peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,891
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
|
Post by peabay on Aug 2, 2014 21:05:07 GMT
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 confused - because people said it's magical; its customer service is unparalleled and they feel like children again is why you despise it? I love it. I am a complete and utter northeastern snobbish cynic with a heart of stone and I fall for WDW hook, line and sinker. It's clean. It's fun. I have a great time with my kids. I'm a total sucker for the magic.
|
|
Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,015
Jun 25, 2014 20:07:06 GMT
|
Post by Sarah*H on Aug 2, 2014 21:11:56 GMT
We do all kinds of trips; we hike, we camp, we go to the beach, we explore urban spaces. Disney is a great theme park vacation. We don't go when it's crowded, hot or humid, and we use a touring plan to avoid the lines. Seeing it through a kids' eyes - that unbridled joy and time spent doing something they love to do over and over, it's priceless. We're in the midst of planning our last Disney trip until we have grandchildren and it's very bittersweet. ETA: I'm not a cynical person and I'm not looking to impress anyone with my family's travels or life experiences, I'm just about experiences - both the kitschy and the majestic, the commercial and the pristine. Maybe the fireworks over the castle aren't the equivalent of a sunset over the Grand Canyon but I'm going to have scrapbook pages of both
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 12:27:03 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2014 21:13:09 GMT
We went to Disneyland this summer. As an adult, it was fun but the waiting in line and the crowds got tiresome. What made the trip amazing was my kids. My five year old really wanted to meet Minnie Mouse. We walked in the park the first day and Minnie Mouse was standing right there. My dd gave her a big hug and was in heaven. Later in the day we were walking on Main Street and Mickey Mouse walked out of the backstage area. My five year old yelled hi Mickey and he walked over took her hand and walked around the park for a few minutes with her. When they stopped, he knelt down, took her hands and gave her kisses. She was flying higher than a kite. It was magical. My oldest dd was at a dance camp in Disneyland. The first day she came running out to tell us that she got to go through the doors that said cast members only. She saw Anna and Elsa backstage and she got to see Sleeping Beauty in jeans and a Tshirt and her wig. It was magical for her to be part of the parade and to be one of the cast members making the magic that day. My DS saw lightening McQueen and that made his day. He got to ride in the front of the monorail and he can't stop talking about that.
For me as a parent it was like the magic on Christmas morning. Will I go back without kids, probably not but dh and I have already agreed that we will go back with the kids. Seeing their reactions and joy was the magical part for me.
|
|
|
Post by sues on Aug 2, 2014 21:25:47 GMT
Why do people travel from over the country and world to visit, pay a fortune to get in, wait in long lines for hours in the central Florida heat, deal with claustrophobic crowding, and have not so special but very expensive food. What is it? Why do people return over and over?If you were really looking for the 'no snark' vibe- you missed the mark. Like many others have said- either you get it or you don't. If you don't, there's no convincing you otherwise. Nor would I want to. Everyone likes different things. I may not like what you're interested in. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with either one. What I really don't get- are the Disney bashers and the haters. The people like rst who 'despise' everything Disney. It's just something I can't wrap my mind around- being so invested in the negative that you use the word 'despise'. It's a vacation destination. If it's not your thing- don't go there. Believe me, Disney lovers want nothing less than to share space with people that don't want to be there. But ' despise' Disney? That just seems like something else is going on.
|
|
|
Post by epeanymous on Aug 2, 2014 21:31:33 GMT
I love going and feel the magic people describe. I went every other year to Disneyland with my parents when I was growing up, so certainly there is a nostalgia factor for me with the Magic Kingdom park areas, but even now as an adult I really enjoy being there. I do try to go at times of year when it is less hot and crowded.
