Disneyland Resort

[Jerroddragon]

Prepare for a lot of "I paid $3000 to be here this year..." The parks will be less crowded, but the few 2% who have the money to go regardless of having to pay every time and WILL, are going to spread their wrath on the CMs with their entitlement.

Sure but even if they get a few thousand less locals then hopefully that just means on many days its a few less people crowding Fantasmic....or firework areas or taking a ROTS ticket from someone who has never gone or only can go once a few years.

I would also be down for the same price for APS and same blackout dates BUT a limit on how many days you can go. Highest Pass is 20 times a year and 15 for the middle ones and 12 for the lowest pass. Its still a dam good deal but the people and bloggers going weekly are what is killing the magic for me.

 

[Rideguy70]

I've been thinking for a long time what they ought to come up with is an AP that gives, say, 10-12 visits for a year. That sounds like a reasonable compromise to me. They could even still have blackout days for peak holidays (4th of July, Christmas, NYE, etc.)

 

[Jerroddragon]

I've been thinking for a long time what they ought to come up with is an AP that gives, say, 10-12 visits for a year. That sounds like a reasonable compromise to me. They could even still have blackout days for peak holidays (4th of July, Christmas, NYE, etc.)

I've wanted this for years...but Disney doesn't they want to see if Aps will pay thousands to get to go just a little less then before...which many at least for now will. I think while Aps will always be apart of Disney for sure if they can get Disney forward to get going will be easier to fade them out when they finally become a resort

 

[Freak]

I've been wanting to post about DL's new "membership" system, but now that I finally have a little extra time to spare, here's my two cents:

I have a hot take here: Assuming they are using this as an excuse to blow up their prices like crazy (C'mon, it's Disney. You know they will.) I think there's a good possibility that this membership program is going to blow up in their face. Okay, after you're done laughing at my post, hear me out:

Remember the last time a major theme park got super cocky towards their AP base in SoCal? The first time I can remember this was when USH restructured their APs when Potter opened. I remember just like yesterday how PISSED i was when USH removed parking from all of their options (even the highest tiered pass didn't offer it! FOR $500!!!!!!). All the passes were almost double the price for not even half the value. They did this because they expected there to be so much demand for Harry Potter that the gates would be bursting at the seams with guests. Welp, come grand opening, the line for FJ died down to only ten minutes later in the night. On Grand. Opening. Day. USH knew they made a horrible mistake and had to fix it. Their once massive following of APs they had? Gone. Reduced to atoms. For a while they had at least 20 different AP calendars, it was such a mess. But they learned from that and eventually won back the AP crowd.

Now fast forward a few years to DLR, where they did not learn from USH....like, at all. Remember SW:GE? Remember how everyone was expecting apocalyptic levels of crowds to see STAR WARS LAND? Remember when Iger arrogantly said that the demand would be so big that they wouldn't need to advertise and the parks would be bursting at the seams? Remember when they jacked up the prices for the APs assuming the crowds would ridiculous? Guess what we ended up? An empty Disneyland throughout May 2019....even into the Summer crowds were virtually nonexistent! At best, all the land did was disperse the crowds instead of add crowds. Who would've thought that DLR would be EMPTY throughout the Summer with the opening of GE? Well, maybe it's because the land's flagship ride wasn't open yet. Well, fast forward again to January 2020: When RotR finally opened. While the parks weren't really apocalyptic levels, they finally got the fairly decent crowd they wanted to see this awesome new ride. Then a couple of months later.....a little thing called Coronavirus happened. Just when Disney finally has their "footing" together with the popularity of RotR, they were able to enjoy it for two months months (If that!) before the lockdowns happened.

Now here is where I think Disney is about to repeat their mistake of getting cocky toward their *former* AP base here. DLR has been shut down for 14 months. They have been losing MILLIONS every day the parks have been closed. Disney has taken a beating with the lockdowns in place. Now that things are opening back up, people are feeling safer getting their vaccines, and normality is virtually at our doorstep (Moreso in Florida), it only make sense to restart their AP program, right? I mean, the parks are going to be so overcrowded by the pent-up demand, we need to address this "inevitable" issue. Also, why not have the consumers of the new membership program foot the bill for all the money we lost during the pandemic? I mean, they'll be so happy to be back, they'll pay ANYTHING just be back at Disney! I mean, they literally showed they'll pay money just to eat and do nothing else for the Taste of Disney event!

