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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2014 2:36:39 GMT
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. We were there the week after 9/11 also. We drove from Houston with all three kiddos. We had a vacation planned, but decided DH and I didn't want to leave the kids and fly for an adult-only vacation. It was weird how empty DW was. There was no wait. We got a suite off-site for $89 a night...usually at least double that. I have to agree the staff was amazing....
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Post by myshelly on Aug 3, 2014 2:45:18 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? I'm not sure why you're directing this question at me. All I did was answer the OP. I haven't argued with you and I don't feel a need to argue with you. I think it's weird that in your original post you say you despise it (which is really strong, invested language) without saying why *you* feel so strongly. I think that's what people are reacting to. All I did was answer your question about whether I like the movies and the merchandise, too. And yes, I do like the movies and merchandise.
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Post by lumo on Aug 3, 2014 2:52:34 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? Not myshelly, but I'll take a stab at it. For a lot of people, Disney -- whether the films, characters, or parks -- are an intrinsic part of their memories of their childhood. So when others disparage those things, I think people take it very personally, as if a part of their childhood is being disparaged. There's an emotional attachment there, for good or for bad. I don't think people tend to have that kind of emotional attachment to Kindles or 19th century novels or quilts.
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Post by myshelly on Aug 3, 2014 2:53:08 GMT
rst -
Although if you ask why people are "personally invested" I guess it's because it's such a big part of people's lives.
I have amazing childhood memories of WDW. And other really good memories that involve Disney - the live shows, the toys, the movies. It was a big part of my childhood.
Now it's a huge part of my life bc I see it through my kids' eyes. DisneyJr is their early morning tv. Disney toys are their preferred toys. I dress them in Disney clothes. We go to Disney Live and DisneyJr Live and Disney on Ice. We've been saving for years to take them to WDW. My oldest just had a Frozen themed bday party. We watch the movies together. I take them to the Disney Store. They dress up as Disney characters for Halloween.
I have Disney stuff on display in my house. If I had a baby girl I was going to name her Aurora. As it is I have all boys and they all have names that are related to Star Wars, which is now a Disney property (and has been associated with Disney theme parks since I went there as a kid).
I guess Disney is just the embodiment of my childhood and now it is the embodiment of my children's childhood and that only makes me even more emotionally invested in it. I'm willing to bet it was a huge part of a lot of American childhoods and that is why people are not just interested in it, but emotionally connected to it in a very deep and meaningful (to them) way.
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Post by myshelly on Aug 3, 2014 2:54:26 GMT
I think Lumo and I were posting at the same time And we were both saying pretty much the same thing. I agree with Lumo.
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Post by CarolT on Aug 3, 2014 3:06:34 GMT
We live in the Orlando area, and hadn't been to WDW in years - mainly because of the cost. This summer, because of scheduling challenges, we weren't going to be able to take a vacation. We decided to purchase annual passes for the family, instead - we bought our passes in May, and we've been at least once a week, just about every week since then. We generally go in the evening and stay for just a few hours - we get our fast passes, then do whatever else strikes our fancy and has a short line. For us, it's a great escape from our regular day-to-day stuff.
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Post by whipea on Aug 3, 2014 3:14:48 GMT
Well, I was just curious not knocking those who enjoy the experience. To each his/her own.
I have lived in Florida for 55 years and remember when Orlando was orange groves and miles of pretty much nothing. I think this is why I am curious, how it has changed and why people enjoy this type of venue.
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Post by travelsoul on Aug 3, 2014 3:30:04 GMT
I agree with what so many others have already said. I think Disney is something you get or you don't. I think those who get it either have a strong emotional connection or just appreciate what Disney stands for. For me, my love for Disney runs deep. I grew up 15 minutes from Disneyland and my childhood is deeply rooted there. I still live close to the park and I am an annual pass holder. I'm 39, I have no children, and I go a few times a month, and some of those times by myself. If I have had a stressful week Disneyland is the first place I want to go. My favorite is to go on Saturday mornings at park opening and just walk around. Even though I am not blessed with children my favorite part of those Saturday mornings is watching all the happy children, young and old. I agree, it's just magical!
I also love the story of Disneylands conception. I appreciate the foundation of family, togetherness, memories, and happiness that Walt built it on.
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Post by melanell on Aug 3, 2014 3:32:53 GMT
I've only been to WDW, only as an adult, and never in May, June, July, or August. So I've never seen the crowds. But I also don't associate it with wonderful childhood memories. I do love it. I don't even know why, but I do.
