Will I regret never going to Disney?

[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.

Disney is extreme because it’s like the one place that people act like you HAVE to go. I mean there’s a person in here saying it’s a huge part of American culture and if you don’t take your kid they will lack a foundational experience to discuss later with a college roommate. And that’s silly. People who like Disney overinflate it’s worth and importance. It is a theme park. I suspect they have to make it into something more to justify going there every year and spending that kind of money on a park over and over again, but it’s a park. I’ve taken my kids. It was fine. Of all the vacations we’ve done, they don’t mention that one very often in a “that was so fun remember that?” way. You wanna go, go. If you enjoy it, cool. But if you don’t, your life isn’t inherently lacking. You missed an experience at a theme park and that’s it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Like others, I want to echo that going to Disney is fun if you spend the money for the extras (lightning lanes/Genie passes) that cut down on the wait times. Waiting 90 minutes to get on a 1 minute ride is not fun. Especially in the summer when it's hella hot. Maybe the character breakfasts etc. if you have little ones and want them to interact. But I think most younger kids (up to age 7) are almost as/equally happy with a local theme park especially if they're not jaded with lots of $$ vacations. Plus they get tired more easily so they can't take full advantage of a full day to do all the rides. And then older kids (above 11 or so) can find it too young for them, with the exception of the Star Wars and Avatar rides and a few coasters.

So then if you have kids in that narrow age band who really find it amazing and the $$ for the extras, it's a good trip. But some people really love the controlled environment and customer service (and it's not too far from the DMV area). Others are equally happy with Sesame Place/Dutch Wonderland for the younger set and Busch Gardens/Hershey Park for slightly older kids, where you can drive and pay 1/4 the price for tix.

Tickets to Busch Gardens and Hershey Park are not that much less expensive. It is the other stuff that adds up at Disney but tickets aren't that much more.

Not true--a single day ticket at Busch Gardens is 90$, but I often see deals for far cheaper. It's 55$ for Hershey (and discounted for kids under 8). Disney starts at 110$/day, with no discounts for kids plus as most everyone on this thread has said, to make it not miserable, you have to get the lightning lane passes or wait 90 minutes for a lot of popular rides which drives the costs up.

[Anonymous]

I am 53 years old and have never been to Disney. I might go someday, but if not I don't feel regret or feel deprived of a rite of passage. My adult son has also never been and feels the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Like others, I want to echo that going to Disney is fun if you spend the money for the extras (lightning lanes/Genie passes) that cut down on the wait times. Waiting 90 minutes to get on a 1 minute ride is not fun. Especially in the summer when it's hella hot. Maybe the character breakfasts etc. if you have little ones and want them to interact. But I think most younger kids (up to age 7) are almost as/equally happy with a local theme park especially if they're not jaded with lots of $$ vacations. Plus they get tired more easily so they can't take full advantage of a full day to do all the rides. And then older kids (above 11 or so) can find it too young for them, with the exception of the Star Wars and Avatar rides and a few coasters.

So then if you have kids in that narrow age band who really find it amazing and the $$ for the extras, it's a good trip. But some people really love the controlled environment and customer service (and it's not too far from the DMV area). Others are equally happy with Sesame Place/Dutch Wonderland for the younger set and Busch Gardens/Hershey Park for slightly older kids, where you can drive and pay 1/4 the price for tix.

Tickets to Busch Gardens and Hershey Park are not that much less expensive. It is the other stuff that adds up at Disney but tickets aren't that much more.

Not true--a single day ticket at Busch Gardens is 90$, but I often see deals for far cheaper. It's 55$ for Hershey (and discounted for kids under 8). Disney starts at 110$/day, with no discounts for kids plus as most everyone on this thread has said, to make it not miserable, you have to get the lightning lane passes or wait 90 minutes for a lot of popular rides which drives the costs up.

Yeah, I just paid $170. Then you add on genie, lightning lane, flights, on site hotels, etc. it is not similar in price at all.

[Anonymous]

We surprisingly loved it (wasn't completely expecting that). However, we would certainly be just fine if we never went.

[Anonymous]

As much as I would like to say no, I do think the answer is maybe yes. Of course it is not for everybody, and it is easy to get priced out these days, but yes.

