Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

I know, I know, it's an integral part of a typical American childhood. And what kind of mother would I be to deprive my children of that important right of passage... Probably the kind whose children sit on a therapist couch years later and complain about their crazy immigrant mother who didn't appreciate what growing up American was all about...

BUT I just really don't want to to it... First of all, I just don't get the appeal! Second, it's SO incredibly overpriced and SO insane! I just keep on thinking how many great things can be experienced for the price of taking four people to Disney World.

Am I the only one? Anyone here just never did it or did it begradgingly? I am sure we will end up going anyway, but just wanted to see if anyone commiserates...

Message edited 2/17/2012 9:10:27 PM.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

Have you ever been? If not, that may be why you don't want to take your kids there.

For me, I grew up going to Disney. I lived in Florida and my family had season passes to Disney. I Disney and can't wait to take my DD there.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

We went twice growing up and I think that was fine. I will take my kids when they are all at an age to remember it. We won't be one of those family's that go all the time.

I definitely want to go, but I also want to use vacation time/money to see and do other things with my kids too.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

Oh god!!!.................I can't fathom not going to Disney...........A LOT!!! I'm a complete Disney addict!!..........I've been dying to take my DD since before she was born!!

I find those that didn't go to Disney as a child have less interest in it as an adult. (just an observation I've made with the people in my life) Going to Disney was a HUGE part of my childhood and I remember my first time like it was yesterday. I remember walking into the Magic Kingdom for the first time, it was just beyond magical. Some of my BEST memories as a kid are at Disney. I just can't explain the feeling I get when I'm in Disney, it's simply.........magical!!

Even now as an adult when I go, I walk into the Magic Kingdom and I still feel that same magic. I swear, it makes me feel like a kid again. And I can't help but to be happy!! I just adore Disney and I can't wait to give my DD those same amazing memories that I have.

Even though I am a die hard Disney fanatic I respect how you feel............I don't get it , but I respect it!

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

I feel the exact same way. I'm missing the Disney gene. I could honestly care less about going, and not just to magic kingdom but any of the parks.

Even sadder, I live in FL and am obligated to a couple times a year to meet friends/relatives who fly to Orlando to to the whole disney thing, lol. In fact we are going next week to meet some friends and I don't want to. I wanna see our friends, but just not there! And we are going back in June to see my nieces and Bro/SIL there.

If anything, I prefer Epcot, because it's more geared to adults and you can walk around and have cocktails in hand.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

I have never been to Disney. Not one time, ever in my life.

My grandparents lived in Florida, and I visited them almost every year for 2 weeks at a time.

Still, I've NEVER been to Disney.

My dad went to Disney with my step-mother and her whole family shortly after my wedding. I feared for him because I know my dad... lines, crowds and 'superficial consumerism' is not for him. That last part was a quote from my dad, before anyone gets all up in arms about it.

He hated it... and his BIL tried to tell him he was a bad father for never taking me.

I have spent some time on a therapist's couch, but I never, ever complained to her that my lack of Disney experience was what brought me in.

I do, however, plan to bring my kids to Disney in the next year or so.

ETA: I've also never been to the Hamptons.

Message edited 2/17/2012 11:33:20 AM.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

So, here is the deal.

My crazy immigrant parents never took us. . .and we all survived and are successful functioning adults. . . .

I would like to go, and we will also use the time to visit DH's family in Florida that DD has never met.

I am excited to go, DH went when he was growing up and DOES NOT WANT TO GO - he is begging me to go with my sister LOL

I think it will be awesome when I do go.

But I want to wait for the right time. My DD now thinks blowing bubbles in teh backyard is the COOLEST THING EVER. . . so I am not dropping a lot of money on ANYTHING for her for quite a while. I don't even have a desire to do the local ones like Sesame yet (but will eventually)

So, its not THAT huge of a deal to me. . . it will be nice when we go and I am excited to take her but its certainly not the be all, end all - hopefully we will take her to Italy soon and THAT is what I am most looking forward to ( and btw, that was why we never went as kids, my parents had to save up for trips to Italy to see our family)

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

I've been there as a kid and I'm like eh about it.
We will take DD when she is old enough to "get" it and really enjoy it.

But I really don't have much desire to go.

I'm sure we'll have a good time but it's not my ideal vacation and I'm not dying to go.

I could really take or leave Disney.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

i want to take ds but when i feel hes ready to remember it. i lived in florida also and went a bunch of times, and also for my one year wedding anniversary. its so overwhelming though. crowded, expensive, so much walking and just overwhelming and i know that with ds also not cooperating , it will just be a disaster, so id rather qait a couple years i think. i do think he'll love it, he loves mickey and goofy and donald now.... but i prefer to wait. im not the one who says i have to go now!

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

We went once when I was about 8 and we had a nice time.

Then as a young adult I went again and loved it. It's such a fun place to go. I've been maybe 4 times as an adult WITHOUT kids.

Last year we took my 1 year old for the first time. Next year if we're able to, I'd like to go when this new baby is 1 year old and DS is 3.

Then maybe go again when they're both older and can appreciate it more.

But we usually don't do a full Disney trip. We have yet to stay at the Disney resorts (we stay in a timeshare so it's wayyyyy more economical). And we usually do 1 day in Disney, 1 day in Seaworld, 1 day at Universal and then sprinkle in pool days etc. It works out perfectly.