What I think Disney fails to realize here is that Covid has completely changed EVERYONE'S habits. Almost overnight, we've had to go from being able to go to DL every week to get a churro and get boarding pass 420 for RotR, to having to go over a year of no theme parks. Just like that. DLR has had over 1.2 MILLION (Yes, MILLION) AP Holders prior to Covid. I was one of them, but I was among the poor peasants who got the monthly SoCal select. In that massive number of people, I'm sure there's a decent amount whose financial status has changed, who have moved out of state (There has been a MASSIVE exodus of Californians this past year), or who even may straight-up decide "You know what? I've gone for over a year without Disney. I don't need it." (I even know some people like this). Again, Covid has rearranged everyone's priorities and have pushed people to "trim the fat" from their lives. I personally don't see myself getting one if the minimum cost is like $700 or $800 for the cheapest membership, especially if it's REALLY restricted. Sure there will definately be some more elite people like JPland who will probably mooch off of his filthy rich parents to get the most expensive membership. Yes, I know that Touch of Disney food event did sell out repeatedly, but those events were very limited capacity and people were just starved for anything to do. But once we're back on track to normality, again, assuming Disney is going to use this as an opportunity to offer WAY more for less (And you know they will!), I think Disney is once again about to jump the shark and quickly forget the fine line they crossed with SW:GE. I think they will probably end up with parks that won't be empty, but they won't necessarily meet the quota they want. Disney is not in a position to play chicken with their AP/membership prices like they were before. Covid has changed the market for DIsney APs and I think Disney is going to overestimate the loyalty of their base here.

 

[Jerroddragon]

I've been wanting to post about DL's new "membership" system, but now that I finally have a little extra time to spare, here's my two cents:

I have a hot take here: Assuming they are using this as an excuse to blow up their prices like crazy (C'mon, it's Disney. You know they will.) I think there's a good possibility that this membership program is going to blow up in their face. Okay, after you're done laughing at my post, hear me out:

Remember the last time a major theme park got super cocky towards their AP base in SoCal? The first time I can remember this was when USH restructured their APs when Potter opened. I remember just like yesterday how PISSED i was when USH removed parking from all of their options (even the highest tiered pass didn't offer it! FOR $500!!!!!!). All the passes were almost double the price for not even half the value. They did this because they expected there to be so much demand for Harry Potter that the gates would be bursting at the seams with guests. Welp, come grand opening, the line for FJ died down to only ten minutes later in the night. On Grand. Opening. Day. USH knew they made a horrible mistake and had to fix it. Their once massive following of APs they had? Gone. Reduced to atoms. For a while they had at least 20 different AP calendars, it was such a mess. But they learned from that and eventually won back the AP crowd.

Now fast forward a few years to DLR, where they did not learn from USH....like, at all. Remember SW:GE? Remember how everyone was expecting apocalyptic levels of crowds to see STAR WARS LAND? Remember when Iger arrogantly said that the demand would be so big that they wouldn't need to advertise and the parks would be bursting at the seams? Remember when they jacked up the prices for the APs assuming the crowds would ridiculous? Guess what we ended up? An empty Disneyland throughout May 2019....even into the Summer crowds were virtually nonexistent! At best, all the land did was disperse the crowds instead of add crowds. Who would've thought that DLR would be EMPTY throughout the Summer with the opening of GE? Well, maybe it's because the land's flagship ride wasn't open yet. Well, fast forward again to January 2020: When RotR finally opened. While the parks weren't really apocalyptic levels, they finally got the fairly decent crowd they wanted to see this awesome new ride. Then a couple of months later.....a little thing called Coronavirus happened. Just when Disney finally has their "footing" together with the popularity of RotR, they were able to enjoy it for two months months (If that!) before the lockdowns happened.

