[geeman]

Well, this is going to go down in history as being my personal "Disney" year. More on that some other time, but basically, we've chosen to celebrate my upcoming milestone birthday in the fall by taking a trip to the "Happiest" birthday "place on earth".This is the best chance for us to go and we are looking forward to it, except...
I've seen some photos on another website of the construction presently in progress for the upcoming 50th Bash. Based upon those pictures, it seems several of the "important" sites, such as Main Street, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and sadly, Sleeping Beauty's castle, are currently hidden either partially or obstructed entirely with scrim or other construction material.

Now I KNOW that it's going to take them a while to prepare for their big bash. And I knew even before booking our trip that several key rides (including the ever-elusive-for-me Matterhorn) were going to be closed during our stay, but is the park going to look this hideous for the remainder of the time before the big unveiling? If so, it's rather disappointing, as there are several "original" spots I'd like to visit and it looks as if they'll be inaccessible.

My question for those who have frequented DL in recent weeks : Do the obstructed areas destroy the aesthetics of the place? Is main street not going to look like Main Street? The castle is covered in scrim-like material- is this "see through" >- can you still see the castle? How close can you get? I know the bridge is up and you can't walk through - and the grotto is even draped in scrims, but does this just photograph like tarp, or does the park look better in person than in photographs.

And did seeing the park this way lessen the illusion or the fun of it? I can tell by the pictures (though admittedly, the time of day is not specified) that attendance is WAY down, which was one of the reasons we thought we'd try going now, as well.

Our trip is slated for late October. At the very least, Amneris has never been there, and there have been a few additions since I was last there that I can't wait to catch ("Aladdin", for one). Would this be a disappointing way for a Disney lover to get to see the place where it all began for the first time, or is it something that is barely perceptible once in the park.

I recall visiting WDW during 1996 while they were busy preparing the "Birthday Cake Castle" -and know that it didn't disrupt my feelings of the place. But before we make such a huge journey to CA, I'm wondering if we should just wait a year or two.

Trouble is, of course, we have a reason and the means of going now.

Any insight?

[mickey]

You know, I have spoken to several people who have been there in the last month, and everyone mentioned how good the park was looking, and nothing about any of the work being done. I really don't think it will change your perception of the parks at all. I will be there the end of September, so I will be sure to let you know what I think when I get back.

Wait, the Matterhorn is going to be closed?

Oh, I may have to reschedule. So, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Matterhorn, Haunted Mansion and the Tiki Room will be closed? I guess that is what I get for going off season right before the big event.

[geeman]

Yes, Mickey, please let us know what you feel when you actually get there.

And yes, that is what we get for going off season. I've never even been on the Matterhorn. The first time I went to Disneyland, it was for all of 6 hours, and the line for it was too long, and I never got to ride. The second time I went to DL, it was being refurbished. And now, during my fall trip, it's closed again! I was hoping IASW at least would be open, but that is going under the Holiday refurbishment. But it IS a big disappointment to see the castle all wrapped up like that. I'm hoping that at least some part of it remains visible, so we can at least do some trick photography.
They've drained the MOAT, for crying out loud. Why couldn't this work be done at night ? And why couldn't the castle refurbishment have been saved for last? Surely the park will hit its lowest attendance just days before the celebration hits in May. Why make earlier birds suffer?
Still --- a trip to Disneyland is a trip to Disneyland,so I'm still pretty excited.

[jodilt]

I agree that it would be a bummer to visit with all the refurb going on. But with all that they are doing, especially to the castle from the pictures I have seen, they couldn't possibly do it by working just at night! Next summer is probably the biggest celebration in DL history since it opened so I am glad to see them starting now on the refurb so that it will be especially magical next summer!

[Disneywife]

Disneyland looks awesome right now. For starters, a huge portion of it has been revamped in the last 5 years.

We were there about 3.5 weeks ago. Matterhorn was open, the castle was open (but I know they are doing it up with crowns right now for the 50th, don't know how long it will take), and the only thing that was blocked off in Tomorrowland was the thing were the Mission to Mars and space shuttle display was. My dh was telling me what is going to go there but I forgot. I didn't notice anything blocked off on main street. I think all the refurbishing is totally done there. The stores are all the same - the majority of the refurbishing that was done there was on the cobblestones.

Space Mountain closed down several months ago due to safety concerns, and will reopen in a few months in time for the 50th - they totally gutted it and started from scratch.

And, after the Thunder Mountain incidents - I'd skip it even if it's open - I wouldn't touch that ride with a 10 foot pole. It's had 2 serious accidents and one fatal accident.

Haunted Mansion will close to get it ready for the Nightmare Before Christmas (it was open when we were last there), and will open again in just a couple of weeks after it closes, and after that reopens Small World will close down to prepare it for the Christmas celebration in there.

The Tiki Room is still open right now but it slated for closing, but not to fret - there is a large group of people fighting to save it. Gotta love the Tiki Room - that song will stick in your head for the next few years. Hopefully it will stay open at LEAST through the 50th.

When are you going?

[inluvwithdisney]

We were planning to go in September and changed our plans to WDW!! I am kinda gald because all our our fav's will be down!!! Everytime we have been with our kids the Matterhorn has been down!!!! And it is such a bummer!!

But like you said it is still a Disney trip!!! And nothing beats that!!!

[geeman]

I'm glad to hear it wasn't all boarded up for your visit, and that it is looking great.
But you can imagine how my heart sank when I saw the latest photo of the castle -- all wrapped up in blue scrim material. Amneris is very upset, considering we've talked about this trip for years, and the one thing you think is going to be constant - the castle - is all wrapped up. I understand the bit about making it glimmer and shimmer for it's birthday - but going to Disneyland and not being able to see the castle is kind of like coming to New York for the first time and knowing the Empire State Building was there, but hidden behind a scrim. Makes for weird photos.
*I'm* still looking forward to it, but then again, I've already been there. Anyway, I hope they at least have some of the castle done by October.