Does Disney ruin you for all else?

[RHMH]

Yes, I agree... nothing compares to all things Disney...

In the past, we go to a themed restaurant, 4th of July concert or a theme park, I use to say DD, this is nothing like Disney and I would start to compare the two.

My DD would stop and look at me as say Dad let it go...we go to Disney once a year to enjoy what Disney offers, New & Old, it's a vacation.

If you are not enjoying this, why did book this trip. make reservation for this restaurant, etc. I've learn to stop comparing in front of my DD...

 

[mshanson3121]

How far are you from Sesame Place outside Philadelphia? It is in the Busch Gardens family of parks and exceptionally clean and welcoming. It is five hours away from us. We've gone 8 times since 2002. I hope to get there while my youngest is still little. (My oldest is almost 15, so it's not an annual trip anymore.

I think it's around 12 hours from us. We have talked about doing a trip to PA sometime, spending time in Amish Country, and doing a theme park. Though by the time we get there, wondering if the kids would be too old for SP, since they'd be at least 10/7. I know after the "joy" of planning this trip - our next one is going to be extremely low-key. As in, probably go rent a house at a beach for a week and relax and do NOTHING! lol. No schedules, no ADRs, no itineraries etc... We're going to need a vacation from our vacation, lol.

 

[momof2n2]

I think it's around 12 hours from us. We have talked about doing a trip to PA sometime, spending time in Amish Country, and doing a theme park. Though by the time we get there, wondering if the kids would be too old for SP, since they'd be at least 10/7. I know after the "joy" of planning this trip - our next one is going to be extremely low-key. As in, probably go rent a house at a beach for a week and relax and do NOTHING! lol. No schedules, no ADRs, no itineraries etc... We're going to need a vacation from our vacation, lol.

Oh. That's a bit far for it to be THE destination. Although it's not too far from Hershey and Landcaster County. My oldest enjoyed it at 11, but it wouldn't have been his first choice. With very little siblings he enjoyed it through them (if that makes sense). They do have wonderful water attractions.

 

[JanaDee]

Heck yea it does, IMHO.... And this isn't for just amusement parks either....Obviously we're always comparing cleanliness of the parks to all others, friendliness of the CM's as opposed to others, food choices rides and all which immerse you into the story...

Like I said not only theme parks.. I'm talking about the resorts as well...Because the magic is spread out all over these especially well, and not so at other lesser brands, ( which shall be nameless , for now).

Also in the TS restaurants too....Now I'm sure there are plenty of restaurants all over the world that are of excellent service and quality, but some of WDW's are just so creative & fun, that I don't think can be duplicated elsewhere..

So, all in all I believe we compare everything.

Is Disney the only place you've vacationed or eaten an upscale meal?

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think there is a difference between enjoying your local/regional theme park and being willing to travel a long distance whether by car or an expensive flight to a theme park as a destination. That's where Disney and Universal are different from other parks.

The other thing where Disney is different in the types of rides they have. Even Busch Gardens Williamsburg as an example...they have crazy steel coasters and flat rides. So the coaster lovers are covered, as are kids. But there is nothing that interesting for people in the middle (like myself). They will have a few shows and that helps.

We've found that we probably won't travel to another theme park like we do to Disney and Universal, although I would love to see them if we were in the area for something else anyway.

 

[pumpkin7]

Most definitely.

 

[momof2n2]

I think there is a difference between enjoying your local/regional theme park and being willing to travel a long distance whether by car or an expensive flight to a theme park as a destination. That's where Disney and Universal are different from other parks.

The other thing where Disney is different in the types of rides they have. Even Busch Gardens Williamsburg as an example...they have crazy steel coasters and flat rides. So the coaster lovers are covered, as are kids. But there is nothing that interesting for people in the middle (like myself). They will have a few shows and that helps.

We've found that we probably won't travel to another theme park like we do to Disney and Universal, although I would love to see them if we were in the area for something else anyway.

I enjoy a few coasters, but rely enjoy what I call "Family Rides" - meaning the whole family can enjoy them. I felt Dollywood did a great job there. They also had enough shows you could fill an entire day with just shows. I also like that that region also included theaters, outdoor activities, and was very close to a remarkable zoo (name list on me this morning - begins with an L) LOL.

