tdbates78 Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 (edited) I seen Disney mentioned several times in the vacation thread so I'm curious. We took a vacation to WDW last year with our at-the-time 6.5 year old girls. They did not really like it. Yes, my princess-loving girls did not care for Disney. The each liked certain components, but my mild HF ASD daughter thought most rides were "dark and scary" and was overwhelmed by everything going on, and my other daughter said she likes Carowinds (our local amusement park, for which we always have season passes) better. Its so not my thing, but as we live within driving distance it almost feels obligatory. It was a very expensive trip, as I'm sure most of you know, so it was a bit sad that they didn't fall in love. Although, deep down, I'm also kinda glad because we don't have to return :p We seem to be in the minority though. Anyone else not care for Disney? ETA no offense to Disney or those who love it. I certainly get why most kids would have a great time. I was just surprised by the reaction of mine. Edited June 1, 2017 by tdbates78 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Well, I mentioned in the vacation thread that we just got back from WDW. I'll be honest: we didn't lovelovelove it. We liked it....but for the price, and the planning required, and the stress...meh. We liked it, but my kids said they liked the Great Wolf Lodge better. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 We've been four times so yeah, we love it. Kids really want to go back but we're taking some time away for a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 We love Disney, but we waited until our boys were about 8 and 11 to take them. It's absolutely NOT "the happiest place on earth" for young kids. I never cease to be amazed that people waste $$$$ taking young kids there. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calihil Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 I've never been. For the 6 of us to go it would cost an ungodly amount of money that we just don't have. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Random Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 We've never been and probably won't ever go. It's super expensive. We are more of the camping-in-the-woods vacation type. If we wanted a place with action and adventure, we'd probably do something like Six Flags. But to quantify: We don't watch movies or TV except the occasional Amazon Prime rental. So, Disney is not our thing on any level. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdbates78 Posted June 1, 2017 Author Share Posted June 1, 2017 (edited) We love Disney, but we waited until our boys were about 8 and 11 to take them. It's absolutely NOT "the happiest place on earth" for young kids. I never cease to be amazed that people waste $$$$ taking young kids there. AGREED! I thought my girls were at a good age, but in retrospect we probably could have waited a year or two. I couldn't imagine taking them any younger than we did. It's ridiculously expensive as is...if they are too young to get anything out of it then what's the point?! Edited June 1, 2017 by tdbates78 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdbates78 Posted June 1, 2017 Author Share Posted June 1, 2017 (edited) We love it. But, it's expensive. And, there's a LOT down in Orlando, so even a trip to Disney isn't JUST Disney. Also, Disney has a LOT to do. You can do the whole Park, RIDE, etc. But you don't have to. DH and I are really a fan of water parks. So, getting a park hopper pass, water parks are a great option for a day. Also, on the trip we took in 2013 that I mentioned in the other thread, my sister and I took our kids to Medieval Times. DH stayed at the condo with DS, who was 1, and my girls and I, who were 3, 5, and 18 all went with my sister and her boys who were 7 and 18. I was shocked at who much my 3yr old loved it. One day, my sister took her boys to the beach, DH and I took the girls to Magic Kingdom, my mom kept the baby, and we just spent the day doing all those small kiddie rides that people forget about. There's a LOT to Disney. There's a lot more to a "trip to Disney" beyond the actual Disney resort. My post was on Disney World resort itself, not a general Orlando vacation. We chose not to do anything else in Orlando, even though there is plenty to see/do, because the second half of our vacation was spent in St. Augustine. Edited June 1, 2017 by tdbates78 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdbates78 Posted June 1, 2017 Author Share Posted June 1, 2017 (edited) One thing I learned on that trip was that my girls definitely enjoy vacations that are more laid back without a packed itinerary. Getting them up and ready to get to Disney when they opened, having to be at x at a certain time for a lunch reservation or having to be at this section of the part for fast passes didn't work out well. We are much more of a laid back family, especially on vacation, and that part was annoying to all of us. I know you can do WDW without the schedules, but we were only there for 3 days and wanted to make the most of our trip. Edited June 1, 2017 by tdbates78 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butter Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 A few years ago we stayed on Disney property and didn't go to Disney. It's fine, but not a must do thing for us. We went to Universal (just took the older two who were 10 and 12 at the time) for Harry Potter while we were there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdbates78 Posted June 1, 2017 Author Share Posted June 1, 2017 I understand. When I say "we went to Disney" I generally