Why Disney?

[KAT1811]

We are all obviously addicted to the wonderful world of Disney. My question to all of you is:

With all of the fabulous destinations the world has to offer. . . Why Disney?

I know that we have spent a fortune on our trips to WDW and for the money we have spent over the years we could have seen a great deal of the world but yet we continually head back to WDW.

I know that for us it is the magic that seems to be almost tangible while we are there, like it lives and breathes among us and everyone around us.

When you plan your WDW vacations is there a resort that speaks to you, a specific park or restaurant?

How long do you typically vacation for?

Is WDW typically your only "big" vacation? (We often take vacations for a few days here and there but our one long extensive vacation is always WDW).

This is my 1,000 post so I am really looking forward to all of your heartfelt answers. Thank you to everyone for such a wonderful community I love to get lost in. You all help me keep the magic of Disney alive each and every day.

[joanna71985]

We are all obviously addicted to the wonderful world of Disney. My question to all of you is:

With all of the fabulous destinations the world has to offer. . . Why Disney?

I know that we have spent a fortune on our trips to WDW and for the money we have spent over the years we could have seen a great deal of the world but yet we continually head back to WDW.

I know that for us it is the magic that seems to be almost tangible while we are there, like it lives and breathes among us and everyone around us.

When you plan your WDW vacations is there a resort that speaks to you, a specific park or restaurant?

How long do you typically vacation for?

Is WDW typically your only "big" vacation? (We often take vacations for a few days here and there but our one long extensive vacation is always WDW).

This is my 1,000 post so I am really looking forward to all of your heartfelt answers. Thank you to everyone for such a wonderful community I love to get lost in. You all help me keep the magic of Disney alive each and every day.

Wow, what a question. I love going to Disney. There is something for everyone of all ages to do there. And the best part is that Disney is around the world. There is Disney in CA, FL, overseas, in the seas. I have never been to anywhere but WDW. But I would love to go to the other places. I also love going to Disney because of the Magic.

When I used to go with my family, we usually stayed for a week, and usually in the PO resorts. Now however, that has changed. Since I work there I stay in the CP housing (since I have done 3 programs).

And yes, WDW is my family's big vacation. It costs too much for us to fly anywhere, so we drive to WDW. It is always a lot of fun when we go.

[Hull-onian]

Everyone in my family (who have never been to Disney) always asks me why Disney. I love the resorts, and the idea of being able to stay there and not rent a car. I think that the dining has come a long way. When you go to a Zagat rated restaurant, it is worth it. The ambiance of the parks and comfort level that the CM's provide is great. Let's talk about the mononrail. It is fun to take it just to go through the Contempery and make the loop around Spaceship Earth. Tell me, what's not to love?:magic:

[ibrowse17]

Because it offers so much, and each trip can be so different than the last. Also because of the way it turns the clock back for most of us, and allows us to be kids again:thumbsup:

[tinkergal]

What a great question & a hard one to answer for non-enthusiasts. For others of us, however, it's that Disney magic that begins with planning & explodes when you arrive! It's that all encompassing feeling of being away from the 'real' world. For me, it's an escape where the child in me comes alive in the parks; but the adult can be indulged in the dining, resorts, & other amenities. It's a place unlike anywhere else, where dreams really do come true. But it's the wonderful memories created there with beloved family & friends that keeps me in a Disney state of mind.

[poeticeclipse]

I've always been a very imaginitive person and i'm not afraid to let that be known. At Disney, it seems like there is no 'norm.' Thinking and being amazed just like when you were a child... well, that's wonderful. You can't find that anywhere else.

Disney really can take you to a different place and time. It makes you appreciate what you have.

Yes, it's our big trip of the year. If we're vacationing for a special occasion, we'll add 2 days or so to the trip.. Otherwise we go for about 6 or 7 days. It's expensive but worth every penny.

Congrats on your 1000th post!!! I'm ALMOST there. I have to think of something really good for a topic as well. Oh, the pressure. What if I don't measure up !?! ;)

[pogo]

Warning.... this may be long ! :blush:

First.... let me say, I didn't read any of the responses before I wrote this. I wanted it to be my answers. :yes:

As a child growing up in the 50's.... yes, I'm :old:, I grew up with the Mickey Mouse Club. I so wanted to go to Disneyland, but my family struggled just to have what we needed. we could never afford a trip from New York to California, much less a trip to Disneyland.

After school, the letter came ! Greetings from your President ! Anyone near my age will know what that meant. It meant being drafted and an all expenses paid trip to southeast asia and probably death. I enlisted in the USAF instead of being drafted and stayed away from Viet Nam. During my four years of USAF I married my highschool sweetheart and we had three children. We worked hard to provide a good life for them and would never think of spending money on a trip to Disneyland or WDW.

