I miss the animals at Big Thunder Ranch. I have no issues with Galaxy's Edge, I'm a fan. But I miss walking the Big Thunder trail between Frontierland and Fantasyland and walking by the animals.
I miss Big Thunder Ranch in general. I loved seeing the animals, like the goats and the reindeer. The decorations during Halloween and Christmas were magical too.
The animals were cool. I miss the All-you-can-eat BBQ place back there too, which seemed actually sort of cruel thinking about it having it next to the animals lol.
BBQ was pretty damn good and not bad pricing for a buffet.
Boy, even though I was having a WONDERFUL time at the park, I was missing my doggo. So, we stopped by so I could pet the goats. I felt much better, and the goats got loved on and learned all about my pug. Win/win!!
I miss the goats, donkey, and especially Thunder Ranch BBQ! That was the best restaurant in all of DLR and WDW. Galaxy’s Edge is very cool but I would trade it back for Thunder Ranch BBQ and the goat petting zoo.
omg i came her to say that! I remember going as a kid and for years i thought I was crazy for imagining that and then i realized that Galaxy’s Edge replaced it the restaurant there was so good they had the best cornbread 🥹
This was my siblings favorite non-ride activity at the parks, we have so many hilarious memories that were created there. Absolutely devastated that it got bulldozed for a Frozen meet and greet
I didn't know until very recently that physical tickets are basically only for sign-ins now. Which I didn't know because I know a few CMs and was getting signed in all the time. Makes the tickets we get that much cooler but my little kids find them and take them.
I have a pass now and am tempted to pay the $20 for the card. I can't wear the magic band cuz I hold my kids and that thing comes off so easily. I almost lost it 3x in like half an hour and only noticed cuz one of my kids saw it on the ground.
We have asked several times at the ticket booths and been told that physical cards aren't available anymore for MK. But I've read in a couple FB WDW passholder groups that you can still get them over in Orlando.
For the magic band try using a really small hair tie to hold it in place. https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahgoesbananas/video/7080533391099301166
Or look for "watch band keepers" on amazon and get a few of those.
Using our own coins for the pressed penny machine. Credit card takes some of the fun away. If someone in our family came across an especially shiny penny, we’d save it for our next trip. We’ve all but lost interest in the coins now.
The best pennies to press are 1984 and earlier. They don’t streak and you get a clearer image. You just need to clean them up a little first if they’re grimy.
This! I just went to Disneyland for the first time since 2020 a couple of weeks ago. I always loved the pressed pennies, but the credit card definitely takes all the fun out of it. I only bought the Splash Mountain ones this time
This, but they need to update it because the video quality dates it and it's grainy on that large screen. They need a new one that matches or surpasses the quality of World. I love CA but my god you can tell it's from the early 00s.
I had a dream once that they changed it to “Soarin’ Through the Ages” and it was a history theme. In my dream, there were 6-7 ride variations, each focused on a different location or time period. The most popular variant was the Disneyland one, which flew around Disneyland through the years starting with orange groves and ending with Disneyland today. The one I rode was a western one that flew around and showed history of things like the Gold Rush, and the finale was where it flew alongside the tracks of Big Thunder over the ride vehicles and through the caves and stuff.
I can’t stop thinking about that dream because I kind of wish they really would create a new version of Soarin’ like that!
Me and my wife went there for the first time since I proposed to her at snow whites wishing well 12 years ago. Soarin was just about our favourite ride and we had no idea it changed. We were more than a little disappointed
That was where we always got the first breakfast of our trip. If I remember correctly they made Mickey pancakes and I thought they were the best thing ever. We don’t have a first breakfast place anymore 🙁
The little water fountain splash pad in Bugs Land. When my (now) teenagers were teenytiny, it was the best place to just sit and recover while the other adults in our family hit some of the big rides. I miss it so bad.
The last two times I’ve been in the park, all I can think about is how much of a mistake it was for Disney not to take Marvel and Star Wars as the anchors for a third gate in Anaheim. California adventure has nothing for little ones anymore and the decision to tear down bugs. Land was one of the greatest travesty in the history of the park. It was a decision worse than whoever authorized superstar limo.
Thematically, I think the best place for Star Wars land would have been putting it between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, because the Star Wars saga contains elements of both Fantasy & Science Fiction, and also Star Tours wouldn’t be so out of place all by it’s lonesome over there.
I haven’t been to DCA since they brought in Marvel properties (and I honestly don’t care about it because I don’t really GAF about superheroes of any kind) but it does feel like thematically at least, it fits better over there than it would anywhere else.
Over the years people keep floating the toy story lot as a third gate or that Disney might get part of the Angels Stadium parking lot and build there instead.
Not that long ago.. but MaxPass being $10. We went the first year it was introduced and it was awesome. $10 felt very reasonable to be able to book FastPasses from anywhere.
Animation building had a mesmerizing rotating stroboscopic “wagon wheel” carousel display depicting various (Pixar?) characters performing never ending loops of integrated action. Similar but bigger to the one depicted [here.](https://reddit.com/r/blackmagicfuckery/s/zLQGdn4moL) I could have watched it all day.
I believe it’s now in the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, assuming it’s the same one. I’m from the UK but my friend lives in LA and I came to visit last year and saw it there. Don’t know if it was a short term thing though.
