We used to make an annual spring break trek to Disneyland
and California Adventure. We did so again this year, but it’s been a few years
since we did both.
2919: both
2018: neither
2017: Disneyland and Universal Studios
2016: Disneyland and California Adventure
There have been a lot of changes since both 2016 and even
2017, mostly for the better. Here’s what was new for us. And no, we weren’t
there in time for the Galaxy’s Edge opening.
The Mark Twain in the Rivers of America, with Galaxy's Edge in the background. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan |
Both parks
Walking to the parks:
The hotel (we stayed at one of the fleabag places off Katella) told us the walk
to the parks would be 20 minutes, which seemed crazy, since it was less than
half a mile. But then we realized why. When walking from Katella and Disneyland
Drive, we used to cut through Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel to get to the
parks – you entered very close to the security area and park entrance. No
longer. You’re not allowed into the Grand Californian unless you’re staying
there. And the entrance to the hotel via Downtown Disney has a turnstile and
security. Instead you have to walk a few blocks out of your way, around a
parking lot on the other side of the street, and then enter at the beginning of
Downtown Disney. It was not well marked. We ran into a British family who had
been wandering up and down the street multiple times, and they asked for help
getting to the park. A Disney employee had to tell us how to navigate it.
The Downtown Disney monorail station. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan |
Security: The bag
check and metal detector used to be very close to the park entrances. Now it’s
at the beginning of Downtown Disney.
Downtown Disney:
We did enjoy walking through and seeing all the shops and restaurants. The LEGO
store has some great LEGO sculptures outside (including Beauty and the Beast)
and a big Aladdin and magic carpet inside.
Toy Story creations outside the LEGO store. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan |
FastPasses: They
finally added FastPasses for Disneyland’s Matterhorn, It's a Small World, and California
Adventure’s Toy Story. Long overdue! The FastPass has a one hour arrival window
– use from noon to 1:00 p.m. for example. It used to be that once you reached the
entrance time for the FastPass (let’s say noon), you could use it at any time
after, regardless of the expiration time. That changed years ago. Now, you can
use your FastPass 5 minutes before it starts, and up to 15 minutes AFTER it
expires. We tested this out, arriving 10 minutes after the expiration period,
and could still use the tickets. We asked the cast member, and she told us 15
minutes is the latest. So you do have to watch the times when planning out your
FastPasses.
Also FastPasses no longer use paper tickets - the paper ticket is given by the machine as a reminder, but it will not work as your entrance ticket. Your FastPass is stored on your actual Disneyland ticket (also on your Disney app if you pay for the MaxPass - reviewed here). This is a paper saver for MaxPass users, but means you can't give someone your unused FastPass or possibly use the FastPass multiple times in a row late at night if the cast member doesn't collect it. Not that we've done that. Many times.
Also FastPasses no longer use paper tickets - the paper ticket is given by the machine as a reminder, but it will not work as your entrance ticket. Your FastPass is stored on your actual Disneyland ticket (also on your Disney app if you pay for the MaxPass - reviewed here). This is a paper saver for MaxPass users, but means you can't give someone your unused FastPass or possibly use the FastPass multiple times in a row late at night if the cast member doesn't collect it. Not that we've done that. Many times.
A list of upcoming FastPasses to use on, as seen on the Disney app. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan |
Mobile
ordering: This was around a few years ago, but we tested it out. I can’t
believe we didn’t use it earlier. At certain restaurants, you can order from
your app, and put your credit card information in (the app will store the
credit card number if you want). Then when you arrive at the restaurant, you
click “I’m here” and go to a specific window. You will avoid the line and
hardly wait any time at all for your food.
We tried this at Bengal Barbecue and
also at the Dole Whip place outside the Tiki Room. As usual, the Dole Whip
place had a huge line. We literally walked into the Tiki Room outdoor waiting
area, ordered a Dole Whip in 20 seconds, clicked “I’m here” and told the woman
at the register who we were. She then walked over and got the Dole Whip for us.
