Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 90, a monthly Q&A post covering a variety of resort-related topics. Ask The Duchess answers questions submitted by readers. If you have a question you’d like answered, send me a message here.
1. Can I walk from the convention center to the park, or is it too far? (submitted by Brandon)
Definitely. It’s about a mile walk, and pretty flat.
2. Are you pro or against DisneylandForward? (submitted by Angelina)
Definitely pro DisneylandForward, BUT at the same time, I think Disneyland needs to work on improving the guest experience of the park spaces they do have while expanding into what’s next. I would be super disappointed if they ignored the glaring problems in the park now and put 100% attention on the new project.
3. What kind of shoes do you wear to the park? (submitted by Sarah)
I almost always wear sneakers – you do a LOT of walking! When I was in college I used to wear flip flops sometimes…I don’t know what on earth I was thinking. haha.
4. What in your opinion are the most boring or unbearable lines to stand in? I’m thinking if the park is packed and I have no choice but to wait for stuff that some are worse than others. (submitted by Julianne)
Ooh. There are a few that are truly mind-numbing. Here are three of my absolute least favorites:
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- Soarin’ Around the World – you stand in a nearly empty metal room for what feels like 500 years.
- Space Mountain – the indoor ending is fine, but outdoors – it’s just hot cement with NOTHING to look at.
- Jungle Cruise – the standing room is so narrow as it weaves around, especially in the upstairs of the boat house.
5. I want to take some water from Rivers of America home. Is there a spot nearby where I could fill a jar? (submitted by Kathleen)
No, the surrounding areas on the riverbanks are far too high for you to reach down and fill a jar. And that water is quite dirty and loaded with chemicals and dye…I don’t think you want that as a souvenir.
I’m just curious—what parts of the park experience would you like to see them improve (regarding #2)?
Very fair question! Two things for me:
1. They are reducing in-park entertainment (shows, live performers, bands) as prices continue to go up. These kinds of cuts eat away at the magic but you’re still paying a premium for it.
2. The experience is getting overly complicated for no reason. Park reservations, single pass vs. multi-pass lightning lanes, restaurants forcing you to mobile order…for a first time visitor it’s overwhelming, and for returning visitors it’s super frustrating.
I hope that makes sense!
Absolutely makes sense! I particularly agree with your first point.