Key Elements of Disneyland

[kjhorton25]

For you personally, what are some key elements of Disneyland that are still missing from the parks? Everyone seems to have something that Disney still hasn't implemented back into the parks and is very frustrating.
I'll go first: Fantasmic! The biggest show they have, as well as my favorite, is still missing. Granted it looks like they're getting the show ready so that's a good sign.
WoC: I know this one is because of severe maintenance issues during the shutdown but why weren't the maintaining it???
Daytime Parade aka Magic Happens: Do you see my pattern here? Many of the entertainment offerings are still missing. (No the cavalcade doesn't count as a parade).

The biggest key element to me still missing is the entertainment. The stuff that has returned has been excellent, maybe even better than what is was before the shutdown. However, without the entertainment offerings, Disney loses their edge of a seemingly more "premium" product to me. If I want to ride a rollercoaster I'll go to Six Flags, if I want good food I'll go to Knott's. What does Disney do better? That sets them apart? The entertainment, no one else will ever be even close. But at the moment Disney doesn't have that very sharp edge in their arsenal and it is extremely frustrating.

[jish5555]

Honestly, the magic bands should have been an implementation to the parks YEARS ago. I feel that magic bands are a much better alternative to the ticket system and disneyland app, especially for those of us who don't want to be using our cell phones for everything.

[Bob Weaver]

Ticket books.

[Eagleman]

Ticket books.

I miss the old TICKET BOOK......system.......
Specially the "E" tickets
also

Many of the entertainment, offerings.........Why, I rather go down the street to Knott's
and I can "TURN MY PHONE OFF" and enjoy my day !

[Spongeocto4]

I'm disappointed that the hotels have not resumed all their amenities, despite the parks being open now for nearly 5 months.

-No Dining at PPH. (Not even the coffee stand is open!)
-Lite Housekeeping only on every other day
-No Room Service
-No Club Level Service for PPH
N̶o̶ ̶M̶o̶n̶o̶r̶a̶i̶l̶
-NO EXTRA MAGIC HOURS!

I don't understand why TDA is being very lackadaisical with the hotels reopenings*. It feels like they are deliberately sabotaging themselves by offering no incentives to stay at DLR. And yet TDA immediately reinstated incentives for Keyholders and greenlit premium holiday parties. Am I missing something here?

Ticket books.

Don't let Bob Chapek hear that.
Ticket Books = Check Books


*Yes, I'm aware of the staffing shortage. But, it still feels like an poor excuse by Disney.
EDIT: The Monorail has since returned in October 2021.

[Karalora]

For me it's not any specific element so much as an overall atmosphere that I can only describe as relaxed excitement, paradoxical as that sounds. And the biggest obstacle to that is the need to pre-plan and micromanage everything, from ride times to food ordering. It's hard to be relaxed or excited if I'm constantly keeping track of multiple schedules on my phone. That's not Disneyland. I like being able to wander around, take in the vibes, and get on attractions as the mood strikes me.

[brerphysicist]

Entertainment, which is why the first time I'm going back to DL since pre-covid is for Oogie Boogie Bash in October. Sure, it's the same price as admission, but it's a better value because they have a parade, stage show, and performers at the treat trails + short lines for the rides. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention Villains Grove, too.

[Eagleman]

keeping track of multiple schedules on my phone. That's not Disneyland. I like being able to wander around, take in the vibes, and get on attractions as the mood strikes me.

I LIVE -One Day at Time-Step by STEP
and I'm person that goes with how I feel, and what mood strikes me........
When I trying relax and enjoy ,no matter what,
When I can.?..
I also have Business to take of......and try take that kind stuff, early as possible !

When ,I go a THEME PARK
I go to have FUN and Relax.........I not going play, the Disney Game.
IMO

[Co Foo]

The biggest key element to me still missing is the entertainment. The stuff that has returned has been excellent, maybe even better than what is was before the shutdown. However, without the entertainment offerings, Disney loses their edge of a seemingly more "premium" product to me. If I want to ride a rollercoaster I'll go to Six Flags, if I want good food I'll go to Knott's. What does Disney do better? That sets them apart? The entertainment, no one else will ever be even close. But at the moment Disney doesn't have that very sharp edge in their arsenal and it is extremely frustrating.

By my count, there are only four rollercoasters in Disneyland. Space Mountain, Big Thunder, Matterhorn, and Gadget's Go Coaster. I love those rides (not really Gadget's), but for me its the dark rides are what set Disney apart the most.

In terms of food, there a couple of treats that I really like at Disneyland that I can't get elsewhere, but for the most part if I really wanted good food then there are many many better options at better prices to be found throughout Southern California.

[kjhorton25]

In terms of food, there a couple of treats that I really like at Disneyland that I can't get elsewhere, but for the most part if I really wanted good food then there are many many better options at better prices to be found throughout Southern California.

I agree, there are way better places for a lot cheaper to get better food. However, I think what sets Disney apart from everyone else is the atmosphere with the food. I love walking through the park with a churro or some kind of snack in had and just looking and listening to the sounds of happy families enjoying their time at the "happiest place on earth". Seeing other people happy makes me happy and at Disneyland there's a lot of happiness to go around.

