Disney Vacation (5 Viewers)

[Goldminer1]

I don't know if this site has been mentioned here lately, or ever but - Thrill Data - is the site I use as a local to check wait times and crowd calendars now.

It actually has way more information than I'd ever need, but it's a useful tool. One of my favorite metrics they provide is how today ranks out of the last X number of days. For example today at Epcot is the 15th highest crowd day in the last 821 days

I'm not affiliated with them or anything, just an endorsement.

 

[Goldminer1]

Agree GM....we were pass holders before COVID and have been back a few times in the last few months. Parks were pretty good the last couple times we went, but prices are up for the same product and they are going up again in 2025. I am curious what those going to Ohana above what their opinions are. It seems like a shell of itself to me.

I'm going to Ohana because it's my mom's favorite. I'd probably skip it otherwise.

Hot take. Ohana was always overrated

Kona Cafe FTW!

My "locals" tip is that Kona Cafe can often have reservations available later in the evening, which allows you to park at the Poly. You can walk-in, grab a sushi roll or just a drink at Kona Cafe, then walk-out to the Poly Beach and watch the MK Fireworks. Can make for a low-key, but really nice evening.

 

[AAABatteries]

Brought the family back down for spring break this week to use the passes one more time. I say this almost every time I post in this thread but man, you really have to know what you are doing down here to enjoy yourself plus be willing to pay for Genie+.

Easter Sunday crowd was nuts but staying on property and with Genie we managed to ride 17 rides at MK, watch the Easter parade, ride the boat to Geyser Point and have lunch and beers, park hop to EPCOT and ride a few things, come back to MK and we could have stayed and ridden 3-5 more things or watch the fireworks.

You just really need to know how things work, where stuff is and be willing to pivot and shell out $$.

Yesterday we had a great day at HS despite enormous crowds. Got everything in but SW land and left for EPCOT to eat Flower and Garden for lunch. Went back to resort and swam and napped - dinner at Beaches and Cream and then watched the nighttime stuff at HS.

Today did start off rough - earliest LL was lunch time for Frozen so moved it to Soarin- we walked all the way to the back of the park to ride Remy and the line was insane. We were there at 8:05 for 8:30 early entry and we were on the bridge to France when the line stopped - we were like no way. Took a bunch of pictures in empty country pavilions, drank coffee and got pastries at Norway bakery. Frozen was down so told my wife, let’s keep an eye on it opening and hop in line - sure enough, as we finished it opened and we got to wait 15 minutes for it.

It really does suck for families that don’t know what they are getting in to and expect things to be magical - it won’t be for most.

Driving back today - had a great trip despite the insane crowd levels. Won’t go in to all the gory details but will share the food damage:

Geyser Point x 2 (love that place), Beaches and Cream, Le Cellier, Ale and Compass (women), Yak and Yeti (men), ‘Ohana, Casey’s, Kona, Homecomin’, City Works, Port Orleans for beignets, some Flower and Garden kiosks. I’d weigh 500 pounds if I lived down here, even with all the walking.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Brought the family back down for spring break this week to use the passes one more time. I say this almost every time I post in this thread but man, you really have to know what you are doing down here to enjoy yourself plus be willing to pay for Genie+.

Easter Sunday crowd was nuts but staying on property and with Genie we managed to ride 17 rides at MK, watch the Easter parade, ride the boat to Geyser Point and have lunch and beers, park hop to EPCOT and ride a few things, come back to MK and we could have stayed and ridden 3-5 more things or watch the fireworks.

You just really need to know how things work, where stuff is and be willing to pivot and shell out $$.

Yesterday we had a great day at HS despite enormous crowds. Got everything in but SW land and left for EPCOT to eat Flower and Garden for lunch. Went back to resort and swam and napped - dinner at Beaches and Cream and then watched the nighttime stuff at HS.

Today did start off rough - earliest LL was lunch time for Frozen so moved it to Soarin- we walked all the way to the back of the park to ride Remy and the line was insane. We were there at 8:05 for 8:30 early entry and we were on the bridge to France when the line stopped - we were like no way. Took a bunch of pictures in empty country pavilions, drank coffee and got pastries at Norway bakery. Frozen was down so told my wife, let’s keep an eye on it opening and hop in line - sure enough, as we finished it opened and we got to wait 15 minutes for it.

It really does suck for families that don’t know what they are getting in to and expect things to be magical - it won’t be for most.

Driving back today - had a great trip despite the insane crowd levels. Won’t go in to all the gory details but will share the food damage:

Geyser Point x 2 (love that place), Beaches and Cream, Le Cellier, Ale and Compass (women), Yak and Yeti (men), ‘Ohana, Casey’s, Kona, Homecomin’, City Works, Port Orleans for beignets, some Flower and Garden kiosks. I’d weigh 500 pounds if I lived down here, even with all the walking.

I've never been to Geyser Point. I'll put that on the list for next trip. The rest are favorites of my family as well.

 

[RG623]

Brought the family back down for spring break this week to use the passes one more time. I say this almost every time I post in this thread but man, you really have to know what you are doing down here to enjoy yourself plus be willing to pay for Genie+.

Easter Sunday crowd was nuts but staying on property and with Genie we managed to ride 17 rides at MK, watch the Easter parade, ride the boat to Geyser Point and have lunch and beers, park hop to EPCOT and ride a few things, come back to MK and we could have stayed and ridden 3-5 more things or watch the fireworks.