mean that was the man focus of our vacation down in Orlando. Do people really go spend 7 whole days on Disney World property and never leave? Apparently so! I know a family who goes every year, stays on the park, and pretty much never leaves. We went for 4 days, of which 3 were spent between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. That was enough for us. I wish we would have checked out Legoland, which would probably be more their speed. I personally couldn't imagine doing Disney only or an entire week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 We went. It was awesome for us given my kids' ages and special needs. There were a lot of factors I won't get into that made this really good for a family of 5 with ds 13, DD 10, and DS 6. Probably could have had fun returning one more time within a two year period. But for us it was a once in a lifetime expense. We stayed onsite at a "value" resort. I'm not sure I get going with super young dc or going multiple times. I also took DD then 17 and DS then 13 to universal. We stayed at a universal "value" resort. Again we had a great time. I'm not sure it would be great to go over and over. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnE-girl Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 I'm 36 and I've never been to Disney. I'd like to go someday, but it's not a high priority. I think there are a lot of other real places I'd rather spend our money to experience first. I'd rather save longer and go to Hawaii or Ireland for example. I know some people really love it, but it seems so artificial to me. Maybe if I went I'd change my mind, but I don't think my kids will be scarred for life if we don't go there as a family. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 I love Disney. I have been over 100 times since it opened. But, it was always a very stressful trip until I learned how to do it "right". Now, I go with the intention of doing only one fun thing a day, everything else just involves meandering to see what happens. In addition, I try to stay off the main drag. I like the tours, classes, and resorts. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 My boys enjoyed it as kids & teens and would happily go again if the opportunity came up even though they're now in their 20s, but... when we were going to FL together to look at colleges I asked them (individually) if they'd rather do Disney or the beach and they each replied "beach" without even a seconds worth of hesitation. They also prefer National Parks or similar awesome vistas with hiking, etc. If you asked them what their favorite thing of all time to do in FL was they'd tell you it would be camping for three nights at the Dry Tortugas. (small NP on a very small island, but plenty of water, snorkeling, and free time with very few people) Busch Gardens in Tampa ranks higher on their list than Disney does. It has better "rides" and is a better "zoo." But I can't put Disney in the "dislike it" category. We don't. It can be fun to escape into their fantasy land once in a while. There are just better things (for us) out there when looking at the big picture. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 I'm 36 and I've never been to Disney. I'd like to go someday, but it's not a high priority. I think there are a lot of other real places I'd rather spend our money to experience first. I'd rather save longer and go to Hawaii or Ireland for example. I know some people really love it, but it seems so artificial to me. Maybe if I went I'd change my mind, but I don't think my kids will be scarred for life if we don't go there as a family. Disney dropped down on my guys' "love it" list after they'd been to "real" places Disney tries to recreate - like Hawaii or the West. The first time we went there after they'd experienced "real" they all mentioned that fact. There's no doubt in my mind that they'd vote Hawaii over Disney. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cecropia Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 It's been 10 years since our last trip there. Every year we ask our sons if they want to go before they outgrow it, but they keep telling us they'd rather head back to Cedar Point in OH, or one of the Great America's, or The Wilderness at the Wisconsin Dells. I would sort of like to go again... maybe when my littler ones are in grade school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdbates78 Posted June 1, 2017 Author Share Posted June 1, 2017 We just got back from Europe last month and, outside of the airfare, 2.5 weeks in Switzerland, France and Germany cost about the same as our 5 night Disney trip. When I think about that I have a difficult time imagining we'll ever go back. Too many places to see, too little time! 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdbates78 Posted June 1, 2017 Author Share Posted June 1, 2017 I will follow up and say that I'm glad we experienced it, even if it didn't go quite as planned. I can fully appreciate the environment they created and all of the little details everywhere. And we all loved the Mickey pancakes! :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 I went one time in high school on a band trip, it was so crowded I didn't enjoy Disney. Off and on over the years I have contemplated someday taking my kids there but so far they aren't super into Disney, they don't like people in character costumes, and my oldest two would not likely do any rides. I'm super terrified of most rides and get motion sick easily. I once cried on a kiddie coaster, as an adult. Plus it really isn't in our budget. I'm not saying we would never go, but there are so many other parts of the US and