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SusieMouse
08-26-2007, 04:15 PM
I was in DLR in early June 2006. I had a wonderful time, the park was clean, and the CM's that I met were wonderful. I enjoyed each and every day at both DL and CA.

My friend has been there twice and she said the park was filthy, people were extremely rude and the CMs were less than helpful. She has family out there and they told her that's pretty much the way DLR always is?? I have to disagree because I feel that if the park were always filthy and CM's were that horrible, it wouldn't be tolerated and I've personally experienced otherwise on one occassion.

So, what's the consensus?? I am looking for some real DLR experiences. I read the trip reports here and everyone seems to have a wonderful time while there. Did I get lucky or was she unlucky two times??

I have plans of going again in June 2008 as I can't imagine things are as bad there as she said.

Carol
08-26-2007, 04:50 PM
Well .. I was there for a week in November and just got back from another week long trip earlier this month. I did not find the parks filthy -- or even dirty for that matter. I would think if that were true I would have seen it during the hot summer crowd season. :shrug:

ChipnDaleGal
08-26-2007, 05:13 PM
I have been very impressed with the cleanliness of the entire Disneyland Resort. And it is all so beautifully landscaped as well. I can only say good things about cast members I have interacted with as well. :thumbsup:

teamblackwell
08-27-2007, 03:24 AM
Maybe your friend was at six flags? lol

Disney Babe
08-27-2007, 04:21 AM
Well, I have been going to Disneyland for over 40 years and never thought it was dirty, let alone filthy. If I could think, basically over my entire lifetime, that DL is clean then I'm assuming she's making a mountain out of a molehill.

There is a bit of a problem sometimes with guests throwing their used bottles into some of the waterways or planters, but that is not DLR's fault. It is the fault of the lazy and disrespectful guests who do such things. That's a syptom of our culture of waste and in no way reflects on DLR or even the people there. It certainly doesn't stay like that all day, either. Plus, I have read posts about fans who have said they are bothered when other guests do not use the recipticals so they make sure they pick up any trash left in queues by guests because they love DL so.

If your friend actually used the word "filthy", I wouldn't take her words at face value because that is extreme talk. You could ask her to describe what it was she saw. I bet she will mostly just continue to use extreme words.

Which CMs did she think were less then helpful? The ones doing crowd control who have to maintain order? The ride operators who make sure you are not standing to close to the edge and that you safety belt is tight? Sure, CMs are helpful. They also have a serious job to do sometimes and at times must exhibit authority for our safety.

People there are rude? Yep. People there are also nice. What you concentrate on is how you will view it. Sounds to me like you are concentrating on the good things, and your friend is concentrating on the bad things, not that you are just getting lucky.

I wouldn't take her too seriously. When people have a bad time at DL, it's generally because they are unhappy people who expect things to be perfect and see lots of flaws when they are not.

SusieMouse
08-27-2007, 10:41 AM
Thank you for the great replies so far. I have a tendency to believe that Disney Babe has got the right idea here. The thing that grates on me is that she tries to make it sound like I'm the one who is delusional and that my having a good time and thinking the park was amazing is the exception, not the rule. That sort of makes me crazy because she devalues the experience I had.

While I like WDW's Magic Kingdom, I found that we (my daughter and I) really loved DL much more. The magic seemed more prominent, there wasn't this big rush to "get it all in" because of all the other parks to explore. We had several days to experience it and I think that definitely lended to the "magic" of our trip as well. We are going back June 2008, and I'm sure it will be just as awesome as the first trip.

2Epcot
08-27-2007, 01:04 PM
I have been to Disneyland many times, more then I could ever count, and at no time have I ever vseen the parks filthy. I would also agree with much of what Disey Babe said. The CMs have to be able to control the crowd especially during Fantasmic.

