Why Disney? .....

[mttafire]

I have read many posts talking about the special place of Disney in our lives. I wanted to share why it is so special to me(us).
1. Disney is a PRIVILEDGE NOT a right to visit.
2. It IS expensive (for most) BUT it SHOULD be.
3. I dont EVER want Disney to be easily affordable..."Cheapend" or "cut corners."
4. After saving for 2-3 years there is a very very rewarding feeling to know you worked so hard to visit a place to WONDERFUL.
5. For me its the most magical place on earth (vacation wise).
6. Disney has NEVER let me down.
7. IMHO, It provides the absolutely BEST value per dollar spent despite its expense.
8. It makes us (adults) feel like kids again.
9. Tradition and history.
10. Last but not least...I've never seen a place that all the cultures of the world seem to have the same magical feeling when there..It truly IS the Happiest place on Earth.:mickey:

[thejens]

I agree that Disney is magical and worth more than the average park, but I do think that more affordable options are important ie. the value resorts. I also think that while paying more for extra special service and quality is reasonable there is also a limit to how much share holders should attempt to squeeze out of us. I would consider skipping a year now and again if the price increases continue as they have been. I am still annoyed about removing the appetizer and tip from the meal plan. I do think Walt envisioned the parks as a place where the average family could afford to bring their children. Save for it yes, second mortgage, no.

[Bringonthemouse!]

Disney is special to us because it is the only place in the entire world where my DD15 and I can spend 11 nights and 12 days together, in close quarters and never ever argue/fight about anything. As I'm sure our other intercot parents (especially those with teenage girls) will attest to, this is a major feat!!! We truly have the best time together and enjoy each other's company more in WDW than anywhere else. And, I find it brings us much closer.
WDW is truly a magical place!!!:magic:

[brownie]

As much as I wish we could afford to get there more often (we're hoping to retire next door!), I would hate to see the whole experience cheapened. I may grumble about it and drive my wife crazy, but I'm willing to save up to be able to go.

[Michigander]

I so agree that Disney is the one place where my children, DH and I go that we can spend unlimited time together and never seem to fight about anything. It's also the only place I've gone that gives me a major brain vacation. I can NOT think about anything but what I am doing at the moment when I'm in a Disney Park! When I went to dial my best friends phone number which I call everyday and could not remember her number I knew Disney had done exactly what I needed it to do. It had shut down my thinking abilty if ony for that short time!:cloud9:

[goofysbabe]

I have to agree that it's a place where my family just seems to come together - no fighting, no arguing. Just having fun and enjoying each others company. Part of me hates the cost (only because I would love to go more often than I do) and the other part of me knows there is really no price I wouldn't pay to have sometime to enjoy my family without the normal everyday hassles.

[Mickey91]

I love Disney World. But, I have to disagree about the cost. I am willing to pay a little more for the small rooms at a value resort than a larger one in Kissimmee because I know they are clean and they bring me closer to the magic. But, and I see this especially for 2008, Disney is beginning to raise their prices and cheapen their brand. Before, I could justify the cost. They had top of the line CMs in every area, their grounds were immaculate, and their menus, children's included, were very good. Now for the most part, this is still true. But, over the last couple of years, Disney has had a steady and I think unreasonable increase in prices in all areas, and the service and atmosphere or should I say, MAGIC has decreased. The Disney company has been too busy increasing profits and making what magic is left almost unattainable by the average family. I personally think Walt would be turning over in his grave. The recent move to withdraw the tip and appetizer from the dining plan is another example. Now I will pay a waiter over $260 during my stay instead of staying another couple of nights and spending even more at shops and such. Oh well... And what does the guest get out of the new dining plan? It is a whopping dollar cheaper. So I'm going to save $7 and spend $260! And, I don't get the appetizer! Unless, I want to spend twice as much and get the new deluxe dining option. The new powers at Disney know how to make a buck. I hope some day they learn how to make magic.
:soapbox: I'll get off my soapbox now. I just can't help but wonder why someone would be happy it costs a lung to go to the Happiest place on earth?? I'm willing to pay for quality, not just willing to line share holder's pockets.

