

Is there anyway you can go on a Monday?

 

Weather-wise, it's still pretty hot and hazy in September, so don't count on cooler temperatures.

 

DLP isn't run down at all, and CA Adventure just got a new makeover a few years ago.  If you spring for a park hopper you can go back and forth between the two parks and avoid some of the crowds. 

 

Are you staying nearby or would you need to be at the park the whole day? 

 

We are staying very close. The only day is Sunday. I spent the morning looking at the rides and stuff and have as of right now decided we're going

to go. They still have the Tikki Room and quite a few rides I remember as a child.

 

Of course, I may still change my mind. ;)

 

ETA: We plan on staying in Orange County. I want to show youngest where Mom grew up and stuff. DH and youngest will be at a convention

thing Friday and Saturday.  This will sound morbid, but we did dh's grow up tour/where we first lived when we got married thing when we went to San Diego a few years ago for a funeral. We used credit cards points for this trip and it will most likely be our last trip to the O.C. All of my family has moved, and quite

frankly I think it will have changed so much that I will have no desire to ever go back.

Edited June 22, 2016 by MooCow

[bolt.]

It's lovely if you take it easy and don't expect actual "magic" -- the weather will be hot, and the food expensive, and there's a lot of waiting in line and moving slowly in big people packs. There's *so* much fun, but it's not 100% fun. It's still a park full of people.

[Ali in OR]

I've decided I like Disneyland better than Disneyworld. We went to WDW January 2008 and had a wonderful experience. We went to Disneyland April 2011 and had a wonderful experience. It was spring break for us, slightly drizzly and cool which I think kept many in their hotel rooms, but it was just like home for us Oregonians. We went to WDW March 2014 spring break and it was horrible. Just way too many people. And I decided I like the compactness of Disneyland better. But in-laws live in Orlando which is why we tend to end up there. I think you should plan on going and hope for cool, drizzly weather!

[Starr]

I think you can have a fun day. Do some research, plan as you can. Get there before it opens and stop and eat and relax midday. It thins out again at the end of the evening. 

[theelfqueen]

Usually Disneyland in California is referred to as DLR (Disneyland Resort) ... DLP is used for Disneyland Paris :) I'll post more in a few minutes. :)

[monstermama]

For some reason, it seems like the last Sunday in September will be one of the busier days of the month (think 30-60 minute waits for most rides).  Try to get there before the park opens, if possible, because those early morning hours are great on those busy days.

 

Park attendance has been insane since last summer, probably due to all the anniversary hoopla.

[Ellie]

DH and I have not been there in  12 years.( All of us have been there except our youngest.)

 

We took a family vacation to Disneyworld about six years ago, and we all hated it and had a horrible time. The kids

were begging to leave and go back to the hotel. It was so overcrowded and you couldn't even walk because guests

were sitting the street & sidewalk.

 

We're going to So Cal in a couple of months. DH & I want to take youngest to Disneyland on a Sunday,

our only 'free' day.

 

Is it worth it? Will it be overcrowded? Is it rundown?  It's a lot on $ for one day, but dh and I are both thinking

 it's pretty much the only chance youngest has to go there.

 

So, what do you all think?

 

I was just there in April That would make it my, um, 40th visit to the Mouse.

 

If I were looking for a word to describe Disneyland, "rundown" would be no where on the list. Honestly, you would never know that it is over 60 years old. Clean and shiny (and magical) as ever.

 

Yes, it will be crowded. Because Disneyland. And SoCal. :-) But you can make it work.

 

Be sure to check on-line to see if any rides are closed. The train is closed indefinitely, until the new Star Wars area is completed. So are the boats that used to go around Tom Sawyer's Island, which is *also* closed at the moment.

 

You want to open the park. At the end of Main Street, turn left and go to Indiana Jones, then Pirates of the Caribbean, then the Haunted Mansion, and then go back towards Tomorrowland and do the Matterhorn (if it's open), and then to Fantasyland and do Peter Pan. Everything else you may want Fast Passes for (if they're available; I don't think any Fantasyland attractions have FastPasses). Depends on the crowd. :-)

 

If you get a Park Hopper Pass, you can go back and forth to California Adventure (be sure to check out the FastPasses there, too). Oh, and also, depending on how old your dc is, y'all might consider doing single riders instead of going on the rides together. 

 

And the rest of the day y'all can walk around and enjoy the park. Because Disneyland. It will always be magical. :001_wub:

[City Mouse]

I'm at Disneyland right now with my DS 14. We are back in the hotel for an afternoon break. It isn't the same as WDW in Florida but that is not all bad. It does not seem run down at all. One of the things that I like the most is the difference in the weather. Even when it is hot (and it was something like 106 on Monday) the humidity is so low that I don't sweat much at all. WDW in the summer is like a steam bath all day long.