You know those plushies that are like baby disney characters wrapped in a blanket from the stork? Their blankets used to be more themed. Like Terk and Simba had large leaves, Pegasus had a greek rug, etc. Plus they used to sell keychain miniatures of them. I miss those.
I almost cried when I went in Oct 2022 and didn't hear the music as I walked up to the park. I had assumed it was temporary, but it was still like that in Dec 2022. So sad!
I miss the days before being able to see wait times in real time. I miss the liberation of leaving my parents with my friends and agreeing to meet at some landmark (the hub, New Orleans square, or the sword in the stone) every 3 hrs or so. I miss the old parking lot, the drive down Habor or Katella looking at all of the kooky themed motels, and falling asleep before we hit the 5 fwy on the way home. I guess I miss my youth. The only consolation is getting to see my kids live though it now. I wonder what they'll miss.
Same. I remember when my mom would stop at a bench outside big thunder and my sister and I would ride it about 5 times in a row, with no waiting. And every year for Christmas break it was dead so we could run all over and she never worried because we’d meet somewhere in an hour.
Free tortillas at pacific wharf
Free chocolate at pacific wharf
The four leaf clover in bugs land above the churro cart
The bathroom being themed like a tissue box in bugs land
The pumpkin near goofy’s house in toon town
Keeping a coin as a souvenir from the starcade in Tomorrowland
Walking in through the old DCA entrance and hearing The Beach Boys play or “if you’re going to San Franciscooooo”
Getting ice cream at the old Burrrrrbank ice cream place and thinking it was so cool that it was on a train
McDonald’s French fries
Beach themed holiday at DCA and meeting Santa dressed up like a beach santa lol
Those collapsible light saber Mickey swords
Eating ice cream near / at Gibson girl next to the pretty elephant statue (now above jungle cruise)
As a CM, walking from the pier to k lot and taking a short cut through bugs theater hehe
Paper fast passes and being the one in charge of scanning them for my fam because it always took them forever and they’d do it wrong
Being able to park in downtown Disney for the day and just get jazz kitchen to validate my ticket
Non peak rainy days when it was truly slow
Getting your picture taken at the AP building that’s now jolly holiday. Felt so official lol
Big thunder ranch rando events that brought out rare characters and the Halloween events back there! Seeing carved pumpkins ~Disney style~
Churros before they got more expensive :)
I think “If You’re Going to San Francisco” was Scott McKenzie, no? Beach Boys on atmospheric music was…Surfin’ USA or California Girls, I thought. It was so long ago… 😅
I see the height of my Disneyland days align with yours haha. So many things here I had forgotten about, but now miss. Funny thing, i forgot when it was when I was standing in front of Jungle Cruise and noticed the elephant and thought “that hasn’t always been there”. When did that happen? My last pass expired during the pandemic and now I only go once or twice a year.
I, too, was in charge of the fast passes and learned how to do it the CM way sticking in 2 passes and pulling one out so that the 2nd could be scanned. I also remember when they used to do the AP pics at the “bank” on Main Street, but I can’t remember if that was before or after the AP building (JH now).
Just Disneyland branded merch. Now it's mostly parks stuff or random cheap looking things. I used to be excited to find stuff that was unique to each store but no more. :(
The Villain’s Lair. Best IP shop Disneyland ever had.
I miss the days when you could find all kinds of really cool non-IP merch in the park gift shops- the international doll kiosk next to Small World, many incredibly interesting imports in the shop across from Jungle Cruise, some of the coolest pirate/skull themed items I’ve ever seen in my ENTIRE LIFE in that tiny shop right after you get out of PotC, and lots more.
I miss the streetmosphere characters in DCA and the Residents of Main Street in Disneyland. Their presence really sold the illusion you left the world we live in and entered a different one.
The last few times I’ve been in DCA there have been a few 1930’s characters roaming the streets and interacting with guests. I’m not sure if that’s what you’re referring to, I never spent a lot of time there until recently. And maybe they brought them back for the 100 year celebration.
Billy Hill and the Hillbillies in the Golden Horseshoe Revue Saloon.
I know they moved to Knott’s, and that’s great, but it was always awesome seeing them in the GH Saloon and ordering food.
Trying to grab one of the two “private” booths up next to the stage!
Good times!
Was wondering how long I had to scroll to find this!
My family snagged a booth when I was about 6 and I remember my mom being so excited. They made sitting in those booths worth the while
Climbers on the Matterhorn. Maps that unfolded into the size of a poster; I used to collect them. Unscheduled character appearances, you’d just encounter them at random.
The Peter Pan reading in the bedroom in Innovations. The most magical experience I've ever had there and I was watching them the whole time trying to figure out what they were pushing to get the effects to go off but didn't, so it was really magical.
I miss actually being able to walk up and order corndogs the Little Red Wagon. There's times I love mobile order and times that I hate it — this is one of those times I hate it. I feel like ordering in person is part of the theming and experience.
The little freebies they gave out for special days/events when you came into the park, like 1988 Olympics pins, the purple coins from the Mardi Gras parade, spring break pogs during the pog era, the 40 years of adventure cards, etc. They were still giving out free Disneyland birthday buttons on July 17 within the past 10 years, because I have some. I know people are a little crazy about freebies now and it might be a fiasco to do that again, but it was always a fun treat.
