Will I regret never going to Disney?

[Anonymous]

We took the kids to Disneyland last year for the first time. It really was this bit of magic at the right time. It was February and we had just slogged through nearly 2 years of covid with no vacations. It was our first real vacation since then and it was sunny and warm and everyone was happy. And it just really just made our year better. We also went when crowds were low and used lightning lane for everything (never waited over 20 minutes).

That being said. My kids just declared Maine better than Disney. So I think its fine

[Anonymous]

The reality is that most of the people at Disney can’t truly afford it but they’ve bought in to the whole “most magical place on earth” and everyone should go once nonsense and they go. Then they say they don’t have money for college or retirement.

[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?

I as a child went to Disney World twice, EPCOT once or twice, and Disneyland once.

I also went to my local town's amusement parks many times.

I think that, for kids who aren't absolutely in love with the Disney Princess universe, the Disney parks are just not that great. They're very expensive, the rides are baby rides, and, if you're at Disney World in Orlando, the ocean is two hours away. Downtown Orlando is fine, but it's not nearly as much fun as Melbourne, Florida, let alone St. Augstine, Sarasota or Tampa's Ybor City.

For most kids, it would be better to combine a trip to a fun city with a beach and a good, affordable local amusement park than to blow a lot of money on a Disney park.

There is way more to Disney than just baby rides and princesses. That’s like saying don’t go to Rome you can get good spaghetti in the US.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The reality is that most of the people at Disney can’t truly afford it but they’ve bought in to the whole “most magical place on earth” and everyone should go once nonsense and they go. Then they say they don’t have money for college or retirement.

bingo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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?

I as a child went to Disney World twice, EPCOT once or twice, and Disneyland once.

I also went to my local town's amusement parks many times.

I think that, for kids who aren't absolutely in love with the Disney Princess universe, the Disney parks are just not that great. They're very expensive, the rides are baby rides, and, if you're at Disney World in Orlando, the ocean is two hours away. Downtown Orlando is fine, but it's not nearly as much fun as Melbourne, Florida, let alone St. Augstine, Sarasota or Tampa's Ybor City.

For most kids, it would be better to combine a trip to a fun city with a beach and a good, affordable local amusement park than to blow a lot of money on a Disney park.

There is way more to Disney than just baby rides and princesses. That’s like saying don’t go to Rome you can get good spaghetti in the US.

I’ve been to Disney World three times in my life, and Disneyland and once. I could take it or leave it -a vacation totally themed on make believe isn’t my passion. I’ve been to Rome multiple times, would go back in a heartbeat. The spaghetti comment is said by someone who has no imagination and grasp of history. I will concede if that’s their starting point, they would probably be better off eating spaghetti at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

I as a child went to Disney World twice, EPCOT once or twice, and Disneyland once.

I also went to my local town's amusement parks many times.

I think that, for kids who aren't absolutely in love with the Disney Princess universe, the Disney parks are just not that great. They're very expensive, the rides are baby rides, and, if you're at Disney World in Orlando, the ocean is two hours away. Downtown Orlando is fine, but it's not nearly as much fun as Melbourne, Florida, let alone St. Augstine, Sarasota or Tampa's Ybor City.

For most kids, it would be better to combine a trip to a fun city with a beach and a good, affordable local amusement park than to blow a lot of money on a Disney park.

There is way more to Disney than just baby rides and princesses. That’s like saying don’t go to Rome you can get good spaghetti in the US.

I’ve been to Disney World three times in my life, and Disneyland and once. I could take it or leave it -a vacation totally themed on make believe isn’t my passion. I’ve been to Rome multiple times, would go back in a heartbeat. The spaghetti comment is said by someone who has no imagination and grasp of history. I will concede if that’s their starting point, they would probably be better off eating spaghetti at home.

I get that an adult might not enjoy Disney as much as Rome.

But what about kids?

Most kids love Disney.

Shouldn’t family travel cater to kids at some point?

[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?

I as a child went to Disney World twice, EPCOT once or twice, and Disneyland once.

I also went to my local town's amusement parks many times.

I think that, for kids who aren't absolutely in love with the Disney Princess universe, the Disney parks are just not that great. They're very expensive, the rides are baby rides, and, if you're at Disney World in Orlando, the ocean is two hours away. Downtown Orlando is fine, but it's not nearly as much fun as Melbourne, Florida, let alone St. Augstine, Sarasota or Tampa's Ybor City.

