Disney parks opening had been long awaited here in California. Everyone missed all the food, the characters, parades and simply just walking down Main Street. What many of us longed for, were Disney passes that many of us owned prior to covid times. I was very nervous about what this new era at Disney would be like, as I'm sure many were. I've been asked by several families that are considering visiting the parks or getting the new Magic Keys, what it's been like for us. So I figured there must be many others with the same questions, which is why I've decided to share some of the changes at the park as well as my opinion. My opinion on Disney Parks new era, as well as the new Magic Keys and what that has been like for my family and I.
Let's get right to it! Do I like the new Disney Magic Keys and the options, ABSOLUTELY! Is it all entirely 100% for the best...not necessarily, but in my opinion the BAD out-weights the good by 99% . Here are my reasons why.
PROS
Forces you to be organized
With the new Magic Keys all visits need to be reserved regardless of what key tier you choose. The only difference is block out dates. If you are a planner like myself, this is not a problem and if you are not a planner, this will help you adapt to start organizing your outings more. Simply look at your schedule, see what date works best for you based on blackout dates and book it! Booking your next visit is all done through the Disney app which I find to be very user friendly.
Limits crowds
Having to schedule your visits reduces the crowds significantly. The old Disney Crowds I remembered are long gone. I've visited on the weekend, during the week, and even on a holiday. Although during the holiday there was a bit more foot traffic, it was nowhere close to what the Disney parks use to be like.
TIP: During the end of September and all October expect to see larger crowds at Disneys California Adventure after 3PM due to the Oogie Boogie Bash. Park closes for the general public at 6pm. I recommend visiting California Adventure in the morning and then spending the later of the day at Disneyland.
Reduces wait times
The very best part of it all...ready? The longest wait time has been 30 minutes. You read that right...ONLY 30 MINUTES. The only exception was the Haunted Mansion on opening day but besides that, 30 minutes has been the longest. That would rarely be the case in the past. If this is what the wait times will be if we continue with this reservation system, I am all for it. Im not the only one who feels this way. I've had this conversation with several other Disney loving mamas and everyone has agreed that the wait times have been amazing!
No more long lines to see characters
I hated waiting in lines to see my favorite characters. Yes, I loved being able to hug them and take pictures with them but many times it wasn't possible to do so with a kiddo who had already been waiting hours for a ride. Now we've been able to see our favorite characters from afar, take selfies and they do an amazing job interacting from afar or posing for a selfie from a distance. Yes, I miss the hugs but do not miss the lines. My daughter who is 9 years old still gets as excited to see them and loves that there are no wait times!
Possible CONS
Like I mentioned above, the pros definitely out-weight the cons but I figured it was best to give you all the information and let you make that choice, since after all, this is very much a personal opinion.
Restaurants
If you want to dine in at a sit down restaurant at either parks you definitely have to plan ahead of time...like waaaay ahead. This can be frustrating for many but the way I see it, there's plenty of delicious food items at other locations besides sit down restaurants to enjoy. But, if you do plan ahead or want to absolutely try a sit down restaurant, my friend and blogger, Naza Holliman did some investigating and has some tips to share with you HERE
No Parades
We definitely miss the parades and know many do as well. They do have mini parades at the time that are just as magical and we still get to see many of our favorites. Check out this mini parade with NO CROWDS in the link down below and guess what, no need to waste time sitting for hours to see a parade. Works for me!
So there you have it friends! Here are my thoughts on the NEW and in my opinion IMPROVED Disney Parks. If I missed anything, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments whether you believe it belongs in the PRO's or CON's section. If you are ready to visit or want to look into the new magic keys you can do all that through this link.
Purchase Magic Keys: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/
Purchase Tickets: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/admission/tickets/
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Talk to you later!