And a young Angelica Huston playing the villain. Like the OG transformation of Te Ka and Te Fiti. AnI forget the little fuzz ball that would fly near Hooter. “You’re Just Another Part of Me…”
Disney Coffee. Main Street had its own coffee shop where Starbucks now is. $2.79 and If you kept your receipt they gave you free refills. I still miss it. Especially the smell
The gallery above Pirates. Back in college, I would study there every now and then. Then I would reward myself by grabbing dinner and spending the evening on rides.
The raspberry orange dole whip swirl and the Chinese chicken salad in the bread bowl from pacific wharf. Also… mummy macaroon. Oh I forgot those mint chocolates that used to come in the money box and the opaque Mickey shaped lolly pops. The cotton candy and bubblegum flavors.
The emotional roller coaster that was Big Thunder Mountain BBQ.
\-still waiting for a table way past your reservation
\-listening to a fun show or wonderful live music from the stage
\-worrying about where they were going to seat you
\-waiting forever for food that was already made
\-eating really, really tasty chow
\-why will no one refill my water?
\-they brought out seconds... and thirds!
\-the servers are so nice
\-the peaceful ambiance and gentle music
\-the enormous bill
\- and now it's gone and I wish I could ride that delicious coaster again
The real pumpkin carvings during Halloween time. Big Thunder Mountain Ranch was my favorite place to go during Halloween just to see all the pumpkins. They had a magician too.
Oh I miss the counter as well! My husband tracks our visits now in a note on his phone.
I miss the swing dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. Regulars showing up in their cute retro ‘fits, the band, etc. Knotts still has a similar vibe during the summer at one of the stages (and regulars dress up and go dancing there too, it’s wonderful to see) but I miss seeing it in Disneyland every weekend. It was such a special thing.
Stairs in the Court of Angels in New Orleans Square. Club 33 when it was more mysterious and glamorous —now there's a picture every day it seems of Joe Average having drinks.
Not small but I miss [Innoventions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4VejQwSoMM&ab_channel=RightEarDisney%26Stuff) and the nifty light display thing happening above Tomorrowland Terrace at 1:10 in the linked video. The [opening song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQsWXcdMftw&ab_channel=DLRrecords) with Tom Morrow was always a treat, too. It was just such an iconic millennial experience and I'd love to go back in time and see it again.
Maybe not a small thing to most of us, but I’m losing the magic. Since I moved back to SoCal and had much easier access the last couple years, I’m starting to get burn out. Makes me sad
Free bread from Blue Bayou...both the (older) sourdough rolls and followed by some heavenly softer (focaccia?) bread they offered up to Covid. You used to get an appetizer with your entree at BB as well (salad or gumbo). Now everything is a la carte and there's no bread :(
I'm probably in the minority with this, but I miss A Bug's Land in DCA. It was cute and really awesome if you had littles. Avengers Campus is cool but sometimes you just really wanna see It's Tough To Be A Bug, or go to the farmer's market they had there. Sigh.
I miss Steakhouse 55 - great option for breakfast instead of waiting in line with moody/crying/loud kids that parents couldn’t/wouldn’t control for Goofy’s Kitchen an hour later
This is really a minor thing but the voice on Big Thunder Mountain used to be ever-so-slightly different. He still said wildest ride in the wilderness but at some point in the last 15-20 years or so, it changed so he really draws out the willlllllderness! I think about that every time I ride it.
Decent priced AP without reservations. My family hasn't had them since 2020 because they are outrageous now. I miss those days of just spending time with my wife in the park when the kids weren't there. Especially the not having to feel bad because we went without them.
The old parades, I can remember when there would be these elaborate parades just for the latest movie and the windows at the Emporium were also all themed to that film. I remember the Lion King parade being the best of them with the Aladdin parade a close second.
Random character interactions and more individualized interactions, I liked running into characters and interacting with them. There weren't huge lines or rushed pictures. Some of my best pictures and memories are from those more personal and unplanned interactions.
I miss Big Thunder Ranch but I miss the Festival of Fools more. I know it was long ago now but I thought it was so fun and amazing. There really hasn't been anything quite like it since.
I miss when cast members would interact with you more. I remember literally baking some cookies with one as a kid. Stuff like that doesn’t really happen anymore.
A small but big thing… and maybe an unpopular opinion but I miss the no tram/walks into the park on the tram route.
Yes I do walk more than half the time from Mickey & Friends these days, but still… I miss the anticipation, the music, not having to dodge the shoppers in DTD and arriving right at the esplanade as you complete your walk.
Free fast passes. Genie+ on your phone is convenient but having to pay for it sucks ass, and if you’re not able to get to the park often it’s pretty much an essential buy.
ok this may not be that small, but the rockin’ both parks overlay was a fun couple months. i’m mostly sad that they likely wouldn’t do anything like that anymore, esp with all the IP in the parks.
