Putting AI to the Test: ChatGPT vs a Disney Advisor

Disneyland vacations are all about creating unforgettable memories. But with so much to see and do, planning can feel overwhelming. In a world that is increasingly driven by AI, we decided to see if they could take the reins and could really plan a magical Disneyland vacation.

We tasked ChatGPT with crafting a 3-day itinerary, and, while ChatGPT offered some interesting ideas, it lacked the nuanced understanding and couldn’t quite capture the magic like a seasoned Disney Park enthusiast. Join us as we delve into ChatGPT's proposed itinerary and dissect its strengths and weaknesses as we share our own expert tips and tricks - learned from years of exploring the parks. 

Below is what ChatGPT gave me for a 3 day park ticket. ChatGPT is in black ink, and my commentary is in blue. 

Let's take a deep dive. 

Enjoy!

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Day 1: Disneyland Park – Classic Disney Magic 

Morning:

• Arrival: Arrive early, ideally 30-45 minutes before park opening (the park often opens earlier than listed, so check in advance). 

• Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Red Rose Tavern (located in Fantasyland), which offers a hearty breakfast sandwich and Mickey-shaped beignets. If you’re in a rush, grab a pastry and coffee at Market House on Main Street. 

• Main Street USA: Once you enter, stroll through Main Street for that iconic Disneyland atmosphere. Take a few pictures, but don’t linger too long! 

These are mostly great! It’s true you can enter the park before it opens. You can walk down main street (like ChatGPT recommends). Having breakfast in the parks is fun if you don’t mind using your park hours to eat.

We would recommend you stay at a hotel that offers free breakfast or at one of the Disneyland Resorts so you can eat before you get to the park. But, if one of your Disney trip goals is to have breakfast in the park, I could help you decide what you want. A Disney Advisor would also have recommendations on how to optimize the time in the park prior to official opening. 

Attractions:

1. Space Mountain: Head straight to Space Mountain in Tomorrowland to avoid long lines later in the day. 

2. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: Just nearby, hop on Star Tours, an immersive 3D Star Wars experience. 

3. Indiana Jones Adventure: Head to Adventureland for this thrilling ride through ancient temples. It’s one of Disneyland's best attractions. 

First thing to note is that ChatGPT kept you in the same land (Tomorrowland) to do a few rides before crossing the park. This is a smart strategy if you want to be mindful of your steps. (Hyper)Space Mountain is a smart ride to do early as it is one of the more popular ones. However, if you are trying to get the most popular ride out of the way first, AI has missed the most popular ride in the park by not sending you to Galaxy’s Edge first for Rise of the Resistance.

Additionally, being the most popular ride doesn’t mean it will necessarily be the first queue to fill up. Each ride has its own tendencies and patterns throughout the day that need to be considered when putting together a touring plan.

A Disney Advisor would compile all this information along with your preferences to make sure you achieve your goals, whether  the classic rides or the newest attraction.

Late Morning Snack:

• Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar (Adventureland). A refreshing, iconic Disneyland treat! 

Dole Whip is a must so we’re on board with this. What ChatGPT failed to mention is that you have to do Mobile Order through the Disneyland app. (Valuable minutes will be lost if you show up expecting to order at the counter.)

I’m not sure what happened between Late morning Snack and going straight to Lunch but the fact that ChatGPT only recommended three rides between park opening and lunch tells you that AI doesn’t know it all! You are selling yourself short if you limit your plan to only visit three attractions. 

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch at Plaza Inn (on Main Street), known for its famous fried chicken meal or try the healthier, plant-based options like the veggie burger. Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street is great for an afternoon pick-me-up! 

I have no quarrels with their food recommendations. There are a lot of options in the park and you just need to find what you want. While ChatGPT gave you two options, a Disney Advisor can recommend so many more and can help plan your day around your choices.

Attractions:

1. Haunted Mansion: After lunch, take a spooky, fun ride on the Haunted Mansion. 

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: A must-do, classic Disneyland ride through pirate-infested waters! 

3. Splash Mountain: Depending on the weather, cool off on Splash Mountain. You’ll get wet, so make sure you have a poncho or towel if you’re not a fan of getting soaked. 

All important rides to make sure you fit into your day. I did want to point out that Splash Mountain is no more. A Disney Advisor is up to date on the most recent Disney park news and can help you plan accordingly. 

It’s also important to remember that there is so much more to planning your day than just picking the rides you are going to do. Are you using Multi-Pass? Where are your meals? When are the best times to get in line? Are there other attractions you want to see?

Limiting your expectations to a few rides you want to try can severely cut back on your  overall experience.

Late Afternoon Break:

• Rest and refresh at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café in Main Street, offering coffee, cookies, and pastries. It’s a good time to relax and people-watch.