My children grew up and after that I had started to make good money. I had a little left over for things like WDW and after my first trip in 2001, it opened the flood gates.

WDW is good clean fun for all with no bad language or foul attitudes. It makes me feel like a kid again and I enjoy every minute of being there.

Yes, we take other vacations, but we enjoy our WDW trips the most and I'm sure we will continue to. We have paid our dues in life and we plan to enjoy our life to the fullest ! To me that means WDW, Intercot and the great friends :hug: we've made here ! :D

[Polynesian Dweller]

Ours is a very personal reason. My DW had cancer and had just been successfully treated. We decided to get away from the trouble by going to the most 'Out of the World' spot, WDW and stayed at the Poly. It was refreshing and the most calming, peaceful spot we had ever found. Now, every year, around the time she was considered 'cured' we return to the Poly to celebrate that we've had another year together. And its stil the most calm, peaceful, and relaxing spot we have found, the view from the Poly to the castle. :cloud9:

[BMan62]

WOW! Great question.

Two main reasons we choose to make a pilgrimage to WDW once a year (or more often if possible) -

1) Forget the outside world! Once you get to WDW you have no cares or worries as you know you will be well cared for. Years drop off and you actually feel younger. You know that at the end of your visit, you will be much less stressed about anything going on in your life, in the world, anywhere and your blood pressure will be significantly lower than when you arrived!

2) Cost. I know a lot of people may disagree with me on this one, but DW and I have taken different trips over the 10 years we have been together and a WDW trip for 8 days/7 nights is less expensive than many of the places we have visited. Niagara Falls (Canadian side) for 4 nights ran us almost $3000. A 9 night cruise to the Western Caribbean from Baltimore cost us $1500 for an interior room + almost $1000 for excursions. If she hadn't won $1300 in the casino on board, it would have been much more expensive of a trip. (Next time will be since she will NOT do an interior cabin again! Claustrophobic and no air movement!) Las Vegas ... need I say more? WDW: Value Season, Value Resort - 7 nights/8 days MYW + PH tickets w/o DDP came to under $1500, airfare included.

It just makes sense for us.

[KAT1811]

Oh my. . . the tears. These are exactly the answers I was hoping for, those from the heart and soul answers.

Congratulations Polynesian Dweller and I hope for many more years of WDW vacations for you and your wife.

pogo, I'm glad to hear that you can finally relax and enjoy life and that WDW is a dream come true for you and your family.

Poeticeclipse, I'm sure you'll do just fine on your 1,000th post, remember your imagination can take you anywhere and everywhere!

Tinkergal, I hear you on the non-enthusiasts, they just don't understand. I have friends that laugh every time I say we're heading back to WDW. The may have fun touring Europe and the rest of the world, but the magic lives in WDW for us.

Hull-onian, I haven't found a thing about WDW I don't love (just like you) and I don't think I ever will.


joanna71985, WDw is a place where the world comes together as one even if it is just for a moment. What a dream, working at WDW. DH and I always say that we are going to retire there and finally have the jobs of our dreams (many, many years from now). By then I'll probably be the Fairy Godmother and no longer Cinderella!!! LOL!!!

[KAT1811]

Bman62,

The "real world" really does stay behind doesn't it? The moment we arrive at the airport everything else just fades away and the only thing that matter to us for the next two weeks is making memories and having the most fun possible.

P.S - So much for that biannual trip!!! Looks like your hooked!!!

[joanna71985]

Oh my. . . the tears. These are exactly the answers I was hoping for, those from the heart and soul answers.

joanna71985, WDw is a place where the world comes together as one even if it is just for a moment. What a dream, working at WDW. DH and I always say that we are going to retire there and finally have the jobs of our dreams (many, many years from now). By then I'll probably be the Fairy Godmother and no longer Cinderella!!! LOL!!!

Oh it really is! When I did my first college program in 2005, I had no idea it would lead to 2 more programs and a change in majors (this is so I could go work at Disney FT). I have met many wonderful people, guests and cast members alike. I hope you get to experience your dreams as well, because it truely is wonderful to work at Disney.:)

[browneyedgirl12]

I love WDW because it is the one place where my family can go and just be a family. Its the place, where my sister and I decide we are not going to fight, we are going to WDW to have the time of our lives.

Also WDW allows us to just relax and pretend the real world doesn't exist and all there is in the world is a wonderful place where people are nicer and everyone just appreciates being here. WDW is the perfect place to go and just have fun and their are no worries of what might happen tomarrow or whats around the corner. I LOVE WDW !!!!! :mickey:

P.S. I love this question

[Boost]

Why Disney?

