Our recent trips to DLR

[daveypoo]

So last week we (ltldeb and I) returned from a week-long vacation at Disneyland. The trip was fun (as usual) but the weather was not as nice as we would have liked. We had rain for a day and a half (the most rain we’ve EVER experienced in DLR in 15 years+ of going there) and it was cold. Temps were in the 50’s and 60’s, but it felt much colder due to the lack of humidity. But again, it was a great time, and we got to spend some time with tE to catch up on things and sort out site stuff. The other down-side to this time of year for a trip is that a lot of attractions are closed for refurbishment so there was a lot less to ride.

Now, we hadn’t been to DLR since 2015, so being away for 2 years, there were a lot of changes we didn’t seem to know a lot about, which is odd since we’re usually on top of such things.

Stuff we knew about:

We knew about ToT being revamped and wished we could have made it out there for the last drop since we were there for the Grand Opening event, but it wasn’t possible. We also saw DCA’s changes back in 2015 at the front of the park and love the look of the park. Carsland remains one of my most favorite places in DCA. We did catch the Frozen show and I have to say it was pretty good.

I vaguely remember talks about the return of the Hatbox Ghost, but had completely forgotten about it and was shocked, and pleasantly surprised to see him in the Mansion. Well executed and really cool.

Stuff we didn’t know about:

Tomorrowland becoming Star Wars Land: I knew they had some things going on, but didn’t realize that most of Tomorrowland was now Star Wars. The change to Space Mountain is actually pretty cool, but the use of the old Carousel Theater just seemed lame. But then again, when they used it for the Marvel characters, it was pretty lame too. What a shame they cannot find a better use for that space.

Security: We didn’t know what they had done as far as moving the security check points from outside the esplanade to the parks to the entry points into the parks and DtD. They also added metal detectors. Now, it does take a couple of minutes longer to get through, but I think it’s faster than what it was, even with the metal detector. And not having to go in and out of security check points between DtD and the parks is SO much nicer. So overall, it’s not a bad change.

Muppets: As we had lunch one afternoon, we saw they were doing a preview for Beauty and the Beast in the Muppet theatre. Then we realized that it was no longer the Muppet Theatre! I looked and saw they had put it on hiatus in 2014 and then referbed the place and it’s no longer Muppets. I know the show is old but it’s a show that has remained funny after all these years. I think that was our biggest shock.

Video additions to some attractions: The Alice attraction is the one that comes to mind the most here. I like the video projections they added…it brings a new element to the ride without detracting from it. I also like the fact that they removed the stupid railings from the part where your caterpillar rides outside.

All in all, it was a fun trip, and we loved being in the parks. We had a 5-day hopper and I’m glad we did. It was somewhat disappointing that a lot of our favorite attractions were closed, and that the weather didn’t cooperate as much as we would have like, it was good. We stayed at the Grand Californian and loved it there too. Having that easy park access it really nice, plus it’s a beautiful hotel.

Did we miss anything? Any questions we might be able to answer? For those who have been to the parks in the past year, what do you think?
_________________
When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.
--Walt Disney

[darlinpeople]

I miss the Muppets too