[mttafire]

I love Disney World. But, I have to disagree about the cost. I am willing to pay a little more for the small rooms at a value resort than a larger one in Kissimmee because I know they are clean and they bring me closer to the magic. But, and I see this especially for 2008, Disney is beginning to raise their prices and cheapen their brand. Before, I could justify the cost. They had top of the line CMs in every area, their grounds were immaculate, and their menus, children's included, were very good. Now for the most part, this is still true. But, over the last couple of years, Disney has had a steady and I think unreasonable increase in prices in all areas, and the service and atmosphere or should I say, MAGIC has decreased. The Disney company has been too busy increasing profits and making what magic is left almost unattainable by the average family. I personally think Walt would be turning over in his grave. The recent move to withdraw the tip and appetizer from the dining plan is another example. Now I will pay a waiter over $260 during my stay instead of staying another couple of nights and spending even more at shops and such. Oh well... And what does the guest get out of the new dining plan? It is a whopping dollar cheaper. So I'm going to save $7 and spend $260! And, I don't get the appetizer! Unless, I want to spend twice as much and get the new deluxe dining option. The new powers at Disney know how to make a buck. I hope some day they learn how to make magic.
:soapbox: I'll get off my soapbox now. I just can't help but wonder why someone would be happy it costs a lung to go to the Happiest place on earth?? I'm willing to pay for quality, not just willing to line share holder's pockets.
Hmm, Different strokes for different folks. IMHO, Disney is better than ever. (in all areas).
I completely agree with you, YES..It is expensive but ALL things that are nice or worthwhile are. We would love to visit Disney every year. However, We go every 3. We work and save hard to acheive this but to me its all worth it. Beaches, Vegas or other places we go are GREAT but...Disney is just more special and obviously more family oriented. We are about as average as you can get (income wise) However, In this great Nation if there is a will there is ALWAYS a way.:thumbsup: We no matter the cost of Disney we will continue to go. YES, There are years we stay at a Value resort to save $$ or other cost saving measures ( eat at less $$ places). I do understand your concerns and comments. Its just that IMHO, Disney IS very affordable to the average citizen. Anyways, Not to get off topic...I just wanted to share why we love Disney so much!!:mickey:
Oh, And P.S......I actually own 15 shares of Disney, Remember not all of those share holders are incredibly wealthy. LOL

[JerseyMouse]

1) WDW is the only place I have ever vacationed and actually forgot what day of the week it was, and never cared that I forgot.

2) Customer service is still the best I have ever experienced

3) Disney reminds us all that it's fun to be a kid at heart, regardless of age.

I'm sure I could come up with more, but those will work for now.

[Scar]

I was just thinking about this the other day. I love that I can just reserve 6 (or whatever) nights, say "give me a 6 (or whatever) day parkhopper", and that's it. I know I'll have a great vacation without having to worry about anything else.


1) WDW is the only place I have ever vacationed and actually forgot what day of the week it was, and never cared that I forgot.So, how often do you go to the wrong park for EMH? ;)

[Marker]

1. Disney is a PRIVILEDGE NOT a right to visit.
2. It IS expensive (for most) BUT it SHOULD be.
3. I dont EVER want Disney to be easily affordable..."Cheapend" or "cut corners."


I'm not disagreeing, but I'm not sure I'm in total agreement.

I agree, it is a priviledge to go to WDW, but must it be only for the priviledged? I have to say, it saddens me that more children are not able to experience the "Magic". Sometimes I think the ones who are excluded may just be the ones who would benefit the most.

I understand that Disney is a business. They are bound to be profitable. Often seems as though folks somehow expect Disney to be a philanthropical entity designed to bring the "magic" to society for free, and that's just not very realistic. Disney is a corporation, with share holders who expect the company to make a profit. There is definitely a challenge to Disney management as to how much "Magic" they can provide, and still answer to shareholders. That's a challenge that executives of other corporations probably don't have, at least not to the extent that Disney does.

To say they raise prices purely for profit is probably not fair. Sure they raise prices, but operating costs continue to increase as well. Labor, Benefits, Liability Insurance, Cost of operating (electricity expense has to be outrageous). The money to keep up with those increasing cost has to come from somewhere. Even a giant corporation doesn't have magical bottomless pockets.

I'd love to see the WDW experience be affordable to a much larger segment of the population, but I don't think it'll ever be able to happen. Magic isn't cheap.