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Post by Scarlet Ohana on Aug 3, 2014 3:40:20 GMT
I couldn't say it better than travelsoul Especially this : I'm very much involved with the Walt Disney Family Museum in SF, there is so much more to Disney then the parks, merchandise and movies. You either appreciate it, or you don't.
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missmeegz127
Full Member
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Jun 25, 2014 22:46:42 GMT
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Post by missmeegz127 on Aug 3, 2014 3:42:07 GMT
It brings out the child inside me! There's so much to do there besides just going on rides that each time I visit it feels like a totally different vacation. One of my favorite things to do is to get pictures with the characters. Some of the characters get so into character that they really make it fun it interact with them. Last time I was there Spanish Donald proposed to me, however I had to decline because I just couldn't move to Florida I also really enjoy Epcot and walking around all the countries and I will not lie drinking around the world is also fun.
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AmeliaBloomer
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Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on Aug 3, 2014 4:28:35 GMT
This is going to sound jaded, but during my two trips to Disneyland (as an adult), I was just fascinated by the staging, and the thinking behind all the choices. Everything is designed to evoke wonder or pull at heartstrings - the visuals in the rides, the Main Strret designs, the script for those robot-ie presidents, the music choices. Sometimes I rolled my eyes at the schmaltz and sometimes I was delighted. But through it all, I kept imagining people sitting around a table in a conference room planning it. Magical deconstruction, I guess.
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ReneeH20
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Jun 28, 2014 16:00:48 GMT
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Post by ReneeH20 on Aug 3, 2014 4:47:42 GMT
This is going to sound jaded, but during my two trips to Disneyland (as an adult), I was just fascinated by the staging, and the thinking behind all the choices. Everything is designed to evoke wonder or pull at heartstrings - the visuals in the rides, the Main Strret designs, the script for those robot-ie presidents, the music choices. Sometimes I rolled my eyes at the schmaltz and sometimes I was delighted. But through it all, I kept imagining people sitting around a table in a conference room planning it. Magical deconstruction, I guess. LOL. I was super excited to bring youngest child to WDW because she loved, loved, loved Mickey Mouse. She was 5 almost 6. Perfect age to still believe in the magic. First thing we do is go to the character breakfast. Poor kid has to go to the bathroom but is holding it until Mickey comes around. Finally she has to visit the facilities and who comes by. Yep, Mickey. We tried to get him to come back, but apparently in 2000, Mickey was not allowed to deviate from the circle of tables. Disney people don't seem sympathetic to my daughter's bladder issues. We stayed at our table until he came back around again. They finally sent him over when they realized we weren't leaving until our kid met Mickey. We had an enjoyable 4 days at WDW plus another 3 in the Orlando area. When we get home, DD doesn't like Mickey anymore. I found it odd, but then just went on with life. In her later teens, she confessed that when she met Mickey at the breakfast, she realized it was a person in a suit. That creeped her out. I guess even at a young age she didn't "get" Disney.
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Post by bosoxbeth on Aug 3, 2014 4:50:28 GMT
It's not my thing.
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Grom Pea
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Jun 27, 2014 0:21:07 GMT
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Post by Grom Pea on Aug 3, 2014 5:37:48 GMT
I love the magic, especially going with someone for the first time. Personally I'm glad there are people like rst and Dalai mama who don't go, if everyone went itwould be way too crowded. I'm fact that's probably why they raise prices, to keep it at a level where only those who enjoy it keep coming back. Imagine if out were only $20 to go to Disney, there would be so many people there, there's no way they could keep up their excellent customer service. My only hope its that I'm never I'm the group who gets priced out because I'd rather do something else. But I just love every bit of Disney, from the movies to the cruise line to the convention. I know its not for everyone, just like you won't find me at Harry potter world, because I could care less...one less person in line for people who do care abouthp to wait behind.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2014 5:47:08 GMT
whipea: I echo your sentiments exactly. I also live closeby (well, within 2 hours), and I have no desire to go. Even with the Florida resident discount, it's extremely expensive, crowded, hot and nothing I'm interested in. I did go back in 1987 and hated it. Some of my friends LIVE for vacationing there. I just don't get it.
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LeaP
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Jun 26, 2014 23:17:22 GMT
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Post by LeaP on Aug 3, 2014 6:24:51 GMT
I'm not a Disney person, but I think that the parks are magical. The total immersion and the attention to detail amazes me. That said, I don't go that often even though Disneyland is only 40 miles from my house.