You just really need to know how things work, where stuff is and be willing to pivot and shell out $$.

Yesterday we had a great day at HS despite enormous crowds. Got everything in but SW land and left for EPCOT to eat Flower and Garden for lunch. Went back to resort and swam and napped - dinner at Beaches and Cream and then watched the nighttime stuff at HS.

Today did start off rough - earliest LL was lunch time for Frozen so moved it to Soarin- we walked all the way to the back of the park to ride Remy and the line was insane. We were there at 8:05 for 8:30 early entry and we were on the bridge to France when the line stopped - we were like no way. Took a bunch of pictures in empty country pavilions, drank coffee and got pastries at Norway bakery. Frozen was down so told my wife, let’s keep an eye on it opening and hop in line - sure enough, as we finished it opened and we got to wait 15 minutes for it.

It really does suck for families that don’t know what they are getting in to and expect things to be magical - it won’t be for most.

Driving back today - had a great trip despite the insane crowd levels. Won’t go in to all the gory details but will share the food damage:

Geyser Point x 2 (love that place), Beaches and Cream, Le Cellier, Ale and Compass (women), Yak and Yeti (men), ‘Ohana, Casey’s, Kona, Homecomin’, City Works, Port Orleans for beignets, some Flower and Garden kiosks. I’d weigh 500 pounds if I lived down here, even with all the walking.

How was Le Cellier? We usually go with Yatchsman because of the reputation that Le Cellier has gone downhill, but I think we should give it a try next time.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Brought the family back down for spring break this week to use the passes one more time. I say this almost every time I post in this thread but man, you really have to know what you are doing down here to enjoy yourself plus be willing to pay for Genie+.

Easter Sunday crowd was nuts but staying on property and with Genie we managed to ride 17 rides at MK, watch the Easter parade, ride the boat to Geyser Point and have lunch and beers, park hop to EPCOT and ride a few things, come back to MK and we could have stayed and ridden 3-5 more things or watch the fireworks.

You just really need to know how things work, where stuff is and be willing to pivot and shell out $$.

Yesterday we had a great day at HS despite enormous crowds. Got everything in but SW land and left for EPCOT to eat Flower and Garden for lunch. Went back to resort and swam and napped - dinner at Beaches and Cream and then watched the nighttime stuff at HS.

Today did start off rough - earliest LL was lunch time for Frozen so moved it to Soarin- we walked all the way to the back of the park to ride Remy and the line was insane. We were there at 8:05 for 8:30 early entry and we were on the bridge to France when the line stopped - we were like no way. Took a bunch of pictures in empty country pavilions, drank coffee and got pastries at Norway bakery. Frozen was down so told my wife, let’s keep an eye on it opening and hop in line - sure enough, as we finished it opened and we got to wait 15 minutes for it.

It really does suck for families that don’t know what they are getting in to and expect things to be magical - it won’t be for most.

Driving back today - had a great trip despite the insane crowd levels. Won’t go in to all the gory details but will share the food damage:

Geyser Point x 2 (love that place), Beaches and Cream, Le Cellier, Ale and Compass (women), Yak and Yeti (men), ‘Ohana, Casey’s, Kona, Homecomin’, City Works, Port Orleans for beignets, some Flower and Garden kiosks. I’d weigh 500 pounds if I lived down here, even with all the walking.

How was Le Cellier? We usually go with Yatchsman because of the reputation that Le Cellier has gone downhill, but I think we should give it a try next time.

Last two trips for me were disappointing. I think I'm going to try Yachtsman or Shulas next trip for steak night.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Agree GM....we were pass holders before COVID and have been back a few times in the last few months. Parks were pretty good the last couple times we went, but prices are up for the same product and they are going up again in 2025. I am curious what those going to Ohana above what their opinions are. It seems like a shell of itself to me.

I'm going to Ohana because it's my mom's favorite. I'd probably skip it otherwise.

I take this back, dinner was excellent tonight. Pricey, but excellent.

My most recent visit to Ohana was excellent as well. The pacing and delivery of food is very different than it was 20 years ago, but the food still rocks IMO. And the view of MK is great.

Still doing family style bowls over the old skewers?

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Agree GM....we were pass holders before COVID and have been back a few times in the last few months. Parks were pretty good the last couple times we went, but prices are up for the same product and they are going up again in 2025. I am curious what those going to Ohana above what their opinions are. It seems like a shell of itself to me.

I'm going to Ohana because it's my mom's favorite. I'd probably skip it otherwise.

I take this back, dinner was excellent tonight. Pricey, but excellent.

My most recent visit to Ohana was excellent as well. The pacing and delivery of food is very different than it was 20 years ago, but the food still rocks IMO. And the view of MK is great.

Still doing family style bowls over the old skewers?

Yup. The chicken and steak were very good. The shrimp probably should have stayed on the skewers. They were just ok.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Can anyone give a brief rundown like I'm 5 years old of the new Genie+ and Lightning Lane systems? You need Lightning Lane to ride the most popular rides there and those are just straight cash to get into the fast pass line? And Genie+ let's you get the equivalent of an old fast pass every two hours into the other rides except you can't use them on the most popular?

And you can't purchase until Midnight of the day you're headed to the park and can't book anything until 7am? Do you get screwed if you sleep in until 8am? Is there any benefit to buying at midnight as opposed to just buying when you wakeup?

