Bringing the Magic

[rosiep]

We've all been reading about the dismal state of the economy and the cutbacks Disney has had to make. It seems everyone is in fear that their vacation, paid for with their hard earned dollars, will be a bust.
Can Disney still provide the MAGIC?

In my case of course it can! Want to know why? Because as much as Disney makes MAGIC, I also bring Magic with me. Guests who have a great time regardless of the mishaps know what I'm talking about.

There's not much that can "ruin" my vacation: Not rain, not a missed show, not a bad dining experience, not a lack of towel animals. My vacation is always fun because I am who I am and I do not let the trifles mar my attitude.

Mind you, I am not a Polyanna. When things go wrong I take charge and do what is in my control to rectify the problem...what I don't do is dwell. I don't let yesterdays trouble color today and at the end of the day I rehash the best parts of the day and try to laugh off the bad.

Does Disney make MAGIC? I believe wholeheartedly it does...just don't forget to bring your pixie dust from home.

 

[karen l]

Great post rosiep - I completely agree!

 

[SnwflkCts]

Second the great post!!! I have never gotten a pin code ... never gotten a towel animal ... never gotten bumped up to concierge ... didn't even get so much as a cupcake on my anniversary ... and you know what .... Disney is still MAGICAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cool-Beans]

We've all been reading about the dismal state of the economy and the cutbacks Disney has had to make. It seems everyone is in fear that their vacation, paid for with their hard earned dollars, will be a bust.
Can Disney still provide the MAGIC?

In my case of course it can! Want to know why? Because as much as Disney makes MAGIC, I also bring Magic with me. Guests who have a great time regardless of the mishaps know what I'm talking about.

There's not much that can "ruin" my vacation: Not rain, not a missed show, not a bad dining experience, not a lack of towel animals. My vacation is always fun because I am who I am and I do not let the trifles mar my attitude.

Mind you, I am not a Polyanna. When things go wrong I take charge and do what is in my control to rectify the problem...what I don't do is dwell. I don't let yesterdays trouble color today and at the end of the day I rehash the best parts of the day and try to laugh off the bad.

Does Disney make MAGIC? I believe wholeheartedly it does...just don't forget to bring your pixie dust from home.

If you have to do it yourself with your own personality, there is no reason to pay all that money and travel across the country to Disney.

You could stay home and have a picnic.

I do think people get insane with Disney vacations - having to get the towel animals, having to ride in the front of the monorail. You can have a great time without getting every single thing you imagine to be a "perk."

But Disney needs to supply the magic, entertainment, etc. If it isn't coming from them...again, there is no reason to go there to get it.

 

[ocalla]

I'm so glad you posted this. I think people read these boards, and expect EVERYTHING special that happens to a few guests SHOULD be the Norm, and that's just not the case.

Up until I fould this website we never heard of towel animals, always paid rack rate, Upgrade---what upgrade, and we ALWAYS had the best time. Not everyone can request a window seat at Cali Grill during Wishes? but guess what, it's just as pretty at MK or on the Poly beaches, etc. Some people think the vacation is a wash if they don't get a certain character meal reservation, or if the characters don't spend exactly "this much time" with their kids, because someone else on the board said they did with their's.

Maybe we are the kind of family that are happy just to be at Disney. Expectations are great, but they shouldn't be the basis of your idea of a "great vacation".

P.S. maybe I'm weird, but I just don't get the hype of the Towel Animals?

 

[AustinTink]

Second the great post!!! I have never gotten a pin code ... never gotten a towel animal ... never gotten bumped up to concierge ... didn't even get so much as a cupcake on my anniversary ... and you know what .... Disney is still MAGICAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've never had any of those things either. No matter.... we still have the time of our lives.... every time!!!

 

[rosiep]

If you have to do it yourself with your own personality, there is no reason to pay all that money and travel across the country to Disney.

You could stay home and have a picnic.
I do think people get insane with Disney vacations - having to get the towel animals, having to ride in the front of the monorail. You can have a great time without getting every single thing you imagine to be a "perk."

But Disney needs to supply the magic, entertainment, etc. If it isn't coming from them...again, there is no reason to go there to get it.

The fact that I take Magic with me wherever I go does not mean I don't appreciate the external magic. Of course I'd enjoy the picnic too..but I wouldn't call it a vacation.

 

[Sherwin]

The economy is making us spend less and save more...













... SO WE CAN SPLURGE AT DISNEY!!

 

[mom of 3G's]

P.S. maybe I'm weird, but I just don't get the hype of the Towel Animals?

Exactly! If you expect to get one, then maybe they should be sold in a shop. I never had one on my trip and I didn't walk into the door every night expecting to find one. Would the kids have thought it was cute?... Probably, but I didn't hype it up that they "would" have one. If the towel animal is going to make or break your trip, then I think you need to reconsider how you spend your money at Disney and go buy some stuffed animals. Seriously ...what are you going to do with the towel animal after your vacation? Does not getting one really ruin your trip? I have heard so many people complain because they didn't get one.

 

[DWFan4Life]

Great post here from rosiep. Same here, bad things happen during the trip can't ruin our whole vacation, it's a matter of organizing every moment to make it as wonderful as possible. If bad things happen, try to think that there are more good things to come.

 

[rosiep]

I truly think we all have come to expect Disney to be perfect and when something skewers that belief we feel let down. Truth is, as close as it comes, Disney is not perfect.
I think it just helps if we participate in making it the place we all dream about. Maybe that means letting someone go ahead of you, or giving away a fastpass. Maybe it means leaving something for Mousekeeping instead of them leaving something for you! I know that when I go to Disney I don't just want it to happen to me, I want to be part of it. That's why I know that no matter what the cutbacks are...I am helping to ensure that I (and others) have a Magical time!

PS: Thanks to all who said it was a great post!

 

[ScrapperBelle]

I really think this is true in everday life, as well. You know the people you see at home berating the bank teller, the store clerk, and everyone else they come in contact with? Well, some of those people visit Disney, too!

I have never made room requests (except for nonsmoking back when you had to) and we have always been pleasantly surprised with our rooms. We don't demand special service at meals and we have always been treated exceptionally well. I don't expect 1 single towel animal and we always get a few.

I have learned that in order to have a magical trip to WDW, you need to be prepared. Make reservations for the hotel and room you want (Don't expect to be upgraded...if lagoon view is important...book it). Make dining ressies for the restaurants you want (I find it helps to have a "back up" list in case I'm unable to get something I want...at least I'm not totally disappointed). Purchase the tix you need in order to do the things you want. After that, just go and be happy. Having a general plan is good, but at some point, you just have the day go where it may. Our most magical moments have happened when we least expected it...and NONE of them were planned!

Guests also need to remember that CMs are people too and if someone is grumpy or rude to you...bring them a little magic. Smile, say something nice, and move on. These people have problems and situations in their daily lives just as we all do. By being nice yourself, you will be surprised at how much magic you can find.