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twinsmomfla99
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Jun 26, 2014 13:42:47 GMT
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Post by twinsmomfla99 on Aug 3, 2014 11:00:51 GMT
I am another one with no childhood memories of Disneyworld other than following news of its consstruction in Weekly Reader. The first time I went was as a member of my university marching band when we did a parade there during a bowl trip.
And yet.i still found it to be "magical." I went two more times before I even had kids LOL.
We had passes when we lived in Orlando for a year and we've had two family vacations there since. We want to go one more time before the twins graduate from high school, but we will probably combine it with a trip to Universal to see alll the Harry Potter stuff. A big part of the magic for me,though, is staying on site, so we will have to see how that all works out.
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Post by anxiousmom on Aug 3, 2014 11:33:08 GMT
Well, I was just curious not knocking those who enjoy the experience. To each his/her own. I have lived in Florida for 55 years and remember when Orlando was orange groves and miles of pretty much nothing. I think this is why I am curious, how it has changed and why people enjoy this type of venue. I am a couple of years younger, but have the same memories. My family and I were just talking about this and reminiscing about our first trip to Sea World. It was the year that they first opened and they only had a few exhibits-you had long periods of walking before you got anywhere. I remember a lot of Florida being orange groves, driving on hwy 27 has changed so much that it is hardly even recognizable to those of us who remember it from years past.
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Aug 3, 2014 12:10:11 GMT
It is fascinating to me how much we as human can differ. It rankled me to have all those people calling my daughter and ME(wth??) Princess. It made my skin crawl.
Other people love it!
I've been twice with my daughter the first time she was 4 and totally into all of it. IT was sweet. But we went in September it wasn't really hot and it was right after school started in most places so it was fairly quiet.
Her Dad and I both got food poisoning. Which happens a LOT more often than Disney would like you to believe. We had lunch with the princesses, at Epcot... we blamed the smoked salmon on the buffet.
I tell people I got poisined by the princesses.
The second time we went it was hot and miserable and crowded. The crabbiest place on earth!
I might go back when I have grandkids.(My daughter is 11 so that will hopefully be a long long time from now)
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2014 12:43:57 GMT
I absolutely love Disney World. And I have no children! I would go every year if I could - at a carefully calculated time when there are likely to be the fewest kids in the park, LOL. The rides, the restaurants, the shows, the spectacular parks themselves, the gorgeous hotels, the fireworks, the safari, the way it's so clean and lovely and all the park employees tell you to have a Magical Day. Sigh. I wish I was there now.
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Post by ljs1691 on Aug 3, 2014 13:55:12 GMT
I received my first pair of Disney flip-flops at the age of 5 and I can't remember a time in my life when I did not want to go to DisneyWorld. My parents (dad especially) had other interests and we rarely took a family vacation, never to WDW. I had a love for Mickey Mouse that I still can't explain. I finally got to WDW on my 15th birthday with an aunt that lived close enough to drive. We stayed 6-8 hours and at the end of June it was hot and crowded but it was like nothing I could explain. It was beyond magic for me. I didn't get to go back until I was 27 and I went twice that year. My dad had cancer and gave me money to go with my BFF as my inheritance (he said joking). I think he wanted to make up for not being able to take us as kids. After his passing my mom, sister, me and my ds went back in early December that year since we all needed a break from the reality we had lived over the previous 8 months. It was not crowed, decorated for Christmas, cool and crisp that year, fantastic. Since then I have honeymooned there and taken trips with the kids and without and we have always have a great time.
I don't think there is a way for me to truly explain the attraction of WDW or of Disney. I have had it as long as I can remember. I have no idea how it started or why. I want to believe in the magic. I have read so many biographies about Walt that it is probably a little crazy. I think there is a little magic in all of us and Walt just knew how to bring it out in some of us. Your magic just may not be for Disney, and that is ok.
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Post by Jennifer C on Aug 3, 2014 14:51:18 GMT
We've been twice as a family. My husband loves it, me not so much.
Dh says that as soon as we pull into the parking lot of the hotel that he hears singing. I tell him that they pipe the music in but by then, he has this awe filled expression on his face. I'm trying to wrangle the kids that have been couped up for 2 days and are bouncing.
Will we go back? Yes, because dh is already planning our next trip and it gives me break from everyday life. Plus, the kids are always exhausted at the end of the day.
Jennifer
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Post by airforcemomof1 on Aug 3, 2014 15:02:23 GMT
I haven't been many times and I really have no desire to go again unless I have grandchildren in the future and then I might like to experience it again with them. It was fun to see it and experience it with my son when he was a little boy. I do hate that it's so expensive and makes it impossible for a lot of families.
