Is Disneyland a "Want" or a "Need"?

[toocherie]

Reading through these threads, there are lots of folks who sacrifice in their lives to be able to go to Disneyland. I especially really admire all the single Moms and Dads who struggle everyday but are somehow able, by hook or by crook, to share the magic with their kids. Kudos to you.

But I worry about the people going to Disneyland who maybe should re-think their plans--who are sacrificing food on the table or medicine in the cabinet to instead go to the Happiest Place on Earth. Who are down to their last dollars and trying to figure out a way to get to Anaheim and get their piece of the magic.

For these people, has Disney somehow morphed from a "want"--which I believe it is for most people--to a "need"-- that they somehow can't resist? Has it somehow become an addiction of sorts?

Obviously most of the people on this board are adults capable of making their own decisions . . . . but for some is the Disney allure just too much? In Nevada they have a special "Gamblers Anonymous" line that they pass out brochures for. Should Disney be doing the same? (I know--that's silly--but in some ways people spending at Disney probably spend as much as in a casino.)

Thoughts from everyone --is Disney a "want" or a "need" for you?

 

[mechurchlady]

For me Disneyland was a need but I downgraded it to a want. I lvoe the parks and how they accept me besides my neurovarancies and other stuff. I exercise there, I eat one meal that is safe for me, and work on social skills while getting the socialization that I cannot get online because of rude people.

I needed the parks so I would have the incentive to exercise but I never let that need overwhelm me. i waited and in time found a super speedy scotter for $125. I suffered but now am in the process of getting a bus pass so I can get the scooter to parks. I only go if I am healthy so that is incentive to be good with my medical diets as well as not gain weight.

I do agree that sometimes I see in real life or on boards people who sacrifice everything to go to parks. Counseling comes from friends, family and people online. A person has to realize they have a problem then they must choose to take action to deal with the problem then maintain that self awareness.
I know I have a problem and in dealing with my mother I almost did something bad but then found another outlet. A smoker is not going to quit until they realize they must quit. Harp all you want and post pictures but they will not change.

I hear my pastor's family saying there are needs and wants. I want new clothes, car, and house but what I have does just fine. I want badly WDW, a DCL cruise, and DLR special events stuff and to visit DLR twice a week. I do not need it though and know the consequences from such actions.

I do hope people realize that it is great to be at DLR or even Yosemite Park but what happens if the bread winner gets sick and cannot work. I cannot wait to hear what others have to say.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I have a theory that some people have addictive personalities and if it isn't one thing it would be another. However, I don't know of anyone who is honestly at that level of addiction with DL. I know I would joke and say I'm addicted, but it is a strong "want" for me. Part of the fun for me when I have a strong "want" is looking forward to it. But I'd never go into debt over a "want".

 

[fairykin]

hhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm......

I've wondered the same thing. I see where a poster says they are on goverment funding as a sole base for income yet they are in the park all the time and frequently having character meals.

Then I see another poster who is a single parent who works a day job, goes to school and also works a weekend job just to be able to take her children to disneyland maybe twice a year....maybe.

I don't get it.

My DH and I save year round for our trips. We are also empty nesters, with three kids in various stages of college. We rarely eat out, I cook all the time. I just don't know how some people do it all the time. We take care of our family first.. and then our home..then our cars...next clothing... then we plan vacations.

I just don't think I could go to disneyland if my home was not taken care of..or if my car needed repairs.. or if i didn't have adequate clothing to wear.

Perhaps it comes down to priorities.

I once read a post from a woman about to have their family home reposessed and she was asking if she sold her jewelry would it be alright to go to wdw? I couldn't understand how she would be in such dire financial situation to almost be homeless and be thinking of going to wdw.
Surprisingly some people said go.

I just don't understand.

 

[toocherie]

hhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm......

I've wondered the same thing. I see where a poster says they are on goverment funding as a sole base for income yet they are in the park all the time and frequently having character meals.

Then I see another poster who is a single parent who works a day job, goes to school and also works a weekend job just to be able to take her children to disneyland maybe twice a year....maybe.

I don't get it.

My DH and I save year round for our trips. We are also empty nesters, with three kids in various stages of college. We rarely eat out, I cook all the time. I just don't know how some people do it all the time. We take care of our family first.. and then our home..then our cars...next clothing... then we plan vacations.