I support an afternoon coffee break and people-watching but that isn’t for everyone. Again, the lack of ride and activities during the afternoon hours is baffling. A Disney Advisor would take multiple things into consideration when helping you plan your day! 

Dinner:

• Blue Bayou Restaurant: If you’re in the mood for a sit-down dinner, dine at Blue Bayou, the iconic restaurant inside Pirates of the Caribbean. The atmosphere is magical, and the Cajun-inspired food is delicious. Make reservations ahead of time if possible.

Blue Bayou is a very popular restaurant and a fun experience. ChatGPT does suggest making a reservation, which is true, but fails to mention how early in advance you could make a reservation and how essential a reservation will be if you expect to dine at such a popular restaurant. A Disney Advisor may have other tips to try and secure a table if your first efforts didn’t work. 

Evening:

• Fireworks and Nighttime Shows: Grab a good spot for the Disneyland fireworks show (usually around 9:30 PM). You can view it from Main Street or near the castle for the full experience. Alternatively, check out Fantasmic! in New Orleans Square (timing varies, check the schedule).

This is great. You definitely don’t want to miss the shows that are available in the evenings. However, a lot of rides are fun in the dark and lines are shorter during shows and parades. This can be a strategic time if you want to get as many rides in as possible. 

Day 2: Disney California Adventure – Adventure and Fun 

Morning:

• Arrival: Again, aim to arrive early. Head straight to Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land as it gets the longest lines later in the day. This is one of the park’s most popular rides.

• Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café (near the entrance), known for its pastries and quick breakfast sandwiches.

I agree with ChatGPT that you should head to Cars Land first. This ride is very popular. However, I’m not sure I would suggest going to Cars Land, then back to the entrance for a meal, then to the opposite end of the park for the next ride.

Attractions:

1. Incredicoaster: Head to Pixar Pier for the Incredicoaster, a thrilling ride with high-speed drops and loops.

2. Toy Story Midway Mania: Just next door, enjoy this fun, interactive 4D shooting game ride in Pixar Pier.

3. Soarin’ Around the World: Head to Grizzly Peak for a breathtaking, flying adventure over famous landmarks across the globe. It's relaxing and visually stunning!

These are all rides you should try and do while in California Adventure. Again, not sure why they are only recommending three in the morning hours and the order really may not be optimal depending on the day. A Disney Advisor is always looking out for ways to optimize your time in the parks. 

Late Morning Snack:

• Stop by the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop for a quick chocolate treat or an ice cream sundae.

This is a really fun store to check out. Not sure if it’s great for a morning snack break, but definitely worth a stop in! 

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Eat at Carthay Circle Restaurant (in Hollywood Land), a classy spot serving upscale American food. For a more casual option, try Award Wieners (near Pixar Pier) for gourmet hot dogs and fries.

Carthay Circle is a great place, but I don’t know how many Disney Advisors would recommend this as a lunch spot. This is another restaurant that almost demands a reservation and we tend to lean in the direction of lunch being more flexible and being dependent on the way the rest of the day has played out.  I would recommend sticking to a quick service, more casual spot like the place ChatGPT mentions.

Attractions:

1. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!: A fun, thrilling ride with unexpected drops and great tunes.

2. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue: Take a more relaxed ride in Hollywood Land based on the popular Pixar movie.

3. Grizzly River Run: Cool off with this fun and splashy rapids ride.

Great rides to do. What ChatGPT didn’t mention is that yes, while Grizzly River Run is a great way to cool off during the afternoon, everyone else will think the same so expect a longer line. A Disney Advisor may recommend you hit this earlier in the day and pack a poncho. 

Late Afternoon Break:

• Stop for a rest at The Grand Californian Hotel's GCH Craftsman Grill for a drink or snack, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

One thing I always want to do is check out the Disney Resorts when I’m visiting either Disneyland or Walt Disney World, but I would be hesitant to take time out of a park day to check them out, unless I am closing my day out with a late dinner at one of their restaurants. A Disney Advisor would recommend visiting one of the resorts on maybe your arrival day to get in some extra Disney magic. 

Dinner:

• Head back to Pixar Pier for dinner at Lamplight Lounge, which has a great view of the water and delicious seafood options. The lobster roll or nachos are great choices!

I recommend this dining option! Just make sure you make a reservation 60 days before your visit so you get a table! 

Evening:

• World of Color: Check out World of Color (in Paradise Gardens Park), a stunning nighttime water and light show set to Disney music. You may want to reserve a FastPass or pay for a premium viewing area.

World of Color is a really fun, vibrant show that is great for all ages. A Disney Advisor would be able to help you decide if you wanted to get a reserved spot or not, and how to do it. 

Day 3: Disneyland Park – Relaxed Exploration & Favorites

Morning:

• Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at Market House on Main Street (get a Mickey-shaped pastry or breakfast sandwich) or head to Disneyland's Carnation Café for a full breakfast experience.

