Recently, my family and I embarked on a journey to Disneyland in September, eagerly anticipating the Halloween festivities in full swing. We were especially excited to attend the highly anticipated Oogie Boogie Bash. However, to our great disappointment, we didn’t enjoy our time as much as we did when we visited in August last year before the festivities began.
Let’s delve into our experience at the Oogie Boogie Bash. Although marketed as a family event, it felt more like an adult-only affair that was oversold. As we navigated through the park, it became apparent that doing “it all” was simply not feasible. The lines were absurdly long, and the presence of alcohol led to some unruly behavior from intoxicated guests. It was disheartening to witness my child being inadvertently toppled by inconsiderate individuals.
Another issue we encountered was the presence of what many refer to as “Disney Adults.” These are adults who are deeply passionate about all things Disney and relish meeting characters. While it’s perfectly acceptable to be a fan, some Disney Adults seemed to prioritize their interactions with characters over others. This resulted in lines being held up, leading to frustrated children (including my own) being forced to move on without the chance to meet their favorite characters. Additionally, the photo op lines for most characters reached mind-boggling wait times of 45 minutes or more.
After a rather rough night at the Oogie Boogie Bash, we were eager to embark on our next day’s adventure with Hopper passes, allowing us access to both parks. We arrived early at California Adventure, hoping to make the most of our day. However, even with the advantage of early entry and the assistance of the Genie service, our options for rides were severely limited. To our dismay, the Genie service, which was supposed to make things easier, ended up pushing reservation times to late hours, essentially forcing park attendees to either endure long lines or pay an additional fee to bypass the wait. With a four-year-old in tow and a limited attention span, we were forced to carefully select which rides we could experience within our constrained timeframe. The wait time for the Haunted Mansion, which was currently transformed with a Nightmare Before Christmas theme, was listed at a staggering 3+ hours. On average, most rides boasted queue times of over an hour, and there were a few attractions that were plagued with frequent breakdowns.
Then came the issue of parades and fireworks. We initially thought the daytime crowds were challenging to navigate, but they paled in comparison to the chaos that ensued during these events. Families diligently staked out their spots several hours in advance, and some were even relocated due to designated “VIP sections.” It became increasingly frustrating to find a decent viewing spot for the parades and fireworks, as the crowds seemed to multiply exponentially. The lack of ADA accessible parking and room was also completely unacceptable. In multiple instances, we heard that disabilities requests were being denied or cast members were being very rude about it.
To compound our challenges, we discovered that the weekend we were there happened to be a period of significant “character testing.” This means that new face characters were being introduced to the public, but if they didn’t meet certain standards, they were quickly pulled from the lineup. Consequently, lines for character interactions were frequently shut down or delayed, adding to the mounting frustration of those eagerly awaiting their turn. The combination of character testing and the constant appearance of VIP tours, who were given priority access, further exacerbated the frustration of those waiting in line. This issue plagued both our Princess experience and our encounter with Elsa and Anna.
Ah, VIP Tours, a subject that evokes mixed emotions among those waiting patiently in line. The long wait times were already disheartening, but witnessing individuals who could afford the VIP Tours bypass the lines automatically only intensified the frustration. On a couple occasions the children of the VIP families made comments like “Suckers, we don’t have to wait in that line” without anyone reprimanding them or batting an eye. Parents around us were appalled and getting even more frustrated. I engaged in honest discussions with other families about whether it would be worth it for us and pondered how we could utilize that money for other experiences instead. For a lot of families the sentiments was “It must be nice to have that must extra money to just spend $5000 for one day at Disney” and truthfully I think that’s how most Americans would feel.
So let’s address the elephant in the room: the cost. There’s no denying that visiting Disneyland comes with a hefty price tag. Ticket prices per person per day can average around $100, and that’s only for one park! If you wish to indulge in the luxury of “Park Hopping” or exploring both parks, the cost escalates. When you factor in additional expenses, such as Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, the total expenditure quickly adds up. Throw in some souvenirs and a character buffet at $70 per person and the bill can rack up quick. This essentially creates four distinct classes of Disneyland attendees:
- Disney Members: These are the fortunate individuals who have purchased yearly memberships for Disneyland parks. They manage to recoup the cost within just a few trips and often utilize their visits to relax and savor the experience at their own pace.
- Disney VIP: For a minimum fee of $5000+ per day for a group of nine or fewer people, you can revel in the privileges of front-of-the-line access, personalized reservations, and the best seating available for Disneyland entertainment.
- Disney With Genie: Many visitors opt to enhance their day by adding the Genie+ service per person. This allows them to make Fast Pass reservations for rides that offer this option, helping them optimize their time in the park.
- Regular Visitors: Families who visit Disneyland without any additional perks or services, navigating the park with the standard ticket options.
Most American families are 3-4 people, so one day is easily costing a family $400 just to walk through the gate. This isn’t even including parking or hotel stay either. A lot families will save money by staying off property but the walk can be a deal breaker for those with small children. So Disney incentives families to stay on one of its three properties that are an easy trek through Downtown Disney. These hotel room don’t run cheap on average running $400-$1000+ a night, but they do offer “early morning entry” so you can ride 30 minutes before everyone else on specific rides. Between the ability to go back and forth to the park and the early morning entry for some parents it’s no brainer to spend the extra money staying on property.
We mustn’t overlook the topic of food and reservations. It’s important to note that dining reservations must be made at least 60 days in advance, and the entire park experience relies heavily on the Disneyland app. The app serves as a lifeline for visitors, enabling them to check wait times, make reservations, view menus, and even complete mobile check-ins. To ensure our phones didn’t succumb to battery depletion from utilizing the app and capturing precious memories, we had to carry portable chargers with us throughout the day.
In conclusion, Disneyland holds an indescribable allure for many, particularly those who grew up enchanted by Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in these beloved fandoms. However, the reality is that the price of experiencing this magic can be steep, and the overcrowding issues can dampen the overall enjoyment. It’s crucial for Disneyland to strike a delicate balance between profitability and ensuring that families who invest their hard-earned money have the opportunity to fully relish their visit. After all, the magic of Disney should be accessible to all, regardless of their financial status.
