Will I regret never going to Disney?

[Anonymous]

My only child is 10. Disney has never been a big draw for me, I never went as a child myself, but after hearing friends going on and on about the magical place, I'm wondering if I'll regret not going when my child is still young enough to appreciate the magic. Plus they're now getting into Harry Potter so might be interested in that part, too.

We enjoy other theme parks like Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens for a day, (but not necessarily more than a trip to NY or Philly for museums and culture). How much better of an experience is Disney?

We have international family so most of our family vacations have been to them. Should I reconsider Disney?

[Anonymous]

1. Disney is heads and tails better than any of the amusement parks you mentioned.
2. You kid will be fine without ever going.
3. You can make it more educational. Epcot has some amazing extra things for the kids where they learn Science. Super cool.
4. Harry potter is not at Disney it is at Universal.
5. OP ask your kid if they even want to go.

[Anonymous]

By 10, DD was over Disney. DS has never been and never wanted to go. Both kids loved Universal

[Anonymous]

Disney rides are higher quality, but these days I don’t know if the whole experience is worth it. It sounds way too crowded and difficult with the whole pre-selecting rides thing. My 10 year old loves Universal and isn’t interested in Disney (except maybe Star Wars).

[Anonymous]

No, it was just a crowded and over hyped them park. My kids did not care for it.

Unless your child is a Disney fun.

[Anonymous]

I think Disney magic is over by age 10. For our DDs it was magical between ages 3 and 5. But if you are thinking of going to Universal I would definitely visit Disney as well.

[Anonymous]

You should go to Disney once. There’s no place that compares. It’s the most magical place on earth. I know grown-ups that go every year. It’s not just for young kids. Spend 1 day at each theme park if you can afford it. It’s memorable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Disney rides are higher quality, but these days I don’t know if the whole experience is worth it. It sounds way too crowded and difficult with the whole pre-selecting rides thing. My 10 year old loves Universal and isn’t interested in Disney (except maybe Star Wars).

+1 to the bolded. We went immediately pre-covid and it was a lot, but everything I've heard about changes since then has made we glad we're not going now. If your kid isn't asking to go I wouldn't worry about it.

However, I don't think you get too old to enjoy Disney. I grew up going to Disney Land (in CA) every year just because it was an easy vacation for my family and tickets were cheap then. Of course I was drawn to different things than the little kids but it's still a great park with rides, fireworks, shows and live music, etc. You could easily go with teens and have fun, especially at the Animal Kingdom and Epcot in FL. If you don't put the "magic" expectation on it, you'll be fine.

[Anonymous]

I took my then boyfriend, now husband to Disney when we were in college. We ha da magical time lol.

But I could tell that his parents were embarrassed that they had prioritized other trips, to places they wanted to go. He was very grateful for the experience.

I say go. Make Harry Potter/US the main attraction and park hop to two places (if you can still do that) at Disney one day, one being the MK. Don't worry about all the blogs and all the mess with Disney, figure out the easy, no frills way to go and make it work.

[Anonymous]

I'd go, do your research so you hit the things your kids like most. First, it is a lot of fun for families. Not as easy or hassle free as it used to be, but still worth doing. Second, if you don't go, your kids will be missing a little bit of US pop culture. That is, when their high school or college friends reminisce about their WDW trips, yours won't have anything to contribute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd go, do your research so you hit the things your kids like most. First, it is a lot of fun for families. Not as easy or hassle free as it used to be, but still worth doing. Second, if you don't go, your kids will be missing a little bit of US pop culture. That is, when their high school or college friends reminisce about their WDW trips, yours won't have anything to contribute.

I had that experience in high school and college! I was glad when i finally went as an adult so could participate in those conversations. I have taken my kids a few times and it really is like nothing else.

[Anonymous]

Disney magic has no age limit. I went first as a teen and loved it. I love Universal even more. But no, it’s not a must-do. I actually don’t think any trip is. Go where you’re interested in going. Disney & Universal are not for people who want to just relax.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should go to Disney once. There’s no place that compares. It’s the most magical place on earth. I know grown-ups that go every year. It’s not just for young kids. Spend 1 day at each theme park if you can afford it. It’s memorable.

If you think Disney is the most magical place on earth I feel really sorry for you.

[Anonymous]

I went to Disney for the first time when I was 12 with a school trip (my family moved to Orlando). I still enjoyed it. I say this as a former employee, the whole "Disney Magic" stuff is just marketing. Ultimately, it's just a theme park, a very clean and well maintained one, but a theme park nonetheless.

[Anonymous]

There is no Harry Potter at Disney. Its at Universal.