Now here is where I think Disney is about to repeat their mistake of getting cocky toward their *former* AP base here. DLR has been shut down for 14 months. They have been losing MILLIONS every day the parks have been closed. Disney has taken a beating with the lockdowns in place. Now that things are opening back up, people are feeling safer getting their vaccines, and normality is virtually at our doorstep (Moreso in Florida), it only make sense to restart their AP program, right? I mean, the parks are going to be so overcrowded by the pent-up demand, we need to address this "inevitable" issue. Also, why not have the consumers of the new membership program foot the bill for all the money we lost during the pandemic? I mean, they'll be so happy to be back, they'll pay ANYTHING just be back at Disney! I mean, they literally showed they'll pay money just to eat and do nothing else for the Taste of Disney event!

What I think Disney fails to realize here is that Covid has completely changed EVERYONE'S habits. Almost overnight, we've had to go from being able to go to DL every week to get a churro and get boarding pass 420 for RotR, to having to go over a year of no theme parks. Just like that. DLR has had over 1.2 MILLION (Yes, MILLION) AP Holders prior to Covid. I was one of them, but I was among the poor peasants who got the monthly SoCal select. In that massive number of people, I'm sure there's a decent amount whose financial status has changed, who have moved out of state (There has been a MASSIVE exodus of Californians this past year), or who even may straight-up decide "You know what? I've gone for over a year without Disney. I don't need it." (I even know some people like this). Again, Covid has rearranged everyone's priorities and have pushed people to "trim the fat" from their lives. I personally don't see myself getting one if the minimum cost is like $700 or $800 for the cheapest membership, especially if it's REALLY restricted. Sure there will definately be some more elite people like JPland who will probably mooch off of his filthy rich parents to get the most expensive membership. Yes, I know that Touch of Disney food event did sell out repeatedly, but those events were very limited capacity and people were just starved for anything to do. But once we're back on track to normality, again, assuming Disney is going to use this as an opportunity to offer WAY more for less (And you know they will!), I think Disney is once again about to jump the shark and quickly forget the fine line they crossed with SW:GE. I think they will probably end up with parks that won't be empty, but they won't necessarily meet the quota they want. Disney is not in a position to play chicken with their AP/membership prices like they were before. Covid has changed the market for DIsney APs and I think Disney is going to overestimate the loyalty of their base here.

I think they will be fine without all APs coming everyday. I think the next year should be fine for the parks and even year two.....why?

Because people want back in the parks first American's will come then Foreigners the next year. USH is not even close to DCA in terms of things to do so it makes sense adding one land could not change it all but GE seems loved yeah people didn't show up but the Bar and Lightsabers seem to be doing very well. Marvel land is also opening and this is all new vs Potter being 6+ years old at that point.

I think Nintendoland will be USH first step to try and nickel and dime APs more but it is kinda riskier than Disneyland. USH still has slow days and Disneyland does not

 

[JawsVictim]

Got to go to DL yesterday and had an excellent day. The parks seem to be much busier than they were reopening weekend, but it was still a really good time. A few notes...

It was surprisingly easy to get a Rise boarding group at 7 AM. And, holy crap, that ride was amazing. Such an incredible, jaw dropping experience!

Entered from Harbor at 7:45 AM and was hitting walk ons for Fantasyland rides by 8:35 AM.

I read that mobile orders have been a nightmare, so I ordered all my food arrival times in advance. That was well worth it since I heard people complaining they couldn’t even find a return window from places like Mint Julep.

Used Indy VQ once it became available. Also completely worth it and the line to enter the temple is about 25 min.

The park didn’t seem to be at 15% capacity. I don’t know if it’s because of outdoor queuing or that more reservations became available, but it was busier than expected. Easily did everything we wanted to and more, but there were a few long waits (MF:SR 45 min & Space 40 min). If you’re truly trying to hit all the rides in DL, don’t park hop.

 

[darkridelover]

I think they will be fine without all APs coming everyday. I think the next year should be fine for the parks and even year two.....why?

