A philosophical Question

[Nlihte]

There are times I ask myself what is it about our Disney experience that causes us to spend large amounts of time and energy and resources to experience Walt's dream. Is it the fairytale of our childhoods that we for a moment fleetingly recapture. The anticipation of going and the going. Both seem to lighten the burdon of adulthood. Can you put into words what you feel and why are we so attracted to Disney. I am a 54 year old male and still feel like a kid when I see the DisneyWorld sign upon arrival.

 

[PalVal]

I'm a 52 year old female and my husband (52) and I feel the same way you do. We go to fantasy world for a week and try to pretend that there is nothing wrong in the real world. Disney sells happiness that's why we go.

 

[rocketriter]

Yes, Disney certainly sells us happiness, and it's worth it. At its best Disney also cells a comforting kind of tidiness, a level of service that feels caring and responsive, and a sense that the world was built for us rather than thrown together randomly.

Years ago I read a short story that ended with the main character strolling down the street. The last line was, "The ground rose up to meet his foot." That's what Disney sells, too--a sense that the world revolves around us, which is very reassuring.

 

[DrTomorrow]

First, DW and I feel the same way - we're forty-something empty-nesters, with grandchildren still a ways away, yet we just bought into DVC last fall.

To answer the OP's question: I think it is escapism, pure and simple - the suspension of disbelief. Just like a good movie takes us to the future or the past, to Casablanca or Middle earth; just like a good book sends us to one of an infinite number of worlds; Disney takes us away from our day.to.day reality and allows us - or at least makes it easier - to pretend, at least for a while, that all is well with the world. We can take "risks", go on "adventures", travel to "foreign lands", go on "safaris", yet still be safe in the knowledge that, at the end of the day, we'll be safe and sound.

And while there are many suppliers of escapism, Disney offers a special, near.totally.immersive variety that strikes a chord in many folks, particularly those of us who are DVC owners.

DrTomorrow: Philosophy While-U-Wait

 

[eporter66]

It is difficult to explain. I cant describe the feeling other than I have always come away wanting more. The vacations have always exceeded our expectations which is why we wanted to join DVC.

People laugh when I tell them we are going back to Disney, but I always say........."wouldnt you like to be in my shoes?" Not one person has said no yet.

I feel like a kid when I am there, and there is so much to do. Everyone immediately pictures the Magic Kingdom, and that is now such a small part of the whole experience. Of course the parks are great, but we love the restaurants, golf, and the resorts are a vacation unto themselves. With SSR - we are right on a golf course, have a great pool, Downtown Disney right across the water and so much more. I could easily spend a weeks vacation and not go to the parks (not saying I dont want to).

Anyway - I always feel special at Disney!

 

[disneycrazed139]

It sounds corny, I know, but Disney represents a hopeful idealism for me. It is something that every child naturally possesses and, upon entry to the Magic Kingdom, makes us adults joyfully remember again.

 

[JimC]

We seem to be in good company here. We are in our late 40s and have two girls in or just graduating from college.

When we pass through the entrance to WDW property it is like entering a different world. For that magical time we get to play, enjoy each other's company and relax. Add to that an opportunity to get to know great CMs and often to meet online Disney friends. Like others we enjoy the theme parks but its all the rest that makes WDW a complete vacation for us.

 

[mommyseven]

It could boil down to what one interprets to be fun compared to another. Some folks think going hunting for a week is a fun vacation. I don't. Some folks think going rock climbing and camping on a ledge is fun. I don't. Some folks think sitting on a boat fishing all weekend is a great time. I don't. I do think that going to WDW is fun. I think planning and preparing is fun. It is a fun activity for me. Some men plan a hunting trip a year in advance. There's message boards about planning those trips. To each their own.

 

[DemonLlama]

Having written a paper on the subject, I think I can say that, for us, it is part nostalgia and part escapism.

Nostalgia is really not a true memory of the past, but pieces of idealism grrafted on to some sense of lost time. It represents our childhood and our parents' childhoods. My dad was at Disneyland 1955, so there is some sense of a timeless joy still inevitably, and paradoxically, tied to time (the past).

Escapism is the the idea that we can get away from the real world and just be big kids again.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Plain and simple...escaping reality!

 

[Vault Disney]

I was just having this discussion Saturday and although the reasons are very clear in my head, I found it almost impossible to put into words. I am so glad that there are others out there with whom I share a bond that transcends words.