OK, here goes....Our family loves our WDW trips. We are fortunate to live just under an hour from the parks in Florida. Our oldest son is really into Power Rangers at the moment and the little guy LOVES Peter Pan....in addition to Cars, Buzz and of course Mickey, Minnie and the rest of the crew. When we book our trips, no matter if they are a matter of days away or weeks away, we regularly talk about what we want to do on our trip over the dinner table. The night before, when my wife and I pack our bags, our kids pack their backpacks with some toys that they like to bring along. When the magic day comes to hit I-4 West, we hit the road with great anticipation. Sometimes, we visit Downtown Disney prior to checking in to our hotel (usually a moderate onsite) or we may find ourselves driving past the "Welcome to MK" sign with Mickey and Minnie. When we pull into the parking lot of our hotel and walk to the check-in desk, the excitement builds. After we get our room keys, we sometimes walk around the lobby and green areas of the hotel for a few minutes, then go to our room. Once there, we get unpacked and often hit the pool to cool off. It is at that point that the vacation really goes into gear and we savor every moment with each other at Disney. It makes it even better when CM's go above and beyond their call of duty, and just seeing our kids' eyes light up makes it all worthwhile. As other folks on here have posted, walking down Main Street for the first time on the trip NEVER gets old. Why Disney? The parks are clean. The CM's are pleasant and much more friendly to guests than competing parks. You know that you can always count on having a consistently great time in a safe environment and that is not always the case with other family vacation options. There is also the fact that as adults, time does turn back on these visits and for all of these reasons and more, Disney is our #1 family vacation destination!!!

[Not2Loud]

It is truly the one place in the world I can escape. While I can go place that have no cell service or Internet service, I have yet to find another place that turns me into a child again.

My family and I truly enjoy it. I own a couple of small companies, so I stay busy when at home.

We truly enjoy FW when its the whole family. And having been to the parks quite a bit, none of us feel the need to be in a park all day every day while there. There are so many other things to do. I for one, when the rest are napping, like to ride the buses, boats and monorails. I could do the loop from TTC and Epcot for hours!

Something about Disney reminds me of home. Granted I grew up about 45 minutes from WDW, but its not the same going back to where I grew up. WDW brings back my childlike innocence (even when I have to pay for us all to have dinner!) and allows me the freedom of spirit and mind that we tend to lose in our everyday routines.

So why do I love Disney? Because Walt accomplished what he set out to do; create a place where parents and kids have a great time together and things to do for all.

I know it can be costly, but for me I don't get the same experience if I stay off property. There is something special about parking the car for the week (or no car if we fly down) and not leaving the property at all. I know thats exactly what they want, but if they give us the ability to have everything we need there....why leave?

[Not2Loud]

One more thought....

I love Disney...because there is no other place I get the feeling I do when coming off of I-4 or toll road and seeing the "Welcome" sign. At that point, the smile gets even bigger.

[Itchy]

The best way I can describe why I love disney is relaxation. Even though we are on the go from the time we get up till we go to bed it is the biggest break from the job.

I could spend the same money and travel to Yellowstone or some place like that and spend as much or more. The difference is for me is once I get to disney I do not need to start my car to go anywhere. I can eat at the resort or the parks any of which provides a great meal or just plain relax. ( Mickey here I come in 34 days )

I also dreamed of going to Disneyland when I was a kid, the Mickey Mouse Club, Disney Presents, you all know ( maybe not ) how much it made you want to go there. I finally got to go to Disney World in 1989 and have loved it since.
For me I plan on keeping the mouse in the house for a long time.:mickey:

[ibrowse17]

One more thought....

I love Disney...because there is no other place I get the feeling I do when coming off of I-4 or toll road and seeing the "Welcome" sign. At that point, the smile gets even bigger.

I agree 100%!! That says it all:thumbsup:

[mickey&missy]

First, let me say, this may get long.

Why Disney?

Well, I have a few reasons.

First, and foremost is the magic. For me it starts with the planning. I'm a planner and I truely feel like I'm planning a magical experience. Then when the trip actually gets here the magic is amazing! We took our kids for the first time in 05. DS was 2 and DD was just shy of 4. The look on DD's face when she saw Cinderella's Castle for the first time and when she met Cinderella for the first time. The look on DS's face when he met Mickey and the hysterical laughter when we went to HDMMR! It's absolutely, amazingly magical! To me, at WDW the magic is almost tangible!

Second, DH and I are very lucky to have the what we have. DH owns his own business and works long and hard for our family. To us going to WDW is really enjoying the fruits of that labor. To get some real family time together with no distractions. No cilents calling at 7:30 in the morning, no Sunday meetings. Its just the family having a lot of magical fun.