Because people want back in the parks first American's will come then Foreigners the next year. USH is not even close to DCA in terms of things to do so it makes sense adding one land could not change it all but GE seems loved yeah people didn't show up but the Bar and Lightsabers seem to be doing very well. Marvel land is also opening and this is all new vs Potter being 6+ years old at that point.

I think Nintendoland will be USH first step to try and nickel and dime APs more but it is kinda riskier than Disneyland. USH still has slow days and Disneyland does not

We don't really use the word foreigners anymore. It has a negative connotation. International Traveler is probably more appropriate.

 

[Tristan]

Got to go to DL yesterday and had an excellent day. The parks seem to be much busier than they were reopening weekend, but it was still a really good time. A few notes...

It was surprisingly easy to get a Rise boarding group at 7 AM. And, holy crap, that ride was amazing. Such an incredible, jaw dropping experience!

Entered from Harbor at 7:45 AM and was hitting walk ons for Fantasyland rides by 8:35 AM.

I read that mobile orders have been a nightmare, so I ordered all my food arrival times in advance. That was well worth it since I heard people complaining they couldn’t even find a return window from places like Mint Julep.

Used Indy VQ once it became available. Also completely worth it and the line to enter the temple is about 25 min.

The park didn’t seem to be at 15% capacity. I don’t know if it’s because of outdoor queuing or that more reservations became available, but it was busier than expected. Easily did everything we wanted to and more, but there were a few long waits (MF:SR 45 min & Space 40 min). If you’re truly trying to hit all the rides in DL, don’t park hop.

Did Rise have the full pre-shows? Or did you walk through them.

 

[deadbydawn]

I've been wanting to post about DL's new "membership" system, but now that I finally have a little extra time to spare, here's my two cents:

I have a hot take here: Assuming they are using this as an excuse to blow up their prices like crazy (C'mon, it's Disney. You know they will.) I think there's a good possibility that this membership program is going to blow up in their face. Okay, after you're done laughing at my post, hear me out:

Remember the last time a major theme park got super cocky towards their AP base in SoCal? The first time I can remember this was when USH restructured their APs when Potter opened. I remember just like yesterday how PISSED i was when USH removed parking from all of their options (even the highest tiered pass didn't offer it! FOR $500!!!!!!). All the passes were almost double the price for not even half the value. They did this because they expected there to be so much demand for Harry Potter that the gates would be bursting at the seams with guests. Welp, come grand opening, the line for FJ died down to only ten minutes later in the night. On Grand. Opening. Day. USH knew they made a horrible mistake and had to fix it. Their once massive following of APs they had? Gone. Reduced to atoms. For a while they had at least 20 different AP calendars, it was such a mess. But they learned from that and eventually won back the AP crowd.

Now fast forward a few years to DLR, where they did not learn from USH....like, at all. Remember SW:GE? Remember how everyone was expecting apocalyptic levels of crowds to see STAR WARS LAND? Remember when Iger arrogantly said that the demand would be so big that they wouldn't need to advertise and the parks would be bursting at the seams? Remember when they jacked up the prices for the APs assuming the crowds would ridiculous? Guess what we ended up? An empty Disneyland throughout May 2019....even into the Summer crowds were virtually nonexistent! At best, all the land did was disperse the crowds instead of add crowds. Who would've thought that DLR would be EMPTY throughout the Summer with the opening of GE? Well, maybe it's because the land's flagship ride wasn't open yet. Well, fast forward again to January 2020: When RotR finally opened. While the parks weren't really apocalyptic levels, they finally got the fairly decent crowd they wanted to see this awesome new ride. Then a couple of months later.....a little thing called Coronavirus happened. Just when Disney finally has their "footing" together with the popularity of RotR, they were able to enjoy it for two months months (If that!) before the lockdowns happened.

Now here is where I think Disney is about to repeat their mistake of getting cocky toward their *former* AP base here. DLR has been shut down for 14 months. They have been losing MILLIONS every day the parks have been closed. Disney has taken a beating with the lockdowns in place. Now that things are opening back up, people are feeling safer getting their vaccines, and normality is virtually at our doorstep (Moreso in Florida), it only make sense to restart their AP program, right? I mean, the parks are going to be so overcrowded by the pent-up demand, we need to address this "inevitable" issue. Also, why not have the consumers of the new membership program foot the bill for all the money we lost during the pandemic? I mean, they'll be so happy to be back, they'll pay ANYTHING just be back at Disney! I mean, they literally showed they'll pay money just to eat and do nothing else for the Taste of Disney event!