For most kids, it would be better to combine a trip to a fun city with a beach and a good, affordable local amusement park than to blow a lot of money on a Disney park.

EPCOT *IS* in Disney World.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

I as a child went to Disney World twice, EPCOT once or twice, and Disneyland once.

I also went to my local town's amusement parks many times.

I think that, for kids who aren't absolutely in love with the Disney Princess universe, the Disney parks are just not that great. They're very expensive, the rides are baby rides, and, if you're at Disney World in Orlando, the ocean is two hours away. Downtown Orlando is fine, but it's not nearly as much fun as Melbourne, Florida, let alone St. Augstine, Sarasota or Tampa's Ybor City.

For most kids, it would be better to combine a trip to a fun city with a beach and a good, affordable local amusement park than to blow a lot of money on a Disney park.

There is way more to Disney than just baby rides and princesses. That’s like saying don’t go to Rome you can get good spaghetti in the US.

I’ve been to Disney World three times in my life, and Disneyland and once. I could take it or leave it -a vacation totally themed on make believe isn’t my passion. I’ve been to Rome multiple times, would go back in a heartbeat. The spaghetti comment is said by someone who has no imagination and grasp of history. I will concede if that’s their starting point, they would probably be better off eating spaghetti at home.

I get that an adult might not enjoy Disney as much as Rome.

But what about kids?

Most kids love Disney.

Shouldn’t family travel cater to kids at some point?

I mean there are tons of places kids love /would love. Can’t get to them all.

We once rented a giant house on a beach that also had its own swimming pool. The kids say that was the best vacation ever. M

Their next favorite was Rome.

[Anonymous]

Life is short and no one will ever get to every place in the world. It’s silly to say there is one place ever person / family “needs” to go. Choose what you want and can afford. Enjoy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Life is short and no one will ever get to every place in the world. It’s silly to say there is one place ever person / family “needs” to go. Choose what you want and can afford. Enjoy.

As c’mon. This is DCUM. These nut jobs need somewhere to showcase their elitism and snobbery. What better way to do that then sh!t on others choice of vacation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Life is short and no one will ever get to every place in the world. It’s silly to say there is one place ever person / family “needs” to go. Choose what you want and can afford. Enjoy.

Yup. I don’t want to go to Disney. Maybe my kids would like it, but they have also liked many of the other places we’ve traveled. This idea that your travel is not kid-centric if you aren’t at Disney is dumb.

[Anonymous]

I’m at Disney now with the family, kids 8 and 12. I’m surprised how much I am enjoying it. I think my kids are surprised how much they aren’t.

I came mentally prepared for lines and heat and expected to hate it all. But Disney makes an effort and I appreciate the attention to details. I have found it “magical” in that there’s a passion underneath all the hard work that goes into managing a place of that quality and scale.

I’m glad we doing it, but also will opt for cheaper, low key holidays in the future. And will prioritise universal over Disney.

[Anonymous]

Nope. Never was our thing. Took them to Ireland, Prague and Italy. They are 14 and 16 and we have never looked back......ever.......

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As Dr. Becky would say: two things are true. Disney is a very magical place to take kids at the right age, AND you can visit a lot of other wonderful places and have a great childhood without ever going.

If a family doesn’t have the resources or limited time, of course Disney shouldn’t be the priority.

There are people who have time and money. I think those parents could find a time to take their kid to Disney sometime between ages 2-11.

Will the kid not have a great childhood because s/he didn’t go to Disney? Of course not.

I have many friends who put themselves first. Whether it is work or couples only or adults only trips or trips where they want to go only. I judge them a little. I don’t care that much but it seems selfish to work a lot, have one or two nannies and then not do kid oriented vacations.

There are other kid oriented vacations, doesn’t need to be Disney. Parents who are more in tune with their kids can make any number of culturally destinations fun and interesting beyond a commercialized theme park. The problem is that a lot of parents don’t want to put in that kind of prep work, so they label Disney as THE childhood “must do.”

We went to Europe, Hawaii, national parks, NY and Disney this year. I get that some parents don’t want to put in the work but Disney actually requires a lot of planning. I want my kids to have a childhood full of joy and enrichment. I love to travel. I love Disney. I love my kids. I know not everyone has the time and money. We have the time and money so we don’t have to choose. It isn’t like we are trying to decide between going to Asia or Disney. We can do both.