Genie plus is just the planning tool I think. You schedule lightning lanes and you purchase individual lightning lanes for one popular ride per park. LLs are included in the purchase of genie plus and you can start booking at 7. Then you can book your next one 2 hrs after park opens and then every 2 hrs right after you check in for one.

Definitely need to hit it at 7am sharp if you want the good stuff. Don't sleep in. No advantage to buying at midnight. Just buy it at 6:50 am. Right at 7am purchase your ILL and when that's set move on to your regular LL.

 

[AAABatteries]

Can anyone give a brief rundown like I'm 5 years old of the new Genie+ and Lightning Lane systems? You need Lightning Lane to ride the most popular rides there and those are just straight cash to get into the fast pass line? And Genie+ let's you get the equivalent of an old fast pass every two hours into the other rides except you can't use them on the most popular?

And you can't purchase until Midnight of the day you're headed to the park and can't book anything until 7am? Do you get screwed if you sleep in until 8am? Is there any benefit to buying at midnight as opposed to just buying when you wakeup?

Genie plus is just the planning tool I think. You schedule lightning lanes and you purchase individual lightning lanes for one popular ride per park. LLs are included in the purchase of genie plus and you can start booking at 7. Then you can book your next one 2 hrs after park opens and then every 2 hrs right after you check in for one.

Definitely need to hit it at 7am sharp if you want the good stuff. Don't sleep in. No advantage to buying at midnight. Just buy it at 6:50 am. Right at 7am purchase your ILL and when that's set move on to your regular LL.

The only thing I’ll quibble with is that Genie can (and did last week) run out. I get it at midnight for peace of mind but most days you are right that you can wait. Not worth the gamble to me.

Also, crowds were so high last week we paid $39/day for it. Adds up quickly.

 

[AAABatteries]

As a refresher for folks - I shared this with RW:

Definitely buy Genie+ - I won’t do the parks without it now. If crowds are low then maybe but if cost isn’t an issue get it and don’t worry about it. A couple of important things to note about Genie.

1. You can buy it at midnight - if crowds are high get it then. I just do it at midnight for peace of mind.
2. Book first one right at 7am - you need to try and time if perfectly to get best time. It will give you earliest possible and no option to pick time. Paid LL, like Seven Dwarves you can pick a time window
3. Once you’ve made the 7am one you can get your next one either 2 hours after the park opens for everyone OR once you used the one you have.
4. You can always “play Genie roulette” to try and move the time up or even switch to another ride. Some people have fun with it and some people hate it (don’t want to have their phones out)
5. Buying Genie guarantees you nothing. Crowds were so high this week I never got a Slinky or Frozen LL. They were all gone for the day early in the day.

Genie strategy- there’s probably 3 ways to use it.

1. Try and get a LL for most popular ride (Slinky, Peter Pan, Frozen) and hope to get an early time.
2. Get the earliest possible time for a great/good ride
3. “Stack” your LL for later in the day- possibly sleep in. This is doable based on crowd levels and party size (mostly former)

We don’t mind getting up early so we do option 2 plus stay on property- get there early with the other lunatics and try to knock out big ride first, then start using Genie. Almost always take a midday break for those who want it and avoid the heat and then as you mention come back when wait times are lower and it’s cooler.

Another good strategy if you are fine staying out a little longer is to get in line for long waits right before park closes. Rise, Flights of Passage, really any ride works but wait time doesn’t matter - if you are in line you get to ride.

 

[AAABatteries]

Brought the family back down for spring break this week to use the passes one more time. I say this almost every time I post in this thread but man, you really have to know what you are doing down here to enjoy yourself plus be willing to pay for Genie+.

Easter Sunday crowd was nuts but staying on property and with Genie we managed to ride 17 rides at MK, watch the Easter parade, ride the boat to Geyser Point and have lunch and beers, park hop to EPCOT and ride a few things, come back to MK and we could have stayed and ridden 3-5 more things or watch the fireworks.

You just really need to know how things work, where stuff is and be willing to pivot and shell out $$.

Yesterday we had a great day at HS despite enormous crowds. Got everything in but SW land and left for EPCOT to eat Flower and Garden for lunch. Went back to resort and swam and napped - dinner at Beaches and Cream and then watched the nighttime stuff at HS.

Today did start off rough - earliest LL was lunch time for Frozen so moved it to Soarin- we walked all the way to the back of the park to ride Remy and the line was insane. We were there at 8:05 for 8:30 early entry and we were on the bridge to France when the line stopped - we were like no way. Took a bunch of pictures in empty country pavilions, drank coffee and got pastries at Norway bakery. Frozen was down so told my wife, let’s keep an eye on it opening and hop in line - sure enough, as we finished it opened and we got to wait 15 minutes for it.

It really does suck for families that don’t know what they are getting in to and expect things to be magical - it won’t be for most.

Driving back today - had a great trip despite the insane crowd levels. Won’t go in to all the gory details but will share the food damage:

Geyser Point x 2 (love that place), Beaches and Cream, Le Cellier, Ale and Compass (women), Yak and Yeti (men), ‘Ohana, Casey’s, Kona, Homecomin’, City Works, Port Orleans for beignets, some Flower and Garden kiosks. I’d weigh 500 pounds if I lived down here, even with all the walking.

I've never been to Geyser Point. I'll put that on the list for next trip. The rest are favorites of my family as well.

I’ll go every trip from now on. Walk straight to the Wilderness Lodge boat ramp, fantastic short ride over and easy walk to it. Fabulous location right on the water. Can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this.