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michellegb
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Jun 26, 2014 0:04:59 GMT
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Post by michellegb on Aug 3, 2014 15:03:51 GMT
My grandparents took me and my brother the year Disney World opened - by car, 1800 miles. (yes they were awesome grandparents). They took us (and other grandkids) back a couple more times. It's a magical place to me with lots of memories. I just booked my 21st trip this morning! DH and I are heading back next March for a week. It's our favorite way to relax. We don't drive for a week, don't cook (except for reheating some leftovers and getting breakfast) and we get to just enjoy our time together. It's not the only place we like to travel to, but it's a definite favorite destination. We don't got during peak seasons and we splurge on our favorite resort (Beach Club). The last trip was during an unusual cold snap, but it was still a good time for us. I know that it's not everyone's cup of tea and that not everyone finds it magical. The world would be a boring place if we all liked the same things.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2014 15:17:33 GMT
Well, I was just curious not knocking those who enjoy the experience. To each his/her own. I have lived in Florida for 55 years and remember when Orlando was orange groves and miles of pretty much nothing. I think this is why I am curious, how it has changed and why people enjoy this type of venue. I am a couple of years younger, but have the same memories. My family and I were just talking about this and reminiscing about our first trip to Sea World. It was the year that they first opened and they only had a few exhibits-you had long periods of walking before you got anywhere. I remember a lot of Florida being orange groves, driving on hwy 27 has changed so much that it is hardly even recognizable to those of us who remember it from years past. We had annual passes to Sea World. Remember Florida Festival? Oh how I wish I could find some old pics via Google of Florida Festival. We moved to Orlando in 78 or so. Before that we lived in Ft. Lauderdale. (so I've been south and central FL)
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Post by anxiousmom on Aug 3, 2014 15:22:56 GMT
I am a couple of years younger, but have the same memories. My family and I were just talking about this and reminiscing about our first trip to Sea World. It was the year that they first opened and they only had a few exhibits-you had long periods of walking before you got anywhere. I remember a lot of Florida being orange groves, driving on hwy 27 has changed so much that it is hardly even recognizable to those of us who remember it from years past. We had annual passes to Sea World. Remember Florida Festival? Oh how I wish I could find some old pics via Google of Florida Festival. We moved to Orlando in 78 or so. Before that we lived in Ft. Lauderdale. (so I've been south and central FL) I can't say that I do, although the name sounds familiar. I grew up in North Florida, but had family in Central Florida (actually, ALL of them LOL.) I would love it if you are ever able to find pictures though, I am a bit of a scatter brain and don't ever remember names but images I rarely forget.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2014 15:23:34 GMT
Not my thing. I "get" it - I just don't appreciate it.
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Post by whipea on Aug 3, 2014 15:30:00 GMT
I am a couple of years younger, but have the same memories. My family and I were just talking about this and reminiscing about our first trip to Sea World. It was the year that they first opened and they only had a few exhibits-you had long periods of walking before you got anywhere. I remember a lot of Florida being orange groves, driving on hwy 27 has changed so much that it is hardly even recognizable to those of us who remember it from years past. We had annual passes to Sea World. Remember Florida Festival? Oh how I wish I could find some old pics via Google of Florida Festival. We moved to Orlando in 78 or so. Before that we lived in Ft. Lauderdale. (so I've been south and central FL) Don't remember that. I grew up in Miami. But do you remember Pirate's World? Think it was in Hollywood. Man, that place was a blast but so dangerous. They should have had the daily injury/fatality count at the entrance.
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Post by BuckeyeSandy on Aug 3, 2014 15:37:37 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. I will have to go with this. Although I think I am "so-so" about it all. Any amusement park really, just that Disney has a world wide reputation and I have been to ALL the Disney Parks except the two in China, Hong Kong's and Shanghai's. Both opened AFTER I retired from the USAF and I am not longer a globe trotting traveler. It was very different going to the one outside of Tokyo, I really enjoyed the Disney touches to many Japanese tales that ARE NOT seen or heard of in the USA or in France. But the one outside of Paris was totally DISNEY, except for the primary language, it could have been just like the ones in California and Florida, except at the time, it was the only one that served alcohol in the themed restaurants. That restriction has been dropped in the USA. If we go again, I prefer to stay ON Disney property at one of the resorts. I like NOT having to deal with the parking lots.
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