Yes and no. I will say that we were set up for success because we went with DH's family and: 1) MIL/FIL paid for most of it, including lightening lanes or whatever it was called at the time, 2) SIL had been before and did most of the planning, and 3) I went in with pretty low expecations because I honestly thought our kids were too young (4 and 6) and it was a holiday week. 3 out of 4 days were pretty fun overall and my kids got way more into the Disney characters than I thought they would. The day that wasn't so fun was in part becasue we didn't do a good job structuring what attractions we wanted to do with the kids and we ended up with some pretty long lines. The disapointing thing to me, I think, is that it's much harder to have an impromptu visit compared to 20 years ago.

Anonymous wrote:My kids are age 7 girl and the other boy will turn 11 the end of this year. They are not Disney fans, but they know some charters. The girls likes demon hunter, sanrio characters and princess. The boy only like Pokémon. We will think that we should take them to disney world once in their lifetime. We do not mind to spend a bit more to stay inside the park. I still cannot figure out those passes and bookings, and my older child has anxiety and no patience for long lines. He is worried about staying in line and need to use bathroom. We still have not planned yet, but we think about planning every year. It seems like many go there at spring break, the best timing? How about summer, Thanksgiving or Christmas? What days of the year has the shortest line?

This sounds like the perfect situation to go to Japan and do Tokyo Disney as well as all of the Pokemon stuff. This is going to sound crazy but we went to Universal Japan plus a few days in Tokyo for nearly the same price as it was going to cost us to Universal Orlando and pay for the express passes.

Anonymous wrote:For most people the issue isn’t Disney but that you’re on a trip, not a vacation, with children.

If you’re an active family Disney is similar to a ski vacation where you’re busy and getting a lot of exercise.

A beach vacation with kids is my kind of hell since you constantly have to get up to help kids and do things for them as opposed to relaxing and reading a book with a frozen drink.

For whatever reason when I go to Disney with my family I don’t hate being away with my family.

Probably because it’s pretty easy to find things to do that your kids will like?

In any event, we didn’t do Disney until my kid was 11. He was a bit of a late bloomer for rollercoasters and also loves all the kitschy stuff (like Carousel of Progresses.) So I felt like I wouldn’t have wanted to take him any younger - and it was really low stress since I didn’t have to worry about naps and we could stay out late. YMMV if you have a princess-loving preschooler!

For most people the issue isn’t Disney but that you’re on a trip, not a vacation, with children.

If you’re an active family Disney is similar to a ski vacation where you’re busy and getting a lot of exercise.

A beach vacation with kids is my kind of hell since you constantly have to get up to help kids and do things for them as opposed to relaxing and reading a book with a frozen drink.

For whatever reason when I go to Disney with my family I don’t hate being away with my family.

I used to work at Disney and of course people have mixed experiences. And then they yell at the retail workers making slightly over minimum wage about it. We always tried our best to help people if we could.

There's some extent where you have to go with the flow even at Disney. Rides break down, it rains, it's gets too hot, etc. One of the best times I had at Disney was just hanging out with my then young nephew watching the cuttlefish at Living Seas. But I also acknowledge I was there on free employee passes and you do feel less pressure.

I've personally only taken my own elementary kid once so far and just for one day, but we did have a really fun day. I have family in Orlando. Would I personally do a whole Disney week? Probably not.

We've been once and still talk about what a terrible time it was.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went to Disney 20 years ago before kids. We had Park Hopper passes and reservations at one character meal and Victorian & Albert's. We pretty much just wandered around and had fun. Meanwhile my friend with kids had a travel agent with a packed written agenda, which sounded like torture to me.

Now it seems like the only way to go is even more complicated than the travel agent's agenda with various tricks and constraints. Can you go without a carefully curated plan? Have you been disappointed, whether with or without a detailed plan?

Yes, Disney World is awful. Long lines. Heat. Expensive. Kids don't remember anything. Melt downs after meltdowns. And I can't even imagine going there without kids. Why would I ever?