BGT and SW also had a ton of shows we enjoyed.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I enjoy a few coasters, but rely enjoy what I call "Family Rides" - meaning the whole family can enjoy them. I felt Dollywood did a great job there. They also had enough shows you could fill an entire day with just shows. I also like that that region also included theaters, outdoor activities, and was very close to a remarkable zoo (name list on me this morning - begins with an L) LOL.

BGT and SW also had a ton of shows we enjoyed.

Exactly, the family rides. That's where Disney is different.

Shows are great, they can fill that gap between the coasters and the carnival rides. Animal exhibits too. I would like to see Dollywood and that area but that would be a big trip for us. I haven't been to BGT but I would like to go if I am ever in the Tampa area. SW was beautiful.

 

[PoohsFan1]

For me it does...we have Busch Gardens Williamsburg close to us and since going to Disney it seems to be a waste of money. If you have a teenager or a very young child it's nice, but they have nothing for my 5 year old to ride. I can't help but to compare everything to Disney, and I have found that nothing compares to it! I guess that's why we keep going back

We are actually going to Busch Gardens Williamsburg in June (we want to try out the Food and Wine Festival there) and you almost got me thinking maybe it wouldn't be a good idea to go until you said it was fine for teenagers (we also have a couple of tweens going with us too).

As far as comparing other theme parks to Disney, yes we do that too. Last year we took the kids to Kings Island for a couple of days and that was what DH and I did the whole time (kids didn't care they love any theme park we can take them to). Don't get me wrong Kings Island was fun (I used to go there as a kid) and we loved all of the different rides, but it just wasn't Disney and I know that is how we are going to feel about Busch Gardens Williamsburg too. I mean Disney is unique and there is no other place like it and being in the Disney bubble. DH and I decided we would like to expand our kid's horizons and try out other theme parks (Cedar Point and IOA/US to name a few) but still go back to our "Happy Place".

 

[DizDaD7]

Is Disney the only place you've vacationed or eaten an upscale meal?

Haha....I'm trying to figure out if this is a serious question or not?

Whether on other vacations or not, we've been to just ordinary restaurants, as well as distinguished ones too. Not to mention We live in Northern NJ, literally 5-10 minutes from NYC. So there's plenty to choose from.....

Mostly I was talking about the interactive stuff in WDW, for I know that these TS aren't totally comparable to the outside world...(If that makes sense)

 

[Tanooki]

Yes it did. We have a local 6 flags amusement park (Montreal) and we used to get season passes before we strated vacationing to WDW. We did get the season passes the 1st summer after we went to WDW to occupy our summer until we'd get to our "real" vacation and it was such a disappointment! We just couldn't stand the waits and the way they were managing the queues, we found ourselves comparing to WDW all the time... So even if it's much cheaper and there are more thrill rides, we don't go anymore. It still feels like a waste of money that we could be saving for WDW

 

[williamscm3]

We are actually going to Busch Gardens Williamsburg in June (we want to try out the Food and Wine Festival there) and you almost got me thinking maybe it wouldn't be a good idea to go until you said it was fine for teenagers (we also have a couple of tweens going with us too).

As far as comparing other theme parks to Disney, yes we do that too. Last year we took the kids to Kings Island for a couple of days and that was what DH and I did the whole time (kids didn't care they love any theme park we can take them to). Don't get me wrong Kings Island was fun (I used to go there as a kid) and we loved all of the different rides, but it just wasn't Disney and I know that is how we are going to feel about Busch Gardens Williamsburg too. I mean Disney is unique and there is no other place like it and being in the Disney bubble. DH and I decided we would like to expand our kid's horizons and try out other theme parks (Cedar Point and IOA/US to name a few) but still go back to our "Happy Place".

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a pretty park. And it has A LOT of coasters so teenagers and tweens will love it...but it is lacking for kids 4-10 I would say. My son has outgrown the Sesame Street stuff but won't be tall enough for their coasters for 5 years at least. Once he gets older we will probably like it much more. I just don't see how anyone can go to a theme park and not compare it to Disney. Its nice enough...but after going to Disney, my perspective changed. I hope you guys enjoy your trip to Williamsburg!

 

[Pembo]

Yes!
We live near to Cedar Point and it is a huge disappointment for the lack of family rides. The last few years have seen all the family rides leave replaced by big coasters. It is no longer fun if you don't ride all the big roller coasters.

