Disneyland Resort guests describe smothering conditions as spring break crowds flock to the Southern California Disney parks.
Spring break is notoriously one of the busiest times to visit Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, surpassed only by the week between Christmas and New Year’s and the Fourth of July. As public schools, universities, and employers give families time off, thousands flock to the vacation destinations.
Easter is still a month away, but the spring break crowds have already hit Disneyland Resort, and some guests say the Southern California Disney park isn’t doing enough to manage them. Disney Parks fans recently shared their thoughts on Reddit.
The conversation began with a post from u/spotheadcow, who said their recent visit made them decide to take an extended break from Disneyland Resort. “The magic is being smothered by the crowds,” the Disney Park guest wrote.
“When they took the benches out and widened the walkways a few years ago it was to increase the number of people that could be let into the park. And yes they are filling the park to its limit most days, it seems. Now the lines are too long for rides and food. There aren’t enough tables in the restaurants. The cast members are overburdened. The wonder and magic in the park is dying. Instead of appreciating the music and views on my way to the next ride, I’m on my phone booking a lightening lane. It’s stopped being magic and it stopped being fun. So I’m voting with my wallet. I used to go 3 times a year for a week at a time. I need a break. Maybe someday, if things change.”
The magic is being smothered by the crowds.
byu/spotheadcow inDisneyland
The post amassed hundreds of upvotes and supportive comments. Some Disney Parks fans argued that the lack of live entertainment (worsened by entertainment layoffs earlier this year) makes already crowded seasons worse.
“Complete lack of live shows makes it feel busier too,” said u/tokyoturtle0. “They need to actually add new rides, not spend millions re theming ones.”
“We for sure noticed this over Christmas when the parade was cancelled for rain,” u/mostlylurking6 replied. “Many thousands of people would have been stationary along the parade route for at least an hour, but instead were making Fantasyland (even more) miserably crowded lol.”
Still, others said nothing but capacity limits could fix Disneyland Resort’s crowd-level problem.
“The crowds are UNREAL,” u/bringtwizzles wrote. “Unlike anything I have ever experienced. You can tell that the cast members are feeling it too, their rudeness is palpable.”
“Last time I went, you literally can’t take 2 steps in a line, because there are people in every direction 6 inches from you, moving in different directions,” said u/sexfighter. “Waiting an hour for a 30 second ride? No.”
Many guests agreed that worsening crowds influenced their decision to avoid Disneyland Resort.
“This is the first trip I’ve ever taken where I’m not looking forward to our next trip,” u/toastedmarsh7 commented. “We used to be local APs but since we moved away I’ve brought my kids back every other year for a week long visit. This visit has been much more crowded than it was during our last visit in 2023. I don’t know that we will come back. We’re thinking about a European trip for our next big vacation in 2027 so we might try to find an extra couple of days to check out Disneyland Paris to get our Disney fix. I grew up going to Disneyland and worked here for a while in college. I love it but this trip hasn’t been very fun.”
“I was just at Disneyland for a few days in February and it was the least enjoyable park visit of any in my lifetime, mostly because of overcrowding,” u/cjboffoli agreed. “…What used to feel magical now feels aggressively competitive. Despite all of the expenses of the trip, and having already spent money on Lightning Lane passes, I was motivated on the last day to spent an additional $1,600 so our party of four could have the additional ability to use the Lightning Lane without time limitations…It was a ridiculous sum of money but it was a mental health decision. Good for Disney’s bottom line, I guess. But the brand damage will have a longer timeline as I’m disinclined to go back.”
Still, some Disney Parks fans blamed the disappointed guests for visiting during spring break and not adequately planning.
“I mean, it’s spring break,” u/DarkKnightCometh argued. “I went on Monday and everything was a ridiculous wait time I didn’t even bother trying to get on any rides. But I also just went in the beginning of February and easily did 8-10 rides in a single day.”
“We were there during Halloween season last year as the first time for our kids all the way from [New Zealand],” said u/upsidedownmeow. “Was it crowded? Sure, we expect that (it’s Disneyland!) was there a lot of planning to get the most out of our trip? Sure, but when you’re paying $40k local currency for a family vacation you want to spend that time. If it’s lost it’s magic for you then do what you’re doing, stop going. Make room for those who can’t go 3 times a year and that will enjoy and find the magic.”
Have you visited Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park recently? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments.
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