Third, going to WDW is one of my fondest childhood memories. I was 11 when I went. My mom took my sisters and I. My Dad stayed home. We had a blast, just the girls. My mom saved long and hard to take us. My oldest sister was 17 at the time and going off to college the next year. I think my mom saw it as a last chance to enjoy her 3 girls as kids. I feel 11 again when we're at WDW.

There is no place else in the world that you can have a magical time, free from distractions, no worries. Just good, clean, fun!!

[biodtl]

It's magic.

I grew up spending summers with an aunt in Tampa and we spent a lot of time at WDW, starting in the early 70's. So I basically grew up while WDW did - between new attractions, new parks, new resorts, etc (and - sadly - the loss of some, like Mr. Toad and River Country). So WDW just feels like family to me.

Plus - it's just magical and happy to me. As soon as we get on our way to WDW, I am laughing and crying and forgetting about work and the house and the bills and the chores. It's the best time of my life and it's only gotten better with kids.


Cost. I know a lot of people may disagree with me on this one
I absolutely agree. I think lot of people who have never been consider it expensive. But we have spent more money going to Myrtle Beach (or similar places) for less days.

[Polynesian Dweller]

Oh my. . . the tears. These are exactly the answers I was hoping for, those from the heart and soul answers.

Congratulations Polynesian Dweller and I hope for many more years of WDW vacations for you and your wife.

Thanks KAT1811. We are certainly planning another one this October. I can feel that magical feeling as I write this, of standing on our balcony in the Hawaii building just as we arrive, looking at the castle together for the first time, and knowing we are back home and made it again. That's what Disney feels like and there's no other place that can give a feeling like that. And thank you Walt!!

[katzctkpt]

The perfect question. For me once we arrive check in and unpack the outside no longer exists. We're off to the parks. I honestly don't think about home, bills, work, and I hate to say it but, no one that's not with us on our trip. We are there to enjoy the time with our children and make the best memories we can (and to be kids again ourselves).

[GrandFlo]

For us, it is an escape from reality. When I'm in Disney, I don't worry or even think about anything else.

Disney is our big vacation but we do take smaller ones like 3 days on the Wonder or a long weekend at Universal. Wow, even my other vactions revolve around Disney :D. But we do take quick local trips like Phily, Great Wolf Lodge in PA, Boston, etc...

As far as cost goes, we have spent $$$$$$$$$$. But it's worth it. Whenever we go someplace else, the cost is high and you don't get as much as you do in Disney.

In the summer, we spent over $150 in three hours at a mall parking lot carnival. I would rather spend $300 for a full day at Disney. In my opinion, you get more for your money at Disney. :mickey:

[kdsjjb]

I took my clue as soon as I saw pogo's response. I stopped reading and started typing at that time.

I am a 36 year old former amature fighter and self confessed "bad guy." I came from a good family, with great parents who cared greatly for me and tried like hell to help me along.
My life changed dramaticly at 19 when my first son was born. Suddenly I saw all the things my father had seen, and I was a different person.

Fast forward several years,and two more children. My wife had tried unsuccessfully for years to talk me into a trip to WDW. One day she called me and told me that she booked it, and if I didnt want to go, I could stay home and she would take her mom instead. Well, begrudgingly I went along for the ride, but had no part in the planning,and didn't get excited about it at all.

Until that first day there. The magic I felt walking into the MK for that first time was amazing. The reaction from my kids, my DS6 jumping up and down, my DD3 crying at the sight of the castle, and DS 18mo oohing and ahhing at the characters, that was incredible to me. It was literally another life changing moment for me.

Now, 11 years later, I am the one doing the planning, the research, the ADR's, and I get to relive that magical feeling every time I walk into MK. Kids are much older now, and don't get that same reaction, but I still remember it every time, and still get a little filled up.

Some "bad guy" huh?

That's what makes WDW the place for me. I can't quite explain it to the other members of my family. But those who know, just understand. Thankfully, DW loves it as much as I do.

[Frog]

While we were there, we kept saying:
"Disney does it right"
When I got back, I read one of Walt's Biographys, and that is exactly what I got out of it. He did things right. No cutting of corners to save a buck...
We have only been once, yet talk of going back often. I read about this change taking place at WDW, or that Idea and wonder to myself often, "How would Walt have done it?" Or "If Walt was here, what would he think of that move..."
Great thread btw...