world I'd like to see as well. If someone gave us tickets, I'd certainly go and enjoy the trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 We have been to Disney twice....both Make A Wish trips...and the kids enjoyed it. We got the royal treatment which made it better. We are glad we went and the 2 with wishes were very happy That said, we enjoy much more laid back vacations better. Meandering various state and national parks ranks up just as high for them at a fraction of the cost and stress level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meadowlark Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 I don't know how I feel about it honestly...On one hand, I went as a kid (I was 14) and loved it. Then, my husband and I went without kids and had a great time alone. But, realistically, I know that a Disney trip for 6 kids would cost an absolute fortune and I just can't justify spending that much money for 1 week of life. Plus, my oldest is 10 and the youngest will be born next month, so somebody is going to get the raw end of the deal. My oldest will be too old but the youngest will be too young. I about have a nervous breakdown going anywhere with my crew so I cannot imagine that herding them through every Disney park, having to be at certain fastpass, meals, etc. would be fun AT ALL. But then again...we've been saving for it and dh really wants to go. I just hope I don't regret it, and choose the right time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 We love Disney, but we waited until our boys were about 8 and 11 to take them. It's absolutely NOT "the happiest place on earth" for young kids. I never cease to be amazed that people waste $$$$ taking young kids there. My young kids and grandkids have thoroughly enjoyed Disney, and we have taken them as young as 5 months (granted, she slept a lot in the Ergo). From about 15 months on they seemed to love the characters, be fascinated on the kiddie rides, and in awe of the nighttime shows/parades. We go once or twice a year and they always start begging to go back as soon as we get home. My 3yo granddaughter cried for week when we got back from our trip in January because she missed her Cars room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 I've never been. For the 6 of us to go it would cost an ungodly amount of money that we just don't have. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk You might be surprised. I'm a Disney Travel Agent and I book super budget trips for people all the time, and do all the planning (if people want me to) at no cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 We love it. But, it's expensive. And, there's a LOT down in Orlando, so even a trip to Disney isn't JUST Disney. Also, Disney has a LOT to do. You can do the whole Park, RIDE, etc. But you don't have to. DH and I are really a fan of water parks. So, getting a park hopper pass, water parks are a great option for a day. Also, on the trip we took in 2013 that I mentioned in the other thread, my sister and I took our kids to Medieval Times. DH stayed at the condo with DS, who was 1, and my girls and I, who were 3, 5, and 18 all went with my sister and her boys who were 7 and 18. I was shocked at who much my 3yr old loved it. One day, my sister took her boys to the beach, DH and I took the girls to Magic Kingdom, my mom kept the baby, and we just spent the day doing all those small kiddie rides that people forget about. There's a LOT to Disney. There's a lot more to a "trip to Disney" beyond the actual Disney resort. When we do a trip to Disney, we go to Disney. We usually stay 7 nights and spend 6 days in the parks (usually one or two mornings we do late character breakfasts (really brunches) and go into parks in the afternoon those days, just to give the kiddos a break, but I'd have to spend 2 weeks in Orlando if I wanted to pack in something other than Disney. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Something else I'd like to add for those who have mentioned it was crowded and stressful; go in the off season and have a travel planner help you with a schedule. I have had many clients tell me it was the best vacation they've ever had. I encourage people to go during lower crowd times (and preferably cooler weather), and I make great touring plans that don't require a lot of running around like crazy. We love thrill rides so we like other theme parks too, but even my adult children LOVE Disney and don't ever want to be left out of a trip! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 We are ones that love it and don't leave the area once we get there. We do a lot of things so this is our down time. It forces us to stop and just do what is there. Otherwise, we would go, go,go. For us- we plan hotel days, water park days and besides the normal Disney stuff we do the off the beaten path things. Last year, my kids and I wanted to see if we could do all 4 parks in one day and survive it. That was fun. If you ever take any of the tours- some are really good and a few are very reasonable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Something else I'd like to add for those who have mentioned it was crowded and stressful; go in the off season and have a travel planner help you with a schedule. I have had many clients tell me it was the best vacation they've ever had. I encourage people to go during lower crowd times (and preferably cooler weather), and I make great touring plans that don't require a lot of running around like crazy. We love thrill rides so we like other theme parks too, but even my adult children LOVE Disney and don't ever want to be left out of a trip
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