Exit through the gift shop

[Terra]

....not bothered by the exits directly into the shops ....nope ..not one little bit.

....beyond the "magic" ...WDW is a business ...a pretty darn good one at that. If the added income from gift, food , etc. sales in a park will continue to keep the "magic" available to me ...then I say more power to it.

....I also know that there are parents that loathe the experience of walking thru the gift shops with little ones for fear of the dreaded "Magical Tantrum" ....to them (including my own relatives with lil` ones) ...I say ..."Be a parent ...and recite the following to the kids "What Part Of NO Don't You Understand"?

As the parent of a 5 and 4.5 year old, that go at least 1-2x a month...I totally agree with you! I let them know up front if they can get something that day and whether it's something little or bigger.
Sure they ask, but I say no, and they may or may not whine some, but as soon as we step outside they are easily distracted and on to something else!

Personally, I love browsing all the items myself and dreaming
I'm finding that people complain so much about Disney all the time, yet continue to go all the time. You know what? If it bothers you that much, then don't go. It's a theme park, I expect high marketing with equally high prices. Does it mean I have to buy everything? Nope, but I just enjoy my day still and do what I can!

[K8screen]

My kids were always so keen to get to the next ride they either didnt notice the gift shop, or, if it was crowded, considered it a delaying tactic, trying to make their way through. I dont think it ever occurred to them that you could actually BUY stuff!

[Canuck Park Hopper]

I think the concept of being directed through an obvious money trap is a little disconcerting initially, but now I never really notice or care and maybe once in a while stop and browse.

What I really hate (and not found in any widespread way at Disney) are the "mandatory" photos that forced upon you when you venture on other touristy attractions... You know the ones where you and your party have to pose in front of some fake backdrop prior to enjoying the attraction/event and then pestered to buy it as a souvenir on the way out/off... Those I turn down 100% just on principle!

[thejens]

1. It's tacky and annoying.
2. As an adult, I would enjoy it more if the merchandise was always themed to the ride, but it is often the same old, same old, yawn.
3. Very small children are heartbroken and do not understand budgets when they are not allowed to take home the expensive stuffed toy and WDW is not really where I want to practice my tough love discipline techniques.

I enjoy gift shops aimed at adults, especially if they are clever and unique. Go ahead, entice me to spend my money. Creating difficult situations for parents and children = profits before magical experiences.

[PrincessJadesMom]

The gift shops don't bother me either. I actually enjoy most of them. A big part of our vacation is shopping, so I can ride the rides & not have to go out of my way to pick up the Disney items that I love so much.

[MNNHFLTX]

I don't mind the idea of going through a gift shop at the end, but some of them are so small and congested with displays and merchandise that it impedes the flow of traffic as people exit the rides. Star Tours is a classic example of this. They should make sure there is a central aisle to exit and then the people that want to look can look.