I just don't think I could go to disneyland if my home was not taken care of..or if my car needed repairs.. or if i didn't have adequate clothing to wear.

Perhaps it comes down to priorities.

I once read a post from a woman about to have their family home reposessed and she was asking if she sold her jewelry would it be alright to go to wdw? I couldn't understand how she would be in such dire financial situation to almost be homeless and be thinking of going to wdw.
Surprisingly some people said go.

I just don't understand.

I know that I used to have a shopping addiction (you know it's bad when QVC emails YOU) -- I just loved coming home and finding boxes on the porch. It was like getting presents everyday--my neighbors used to tease that every time the UPS truck was on our block it was for me. Literally some times I would come home and the stack of boxes would be higher than me (not that I'm that tall!)

I can't believe the thousands of dollars I must have spent--and some of the stuff is still in boxes. so I can understand addiction to a point--but I make a comfortable income and could afford it--that's amazing that that lady wanted to sell her jewelry and go to WDW--that is just nuts. I know I've seen shows (on Oprah maybe?) where people talk about the hundreds of thousands of dollars they've spent on shopping . . . or gambling . . . . or cars . . . . maybe Oprah should do a show on Disney! Like PinkBudgie said--if it's not one thing it's probably going to be another--I know I'm an addictive personality--but I don't let it put me or my loved ones in jeopardy.

 

[Stacerita]

hhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm......

I've wondered the same thing. I see where a poster says they are on goverment funding as a sole base for income yet they are in the park all the time and frequently having character meals.

Sure everyone deserves to have some fun, I think this is totally wrong. Seriously, our tax dollars going to fund someones many many trips to the parks is wrong. And having character meals all the time? No need for that. Some people need to get their priorities in order. Trips to the parks are not needs, they are wants. Plain and simple. Get your bills paid, fix your house, make sure you are eating healthy, make sure you are taking your meds and seeing a doctor.....those are more of a need than the parks. Anyone who thinks the parks are a need is seriously sick in the head.

Then I see another poster who is a single parent who works a day job, goes to school and also works a weekend job just to be able to take her children to disneyland maybe twice a year....maybe.

I fall somewhere in that area. I work extremely hard to get what I have, and I enjoy the fact that I am able to take my DD to DL often. Do we eat at the park every time? No. Do we do character meals? Only on special occasions. But before we go to the parks, all my stuff is in check. That's the right way to do it.

I don't get it.

I don't either.

My DH and I save year round for our trips. We are also empty nesters, with three kids in various stages of college. We rarely eat out, I cook all the time. I just don't know how some people do it all the time. We take care of our family first.. and then our home..then our cars...next clothing... then we plan vacations.

That is how it is supposed to be done. Take care of family and go from there. Vacations are a treat, not a necessity.

I just don't think I could go to disneyland if my home was not taken care of..or if my car needed repairs.. or if i didn't have adequate clothing to wear.

Any normal person wouldn't. There is no way a rational person would go to the parks if it came down to a trip, or food on the table.

Perhaps it comes down to priorities.

Exactly, some people have them. Others have excuses.

I once read a post from a woman about to have their family home reposessed and she was asking if she sold her jewelry would it be alright to go to wdw? I couldn't understand how she would be in such dire financial situation to almost be homeless and be thinking of going to wdw.
Surprisingly some people said go.

Those people are enablers. Change WDW to Meth, and would people say the same? "Should I sell my jewlery to get my meth?"

I just don't understand.

Its a want.


For some reason my other post quote didnt come up.......anywho,
I agree with what you said Cheryl about addiction. Some people just have an addictive personality. Some people is shopping, for others its alcohol or food. The point where it becomes a problem is when it starts interfering with your life. Did shopping ever keep you from paying bills or buying meds? Probably not. Thats the difference.

 

[toocherie]

Heaven help anyone in that position (or me with my shopping) if the Budget Board people ever got ahold of them !!

 

[jordansmomma]

hhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm......

I've wondered the same thing. I see where a poster says they are on goverment funding as a sole base for income yet they are in the park all the time and frequently having character meals.

