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!!!

Compared to what? I think Rome might be the most magical place on earth. Have you ever been there?

Twice.

Rome is glorious. Disney is magical.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

So OP is supposed to splurge just so her kids will have talking points with a whole bunch of kids they’ll never encounter ever again?

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!!!

Compared to what? I think Rome might be the most magical place on earth. Have you ever been there?

Lol that post went right over your head

Personally my affinity to Disney parks is due to the fact that their animated (especially the classic ones) hold dear in my heart. Going to the park is like experiencing the fantasy in those movies. I can’t explain it other than feeling the Disney vibes and ambience in the park and listening to the classic songs are a whole different wavelength. Is it crowded? Yes! But if you lower your expectations and have the disposable $ to splurge without sacrificing other financial aspects in your life then I recommend it.

I had no desire to go even when I was a kid. Amusement parks are amusement parks. If you've seen one, you've seen them all.

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!!!

Compared to what? I think Rome might be the most magical place on earth. Have you ever been there?

My parents couldn't afford to take us. My sister and I always wanted to go. Our first trip was just the 2 of us when I was 29 and she was 22. It was awesome! She hasn't been back since (she was finishing college at the time and now has 2 kids who are little) but I've been back 8 times. We love it. Our kid loves it. Even though she's been multiple times (7 to be exact) she wouldn't hesitate to return. We missed it during covid but were able to go in the spring (and didn't catch covid).

Disney is all about families having a good time. They typically do it all really well, from hotels to transportation to the parks. It also is expensive. No question. If you think your kids may enjoy it then give it a go.

I went for the first time this summer as a 37 year old. Growing up, I never felt like I was missing something. I'm glad I went. It was cool and all, but I definitely didn't and still don't feel like I missed anything.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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!

Its actually the exact opposite. It is for those with no imaginations who need to be spoon fed an experience. It is an entirely reactive experience.

As a parent and grandparent, it was a lot of fun to watch our kids and grandchildren enjoy themselves. "Magical" may be hype, but it was a joy to experience. We also brought them to national parks, European capitals, and big name museums like the Louvre, but Disney was the most kid-oriented and the most fun for them. It was also stressful, expensive, and required a lot of preparation, especially with Genie Plus.

I hated it as a kid. Hate it now. My kids went once. I am now done.

You can find joy and happiness in many places and in many ways. Find your own places and ways, whether they be at Disney or somewhere else.

I went to Disney many years ago (have not been back) and it was nice enough. However, it is not a memory that resurfaces a lot (and I am over 60). Other experiences have given me more joy and meaning over the years. OP, if you are worried about regret over not going to Disney, you don't have much to worry about in life.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I hated Hershey. Busch gardens is ok but really not the same level as Disney at all. You can’t compare them.

I don’t think it’s something to compare. Milwaukee and Towson are different places as well. We’re not contrasting them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I hated Hershey. Busch gardens is ok but really not the same level as Disney at all. You can’t compare them.

I mean I would never go to Hershey either. That’s on you. Disney is hype.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I hated Hershey. Busch gardens is ok but really not the same level as Disney at all. You can’t compare them.