ALSO, at least for me, there is much more to the magic than an appetizer with my meal. In fact, for me anyway, that's a very minute part of what the MAGIC of Disney is. I can sit on a bench on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom an be immersed in the magic, and that has absolutely nothing to do with crab cakes or shrimp coctail.

[crazeedizneefinatic]

I don't know if I am in the minority here but I don't think Disney is too terribly expensive. Yes, we travel at the off months but that is what we prefer. We do not stay at the deluxe resorts but we have no desire too right now anyway. We normally stay at the values, my son loves the themeing. We just came back from a 10 day stay at CBR. We had an 8 day park hopper ticket. The final cost of 3 adults and 1 child was $650 per person and with the free dining that included food. We paid $135 round trip per person on Southwest. If you look for deals and are vigilant it is doable. We have gone other places such as Ocean City and just the hotel, gas and food was outrageous. That does not include the enormouse amount of money we spent on entertainment. When that trip was over we looked at each other and said "we should have just gone to Disney!".

[Scar]

I agree, it is a priviledge to go to WDW, but must it be only for the priviledged? I have to say, it saddens me that more children are not able to experience the "Magic". Sometimes I think the ones who are excluded may just be the ones who would benefit the most.I am reminded of an episode of M*A*S*H where Winchester gives expensive chocolate to the orphanage. Winchester finds out that the man he gave it to, sold it. He is outraged and demands that he retrieve the chocolate and give it to the children. Then the man tells him that the one day supply of chocolate was traded for a months worth of rice and cabbage. Winchester is humbled and says, “It is inappropriate to give dessert to a child that has not had dinner.”

My point is that if I could afford the money to take an underprivileged child to WDW, I would rather it be spent on food, clothing, and shelter for that child.

[mttafire]

I don't know if I am in the minority here but I don't think Disney is too terribly expensive. Yes, we travel at the off months but that is what we prefer. We do not stay at the deluxe resorts but we have no desire too right now anyway. We normally stay at the values, my son loves the themeing. We just came back from a 10 day stay at CBR. We had an 8 day park hopper ticket. The final cost of 3 adults and 1 child was $650 per person and with the free dining that included food. We paid $135 round trip per person on Southwest. If you look for deals and are vigilant it is doable. We have gone other places such as Ocean City and just the hotel, gas and food was outrageous. That does not include the enormouse amount of money we spent on entertainment. When that trip was over we looked at each other and said "we should have just gone to Disney!".


I am reminded of an episode of M*A*S*H where Winchester gives expensive chocolate to the orphanage. Winchester finds out that the man he gave it to, sold it. He is outraged and demands that he retrieve the chocolate and give it to the children. Then the man tells him that the one day supply of chocolate was traded for a months worth of rice and cabbage. Winchester is humbled and says, “It is inappropriate to give dessert to a child that has not had dinner.”

My point is that if I could afford the money to take an underprivileged child to WDW, I would rather it be spent on food, clothing, and shelter for that child.
Both of these comments are very well stated.
Agreed 100%

[lindique]

I read somewhere that the Parks and Resorts are subsidizing the rest of the Walt Disney Company. That's why ticket and room prices have been rising so much lately. It would be nice if the non or less profitable segments of the Company didn't have to rely so much on Park and Resorts.

[cal5755]

Disney is special for us because it is time spent TOGETHER. When schedules are such that I work days and dh works evenings to avoid childcare costs, then sports etc there is never quality time together. There is no arguing, no fussing, just pure disney magic and lots of quality time. Disney is the most value for our hard earned dollar. We tolerate rate increases knowing that costs to maintain increase. My dh and I make less than 25,000 per year and we manage to go every 2 years... with the bounce back we are going 2 years in a row!! There are ways to do Disney when making less than a moderate income. We earmark our tax return for our trip. That is all our tax return goes to for our Disney year. We never pay full price at stores for clothing and are not ashamed to buy at goodwill stores...often times we buy brand new brand name clothing for a dollar a piece. We have yardsales and I sell occasionally on ebay. Trust me we are hardly priviledged yet have had the priviledge of taking our family to Disney 3 times now.

Of course since we pay for mom to stay and play with us in Disney all spending money comes from her. That is an added bonus.

