Did Disney ruin you for other parks?

[mshanson3121]

And not even "big" parks like Six Flags, Universal, Canada's Wonderland (depending on where you live), but more your local, smaller parks?

We found out yesterday that wedding is on as planned for DH's friend, so we are good to go for our June 2017 trip as planned (yay! happy dance!). Which means this summer, we'll probably just do an extended long weekend, probably 3 or 4 nights away, and we'll do a local theme park. And... I admit, I feel like Disney has ruined the park for me - I look at it and it just looks like nothing more than a bunch of typical "carnival" rides, so small, nothing enticing, and how on earth do we spend an entire day there?! Now, I'm sure the kids will enjoy themselves, so I'll enjoy it for that reason, but I admit... I feel ruined for all other parks, lol.

 

[kcpinwdw]

I feel that Disney has ruined all other vacations for me Everytime I price out a trip somewhere, I am just thinking what that money would get me at Disney.... as far as our local little parks go, I feel they still have value, since my expectations are SO LOW and I know they are what they are. For example, I still take the kids to Storyland in NH for a day... (but I don't have to like it)

 

[johde]

I will say the "big parks" Disney included has spoiled me when it comes to fairs and carnivals, but Disney hasn't spoiled me to other parks. It's all about expectation. Disney is great in some areas, theming, food, hotels etc. But, lacking in others, like real thrill rides. I can go to a Cedar Point, Kings Island, Busch Gardens etc. and enjoy the types of thrill rides that Disney just doesn't have. By the same token, I go to Disney and Universal to enjoy a level of theming and immersion that isn't found at your local Theme park.

 

[tobikaye]

No, I base each on the merits of the type of park I am visiting. I only really compare WDW attractions to attractions at other theme parks. So, for me, I would compare WDW to USO/IOA, but even then, IOA feels more like an amusement park than a theme park to me.

Before Kings Island and Cedar Point were owned by the same company, I did find myself comparing those parks on the one visit I made to Cedar Point. I am more likely to compare apples to apples than oranges to apples when it comes to these types of attractions.

I know many people that find WDW boring because they do not have many "rides". It is something that my dad used to try to explain to people he worked with before they did a first trip, back before the internet when they would ask about rides. He tried to make sure they understood they would not find roller coasters like they expect from Kings Island.

 

[MouseMamaToMany]

Yes and no. I terms of "magic" and theming, yes. You simply can't match Disney. It is one of a kind and wonderful!
In terms of thrill rides, and I'm a roller coaster junkie, no. There are so many coasters to ride, and only a few are at Disney.

I think it just depends on what you are in the mood for!