Originally Posted By mousieblonde We are taking a one day trip to Disneyland Friday the 13th in February and unfortunately can only stay one full day (Saturday) and then have to fly back for business. We will be celebrating our Wedding Anniversary at the same time. Since we moved to Texas we haven't been able to get to Disneyland and I am as excited as a little kid!. My question is, other than The Pirates of the Caribbean, are there any other rides that have changed, in oh let's say, 5-10 years? Rides that 50+ can take? I am so excited about the trip (I love Disney) and don't want to miss anything new. Did I mention, I am excited about going to Disneyland? ha-ha Any ideas and help would be greatly appreciate.
Originally Posted By Tinkerbell819 IASW has just been updated. SM was updated for the 50th anniversary 4 years ago. Those are the only rides I can remember being changed... Of course, Nemo would be new for you, so check that out. (Buzz might be, too. I can't recall how many years it's been there, but I think it's less than 5.) You could get a fp for SM or Buzz and then wait for Nemo and go back for the others, since they're close by. Tom Sawyer's Island was updated and b/c Pirate's Lair. That's really fun. Although with only one day, you might run out of time b/c it's takes a while to wait for the rafts and all. I'm sure there will be others chiming in with advice and things I forgot. Have a great time! Wish you could stay longer!
Originally Posted By Williamsdisney There is also the pooh bear ride and the new autopia. I think that is everything, except for the new fireworks but, I dont know if they are going in feb..
Originally Posted By monorailblue Jungle Cruise has also been updated with new effects. Haunted Mansion also has some updated effects and show scenes.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 They recently re-opened the Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through as well. Even if you saw it before it closed, it's all different now, with some cool effects in some of the displays.
Originally Posted By gadzuux With only one day, it's going to have to be a 'greatest hits' day. The general plan is to use your early hours efficiently while collecting FPs for later in the day. First things first - arrive early. Get an FP for 'space mountain'. If the wait is short, you may want to ride, otherwise skip it for now and head over to the west side of the park. The idea is to get an FP for 'splash mountain' as soon as your window opens. In the meantime, you can click off 'pirates' (somewhat revamped in the last five years), indy, maybe the treehouse and maybe 'mansion' (also small revisions relatively recently) - all the while working your way west and towards the 'splash' FP machines. As long as you're over there you might as well ride 'pooh' - never a wait. You are now in possession of two of the most prized ducats in all the kingdom. And as you probably already know, you can cash them in any time after the start time for the remainder of the day. If you have 'hopper' tickets - and you really should - you should time your day so that you cross over to DCA in time to catch the final showing of aladdin - even if you've seen it, the show provides a nice long 45 minute sit in a comfortable chair. You'll be ready for it by then. BUT! Schedule enough time to enter DCA and beefore you head to the hyperion theater for the show, stop and get FPs for 'soarin'. For later. You'll be glad you did. Many people will make a beeline for TOT after the aladdin show lets out. Resist the temptation and visit the 'animation exhibit' - very easy low key time that allows the mob to thin out. TOT is a high capacity attraction that can absorb the crowds quickly, so you're likely to have a much shorter wait by giving them 30 minutes or so. You may also want to check out 'muppets' and/or 'monsters' - both often have relatively short waits. And on to TOT afterwards. Then, after TOT, your 'soarin' FPs should be ripe. After that, you have some time to tour the other side of DCA and decide on 'screamin', 'mania' or whatever else strikes your fancy. The idea here is to re-enter DL proper around 9pm - shortly before the fireworks show. You can either bully up toward the castle forecourt for best possible viewing, or you can choose to set up on the DLRR platform at the end of main street - an excellent vantage point that's usually not too crowded. The other advantage of this is that you can immediately board a train outta there when the fireworks are over. This is important because so many people head down main street and leave the park after the fireworks that you might feel like a salmon spawning upstream by going the other way. I recommend the train station platform - good logistics. You'll probably want to head over to the river for the 10:30 showing of 'fantasmic'. When that's complete you can cash in your 'splash' FPs. From there you're almost done. You've got your 'space mountain' FPs left, which is a great way to end the day. But you'll probably also want to squeeze in a trip on the 'nemo subs' - later is better with this attraction. Best to wait until late. If it were me I'd do 'nemo' then 'space' in that order. You may even have time to catch a few of the smaller fantasyland rides. The place is often mobbed all day long but easier late at night. Pan can have long lines even late, but toad, alice pinocchio, snow and the others are often walk-ons. And while you're there be sure to visit the reopened walk-through diaramas inside the castle. I've done this touring plan several times with guests, and it works out surprisingly well. It's not too rigid, it's more what you'd call "guidelines".