[mouseketeer mom]

I love this post.
I often wonder myself why I have this very strong pull, this never ending desire to connect with WDW.
Its a place that supports everything I feel inside and always have. That good always overcomes evil. That unlimited potential lives inside all of us. That magic and "pixie dust" are ours for the asking! That believing is everything. Its a place where my family can forget and let go of the "real world" and we ALWAYS DO while we are there. Its a place for all of us to connect together, where we are ALL young together. I love that all distractions are gone while at WDW. I love it all.
I have always been a person connected much more to the "inside" (wishes, dreams, feelings) then the outside world. I am definitely ruled by my heart! WDW is a place that encourages everyone to connect to that place, and I love that. I hope to keep my kids as "young" as possible for as long as I can. To keep them believing in themselves and their unlimited potential always. WDW is a place that helps me do that.
We all love it there! Some of our most fantastic family adventures and magical memories have happened at WDW. I'm so lucky that my kids and even my DH all love WDW right along with me.
It's another home for us!

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

:party: Why Disney? I never wanted to go to Disneyworld and turned down a trip in 1998...in 2003 my family was going again and I reluctantly agreed to go...now that's the only place I ever want to vacation...I can't pinpoint one particular reason, its just magical/fairytale and I think its nice that you can get away from reality through a vacation and its not considered weird there to act childish....I love planning where to eat, where to stay....my first trip was 6 nights, 7 days, the second was 7 nights, 8 days and our upcoming trip is 10 nights/11 days...we've stayed at All Star Movies and Coronado Springs and will stay at Pop next

[poeticeclipse]

I am a 36 year old former amature fighter and self confessed "bad guy." I came from a good family, with great parents who cared greatly for me and tried like hell to help me along.
My life changed dramaticly at 19 when my first son was born. Suddenly I saw all the things my father had seen, and I was a different person.

Fast forward several years,and two more children. My wife had tried unsuccessfully for years to talk me into a trip to WDW. One day she called me and told me that she booked it, and if I didnt want to go, I could stay home and she would take her mom instead. Well, begrudgingly I went along for the ride, but had no part in the planning,and didn't get excited about it at all.

Until that first day there. The magic I felt walking into the MK for that first time was amazing. The reaction from my kids, my DS6 jumping up and down, my DD3 crying at the sight of the castle, and DS 18mo oohing and ahhing at the characters, that was incredible to me. It was literally another life changing moment for me.

Now, 11 years later, I am the one doing the planning, the research, the ADR's, and I get to relive that magical feeling every time I walk into MK. Kids are much older now, and don't get that same reaction, but I still remember it every time, and still get a little filled up.

Some "bad guy" huh?

That's what makes WDW the place for me. I can't quite explain it to the other members of my family. But those who know, just understand. Thankfully, DW loves it as much as I do.

This somewhat reminds me of my husband. He constantly lifts and works out and appears very "hard-headed." He also can be a very shy and backwards person... making him appear even more of a jerk at times. haha. I first took him to WDW when we were engaged and hoped to God that he would love it just as much as I did. Our first attraction was Spaceship Earth. 5 minutes into the ride he looks over at me and says in a soft, almost child-like voice "this is so cool." I started crying right there. I knew he was hooked. When we got chosen as family of the day on our honeymoon, we had to stand up in front of everyone and say lines and just be goofy. HE DID IT without hesitation!! It was amazing to see him come out of his shell. He just wasn't embarrassed to do anything. It was awesome!


While we were there, we kept saying:
"Disney does it right"
When I got back, I read one of Walt's Biographys, and that is exactly what I got out of it. He did things right. No cutting of corners to save a buck...
We have only been once, yet talk of going back often. I read about this change taking place at WDW, or that Idea and wonder to myself often, "How would Walt have done it?" Or "If Walt was here, what would he think of that move..."
Great thread btw...

My thoughts exactly. I always wonder about Walt. After all, we wouldn't have any of this if it wasn't for him and his brilliant imagination.

[laprana]

The reason I keep going back to Disney is all about the magic. I truly believe that Disney World is a magical place. It makes me feel like a kid again. No matter how old I get, when I walk onto town square in MK, I get the same wonderful feeling that I got the first time I did it as a young kid. It's a feeling of total wonder, that anything is possible, that fairytales can be reality (if only for a short time while on vacation :blush:), and that it's ok to be a kid again! Disney World is the only place I've ever been that gives me that magical feeling. It's the only place where for a few days, I don't worry about every day life. I just get to be a goofball if I want to be a goofball, and it's perfectly fine because there are a thousand other people around me being goofballs! My family gets along and doesn't bicker because we're all too busy having fun! There's just no other way for me to explain it. To me, Disney World truly is magical.