 

[AAABatteries]

Brought the family back down for spring break this week to use the passes one more time. I say this almost every time I post in this thread but man, you really have to know what you are doing down here to enjoy yourself plus be willing to pay for Genie+.

Easter Sunday crowd was nuts but staying on property and with Genie we managed to ride 17 rides at MK, watch the Easter parade, ride the boat to Geyser Point and have lunch and beers, park hop to EPCOT and ride a few things, come back to MK and we could have stayed and ridden 3-5 more things or watch the fireworks.

You just really need to know how things work, where stuff is and be willing to pivot and shell out $$.

Yesterday we had a great day at HS despite enormous crowds. Got everything in but SW land and left for EPCOT to eat Flower and Garden for lunch. Went back to resort and swam and napped - dinner at Beaches and Cream and then watched the nighttime stuff at HS.

Today did start off rough - earliest LL was lunch time for Frozen so moved it to Soarin- we walked all the way to the back of the park to ride Remy and the line was insane. We were there at 8:05 for 8:30 early entry and we were on the bridge to France when the line stopped - we were like no way. Took a bunch of pictures in empty country pavilions, drank coffee and got pastries at Norway bakery. Frozen was down so told my wife, let’s keep an eye on it opening and hop in line - sure enough, as we finished it opened and we got to wait 15 minutes for it.

It really does suck for families that don’t know what they are getting in to and expect things to be magical - it won’t be for most.

Driving back today - had a great trip despite the insane crowd levels. Won’t go in to all the gory details but will share the food damage:

Geyser Point x 2 (love that place), Beaches and Cream, Le Cellier, Ale and Compass (women), Yak and Yeti (men), ‘Ohana, Casey’s, Kona, Homecomin’, City Works, Port Orleans for beignets, some Flower and Garden kiosks. I’d weigh 500 pounds if I lived down here, even with all the walking.

How was Le Cellier? We usually go with Yatchsman because of the reputation that Le Cellier has gone downhill, but I think we should give it a try next time.

Last two trips for me were disappointing. I think I'm going to try Yachtsman or Shulas next trip for steak night.

Shula’s is the best of the 3 for us pretty easily. But you don’t get any of the Disney charm. I’d rate the other two about the same but if it’s steak you want then Yatchsman over Le Cellier.

 

[AAABatteries]

Agree GM....we were pass holders before COVID and have been back a few times in the last few months. Parks were pretty good the last couple times we went, but prices are up for the same product and they are going up again in 2025. I am curious what those going to Ohana above what their opinions are. It seems like a shell of itself to me.

I'm going to Ohana because it's my mom's favorite. I'd probably skip it otherwise.

I take this back, dinner was excellent tonight. Pricey, but excellent.

My most recent visit to Ohana was excellent as well. The pacing and delivery of food is very different than it was 20 years ago, but the food still rocks IMO. And the view of MK is great.

Still doing family style bowls over the old skewers?

Yup. The chicken and steak were very good. The shrimp probably should have stayed on the skewers. They were just ok.

After being a tad disappointed last time we thought this trip it was great. Potstickers and wings were solid and the steak was maybe the best I’ve ever had there. I thought the shrimp was good too.

 

[Sparky Polastri]

If you guys want "steak night" I recommend picking from one of at least a dozen different brazilian steakhouse places

 

[Goldminer1]

The Parks have been -very quiet- for the past few weeks. In this post-covid era, we haven't really had true "low-crowd seasons" anymore. The typical early September lull, is still there, but in the recent past, it hasn't been as lull-ish. But, this late April-Earlyish May of 2024 has been the most "dead" I've seen the Parks in a long time.

I don't know if wait time data would back me up, as WDW Operations has essentially created a system that doesn't allow rock-bottom wait times anymore (they're better at predicting crowd levels, so they schedule fewer cast members and/or operate rides at diminished capacity, therefore driving up wait times, even on lower crowd days) but in terms of guests in the park and how they "feel" to move around in? It has been a very pleasant few weeks at WDW.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Just got back from Disneyland/ California Adventure two weeks ago. I don’t want to say the parks were dead because there were still a lot of people but we didn’t wait more than 45 minutes for any ride. Compared to WDW two years ago, it was magical, where the waits on some rides exceeded 2 hours regularly.

 

[Todem]

The Parks have been -very quiet- for the past few weeks. In this post-covid era, we haven't really had true "low-crowd seasons" anymore. The typical early September lull, is still there, but in the recent past, it hasn't been as lull-ish. But, this late April-Earlyish May of 2024 has been the most "dead" I've seen the Parks in a long time.

I don't know if wait time data would back me up, as WDW Operations has essentially created a system that doesn't allow rock-bottom wait times anymore (they're better at predicting crowd levels, so they schedule fewer cast members and/or operate rides at diminished capacity, therefore driving up wait times, even on lower crowd days) but in terms of guests in the park and how they "feel" to move around in? It has been a very pleasant few weeks at WDW.

Just got back from Disneyland/ California Adventure two weeks ago. I don’t want to say the parks were dead because there were still a lot of people but we didn’t wait more than 45 minutes for any ride. Compared to WDW two years ago, it was magical, where the waits on some rides exceeded 2 hours regularly.

We are finally seeing an economic slowdown and it will accelerate more IMO.