During the evening hours sometimes parts of the park become a one-way only route. CM's have to enforce this, because if they don't the walkways will grind to a halt. I've been stuck in a mass a people that doesn't move AT ALL for a good 5-10 minutes, and that isn't fun. Unfortunately if you are trying to get to a specific place and come face-to-face with a CM who is sending you the other direction it may appear rude, but they are just trying to keep things orderly.

2Epcot
08-27-2007, 01:09 PM
Also .... :welcome: SusieMouse to Intercot!

*tinker_belle*
08-27-2007, 01:51 PM
To me, Disneyland is the cleanest amusement park EVER. There are constantly CM's cleaning up and making that place spotless. It's the way Walt would have wanted it. I've never before felt dirty or filthy in Disneyland ever.
Also most of the CM's i have encountered have great attitudes and are happy to be doing their job and helping out. I have only had maybe one or two run ins with rude CM's in ALL the times i have been to DLR. I have to agree with DisneyBabe. Some people choose to see the glass as half empty rather then half full.

ChipnDaleGal - I LOVE your Billy avatar!

MMouse6937
08-27-2007, 03:07 PM
I'm going to disagree and I'm sure I'll get flamed. :thedolls:

We were in DL last Sept after going the same week year after year to WDW. My DH and I to a certain degree thought the parks were dirty. Not filthy, just not what we're used to. Every ride and attraction we got off of felt like someone had put some slime all over it. I felt the constant need to wash my hands over and over. We both got bronchitis on the way home. Do I totally blame that on DL, no, just seemed like a strange coincidence and not what we have ever experienced at WDW.

As far as CM go, we didn't experience anyone outright rude, nowhere near. We did find the CMs gossiping outside the front gate queue a little strange as well as the general lack of CMs being social. They seemed almost shocked when DH or I said "hi, how are you today?". No one was outright rude to us at all.

I think on the whole all Disney parks are clean and above par as compared to other theme parks, but we definately noticed a difference in DL from WDW and it wasn't really for us. Just our opinion.

SusieMouse
08-27-2007, 04:44 PM
One of her largest complaints was rude guests (how can DL control that?). In terms of rude Castmembers, she felt those that were especially rude were those who were character handlers. She said, they didn't form lines (as they do in WDW) or that the characters simply walked around without a handler and didn't stop for autographs or pictures.

I really didn't experience this in my time there either. I did see free characters (no handlers) and it seemed people weren't clamoring for autographs from them. They just wanted to say hi or take a quick pic... something that doesn't necessarily require a line. I felt the free roaming characters were sort of quaint in that they were more like citizens of DL rather than "attractions". Obviously, I took a more positive outlook than just the characters simply being autograph machines. I really liked just seeing Mary Poppins riding the carousel and escorting children on and off the ride. I liked watching Alice, Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit chase each other around the tea cups. Alice was really playing it up that day! I didn't feel the need to hound each and every one for an autograph. At Villain's Lair, the lines were formed perfectly for the EQ and CdV.

So, I guess it is all in how you look at it...

mook3y
08-27-2007, 04:52 PM
Maybe your friend was at six flags? lol

LOL exactly my thoughts... They were describing Six Flags, not DLR!

Disney Babe
08-27-2007, 06:07 PM
SusieMouse, the free-roaming characters is a Disneyland thing from wayyyy back and I agree that when they roam around it is more like they are citizens of DL. I haven't liked the autograph thing for a long time and now it seems that guests just expect that and sometimes have fairly selfish attitudes about it or get offended if their child doesn't get an autograph, face time, etc. My personal opinion is I don't think that Cinderella should be treated like the Paris Hilton of the younger set!

I'm glad to hear that you encountered the more traditional way that characters behave in DL, which is something I remember fondly from my childhood. Personally, I think it's more special for a child to suddenly see a character and say, "Look, mommy, there's Alice!" or to unexpectedly find they are riding the carousel next to Mary Poppins.

I think the Princesses all hang out at the Disney Princess Faire now and children can get autographs there, right next to It's a Small World, at set times. I read that the Princesses no longer do autographs in front of the Castle because of that, so maybe your friend did not know where to find them.