[Duchess99]

This is a great question and I've really enjoyed reading everyone's answers. It's also interesting because it's a question I face a lot from non-enthusiasts.
For me, it's a lot of different factors...
It's a complete escape form reality. No work, no bills, no cooking, no cleaning, no worries...just fun and relaxation. There is a happiness that I have in WDW that I don't have anywhere else and that feeling is what keeps me coming back.
It's a consistency I've had my entire life. I've been visiting WDW since I was 5 years old and I've probably been over 20 times. It's like going back to a familiar place over and over. I can't control a lot of the changes in my life, so it's nice to have that place to always go back to. Yes it's changing all the time, but there is an underlying layer that remains the same, which I find very comforting.
It's over all magic. From the moment I arrive, there is a smile on my face that I don't have everyday because of the stresses. I'm not sure where it stems from, but it just appears. The child in me makes an appearance, which is rare in my everyday life.
Overall, it's a feeling. I can't quite describe it, but it's a feeling I have when I'm on Intercot, when I watch WDW TV specials, when I look at old trip photos and especially when I'm at WDW. :cloud9::wave:

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Disney is not usually our BIG vacation for the year.
2) We reserve that for Hawaii and England/Europe, alternately.
3) But, WDW is where we annually take the extended family.
4) With all its faults, it is still magical.
5) Better reasons, I cannot find.

[IloveDisney71]

My answers to your questions are in red.

...My question to all of you is:

With all of the fabulous destinations the world has to offer. . . Why Disney? There is no place on Earth where you can just feel the magic in every spot of every park. I also have many childhood memories with lots of different families at the MK - so I get to relive those memories while making new ones.

When you plan your WDW vacations is there a resort that speaks to you, a specific park or restaurant? I don't have one specific resort - anywhere on property is great to me. My favorite park is the MK (see above). My 2 favorite restaurants are: Ohana & LeCellier.

How long do you typically vacation for? My shortest stay was 3 days, my longest was 8. I prefer at least 5 days.

Is WDW typically your only "big" vacation? (We often take vacations for a few days here and there but our one long extensive vacation is always WDW). Yes, it is our longest & most expensive vacation.

...

[KAT1811]

Also WDW allows us to just relax and pretend the real world doesn't exist and all there is in the world is a wonderful place where people are nicer and everyone just appreciates being here.

I agree totally! Everyone does seem much nicer in WDW. We once had breakfast with total strangers in the Castle because they had a couple of extra seats and felt bad that we were unable to get ADRs. Where else in the world do you eat with strangers?


There is also the fact that as adults, time does turn back on these visits and for all of these reasons and more, Disney is our #1 family vacation destination!!!

I can still remember visiting the parks with my parents and grandparents as a child, making my entire family ride IASW over and over and over again. Now we go with our DDs and my parents, and I suddenly feel like that little girl seeing WDW for the first time, just now it's through the eyes of my children.


It is truly the one place in the world I can escape. While I can go place that have no cell service or Internet service, I have yet to find another place that turns me into a child again.

My family and I truly enjoy it. I own a couple of small companies, so I stay busy when at home.



Us too! It is also the only place we can go to completely escape. We also own a couple of companies and DH often works 100+ hours a week in the busy season, leaving very little time for us to be a family (thankfully I am home with the girls and we visit Daddy at work frequently). We leave the laptop at home and the cell phones are for emergencies only. It is where we are only focused on each other. I'm glad that you found somewhere to escape from reality and be a kid again!!!


One more thought....

I love Disney...because there is no other place I get the feeling I do when coming off of I-4 or toll road and seeing the "Welcome" sign. At that point, the smile gets even bigger.

I swear the excitement builds for us as well, sometimes I think I'll explode!!! Amazing isn't it?!?!


For me I plan on keeping the mouse in the house for a long time.:mickey:

Us too! The mouse is a part of our family too and always will be!!



First, and foremost is the magic. For me it starts with the planning. I'm a planner and I truely feel like I'm planning a magical experience. Then when the trip actually gets here the magic is amazing!

... To me, at WDW the magic is almost tangible!

To us going to WDW is really enjoying the fruits of that labor. To get some real family time together with no distractions.


Ditto!!! I think we all like to plan (or else we wouldn't be here)!!! Sometimes I get disappointed when all my planning is "done" (I don't think it ever really ends! Real family time with no distractions, tangible magic, I couldn't have said it better!!!


It's magic.

That about sums it up doesn't it? Very simply and perfectly said!


We are there to enjoy the time with our children and make the best memories we can (and to be kids again ourselves).

Memories, sweet memories, they last a lifetime!!! I can still picture the looks on my childrens faces and hear their excited little voices!


For us, it is an escape from reality. When I'm in Disney, I don't worry or even think about anything else.


What a great feeling!!! If only it could last forever!



I am a 36 year old former amature fighter and self confessed "bad guy." . . .

. . .but I still remember it every time, and still get a little filled up.

Some "bad guy" huh?


I married a "bad guy" too, tough as nails. He used to think I was crazy, all the time I spent in WDW. I used to take tons of girls trips with DD#1 and DM and then he came. When he saw the magic in our daughters and the tears in mine just watching her he changed his opinion forever!!! Now he wants to but DVC!!!