Everything is so damn expensive now. Just out of control.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

This is among the slowest times of year alongside September. Wedged between spring break and summer break, and most parents aren't going to take their kids out of school so close to two breaks where they are already out.

We stay in our Disney property almost every May for exactly that reason, because it's when the rent we'd be getting would be at its lowest anyway and the parks are more enjoyable since they're less crowded.

 

[fantasy stud]

The Parks have been -very quiet- for the past few weeks. In this post-covid era, we haven't really had true "low-crowd seasons" anymore. The typical early September lull, is still there, but in the recent past, it hasn't been as lull-ish. But, this late April-Earlyish May of 2024 has been the most "dead" I've seen the Parks in a long time.

I don't know if wait time data would back me up, as WDW Operations has essentially created a system that doesn't allow rock-bottom wait times anymore (they're better at predicting crowd levels, so they schedule fewer cast members and/or operate rides at diminished capacity, therefore driving up wait times, even on lower crowd days) but in terms of guests in the park and how they "feel" to move around in? It has been a very pleasant few weeks at WDW.

Just got back from Disneyland/ California Adventure two weeks ago. I don’t want to say the parks were dead because there were still a lot of people but we didn’t wait more than 45 minutes for any ride. Compared to WDW two years ago, it was magical, where the waits on some rides exceeded 2 hours regularly.

We are finally seeing an economic slowdown and it will accelerate more IMO.

Everything is so damn expensive now. Just out of control.

Maybe all the post-covid demand is finally slowing down.

 

[Gawain]

Just booked flights to LAX for Jan 14-22. Likely our only Disneyland trip ever as a family (live in NY). I went with my mom twice because I had an aunt who lived in Hermosa Beach and the accommodations were the right price for a single mother. Both my mom and the aunt have passed and I was feeling quite nostalgic and figured this was a good way to both revisit memories and create new ones. Last time I’ve been to DL / US was 91. I’m sure a ton has changed. Initial thinking is 3 days DL, 2 days US and 1 day DCA. Do I stay at/near DL and just eat the drive to US for those two days? What do I have to make sure I do (outside of get misty on Mr Toad?)

ETA: would help to know it’s me, my wife and the kids will be 8.5, 7 and 5.5

 

[dkp993]

Going to Disneyworld for the first time this week. Staying for a week and doing 4 days at the parks and 1 day at Kennedy Space Center. Daughter is 9 so it’s the perfect time to do it I think.

As a SoCal native I’ve been to Disneyland a million times, looking forward to seeing the differences.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

The Parks have been -very quiet- for the past few weeks. In this post-covid era, we haven't really had true "low-crowd seasons" anymore. The typical early September lull, is still there, but in the recent past, it hasn't been as lull-ish. But, this late April-Earlyish May of 2024 has been the most "dead" I've seen the Parks in a long time.

I don't know if wait time data would back me up, as WDW Operations has essentially created a system that doesn't allow rock-bottom wait times anymore (they're better at predicting crowd levels, so they schedule fewer cast members and/or operate rides at diminished capacity, therefore driving up wait times, even on lower crowd days) but in terms of guests in the park and how they "feel" to move around in? It has been a very pleasant few weeks at WDW.

Just got back from Disneyland/ California Adventure two weeks ago. I don’t want to say the parks were dead because there were still a lot of people but we didn’t wait more than 45 minutes for any ride. Compared to WDW two years ago, it was magical, where the waits on some rides exceeded 2 hours regularly.

We are finally seeing an economic slowdown and it will accelerate more IMO.

Everything is so damn expensive now. Just out of control.

Maybe all the post-covid demand is finally slowing down.

May is historically the second slowest month at Disney. Parents are less likely to take their kids out of school right before summer break, especially when spring break was not that long ago.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Going to Disneyworld for the first time this week. Staying for a week and doing 4 days at the parks and 1 day at Kennedy Space Center. Daughter is 9 so it’s the perfect time to do it I think.

As a SoCal native I’ve been to Disneyland a million times, looking forward to seeing the differences.

We are the opposite. Florida native and we've done World a million times, but our doing our first trip to Disneyland this summer. Seems pretty cool being able to hit some of the rides together at one park that we've always had to visit multiple parks for in Florida.

 

[themeanmachine]

Just booked flights to LAX for Jan 14-22. Likely our only Disneyland trip ever as a family (live in NY). I went with my mom twice because I had an aunt who lived in Hermosa Beach and the accommodations were the right price for a single mother. Both my mom and the aunt have passed and I was feeling quite nostalgic and figured this was a good way to both revisit memories and create new ones. Last time I’ve been to DL / US was 91. I’m sure a ton has changed. Initial thinking is 3 days DL, 2 days US and 1 day DCA. Do I stay at/near DL and just eat the drive to US for those two days? What do I have to make sure I do (outside of get misty on Mr Toad?)

ETA: would help to know it’s me, my wife and the kids will be 8.5, 7 and 5.5

You can easily do Universal in 1 day. And I'd do it at the beginning or end of the trip to avoid excessive driving - I would stay up near there for a night or two and not try to drive back and forth, traffic nightmare. Maybe take the other day for other things in LA, like the Warner Bros Studio Tour, or Griffith Observatory. Then move hotels and stay at one of the ones that's walking distance to DL.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Making my annual trek to Orlando with the family in August. Doing a 10 day trip with 3 days at the parks (they had discount tickets on sale something like $69 a day for a 3-day base ticket) but you can only do Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

My restaurants I'm going to try and book are:

The Boathouse - Family dinner
Via Napoli - Lunch at Epcot
Yak and Yeti - Lunch at Animal Kingdom
Woody's Roundup BBQ - Lunch at Hollywood Studios

 

[Snotbubbles]

The Parks have been -very quiet- for the past few weeks. In this post-covid era, we haven't really had true "low-crowd seasons" anymore. The typical early September lull, is still there, but in the recent past, it hasn't been as lull-ish. But, this late April-Earlyish May of 2024 has been the most "dead" I've seen the Parks in a long time.

