Will I regret never going to Disney?

[Anonymous]

I've traveled a fair bit around the world, and I don't understand why Disney is so polarizing. If it doesn't appeal, don't go. Maybe your kids will go with a school group in high school or with a friend's family. Frankly, it would be a nicer experience if more people stayed away to make way for us trashy joy-diminishers, but Disney has so many guests that you have to reserve a "park pass" to get in. Even Princess Diana took William and Harry and they still talk about the trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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?

No comparison! Disney is magical. If you celebrate Xmas, between Thanksgiving and Xmas is amazing. Disney was my personal idea of living hell until I went. I loved it. Child loved it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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?

No comparison! Disney is magical. If you celebrate Xmas, between Thanksgiving and Xmas is amazing. Disney was my personal idea of living hell until I went. I loved it. Child loved it.

PP again, and it you don't want t go don't go! But, you can not compare it to any of the amusement parks mentioned.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Every time this debate surfaces, I think it is kind of like people saying that fantasy lit or movies or whatever is “fake” and therefore bad. It’s a different genre of travel. Yes, it is fake—that is the point. Lord of the rings depicts a fake universe, as does Star Wars and Game of Thrones. I understand some people prefer non-fiction or realistic fiction to fantasy, but they are all valid genres and some people enjoy more than one.

For those who think it’s trashy to enjoy disney as an adult, do you think the same of people who enjoy Renn Fest or Comicon? I think it’s the same impulse — to escape reality and pretend to be part of something different.

Um, yes. I actually do judge people who like these things in excess as well. And NASCAR fans.

You realize the people who go to Comicon, Renn Fest, and NASCAR fans are not at all the same, right?

Of course they are different. It is possible to judge more than one kind of person. Come on, Disney lovers are supposed to have good imaginations!

I never said a thing about Disney. You are very judgmental. I’m glad I don’t know you in person.

Most people are judgmental, far more than me. My best friend works at Walmart, and I also have friends who are famous. I am very low key. Several of my friends go to Disney often. I’d never say anything about it to then IRL. They enjoy it, good for them.

Your excuse is that most people are judgmental?

Don’t need an “excuse.” People on this forum love to judge moms for things like breastfeeding v formula, daycare v nanny, private v public schools, how COVID concerned they are, politics…I don’t judge people about any of the big mommy war or social issues. I am probably less judgmental than you!

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Every time this debate surfaces, I think it is kind of like people saying that fantasy lit or movies or whatever is “fake” and therefore bad. It’s a different genre of travel. Yes, it is fake—that is the point. Lord of the rings depicts a fake universe, as does Star Wars and Game of Thrones. I understand some people prefer non-fiction or realistic fiction to fantasy, but they are all valid genres and some people enjoy more than one.

For those who think it’s trashy to enjoy disney as an adult, do you think the same of people who enjoy Renn Fest or Comicon? I think it’s the same impulse — to escape reality and pretend to be part of something different.

Um, yes. I actually do judge people who like these things in excess as well. And NASCAR fans.

You realize the people who go to Comicon, Renn Fest, and NASCAR fans are not at all the same, right?

Of course they are different. It is possible to judge more than one kind of person. Come on, Disney lovers are supposed to have good imaginations!

I never said a thing about Disney. You are very judgmental. I’m glad I don’t know you in person.

Most people are judgmental, far more than me. My best friend works at Walmart, and I also have friends who are famous. I am very low key. Several of my friends go to Disney often. I’d never say anything about it to then IRL. They enjoy it, good for them.

Your excuse is that most people are judgmental?

Don’t need an “excuse.” People on this forum love to judge moms for things like breastfeeding v formula, daycare v nanny, private v public schools, how COVID concerned they are, politics…I don’t judge people about any of the big mommy war or social issues. I am probably less judgmental than you!

I don’t judge people for any of those things, except for certain political items, mostly centering around support for Jan 6th.

[Anonymous]

Wow, can't read whole thread, but for OP. Life's short. You can't do it all. My kids really enjoyed Disney, but they've had just as much fun at Hershey and Busch Gardens. Since it costs so much money to go to Disney these days, I would only recommend if you you and family really want to go. Otherwise, find another adventure.

[Anonymous]

My parents were poor and they still managed to take me to Disney twice during my childhood.

I kind of feel parents who straight up don’t want to take the kids because they don’t want to go are selfish parents. Why would you not want to take your kids on a kid oriented vacation during their childhood?

We have gone to Europe, Asia, Hawaii, all over the US and Caribbean. My kids enjoyed Disney more than our Italy trip when they were younger. Orlando has great pools. It doesn’t just have to be Disney. Harry Potter or Dr Seuss at Universal was loved by my kids. Star Wars and pandora are very well done at Disney. My kids loved stroller walks around Epcot and animal kingdom. So many happy memories. The live shows, parades and musicals are so fun to watch. I would never go to Disney without kids. I am not an amusement park person at all. However, I love going with my kids.

