Musicman20
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2015
- Messages
- 58
I’ve just read a similar thread on another forum, but I’m interested to see what people think on DIS (sorry if it has been covered already!)
How do people react and how do peoples habits change when visiting Disneyworld (and Universal) as they get older?
I am from the UK and I’ve been lucky to visit 4 times now. As I’ve now got older and settled into a career, I’m able to afford to go this year as well, which is technically not even quite a year since I last went!
I have some fantastic memories of the place from being around 10, 16, 25 and then 34 in 2015.
When I was really young (9/10?), we went as a family, so myself, my older sister, our parents and my Dad’s brother. My Dad’s brother was great with us as kids and really got into the Disney spirit. I remember sitting with him on the scary older version of Snow White and being TERRIFIED! Like a really good but very scary ghost train. We did not expect it. I remember my parents being quite ‘young’, we all stayed at the parks ALL day until late. I remember buying Chip and Dale soft toys, not riding Space Mountain, the meet and greets with autograph books and barely any queues, eating on International Drive (especially having a HUGE milkshake which came with the remainder in an extra large metal ‘cup’), Universal’s King Kong, Earthquake, E.T. and Back to the Future and Jaws (I think I rode Jaws!). I loved how brilliant Epcot looked, but obviously being young MK/HS was more my thing, but I still was in awe of rides like Spaceship Earth. Back then, I rode Maelstrom and again, I was PETRIFIED of the drop as I didn’t know it went backwards then forwards, then down! I remember all of the learning parts of Epcot and the bikes! My Dad has been a fanatical cyclist for a long time, and he loved those bikes.
If I recall correctly, I’m sure I was there when Hollywood Studios (then MGM) was fairly new, and had the areas with artitsts working, the Great Movie Ride (the Alien frightened me back then), the Studio Backlot Tour, Star Tours, and had a brilliant feel to it.
Animal Kingdom didn’t exist at this point. Seaworld did, and this was when they were very very popular. I loved the sea life at Seaworld.
I remember wanting to buy lots of video games as they were much cheaper and I was really into them by this point. I think I bought a USA Sega Game Gear! I had a golf game that I played for hours.
I got home and felt pretty miserable for a long time. I couldn’t deal with the fact I wasn’t in Disney! It affected me that much.
I then went as a teenager when I was just starting my A Levels, with just my parents this time as my sister was busy moving and starting a new life in her early twenties. I loved it JUST as much. The magic was still there. It felt amazing. This time I could appreciate Epcot a little more and MGM had developed dramatically. I can’t remember as many details for some reason; but Universal was also more appealing compared to my first trip as I was able to appreciate the more adult side of it. I think, although I’m not sure, that we could see Animal Kingdom under devlopment. There may have been an area in Dinsey to see what they were planning for it.
We visited Seaworld and again it was popular; Journey To Atlantis was so cool! I’m sure we went to Typhoon Lagoon and I was very impressed. Blizzard Beach was probably being built.
I do remember being upgraded on our flight home and a friend from school being on the flight with his family but I think they had to stay in the standard seating. We had also both just started at the same college.
I bought a lot of music and clothing on this visit.
The next trip is a little more fresh in my mind. I was 25, so a HUGE gap between the last trip. I had just graduated from University and I had my life and career ahead of me. This time, my sister came but she was married, so it was my parents, my sister, myself and her husband. This time, yet again I could see dramatic changes at Disney and Universal. Disney now had Animal Kingdom, Universal had IOA, (and I particularly remember being amazed at Spiderman and we loved JP). ET broke down and the lights came on!
Animal Kingdom was such a beautiful and interesting place. You have to remember that in the UK, we do have zoos, but they aren’t on that scale or that immersive. I remember myself and my family watching the gorillas for hours. I was probably in my prime back then, as in I looked and felt very young despite being 25. No worried on my mind as I had achieved what I wanted at University.
Downtown Disney was around, and I remember the ‘New Year’ celebrations they (I’m sure) used to do every night! I remember the bizarre nightclubs and the fantastic shopping. We ate in the Rainforest Café and loved it.
I bought a lot of clothes from Vans/Converse shops, etc. I probably spent a fortune on music again.
What is weird is that in October (ish) 2005, the queues were tiny. Like REALLY small. We could see EE being built!
We visited Seaworld and again it was popular. We definitely spent a lot of time at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
Between 2005 and 2015, I met my now partner of 8 years, and we planned to go on our own in 2010. We even had the brochures ready. Due to timing of moving house and new jobs, etc, we couldn’t afford it.
She hadn’t by this point ever set foot in Disney but loved Disney films.
In 2013, my mother decided to treat the family (this now includes my partner, my sister, her husband and their two young boys) to a big family trip planned for 2015. The saving began! I was so excited, more so for my partner as I KNEW she would freak out there and love it.