[mttafire]

Disney is special for us because it is time spent TOGETHER. When schedules are such that I work days and dh works evenings to avoid childcare costs, then sports etc there is never quality time together. There is no arguing, no fussing, just pure disney magic and lots of quality time. Disney is the most value for our hard earned dollar. We tolerate rate increases knowing that costs to maintain increase. My dh and I make less than 25,000 per year and we manage to go every 2 years... with the bounce back we are going 2 years in a row!! There are ways to do Disney when making less than a moderate income. We earmark our tax return for our trip. That is all our tax return goes to for our Disney year. We never pay full price at stores for clothing and are not ashamed to buy at goodwill stores...often times we buy brand new brand name clothing for a dollar a piece. We have yardsales and I sell occasionally on ebay. Trust me we are hardly priviledged yet have had the priviledge of taking our family to Disney 3 times now.

Of course since we pay for mom to stay and play with us in Disney all spending money comes from her. That is an added bonus.
Thats great!! This is another example of "if there is a will, There is ALWAYS a way!!" Sounds like you and your family have a wonderful time!!:mickey:

[mrsgaribaldi]

2. 6. Disney has NEVER let me down.
7. 8. It makes us (adults) feel like kids again.
9. Tradition and history.
10. Last but not least...I've never seen a place that all the cultures of the world seem to have the same magical feeling when there..It truly IS the Happiest place on Earth.:mickey:


Perfectly said:thumbsup:

[Disneytravels]

I would have to say that Disney isn't really expensive if you do it right. As a travel agent I book Disney all day long and help people find what is right for their budget. If you think its expensive... don't go- there are many places to go. I bugs me when people love to go but they complain about every little thing but still go year after year. Be positive people..its the happiest place on earth!
Disney for me is so magical beyond words. Every trip the first thing we do is go to the castle and look at what makes Disney. I will never forget the long journey I had to get there. All my life I had wanted to go and when I was 7 my grandfather asked me Disney or Sea world---- Didn't take me long duh... DISNEY... well as the adults then thought about it they figures it was cheaper and shorter drive to Sea world. I will never forget that moment. I grew up in a not so well childhood with Single parent and no dad in sight...blah blah blah.. I could go on but won't..lol
Anyways after having my two children my eye was still on Disney world. I stayed at home with the children and I wanted to go bad - so I went to work to earn money just for our trip. A great promotion came out and I went to our local Travel agent who wasn't even aware of it, they had to call into Disney to find out if it was right. This is where most people pay more because they don't have a Disney Specialist. I booked it 6 months out and made payments on it. Sept 2004 I finally made it there!! We came into MK and we were greeted with the 3:00 parade- cool! Then we went straight to the Castle. At that moment it was like no other- Looking at that Castle knowing I finally got there and was sharing my first time with my kids was priceless!!!! yes I cried (as I am now..lol) My best friend and husband both hugged me and understood in some small way. It was like everything in my life was over and the start of a new beginning. I didn't care about anything but sharing the most magical memories I could with my family. I remember paying about 3000.00 for air and all and I think now I would have paid more for those moments if needed to be. It takes all the cares away and lets you be a kid again with your children. I don't think people realize all the little thing Disney does to make things special for your family. The balloons in room for birthdays, the year of a million dreams- special moments for those. Disney employees of 56,000.00 people. Take a look at the special little things on rides, shows ect that set this place aside from any other. To me its worth every little penny and probably more. When they put the free dining out- FREE to you but they pay for it- I know ours in sept would have came to over 1200.00.. and I got it free. I am thankful for Disney and the moments it lets me share with my family. Also for paying me to do the coolest job ever now. I help so many people with there 1st trips, second and some too many to count..lol. Almost every client is blown away and are so happy that little things that may not be THEIR expectations just rolls off their shoulder. Then you have the one in a million who complains about price, room, resort and everything that you wonder why they even go or go back the next year. Sorry*** When people complain about the price it makes other people discouraged to go to Disney... because all they hear is its too expensive. I booked two single mother with one child each - they traveled last month. It was by far the most comforting booking yet. They had always thought Disney was out of their league and would never be able to go with their children. It cost them 750.00 each to go with Food and air included! Disney caters to every economic background. You make it your budget, you can book 1 year in advance and make payments. Everyone has a addiction- coffee, cigarettes, sweets or alcohol- Mine is Disney.
It is as expensive as you make it.

