May 2021 – Finding Sally

My thoughts on my Disneyland visit May 25, 2021.

Knowing things are changing all the time these days, I thought it would be helpful to write out a detailed account of my visit on Tuesday, May 25th. Of course, some of these items may no longer be relevant over the course of the next few weeks, but this is how things looked as of yesterday at Disneyland.

To avoid any last minute crises, make SURE you have your ticket and reservation ready on your phone!!

Tram is not operating from the parking garage. It’s a 3/4 mile walk to the park. I just was not interested in dealing with the unknowns of the parking situation.

Parked at work in Huntington Beach and took Uber straight to Uber drop off/pick up area on Harbor Blvd. Only a very short walk to the security area.

Getting thru security check point was a breeze. Took maybe 1 minute total.

Checked my temperature.

Checked my purse.

Walked through metal detector.

Done!

Many signs on Covid rules and safety precautions. They truly are doing the best they can do to keep people safe.

Got to the gate. Again, it was a breeze. I was the only person in my lane. Showed my mobile ticket and got through in no time at all.

Upon first glance, it seemed pretty empty. The entrance area and Main Street were pretty sparse. It felt awesome, but almost a bit too lonely for Main Street?? But not to worry! Over by New Orleans Square/ Haunted Mansion/Pirates it was very congested, as usual.

Random thoughts and observations:

1. Ride lines were not short at Disneyland. Pirates = 45+ minutes. Splash Mountain = 45-60 minutes. Haunted Mansion = 45 minutes. Pooh = 25 minutes. Rise of the resistance = 40+ minutes. Peter Pan = 45+ minutes. Small World = 40 minutes. Reason being, they cannot fill the ride vehicles (boats, cars, etc) to capacity, so each vehicle may be only 50% filled (or less) versus 100% filled. This slows down wait times significantly. California Adventure was much more empty than Disneyland and ride lines were definitely shorter. Little Mermaid wait = 15 minutes. One weird and annoying first for me was the start of the “virtual queue” on the mobile app for certain rides, including Indiana Jones. Apparently the”queue” was full for the day and no walk up riders were allowed. Major bummer! Jungle Cruise is closed for major remodel. No Disneyland train or Monorail either. No submarine. No Lincoln theatre or Mickey Mouse cartoon theatre on Main Street either.

Note that any ride that usually has “indoor” lines are now all set up as outdoor lines. So the lines for rides do appear much longer than normal because everyone is outside. Also, add in the socially distanced tape lines which adds a lot of space between riders in lines.

2. Getting food was definitely a challenge if you did not order via mobile app ahead of time. A good number of restaurants/dining locations were closed in both parks. Check before you go for current status. Food cart lines were very long and slow. The only cart selling pretzels was at Frontier Land. They were running out of different menu items and would walk down the line to let people know what they had run out of. Some dining locations had a 30+ minute wait if you showed up and wanted to order via the mobile app on the spot. Flo’s Diner at California Adventure had a pretty short line, but could only take cash as their credit card processor was down. Half of the Cone Motel food teepees were closed. The line at Starbucks on Main Street seemed extremely long, however, I believe most of the line had to wait outside versus inside due to Covid safety precautions.

3. Tape lines were placed on the ground at all rides. People were very respectful of the lines. People were not crowding you. Everyone kept their distance.

4. Everyone and I mean EVERYONE was wearing a mask. And the cast was VERY strict about when and where you could lower your mask to eat or drink. Had to stop and sit on the ground or on a bench or at a table if you want to lower your mask to eat or drink. Before knowing this, I was reprimanded for lowering my mask to take a bite of my cookie while walking. I think people want to be at Disneyland SO BADLY that NO ONE wanted to break the rules. You are NOT allowed to lower your mask to eat or drink while in line for a ride. That is a bit rough when the line is long and it’s 84 degrees out and you are standing in direct sunlight. But again, I have to say: NO ONE could claim that they got Covid at Disneyland. It would be more or less IMPOSSIBLE if you are following the rules.

5. They had cast members who were sweeping and wiping down tables and handles CONSTANTLY. Under normal conditions, Disneyland is very clean, but now it is EVEN MORE SO.

6. Hand sanitizer machines and hand washing stations everywhere. You could not walk more than maybe 20 feet without seeing another hand sanitizer machine or hand washing station. I thought this was GREAT!! I hope they keep up with this forever!

7. IF YOU WERE AN ANNUAL PASSHOLDER: the whole legacy pass/link to your mobile app profile issue was a major pain if you, like me and apparently many others, did not receive the email with the “legacy pass” access code and instructions. The entire cast seems to be misinformed on how this works and how to fix it if you are one of the unfortunate many who didn’t get this taken care of before arriving at the park. And trust me, you are NOT getting your AP discount ANYWHERE until it is linked to your mobile app profile. After a handful of frustrating purchase experiences, I ended up going to the City Hall kiosk (City Hall is closed for Covid safety)and a very nice cast member there, Cathy from Palos Verdes, got it straightened out for me once and for all. BE SURE TO TAKE CARE OF THIS BEFORE YOU GO. CALL MEMBER SERVICES FOR HELP IF YOU DON’T HAVE IT LINKED ALREADY.

8. It was a toss up in terms of cast members’ attitudes. Some seemed SO happy to be there and see people again, others seemed completely confused and lost and uninformed, while others were visibly ambivalent, unhappy, and unhelpful. I do hope this changes because a happy,helpful cast member can make all the difference in your Disneyland experience! Shout out to Cathy at the City Hall kiosk. Over and beyond friendly, nice and helpful!!! Shame on the unhelpful, grumpy employees at Disney Clothiers (the older woman manager was very accommodating, but the rest need a refresher course in Disney customer service!)

9. I was sad to see none of the cast members in Star Wars Land were “in character”. When I was there several times around the opening of Star Wars Land, all cast members (those who work in the stores and food/drink locations) were TOTALLY in character and it was so fun!!! This time, none of them were (other than those in costumes – Chewbacca, storm troopers on stage, etc). I hope that changes back as well.

10. Oga’s Cantina was closed. So sad!!

11. I was happy to see the characters that I did see, but it would be fun to have more out and about. C3PO, etc. But I do understand they would probably be mobbed which is not in line with Covid safety precautions.

12. At Disneyland, the characters are far away and roped off so they won’t be mobbed by guests. You can wave and take pics but nothing close up. At California Adventure they would come up behind you by maybe 6-10 feet (mostly at the fountain at Carthay Circle) and you could either take a selfie or have a friend (or the Disney photo pass photographer) take your pic. But cast members are not allowed to touch your phone.

13. No parades. No fireworks. Praying they will make a come back soon!!

14. Many many very frightfully miserable children and babies at the Park yesterday. Nap time was definitely being missed! I think everyone is out of practice on what it’s like to be out and about for the day.

15. Depending on mask regulations going forward, bring a handheld fan, as it is VERY HOT to have a mask on all day in the warm sunshine while playing at Disneyland!

16. Overall an absolutely glorious day to be back at the Happiest Place on Earth, but definitely a few logistical and personnel snafus. So so so thankful I got to spend the whole day there yesterday!!!! 15 months is a LONGGGGGG time with no Disneyland in my life!!