Lol, this is exactly how I feel! My kiddos are 6 and 4 and my 6-year old just started hearing about it in Kindergarten. My DH and I really really do not want to go! I have zero desire to plan and pay for a trip that revolves around rides and character experiences. So far, my kids and I are happy with our beach vacas.

Lazy.

Disney World is not a requirement, fangirl.

Your FOMO is what brings you to comment on topics you supposedly don’t care about.

I’m the PP with the 4 and 6 year old. Trust me, I don’t have FOMO. I was just relieved to see that I’m not the only parent that feels the way they do about Disney! And if my beach vacations mean I’m lazy, so be it. As two working parents with tons of kids activities during the year, I have no problem with you considering me lazy for not wanting to go to Disney.

I don't want to ski or take my kids skiing yet I don't feel the need to go into a thread talking about ski trips, mountains, resorts. Coming into a thread to announce it's not for you is super bizarre. And I also wouldn't be like "glad to see so many others hate to ski and won't go on a ski trip" in a thread about ski trips. You must have a lot of spare time!

I’ll concede, normally I wouldn’t post - but I’m on spring break with my kids and currently sitting on the beach. The title of the thread is “Do people leave Disney feeling disappointed?” not “Tell me all your Disney tips and tricks”. I only read the first few entries and instantly felt relief that other parents feel like I do. I’m glad you enjoy Disney - that’s awesome! I don’t know why you’re getting so offended.

Because your posts of "I would never go there anyway" aren't helpful? Did you leave disappointed or not? And how in the world are you picking up offense? It's more bewilderment that people can't stay on topic.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went to Disney 20 years ago before kids. We had Park Hopper passes and reservations at one character meal and Victorian & Albert's. We pretty much just wandered around and had fun. Meanwhile my friend with kids had a travel agent with a packed written agenda, which sounded like torture to me.

Now it seems like the only way to go is even more complicated than the travel agent's agenda with various tricks and constraints. Can you go without a carefully curated plan? Have you been disappointed, whether with or without a detailed plan?

Yes, Disney World is awful. Long lines. Heat. Expensive. Kids don't remember anything. Melt downs after meltdowns. And I can't even imagine going there without kids. Why would I ever?

Lol, this is exactly how I feel! My kiddos are 6 and 4 and my 6-year old just started hearing about it in Kindergarten. My DH and I really really do not want to go! I have zero desire to plan and pay for a trip that revolves around rides and character experiences. So far, my kids and I are happy with our beach vacas.

Lazy.

Disney World is not a requirement, fangirl.

Your FOMO is what brings you to comment on topics you supposedly don’t care about.

I’m the PP with the 4 and 6 year old. Trust me, I don’t have FOMO. I was just relieved to see that I’m not the only parent that feels the way they do about Disney! And if my beach vacations mean I’m lazy, so be it. As two working parents with tons of kids activities during the year, I have no problem with you considering me lazy for not wanting to go to Disney.

I don't want to ski or take my kids skiing yet I don't feel the need to go into a thread talking about ski trips, mountains, resorts. Coming into a thread to announce it's not for you is super bizarre. And I also wouldn't be like "glad to see so many others hate to ski and won't go on a ski trip" in a thread about ski trips. You must have a lot of spare time!

I’ll concede, normally I wouldn’t post - but I’m on spring break with my kids and currently sitting on the beach. The title of the thread is “Do people leave Disney feeling disappointed?” not “Tell me all your Disney tips and tricks”. I only read the first few entries and instantly felt relief that other parents feel like I do. I’m glad you enjoy Disney - that’s awesome! I don’t know why you’re getting so offended.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went to Disney 20 years ago before kids. We had Park Hopper passes and reservations at one character meal and Victorian & Albert's. We pretty much just wandered around and had fun. Meanwhile my friend with kids had a travel agent with a packed written agenda, which sounded like torture to me.