It took all of 60 seconds total, while the other losers were still standing in
line. It costs nothing extra to use mobile ordering. Note that participating
restaurants may not have the entire menu. We tried mobile ordering at Pacific
Wharf in California Adventure, but ended up waiting in line because the menu
options were too selective.
Look for the mobile order pickup sign when you're ready for your food. The app's listing of our FastPasses. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan |
Dole Whip float. Photo courtesy of Patrick Pelletier/Flickr. |
Max Pass: The MaxPass is new since we last went - we write a whole review of the MaxPass here.
Disneyland:
Star Wars: Galaxy’s
Edge: This opened at the end of May, and we were there in April. We could
see the mountains rising in the distance, behind Toontown. We got a glimpse
from Big Thunder Mountain, but the best view we got was from the railroad.
Also, a nice view from the Rivers of America, on the top deck of the Hungry
Bear Restaurant.
Galaxy's Edge. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan |
Scene changes: A
few additions/changes in the Haunted Mansion (a hitchhiker holding a cage with
a head), Pirates of the Caribbean had a new octopus holding gems and the water
vapor with a pirate talking was gone (too bad – we liked it). In Indiana Jones,
they added a vapor strip with something on it – it wasn’t done well. We asked,
and you’re supposed to see rats running across the vapor, but in our 3 times
through the ride, that was lost on us.
Disney treats. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan |
California Adventure
Pixar Pier: They
updated the former California Pier to Pixar Pier. It’s mostly subtle, but
there’s the Pixar lamp on top of the Pixar Pier sign, and it moves.
Part of Pixar Pier. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan |
Incredicoaster:
The California Screaming roller coaster became the Incredicoaster. They added a
plot line (basically, try to catch Jack-Jack) a new soundtrack, and a few
scenes throughout (plus the actual cars are now themed). Disney cleverly uses
the covered arches to further the story line with lighting, and the big reveal
was that in the second arch, when Jack-Jack is offered a cookie, you smell
chocolate). I missed most of the story line because I was too busy trying not
to throw up. Some interesting facts: it launches you from 0 to 55 MPH in four
seconds at the beginning. It’s the 8th longest roller coaster in the
world, and 3rd longest steel coaster, which is not so good when you
feel ill.
Incredicoaster. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan |
A Bug’s Life becomes
Marvel Land: A Bug’s Life is now closed (and unfortunately, so is the
cut-through). Marvel Land is in the works.
Tower of Terror
became Guardians of the Galaxy: We were NOT happy that they closed Tower of
Terror, especially to convert it to a Marvel ride. That said, they did a good
job. The interior lobby was themed as Tivan’s collections (in glass boxes). The
Guardians had come on a “tour” and ended up in cages. You come in and get your
biometrics scanned, and the raccoon will use that identification to cause
generator problems, so the Guardians can be released. The lift you’re on goes
into chaos (it’s a drop ride) and spoiler alert! The Guardians are released at
the end. The ride is generally the same as Tower of Terror, but the drops are a
little different, and you only look out the top open window once (photo is
taken). See more
about the collections here.
Guardians of the Galaxy. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan |
Radiator Springs
Racers: The Fast Pass distribution area was moved due to the dismantling of
a Bug’s Life. It’s now in the Ornament Valley area overlooking the track, when
walking past the ride. It’s also a great place for photos. The distribution
kiosks are adorable, and there’s a national park type sign showing the
landscape. Read it. It’s really clever. Also, if there’s a Disney photographer
around, take advantage. We got our best photos of the day here.
The FastPass distribution kiosks. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan |
You can see more closings and refurbishments on Undercover
Tourist. We bought our discount Disneyland tickets through them, in spite
of some nerves that maybe they weren’t legit. Not only are they legit, but I clicked
on my Rakuten
(formerly Ebates) link
first, and got money back from the purchase. Yes, this is an affiliate
link, but I earn money back every year – a $5 minimum for the check to be sent
each period, which is easy to earn with online shopping. There’s my ad.
Carsland. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan |
Advice for Disneyland and California Adventure.
How to use a FastPass at a Disney park.
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