I don't know if wait time data would back me up, as WDW Operations has essentially created a system that doesn't allow rock-bottom wait times anymore (they're better at predicting crowd levels, so they schedule fewer cast members and/or operate rides at diminished capacity, therefore driving up wait times, even on lower crowd days) but in terms of guests in the park and how they "feel" to move around in? It has been a very pleasant few weeks at WDW.

Just got back from Disneyland/ California Adventure two weeks ago. I don’t want to say the parks were dead because there were still a lot of people but we didn’t wait more than 45 minutes for any ride. Compared to WDW two years ago, it was magical, where the waits on some rides exceeded 2 hours regularly.

We are finally seeing an economic slowdown and it will accelerate more IMO.

Everything is so damn expensive now. Just out of control.

Maybe all the post-covid demand is finally slowing down.

May is historically the second slowest month at Disney. Parents are less likely to take their kids out of school right before summer break, especially when spring break was not that long ago.

My favorite time to go is October. May was a close second. Hated February.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Getting ready to drive into the center of the sun on Wednesday. Staying four days at Saratoga Springs and two at Bay Lake Tower.

 

[Orange&Blue]

Making my annual trek to Orlando with the family in August. Doing a 10 day trip with 3 days at the parks (they had discount tickets on sale something like $69 a day for a 3-day base ticket) but you can only do Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

My restaurants I'm going to try and book are:

The Boathouse - Family dinner
Via Napoli - Lunch at Epcot
Yak and Yeti - Lunch at Animal Kingdom
Woody's Roundup BBQ - Lunch at Hollywood Studios

we are going first of August as well. heat stroke is on my bingo card.

hearing that they are changing genie+. not sure if that's in a good way or not.

restaurants selections are made:
- raglan (first partial day, figured do disney springs, hotel pool, relax)..my pick
- Boma... wife's pick
- Tutto (sons pick)
- o'hana (daughter pick)
- skipper (family pick)

 

[Snotbubbles]

Making my annual trek to Orlando with the family in August. Doing a 10 day trip with 3 days at the parks (they had discount tickets on sale something like $69 a day for a 3-day base ticket) but you can only do Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

My restaurants I'm going to try and book are:

The Boathouse - Family dinner
Via Napoli - Lunch at Epcot
Yak and Yeti - Lunch at Animal Kingdom
Woody's Roundup BBQ - Lunch at Hollywood Studios

we are going first of August as well. heat stroke is on my bingo card.

hearing that they are changing genie+. not sure if that's in a good way or not.

restaurants selections are made:
- raglan (first partial day, figured do disney springs, hotel pool, relax)..my pick
- Boma... wife's pick
- Tutto (sons pick)
- o'hana (daughter pick)
- skipper (family pick)

I liked Boma when I went, the family, not so much.

My family has been to O'hana over 10 times. The last time we went, the kids said never again, it's not what it used to be since COVID.

 

[glvsav37]

knock knock...is this like the Disney thread? Yes? Ok, Hi....how are you?

Major News: Genie+ is going back in the bottle.

Starting July 24th, your "pick a ride" system will simply be called "Lightning Lane." But we know Disney doesn't do anything simple, so that is further split into 2 categories, " Multi-Pass" (Just try NOT saying that in the voice of Leeloo from The 5th Element), and "Single Pass"

Multi-pass: Basically the standard Genie+ merged with Fastpass+. You have to purchase the service, just like G+ however like the old FP+, you can now reserve 3 attractions starting at 7 days from your park visit. Then as you use your selections (tap in), you can then book a 4th, 5th, etc. There will be a tiered system like FP+ for initial booking.

Single Pass: Basically the same as the "Individual Lighting Lane" service where you are just buying 1x rides on those very popular attractions. You can buy up to 2 attractions per day.

Pricing should be similar to the Genie+ costs.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/lightning-lane-passes/

 

[fruity pebbles]

So basically just going back to fastpass but now they’re charging you for it?

 

[wlwiles]

knock knock...is this like the Disney thread? Yes? Ok, Hi....how are you?

Major News: Genie+ is going back in the bottle.

Starting July 24th, your "pick a ride" system will simply be called "Lightning Lane." But we know Disney doesn't do anything simple, so that is further split into 2 categories, " Multi-Pass" (Just try NOT saying that in the voice of Leeloo from The 5th Element), and "Single Pass"

Multi-pass: Basically the standard Genie+ merged with Fastpass+. You have to purchase the service, just like G+ however like the old FP+, you can now reserve 3 attractions starting at 7 days from your park visit. Then as you use your selections (tap in), you can then book a 4th, 5th, etc. There will be a tiered system like FP+ for initial booking.

Single Pass: Basically the same as the "Individual Lighting Lane" service where you are just buying 1x rides on those very popular attractions. You can buy up to 2 attractions per day.