Now it seems like the only way to go is even more complicated than the travel agent's agenda with various tricks and constraints. Can you go without a carefully curated plan? Have you been disappointed, whether with or without a detailed plan?

Yes, Disney World is awful. Long lines. Heat. Expensive. Kids don't remember anything. Melt downs after meltdowns. And I can't even imagine going there without kids. Why would I ever?

Lol, this is exactly how I feel! My kiddos are 6 and 4 and my 6-year old just started hearing about it in Kindergarten. My DH and I really really do not want to go! I have zero desire to plan and pay for a trip that revolves around rides and character experiences. So far, my kids and I are happy with our beach vacas.

Lazy.

Disney World is not a requirement, fangirl.

Your FOMO is what brings you to comment on topics you supposedly don’t care about.

I’m the PP with the 4 and 6 year old. Trust me, I don’t have FOMO. I was just relieved to see that I’m not the only parent that feels the way they do about Disney! And if my beach vacations mean I’m lazy, so be it. As two working parents with tons of kids activities during the year, I have no problem with you considering me lazy for not wanting to go to Disney.

I don't want to ski or take my kids skiing yet I don't feel the need to go into a thread talking about ski trips, mountains, resorts. Coming into a thread to announce it's not for you is super bizarre. And I also wouldn't be like "glad to see so many others hate to ski and won't go on a ski trip" in a thread about ski trips. You must have a lot of spare time!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went to Disney 20 years ago before kids. We had Park Hopper passes and reservations at one character meal and Victorian & Albert's. We pretty much just wandered around and had fun. Meanwhile my friend with kids had a travel agent with a packed written agenda, which sounded like torture to me.

Now it seems like the only way to go is even more complicated than the travel agent's agenda with various tricks and constraints. Can you go without a carefully curated plan? Have you been disappointed, whether with or without a detailed plan?

Yes, Disney World is awful. Long lines. Heat. Expensive. Kids don't remember anything. Melt downs after meltdowns. And I can't even imagine going there without kids. Why would I ever?

Lol, this is exactly how I feel! My kiddos are 6 and 4 and my 6-year old just started hearing about it in Kindergarten. My DH and I really really do not want to go! I have zero desire to plan and pay for a trip that revolves around rides and character experiences. So far, my kids and I are happy with our beach vacas.

Lazy.

Disney World is not a requirement, fangirl.

Your FOMO is what brings you to comment on topics you supposedly don’t care about.

I’m the PP with the 4 and 6 year old. Trust me, I don’t have FOMO. I was just relieved to see that I’m not the only parent that feels the way they do about Disney! And if my beach vacations mean I’m lazy, so be it. As two working parents with tons of kids activities during the year, I have no problem with you considering me lazy for not wanting to go to Disney.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went to Disney 20 years ago before kids. We had Park Hopper passes and reservations at one character meal and Victorian & Albert's. We pretty much just wandered around and had fun. Meanwhile my friend with kids had a travel agent with a packed written agenda, which sounded like torture to me.

Now it seems like the only way to go is even more complicated than the travel agent's agenda with various tricks and constraints. Can you go without a carefully curated plan? Have you been disappointed, whether with or without a detailed plan?

Yes, Disney World is awful. Long lines. Heat. Expensive. Kids don't remember anything. Melt downs after meltdowns. And I can't even imagine going there without kids. Why would I ever?

Lol, this is exactly how I feel! My kiddos are 6 and 4 and my 6-year old just started hearing about it in Kindergarten. My DH and I really really do not want to go! I have zero desire to plan and pay for a trip that revolves around rides and character experiences. So far, my kids and I are happy with our beach vacas.

Lazy.

Disney World is not a requirement, fangirl.

Your FOMO is what brings you to comment on topics you supposedly don’t care about.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went to Disney 20 years ago before kids. We had Park Hopper passes and reservations at one character meal and Victorian & Albert's. We pretty much just wandered around and had fun. Meanwhile my friend with kids had a travel agent with a packed written agenda, which sounded like torture to me.