When both kids are older, we'd like to do a real Disney trip like staying at the resorts and spending a few days at the various parks.

For kids it's really a wonderful time! Even my 1 year old had fun - even if he won't remember it ;)

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

Me! We'd only be able to go in the summer, and frankly, I have no interest in waiting on long lines for rides in 98 degree heat with 100% humidity with a toddler. When she's older, we'll see.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

You know I think everyone has their own personal interests and likes. I think those who went as children are far more likely to want to pass on those memories than say someone who has never been as a child. I can say that I know many people on here love dutch wonderland or sesame place, or some other parks. I personally have no interest in going to many of them - but I will probably take the girls some day just so they can experience it once. DH was never a disney fan - and was never taken there as a child - but after we tried one trip together before we were married he realized why it is so popular and had a great time. I think a lot of what people gravitate towards tends to be what they grew up with and their prior experiences. Disney IS expensive and like cruises it isn't for everyone (my parents personally hate disney and prefer to sit in the shade on a cruise with a book or tour a museum or church in Europe than go on any rides nevermind at disney)- some people prefer places like Universal or for that matter NO amusement parks at all. I also think that (and I'm saying this based on DH's and some friends who went to disney as an adult but never as a child) that they perception of disney was more that it was just a regular amusement park like bush gardens or great adventure - but once they actual went and had the experience they felt very differently. That isn't to say that everyone who goes loves it - but I would say more people I speak to than not have enjoyed their trips. I usually say before you say if you like or dislike something you give it at least a quick try. If you aren't sure but you want your child to experience it - maybe plan a trip to orlando in general - go to seaworld, go to universal studios and only spend 2-3 days at disney - IF you enjoy it you can always plan a return trip, but if you don't then you only wasted 2-3 days.

Etd to add - I would like to take the girls while they are young because I have lots of other trips I would love to take them on (cruises, Europe, etc) but I think for many of those trips are better when they are older and can appreciate them more and get more out of them. Plus how long do they really love mickey, princesses etc. That is why I feel like I want to do it when they are young and save other trips for the future.

Message edited 2/17/2012 12:05:00 PM.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

I Have been to Disney a number of times, and the more I went, the more I dis-liked it..I did take my kids last year, but it is such a money sucking business, that the last time I was there, I saw families that had to watch every penny they spent, The kids just wanted to get a small mickey piece of plastic made in China and they wanted like 5 bucks for it, what did they pay 3 cents...And the parents felt bad and just looked at each other, and made comments how expensive everything is.
I Have family members that are like a cult at that place, and think it is reality, when in fact it really is just an amusement park..All that being said, I probably will take my kids again in a few years. They are just as happy (Actually they said it was better)spending a week in North Carolina with there cousins and Family renting a beach house.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

We used to go often when I was a kid because my grandfather owned a condo in West Palm Beach. We'd fly into Orlando and then drive down to WPB.

I used to complain "Disney AGAIN?!?" (Spoiled much ) but now I can't wait to take my girls.

However, we will definitely not be a family that goes every year, or multiple times a year. I'd rather have all different travel experiences.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

I've never been and have no desire to go. And I hate when people act like I'm doing some terrible injustice by not taking my kids there

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

We went last year. I was so NOT excited about it. I wound up having an awesome time and the looks on my kids faces all week made it totally worth it.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

Me. ZERO desire to go. Not interested at all. Find the whole thing and obsession a bit much to be honest.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

Posted by havinababy

I've never been and have no desire to go. And I hate when people act like I'm doing some terrible injustice by not taking my kids there

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

The first time I was to Disney, was my honeymoon.

I grew up going camping. We camped almost every weekend for as long as I can remember. We went to Hershey Park..We camped, went to Great Adventure..Camped..etc.

Went to Disney on my honeymoon and LOVE taking my kids there now.
My camping days are over. LOL

We haven't stayed on the grounds of Disney, yet. We stay outside because we do 1 park a year. We spend a weekend and then drive down to Boca (to see family) for the rest of the vacation. (We fly into Orlando and out of Ft. Lauderdale).

For us (especially my DS) it's so much fun!
DD is 2.5. Hoping she "Gets It" a bit when we go since she's so into Mickey Mouse Club now!

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

Posted by kahlua716

We used to go often when I was a kid because my grandfather owned a condo in West Palm Beach. We'd fly into Orlando and then drive down to WPB.

I used to complain "Disney AGAIN?!?" (Spoiled much ) but now I can't wait to take my girls.

However, we will definitely not be a family that goes every year, or multiple times a year. I'd rather have all different travel experiences.

Re: Anyone else just NOT interested in going to Disney?

No desire to take the kids any time soon.

What puts me off Disney is the amount of PLANNING that seems to be needed. Recently I toyed with the idea of going. Looked at the travel board and saw post after post devoted to Disney-related strategies. Strategies for booking what restaurants you're going to eat at (6 months in advance! WTF!), and it only got more complicated regarding those character meals. Strategies for picking a hotel (will you use a rental car? bus? monorail? hovercraft?) and then finding obscure codes to get discounts. Strategies for attacking each park, starting at "rope drop" (I still have no idea what that is). It all seemed so overwhelming. Bin Laden's assassination was probably planned with less precision than some of these Disney trips.

So I said screw it. We're spending a week by a lake instead