[Eagleman]

I agree, there are way better places for a lot cheaper to get better food. However, I think what sets Disney apart from everyone else is the atmosphere with the food. I love walking through the park with a churro or some kind of snack in had and just looking and listening to the sounds of happy families enjoying their time at the "happiest place on earth". Seeing other people happy makes me happy and at Disneyland there's a lot of happiness to go around.

Part I enjoy reading.
That you enjoy Seeing other people happy.......
MYSELF
It does not have be Disneyland......

It it can be all most any where , to walk or find a park bench
and PEOPLE WATCH....and watching, them enjoy them self !

[nostalgic]

The key elements of Disneyland for me are cliche and partly the Disney marketing of long ago, except that I truly observed them myself, just did not notice them at first because I was having so much fun as a child.

1. The quality of the employees, similar to what you find at In-n-Out. Always cheerful, excellently trained in the subtleties of customer service, well-rested and pleasant. I used to marvel at it, especially when I once went to Magic Mountain and Disneyland on the same trip.

2. Meticulous cleanliness. Seeing custodians (also extremely pleasant!) sweeping up any wrapper or popcorn on the ground either immediately or within 5 minutes. Absolutely NO gum on the walls or under the hand rails in lines. I would for years point out to friends that all the touch surfaces with that high glossy enamel paint would NEVER have visible, painted-over, chipped spots. An former Disneyland-employee friend in college explained/claimed that, over night, maintenance would not just repaint, but would sand over any chips and repaint the entire surface so you did not see those chips. I have since learned this makes economic sense, because those edges just lead to more chipping, whereas doing it once the right way lasts much longer.

3. Fantastically themed queues. I would choose to stand in line with my family, and then exit if I didn't/couldn't ride for whatever reason. More entertaining than eating!

4. Rides that had a WOW factor or had some unique quirky element. When the theater moved in Carousel of Progress, the elevator "illusion?" in Haunted Mansion, the earthy smell in Pirates, Abraham Lincoln's voice and the goose bumps. They took an amusement park and turned it into a multi-sensory entertainment experience: educational sometimes, but world-creating definitely. (WDW took the ride vehicle element to the next level. I will never forget when the entire "auditorium" seats started to move in Universe of Energy, for example.)
It sounds like Rise of the Resistance carries on this tradition.

5. Maintaining those rides/atmospheres. Spraying fake dust/cobwebs in the Haunted Mansion?!?! Who does that! Disney!

6. Rides that entertained all generations at once, this probably is the most important.

[Spongeocto4]

Fantasmic! could be returning in time for the holidays. The SS Columbia's refurbishment ends on November 26th(Black Friday). Coincidence?

[Eagleman]

Fantastic! could be returning in time for the holidays. The SS Columbia's refurbishment ends on November 26th(Black Friday). Coincidence?

You could be right......But
My Guess
Fantasmic! .......would not be back to next year! 2022
IMO
we will see.........

[JPPT1974]

Well indeed in seeing. Hope that they can come back in the holidays. Would be nice!

[kjhorton25]

I've heard from a reliable source in the Nighttime Spectacular sound department that they are targeting sometime in February right now. No firm date as of yet.

[Eagleman]

I've heard from a reliable source in the Nighttime Spectacular sound department that they are targeting sometime in February right now. No firm date as of yet.

Which would be Disneyland slow season..........Make sense
to bring in more people!

Again we see

[Starcade]

I am basing this off of everyone's comments, friends who have gone and articles read since I have not been back to the resort since a pre-reopening DCA/DTD visit. :

1. The Trams
2. CM's being supported and trained properly ( this has been waining since Eisner, cheap park just accelerated it.)
3. Parks being clean even in the bathrooms ( the stories I have heard from friends that have visited has been very saddening )
4. Proper upkeep on ride and common areas no gaffers tape on shoddy repairs etc.
5. Being able to walk up and order food in person without issue.
6. Pricing within proper value of what is being delivered. (When many people who can easily afford to go simply do not out of the feeling of being exploited you have a problem )
7. The ability to wait stand by for Rise of Resistance it's not an exclusive club it's a friggin ride at Disneyland, stop it with this false limitation BS.

[Eagleman]

I am basing this off of everyone's comments, friends who have gone and articles read since I have not been back to the resort since a pre-reopening DCA/DTD visit. :

1. The Trams
2. CM's being supported and trained properly ( this has been waining since Eisner, cheap park just accelerated it.)
3. Parks being clean even in the bathrooms ( the stories I have heard from friends that have visited has been very saddening )
4. Proper upkeep on ride and common areas no gaffers tape on shoddy repairs etc.
5. Being able to walk up and order food in person without issue.
6. Pricing within proper value of what is being delivered. (When many people who can easily afford to go simply do not out of the feeling of being exploited you have a problem )
7. The ability to wait stand by for Rise of Resistance it's not an exclusive club it's a friggin ride at Disneyland, stop it with this false limitation BS.

Add
Some people ,don't like the concept, using there phone - doing Disney Business

[Starcade]

I need to add :

8. More attractions up and running. ( I hadn't realized so much was still down.)