I don't really get sports, and obviously many people are fanatical about them. I accept that people like different things. As someone who doesn't get sports, when I go to a sporting event, they just seem crowded and loud and overpriced to me, but I totally get that it is because I just don't get sports.
|
|
tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538
Jun 26, 2014 15:57:39 GMT
|
Post by tiffanytwisted on Aug 2, 2014 21:36:17 GMT
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. This. I do. My husband doesn't. We've been once w/the kids and he called it our once in a lifetime vacation. Meaning that he would only go once. <sigh> As far as despising it, I will say this. My brother-in-law is pretty close to despising it. Don't get me wrong, he's been and had a great time when he met us for a few days. His issue is w/ABC, their parent company. He worked for them a few years ago and it was not a pleasant experience. Of course, this isn't most people's reason, but if you were to ask him if he liked Disney, his answer would be no. Just one person's pov. Let me conclude by saying that if I thought I could stand the FL heat & humidity, I would work there! that place!
|
|
|
Post by Merge on Aug 2, 2014 21:41:52 GMT
I'm one who doesn't get it. And fortunately my kids aren't interested. It's just not our thing. But if it's your thing, rock on!
|
|
|
Post by 2peafaithful on Aug 2, 2014 21:49:03 GMT
I don't know but I had a big sigh of relief when my ex took our boys! PTL they could have that memory and I didn't have to do it! LOL
Now we did take our 2 youngest on a Disney cruise last year and loved that! We will have to be the Disney cruise memory. Maybe when our youngest is older my dh will want to take him and they can do a guys trip. I have a medical issue that really flares up in heat so seriously not a good option for me. If they want to go I am all for it! They would have much more fun without me. Or maybe I will go and find heat free things to do!
|
|
julia
Junior Member
Posts: 58
Jun 26, 2014 0:39:50 GMT
|
Post by julia on Aug 2, 2014 21:51:23 GMT
I have been to Disney World nine times since 2003. Part of the attraction for us are the memories we made with our kids when they were little. But another part of it is that we have yet to run out of things to do. We recently discovered that we could go parasailing and rent wave runners at the Contemporary. There's always new restaurants and other attractions to check out. And even though our kids are teenagers now they still love going.
|
|
MaryC
Full Member
Posts: 213
Jun 25, 2014 21:52:55 GMT
|
Post by MaryC on Aug 2, 2014 21:55:11 GMT
I'm a take it or leave it person when it comes to Disney. I enjoy it well enough when I'm there, but it's not my favorite type of vacation or something I would pay money to do every year. My kids were restless and ready to leave by the end of the first day - not their thing at all.
For the amount of money involved in a vacation for six to Disney, I can think of too many other places we'd rather go.
|
|
|
Post by gar on Aug 2, 2014 21:58:10 GMT
I have no idea. It doesn't appeal to me/us in the least
|
|
|
Post by utmr on Aug 2, 2014 22:15:53 GMT
First of all, I think everybody likes different things. If it's not your thing, that's cool. But don't mock people who like it. Personally I don't see the appeal of skiing. Paying money to be wet, cold and fall down a mountain has no appeal to me. But lots of people like it. Good for them - show me your pictures when you get home and I'll tell you about the beach.
WDW never appealed to me before we went. I'd been to Six Flags dozens of time - hot, miserable, filthy, expensive, crowded, standing in line for hours. I just didn't see that WDW would be any different. But it is. Part of it is execution - everything is clean, there are no overflowing trash cans, no coke sticky on the ground, the workers are pleasant and polite, if not outright amazing. Everything they do is executed 100% spot on. The characters never, ever break character and go out of their way to make your encounter "magical."
I have really enjoyed it. My brother took his family a couple of summers ago and we took our family about a month later. They came home carrying on about how awful it was - nothing to eat but hamburgers, terrible lines, awful. We came home and my mother said "At least you never have to do that again!" and refused to believe that we had a great time.
Some of it is expectations - his family refused to do any research beforehand. They did not know Animal Kingdom existed (don't ask me how) and did not use Fast Passes (pre-Magic Band days) because they did not understand how they worked. (It's not like it's printed on giant signs at every ride, or printed in all the park maps, or like they have workers to explain it) So they stood in line for 4 hours to ride Soarin'. We got our FP, had a wonderful lunch at Coral Reef, did a bunch of stuff and walked up to Soarin' at our FP time, I don't have a lot of sympathy for them.
