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Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are two of our favourite locations on earth, and we seldom have a nasty expertise at both park. With that stated, we now have had our share of actually terrible experiences during the last decade-plus, and have come up of this just-for-fun checklist of issues we are going to by no means do once more, as a result of they’re not-so-fun.
Truthfully, there are only a few issues at Disneyland or DCA that we’ll by no means do once more. Just about every part deserves a second probability–menus at eating places change, accommodations are overhauled, and sights are tweaked or re-imagined over time. This is very true on the California parks, that are essentially receptive to suggestions, as they rely on repeat enterprise from locals. (It’s not as simple as with the unsuspecting first-time vacationers that populate the parks at Walt Disney World!)
There are additionally methods the parks have modified. If this checklist have been made just a few years in the past, it might’ve included particular days of the week, under-the-radar holidays, and even bag examine areas at sure occasions. Despite being issues for ages, all of these issues are just about non-issues now.
Beyond the parks altering, there are methods we have modified. People change, as do preferences; issues that have been as soon as loathed at the moment are cherished, and vice-versa. For instance, we used to hate parking within the Toy Story lot, however have been gained over within the final yr.
Finally, if I’m being sincere with myself and also you all, there’s additionally the truth that I’ve the reminiscence of a goldfish Blue Hippo Tang named Dory. Insane because it is perhaps, I make the identical errors time and again, both forgetting previous errors or foolishly anticipating a distinct consequence. “Live and learn” is my motto, minus the study half.
Another factor to notice is that this checklist solely covers issues which are inside our management. Over the years, the corporate has made the “choice” for us, by eliminating a number of issues that we’d in any other case like to do once more. We’d like to enter the grid of elecTRONica, see Country Bear Jamboree, or redeem a free FastPass, however evidently Disney will deny us these alternatives. And I believe I communicate for each Disneyland fan who would love one other experience on the PeopleMover or Superstar Limo. 😉
Those are issues we are going to technically by no means do once more at Disneyland, however are very a lot not within the spirit of this checklist, which is extra like shouting “NEVER AGAIN!” than lamenting by no means once more. 😢 With that in thoughts, listed here are the “top” 10 issues that we’ll (attempt to) by no means do once more at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure…
Goofy’s Sky School – Earlier this yr whereas testing Genie+ and Lightning Lane technique, we did Goofy’s Sky School for the primary time in what needed to have been shut to five years. For no matter cause, I used to be really wanting ahead to the attraction, fondly remembering the enjoyable particulars and Easter eggs whereas, apparently, forgetting simply how punishing the experience is…and with zero payoff.
On a number of events, I felt like I used to be going to fly off the nook of the experience (so in a approach, it does ship thrills!) or was in bodily ache because the coaster abruptly began, stopped, and whipped round. There are loads of rides which are overrated or underwhelming at Disneyland, however that is the one one which’s downright disagreeable and gives no upside to counterbalance that. I’ll most likely neglect this in one other 5 years (hopefully it’s demolished by then), however for now, I’ve no intentions of ever doing Goofy’s Sky School once more.
BONUS: Matterhorn – This can not legally be included on my checklist as a result of it’s a “mistake” I make time and again on function. Every time I experience Matterhorn, it’s a painful expertise because of the vibrating of the bobsleds on the observe. The rickety ‘ole curler coaster makes me really feel like a rickety ‘ole geezer after I get off…but I preserve getting again on to relive nostalgia for bygone days. And so goes my love-hate relationship with Matterhorn, which I’ll by no means cease using, though my physique is pleading with me to provide it up!
World of Color Dessert Party – I’m typically averse to upcharge choices at Disneyland, particularly given its extra laid again nature than Walt Disney World. Nevertheless, there’s a pervasive sense of FOMO on social media and in sure on-line planning communities–even Disneyland-centric ones–that drives many individuals to spend on pointless add-ons. This is exacerbated by sure in style experiences reserving up shortly, which solely serves to perpetuate the cycle of hype. (In actuality, it’s much less a mirrored image of high quality and demand than it’s restricted provide.)
The FOMO machine go into overdrive with the World of Color Dessert Parties. Yes, this will ebook up shortly and ensures a seat for the favored (and glorious) nighttime spectacular. But the standard of the dessert unfold and substance of the expertise leaves a lot to be desired. Beyond that, it merely just isn’t vital for watching World of Color. There are different (comparatively simple) methods to get nice views. I can perceive why sure visitors with distinctive circumstances ebook it, however for 95% of individuals, it’s pointless overkill and a waste of cash. (For extra, see our World of Color Dessert Party Review.)
Abide Affronts to Award Wieners or Suffer Schmoozie’s Smack Talk – DCA 1.0, because it’s now recognized amongst followers, has a number of haters. By extension, some Disneyland diehards nonetheless flip their noses up in relation to any remnants of the much-maligned circa-2001 park. This was by no means acceptable when it got here to Schmoozie’s, which is all the time on the market giving 110% in furtherance of the artwork of high-quality smoothies and shakes.