My DH always says "the bigger they are the harder they fall"!


While we were there, we kept saying:
"Disney does it right"

Great thread btw...

Disney does do it right don't they? Beautifully done and very well maintained!

Thank you, I knew you all would have some great stories on why Disney and I truly love reading each and evry one of them!!!


I Its a place that supports everything I feel inside and always have. That good always overcomes evil. That unlimited potential lives inside all of us. That magic and "pixie dust" are ours for the asking! That believing is everything.

It's another home for us!

Wonderful!!! Those emotions rage inside of me when we are in WDW. I too believe that Disney personifies those thoughts and feelings.

Everyone is home in WDW that's why I love it so much!!!


I can't pinpoint one particular reason, its just magical/fairytale and I think its nice that you can get away from reality through a vacation and its not considered weird there to act childish....

I love seeing adults acting like children!!! No restraints, no feeling foolish, everyone's there to just have fun!!! I love to see the look of amazement on childrens faces when their parents are doing something that is out of the ordinary for them, just letting themselves go!!!


It's a feeling of total wonder, that anything is possible, that fairytales can be reality

Anything is possible if you try hard enough! They were right when they sid it's the place where dreams really do come true! For us each vacation is a dream come true!!!


This is a great question and I've really enjoyed reading everyone's answers.

It's also interesting because it's a question I face a lot from non-enthusiasts.

It's a consistency I've had my entire life. . . . I can't control a lot of the changes in my life, so it's nice to have that place to always go back to. Yes it's changing all the time, but there is an underlying layer that remains the same, which I find very comforting.


Thank you! I too enjoy everyone's answers.

Funny how non-enthusiasts don't understand and look at you like your crazy when you try to explain.

I know exactly what you mean about the consistancy. I often feel like I'm in a blender, running around with 3 children, helping DH run our companies, cooking, laundry, etc. but WDW always brings me joy and comfort. Disney has perfected the art of changing with the times while at the same time preserving the classics. I can remember my mother holding me on her lap while we watched the Country Bears and now I hold my DDs on my lap. At the same time my mother, DD and I sit together screaming like crazy while we ride EE!!! New and old perfectly blended!!!

Thank you all for such amazing answers!!! Please keep them coming!!!

[KAT1811]

IloveDisney71,

May you never stop making new memories or reliving the old ones!!!

[Belle619]

Disney is my escape from the real world.

Unfortunately, today when considering where you want to vacation, you also have to think of the state of the world. I'm personally I'm a little nervous to travel outside of the country.

Aside from that, when I step onto the property, for some reason I don't think about work, bills, illness, war, etc. Disney offers me the chance to be a carefree kid again who thinks it is possible to fly over London in into outer space, to meet ghostly spirits and pirates, and to dream about one day being a princess who lives in a castle.

I enjoy new having new experiences and seeing different sites, so I do travel quite a bit to other places, but I always have to have a Disney trip because that is what makes me truely happy.

[poohbearlover15]

We are all obviously addicted to the wonderful world of Disney. My question to all of you is:

With all of the fabulous destinations the world has to offer. . . Why Disney?

I know that we have spent a fortune on our trips to WDW and for the money we have spent over the years we could have seen a great deal of the world but yet we continually head back to WDW.

I know that for us it is the magic that seems to be almost tangible while we are there, like it lives and breathes among us and everyone around us.

When you plan your WDW vacations is there a resort that speaks to you, a specific park or restaurant?

How long do you typically vacation for?

Is WDW typically your only "big" vacation? (We often take vacations for a few days here and there but our one long extensive vacation is always WDW).

This is my 1,000 post so I am really looking forward to all of your heartfelt answers. Thank you to everyone for such a wonderful community I love to get lost in. You all help me keep the magic of Disney alive each and every day.


I love disney and cannot think of going anywhere else! We try to go every year and we always stay at carribean beach! The minute i walk into ole port royal and hear the jamaican music playing i know im in disney! On our trips we always eat at the brown durby prime time cafe sci fi and a few other places. MGM is the park we visit the most. If we have extra time in the day we always go there. we usually vacation for about 7 days. we always go in either february or march. We usually have our big disney vacation and another big vacation in the summer.:mickey:

[DisFan01]

To me, Disney just has that special "feel" to it. When you are in any of the Disney parks and/or rides, you can just tell you're at Disney. There is that special smell, special theming, and overall vacation feel that makes me love Disney so much! :number1:

[Tink#64]

Wow! I just loved reading everyone's responses & I kep thinking - yup that's me too!