Unpopular opinion here, but you might consider foregoing the absolute craziness of Disneyland and Disney World in favor of planning and saving for Disney Paris. It’s a smaller park, and there are noticeable differences, but the tickets are cheaper, there are several terrific on-site Disney hotels and restaurants, and all of the magic and charm is still there. Just on a smaller scale. It may not be as over-the-top as things are stateside, but the trade-off is you can actually go on rides because the crowds are much, much smaller. To me, that makes it a much more enjoyable experience. It’s an hour train ride from Paris making it a pretty easy trip, no car rentals necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Like others, I want to echo that going to Disney is fun if you spend the money for the extras (lightning lanes/Genie passes) that cut down on the wait times. Waiting 90 minutes to get on a 1 minute ride is not fun. Especially in the summer when it's hella hot. Maybe the character breakfasts etc. if you have little ones and want them to interact. But I think most younger kids (up to age 7) are almost as/equally happy with a local theme park especially if they're not jaded with lots of $$ vacations. Plus they get tired more easily so they can't take full advantage of a full day to do all the rides. And then older kids (above 11 or so) can find it too young for them, with the exception of the Star Wars and Avatar rides and a few coasters.

So then if you have kids in that narrow age band who really find it amazing and the $$ for the extras, it's a good trip. But some people really love the controlled environment and customer service (and it's not too far from the DMV area). Others are equally happy with Sesame Place/Dutch Wonderland for the younger set and Busch Gardens/Hershey Park for slightly older kids, where you can drive and pay 1/4 the price for tix.

Tickets to Busch Gardens and Hershey Park are not that much less expensive. It is the other stuff that adds up at Disney but tickets aren't that much more.

Not true--a single day ticket at Busch Gardens is 90$, but I often see deals for far cheaper. It's 55$ for Hershey (and discounted for kids under 8). Disney starts at 110$/day, with no discounts for kids plus as most everyone on this thread has said, to make it not miserable, you have to get the lightning lane passes or wait 90 minutes for a lot of popular rides which drives the costs up.

Yeah, I just paid $170. Then you add on genie, lightning lane, flights, on site hotels, etc. it is not similar in price at all.

There’s no need to stay on property. There are a lot of hotels close by that have free shuttles to the parks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Like others, I want to echo that going to Disney is fun if you spend the money for the extras (lightning lanes/Genie passes) that cut down on the wait times. Waiting 90 minutes to get on a 1 minute ride is not fun. Especially in the summer when it's hella hot. Maybe the character breakfasts etc. if you have little ones and want them to interact. But I think most younger kids (up to age 7) are almost as/equally happy with a local theme park especially if they're not jaded with lots of $$ vacations. Plus they get tired more easily so they can't take full advantage of a full day to do all the rides. And then older kids (above 11 or so) can find it too young for them, with the exception of the Star Wars and Avatar rides and a few coasters.

So then if you have kids in that narrow age band who really find it amazing and the $$ for the extras, it's a good trip. But some people really love the controlled environment and customer service (and it's not too far from the DMV area). Others are equally happy with Sesame Place/Dutch Wonderland for the younger set and Busch Gardens/Hershey Park for slightly older kids, where you can drive and pay 1/4 the price for tix.

Tickets to Busch Gardens and Hershey Park are not that much less expensive. It is the other stuff that adds up at Disney but tickets aren't that much more.

Not true--a single day ticket at Busch Gardens is 90$, but I often see deals for far cheaper. It's 55$ for Hershey (and discounted for kids under 8). Disney starts at 110$/day, with no discounts for kids plus as most everyone on this thread has said, to make it not miserable, you have to get the lightning lane passes or wait 90 minutes for a lot of popular rides which drives the costs up.

Yeah, I just paid $170. Then you add on genie, lightning lane, flights, on site hotels, etc. it is not similar in price at all.

There’s no need to stay on property. There are a lot of hotels close by that have free shuttles to the parks.

I like the convenience of the boat and monorail. My youngest still uses a stroller.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As much as I would like to say no, I do think the answer is maybe yes. Of course it is not for everybody, and it is easy to get priced out these days, but yes.

Unpopular opinion here, but you might consider foregoing the absolute craziness of Disneyland and Disney World in favor of planning and saving for Disney Paris. It’s a smaller park, and there are noticeable differences, but the tickets are cheaper, there are several terrific on-site Disney hotels and restaurants, and all of the magic and charm is still there. Just on a smaller scale. It may not be as over-the-top as things are stateside, but the trade-off is you can actually go on rides because the crowds are much, much smaller. To me, that makes it a much more enjoyable experience. It’s an hour train ride from Paris making it a pretty easy trip, no car rentals necessary.