I agree with getting there as early as possible, or you could arrive a bit later and plan to stay until closing. Since my DS shoes not care to,watch parades or the fireworks, we were able to ride a lot without much wait after 7pm when many people are staking out spots for the parade and fireworks show.

[Lori D.]

We are Disneyland "pros" (in spite of living in a different state ;) ), which REALLY helps for maximizing the trip. Never been to DisneyWORLD, but I understand it talking to folks who have done both is that DisneyWORLD has fewer rides and attractions than DisneyLAND, but that's because there are a number of other theme parks right there with DisneyWORLD. DisneyLAND also has a full-size additional park of California Adventure next door, and if you get a park-hopper ticket, you can bounce back and forth. Since both parks are pretty big with a LOT to do, and this would be your first time there, you would really probably want two full days -- one day for each park.

 

Since you've never been to DisneyLAND, I would do a LOT of research to be able to make the most of your trip. Below are some tips from our many vacations to Disneyland.

 

Fri-Sun are the most crowded days. Disneyland is finishing up the 60th anniversary celebration of special extra events (last day is Sept. 5), and they have been bringing in record crowds for that, even on week-days and during "off season" days -- good news of that is since it will be over, you may be hitting a post-special-event lull in crowds.

 

There will be a number of rides closed temporarily due to the park adding on a new land (Star Wars land) -- Tom Sawyer's Island, Canoes, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Fantasmic, and the Railroad. And there may be some of the usual off-season closures for ride refurbishments -- nothing listed for Sept. that I could see, but that list may not come out for another month or two.

 

However, your BIG problem is going to be Mickey's Halloween Party -- to bring in more people during the traditionally slower autumn months, about 3 days a week, Disneyland closes the park early (6pm), and then re-opens ONLY to those who purchased the special, limited-number event tickets, to come in for the "party" (6pm-12pm) with Halloween-themed parade and events, extra meet-and-greet opportunities with costumed characters, and with limited rides open.

 

September 25 (last Sun. in Sept.) IS one of the scheduled dates this year, so you'd have shorter hours in Disney than usual. If you get the park-hopper tickets, you would be able to shift over to the adjacent California Adventure park which has expanded a lot in the last 6 years, and finish up your day there. California Adventure does have a pretty spectacular show of World of Color (water, images, lights, flames) at the end of the park's hours.

 

You didn't mention age of the child, and if under age 6, I'd suggest a different strategy, BUT… Assuming a 6yo+, for your date and 1-day trip, and also due to the Mickey Halloween Party, I'd suggest that your best use of time might look something like this if just getting the 1-day Disneyland-only ticket (which will probably be open from 9am till 6pm):

 

- IN ADVANCE, research and make a general plan of what you want to make sure you get to -- do advance research on what's the best time of day on the particular day of the week to do that attraction (check out Ride Max website for example) -- but be willing to be flexible "in the moment" if something suddenly has a longer or shorter line, or opens or closes, or you want to stop and savor a fun little show going on in front of you, or whatever

 

- download the Mouse Wait app for in-the-moment wait times for rides to help you decide whether or not to follow your plan or jump on a ride with a short wait time

 

- bring own lunch and snacks, and wait to buy dinner once you exit the park at 6pm so you don't waste any wait time on getting food

 

- arrive at Disneyland at least 30 minutes before opening to be ready to go as soon as the park opens

 

- immediate hit as many of the most popular rides as possible (research in advance to know which those are -- for example, apparently Peter Pan is THE #1 most popular ride, and if you are not in that line with 4 minutes of the park opening, it is a guaranteed 30-40 minute wait for the entire rest of the day)

 

- try and do rides that are located closer together to cut down on wasted time running back and forth across the park

 

- make heavy/efficient use of the Fast Pass option (do advance research how to make the most of Fast Pass)

 

- 1pm, break for lunch that you brought with you -- or, time your lunch to coincide with whatever parade is on the schedule for the day and sit and watch that while you eat

 

- after lunch, hit rides that cycle a lot of people through the line fairly quickly (Pirates and Haunted Mansion, e.g.), or some of the Fantasyland rides that may have slowed with little kids passing out for afternoon naps (lol)

 

- if it is coming into the station right when you near the station, use the monorail to get you across the park quickly -- the train is also great for this

 

- by mid afternoon, hit the lesser-attended attractions (the Tikki Room, Golden Horseshoe Review, or Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln are great mid-afternoon sit down breaks) or things like the Frontierland shooting gallery, Jungle Cruise, or Main Street attractions

 

- by 5pm head towards the final ride of choice, and/or purchase any souvenir you really want, as you'll be kicked out by 6pm

 

 

Probably THE best tip for you is if you can at ALL flex your trip plans, go on Monday instead of Sunday, the crowds will be less and you won't be dealing with the Mickey's Halloween Party.

