Disney World - What is the Attraction?

It's magic.

I don't know how else to describe it.

DH and I went for a whole month before we even had any kids.

The cast members anticipated our every need and offered us everything before we even asked. For example, if I didn't eat all of something at a meal they would say "we're so sorry you didn't like that" and take it off the bill without me even complaining about it. They all called me "princess". It's like being a kid again.



We never waited in line for hours or felt the crowds were claustrophobic.

Look at crowd calendars and go at a less busy time and never on weekends.

It's like being a kid again. Completely escaping the real world and believing that magic is real. It's my favorite place <3. We're going again this year.

I love it. It is the most amazing theme park in the world. They completely immerse you in all things disney and make it magical. If you love not that far don't go at peak times. We love to go from October through March, excluding holidays. Minimal lines. And there is some very great food. Some amazing things to be found. It isn't all burgers and fries by any means.

I can see why kids would want to go but personally I found it very underwhelming for all the reasons you listed. I felt no magic when I was there.

It's our happy place.

I think it's the customer service.  The cast members are friendly, they keep the parks clean and well maintained and you can have fun at any age.  I also like the fact that they provide all the transportation, so if you stay inside the parks you don't have to drive or rent a car to get around.

I think it brings out the wondrous child in all of us, but it's not just a child experience. The total magic of Disney is everywhere, not just in the characters, but throughout the park. The tree of life, for instance, is totally fascinating. Not everyone looks at it as claustrophic or unending lines - it's the experience of it all that keeps people coming back, willing to spend the money.

I've been twice, both times as an adult, and I'd go again. I will say, for me, it's more fun if you have kids along, but I have a friend who lives in Florida and practically at Disneyworld too - she has a season ticket. Epcot, the food, the experience - she sees something new and interesting every time she goes.

I could go on but if you're not into it, it's hard to understand the appeal.

Disney isn't really my thing either, but we used to go a lot when the boys were little. We are close by, and had passes, so we would go for part of the day.

But I never went in the summer. I am okay with hot, I live in Florida after all, but I am not okay with hot and having hot sweaty bodies all squished up in never ending lines.

I will say this though-right after 9/11 Florida got a real wake up call as to how much we depended on tourism dollars. The powers that be were begging us to do our part to try to help, so the kids and went to Animal Kingdom for the day. THAT was a magical day. The planes still weren't flying yet, and the place was empty. Literally, there were hardly any people around. We were able to do everything and see everything without having to wait. We ate better that day than any other time, we got free ice cream and drinks.

The employees were all like we were, still shell-shocked and wanting to connect with our humanity in any way we could. It wasn't customer service, it was genuine kindness and outreach. I remember the kids were playing in a small play area and we were one of three families. All at once, a jet raced by and as one, the adults looked up at the sound, looked at our kids then each other-fear, hope, love, I don't really know. It was a moment that in it's telling is so simple and not at all monumental, but the connection we all had was something I will never forget.

So while Disney isn't my thing, I will be forever grateful for the experience I was able to have that day.

I think you either "get" Disney parks, or you don't. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground. And as a person who gets it, there's probably nothing I could say that would change the mind of someone who doesn't.

It's a really easy vacation with small kids, especially if you stay on site. The bathrooms are clean and there are lots of food choices.

I think it's one of those things you either get or don't get. It's like hiking in the woods. I don't get it since to me one tree looks just like the next. Or NASCAR -- the appeal of cars running around in circles? Or fishing? I don't get it, but I don't have to.

I agree that it is the customer service that brings us back year after year.

We may be a bit unusual. We go to Disney to relax. We have been enough that we don't need to run around and see everything and do everything. For many years, we've been doing Disney World at a leisurely pace. Don't get me wrong. I do love to visit the parks too, but I don't need to do that many days- twice in a trips is generally enough for me. Of course, we do not go in the summer. We went once in August and I said NEVER AGAIN! LOL! If that had been my only visit to WDW, I would not be a fan as an adult.

I'm going back in early September, my favorite time of year to visit. Fast passes? You don't need them. Actually, hoping that doesn't change with the new system (I did book them already). Usually, we are able to walk on any ride this time of year. Florida schools are back in session and most schools across the US are back by Labor Day. What anxiousmom describes is similar to our usual experience. I have been a few times (like that August trip in 2001) when it was crowded and just didn't go back to the park again the entire trip. There's so much more to do, especially if you just want to relax.

I think you either love it or don't. There don't seem to be many people in the mushy middle when it comes to Disney.

I went a few years ago with the family (I had been once before when I was very little) and wondered if I would enjoy it. I'm not a big amusement park lover, and tend to be a grumpy cynic about some things. I absolutely adored it, though, and would love to go back soon.

As others said, it was just magical. It really sucked me in. And watching my girls' reactions to our various experiences there? Priceless.

So do any of you who love love love Disney the land not like Disney movies and merchandising and the whole franchise, or is it the fact that the amusement park is just the culmination of all that stuff the thing that makes it for you.

The very reasons that people on this thread are able to articulate about why they love it so are the precise reasons that I despise Disney. So from my perspective, it's not a matter of "getting" it, it's just a difference of what I value and want to invest my time, money, and interests in.

I'm not sure why anyone would despise disney. I mean if it isn't your thing okay. But to despise it? That seems extremely strong for cartoon movies and characters. It's entertainment. Not something to value. I just enjoy it.