Rate the 2008 Disneyland resort summer (merged threads).

[ni_teach]

The summer is coming to an end. What did you think of the resort this year?

We had two new things, with Toy Story Midway Mania and the Pixar Parade both at the DCA. I thought that both were good, but at the same time the parks seems to lack something and I can't put my finger on it.



So go ahead and rate the summer and post your comments.

[sarah2021enator]

I live in northern CA and this is the 1st year I've had an AP. I've been to the park 6 times this year; so for my boyfriend and I, it's been amazing. I've also discovered Micechat this year, and have loved reading just about everything on here. I've learned so many things and have lived vicariously through all the trip reports. I have experienced PPP and TSMM once and I was impressed with both. I'm excited by anything new at DCA.

[Brandon]

With no Block Party Bash it was not as fun.

[MickeyMousePal]

It was great with So Cal being blocked almost all summer line waits weren't so bad.

[Luke Manning]

With no Block Party Bash it was not as fun.

It was for me. Hated Block Party Bash, absolutely adore the Pixar Play Parade. Plus Toy Story Midway Mania is now the best attraction at DCA!

Fantastic summer, & the rest of the year looks awesome as well!

[MsSarah]

I went twice over the summer, both times were a lot of fun but then again, I don't remember a time at Disneyland I haven't had a good time. The icing on the cake would have been if it rained, and the crowds were down even more

[PrincessY]

It was for me. Hated Block Party Bash, absolutely adore the Pixar Play Parade.

Totally agree, Luke!!!

[Luke Manning]

Totally agree, Luke!!!

Finally someone does! LoL!

[PrincessY]

Finally someone does! LoL!

Oh, there are a few of us (smart people) out there who disliked BPB.

[Villains Fan]

While I wouldn't rate this as the best summer (that honor goes to the 50th anniversary of Disneyland), I thought it was a great summer.

The good points:

-Toy Story Mania - a great new ride to play on!
-Smaller crowds - On all the Sundays I went, there were minimal crowds, so shorter lines
-The new menu at French Quarter - we can always use some new variety to the food offered at Disneyland
-The news of the exit of McDonalds


The bad points:

-Not having IASW to cool off in on those hot days
-The disappointment of the House of the Future in Innoventions
-Not being able to ride the new Monorail during the day

I'm not a big parade person, so I didn't list either parade as good or bad. I've seen both the PPP and BPB a few times each and like both equally.

[MickeyMousePal]

Wrote: Luke Manning:

It was for me. Hated Block Party Bash, absolutely adore the Pixar Play Parade.

I'm so glad Block Party Bash is gone to much screaming...

[ceecee D]

We had several sets of out of town visitors so it was fun to see it through their fresh eyes. And I Love TSMM, I've become addicted, more than my kids. So that made this summer extra fun for me.

[JiminyCricketFan]

With summer now over, and Labor Day finished, we can assess what was a hit and a miss. So what do you think went right and wrong for the parks this summer?

Here are my votes:

RIGHT

Disneyland-- I would have to say Nemo Submarines. I know that they did not open this summer, but the lines for the attraction are still as long as they were soon after their opening. The novelty has not warn off.

California Adventure-- I would have to say Toy Story Midway Mania was a big hit with all in the park.

WRONG

Disneyland-- Pirates Lair. I really feel sorry for the pirates who have to perform from the island. They don't attract a large crowd despite being very talented musicians and entertainers. The front of the island is blazing hot to see them perform with little shade or seating. It is time to vote the pirates off the island and bring them back to NOS for special shows.

California Adventure-- Toy Story Midway Mania. While his is a great attraction, it was designed with too low a capacity. This ride screams to be repeated, but because so few can ride it per hour, it becomes a point of frustration. The queue is also poorly designed so it blocks traffic on the pier. It also is hot with no Air Conditioning. It makes for a long unpleasant wait for a very nice ride.

[Datameister]

I never went this summer, so I can't say firsthand. I was under the impression that not a whole lot happened this summer, though, aside from TSMM. Crowds were low for summer, not a whole lot of major non-TASMM stuff happened, and the resort continued to be a fun place to be. ::shrug::

[ttrocc7007]

I still can't get behind DCA, so with that in mind...
The entire Indiana Jones Summer Of A Million Hypes bugged me no end. There was nothing worse than fighting my way through a late afternoon Adventureland crowd only to have all traffic come to a dead halt as a couple of goons were having a fistfight somewhere above. That along with the moronic spiel additions to the jungle Cruise were just plain bad and distracting.
The parade has become stale, and as grand as the fireworks presentation is, I think it should be scaled back a bit so that not so much of the park needs to be closed off for staging.
I still find Fantasmic to be intrusive as well. I miss a leisurely Mark Twain cruise on a warm summers night.
The 80's greatest hits cover bands at the Tomorrowland Terrace continue to be laughable.
Likewise, enough already with Bill Hilly and the Hillbillys.
The general upkeep of the park continues to suffer with its lack of fresh paint and general maintenance. In late August I was astounded by the number of burnt out lights throughout the park.
The entire 'Year Of A Million Dreams' promotion.
The best parts of the summer?
The very light crowds throughout.
The continuing improvement of the quality of food.
The continuing good nature of the CMs throughout.
The looks on the kids (mine included) at every turn.
The latest baby goats at the Circle D Ranch.
As well as any semblence still in place of the original intent of Walt Disney himself.