I mean you’d go to Paris and spend time at Disney? Do you eat at McDonalds while you are there too?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As much as I would like to say no, I do think the answer is maybe yes. Of course it is not for everybody, and it is easy to get priced out these days, but yes.

Unpopular opinion here, but you might consider foregoing the absolute craziness of Disneyland and Disney World in favor of planning and saving for Disney Paris. It’s a smaller park, and there are noticeable differences, but the tickets are cheaper, there are several terrific on-site Disney hotels and restaurants, and all of the magic and charm is still there. Just on a smaller scale. It may not be as over-the-top as things are stateside, but the trade-off is you can actually go on rides because the crowds are much, much smaller. To me, that makes it a much more enjoyable experience. It’s an hour train ride from Paris making it a pretty easy trip, no car rentals necessary.

I mean you’d go to Paris and spend time at Disney? Do you eat at McDonalds while you are there too?

yes, I would and I do.

[Anonymous]

My kids went when they were 3/5 and then 4/6. They enjoyed it during the time but don’t remember much. The planning now seems like a PITA and it’s so expensive. Not to mention crowds. Doesn’t seem worth it to return. We are thinking of doing Universal for HP stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids went when they were 3/5 and then 4/6. They enjoyed it during the time but don’t remember much. The planning now seems like a PITA and it’s so expensive. Not to mention crowds. Doesn’t seem worth it to return. We are thinking of doing Universal for HP stuff.

Universal is just as expensive, if not more. Their skip the line option is much more than Disney’s Genie plus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

NP. Disney is the most magical place on earth!!!

If by world you mean Florida, then maybe? But the world is vast and amazingly varied. There are literally thousands of more magical places imo. I am at the Great Barrier Reef with my family at the moment, and was at Bora Bora last week, and let me tell you, both are way, way more magical than a crowded overpriced park with blinking electronics and crappy food.

That’s the thing about opinions, everyone has one. But don’t tell yourself that people that go to and love Disney aren’t going to Bora Bora and other places in the world too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

NP. Disney is the most magical place on earth!!!

If by world you mean Florida, then maybe? But the world is vast and amazingly varied. There are literally thousands of more magical places imo. I am at the Great Barrier Reef with my family at the moment, and was at Bora Bora last week, and let me tell you, both are way, way more magical than a crowded overpriced park with blinking electronics and crappy food.

That’s the thing about opinions, everyone has one. But don’t tell yourself that people that go to and love Disney aren’t going to Bora Bora and other places in the world too.

Also, it’s funny that PP took the “most magical place on earth” thing literally. It’s Disney’s motto for Disney World, PP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Like others, I want to echo that going to Disney is fun if you spend the money for the extras (lightning lanes/Genie passes) that cut down on the wait times. Waiting 90 minutes to get on a 1 minute ride is not fun. Especially in the summer when it's hella hot. Maybe the character breakfasts etc. if you have little ones and want them to interact. But I think most younger kids (up to age 7) are almost as/equally happy with a local theme park especially if they're not jaded with lots of $$ vacations. Plus they get tired more easily so they can't take full advantage of a full day to do all the rides. And then older kids (above 11 or so) can find it too young for them, with the exception of the Star Wars and Avatar rides and a few coasters.

So then if you have kids in that narrow age band who really find it amazing and the $$ for the extras, it's a good trip. But some people really love the controlled environment and customer service (and it's not too far from the DMV area). Others are equally happy with Sesame Place/Dutch Wonderland for the younger set and Busch Gardens/Hershey Park for slightly older kids, where you can drive and pay 1/4 the price for tix.

Tickets to Busch Gardens and Hershey Park are not that much less expensive. It is the other stuff that adds up at Disney but tickets aren't that much more.

Not true--a single day ticket at Busch Gardens is 90$, but I often see deals for far cheaper. It's 55$ for Hershey (and discounted for kids under 8). Disney starts at 110$/day, with no discounts for kids plus as most everyone on this thread has said, to make it not miserable, you have to get the lightning lane passes or wait 90 minutes for a lot of popular rides which drives the costs up.

Yeah, I just paid $170. Then you add on genie, lightning lane, flights, on site hotels, etc. it is not similar in price at all.

There’s no need to stay on property. There are a lot of hotels close by that have free shuttles to the parks.

I like the convenience of the boat and monorail. My youngest still uses a stroller.

You don’t need to stay on property, but it’s well worth it to do so.