Fireworks and parades are lame imho unless you're at Disney.

 

[ArwenMarie]

We are actually going to Busch Gardens Williamsburg in June (we want to try out the Food and Wine Festival there) and you almost got me thinking maybe it wouldn't be a good idea to go until you said it was fine for teenagers (we also have a couple of tweens going with us too).

As far as comparing other theme parks to Disney, yes we do that too. Last year we took the kids to Kings Island for a couple of days and that was what DH and I did the whole time (kids didn't care they love any theme park we can take them to). Don't get me wrong Kings Island was fun (I used to go there as a kid) and we loved all of the different rides, but it just wasn't Disney and I know that is how we are going to feel about Busch Gardens Williamsburg too. I mean Disney is unique and there is no other place like it and being in the Disney bubble. DH and I decided we would like to expand our kid's horizons and try out other theme parks (Cedar Point and IOA/US to name a few) but still go back to our "Happy Place".

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is really really pretty, so that helps. They have shows and some animal exhibits that are very good, especially the first time you see them. And they do have the carnival-type rides which most kids like, if they aren't ready for the big coasters. My kids got a kick out of watching the people on the coasters screaming. I think if you go and just keep your expectations open you can have a good time there. The food is good too

 

[Bullseye]

After 10 days at WDW every June I'm always kind of unenthused when it comes to our local July 4th fireworks. We still watch them but it's like meh

 

[Angel Ariel]

So... I was at the circus tonight with the kids, my mind was wandering, and I wondered... does Disney pretty well ruin you for all other theme parks, parades etc? I mean, after you've been, do you just end up comparing everything to Disney? Is there any thrill in visiting small theme parks after? Do you find it takes away anything for the kids?

For me, no it doesn't. I guess I have just never put those parks...and I'm thinking of BGWilliamsburg, Dutch Wonderland, etc...I just don't put them in the same category as Disney, so I don't compare them. I thought I'd dislike dutch wonderland because it is so small and right in the middle of a populated area, but I has a really good time there last year! We are looking forward to taking DD back again this summer.

I love Disney, and it will always be my favorite, but there's plenty of other fun places out there too!

 

[Ambear]

Mostly I was talking about the interactive stuff in WDW, for I know that these TS aren't totally comparable to the outside world...(If that makes sense)

It's so worth waiting for a window seat at Sanaa. I know it's probably not the best food compared to other restaurants, but it's rare to be able to watch giraffes so close while eating lunch.

 

[Mrs Eeyore]

We get season passes to Canada's Wonderland every year. My teenagers love the thrill rides and I love the water park, but we all agree that there's something missing when you compare it to anything Disney. There's no magic here; it's just a park. But then it's not fair to compare something as massive and detailed as WDW or even DLR to a park that's only open half the year. Just a few weeks ago CW was posting pictures of the coasters covered in snow! So I try to appreciate having somewhere to go when we can't get to WDW (five years and counting...) but I can't shake that feeling that nowhere else can measure up.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I used to love Canada's Wonderland!! I forget it's there!! I'm east of Rochester and we need to get pack there. ❤

I had a class trip to Canada's Wonderland a long time ago. we had a blast! The Top Gun coaster is what finally got me over my fear of coasters!

 

[Austintatious]

For me, no it doesn't. I guess I have just never put those parks...and I'm thinking of BGWilliamsburg, Dutch Wonderland, etc...I just don't put them in the same category as Disney, so I don't compare them. I thought I'd dislike dutch wonderland because it is so small and right in the middle of a populated area, but I has a really good time there last year! We are looking forward to taking DD back again this summer.

I love Disney, and it will always be my favorite, but there's plenty of other fun places out there too!

Pretty much the same way for us. And to be honest we've been to Disney World so many times that it probably wouldn't be fair to Disney World to compare it to other places we don't frequent as much or haven't been to before. We often find several things unique and interesting about every place we visit whether that be a county fair and rodeo or a new city, state, or country. In terms of "theme parks" nothing compares to Disney World. In terms of "rides" there are many other great alternatives. In terms of "resort" we don't try to compare others to Disney World because that would be dissimilar. We've taken some incredible cruises and I can't think of a single element of comparison except for maybe the food and the cruise wins out in that regard. But when we are in the mood for family friendly make-believe with a strong element of unique familiarity, Disney World can't be beat.