How do I respond when people say this to me?

[pjlla]

We have tentative plans to visit DL for the VERY FIRST TIME next year, in conjunction with a family wedding trip to New Mexico. (Of course, as big Disney fans we had to find a way to try and fit some Disney in!) When talking to other family members about this trip and mentioning that we are going to try and take a side trip to DL, several have responded in the following manner....

"Why? Haven't you ever been to DL? You will be DISAPPOINTED."

Now I know that they are just trying to be "practical" and let me know that DL is VERY DIFFERENT than WDW... but that certainly doesn't mean I will be disappointed! I get goosebumps just THINKING about walking where "the man" himself walked! (No, not Jesus... Walt!) I try to explain (briefly) to these people that I completely understand the DL is very different than WDW, but I know I won't be disappointed. Any really good (but not sarcastic) comebacks you can think of?? (Not that I mind sarcastic.... but I am just really good at that myself! )......P

 

[PryncessChrysty]

I really don't think you will be disappointed. It IS very different from WDW, but it should be. DL is the original, and many find they like it better than MK. I would just tell them, "I guess that's something I'll find out for myself then." Or just tell them that you want to visit the original. OR, just don't tell them at all! People tend to get bratty toward people they're jealous of. I'm sure they're just upset that they aren't invited or are unable to take the same trip themselves!

 

[iceskatejen]

I honestly don't know how anyone could be dissappointed in DL. At least in the overall experience. Maybe dissapointed that a certain ride isn't open (like Space Mountain) or because of all the work going on in preparation for the 50th and there being tarps on buildings here and there. It sounds like you're going with the right frame of mind. Tell those people to mind their own business and you want to decide for yourself.

Make sure that when you walk through Town Square that you look up into the window over the firehouse to see Walt's lamp lit. Also--ride the little red fire engine--Walt himself used to drive it around in the mornings before the park opened. Both should raise a few goosebumps.

 

[shoes99]

We are from the east coast also, and this past June we went on a cruise to Alaska from Seattle. We flew from Seattle to John Wayne Airport so we could spend two nights in Disneyland.
I love Disneyland and am going back again twice in 2005.
Once for the Chip & Dale Pin Event in Feb, and the NFFC (National Fantasy Fan Club) convention in July.

 

[disneychrista]

The only people who will be disapointed are the ones who go expecting it to be just like WDW. If you go in and have an idea of what to expect there is no way you can be disapointed.

 

[JC Butterfly]

Some possible responses to your family:

"I'm sorry that you had a bad experience at Disneyland, want to tell me about it?"

(this may cut into the fact that they themselves have never been but are offering you advice based on what they have "heard" from other sources)

"I can deal with the disappointment of celebrating the 50th anniversary at the orginal Disney park"

"Well you know that whenever I see a Disney advertisement on t.v. it reminds me of when I was a kig, I'm excited just thinking about it, I'll bet there are wonderful things to see at Disneyland that I won't be disappointed."

"Fun is what you make of it, it will be as exciting as our family will let it be. If you want I could share some of the information I am learning about and maybe you'd like to plan a side trip to".

Remind them of one of their favorite vacation spots that they return to on a regular basis. Ask them what keeps them going (skiing, hunting, boating, etc). Explain that is what Disney is to you, a guaranteed experience that is top notch.

Ultimately, I agree with the poster that says you don't have to say anything. If your family is less than supportive, try not to share your enthusiasm with them and they can just secretly wonder what you're so happy about.

As long as you make it to the wedding, no one should really have anything to complain about!

 

[Buttercup26]

Comparing WDW to DL is like comparing apples to oranges. Yes they are both Disney themeparks, but they are very different.

There is nothing disappointing about DL, it is the ORIGINAL Disney park!!

That said, I would respond to the 'disapointed' remarks with a big smile and a polite, "I doubt it".

Don't worry about their opinion. Some people just want everyone to be as jaded, cynical, and grumpy as they are. Go to DL and savor every minute of it!!