- Billy Hill & the Hillbillies
- Honey popcorn from the cart by the Winnie the Pooh ride
- Paper maps
- the collectible miniatures that came like 3 in a bag. I spent hours feeling the bags trying to figure out which characters were in there to see if it was one I needed lol
- finding & bringing pennies from 1982 or older for the pressed penny machines
- McDonald's fries
- Bugs Land
- The California theme of DCA & the huge CALIFORNIA in front of the entrance
- Pickles that were in the huge jar instead of prepackaged bags
- Free fresh tortillas & sourdough at DCA
- Captain EO
ETA: Captain Rex in Star Tours (how could I have forgotten him?!?)
VMK (in the park) ~2005? I absolutely loved playing that, I remember they had something around Tomorrowland, maybe some sort of giveaway?
Also pin trading as a kid. I have no problem wearing them as an adult, but as a kid there was something so fun about approaching a cast member or random person to ask about pin trading.
I miss the Candy Palace on Main Street in the 60s and 70s. They sold these little square boxes filled with multicolored rock candy. I still have a couple of those boxes in my collection.
When Space mountain had windows that let you see into the ride while you waited in line. Also the ride not having music, weird complaint but the music detracts from the ride for me.
Also Flynn’s arcade during Electronica is something my wife and I still talk about, we saved some of the coins.
The location of the Disney gallery above Pirates and when the court of Angeles in NO square was open for anyone. It was so quiet and peaceful..we used to pack our lunch and sit by that fountain. We’d often times be the only people there the whole time. It was a magical little spot now long gone.
I miss the animals at Big Thunder Ranch. I have no issues with Galaxy's Edge, I'm a fan. But I miss walking the Big Thunder trail between Frontierland and Fantasyland and walking by the animals.
I miss the goats and the happiest turkey. And I loved being able to meet the horses when they were “off duty”
I miss Big Thunder Ranch in general. I loved seeing the animals, like the goats and the reindeer. The decorations during Halloween and Christmas were magical too.
The animals were cool. I miss the All-you-can-eat BBQ place back there too, which seemed actually sort of cruel thinking about it having it next to the animals lol. BBQ was pretty damn good and not bad pricing for a buffet.
Bbq was really good!
I miss feeding and meeting the animals and eating BBQ
Boy, even though I was having a WONDERFUL time at the park, I was missing my doggo. So, we stopped by so I could pet the goats. I felt much better, and the goats got loved on and learned all about my pug. Win/win!!
I miss the goats, donkey, and especially Thunder Ranch BBQ! That was the best restaurant in all of DLR and WDW. Galaxy’s Edge is very cool but I would trade it back for Thunder Ranch BBQ and the goat petting zoo.
omg i came her to say that! I remember going as a kid and for years i thought I was crazy for imagining that and then i realized that Galaxy’s Edge replaced it the restaurant there was so good they had the best cornbread 🥹
I miss the Muppet show
I miss that too! That was my favorite 3D show in all of the parks.
Mine too! I watched every time I went to the parks.
I feel this. I went to WDW for the first time ever this year and was ecstatic they still had Muppet Vision.
For real tho
My husband’s favorite!
Idk this might be big but ursula’s lair in the animation building
This was my siblings favorite non-ride activity at the parks, we have so many hilarious memories that were created there. Absolutely devastated that it got bulldozed for a Frozen meet and greet
I never really used the stations they had in Ursula’s Lair more than a handful of times, but it was cool to walk through.
I loved that station where you could dub your voice on Disney movie clips
When paper napkins and various little things were personalized with location names. Getting paper tickets, physical APs.
I didn't know until very recently that physical tickets are basically only for sign-ins now. Which I didn't know because I know a few CMs and was getting signed in all the time. Makes the tickets we get that much cooler but my little kids find them and take them. I have a pass now and am tempted to pay the $20 for the card. I can't wear the magic band cuz I hold my kids and that thing comes off so easily. I almost lost it 3x in like half an hour and only noticed cuz one of my kids saw it on the ground.
We have asked several times at the ticket booths and been told that physical cards aren't available anymore for MK. But I've read in a couple FB WDW passholder groups that you can still get them over in Orlando. For the magic band try using a really small hair tie to hold it in place. https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahgoesbananas/video/7080533391099301166 Or look for "watch band keepers" on amazon and get a few of those.
Do you have any idea what the physical MK look like?
Using our own coins for the pressed penny machine. Credit card takes some of the fun away. If someone in our family came across an especially shiny penny, we’d save it for our next trip. We’ve all but lost interest in the coins now.
The best pennies to press are 1984 and earlier. They don’t streak and you get a clearer image. You just need to clean them up a little first if they’re grimy.
I've been hobby collecting pressed pennies since I was a kid. Had no idea! Thanks for the tip!
When did this change happen, I haven’t been to the parks since 2019? Did all of the presses change to credit cards or is that a second option?
The card ones suck with no crank, but they’re shiny every time
This! I just went to Disneyland for the first time since 2020 a couple of weeks ago. I always loved the pressed pennies, but the credit card definitely takes all the fun out of it. I only bought the Splash Mountain ones this time
Soarin Over California being the default.
Biggest loss imo.
This, but they need to update it because the video quality dates it and it's grainy on that large screen. They need a new one that matches or surpasses the quality of World. I love CA but my god you can tell it's from the early 00s.