Fast forward to October 2015, and we are there! We all, I can honestly say, LOVED it. It was exhausting, the busiest I have ever seen it, and still had magic for all of us. Our habits had changed though, as my sister had two young boys who became very tired in the heat and they didn’t stay in the parks that late. Myself and my partner spent many evenings just wondering around the parks, taking it in, but we mainly spent evenings at Epcot and MK. Highlights include 7DMT with Photopass video, the new Star Tours, the changes to Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs), Peter Pan, MK fireworks, the food, eating in Italy in Epcot, Spaceship Earth, all of the Little Mermaid rides and shows, Beauty and the Beast show, RNRR, the People Mover, Monsters Laugh Floor, Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, the live Nemo show at AK, the live Lion King show at AK, Pirates, Jungle Cruise and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
For some reason I bottled it to go on EE! We also didn’t get on SMountain, and part of that was my nerves, but next year, I’ll do BOTH.
We definitely spent more time just being at Disney and TRYING not to rush, but as we had two weeks to fit a lot in, it was hard work. Probably the hardest/most exhausting holiday I’ve had. In addition, I went with severe anxiety due a very stressful year that led to some medical tests being planned for my return to the UK, so I was always trying to forget about those. Life isn’t as easy at 34!
Universal’s new additions, such as Simpsons ride and area and both HP areas/the Hogwarts Express, were pretty mindblowing. Transformers was a firm favourite but for me, the coolest ride of this trip was Forbidden Journey.
I just cannot believe how busy and humid it was. Character meets were quite difficult as well.
We did go to Seaworld but I can see how the media and ‘animal safety’ issues has led to them developing more rides. I won’t get into that arena, but I still enjoyed it. JTA was still great. I am not a huge thrill seeker so some of the rides weren’t something I was interested in. I tend to prefer moderate thrill rides with theming rather than full on intense rides.
Aquatica was great but FAR too hot.
Myself and my partner went through a list of what we wanted to do and we still didn’t get through it despite VERY long days.
When we got back, I felt shocked to be home. We both felt pretty miserable. What did we do? REBOOKED for Sept 2016 for just us two for three weeks. This time, I doubt we will go to Seaworld, and probably substitute that for Kennedy Space Centre.
We plan to spend more time getting ready for the trip, booking fast passes, getting dining booked, planning days, and making sure we cover everything! What did we miss in 2015? Space Mountain, the Toy Story MM, Hall of Presidents, Imagination, I didn’t ride EE, Fantasmic, and some others we have made a list of.
Can't wait!
How do people react and how do peoples habits change when visiting Disneyworld (and Universal) as they get older?
I am from the UK and I’ve been lucky to visit 4 times now. As I’ve now got older and settled into a career, I’m able to afford to go this year as well, which is technically not even quite a year since I last went!
I have some fantastic memories of the place from being around 10, 16, 25 and then 34 in 2015.
When I was really young (9/10?), we went as a family, so myself, my older sister, our parents and my Dad’s brother. My Dad’s brother was great with us as kids and really got into the Disney spirit. I remember sitting with him on the scary older version of Snow White and being TERRIFIED! Like a really good but very scary ghost train. We did not expect it. I remember my parents being quite ‘young’, we all stayed at the parks ALL day until late. I remember buying Chip and Dale soft toys, not riding Space Mountain, the meet and greets with autograph books and barely any queues, eating on International Drive (especially having a HUGE milkshake which came with the remainder in an extra large metal ‘cup’), Universal’s King Kong, Earthquake, E.T. and Back to the Future and Jaws (I think I rode Jaws!). I loved how brilliant Epcot looked, but obviously being young MK/HS was more my thing, but I still was in awe of rides like Spaceship Earth. Back then, I rode Maelstrom and again, I was PETRIFIED of the drop as I didn’t know it went backwards then forwards, then down! I remember all of the learning parts of Epcot and the bikes! My Dad has been a fanatical cyclist for a long time, and he loved those bikes.
If I recall correctly, I’m sure I was there when Hollywood Studios (then MGM) was fairly new, and had the areas with artitsts working, the Great Movie Ride (the Alien frightened me back then), the Studio Backlot Tour, Star Tours, and had a brilliant feel to it.
Animal Kingdom didn’t exist at this point. Seaworld did, and this was when they were very very popular. I loved the sea life at Seaworld.
I remember wanting to buy lots of video games as they were much cheaper and I was really into them by this point. I think I bought a USA Sega Game Gear! I had a golf game that I played for hours.
I got home and felt pretty miserable for a long time. I couldn’t deal with the fact I wasn’t in Disney! It affected me that much.