I planned our first trip from the time our youngest was born! We waited until he was 4 & older DS was 5! Neither DH nor myself had ever been to to WDW! ( I know :blush:) I saved every newspaper & magazine article I ever read about WDW! I was in love before I ever got there! We were hooked from our 1st trip! We never dreamed that we would want to return year after year! When we think of our big family vacation - we think WDW! We take other small trips, long weekend here and there, camping trips, etc. but vacation mean WDW!

I think it's the most family oriented place I've ever been. We visit all of the attractions together - as a family. Not little kiddie rides & big thrill rides like most amusement parks. It's such a fantasy world come true for us evey day that we are there! My DM has accompanied us on our last 2 trips & she too has become hooked on the Disney experience. It's so hard to explain to someone that's never been, or just doesn't get it! It's a freedom of sorts, free to relax, enjoy, love life and bask in the magic! It's such a completely enveloping magical exprience - if you let it be - there's no describing the complete harmony you feel with yourself, your family & the world! It just is! It just is WDW! :mickey:

[wdwfan#1]

we usually go once a year for our big vacation, 7nights/ 8days. we have tried other vacations, but nothing compares to disney for these reasons:
1. it is truly magical
2. it is the only place where my 3 kids (plus mom and dad :secret:) are entertained and happy 24 hours a day.
3. i have 2 autistic children. my dd 6yrs has made incredible breakthroughs on each and every trip ( such as interacting with people more, more talking) and now she always talks about disney. when she's having a bad day or a meltdown , this is how we redirect her!!! it works wonderful, because just thinking about disney makes her happy!!
4. everyone (for the most part) is just sooo nice. aside from a few bad experiences , everyone is happy and helpful. i can't count the number of times another family has helped us... like when i went in sept, my husband couldn't go , so i had 3 kids and my mom, who has ms and can't lift heavy things. i'm trying to get on the bus, carrying my 26 month old and our standnsit stoller. usually some nice person would say , let me help you and grap the stroller !!! you can't find that anywhere else!!!

[wdwfan#1]

oh how could i forget the best reason.... all of our stress, troubles it just melts away as soon as see the big welcome sign. we drive from ohio, so as soon as we see the sign , we all started yelling ,screaming , throw our hands in the air (except the driver of course :D)

[RoosMomKanga]

I'll :ditto: what everyone has said about how much it has to offer to each person:thumbsup:...everyone is happy there and we make so many more "memories" than most other trips we take. We've taken our kids when they were 4 and then at 15 and they love it at any age. Where else can you find movie stars/characters, water sports, amusement rides, great shows, educational exhibits, notazoo/animals & aquariums, arcades, great dining, great resorts, etc., etc., etc. all in one place...for us it's because everyone finds something different (and something different each trip) that they love.

We've taken the kids starting when they're over 3 and then about every 5 years after (this year it's going to be a surprise:secret: day at DL Paris for my oldest son's 18th Birthday when we're there for a week. We have usually stayed at WDW with the kids for 8-10 days in the past so it's a huge trip for us.

I still tear:cry: up walking onto Main Street in the morning.:mickey:

[alphamommy]

In the years when we do WDW, it is our big vacation. My in-laws live a couple hours away on a lake, so we go there for weekends and summer holidays, but we basically just do one "real" vacation a year.

I love Disney because of the atmosphere, the cast members, the magic, and the feeling of being a kid. If I could, I would live in MK!

We stay for about a week when we go. We try to fly down in the evening (usually Friday after DH gets out of work), then stay until the next Sunday afternoon. DH isn't allowed to take half-days of vacation, so we try to maximize our days as much as possible.

It is expensive. I understand that there are less expensive options, but the first time we stayed on-site was at the Poly, and we got hooked. It's convenient, the theming is great, and we've had great experiences with the staff. If staying at the Poly means we can't go as often, so be it. What we get out of a stay there is worth the money for me. I am glad that they have less expensive options on-site now. It gives more people a chance to experience Disney magic!

DH isn't quite as hooked as DD and I. He enjoys it, but it isn't his first vacation choice. We went together once before we started staying at the Poly, and he didn't like it as much (driving in, parking, fighting crowds and traffic to leave, etc.).

We've been enough the past few years that we don't go crazy trying to do it all. We make sure we do the things we love, and sometimes skip other attractions.

I have friends who are anti-Disney for religious reasons. Others just don't get it because they think it's only for kids. As someone else posted, a lot of them have never been, or only went as children.

[wdwfan#1]

I have friends who are anti-Disney for religious reasons.

i'm just curious, what are the religious reasons for being anti-disney. i'm not trying to be offensive or judgemental. if that's how they believe, then that's their choice. i have absolutely no problem with it. i just like to understand how different people perceive different things. i think it's good to see things in a different light.