Weird flex since it’s not always time and money. Some people just don’t like to saturate kids with rampant commercialism and call it a vacation.

“Saturate kids with rampant commercialism.” This thread has some great one liners form the snobby cultural vacation crew. Imma start writing them all down, I think. An elitist journal of sorts, if you will.

There are plenty of other amusement parks you can go to. My kids have been to their share. Disney is a line I won’t cross, though. I see too many posts about people trying to figure out how they’re going to get their rides in, booking things months in advance, bad expensive food, and long lines. No thanks. If it doesn’t bother you, good for you. I will spend my time and money at other places. For the people turning up their noses at the commercialism comments, I’m with the commercialization posters: Disney has a bevy of people behind the scenes figuring out how to optimize on your dollar during your visit. Your pleasure is secondary for them (and they really only care when it means you will spend less money). Again, no thanks.

We have a high income and I actually like the new methods. I don’t mind peak pricing, limited crowds, paying for lightning lanes and staying on resort. Yes, this all adds up and costs $1000 per day for our family of 5. The cost doesn’t bother us. We go on cheap and $$$ vacations. I would say Disney is in the middle.

I think lower income and higher income people tend to turn their noses at it. We have a few friends who only do trips that are for rich people and they are annoying in their own way. They will take their young kids on African safari but not to Disney. I think the short 2 hour flight is great. We all have the same seven figure incomes.

Having been to both Disney and Tanzania, I would take my kids on safari any day over Disney. If you can’t see the qualitative difference, that’s sad.

what's sad is thinking there is a 'better' way to vacation. do what makes you happy and don't be a judgmental ass.

I do not want to fly to Africa with my 4yo. We are way more down to earth than the people I am thinking of. They are definitely more snobby and won’t go places that they think are LMC/MC.

You can think we are the ones judging. I promise they are far more judgmental.

Given the cost of Disney, you are kidding yourself if you think LMC and even MC can truly afford that. Disney has become a vacation destination for the privileged.

I would think this to, but it is very apparent that there are still many LMC and MC people vacationing at Disney, including working class people from other countries. I don't know how they afford it... debt?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn’t go to Disney until I was an adult and did not feel like I was missing anything. Now that I have kids, we go pretty frequently. We just got back from our Universal/Disney trip w/our 9th grader and 4th grader. The 9th grader was way more into Universal, especially all the VR rides. It’s a fine park but no Disney. What makes Disney special is the care they put into the guest experience-it’s the Disney way. The staff are all so well trained, the parks are impeccably clean, and they have crowd logistics down to a tee. The new LL isn’t as bad as it seems. You just need to be strategic and book as you go. We did pay for certain premium rides my kids wanted to to (Rise of the Resistance and Guardians), but I’d pay over waiting in long lines for those. Using LL and going to the parks early, we didn’t wait more than 30min for any ride. WDW isn’t comparable to any other amusement park—it’s on a level of its own. Worth experiencing if your kid is interested. At age 10, I’d say skip magic kingdom and focus on Hollywood studios and Epcot.

Interesting...
Our family has done frequent Disney trips (1-2+ per year) for the last 25 years (we own DVC). We just returned, and admittedly August is a terrible time to go to WDW, but college and internship schedules dictated. It was hands down the worst Disney trip that I have taken. The "Disney way" is seriously degrading... and has been doing so for a number of years. Cost is WAY up and quality is way down.

Can you elaborate about the quality being way down? We go frequently as well, and our last trip in May was amazing.

1) several full-on rude Cast members - the labor shortage is showing (these are longer anecdotes, so will skip)
2) reduced hours at the Parks - earlier closures; no "After Hours parties" which admittedly cost more, but at least were a mechanism to get on rides with shorter lines
3) having to spend thousands just to get on rides - no more annual pass if you let yours lapse; cost of tickets + Park Hopper + Genie Plus + LL (and still it was a problem, so we paid for a day-long VIP tour)
4) having to wake up at 6:45 a.m. every morning on vacation to deal with #3
5) more frequent ride closures - lack of maintenance is showing
6) I don't agree with some PPs that Disney food is crap; lots of it is good, but this time I ate some food that was actually terrible (Pecos Bill; Sunshine Seasons, etc.) It is sad when once good places have degraded over the years