At one level, the Disneyland dieharders’ disdain was comprehensible when it got here to Award Wieners. The walk-up window was insanely in style regardless of mediocre meat medleys served on plain buns and with baggage of generic Lay’s potato chips. However, that stopped being the case a number of years in the past, as the standard was upgraded throughout the board. The all-beef meat, toppings, and buns have all improved significantly. Filmstrip fries are top-notch, too. Award Wieners now lives as much as its identify, and is deserving of a significant award.
In truth, Award Wieners is the place I eat greater than wherever else in Disney California Adventure, and I make some extent of all the time getting the seasonal canine. It’s all the time creative, loaded with toppings, and filling for a comparatively affordable worth. It’s the same story with the common menu, which gives the very best bang-for-buck at DCA. (I additionally love the Asada Fries, however I wouldn’t name these a terrific worth.)
TIE: Navigate New Orleans Square Around Fantasmic – I can’t communicate to how issues are proper now as this grew to become a ‘never again’ for us a number of months in the past after witnessing fights (plural), however navigating by New Orleans Square is a nightmare round Fantasmic. The viewing areas are all packed, and there’s not a lot consistency as to how or once they refill. There are ropes that kind cattle corrals for visitors to observe Fantasmic and extra ropes to bypass it, however if you happen to’re a first-timer, it’s tough to make sense of what’s happening. (Even as a seasoned Disneyland veteran, I had a troublesome time.) It’s merely a nasty solution to expertise the park’s finest land.
TIE: Main Street Before Fireworks or Parades – It’s the same story across the entrance of the park earlier than fireworks or a nighttime parade. It looks as if half of the park turns into one-way, and also you actually may have to do a 10-minute loop to entry one thing that began in your common neighborhood, however was on the opposite aspect of the one-way walkway.
All of that is compounded by the truth that Disneyland PAC Cast Members are “battle hardened.” To put it politely, they’ve seen some issues, experiencing chaos, congestion, and the aforementioned fights. As a end result, they (understandably) run a decent ship and ensure walkways are stored clear and other people proceed shifting. The draw back to it is a lot of yelling (don’t you dare cease for a photograph of Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle!) to maintain individuals in examine.
Eat in Tomorrowland – Did you hear that Galactic Grill has a brand new menu merchandise that appears implausible within the inventory picture? Did you understand that Alien Pizza Planet is definitely good if you happen to order X and modify your order to Y? Have you tried this new seasonal dish that has the makings of one thing particular?
If one thing sounds too good to be true with Tomorrowland eating at Disneyland, it’s. All of the “questions” above are variations of issues I’ve heard over time, most many occasions. I’ve eaten in Tomorrowland at the least two-dozen occasions during the last decade, and I can depend the variety of passable meals on one hand. By distinction, I’ve misplaced observe of what number of nearly-inedible “foods” I’ve consumed in Tomorrowland. If you hear one thing surprisingly constructive about meals in Tomorrowland, keep in mind the sensible phrases of Admiral Ackbar: it’s a lure!
Camp Out for Opening Day Stuff – Here is the primary of some “do as we say, not as we do” entries. Few individuals know this, however Disney bloggers have a code of conduct that’s extra stringent than the American Board of Neurological Surgery Code of Ethics. Okay, probably not. The blogger code is extra what you name tips than precise guidelines.
One of these is that we attend the opening day of every part, regardless of how insignificant. And since there are a number of bloggers, vloggers, and social media influencers residing in Southern California, this implies surprisingly large crowds for seemingly inconsequential issues. (I nonetheless vividly recall ready in line a number of hours for Super Heroes HQ, an overlay to Innoventions that may by no means have any wait.)
I’m extremely excited for Disney’s one centesimal Anniversary, World of Color – One at DCA, and the Wondrous Journeys fireworks at Disneyland. I’m additionally dreading the day one crowds which are certain to descend upon the parks. Sure, I might simply go the next week, however the code calls for in any other case. Let us function a cautionary story, and don’t make the identical “mistake” as us if you’re not required to by some so-called code!
Fly into LAX – We fly into and out of Los Angeles International Airport on a regular basis–together with the day earlier than Thanksgiving this yr. It isn’t my favourite airport on the planet, however I additionally don’t agree with all the hate LAX will get. Once you study the ins and outs, it feels a bit like taming a beast. You know the methods for avoiding the visitors jams into and out of the airport, the place the very best lounges are positioned, and tips on how to get by safety in minutes.
However, you should have precisely none of this information in your first journey to California. For the uninitiated, LAX is totally overwhelming, bordering on nightmarish. This is very true if you happen to’re from a small/suburban city or your house airport is regional, you’ll seemingly expertise vital tradition shock. LAX is like trial by hearth, and the chaos and crowds can begin your journey off on the unsuitable foot. (That’s very true if you happen to or somebody touring with you already has unfavorable, preconceived notions about California.)