This really bugs me. If you are living off gov't help, how the heck can you afford to go to the parks? Character meals? People need to get their priorities straight before they start going to DL.

Then I see another poster who is a single parent who works a day job, goes to school and also works a weekend job just to be able to take her children to disneyland maybe twice a year....maybe.

I fall into this somewhere. I am a single mom. I work fulltime & attend school fulltime & I work a 2nd job in the summer. The second job is for fun. I love bartending. I use the extra money for tuition & extras. Extras include mini vacations or trips to WDW or DL. I always, always make sure that things are in order before I even leave. I can plan all I want & sometimes it works out & sometimes it doesn't. But I always make sure my families needs come before a vacation or the extras that we WANT!

I don't get it.



My DH and I save year round for our trips. We are also empty nesters, with three kids in various stages of college. We rarely eat out, I cook all the time. I just don't know how some people do it all the time. We take care of our family first.. and then our home..then our cars...next clothing... then we plan vacations.

I just don't think I could go to disneyland if my home was not taken care of..or if my car needed repairs.. or if i didn't have adequate clothing to wear.

Perhaps it comes down to priorities.

I once read a post from a woman about to have their family home reposessed and she was asking if she sold her jewelry would it be alright to go to wdw? I couldn't understand how she would be in such dire financial situation to almost be homeless and be thinking of going to wdw.
Surprisingly some people said go.

That is just flippen crazy. I know on another thread there was a lady who was upset that her foodstamps were being cut, her husband was laid off but yet, she was still talking about her trip to WDW?? If I had to worry about putting food on the table and paying my bills, the last thing I would be doing is planning a vacation.

I just don't understand.

I know that I used to have a shopping addiction (you know it's bad when QVC emails YOU) -- I just loved coming home and finding boxes on the porch. It was like getting presents everyday--my neighbors used to tease that every time the UPS truck was on our block it was for me. Literally some times I would come home and the stack of boxes would be higher than me (not that I'm that tall!)

I can't believe the thousands of dollars I must have spent--and some of the stuff is still in boxes. so I can understand addiction to a point--but I make a comfortable income and could afford it--that's amazing that that lady wanted to sell her jewelry and go to WDW--that is just nuts. I know I've seen shows (on Oprah maybe?) where people talk about the hundreds of thousands of dollars they've spent on shopping . . . or gambling . . . . or cars . . . . maybe Oprah should do a show on Disney! Like PinkBudgie said--if it's not one thing it's probably going to be another--I know I'm an addictive personality--but I don't let it put me or my loved ones in jeopardy.

I think we had the same addiciton..........

 

[Princess Sarah 92]

i dont understand how people go alot in general!
all my life i have only been twice
once when i was 2 so i dont remember it
and once for my bday this year, only because i got in free
maybe its because my parents are divorced?
but i get shocked at what people pay for
but who knows im not the one paying the bills....but it all does surprise me

 

[jordansmomma]

So I guess for me, its a want.

Although I feel I NEED to go sometimes...

I just really WANT to go!!

 

[Zoemakes5]

There are days when things are overwelming me that the trip to DLR borders pretty closely to a need, but not really. Disneyland is my "happy place". Two days after I lost my job, DS and I went to DLR. It gave me a pick me up that nowhere else does. The words I use is "I need a trip to DL", just like after a bad day someone might say "I need a drink", but not really a NEED, more like I really want it.
I do go on a semi-regular basis, though I typically spend less than $40, including cost of gas, when I go. My annual pass was a combination of gifts from family and friends giving me Disney gift cards. Now ladies trips and mini-meets are obviously more, but I've skipped those when I couldn't swing it. More often, I go with DD and myself and we both eat kids meals and don't get souvies. I don't go to character meals, etc. except on special occasions.
I have seen people on these boards who I seriously question their priorities and see their DL going as bordering on obsessions/addictions.

 

[Grumpy'sWife4Ever]

Far be it for me to judge anyone else, I haven't walked in their shoes (or mouse ears as it were) so I can only speak for myself....