Originally Posted By monorailblue I would frankly skip DCA, with only one day, and spend the time in Disneyland. There is more than you can possibly do, and, if you are like me, you feel like time spent going from park to park (out turnstiles, in turnstiles), etc., feels like you are marching all over creation for no purpose. Obviously, there are lots of things to do in DCA, but if you've only the one day . . . .
Originally Posted By mousieblonde Thank you everyone for your great advise. I have taken note of everything and will be sure to schedule things the best as you've stated. I wish it were more days but sadly not this time around. I appreciate you all taking the time to help. Looking forward to the trip no matter what but knowing the updated rides helps a lot.
Originally Posted By charming husband Don't forget to post a trip report and let us know how wonderful your trip was!
Originally Posted By Mary Poppins Congratulations on your anniversary, mousieblonde! It seems to me if you celebrate at Disney, you can't go wrong in whatever you choose. Have fun!
Originally Posted By mousieblonde Thank you all for the information and the congratulations. I am going to have fun even if it rains all day!
Originally Posted By Hista98 I would say spend some time in dca for sure, just to see the new park and some of its offerings!!
Originally Posted By Darkbeer First off, I also recommend avoiding DCA, save it for a day you have more time. As for Disneyland, some changes from the last few years... The Opera House has a movie featuring the 50th Anniversary with Steve Martin instead of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, I would save it to the end of your trip, and see it if you have time. Nice way to end the day. Tiki Room is the same show, but the attractions has been totally refurbed and is in very good condition. Jungle Cruise has new scenes and the same old bad jokes. Haunted Mansion has a few new effects, nothing major, but still nice. Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh would be new, and usually has no wait to ride (next to Splash Mountain, in the former Country Bear Jamboree building). Tom Sawyer Island has had a major makeover to a Pirate's Lair theme. The tunnels have some very nice interactive things. Worth a look if you are into the changes. Big Thunder Ranch now offers a Petting Zoo. Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough has reopened with a totally new look and all new scenes. "small world" reopens February 6th, and Disney is calling it an "enhanced" version. Basically adding some Disney Characters through the ride, plus a new USA area replacing the Rainforest area. (But the Rainforest characters got moved around and are still in the attraction). Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is a interactive dark ride that replaces the Rocket Rods queue area (Former Circle-Vision). The Monorails are a new version (Mark VII's) The Autopia might be new to you, new tracks, loading area and remodeled cars. Innoventions is new, the lower level is now a Dream Home featuring electronics you can find in the home, upstairs has ASIMO, the robot Honda built to help humans who need assistance. It is an interesting show, check with the staff (CM') for showtimes. Space Mountain has been updated, new music and totally new backgrounds. (Track was replaced, but remains the same design). Princess Fantasy Faire is now where you can meet and greet the Princesses, long waits, so not a must see. Ariel's Grotto is now Pixie Hollow, home for a Tinkerbell Meet and Greet, also a long wait. Unless you are a Tink fan, not a must see. Shops and Restaurants have changed. A couple of main ones. Rancho del Zocolo serves basically Mexican food. River Belle Terrace is now a Sandwich shop. Think that is it. As you can see, there is a lot to do in just Disneyland. But if you are a Southern California resident, they are currently offering the 2fer, otherwise known as "Pay for Disneyland, get DCA for FREE!" ticket. In that case, pick one up, and then you will have 30 days to return and check out DCA on that second visit.
Originally Posted By mousieblonde Thanks again for all the info. Unfortunately Darkbeer, I am now a Texas resident and this is why I am really going to enjoy the trip, even if it is only one day. I miss going to Disneyland; we would try to make it there 3-4 times a year when we lived in Northern California. But it's not as easily a drive as before. Thus, only one day to play. Anyway, I have taken notes from all that have given the great advise and we will plan trying all that we can. The FastPass idea was really helpful by gadzuuk (thank you). But everyone had great feedback and I appreciate you all taking the time to reply. Did I say "I love Disneyland" lots? Even at ahem over 50, I still feel younger when thinking of Disneyland and I think that's the way it's supposed to be, right? God Bless you all and have a wonderful New Year.
