Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are two of our favourite locations on earth, and we seldom have a foul expertise at both park. With that stated, we’ve got had our share of actually terrible experiences during the last decade-plus, and have come up of this just-for-fun listing of issues we’ll 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 the whole lot deserves a second likelihood–menus at eating places change, accommodations are overhauled, and sights are tweaked or re-imagined over time. This is particularly true on the California parks, that are essentially receptive to suggestions, as they rely upon repeat enterprise from locals. (It’s not as straightforward 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 listing had been made a number of years in the past, it will’ve included particular days of the week, under-the-radar holidays, and even bag test areas at sure instances. 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 had been as soon as loathed at the moment are beloved, and vice-versa. For instance, we used to hate parking within the Toy Story lot, however have been received over within the final 12 months.
Finally, if I’m being sincere with myself and also you all, there’s additionally the fact that I’ve the reminiscence of a goldfish Blue Hippo Tang named Dory. Insane because it is perhaps, I make the identical errors many times, 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 listing solely covers issues which might be inside our management. Over the years, the corporate has made the “choice” for us, by eliminating plenty 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 journey on the PeopleMover or Superstar Limo. ????
Those are issues we’ll technically by no means do once more at Disneyland, however are very a lot not within the spirit of this listing, 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 12 months 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 journey 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 journey (so in a manner, it does ship thrills!) or was in bodily ache because the coaster abruptly began, stopped, and whipped round. There are loads of rides which might be overrated or underwhelming at Disneyland, however that is the one one which’s downright disagreeable and affords no upside to counterbalance that. I’ll in all probability overlook 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’t legally be included on my listing as a result of it’s a “mistake” I make many times on objective. Every time I journey Matterhorn, it’s a painful expertise because of the vibrating of the bobsleds on the monitor. The rickety ‘ole curler coaster makes me really feel like a rickety ‘ole geezer after I get off…but I maintain 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, despite the fact that my physique is pleading with me to offer it up!
World of Color Dessert Party – I’m usually 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 well-liked 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 may 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 shouldn’t be obligatory for watching World of Color. There are different (comparatively straightforward) 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 plenty of haters. By extension, some Disneyland diehards nonetheless flip their noses up relating 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 at all times 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 well-liked 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 serious award.
In truth, Award Wieners is the place I eat greater than anyplace else in Disney California Adventure, and I make some extent of at all times getting the seasonal canine. It’s at all times ingenious, loaded with toppings, and filling for a comparatively affordable worth. It’s an identical story with the common menu, which affords the most effective bang-for-buck at DCA. (I additionally love the Asada Fries, however I wouldn’t name these an incredible worth.)
TIE: Navigate New Orleans Square Around Fantasmic – I can’t communicate to how issues are proper now as this turned a ‘never again’ for us a number of months in the past after witnessing fights (plural), however navigating by way of 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 type 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 occurring. (Even as a seasoned Disneyland veteran, I had a troublesome time.) It’s merely a foul option to expertise the park’s greatest land.
TIE: Main Street Before Fireworks or Parades – It’s an identical 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 would possibly have to do a 10-minute loop to entry one thing that began in your normal neighborhood, however was on the opposite aspect of the one-way walkway.
All of that is compounded by the fact 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 outcome, they (understandably) run a good ship and ensure walkways are stored clear and folks 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 test.
Eat in Tomorrowland – Did you hear that Galactic Grill has a brand new menu merchandise that appears incredible within the inventory picture? Did you already know 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 through the years, most many instances. I’ve eaten in Tomorrowland no less than two-dozen instances during the last decade, and I can rely the variety of passable meals on one hand. By distinction, I’ve misplaced monitor 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 smart phrases of Admiral Ackbar: it’s a entice!
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, not likely. The blogger code is extra what you name tips than precise guidelines.
One of these is that we attend the opening day of the whole lot, irrespective of how insignificant. And since there are plenty of bloggers, vloggers, and social media influencers residing in Southern California, this implies surprisingly massive 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 might by no means have any wait.)
I’m extremely excited for Disney’s a centesimal Anniversary, World of Color – One at DCA, and the Wondrous Journeys fireworks at Disneyland. I’m additionally dreading the day one crowds which might be certain to descend upon the parks. Sure, I may 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 12 months. It isn’t my favourite airport on this planet, however I additionally don’t agree with the entire hate LAX will get. Once you study the ins and outs, it feels a bit like taming a beast. You know the tips for avoiding the site visitors jams into and out of the airport, the place the most effective lounges are positioned, and find out how to get by way of 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 particularly true if you happen to’re from a small/suburban city or your private home airport is regional, you’ll probably expertise vital tradition shock. LAX is like trial by fireplace, and the chaos and crowds can begin your journey off on the fallacious foot. (That’s very true if you happen to or somebody touring with you already has destructive, preconceived notions about California.)
Meanwhile, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is laid again, quiet, and rarely 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 an inventory rating the most effective airports for napping, SNA could be close to the highest and LAX could 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 listing. There’s normally an extended line, and it’s usually chaotic and ugly. Then once more, we usually favor strolling to Mickey & Friends, so this is perhaps a “just us” by no means once more entry. If you’ve got young children 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 prospects 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’t conceivably worsen. Inefficient elevators, no actual eating places, absurdly-bad worth for cash, dated the whole lot, rooms which might be 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 no less than one dozen off-site accommodations close to Disneyland.
Some followers will declare that Paradise Pier Hotel shouldn’t be as dangerous as we declare, that that is exaggeration. That is their prerogative. Perhaps they’re appropriate, or possibly it’s attainable 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 correct up there with Dino-Rama and Rainforest Cafe. If you’re reserving a visit to Disneyland and need 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 possibility. 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 finances at Disneyland Resort.
Underestimate Southern California Weather – The first time we visited Disneyland, it was the guts of summer time. In typical Southern California trend, the climate was excellent. 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 superb 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 virtually day by day (one thing I didn’t know was attainable in Southern California!) and each early mornings and evenings had been freezing. I used to be completely unprepared, having appeared solely on the common each day excessive temperatures (which weren’t that far off from our summer time journey) when packing.
I realized quite a bit 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 instances 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 instances!
Overplan – You don’t have to dedicate practically as a lot time to planning a Disneyland journey as you’ll a Walt Disney World trip. Honestly, it’s higher to be “underprepared” for Disneyland than overprepared. Planning the whole lot right 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 need to cease to expertise. These spontaneous little moments may be the spotlight of a Disneyland trip, and planning the whole lot right down to the smallest element would possibly “force” you to skip these items whenever 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 strains, attraction downtime, or different unplanned variables imply you may not be capable to get the whole lot accomplished.
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’ve got probably the most enjoyable after we toss apart our plans. The backside line is that arriving early, staying late, or shopping for Genie+ at Disneyland gives you plenty of latitude to take pleasure in 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 journey past redemption for you? Any day of the week, vacation, or time of 12 months you’d by no means go to? Do you agree or disagree with our listing? Would you do any of these items once more? Hearing your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!