Pricing should be similar to the Genie+ costs.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/lightning-lane-passes/

Was Genie+ not working, or getting negative reviews? We haven't been to WDW since COVID happened so haven't used it personally, but I've figured out mainly from this thread how it worked, doesn't seem that crazy difficult.

 

[glvsav37]

Was Genie+ not working, or getting negative reviews? We haven't been to WDW since COVID happened so haven't used it personally, but I've figured out mainly from this thread how it worked, doesn't seem that crazy difficult.

It was getting very negative reviews. A lot was stemming from the need to get up at 7am to book your day's reservations.

But overall, they are trying to rebrand and monetize something that was previously free and its backfiring on them. Yes people are buying ti, yes they are making a ton of money on it, but most of it is the hold your nose and just do it crowd who don't like it but knows they cant get a typical park tour in without it.

 

[glvsav37]

So basically just going back to fastpass but now they’re charging you for it?

pretty much

G+ was kind of always that, just with a cuter sounding name, and same day selection vs before your visit.

But the genie is out of the bottle now (sorry for the cheesy pun), and fastpasses—anyway they name them— will prob never be free again

 

[wlwiles]

Thanks @glvsav37

Ignoring the free vs. paid argument...I'd much rather book my fast passes or lightning lanes or multi/single passes ahead of time, vs. trying to do it at 7 am while I'm trying to get the family up and dressed and out the door to the bus/boat/monorail. Loved the days where we'd be able to book them ahead of time and sort of map out a plan of attack at a particular park. Trying to frantically book at 7 am and then realize the only pass you can get is Jungle Cruise so let's pivot the whole plan and go left instead of right is not something that would fly well with my wife (uber-planner).

 

[fruity pebbles]

7 am booking the day of was always a bad idea. Who thought guests would like that? Nothing like adding an additional stressor for no reason.

 

[glvsav37]

@wlwiles @fruity pebbles

the implementation will never make everyone happy all the time.

Back in the day we had paper fast passes and the fastest runners would get the good time slots
Then we went online and if were weren't in front of your computer at 7am exactly at the 60 day mark, you could kiss those flight of passage and 7DMT FP's good bye.
then G+ came out and you had to wait until midnight the night before to decided to even buy it for the next day.
That was no good, so now you buy it for the whole trip and do the 7am thing

Truth is, the ONLY reason they did any of this is b/c the F'ed up when they 1st came out with the ride reservation idea and just gave it away as a customer satisfaction perk. Since then, every other theme park copied and charged for it. But bc other parks are so much smaller, they don't require all this planning and crowd control. WDW's greatest asset is it's infinite size, but it also its greatest weakness.

No one asked me, but the way you fix this is to drop the planning and move to an "Anytime/any ride" FP. Where you can use a FP for any ride once, spaced out over 30 or so minutes before you can use the next one. It would also be a tiered system where DVC and Deluxe resort guests get 3 of them, moderate level guests and Local AP holders (no resort stay tied to entry) get 2 and Value get 1. Everyone can keep getting additional throughout the day, just at different refresh rates.

this way you can be spontaneous with your park day, you can choose your attractions based on where you are, and you only get one FP admission per ride so no one is looping and clogging up the attraction line.

just my 2 pressed penny thoughts

 

[fruity pebbles]

@wlwiles @fruity pebbles

the implementation will never make everyone happy all the time.

Back in the day we had paper fast passes and the fastest runners would get the good time slots
Then we went online and if were weren't in front of your computer at 7am exactly at the 60 day mark, you could kiss those flight of passage and 7DMT FP's good bye.
then G+ came out and you had to wait until midnight the night before to decided to even buy it for the next day.
That was no good, so now you buy it for the whole trip and do the 7am thing

Truth is, the ONLY reason they did any of this is b/c the F'ed up when they 1st came out with the ride reservation idea and just gave it away as a customer satisfaction perk. Since then, every other theme park copied and charged for it. But bc other parks are so much smaller, they don't require all this planning and crowd control. WDW's greatest asset is it's infinite size, but it also its greatest weakness.

No one asked me, but the way you fix this is to drop the planning and move to an "Anytime/any ride" FP. Where you can use a FP for any ride once, spaced out over 30 or so minutes before you can use the next one. It would also be a tiered system where DVC and Deluxe resort guests get 3 of them, moderate level guests and Local AP holders (no resort stay tied to entry) get 2 and Value get 1. Everyone can keep getting additional throughout the day, just at different refresh rates.

just my 2 pressed penny thoughts

That would be great imo. My biggest pet peeve with the parks now is having to be on your phone the entire day, that would alleviate some of that.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Keeping crowd levels near capacity has to be key in selling these to the masses. We bought genie plus day one of Disneyland a couple months ago and quickly realized it was largely unnecessary as the park was at a moderate level. Next few days we did without and noticed no discernible difference in the number of rides we went on.

 

[glvsav37]

Keeping crowd levels near capacity has to be key in selling these to the masses. We bought genie plus day one of Disneyland a couple months ago and quickly realized it was largely unnecessary as the park was at a moderate level. Next few days we did without and noticed no discernible difference in the number of rides we went on.

a WDW friend of mine just went to DL for the 1st time and had the same experience as you.

But at WDW, the parks seem to be near capacity everyday. So the logistics of keeping people moving through and providing some level of line-hopping to keep them happy.

TBH, after I got use to G+, yes I was on the phone a lot, but we crushed it over the 4th of july week and I got on a ton of rides. But not everyone is as savvy, esp older people and those who just don't want to be on their phones. I didnt like being on my phone, but it was that or wait in line all day.