If you've never been, it might be worth a visit with an open mind. Do a little research, give it a fair try and if you don't like it, then so be it. But to me it really is a wonderful experience.
|
|
Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,300
Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
|
Post by Mystie on Aug 2, 2014 22:19:29 GMT
I've shared before that my dh and I were never interested in DW ( no kids) but went to Mickey's Christmas Party on a whim when we were in FL on a business trip.
We loved it! We loved it so much we went back the following two years in Nov or Dec, and when we didn't go last year, it just felt wrong!
This year we're still planning to go again. LOL.
I think it's either your thing or it isn't, and we discovered that it WAS our thing! It's the customer service, it's the landscaping, it's the atmosphere, it's watching little kids have an amazing time, it really feels magical.
I would never go at a peak time or in the summer, but we have thoroughly enjoyed our Christmastime visits.
|
|
chasetsun
Junior Member
Posts: 97
Jun 26, 2014 0:37:42 GMT
|
Post by chasetsun on Aug 2, 2014 22:38:12 GMT
Disney has the best customer service of any place I have ever been or heard of. They just do it right. Your every desire is granted, often without you even asking. The interaction between the characters and children is incredible. It does take some effort to plan, but it is worth it!
|
|
marimoose
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,282
Jul 22, 2014 2:10:14 GMT
|
Post by marimoose on Aug 2, 2014 22:41:59 GMT
There is something about it that makes you forget regular life/problems for just a little while. luvspaper summed it up perfectly. It is an escape from reality.
|
|
Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
|
Post by Dalai Mama on Aug 2, 2014 22:44:25 GMT
The moment my child met a character for the first time that they had admired from a movie was absolutely magical. I think that's one of our problems. DH really wanted to take the boys to Disney so he brought home one of those promotional videos and the boys just didn't recognise most of the characters. Other than a few Pixar movies we never really did the Disney thing with them. Granted, our youngest was obsessed with Finding Nemo and The Incredibles but it wasn't enough to overcome their desire to visit other places. And, if anything, the video just convinced me that Disney was the seventh circle of hell and was to be avoided at all costs.
|
|
|
Post by darkchami on Aug 2, 2014 22:59:40 GMT
I have some incredible memories of Disney. Each one involves the amazing customer service of the cast members.
When I was 5 my family and I saw Chip and Dale go through some doors. My mom told me, "Sorry, honey. We just missed them." One of them must have heard her. He came back out and gave me a big hug. Even at 5 years old I understood that this character had gone above and beyond.
As a teenager I went with 30 of my classmates. As soon as we got through the gates the cast members offered to take a group photo... with all 30 cameras.
My best friend and I went when we were 20. Captain Hook and Mr. Smee came out of nowhere. My best friend immediately got her picture taken. Then the children kept running up. I won't go in front of an excited child. After a few children got their pictures, Captain Hook came up to me and grabbed me like he was going to kidnap me. It was his genius way of giving me an opportunity for my photo.
I've never been anywhere that has that level of customer service across the board.
|
|
|
Post by iteach3rdgrade on Aug 2, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
We took our son when he was 2 and it really was easier than this summer when he was 7. He walked, had opinions, didn't get naps and disliked any long waits which really for only the one ride, Seven Dwarfs. The trip when he was 2 is one I'll never forget. He enjoyed Legoland more, which we did after Disney.
We have a timeshare down there so we really didn't want to spend the extra money to go there and stay at a resort, however, I think it may have been worth it to do it for a few days because it'd be easier to go back for a rest. We had to drive and park which just takes time.
I think it's an expensive trip and wonder if that is just part of the issue that some people may have. We don't bother going down to Kinds Island, one of my favorite amusement parks growing up because of our drive time. To stay over, it would just be a really expensive weekend and I never want to spend the money for the weekend.
|
|
|
Post by stefdesign on Aug 2, 2014 23:15:39 GMT
I began going to Disneyland when I was a little girl, shortly after the park opened in the mid-50s. I grew up going to Disneyland often, it was a special place to go for a birthday event, and later, as a teen, it was an awesome date spot. Back in the 50s and 60s, the prices were reasonable. A couple could go there for a date on a summer evening, and it didn't cost a week's salary. Back then, although Disney was always commercial to some extent, it wasn't anything like it is today. I kind of liked the simpler Disneyland experience, where there weren't Tea Parties with princesses or thousand dollar Disney sculptures for sale. Although we have taken our children to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World through the years, it's really my childhood experiences with Disneyland that gives me that nostalgic and magical feeling.