What I think Disney fails to realize here is that Covid has completely changed EVERYONE'S habits. Almost overnight, we've had to go from being able to go to DL every week to get a churro and get boarding pass 420 for RotR, to having to go over a year of no theme parks. Just like that. DLR has had over 1.2 MILLION (Yes, MILLION) AP Holders prior to Covid. I was one of them, but I was among the poor peasants who got the monthly SoCal select. In that massive number of people, I'm sure there's a decent amount whose financial status has changed, who have moved out of state (There has been a MASSIVE exodus of Californians this past year), or who even may straight-up decide "You know what? I've gone for over a year without Disney. I don't need it." (I even know some people like this). Again, Covid has rearranged everyone's priorities and have pushed people to "trim the fat" from their lives. I personally don't see myself getting one if the minimum cost is like $700 or $800 for the cheapest membership, especially if it's REALLY restricted. Sure there will definately be some more elite people like JPland who will probably mooch off of his filthy rich parents to get the most expensive membership. Yes, I know that Touch of Disney food event did sell out repeatedly, but those events were very limited capacity and people were just starved for anything to do. But once we're back on track to normality, again, assuming Disney is going to use this as an opportunity to offer WAY more for less (And you know they will!), I think Disney is once again about to jump the shark and quickly forget the fine line they crossed with SW:GE. I think they will probably end up with parks that won't be empty, but they won't necessarily meet the quota they want. Disney is not in a position to play chicken with their AP/membership prices like they were before. Covid has changed the market for DIsney APs and I think Disney is going to overestimate the loyalty of their base here.

Interesting take! I also remember the USH situation very well. Wasn't a good look.

I think that you're absolutely right about COVID and the last year shifting priorities for people. My guess is short term, whatever Disney decides to announce for this new loyalty/affinity program will probably do well initially if not purely based on the fact that it will be the new thing. Long term though I don't see it lasting. Disneyland is very much a "locals" park and since the 90's they've pretty much had the same type of Annual Pass system in one way or another. Losing that ability to just pop in for dinner, or going spur of the moment I think will be a big factor in people not being interested in whatever this new system is (assuming it's reservation based, limited, etc).

 

[Paulio]

Disneyland's Jungle Cruise Construction Begins - Inside the Magic

The work has begun on Disneyland's Jungle Cruise! Opening this summer, your Jungle Cruise is closed but your boat is just around the river bend...

insidethemagic.net

Man, I thought they're already constructing the newly renovated ride, and I'm shocked they're actually doing this today. How long will this going to last?

 

[JawsVictim]

Did Rise have the full pre-shows? Or did you walk through them.

The only preshow skipped was the first one. You walk through that portion and board to be transported.

 

[SailwiththeTide]

Went yesterday. Parking situation turned out to be OK but I have heard mixed results at Mickey and Friends. It seems like they are letting people line up around 7:45 for the parking structure and opening at 8:00am. I showed up right as they were letting people line up at 7:47. Parking and the walk of shame on the tram route took 30 min. DCA opened at 8:40. It seemed to get busy pretty quick. We walked on Guardians but when we go out the line was already 30 min. Cars and soaring also spiked pretty quick. We had gotten lucky or with persistence on checking for reservations everyday but we made reservations for Napoli and Lamp light lounge less than a week ago. With 2 full sit down meals the day was nice but trying to get things in before our reservations was not ideal. Overall had a great day. I was able to get a 12:00PM boarding pass of Rise as I started at DCA. I think the extended lines are really bad for new orleans square. We were not allowed to join pirates because the line was too long. the posted time was only 30 min. Also there is no reason the Little mermaid should be 30 min. Anyway I was happy to ride Rise again which we finally boarded around 7:15. Night rides of Big Thunder to end the night finished out a great trip. Mobile ordering is so confusing for so many people. I mobile ordered a curron from on the cones in Carsland and the line was long with people just trying to get one without mobile ordering. The employee had to explain to each one and it took forever just to pick mine up. They really need to discontinue mobile order for the cones and other simple places. But this is what Chapek wants. A marginally better return on selling churros because you are the cashire.