The Disneyland Marching Band now has the most amazing show in the late morning, starting at the Castle. Guests are asked to form a semi circle there in front of the Castle before the show. The band comes playing and marching through the Castle and over the drawbridge. Then characters coming walking through the Castle (great photo opps) to dance with the band very close to the edge of the crowd. I have seen the characters singing to and interacting with the children there. The Mad Hatter asks if it is anyone's unbirthday and picks lots of kids from the crowd to come up and dance with the characters. When they finish the show there, the band leader asks everyone to follow Mickey Mouse and the band as they march down Main Street. In the middle of Main Street they stop and play songs with Mickey helping to conduct. Kids and adults along the sides of the streets get into it and dance and/or clap to the music. It doesn't get really crowded because no one really expects it. Then they go down to the train station steps and play some more, asking a child to help them conduct. If you haven't experienced this, you might get a chance in June.

You are doing the right thing by joining Intercot. DLR and WDW can be so much more enjoyable when you know what to expect, when you hear the latest news, and when you can share your good feelings with those who feel the same.

:welcome:

Chescat
08-27-2007, 08:15 PM
I'm surprised also. I've been going to the park probably at least once a month since the 90's and at least once a year back to the 60's.

Most of the time when the characters are roaming, its that they are going between places. I see interaction with people and like Disney Babe said, that's really not the point to try for an autograph. If anything its guests that tend to be rude and almost tackle characters at every turn.

If you see any park anymore there is a degree of "stuff all over the rides". People these days are just so rude and figure they can throw their trash anywhere and children are following accordingly. Worst I normally see in a ride is a water bottle. If a child does get on a ride with sticky hands, the cast members really don't know that there is something there unless they are told. They can't clean off things after each ride. I take it in stride and notify or hand things to the cast members as I exit the ride. The bathrooms are normally in better shape of any place I normally go.

I believe they do the best they can with the amount of people that are in the parks (40,000 or so). They always have the people out with those brooms and trash things. Yes at restaurants (not the big ones), you sit down and have to clean off your table. That's because you normally are like a vulture waiting for somebody to leave. I see that even in local fast food places.

Sometimes people have look for things to be wrong just to criticize. Your friend if she had the experience twice and says the park was filthy, I really thing there is more too it.

I would like to know what she thought of Six Flags. That place does scare me. :cool:

WiLdOrCa
08-28-2007, 09:47 PM
I grew up in Garden Grove, going to DL all my life and moved to Washington State and now have been there on and off at least once a year since for the last 20 years... I've experienced that everyone has their own version of "filth" "clean" and "dirty" etc... While no place, park, eatery, etc.. can be perfectly clean and up to par for "everyone"... I think DL and CA certainly is above the standard. To me, it's amazing that you don't see gum on the ground, and spills are picked/mopped up pretty quickly, and yes there is trash in the most awful places like the water, nooks and crannies.. but you gotta give the CM's credit. They have a heck of a job out there!!!! I have seen people think that CM's are rude, and talk back to them when they are doing crowd control.. and I certainly grumble sometimes too, when I have been corded off and moved around the long way unexpectedly, but I smile and tell them keep up the good work and go along my way. It's not easy to go around sometimes, believe me, I've seen DL especially so crowded, during peak times, that you can't move anywhere! But, alot of people have their moods, and perfections and want perfection on their vacation. And even people there cannot be controlled by the CM's but they certainly do their best to keep it down to a dull roar. Alot of gripes I've seen is when you sit for a long time and wait for Fantasmic or the parades in a prime spot, only to be moved, especially during Fantasmic... many guests don't know where they can sit and I will warn people that they will more than likely be moved, they don't believe me, and then they get moved and they GRIPE at the CM about it.

So, filth or not, rude CM's or not.. it's that own person's perspective due to their wants/needs/moods of the day I'm sure. If it was that bad, I'm sure the guest would seriously complain to City Hall eh? Everyone loves to find SOMETHING bad about anything.

oh well....:mickey:

Life Is Good.. enjoy it and quit complaining I always say. Breathe, it's not so bad, it could be worse!