 

[browneyes]

After many years of pondering and lots of self questioning, I finally self-analyzed what the appeal of WDW is to me. It deals with my first trip, and the way my life was at that time as to why WDW has held this much appeal for me for so long. My first trip came at a time where I needed magic the most. And it hasn't let me down ever since.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

For me it is like a great "comfort food". I can count on it being the same, happy, easy, good every time. I can walk under the train station and be completely transformed from the adult person who's job it is to be in control of life to the young person who can just let things happen and enjoy. There are very few places in life that can help an adult transform into someone they used to be. The real shame is for those who go and don't experience the real magic.

 

[Brer_Papa]

I agree there's a degree of escapism and a bit of nostalgia. Also, as one poster said, the way Disney leads the way in services, cleanliness and all the happiness. The CM's and the help they can provide. The many and varied opportunities Disney provides across the board in an effort to "fit" family budgets. In short, I agree with all the posters.

I also noticed the majority of posters here that posted their age were 40-somethings and up.

I am 53 and DW is 50. We both grew up watching Walt Disney and "The Wonderful World of Disney" on Sunday nights.


I am certain many many households watched too. Maybe even some of you that have posted already?

For me and DW...in our MANY MANY talks on this subject...have concluded that Walt Disney was a man we grew to trust, believe in and admire.

Those Sunday nights gave us happiness, offered a chance to see the world with the "True Life Adventures", entertained us or showed/taught a bit of history with shows like Davy Crocket, Paul Revere, Johnny Tremain, the Swamp Fox....

I can't forget to mention the "Mousekatear Club" aired in those days....


Nor can i fail to mention the wonderful films, animated or not, that provided the happiness and /or nostalgia or a chance to escape....

Besides all the above, Walt Disney offered us a chance to "escape" for a while....while being entertained.

With the advent of Disneyland and the subsequent plans for Florida, Walt Disney was still offering everything above, but it was wrapped differently. A real place you could go to and be a part of. Live it, breathe it, enjoy it & love it! And we do....

In my humble opinion, no matter what he was offering...a TV show, a movie, a theme park or any Disney product...what he offered...was a "MAGIC" that I still can't get enough of!

He was a true visionary....the words "the happiest place on earth" says it all to me....

 

[Nlihte]

I appreciate the insight. It is not just a question to solicit answers. Your responses help all of us see how we are connected. We have so much in common as far as how we see the world. Dennis

 

[kadaten]

Originally posted by PalVal
I'm a 52 year old female and my husband (52) and I feel the same way you do. We go to fantasy world for a week and try to pretend that there is nothing wrong in the real world. Disney sells happiness that's why we go.

I've always said it's the pure suspension of reality that draws me in. They don't even have newspaper boxes so I don't have to see the everyday stuff that we normally have to trudge through. For just a few days it can be all about fun, fantasy, imagination, merriment, and laughter. Someone else makes the bed, cooks for me, and cleans up afterwards....I just have to get dressed and enjoy while the "real world" is kept at bay THAT'S my idea of a vacation.

 

[cbrothers]

I am 58 and my dh is 72.....our first trip was the year wdw opened it's gates! And the magic has never left us

Over the years we had 3 children who learned about the magic and never for one minute didn't want to go on the yearly vacation to wdw.

Now they are all grown and married and we can finally afford DVC!!
So our grandchildren (when they come) will also know the magic.

DH and myself may not be around for all 50 years of our dvc....but it's our way of making sure our grandchildren ALWAYS have a Magical Home away from Home.

Carol...who believes you are never old at Disney!!!

 

[Virgo10]

Well I'm a 55 yo female. For a few days each year when I'm at WDW, the most important decision I have to make is which rides I'll go on.

It's a way to heal my brain. But ya know, I still think there's something in the water that makes you feel so good while you're there.

Roberta

 

[Micca]

Virgo10 said it: a place where you can go and your biggest concern is "can I get on this ride and that one before our PS and Illuminations?" Additionally it is a portal to everything we saw on tv in the 50s and 60s. For me it's not so much nostalgia, as it is seeing that so many of the things Disney imagined came true

 

[Disney Doll]

Because they do what they have to do to make you happy.

Because it represents the best of what the world should be.

Because I don't have to deal with snotty employees or dirt.