Now it seems like the only way to go is even more complicated than the travel agent's agenda with various tricks and constraints. Can you go without a carefully curated plan? Have you been disappointed, whether with or without a detailed plan?

Yes, Disney World is awful. Long lines. Heat. Expensive. Kids don't remember anything. Melt downs after meltdowns. And I can't even imagine going there without kids. Why would I ever?

Lol, this is exactly how I feel! My kiddos are 6 and 4 and my 6-year old just started hearing about it in Kindergarten. My DH and I really really do not want to go! I have zero desire to plan and pay for a trip that revolves around rides and character experiences. So far, my kids and I are happy with our beach vacas.

Ew, beaches are so sandy and hot and expensive

+1. It's so relaxing monitoring closely every time the kids go near water and making sure they have enough sunscreen on all day. Not to mention lugging all the beach stuff to and from the beach each day. Then the kids get bored after a day or two.

Since when does someone have to keep a super close eye on tweens at the beach? Is there something wrong with you?

Since when are 4 and 6 yr old tweens? Watch your kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went to Disney 20 years ago before kids. We had Park Hopper passes and reservations at one character meal and Victorian & Albert's. We pretty much just wandered around and had fun. Meanwhile my friend with kids had a travel agent with a packed written agenda, which sounded like torture to me.

Now it seems like the only way to go is even more complicated than the travel agent's agenda with various tricks and constraints. Can you go without a carefully curated plan? Have you been disappointed, whether with or without a detailed plan?

Yes, Disney World is awful. Long lines. Heat. Expensive. Kids don't remember anything. Melt downs after meltdowns. And I can't even imagine going there without kids. Why would I ever?

Lol, this is exactly how I feel! My kiddos are 6 and 4 and my 6-year old just started hearing about it in Kindergarten. My DH and I really really do not want to go! I have zero desire to plan and pay for a trip that revolves around rides and character experiences. So far, my kids and I are happy with our beach vacas.

Lazy.

Disney World is not a requirement, fangirl.

Anonymous wrote:My kids are age 7 girl and the other boy will turn 11 the end of this year. They are not Disney fans, but they know some charters. The girls likes demon hunter, sanrio characters and princess. The boy only like Pokémon. We will think that we should take them to disney world once in their lifetime. We do not mind to spend a bit more to stay inside the park. I still cannot figure out those passes and bookings, and my older child has anxiety and no patience for long lines. He is worried about staying in line and need to use bathroom. We still have not planned yet, but we think about planning every year. It seems like many go there at spring break, the best timing? How about summer, Thanksgiving or Christmas? What days of the year has the shortest line?

The week *after* Thanksgiving used to be pretty good for lower crowds. People are decorating their houses and shopping for gifts.

There was also a sweet spot in mid May where people are busy with end of school year activities and planning graduations and parties.

Of course, both these dates are prime end of semester exam times, but if your kids are young enough, maybe that isn't a factor and you can pull them out of school for a 4 (or 5) day long weekend.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went to Disney 20 years ago before kids. We had Park Hopper passes and reservations at one character meal and Victorian & Albert's. We pretty much just wandered around and had fun. Meanwhile my friend with kids had a travel agent with a packed written agenda, which sounded like torture to me.

Now it seems like the only way to go is even more complicated than the travel agent's agenda with various tricks and constraints. Can you go without a carefully curated plan? Have you been disappointed, whether with or without a detailed plan?

Yes, Disney World is awful. Long lines. Heat. Expensive. Kids don't remember anything. Melt downs after meltdowns. And I can't even imagine going there without kids. Why would I ever?

Lol, this is exactly how I feel! My kiddos are 6 and 4 and my 6-year old just started hearing about it in Kindergarten. My DH and I really really do not want to go! I have zero desire to plan and pay for a trip that revolves around rides and character experiences. So far, my kids and I are happy with our beach vacas.

Lazy.