I then went as a teenager when I was just starting my A Levels, with just my parents this time as my sister was busy moving and starting a new life in her early twenties. I loved it JUST as much. The magic was still there. It felt amazing. This time I could appreciate Epcot a little more and MGM had developed dramatically. I can’t remember as many details for some reason; but Universal was also more appealing compared to my first trip as I was able to appreciate the more adult side of it. I think, although I’m not sure, that we could see Animal Kingdom under devlopment. There may have been an area in Dinsey to see what they were planning for it.
We visited Seaworld and again it was popular; Journey To Atlantis was so cool! I’m sure we went to Typhoon Lagoon and I was very impressed. Blizzard Beach was probably being built.
I do remember being upgraded on our flight home and a friend from school being on the flight with his family but I think they had to stay in the standard seating. We had also both just started at the same college.
I bought a lot of music and clothing on this visit.
The next trip is a little more fresh in my mind. I was 25, so a HUGE gap between the last trip. I had just graduated from University and I had my life and career ahead of me. This time, my sister came but she was married, so it was my parents, my sister, myself and her husband. This time, yet again I could see dramatic changes at Disney and Universal. Disney now had Animal Kingdom, Universal had IOA, (and I particularly remember being amazed at Spiderman and we loved JP). ET broke down and the lights came on!
Animal Kingdom was such a beautiful and interesting place. You have to remember that in the UK, we do have zoos, but they aren’t on that scale or that immersive. I remember myself and my family watching the gorillas for hours. I was probably in my prime back then, as in I looked and felt very young despite being 25. No worried on my mind as I had achieved what I wanted at University.
Downtown Disney was around, and I remember the ‘New Year’ celebrations they (I’m sure) used to do every night! I remember the bizarre nightclubs and the fantastic shopping. We ate in the Rainforest Café and loved it.
I bought a lot of clothes from Vans/Converse shops, etc. I probably spent a fortune on music again.
What is weird is that in October (ish) 2005, the queues were tiny. Like REALLY small. We could see EE being built!
We visited Seaworld and again it was popular. We definitely spent a lot of time at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
Between 2005 and 2015, I met my now partner of 8 years, and we planned to go on our own in 2010. We even had the brochures ready. Due to timing of moving house and new jobs, etc, we couldn’t afford it.
She hadn’t by this point ever set foot in Disney but loved Disney films.
In 2013, my mother decided to treat the family (this now includes my partner, my sister, her husband and their two young boys) to a big family trip planned for 2015. The saving began! I was so excited, more so for my partner as I KNEW she would freak out there and love it.
Fast forward to October 2015, and we are there! We all, I can honestly say, LOVED it. It was exhausting, the busiest I have ever seen it, and still had magic for all of us. Our habits had changed though, as my sister had two young boys who became very tired in the heat and they didn’t stay in the parks that late. Myself and my partner spent many evenings just wondering around the parks, taking it in, but we mainly spent evenings at Epcot and MK. Highlights include 7DMT with Photopass video, the new Star Tours, the changes to Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs), Peter Pan, MK fireworks, the food, eating in Italy in Epcot, Spaceship Earth, all of the Little Mermaid rides and shows, Beauty and the Beast show, RNRR, the People Mover, Monsters Laugh Floor, Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, the live Nemo show at AK, the live Lion King show at AK, Pirates, Jungle Cruise and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
For some reason I bottled it to go on EE! We also didn’t get on SMountain, and part of that was my nerves, but next year, I’ll do BOTH.
We definitely spent more time just being at Disney and TRYING not to rush, but as we had two weeks to fit a lot in, it was hard work. Probably the hardest/most exhausting holiday I’ve had. In addition, I went with severe anxiety due a very stressful year that led to some medical tests being planned for my return to the UK, so I was always trying to forget about those. Life isn’t as easy at 34!
Universal’s new additions, such as Simpsons ride and area and both HP areas/the Hogwarts Express, were pretty mindblowing. Transformers was a firm favourite but for me, the coolest ride of this trip was Forbidden Journey.
I just cannot believe how busy and humid it was. Character meets were quite difficult as well.
We did go to Seaworld but I can see how the media and ‘animal safety’ issues has led to them developing more rides. I won’t get into that arena, but I still enjoyed it. JTA was still great. I am not a huge thrill seeker so some of the rides weren’t something I was interested in. I tend to prefer moderate thrill rides with theming rather than full on intense rides.
Aquatica was great but FAR too hot.
Myself and my partner went through a list of what we wanted to do and we still didn’t get through it despite VERY long days.
When we got back, I felt shocked to be home. We both felt pretty miserable. What did we do? REBOOKED for Sept 2016 for just us two for three weeks. This time, I doubt we will go to Seaworld, and probably substitute that for Kennedy Space Centre.
We plan to spend more time getting ready for the trip, booking fast passes, getting dining booked, planning days, and making sure we cover everything! What did we miss in 2015? Space Mountain, the Toy Story MM, Hall of Presidents, Imagination, I didn’t ride EE, Fantasmic, and some others we have made a list of.
Can't wait!