Meanwhile, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is laid again, quiet, and infrequently crowded. Despite being in a extremely populated space and solely a brief drive from Disneyland, it feels very very similar to a quaint, regional airport. If there have been a listing rating the very best airports for napping, SNA can be close to the highest and LAX can be close to the underside.
BONUS: Take the Tram at Park Closing – On the subject of transportation errors, we’d put taking the tram at or round park closing comparatively excessive on the checklist. There’s normally an extended line, and it’s typically chaotic and ugly. Then once more, we usually want strolling to Mickey & Friends, so this is perhaps a “just us” by no means once more entry. If you have got babies or aged members of the family…or in case your ‘dogs are barkin’, then possibly the tram might be a welcome sight, even with an extended line!
Stay at Paradise Pier Hotel – Did you ever hear about how Chuck E. Cheese rebranded itself as Pasqually’s Pizza & Wings to dupe unsuspecting Grubhub clients who in any other case by no means would’ve ordered from there on account of horror tales or city legends about recycled pizza? That sounds much like what Disney is doing proper now with Paradise Pier Hotel.
Currently being rebranded as Pixar Place Hotel, I’ve little doubt that the resort will enhance in sure methods. In giant half, it’s because it can not conceivably worsen. Inefficient elevators, no actual eating places, absurdly-bad worth for cash, dated every part, rooms which are 2-star caliber, and extra–not all of this may be remedied by a fast “reimagining” that’s principally beauty. Paradise Pier Hotel is arguably worse than 3 dozen off-site accommodations close to Disneyland. It is inarguably worse than each Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian, in addition to at the least one dozen off-site accommodations close to Disneyland.
Some followers will declare that Paradise Pier Hotel just isn’t as dangerous as we declare, that that is exaggeration. That is their prerogative. Perhaps they’re right, or possibly it’s potential that followers have sentimentality or nostalgia for one thing that’s objectively dangerous.
There are only a few Disney issues we hate with a ardour, however Paradise Pier Hotel is true up there with Dino-Rama and Rainforest Cafe. If you’re reserving a visit to Disneyland and wish to keep on-site, improve to the Grand Californian. If that’s out of your worth vary, “downgrade” and keep in a considerably cheaper and nicer off-site choice. Avoid Paradise Pier Hotel in any respect prices. Seriously, there are lots of if not 1000’s of higher methods to make use of your trip price range at Disneyland Resort.
Underestimate Southern California Weather – The first time we visited Disneyland, it was the guts of summer season. In typical Southern California style, the climate was good. Plenty of sunshine, minimal humidity, not a cloud within the sky, and heat sufficient that it was not chilly even at night time. We even missed the notorious June gloom. That perfect climate was a part of the explanation we fell in love with the state–a far cry from what we had skilled in Florida throughout the identical timeframe.
The subsequent time we visited Disneyland, it was late November into early December. It rained nearly daily (one thing I didn’t know was potential in Southern California!) and each early mornings and evenings have been freezing. I used to be completely unprepared, having seemed solely on the common each day excessive temperatures (which weren’t that far off from our summer season journey) when packing.
I discovered rather a lot that journey about California climate, and have by no means made the identical mistake once more. To the opposite, we now use it to our benefit–concentrating on wet days or occasions when there’s a pointy drop in daytime v. nighttime temperatures. I’ll fortunately put on a parka to the park if it means low crowds and wait occasions!
Overplan – You don’t have to dedicate practically as a lot time to planning a Disneyland journey as you’d a Walt Disney World trip. Honestly, it’s higher to be “underprepared” for Disneyland than overprepared. Planning every part all the way down to the minute and even hour leaves no room for spontaneity, and Disneyland is all about the spontaneous experiences.
Characters seem out of nowhere, there’s atmospheric leisure you by no means knew about, and a wealth of “little things” you’ll wish to cease to expertise. These spontaneous little moments may be the spotlight of a Disneyland trip, and planning every part all the way down to the smallest element may “force” you to skip these items if you see them.
An in depth itinerary additionally units unrealistic expectations. If you propose a visit guidelines type with 15 issues that you simply “must accomplish” in a given day, you’re setting your self up for disappointment. The sensible realities of navigating crowds, climate, longer-than-expected traces, attraction downtime, or different unplanned variables imply you may not be capable to get every part completed.
It’s higher to enter a Disneyland journey with a tough plan of assault with loads of downtime–and be ready to bail on even what you do have in your schedule. Sometimes we now have essentially the most enjoyable once we toss apart our plans. The backside line is that arriving early, staying late, or shopping for Genie+ at Disneyland will provide you with a number of latitude to get pleasure from an easy-going tempo, roll with the punches, and benefit from the spontaneity of the more-relaxed Disney parks within the United States.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site accommodations in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and tons of different locations!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What issues at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure would you by no means do once more? Is any restaurant, resort, or experience past redemption for you? Any day of the week, vacation, or time of yr you’d by no means go to? Do you agree or disagree with our checklist? Would you do any of these items once more? Hearing your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!