A few years ago, my DH and I bought an annual pass to Disneyland and we went quite a few times. The kids were grown by then, so we went by ourselves, and had a great time! We did pick off-peak times, and the experience was so much fun. It's also a great place for photography!
|
|
|
Post by Tamhugh on Aug 2, 2014 23:19:57 GMT
We are big WDW fans. We have taken the kids at all different ages and they all were great trips in different ways. The little kid years were the magic years. The young kid years were the thrill ride years. Now we get to go with adult children. In February, I ran the Princess 5k with my DH, SIL, two DSs and my nephew. It was awesome running through the park as the sun was coming up with a bunch of other crazy families in costumes. DH and BIL enjoyed sitting along the water with the boys and having a beer and a cigar. We are currently planning to go for a long weekend this fall, just the two of us for a new WDW experience. Our experience there has grown and changed with our family so it is a sentimental place for us.
|
|
|
Post by Darcy Collins on Aug 2, 2014 23:21:43 GMT
I guess we're in the mushy middle. We've taken our kids a few times and had nice time. Probably our favorite was when we went at Christmas time. The decorations were really impressive. Now my kids were never really into Disney, so it wasn't about the characters for them - which was nice because we never waited in any of the meet and greet lines. But my daughter had no trouble feeling like a princess at breakfast in the castle, it didn't matter that she'd never seen Cinderella, the castle is impressive no matter your age, and at 4 is pretty awe inspiring. Similarly with Pirates of the Caribbean - my kids had never seen the movie - but Pirates = cool.
|
|
|
Post by rst on Aug 2, 2014 23:48:51 GMT
Yeah, pretty much. I don't want a magical, otherwordly experience, I resent their "managed" staging of your experiences (aka customer service) and I certainly never felt Disnified as a child (could it be because I grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp? Maybe.) I've been to Disney land and world, a few times. It was just tiring and annoying to me. Shrug.
I don't consider myself a cynic at all, but Disney and all things related leave me totally cold. Apparently it's a genetic thing. Nobody in my family has any interest in Disney, despite living in FL quite close to Orlando for years. My kids don't feel the draw, and never have. They never wanted to watch the movies (exception Winne the Pooh). We've liked Pixar stuff ok, but I really can't stay awake through a whole Disney movie.
Don't worry, my strong dislike of Disney doesn't extend to those who love love love it. But it does seem like some people get very defensive about it. You could tell me how much you hate, let's see, Kindles, or 19th Century Literary novels, or quilting, or hiking in the mountains (all things I love and invest time and energy into) and it wouldn't get me all up in arms. I wouldn't go on and on about how some people just don't see the magic and the childlike wonder of it. So -- why is that?
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 12:27:03 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2014 0:49:42 GMT
For me, it's the "magic" and the whole experience--as someone else said, just the layout of the parks, landscaping, attention to detail, etc.
It's also family memories, as my husband bought into DVC when we were still dating and it's been a family destination spot for us just about every year.
I will admit that I have gotten a little jaded in recent years regarding increases in price, cuts in services, and the fact that their goal seems to have the park as filled as possible at all times. I'm also frustrated that the implementation of the Disney dining plan has made it almost impossible for us to get into some of our favorite restaurants and even those in the resort we are staying at unless we make reservations well before the trip itself.
That being said, it remains a favorite of mine.