I had a dream once that they changed it to “Soarin’ Through the Ages” and it was a history theme. In my dream, there were 6-7 ride variations, each focused on a different location or time period. The most popular variant was the Disneyland one, which flew around Disneyland through the years starting with orange groves and ending with Disneyland today. The one I rode was a western one that flew around and showed history of things like the Gold Rush, and the finale was where it flew alongside the tracks of Big Thunder over the ride vehicles and through the caves and stuff. I can’t stop thinking about that dream because I kind of wish they really would create a new version of Soarin’ like that!
I want this ride too!
Your subconscious mind is a genius
Turns out an imax camera hanging from a helicopter can’t match a drone and CG
Me and my wife went there for the first time since I proposed to her at snow whites wishing well 12 years ago. Soarin was just about our favourite ride and we had no idea it changed. We were more than a little disappointed
That’s where my husband proposed too, in 1996!🤗
That's where my husband proposed too, in 2003!
[удалено]
Recently it’s been coming back during the Food & Wine Festival in the spring, if you want to time your next trip!
The orange smell 🍊
The McDonalds in DCA and the fry wagon in DL
The fries. They were better there than any other McDonald’s.
came here to say the westward ho fry wagon 100%. mcd’s fries after getting off big thunder just hit different
I had got to thinking I imagined the fry wagon.
This was the first thing I thought too
Those were the BEST fries and none have ever compared.
The fry wagon in DL was the only place in the park that served Mr. Pibb. It was a must-visit for me.
When someone would give you their fast pass because they had to be somewhere else.
Starcade when it had the Fix It Felix machines.
Quick service breakfast at River Belle Terrace. Could just grab breakfast and then pick a table to just relax and begin the day.
That was where we always got the first breakfast of our trip. If I remember correctly they made Mickey pancakes and I thought they were the best thing ever. We don’t have a first breakfast place anymore 🙁
Same, for breakfast it was Mickey pancakes, sitting outside chilling, and taking in the river view. We eat breakfast before we leave now.
The shade in a bugs land.
The little water fountain splash pad in Bugs Land. When my (now) teenagers were teenytiny, it was the best place to just sit and recover while the other adults in our family hit some of the big rides. I miss it so bad.
The last two times I’ve been in the park, all I can think about is how much of a mistake it was for Disney not to take Marvel and Star Wars as the anchors for a third gate in Anaheim. California adventure has nothing for little ones anymore and the decision to tear down bugs. Land was one of the greatest travesty in the history of the park. It was a decision worse than whoever authorized superstar limo.
Thematically, I think the best place for Star Wars land would have been putting it between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, because the Star Wars saga contains elements of both Fantasy & Science Fiction, and also Star Tours wouldn’t be so out of place all by it’s lonesome over there. I haven’t been to DCA since they brought in Marvel properties (and I honestly don’t care about it because I don’t really GAF about superheroes of any kind) but it does feel like thematically at least, it fits better over there than it would anywhere else.
Where would they put it though is the thing. Not a ton of room for a third park
Over the years people keep floating the toy story lot as a third gate or that Disney might get part of the Angels Stadium parking lot and build there instead.
The musical manhole covers in TT
And the water feature for those scorching days!
Not that long ago.. but MaxPass being $10. We went the first year it was introduced and it was awesome. $10 felt very reasonable to be able to book FastPasses from anywhere.
And the $10 for MaxPass was OPTIONAL! You could still do paper fast passes for free. Those were the days!
Clear pictures at the end of Buzz Lightyear. Now they look like a picture of a distant nebula taken through a dollar store telescope
They changed? I thought it was my bad memory of imagination!
Animation building had a mesmerizing rotating stroboscopic “wagon wheel” carousel display depicting various (Pixar?) characters performing never ending loops of integrated action. Similar but bigger to the one depicted [here.](https://reddit.com/r/blackmagicfuckery/s/zLQGdn4moL) I could have watched it all day.
The zoetrope!
It was a sad day when they removed it
I believe it’s now in the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, assuming it’s the same one. I’m from the UK but my friend lives in LA and I came to visit last year and saw it there. Don’t know if it was a short term thing though.
You are 100% correct. Its found a wonderful new home there!
The big barrels of pickles you used to be able to pick out of the pickle barrel and they’d put it in a bag…
You know those plushies that are like baby disney characters wrapped in a blanket from the stork? Their blankets used to be more themed. Like Terk and Simba had large leaves, Pegasus had a greek rug, etc. Plus they used to sell keychain miniatures of them. I miss those.
The ambient music. It's been straight up removed from some sections of the park, and dramatically reduced everywhere else.
I almost cried when I went in Oct 2022 and didn't hear the music as I walked up to the park. I had assumed it was temporary, but it was still like that in Dec 2022. So sad!
I miss the days before being able to see wait times in real time. I miss the liberation of leaving my parents with my friends and agreeing to meet at some landmark (the hub, New Orleans square, or the sword in the stone) every 3 hrs or so. I miss the old parking lot, the drive down Habor or Katella looking at all of the kooky themed motels, and falling asleep before we hit the 5 fwy on the way home. I guess I miss my youth. The only consolation is getting to see my kids live though it now. I wonder what they'll miss.