Of course if you are on a budget and can’t easily afford to go, I don’t think it is worth it to stretch to go. We have a high income and usually go to Orlando for a long weekend every year. We do longer vacations to better destinations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've traveled a fair bit around the world, and I don't understand why Disney is so polarizing. If it doesn't appeal, don't go. Maybe your kids will go with a school group in high school or with a friend's family. Frankly, it would be a nicer experience if more people stayed away to make way for us trashy joy-diminishers, but Disney has so many guests that you have to reserve a "park pass" to get in. Even Princess Diana took William and Harry and they still talk about the trip.

Probably because some people who are really into it claim that those of us who aren’t are scarring their children or depriving them of the American experience. Kind of like the Christmas threads actually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've traveled a fair bit around the world, and I don't understand why Disney is so polarizing. If it doesn't appeal, don't go. Maybe your kids will go with a school group in high school or with a friend's family. Frankly, it would be a nicer experience if more people stayed away to make way for us trashy joy-diminishers, but Disney has so many guests that you have to reserve a "park pass" to get in. Even Princess Diana took William and Harry and they still talk about the trip.

Probably because some people who are really into it claim that those of us who aren’t are scarring their children or depriving them of the American experience. Kind of like the Christmas threads actually.

I don’t think you are scarring them but why would you not want to make a happy childhood memory? I love Disney. I love Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, birthday, all celebrations. I also love national parks and international culture and cuisine.

I think the anti Disney people sound so negative. Didn’t read the Xmas thread but can only guess what it is about.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I've traveled a fair bit around the world, and I don't understand why Disney is so polarizing. If it doesn't appeal, don't go. Maybe your kids will go with a school group in high school or with a friend's family. Frankly, it would be a nicer experience if more people stayed away to make way for us trashy joy-diminishers, but Disney has so many guests that you have to reserve a "park pass" to get in. Even Princess Diana took William and Harry and they still talk about the trip.

Probably because some people who are really into it claim that those of us who aren’t are scarring their children or depriving them of the American experience. Kind of like the Christmas threads actually.

I don’t think you are scarring them but why would you not want to make a happy childhood memory? I love Disney. I love Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, birthday, all celebrations. I also love national parks and international culture and cuisine.

I think the anti Disney people sound so negative. Didn’t read the Xmas thread but can only guess what it is about.

Because we make plenty of happy childhood memories doing other stuff. I didn’t go Disney or celebrate Christmas and I had a wonderful childhood with many great memories. No reason my kids can’t do the same. I don’t care if other people make their happy memories at Disney so it baffles me why people like you can’t extend the same grace.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Disney is a cesspool of humanity. Count your blessings that you have not been - you have won the lottery.

Another nasty post! Maybe I should start keeping count.

OP asked for opinions. It isn’t nasty to dislike Disney, just because you like it. OP didn’t ask for only positive impressions of the place.

There’s a difference between opinions and saying it’s a cesspool of humanity.

We went once and it was pretty much a cesspool. I have never seen so many mullets and obese people in skimpy clothing anywhere in my life, and I grew up going to State Fairs so that’s saying something. So you can look past that…good for you. It impairs my joy to see trashy people yelling at their kids all day.

Went once. Totally agree. It is gross

Well these people are being snobby. But if the place tends to attract a fair number of lower income families, when it is SO expensive, then they must be manipulated into thinking all good parents go there or something. It is define not worth a loan or other sacrifice. That makes me sad.

[Anonymous]

We went at 5 and 7 and it was magical to my son. He loved the character experiences, the parades, etc. We were pleasantly surprised by how nice the parks were, clean, and very friendly staff. It was a very enjoyable experience. We had a 3 day pass and didn't try to pack a ton in each day. I'm pretty organized so had booked our priority rides/experiences in advance and the rest was a bonus. We stayed at the Disney Swan and were able to walk to a lot of stuff and also got into the park an hour early which was nice.

We are going back at age 10 and I don't expect it to be magical, but my son is interested in Star Wars and also may appreciate Epcot more.

If you can afford it, I think it is worth it.

[Anonymous]

It’s hard for you to regret something you’ve never experienced so I think you’re fine either way. I didn’t think we were a Disney family but we took the kids the first time when they were 6 and 8 and they loved it. We had a great time so as well seeing them happy so we’ve been back several times. But without going I would’ve never know. So no regrets either

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s hard for you to regret something you’ve never experienced so I think you’re fine either way. I didn’t think we were a Disney family but we took the kids the first time when they were 6 and 8 and they loved it. We had a great time so as well seeing them happy so we’ve been back several times. But without going I would’ve never know. So no regrets either

I have a mentality of wanting to try everything. If I don’t like it, I won’t regret not doing it.

I also just took the kids with low expectations. My kids loved it so much. We had so many amazing vacations when kids were young but Disney was definitely at the top. They loved the shows and parades. We have been back several times and each time we go, we have a different focus and totally different experience. When they were young, we did this Jedi training that they LOVED. We recently went and the new Star Wars land was amazing. We ate at all the different Star Wars restaurant and bars. So fun. Something about drinking blue milk at Oga’s Cantina. They also loved butter beer and playing with the Wanda at Harry Potter at universal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, can't read whole thread, but for OP. Life's short. You can't do it all. My kids really enjoyed Disney, but they've had just as much fun at Hershey and Busch Gardens. Since it costs so much money to go to Disney these days, I would only recommend if you you and family really want to go. Otherwise, find another adventure.

This. The location is less important than having fun together. Disney is one place.