Disney: Expectations vs Reality
For lots of people, planning a trip to Disneyland can be the trip of a lifetime.
Whether you're a first time visitor or an annual pass holder, this means that there can often be a lot of pressure on you and your Disney trip to be "the best", or "the most magical" ever – and unfortunately, this can often set you up for a bit of a fall...
Whether you're a first time visitor or an annual pass holder, this means that there can often be a lot of pressure on you and your Disney trip to be "the best", or "the most magical" ever – and unfortunately, this can often set you up for a bit of a fall...
This blog post is dedicated to the less glamorous side of Disney trips – I have listed the five most common misconceptions people have about Disneyland trips in this fun "Expectations vs Reality" post.
Enjoy! And please remember that this is just meant to be a bit of fun! Sure, there are some rather annoying aspects of visiting Disney parks, but we just wouldn't have it any other way!
- Mercedes
1. Your Arrival
Enjoy! And please remember that this is just meant to be a bit of fun! Sure, there are some rather annoying aspects of visiting Disney parks, but we just wouldn't have it any other way!
- Mercedes
Expectation...
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Mickey welcoming guests to Disneyland | Image Credit: Disneyland |
...vs Reality
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The queue for check-in at Disney's Hotel Santa Fe, Disneyland Paris | Image Credit: DLP Genie |
However, in reality, your arrival couldn't be further away from the bliss that we see on our TV screens. If you're staying on-site, you're most likely to instead be greeted by a very long queue at the check-in desk of your hotel, amidst the wails and screams of children that just want to see Mickey and friends.
If you're visiting Disneyland Paris, and you have the luxury of staying at Club Level, this can be a fantastic way to beat the queues and have a much more relaxing check-in experience upon arrival. Other ways to avoid the horror that can often await you at your Disneyland Hotel are staying during off peak season, and arriving to the hotel late: check-in is usually at 3pm and crowds at this time (and from about 11am onwards) can be unbearable.
The good news is that checking out of your hotel can be as simple as returning your room key through a postal box. Result.
Expectation...
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Myself and Grumpy standing in front of Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disneyland in China |
...vs Reality
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My Mum, Sister and I standing in front of Cinderella Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Florida |
Who doesn't got to Disney Parks in search of getting that wonderfully perfect Castle shot. We've all seen them on Instagram; just you, the castle... pure joy.
But in reality, when you get to Disneyland, you'll notice huge crowds all around the most iconic structure at the happiest place on Earth.
So how do people get these castle shots?
Well, it takes a lot of patience and some very clever photography. It can be done, but be prepared for it to be a little strategic.
That shot of Grumpy and I? We got very lucky! Apparently guests don't flock to the Storybook Castle in Shanghai for photos in the same way that they do elsewhere!
But in reality, when you get to Disneyland, you'll notice huge crowds all around the most iconic structure at the happiest place on Earth.
So how do people get these castle shots?
Well, it takes a lot of patience and some very clever photography. It can be done, but be prepared for it to be a little strategic.
That shot of Grumpy and I? We got very lucky! Apparently guests don't flock to the Storybook Castle in Shanghai for photos in the same way that they do elsewhere!
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Get creative! |
My top tips for getting that perfect castle shot, without the crowds, are exploring different angles and locations – is there a quiet area at the side of the castle you could shoot from ? Can you ask someone to shoot you from below so that you get your face, the castle and the sky in the shot only? And also, going to the central hub of the park at quieter times – can you book a late night reservation so that you're one of the last people in the park?
Get creative with your photography!
Get creative with your photography!
3. Disney Food
Expectation...
Expectation...
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Raspberry and Pineapple Swirl Dole Whip at Disneyland Resort |
vs Reality
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Halloween Cookie at Disneyland Paris Resort | Image Credit: Maleficent Adventures When it comes to Disney food... Please. Do. Your. Research. It's safe to say that some parks and resorts need more attention in this area than others (Paris and Shanghai, I'm looking at you) but guests should definitely take extra care whichever resort they are visiting to effectively research the dining options and food offerings available. And, not only can it be difficult to find a snack worthy of an Instagram shot (Paris, I'm looking at you again) but dining reservations are a whole new world to navigate... The most popular restaurants fill up fast, so be sure to call the Disney Reservations line to make your bookings well ahead of travel so that you're not disappointed. And, as if that's not bad enough, there are some restaurants at Disney Resorts like Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Café that don't take reservations at all – so after a full on day of queuing to see characters and queuing to ride attractions, you may also find yourself queuing for a table, only then to be told that a table will be ready for you in an hour's time! Be smart when it comes to navigating food at Disneyland parks. 4. Visiting with Children Expectation...  Happy Children at Disney's Magic Kingdom | Image Credit: Mickey Blog vs Reality  Grumpy little girl dining with Snow White | Image Credit: YouTube |
I know that Disneyland is kinda, sorta meant for children, but hear me out!
You're in Orlando in July. It's hot and humid. You've been walking around for hours, and queuing for attractions for even longer. You also didn't get to meet Mickey because his line was 2 hours long and you didn't want to miss the parade. Oh, and did I mention that you had to queue for 30 minutes to pick up a mediocre burger and fries? Of course your kids are going to get cranky!
If you're visiting Disneyland with children, plan ahead! They will need air conditioning if you're going to a warmer resort, plus plenty of sunscreen and water... and naps! They will need naps! So make sure you bring your stroller along for the ride too, or even better, plan strategic trips back to your hotel room so that those little ones don't get burnt out!
I don't have children, but I sure as hell remember being one! Walt Disney World especially can be tiring and overwhelming. Don't expect family harmony on your trips 100% of the time... be realistic, there will be tears.
5. Meeting Characters
Expectation...
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Look how happy Anna and Elsa are to see you! There must be characters all over Disney parks and resorts just waiting to meet you, right? | Image Credit: Undercover Tourist vs Reality  Disney Parks can get busy! And queuing for characters is a normal part of Disney trips | Image Credit: The Sun If you're hoping to meet Disney characters during your trip, be prepared to plan ahead to find out which characters are available to meet and greet with and when... and be prepared to queue. I once queued with Grumpy for three hours to meet Moana... no lie!  If meeting and greeting characters is a must for you, there are some smart ways to avoid big queues. First of all, make sure you know the drill – in some resorts like Disneyland Paris, it might be that you have to book a meet and greet reservation through an app. Do you research – FB groups and TripAdvisor forums can be very helpful, or if you're staying on-site, you can ask your hotel concierge. I would also highly recommend character dining! Yes, it's expensive, but you're guaranteed a character experience like no other... with not a queue in sight!  My sister, my friend Jo and I with Princess Aurora at Cinderella's Royal Table |
And that's a wrap! I really hope you have found this post helpful (and humorous!)
I would love to know what you think should be added to the list for a part 2! Send me your suggestions @mercedeslois
I would love to know what you think should be added to the list for a part 2! Send me your suggestions @mercedeslois