But heres the rub....I have not been back since. I was already falling out of love with the work needed for a WDW vacation and the cost and work that G+ added just to have the same vacations I had years ago just left a abad taste in my mouth and (even as a DVC member) I have no desire to go back any time soon. We will be using our points now in Aluani or DL now.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Keeping crowd levels near capacity has to be key in selling these to the masses. We bought genie plus day one of Disneyland a couple months ago and quickly realized it was largely unnecessary as the park was at a moderate level. Next few days we did without and noticed no discernible difference in the number of rides we went on.

a WDW friend of mine just went to DL for the 1st time and had the same experience as you.

But at WDW, the parks seem to be near capacity everyday. So the logistics of keeping people moving through and providing some level of line-hopping to keep them happy.

TBH, after I got use to G+, yes I was on the phone a lot, but we crushed it over the 4th of july week and I got on a ton of rides. But not everyone is as savvy, esp older people and those who just don't want to be on their phones. I didnt like being on my phone, but it was that or wait in line all day.

But heres the rub....I have not been back since. I was already falling out of love with the work needed for a WDW vacation and the cost and work that G+ added just to have the same vacations I had years ago just left a abad taste in my mouth and (even as a DVC member) I have no desire to go back any time soon. We will be using our points now in Aluani or DL now.

I have to say as someone who’s not a regular like you but I have been to WDW a half dozen times, DL was a breath of fresh air. Not as busy, easier to navigate, no shuttle buses as the hotels are a short walk away, just all around more relaxing. If the San Diego Zoo was right there like Animal Kingdom is to MK it would be perfect.

 

[glvsav37]

Keeping crowd levels near capacity has to be key in selling these to the masses. We bought genie plus day one of Disneyland a couple months ago and quickly realized it was largely unnecessary as the park was at a moderate level. Next few days we did without and noticed no discernible difference in the number of rides we went on.

a WDW friend of mine just went to DL for the 1st time and had the same experience as you.

But at WDW, the parks seem to be near capacity everyday. So the logistics of keeping people moving through and providing some level of line-hopping to keep them happy.

TBH, after I got use to G+, yes I was on the phone a lot, but we crushed it over the 4th of july week and I got on a ton of rides. But not everyone is as savvy, esp older people and those who just don't want to be on their phones. I didnt like being on my phone, but it was that or wait in line all day.

But heres the rub....I have not been back since. I was already falling out of love with the work needed for a WDW vacation and the cost and work that G+ added just to have the same vacations I had years ago just left a abad taste in my mouth and (even as a DVC member) I have no desire to go back any time soon. We will be using our points now in Aluani or DL now.

I have to say as someone who’s not a regular like you but I have been to WDW a half dozen times, DL was a breath of fresh air. Not as busy, easier to navigate, no shuttle buses as the hotels are a short walk away, just all around more relaxing. If the San Diego Zoo was right there like Animal Kingdom is to MK it would be perfect.

I've been to DL a few years ago and I completely agree. The compactness of it was so enjoyable. I get the same feeling when I go to Universal Orlando, with the 2 entrances within waking distance and the Hogwarts train in the back.

TBH: We would do UO 1st for a few days (with their complimentary express pass b/c we stayed at their deluxe resorts), and then move over to WDW. Even though I've been to WDW countless times, I felt a little overwhelmed after leaving UO and now having to deal with bus schedules, moving from place to place, apps, mobile food ordering, etc.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Can book Lightning Lanes 7 days in advance if you stay on property. You can book 3 per day and unlike the Genie+ you can book a new one when you tap into one so you can always have 3 queued up. They do have Tier 1's and you can only book one of those in advance.

Will be interesting to see how easy or hard it is to get the popular rides.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

The problem with Genie+ was always the messaging. When it's being DESCRIBED to you it sounds confusing and overwhelming. But once you actually used it, it was pretty easy and slick.

I liked it, but I liked the fastpass system too and this is basically going back to that, so all good there. Only thing I don't like is we always stay off-site which probably means slim pickings on the leftovers for us.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

First time I've been upgraded at Disney. We reserved a regular dvc room at Saratoga Springs and got a villa instead. A nice surprise.

 

[Battersbox]

First time I've been upgraded at Disney. We reserved a regular dvc room at Saratoga Springs and got a villa instead. A nice surprise.

I'm a big fan of Saratoga Springs. If you're fine with bus rides it's excellent imo.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

First time I've been upgraded at Disney. We reserved a regular dvc room at Saratoga Springs and got a villa instead. A nice surprise.

I'm a big fan of Saratoga Springs. If you're fine with bus rides it's excellent imo.

It's our DVC home. My wife and I like it a lot. I think it's very underrated

 

[Snotbubbles]

Can book Lightning Lanes 7 days in advance if you stay on property. You can book 3 per day and unlike the Genie+ you can book a new one when you tap into one so you can always have 3 queued up. They do have Tier 1's and you can only book one of those in advance.

Will be interesting to see how easy or hard it is to get the popular rides.

Would like someone who uses it to give some updates on ease, cost and tips.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Wow, it rained last evening for about an hour. Hardest rainfall I've ever seen that wasn't a tropical storm or worst. I got stuck in it walking to Terralina for dinner and was soaked to the skin.
As an aside, the drainage in Disney Springs is appalling. You could have swam in the puddle outside Raglan Road.