Edited June 22, 2016 by Lori D.

[catz]

We went to Disneyland last January AFTER the holiday rush.  And I still thought it was way too crowded.  We waited in line for the (stupid) cars ride for literally like 2 hours.  If you didn't like Disneyworld it's going to be same thing different state.  There's much more interesting stuff to do in CA IMO.

 

FWIW, it didn't seem run down at all.  They can maintain a park that makes 80 zillion a year.  But it was extremely crowded.

[theelfqueen]

Disclaimer -- I  am a giant Disney fanatic so take what I have to say with that in mind.

 

The crowd calendars at Touringplans estimate an average of 6/10 level.  Is it packed lists it as "Yup It's Packed"  ... but remember that packed at Disneyland is NOT the same as packed at WDW (Walt Disney World). It's pretty rare to see wait times over an hour on any but the newest attractions at DLR (ie. Radiator Springs Racers)   (see This ) This is primarily the result of the fact that a significant proportion of guests on any given day at DLR are locals who just aren't willing to make ridiculous waits -- they'll just catch their favorite next time (as compared to at WDW where people are determined to ride the rides they traveled across the country/around the world for, and are thus more willing to put up with long lines) But Disneyland's physically smaller -- so it FEELS more crowded (the walkways are narrower and the traffic flow isn't as well planned -- especially now with the closures for Star Wars) even though the wait times aren't actually that bad.

 

For a one day ticket - park hoppers are quite expensive (Additional $50 per person) ... (The price to add on is the same whether you're buying single or mutiple day tickets, so it's more practical on multiday tickets) I've done single day trips with and without the hoppers. It sounds like you're primarily interested in Disneyland classics, so you'll probably be fine without UNLESS it is a Halloween party night. Halloweentime Dates have NOT been announced for 2016. But this is a likely date. If there's a party you'll want to be able to Hop to DCA (Disney's California Adventure) but be aware SO WILL EVERYONE ELSE and it will be crowded in the evening. At this time of year, DCA will probably be open til 10 PM. Go over earlier in the day and secure fastpasses for World of Color seating or plan a meal to get the special seating if that's important to you.

 

Make a plan (I recommend using touringplans.com personally -- yes it costs a bit but its wait times are more accurate than the Disney app, and it's really good at getting you into the attractions you want in a manner that may not seem logical but is based on actual data about how traffic patterns in the park work. Take a peek at their book Unofficial Guide to Disneyland for more info (also if you're buying the book, you get a discount on the app). FOLLOW THE PLAN. The best way to waste your day at Disney is to say "What should we do next, oh I don't know... oh let's go see how the wait is at X..."  You can waste a lot of time this way.

 

ARRIVE  BEFORE OPENING. The first few hours of the day are your best chance to get in multiple attractions with short waits. USE FASTPASS.

 

If your kids can handle it and you're not planning on buying on-ride photos -- Single Rider is the way to go! Only a few attractions offer it but it is great.

 

It is NOT run down. It is beautifully maintained even during the construction.

 

For me, one day at Disney is always worth it. For others, less so. Single day tickets are expensive (every additional day is cheaper than the last -- they want you to hang out!)

[OhanaBee]

Probably THE best tip for you is if you can at ALL flex your trip plans, go on Monday instead of Sunday, the crowds will be less and you won't be dealing with the Mickey's Halloween Party.

 

 

If you absolutely have to go on that Sunday, I would suggest springing for the Halloween Party tickets.  I took my youngest to the Disneyland version a few years ago and we both had a blast.  Park isn't as crowded and it's fun to see everyone's costumes.  There are usually a lot more characters out and about.  The crowds are fewer and you can walk on to some of the rides.  Especially at the Halloween Party that early in the year.  The closer to October 31st, the more crowds are there.

 

DISCLAIMER:  I am not a Halloween fan [childhood trauma], but I still really enjoyed myself.  In the words of a very young friend of mine, "It's spooky.....but not scary"

[Mrs. Tharp]

Buy The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland. Follow all of the advice and go on the rides in their suggested order. We went 6 years ago in the middle of summer with an autistic six year old and three year old brother and did everything they suggested to the letter. We never waited longer than 10-15 minutes, got on every ride we wanted, had our son picked to participate in Jedi Academy (priceless memory for him) and got through the day with ZERO meltdowns. Even dh, who was dreading the trip, had a good time. Best 1 day vacation ever and hoping to go again.