Vickie
Kent, WA

PS: I've only had ONE bad case of rudeness at DL. My mother protected my young boy's several years ago during a wait for a parade. We'd been sitting there for almost 2 hours for the Lion King Parade.. a women came up with her little boy and asked if she could sit in front of my mom who was standing next to a trash can on Main Street. My boys were in front of her and I was next to them. There was no room, and she pushed through anyways! The parade had just started, and she stepped on my boys offering no apologizies. I was gonna say something,but my mom got so mad, I have never seen her say anything like she did!!!! That woman tried to get a CM to help her, and they didn't, because they knew we had been there awhile and had talked to them on and off for that time we were there. My boys are VERY patient,and they were 2 and 4 at the time. They are now 15 and almost 17. That didn't give a bad view of DL at all... but I'm sure that lady was upset that the CM didn't stand up for her. If you are late for a parade and get there as it starts, you need to give space to those who have been there before you and not push through. I plan our time around these big events! And you can see me with my own typed up plans, so it makes for a fairly well planned and enjoyable day there especially during peak times. I will always give these ideas to people when we are sitting and waiting, and talking to others. It's sound advice to make the visit much more enjoyable! Okay, I'll shut up now! ( And yes, I too have picked up trash when someone has left it! Because I love the place!)

BrerGnat
08-28-2007, 11:16 PM
As they say..."your friend is trippin"

I go to Disneyland about once every other week. I've been doing that since 2001. I have two kids, 3 and 1. I let them walk (crawl, when they were not walking yet) all over Disneyland and I pretty much let them touch whatever surface they want. I NEVER feel that any surface is so filthy that I don't want my babies touching it. Of course, I wash their hands often and use Wet Ones wipes like they are going out of style, but the truth is, the dirtiest part of Disneyland is the ground, and it is the worst in the outdoor seating areas of the Counter Service restaurants, but that is to be expected. I think the janitorial staff at DLR does an EXCELLENT job keeping the place clean. I actually feel more protective of what my kids touch at some of the parks in our neighborhood than when we are at Disneyland. I feel that Disneyland is one place where I can let them explore freely and NOT worry about how dirty it is!

On the subject of rudeness, I have NEVER encountered a rude CM at DLR. The rudeness comes from the guests, and I've had run-ins with rude guests more times than I wish were the case (the last being this past Sunday). DLR CM's are friendly, at the very least, and downright wonderful people to talk to in the best cases.

I think DLR is one up on WDW for BOTH cleanliness and friendliness of the CM's.

Disney Babe
08-29-2007, 02:25 AM
Today I remembered something I saw on Main Street a couple of weeks ago. It was about 9:30 am and I was walking around the shops and heard a loud cheery voice saying, "Good morning! Good morning" I looked up and saw that it was the CM who was driving a Main Street vehicle. She was waving at everyone on the street and saying, "Good morning." Now, tell me, are you going to find that sort of thing happening at any other amusement park?! In addition to just being downright friendly, it made the idea of Main Street in middle America come to life.

Here's another thing I noticed. When I paid for my lunch at The French Market I made a point to ask the CM how she was in return for her asking how I was. She seemed happily surprised that someone asked about her. This made me think that maybe too often we, as guests, treat the CMs like just background and maybe if we asked how they were and wished them a good day etc., we would be helping to make DL a more happy place for everyone. I also said Aloha to the CM at the turnstile as I entered the pre-show area for the Enchanted Tiki Room and he got a kick out of that, as if most guests just walk on by.

drevlo
08-29-2007, 05:40 AM
I cannot recall a time when either of the DLR parks were what I would consider "dirty", and that includes times when massive construction was going on.
Heck, forget about Six Flags (which can be really nasty!) just cruise into Knotts Berry Farm, and you'll see the difference. I do not consider Knotts to be "filthy", but when compare to the DLR, there is no contest.
Now, while my family and I have not personally had any negative run-ins with any CM's...I will admit that in the past five years or so, we have come across a few more "disinterested" employees then we had experienced in the past. Not saying that anyone was rude....but they certainly weren't helpful either.