I also totally understand that some people have zero interest and that's fine, too. For example, I have no interest whatsoever in going tent camping, but I understand that some people really enjoy that.
|
|
mallie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,253
Jul 3, 2014 18:13:13 GMT
|
Post by mallie on Aug 3, 2014 1:41:20 GMT
Yeah, pretty much. I don't want a magical, otherwordly experience, I resent their "managed" staging of your experiences (aka customer service) and I certainly never felt Disnified as a child (could it be because I grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp? Maybe.) I've been to Disney land and world, a few times. It was just tiring and annoying to me. Shrug. I don't consider myself a cynic at all, but Disney and all things related leave me totally cold. Apparently it's a genetic thing. Nobody in my family has any interest in Disney, despite living in FL quite close to Orlando for years. My kids don't feel the draw, and never have. They never wanted to watch the movies (exception Winne the Pooh). We've liked Pixar stuff ok, but I really can't stay awake through a whole Disney movie. Don't worry, my strong dislike of Disney doesn't extend to those who love love love it. But it does seem like some people get very defensive about it. You could tell me how much you hate, let's see, Kindles, or 19th Century Literary novels, or quilting, or hiking in the mountains (all things I love and invest time and energy into) and it wouldn't get me all up in arms. I wouldn't go on and on about how some people just don't see the magic and the childlike wonder of it. So -- why is that? Why? Well, maybe when you say you despise something people love, you're going to irritate them. Because despise is a pretty strong word. And frankly your attitude comes off as somewhat contemptuous.
|
|
calgal08
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,519
Jun 27, 2014 15:43:46 GMT
|
Post by calgal08 on Aug 3, 2014 2:07:14 GMT
Absolutely no clue what the attraction is, to me it's like any other amusement park but with Mickey Mouse. Last summer we took the kids to Disney (apparently they were the only children in the world who had never been). Once we finally got inside dh said "you've got to be kidding, this is it". Honestly, neither of the kids were impressed with it either. We didn't see many happy smiling people. There's way too many long lines for a 2 minute ride. Call me a grumpy-grouch, but for our family, it was definitely not the happiest place on earth.
|
|
|
Post by myshelly on Aug 3, 2014 2:10:23 GMT
Absolutely no clue what the attraction is, to me it's like any other amusement park but with Mickey Mouse. Last summer we took the kids to Disney (apparently they were the only children in the world who had never been). Once we finally got inside dh said "you've got to be kidding, this is it". Honestly, neither of the kids were impressed with it either. We didn't see many happy smiling people. There's way too many long lines for a 2 minute ride. Call me a grumpy-grouch, but for our family, it was definitely not the happiest place on earth. That's exactly how I feel about DisneyLand, but World is completely different. I hate it when people talk about them interchangeably. You have to plan, you have to do the research, you have to understand Fast Pass.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 12:27:03 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2014 2:23:39 GMT
I like the sense of security, if you will, that Disney will make sure we have a good time and everything goes smoothly. The rides have more imagination and storytelling to them than other theme parks.
But that's exactly what it is: an amusement park. I go once a decade, and that way I don't get tired of it. But I'll confess: If I stay a week and repeat a park, I'm rather bored that second time.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 12:27:03 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2014 2:25:23 GMT
We went last year, and are planning to go in 2016.
We loved it, and will be going in February to beat the heat & crowds.
I can't wait!
|
|
|
Post by rst on Aug 3, 2014 2:26:35 GMT
Dali Mama placed it in one of the circles of hell, which is stronger language than "despise" and "disdain" in my book.
But myshelly -- you didn't really answer my question. Why is it so personally invested for so many people? If you told me that you loathe quilts and disdain any novel written in English in the 19th century, I'd not care one whit, even though I spend much of my time and energy and education wrapped up (literally with the quilts) in those pursuits.
So what I'm asking for help in understanding is how Disney becomes something that people identify with strongly enough that they feel attacked by random strangers who say they dislike/disdain/cast into hell all things Disney related?
|
|
|
Post by peasapie on Aug 3, 2014 2:34:00 GMT
I never had any desire to go to DisneyWorld, but when I did I fell in love. Yeah, it's gimmicky and commercial and expensive. But still, I fell in love. I came home with a Disney Buzz that lasted for weeks.
|
|