 

[pjlla]

Thanks for all the great responses (and emotional support!). I think that the "I doubt it" response would kind of sum it up!.....P

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Tell them: "You know the commericals for Disney that say Remember the Magic -- well I guess you forget where it started!

DL is awesome!!!

 

[smdisneyfan]

We had our first trip to DL in early November and we loved it!!! We have two young kids and since DL is smaller and easier to manage we had a perfect experience! You'll love it!

 

[Terry S]

I have also been getting the same reaction when I tell people we are making a trip to DL this year instead of going to WDW 2 times this year. The next statement I get is when I tell them I am going for a week, they ask me what I am going to do for a week at DL?

 

[WDWPsychoALice]

Tell them "You are comparing apples to oranges" because honestly it is. Some people think that DL is nothing compared to WDW and they are right. BUT, Purely for the historical side DL is much better. DL is my home. It is my safe haven. It is my place I run to when reality is too much and I need a break. I eat breakfast on Sunday mornings at the same place Uncle Walt did. I nod at the window over the fire house to pay MY respects to MY uncle Walt. I take pictures of my kids in front ofthe Indian staue on both Main Street and in Frointierland (yes same indian statue). I ride Pinnochio and Mr Toad and Storybook Canal Boats and Casey Jr Circus Train and Roger Rabbit and Matterhorn and Indiana Jones and I climb Tarzans tree house because I cant do those things at WDW. I walk thru the Gallery above Pirates. I ride IASW because its just not another ride like at WDW. I ride the train around the park 40 times if I want because I like seeing the diorama that WDW doesnt have. I ride POTC because that was the last ride he worked on until it was open. I listen to the tiki birds because Iago hasnt ruined it. I do all these things because I love the park that WALT built me back in 1955. People tend to forget alot of the things that make DL VERY sentimental to the locals. Its much more laid back when the locals are there. Sit down and talk with locals, specially the ones who love DL as much as I do. They are a wealth of knowledge about the park. Every little detail as I run my hands over things and feast MY EYES on. Thats what makes DL so special to me.

 

[Blackunicorn]

The people who are telling you that you will be disappointed are expecting something different from a theme park than you are. It's definitely apples and oranges!

I've been to both DL and WDW. I liked them both for different reasons. DL is smaller, homier, and more relaxing, if you ask me. It's a place where we can go to goof off as a family. That said, I'm looking forward to our first trip to WDW in a couple of years, when the kids are old enough to handle the added stress of more parks to visit, and to enjoy the rides that are geared towards an older crowd. (There seem to be a LOT more of those rides at WDW than at DL.)

I would say, "I can't be disappointed if I don't expect it to be exactly like WDW!" With a smile and a bright tone of voice, of course. Or, "I've done a lot of research, and I'm excited to see the original park!" Or even, "All we care about is a good time--it's hard to be disappointed when you don't expect too much." Or even the simple, "It's Disney! Who cares!"

 

[Grog]

The only people who will be disapointed are the ones who go expecting it to be just like WDW

I can't count the number of people on the DIS who have been dissapointed in DL for that very reason. Too many people seem to go there thinking it's merely a "mini" WDW.

Great post WDWPsychoALice. I couldn't have said it better

 

[WDWPsychoALice]

awww thanks! I have used that speach before to people at DL. I saw them later in the day and they thanked me for "showing them the light"

 

[Michael623]

I had been to WDW several times before I made my first pilgrimage to DL. After speaking to people I went in with very low expectations and I loved it. In fact it feels more Disney that WDW to me. It is just so nostalgic. I am going to WDW next week and to DL in May and I'm equally excited about both trips. For my honeymoon I went to DLP and people told me how diasapointed I'd be (sound familiar) and one again I set my expectations very very low. And you know it sucked worse than I possibly could have imagined. Sometimes the rumors are totally false, other times they are right on.