Cheers!

SusieMouse
08-29-2007, 01:45 PM
I just want to thank everyone who replied here. You have sort of restored my feeling that I was not completely off-base or wrong in my sentiments about how wonderful DL and CA were while I was there. My negative friend has a sister in law that lives out in California near Disneyland and apparently she said DL is always a mess and full of rude CMs and guests. So, of course, because she lives out there, she must know what she's talking about although she's only been there like twice in 10 years and one of those times was with my negative friend?? :huh:

I guess I just wanted some confirmation and ammunition for the next time she starts bagging on how horrible DL is, how crowded, blah blah blah...

tinkwest
08-29-2007, 02:55 PM
I have a friend who used to put down Disneyland a lot. According to her the rides were always broken down, the crowds were smothering, the CMs were of no help whatsoever, on & on & on.

Last year, for our DDs' birthdays, this friend and I traveled up to the DLR with the girls. The first thing we headed for was Space Mountain. Just as we entered the main boarding station room, the announcement came on the speakers that the ride was temporarily shut down. My friend immediately went in to her "What did I tell you - this stuff always happens" routine and was ready to leave the line. I told her to calm down, enjoy the chance to check out the detail in the room we were in, visit with the girls, and just wait it out. In less than 10 minutes we were on our way and enjoying the ride. The rest of the day was up, up, up from there.

She learned that attitude has a lot to do with your experience.

brownie
08-30-2007, 11:58 AM
We were at Disneyland in the middle of June, and I didn't find it dirty, let alone filthy. Both parks appeared to be well maintained.

As for service, it was good, but I didn't find it to be as good as we've experienced and come to expect from Disney World.

*tinker_belle*
08-30-2007, 01:30 PM
I just went to the parks yesterday and was actually admiring how clean everything was. I don't even go to other amusement parks but i have in the past and all of them are sickening! Six Flags is the worst. DLR is all around the cleanest and best looking park. They really keep up appearances here.
The only time i felt supremely dirty at DL yesterday was at the end of the day after i had sweated all day in near 100 degree heat and after i hadn't washed my hands in awhile (you start to accumulate a sort of sticky grime after touching so much stuff). Other then that, that park itself is spotless and every CM was so friendly and really happy. I love that :)

Disneyluvr2
09-01-2007, 12:21 AM
OK, here's my "clean" Disneyland story. A couple of years ago I took a November trip to the park. since it's usually cool that time of year I packed my jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts. I threw in one pair of shorts "just in case" it happened to be warm enough one afternoon to wear them. Well, it just so happened that weekend there was a heat wave and it was in the 90's all weekend!!! I ended up wearing that one pair of shorts all weekend long because it was too hot for jeans. I sat on the ground to watch the parade and fireworks and you know what, my shorts stayed clean all weekend long! Oh, I forgot one little detail....my shorts were WHITE! Now, I'd like to see someone try that at any other park! Only at Disneyland can you wear white shorts all weekend long and stay clean! I rest my case!:mickey:

future_imagineer
09-03-2007, 11:25 AM
We were at DLR in July of this year... it was perfectly clean and the CMs were as nice as the ones at WDW.

Disney Babe
09-04-2007, 04:02 AM
Hi Disneyluvr2! I have also worn white shorts to DL. Actually, they were overalls with Disney characters on the pockets. I wore them on each visit since 2002, except the last one. (Just wanted a change.) Mine always got dirty on the backside. :( Of course, I expected that. It was always easy to get the dirt out, though! No greasy stains, etc.

Disneyluvr2
09-04-2007, 11:05 PM
Maybe I was just lucky...or extra careful knowing that I only had ONE pair of shorts to wear!:D