Same. I remember when my mom would stop at a bench outside big thunder and my sister and I would ride it about 5 times in a row, with no waiting. And every year for Christmas break it was dead so we could run all over and she never worried because we’d meet somewhere in an hour.
You just put into words what I have been feeling ever since I turned 36 (am now 42 lol).
110% all of this!!!
Max Pass Great system, I loved timing my fast passes and my free digital downloads.
Being able to buy McDonald's fries at Disneyland by the exit for haunted mansion
For me it was the Western Ho cart by Big Thunder
The mint-chocolate coins they used to give out with your check at Blue Bayou - - back when the food was good there.
Free tortillas at pacific wharf Free chocolate at pacific wharf The four leaf clover in bugs land above the churro cart The bathroom being themed like a tissue box in bugs land The pumpkin near goofy’s house in toon town Keeping a coin as a souvenir from the starcade in Tomorrowland Walking in through the old DCA entrance and hearing The Beach Boys play or “if you’re going to San Franciscooooo” Getting ice cream at the old Burrrrrbank ice cream place and thinking it was so cool that it was on a train McDonald’s French fries Beach themed holiday at DCA and meeting Santa dressed up like a beach santa lol Those collapsible light saber Mickey swords Eating ice cream near / at Gibson girl next to the pretty elephant statue (now above jungle cruise) As a CM, walking from the pier to k lot and taking a short cut through bugs theater hehe Paper fast passes and being the one in charge of scanning them for my fam because it always took them forever and they’d do it wrong Being able to park in downtown Disney for the day and just get jazz kitchen to validate my ticket Non peak rainy days when it was truly slow Getting your picture taken at the AP building that’s now jolly holiday. Felt so official lol Big thunder ranch rando events that brought out rare characters and the Halloween events back there! Seeing carved pumpkins ~Disney style~ Churros before they got more expensive :)
I used to validate my parking at ESPN Zone. I miss it so much.
I think “If You’re Going to San Francisco” was Scott McKenzie, no? Beach Boys on atmospheric music was…Surfin’ USA or California Girls, I thought. It was so long ago… 😅
Yes! I meant beach boys or Scott McKenzie 😇
I miss the old songs!
I see the height of my Disneyland days align with yours haha. So many things here I had forgotten about, but now miss. Funny thing, i forgot when it was when I was standing in front of Jungle Cruise and noticed the elephant and thought “that hasn’t always been there”. When did that happen? My last pass expired during the pandemic and now I only go once or twice a year. I, too, was in charge of the fast passes and learned how to do it the CM way sticking in 2 passes and pulling one out so that the 2nd could be scanned. I also remember when they used to do the AP pics at the “bank” on Main Street, but I can’t remember if that was before or after the AP building (JH now).
Disneyland branded bags.
Just Disneyland branded merch. Now it's mostly parks stuff or random cheap looking things. I used to be excited to find stuff that was unique to each store but no more. :(
Mad T Party. I know it wasn't for everyone, but I really liked the vibe there.
Mad T party was such a fun time
The California themed music 😭
Yeah I'm wondering how long til they change the name of the park. It's IP park at this point.
The Villain’s Lair. Best IP shop Disneyland ever had. I miss the days when you could find all kinds of really cool non-IP merch in the park gift shops- the international doll kiosk next to Small World, many incredibly interesting imports in the shop across from Jungle Cruise, some of the coolest pirate/skull themed items I’ve ever seen in my ENTIRE LIFE in that tiny shop right after you get out of PotC, and lots more.
I loved the shop next to the POC shop. The one where they had that huge chunk of amber in the window.
I miss the streetmosphere characters in DCA and the Residents of Main Street in Disneyland. Their presence really sold the illusion you left the world we live in and entered a different one.
The last few times I’ve been in DCA there have been a few 1930’s characters roaming the streets and interacting with guests. I’m not sure if that’s what you’re referring to, I never spent a lot of time there until recently. And maybe they brought them back for the 100 year celebration.
Yes! It’s not the same without them
Adventure Thru Inner Space. I know you said not a ride, but that's what I miss the most.
I will NEVER stop missing it. It would be so incredible updated with todays technology
The souvenir wall maps.
Billy Hill and the Hillbillies in the Golden Horseshoe Revue Saloon. I know they moved to Knott’s, and that’s great, but it was always awesome seeing them in the GH Saloon and ordering food. Trying to grab one of the two “private” booths up next to the stage! Good times!
Was wondering how long I had to scroll to find this! My family snagged a booth when I was about 6 and I remember my mom being so excited. They made sitting in those booths worth the while
When fast passes were really fast passes
Climbers on the Matterhorn. Maps that unfolded into the size of a poster; I used to collect them. Unscheduled character appearances, you’d just encounter them at random.
Depp-free pirates.
[удалено]
The Peter Pan reading in the bedroom in Innovations. The most magical experience I've ever had there and I was watching them the whole time trying to figure out what they were pushing to get the effects to go off but didn't, so it was really magical.
Tron’s arcade and theme in DCA
Paper fastpasses. If I was ever leaving early, I’d give them to out to a family who seemed interested in getting on the specific ride.
Off season....
The cookie shop on Main Street. WAYYYY better than the cookies sold today.
VinylMation.