Again, great options for quick, delicious breakfasts! Just remember to consider the effect on your day that adding a meal may take. While breakfast in Disneyland can be utterly magical, you are also setting your day back a decent chunk of time by adding something that could be taken care of before you even enter the park.

• Attractions:

  1. Alice in Wonderland: A cute, whimsical ride through the world of Wonderland (usually has short lines in the morning).

  2. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway: A newer attraction that offers a fun, immersive ride experience.

  3. Storybook Land Canal Boats: A relaxing boat ride through miniature Disney scenes.

Depending on the makeup of your party, you may not be interested in Alice in Wonderland or Storybook Land Canal Boats, which are great for little kids and maybe not a priority for adults. A Disney Advisor will help you figure out what is important to you and what rides are a must! 

Your trip should be tailored to you. It’s hard for AI to grasp the traits and preferences of a group and help guide the planning in a way that satisfies each individual’s hopes and dreams for this vacation.

Late Morning Snack:

• Try a Churro (a Disneyland classic) from one of the many stands around the park, or grab a Mickey-shaped donut at the Main Street Bakery.

Churros all day, every day! 

Lunch:

• Jolly Holiday Bakery Café (on Main Street) for a quick, light lunch of soups and sandwiches or something sweet like a slice of cake.

We’re fairly certain you can fit AT LEAST one more attraction between a morning snack and lunch, but we could be wrong. Seems excessive, but every group is different. 

This is a solid restaurant recommendation, but you don’t always want to limit yourself to one spot. Flexibility is key when incorporating meals and a Disney Advisor can help equip you with all the tools to make informed and valuable decisions no matter what situation you may find yourself in.

Afternoon:

• Attractions:

  1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Enjoy a fun, Wild West-style roller coaster ride in Frontierland.

  2. Mark Twain Riverboat: Take a relaxing cruise around the rivers of America to unwind after the thrilling rides.

  3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: A charming, low-key ride in Critter Country that's perfect for a break.

The Mark Twain Riverboat is a fantastic afternoon break to relax, and rest your feet to prepare for the remainder of the day. 

Late Afternoon Break:

• Take a moment to relax and people-watch in New Orleans Square or have a treat at Mint Julep Bar (near The Haunted Mansion), famous for its delicious mint juleps and fritters.

This is definitely a spot worth checking out. We would recommend adding some other attractions here. You will be winding down on your last day. This can be a good time to check in with your party to make sure everyone’s non-negotiables have been met and determine if there are any remaining experiences anyone has that you can incorporate into your final plans.

Dinner:

• Cafe Orleans (in New Orleans Square) is a great spot for classic Disneyland dining. Try the Monte Cristo Sandwich or the pommes frites!

• For a casual option, grab a corn dog from the stand near Sleeping Beauty Castle.

A Disneyland corn dog is one of my favorite things to get. However, I’d recommend getting it for lunch. 

Evening:

• Final Rides: End your evening with a few more favorites:

  • Disneyland Railroad: Take a relaxing loop around the park.

  • Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough: Stroll through the castle for some stunning photos.

• Nighttime: If you're still up for it, enjoy the Fantasmic! show, if available, in New Orleans Square—it’s a magical finale to your Disneyland adventure!

These activities are great and worth checking out. The Railroad is a great way to see the park from a different perspective. The evening shows are also fun for the whole family. 

Tips for Maximizing Your Experience:

• Use the Disneyland App for wait times, mobile food ordering, and to find character meet-and-greets.

• Get a Park Hopper Ticket to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, maximizing your time.

• Consider Genie+ or Lightning Lane to skip some of the longer lines for popular attractions.

Yes. Yes. Yes. These three final points are all great recommendations. The Disneyland app is a must to get in the park, check wait times, mobile order, etc. If the budget allows, upgrading to a Park Hopper ticket is great to allow more flexibility. Buying Lightning Lane Multi-Pass can help with making sure you get all the attractions/shows in that you want to do, but isn’t required. The great thing about Disney parks is your days are completely customizable. 

That’s your perfect 3-day Disneyland itinerary! It offers a mix of rides, food, relaxation, and shows to make sure you experience the magic without feeling rushed. Let me know if you’d like to adjust anything or focus on specific interests!

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I really enjoyed seeing what ChatGPT recommended for a three day trip to Disneyland and California Adventure. I’d actually love to do it line by line to see how it measures up. Nothing can beat someone who has been to the parks and had time to see what works and doesn’t work. 

A few things to note is that ChatGPT left out a LOT of popular rides, including the entirety of Galaxy’s Edge. It also failed to mention any pre-trip work you should do like checking ride closures, shows, parades, etc. 

A Disney Advisor is always up to date on park news and is able to get to know you so they can build a tailored trip for you! Reach out today to get your adventure started!