 

[deadbydawn]

Went yesterday. Parking situation turned out to be OK but I have heard mixed results at Mickey and Friends. It seems like they are letting people line up around 7:45 for the parking structure and opening at 8:00am. I showed up right as they were letting people line up at 7:47. Parking and the walk of shame on the tram route took 30 min. DCA opened at 8:40. It seemed to get busy pretty quick. We walked on Guardians but when we go out the line was already 30 min. Cars and soaring also spiked pretty quick. We had gotten lucky or with persistence on checking for reservations everyday but we made reservations for Napoli and Lamp light lounge less than a week ago. With 2 full sit down meals the day was nice but trying to get things in before our reservations was not ideal. Overall had a great day. I was able to get a 12:00PM boarding pass of Rise as I started at DCA. I think the extended lines are really bad for new orleans square. We were not allowed to join pirates because the line was too long. the posted time was only 30 min. Also there is no reason the Little mermaid should be 30 min. Anyway I was happy to ride Rise again which we finally boarded around 7:15. Night rides of Big Thunder to end the night finished out a great trip. Mobile ordering is so confusing for so many people. I mobile ordered a curron from on the cones in Carsland and the line was long with people just trying to get one without mobile ordering. The employee had to explain to each one and it took forever just to pick mine up. They really need to discontinue mobile order for the cones and other simple places. But this is what Chapek wants. A marginally better return on selling churros because you are the cashire.

How was the boarding pass system for Rise of the Resistance? Did you get in at the 7 AM opening or 12?

 

[SailwiththeTide]

12 PM because we started in DCA. Logged in right at 12 and got a group.

How was the boarding pass system for Rise of the Resistance? Did you get in at the 7 AM opening or 12?

 

[Jerroddragon]

So CA seems to really be pushing forward with things (besides buses/airports) to no longer have mask mandates and social distancing

Will the Theme Parks really not follow? I know in Florida they have not but how long can they keep going at 30-50%?

 

[AlexanderMBush]

So CA seems to really be pushing forward with things (besides buses/airports) to no longer have mask mandates and social distancing

Will the Theme Parks really not follow? I know in Florida they have not but how long can they keep going at 30-50%?

I have to assume once June 15th comes, we'll see the capacity increase with the addition of having rides be filled per row, as opposed to what has been in place before.

 

[Jerroddragon]

I have to assume once June 15th comes, we'll see the capacity increase with the addition of having rides be filled per row, as opposed to what has been in place before.

Because correct me if im Wrong Disney could be at 100% in Florida but are choosing not to correct?

Thats what worries me is they keep letting more people in but everything else stays about the same

 

[AlexanderMBush]

Because correct me if im Wrong Disney could be at 100% in Florida but are choosing not to correct?

Thats what worries me is they keep letting more people in but everything else stays about the same

They're following CDC guidelines, yes, but the parks in Florida are raising capacity. SeaWorld fills up their ampitheaters fully, as seen recently with photos of their Orca Encounter.

If Disney keeps capacity as low as it is, it's not going to be because of government mandates post June 15th. It'll be by Disney's own decision.

 

[Jerroddragon]

They're following CDC guidelines, yes, but the parks in Florida are raising capacity. SeaWorld fills up their ampitheaters fully, as seen recently with photos of their Orca Encounter.

If Disney keeps capacity as low as it is, it's not going to be because of government mandates post June 15th. It'll be by Disney's own decision.

Nice, hoping by end of Summer its "back to normal" besides shows which seem to be taking a little bit longer than most would like but if the WDW Halloween party is anything to go on, we won't be getting fireworks until maybe Thanksgiving or Christmas

 

[Paulio]

Jungle Cruise ride reopening might be announced somewhat after June 15th right?