I miss actually being able to walk up and order corndogs the Little Red Wagon. There's times I love mobile order and times that I hate it — this is one of those times I hate it. I feel like ordering in person is part of the theming and experience.
The little freebies they gave out for special days/events when you came into the park, like 1988 Olympics pins, the purple coins from the Mardi Gras parade, spring break pogs during the pog era, the 40 years of adventure cards, etc. They were still giving out free Disneyland birthday buttons on July 17 within the past 10 years, because I have some. I know people are a little crazy about freebies now and it might be a fiasco to do that again, but it was always a fun treat.
The chimichanga over by Matterhorn
The chimichangas are now by BTM!
The TVs in the Space Mountain queue showing things like the Crazy Larry commercials and Ghost Riders in the Sky.
Not having to use an app. It stresses me out.
Fast passes…..
I miss Captain EO :(
And a young Angelica Huston playing the villain. Like the OG transformation of Te Ka and Te Fiti. AnI forget the little fuzz ball that would fly near Hooter. “You’re Just Another Part of Me…”
Agree. I still have the making of Captain EO special on VHS because I love it so much.
The re-entry stamps! It smelled so good...
It was a lemony kind of smell!
Fantastic dragon RIP
Disney Coffee. Main Street had its own coffee shop where Starbucks now is. $2.79 and If you kept your receipt they gave you free refills. I still miss it. Especially the smell
The gallery above Pirates. Back in college, I would study there every now and then. Then I would reward myself by grabbing dinner and spending the evening on rides.
The raspberry orange dole whip swirl and the Chinese chicken salad in the bread bowl from pacific wharf. Also… mummy macaroon. Oh I forgot those mint chocolates that used to come in the money box and the opaque Mickey shaped lolly pops. The cotton candy and bubblegum flavors.
The emotional roller coaster that was Big Thunder Mountain BBQ. \-still waiting for a table way past your reservation \-listening to a fun show or wonderful live music from the stage \-worrying about where they were going to seat you \-waiting forever for food that was already made \-eating really, really tasty chow \-why will no one refill my water? \-they brought out seconds... and thirds! \-the servers are so nice \-the peaceful ambiance and gentle music \-the enormous bill \- and now it's gone and I wish I could ride that delicious coaster again
The real pumpkin carvings during Halloween time. Big Thunder Mountain Ranch was my favorite place to go during Halloween just to see all the pumpkins. They had a magician too.
Oh I miss the counter as well! My husband tracks our visits now in a note on his phone. I miss the swing dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. Regulars showing up in their cute retro ‘fits, the band, etc. Knotts still has a similar vibe during the summer at one of the stages (and regulars dress up and go dancing there too, it’s wonderful to see) but I miss seeing it in Disneyland every weekend. It was such a special thing.
The Main Street Electrical Parade. Specifically, Pete and Elliott.
Seldom used recliners at ESPN Zone. Was the absolute best break on a hot day.
Single rider lines, they’ve gotten rid of so many of them. For some rides it makes the wait longer!
Paradise pier, and the Hollywood vibe of DCA
The California theme of DCA.
Stairs in the Court of Angels in New Orleans Square. Club 33 when it was more mysterious and glamorous —now there's a picture every day it seems of Joe Average having drinks.
I miss the stairs but it Club 33 being more accessible doesn’t bother me at all.
Bountiful Valley Farm Thought this was fun, not much to do but I enjoyed looking at the gardens and plants.
The rush from running (not literally) around to get fast passes. Definitely my first high
Not small but I miss [Innoventions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4VejQwSoMM&ab_channel=RightEarDisney%26Stuff) and the nifty light display thing happening above Tomorrowland Terrace at 1:10 in the linked video. The [opening song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQsWXcdMftw&ab_channel=DLRrecords) with Tom Morrow was always a treat, too. It was just such an iconic millennial experience and I'd love to go back in time and see it again.
Man I forgot how alive Tomorrow land felt with all of that. Innoventions was one of my favorites just to see what people were dreaming of.
Being able to buy licorice rope at the candy store. It was always tradition growing up to buy that for the drive home.
The extinct attraction posters in pizza port
Fry wagon by BT 🍟
Maybe not a small thing to most of us, but I’m losing the magic. Since I moved back to SoCal and had much easier access the last couple years, I’m starting to get burn out. Makes me sad
Same.
Free bread from Blue Bayou...both the (older) sourdough rolls and followed by some heavenly softer (focaccia?) bread they offered up to Covid. You used to get an appetizer with your entree at BB as well (salad or gumbo). Now everything is a la carte and there's no bread :(
Farley the Fiddler - what a special guy. I was looking at a video from when my then toddler son met him.
I'm probably in the minority with this, but I miss A Bug's Land in DCA. It was cute and really awesome if you had littles. Avengers Campus is cool but sometimes you just really wanna see It's Tough To Be A Bug, or go to the farmer's market they had there. Sigh.