Sorry I am done... I am by far not rich but it burns me to hear the complaining about price but "they" still go back. Be Happy or go to the local Motel 6 where its in your budget and if something goes wrong you can just drive home and get a poolside room so you don't have to walk to far.
Okay now I am done...lol
Have a magical day!!
:thumbsup:

[mttafire]

I would have to say that Disney isn't really expensive if you do it right. As a travel agent I book Disney all day long and help people find what is right for their budget. If you think its expensive... don't go- there are many places to go. I bugs me when people love to go but they complain about every little thing but still go year after year. Be positive people..its the happiest place on earth!
Disney for me is so magical beyond words. Every trip the first thing we do is go to the castle and look at what makes Disney. I will never forget the long journey I had to get there. All my life I had wanted to go and when I was 7 my grandfather asked me Disney or Sea world---- Didn't take me long duh... DISNEY... well as the adults then thought about it they figures it was cheaper and shorter drive to Sea world. I will never forget that moment. I grew up in a not so well childhood with Single parent and no dad in sight...blah blah blah.. I could go on but won't..lol
Anyways after having my two children my eye was still on Disney world. I stayed at home with the children and I wanted to go bad - so I went to work to earn money just for our trip. A great promotion came out and I went to our local Travel agent who wasn't even aware of it, they had to call into Disney to find out if it was right. This is where most people pay more because they don't have a Disney Specialist. I booked it 6 months out and made payments on it. Sept 2004 I finally made it there!! We came into MK and we were greeted with the 3:00 parade- cool! Then we went straight to the Castle. At that moment it was like no other- Looking at that Castle knowing I finally got there and was sharing my first time with my kids was priceless!!!! yes I cried (as I am now..lol) My best friend and husband both hugged me and understood in some small way. It was like everything in my life was over and the start of a new beginning. I didn't care about anything but sharing the most magical memories I could with my family. I remember paying about 3000.00 for air and all and I think now I would have paid more for those moments if needed to be. It takes all the cares away and lets you be a kid again with your children. I don't think people realize all the little thing Disney does to make things special for your family. The balloons in room for birthdays, the year of a million dreams- special moments for those. Disney employees of 56,000.00 people. Take a look at the special little things on rides, shows ect that set this place aside from any other. To me its worth every little penny and probably more. When they put the free dining out- FREE to you but they pay for it- I know ours in sept would have came to over 1200.00.. and I got it free. I am thankful for Disney and the moments it lets me share with my family. Also for paying me to do the coolest job ever now. I help so many people with there 1st trips, second and some too many to count..lol. Almost every client is blown away and are so happy that little things that may not be THEIR expectations just rolls off their shoulder. Then you have the one in a million who complains about price, room, resort and everything that you wonder why they even go or go back the next year. Sorry*** When people complain about the price it makes other people discouraged to go to Disney... because all they hear is its too expensive. I booked two single mother with one child each - they traveled last month. It was by far the most comforting booking yet. They had always thought Disney was out of their league and would never be able to go with their children. It cost them 750.00 each to go with Food and air included! Disney caters to every economic background. You make it your budget, you can book 1 year in advance and make payments. Everyone has a addiction- coffee, cigarettes, sweets or alcohol- Mine is Disney.
It is as expensive as you make it.

Sorry I am done... I am by far not rich but it burns me to hear the complaining about price but "they" still go back. Be Happy or go to the local Motel 6 where its in your budget and if something goes wrong you can just drive home and get a poolside room so you don't have to walk to far.
Okay now I am done...lol
Have a magical day!!
:thumbsup:

Agreed 100%.:mickey: I too am tired of the complaining about the cost of Disney. It ISNT that hard at all to acheive the means to go. Some folks either dont know how to budget or dont try hard enough. Then, Some folks are born complainers. As for me,,,I'll always make sure my family can and WILL goto Disney!:thumbsup: I have to say..Some of the stories here are absolutely fantastic concerning fellow Intercotees that arent "weathy" and in some cases they dont have alot ($$) wise. BUT!! They find a way to have a wonderful vacation at Disney with their family. No complaining..They just ACHEIVE the ability to go!!:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[SBETigg]

I do agree. Nice post. I would hate to see it cheapened. I'm glad they offer the choice between Deluxe, Moderate, and Value resorts but I do think the cost is justified at all levels and it's an affordable family vacation with so much to offer.