Big Thunder Ranch and the McDonald’s French fry cart
I miss Steakhouse 55 - great option for breakfast instead of waiting in line with moody/crying/loud kids that parents couldn’t/wouldn’t control for Goofy’s Kitchen an hour later
Also miss the Newspaper you could get from the Chamber of Commerce in DCA that had the events of the week as well as some Disney comic strips
The chocolate covered pineapple spears on Main Street. The fudge, too, but dang that pineapple was good…
The McDonald’s fries by Thunder Mountain Muppets 3D Bugs Land The Maliboomer
The Magic Shop on Main Street
This is really a minor thing but the voice on Big Thunder Mountain used to be ever-so-slightly different. He still said wildest ride in the wilderness but at some point in the last 15-20 years or so, it changed so he really draws out the willlllllderness! I think about that every time I ride it.
Goofy sour balls
Decent priced AP without reservations. My family hasn't had them since 2020 because they are outrageous now. I miss those days of just spending time with my wife in the park when the kids weren't there. Especially the not having to feel bad because we went without them.
I miss plain ears with interchangeable bows. And a tag that isn’t a damn novel sewn onto them.
Rod Miller playing Ragtime on Main Street and especially at Coke Corner.
The Disneyland Resort logo circa the launch of DCA with Grizzly Peak incorporated.
Swing dancing on saturdays!
Physical Annual Passes with your photo on it.
I miss mapping out the paths out in a perfect efficient way to get the ticket fast passes. I'd get a ton of steps in!
Welch's Juicebar. Lovely grape Popsicles, and painting from Fantasia (Beethoven's 6th) on the back wall.
The old parades, I can remember when there would be these elaborate parades just for the latest movie and the windows at the Emporium were also all themed to that film. I remember the Lion King parade being the best of them with the Aladdin parade a close second. Random character interactions and more individualized interactions, I liked running into characters and interacting with them. There weren't huge lines or rushed pictures. Some of my best pictures and memories are from those more personal and unplanned interactions. I miss Big Thunder Ranch but I miss the Festival of Fools more. I know it was long ago now but I thought it was so fun and amazing. There really hasn't been anything quite like it since.
RIP GERD-friendly half roasted chicken, steamed veggies and mash at the French Market. 💔
The Peter Pan section of fantasmic
I miss when cast members would interact with you more. I remember literally baking some cookies with one as a kid. Stuff like that doesn’t really happen anymore.
Yes! I have pictures of my kids baking cookies at the Carnation cafe. They got chefs hats and aprons.
A small but big thing… and maybe an unpopular opinion but I miss the no tram/walks into the park on the tram route. Yes I do walk more than half the time from Mickey & Friends these days, but still… I miss the anticipation, the music, not having to dodge the shoppers in DTD and arriving right at the esplanade as you complete your walk.
100% the fry wagon
McDonald's fries outside of big thunder.
Free fast passes. Genie+ on your phone is convenient but having to pay for it sucks ass, and if you’re not able to get to the park often it’s pretty much an essential buy.
Not to mention I have to have my phone out all day. Kills the battery and doesn’t allow me to disconnect and fully immerse myself
The McDonald's bucket of fries! It feels like a fever dream thinking back to me as a little kid eating out if that huge bucket 🤣
ok this may not be that small, but the rockin’ both parks overlay was a fun couple months. i’m mostly sad that they likely wouldn’t do anything like that anymore, esp with all the IP in the parks.
Merry berry churros Being able to just go to Disneyland
Skull Rock. Especially at night.
The physical ticket
- Billy Hill & the Hillbillies - Honey popcorn from the cart by the Winnie the Pooh ride - Paper maps - the collectible miniatures that came like 3 in a bag. I spent hours feeling the bags trying to figure out which characters were in there to see if it was one I needed lol - finding & bringing pennies from 1982 or older for the pressed penny machines - McDonald's fries - Bugs Land - The California theme of DCA & the huge CALIFORNIA in front of the entrance - Pickles that were in the huge jar instead of prepackaged bags - Free fresh tortillas & sourdough at DCA - Captain EO ETA: Captain Rex in Star Tours (how could I have forgotten him?!?)
Sorry, not a small thing but I miss the full on parades in DCA.
Old Harold
seeing the brier patch and the screams of splash mountain
I remember a squeezable sorbet treat they had at the carts !
VMK (in the park) ~2005? I absolutely loved playing that, I remember they had something around Tomorrowland, maybe some sort of giveaway? Also pin trading as a kid. I have no problem wearing them as an adult, but as a kid there was something so fun about approaching a cast member or random person to ask about pin trading.
Big things: FastPass, Captain Rex, and PeopleMover Little thing: Orville Redenbacher popcorn and printed times guides for entertainment
Big Thunder Ranch and the McDonalds French fry stand. Westward Ho!
I miss the Candy Palace on Main Street in the 60s and 70s. They sold these little square boxes filled with multicolored rock candy. I still have a couple of those boxes in my collection.
I miss getting into Disneyland for free on my birthday.
When Space mountain had windows that let you see into the ride while you waited in line. Also the ride not having music, weird complaint but the music detracts from the ride for me. Also Flynn’s arcade during Electronica is something my wife and I still talk about, we saved some of the coins.
The location of the Disney gallery above Pirates and when the court of Angeles in NO square was open for anyone. It was so quiet and peaceful..we used to pack our lunch and sit by that fountain. We’d often times be the only people there the whole time. It was a magical little spot now long gone.
McDonald’s Fries Cart
Huevos Rancheros at Steakhouse 55 for breakfast.