Disneyland in itself is not a NEED for me or my family, in the way that food or life sustaining items might be. We do live a pretty simple existence, some of it by choice and some by circumstance, but we have a very specific set of priorities. Where the "need" comes in for me is the need to provide wonderful childhood memories for my children. If Disneyland were not in the cards then it would any other of a myriad of experiences....I would still be plotting and planning to provide them with fun and great memories. I think that in my case it is a little compulsory.... I am sure I am over-compensating for my own not too "fun" childhood. My DH will sometimes help me reign it in a little when I get too obsessive, and I think I am getting better at keeping a rational perspective. We only plan DL trips every three years, and the kids are actively involved in the savings/cashing in cans/budgeting that it takes to do so. They really enjoy knowing that when the are walking down Main Street, they worked to be there.

So to make a long-winded answer even longer, in my instance the desire to be at Disneyland is the desire to become the carefree child I never really was, and to enable my own children to feel that magic as often as is rationally possible....but if it were suddenly not an option we would survive. It would be a BUMMER though!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

It's definitely a want. I think the Disboard does contribute to the addiction part of it though. (No offense, I love the Dis!) It's like being an alcoholic. You can't go into a bar. But here we are, each of us probably addicted in our own way, some more so than others, and we all come here to get our daily Disney fix. Then we see others who get to go often, and I'm sure it's got to have some influence on those who maybe can't afford it, to make them try to find a way to get there.
I don't understand how anyone who is on any kind of public assistance can go to DL often and eat at character meals. I work a full time job, DH and I own a business also (so I guess that's 2 jobs for me!) and we only have 1 child by choice because we felt it would be responsible to wait to have more when we could afford it more. Life is all about choices...We don't eat at Characters meals often. We've gone twice in like the last 8 years. We don't even eat 3 meals a day in the park no matter how early we get there or how late we stay. I still share meals in the park with my DS or DH. Sometimes Dh & I will share a Turkey leg for a snack until we can eat out of the park and go somewhere to eat real food. We time it so we eat one or two meals or snacks in the park at the most, and the rest outside the park. It doesn't diminish our enjoyment of the park at all! In fact, I feel better about going because I've done everything possible to save money and be frugal/practical. It's not a necessity or a deal breaker if we can't do a Character meal. We never stay on property; I can't justify the cost. It's not a necessity to go to DL. I can totally understand the desire to go there and the want, but it is something that should be done if one can afford it -- not at the expense of paying for life's basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, gas in the car, electricity, medical insurance, medicine, etc. I would never begrudge someone who needs public assistance the help when they need it. But if they are going to the park and eating at Character meals often, or selling off stuff to get there when they should be worrying about a roof over their heads, then something is wrong with the picture.

 

[Stacerita]

It's definitely a want. I think the Disboard does contribute to the addiction part of it though. (No offense, I love the Dis!) It's like being an alcoholic. You can't go into a bar. But here we are, each of us probably addicted in our own way, some more so than others, and we all come here to get our daily Disney fix. Then we see others who get to go often, and I'm sure it's got to have some influence on those who maybe can't afford it, to make them try to find a way to get there.
I don't understand how anyone who is on any kind of public assistance can go to DL often and eat at character meals. I work a full time job, DH and I own a business also (so I guess that's 2 jobs for me!) and we only have 1 child by choice because we felt it would be responsible to wait to have more when we could afford it more. Life is all about choices...We don't eat at Characters meals often. We've gone twice in like the last 8 years. We don't even eat 3 meals a day in the park no matter how early we get there or how late we stay. I still share meals in the park with my DS or DH. Sometimes Dh & I will share a Turkey leg for a snack until we can eat out of the park and go somewhere to eat real food. We time it so we eat one or two meals or snacks in the park at the most, and the rest outside the park. It doesn't diminish our enjoyment of the park at all! In fact, I feel better about going because I've done everything possible to save money and be frugal/practical. It's not a necessity or a deal breaker if we can't do a Character meal. We never stay on property; I can't justify the cost. It's not a necessity to go to DL. I can totally understand the desire to go there and the want, but it is something that should be done if one can afford it -- not at the expense of paying for life's basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, gas in the car, electricity, medical insurance, medicine, etc. I would never begrudge someone who needs public assistance the help when they need it. But if they are going to the park and eating at Character meals often, or selling off stuff to get there when they should be worrying about a roof over their heads, then something is wrong with the picture.

Exactly. If someone needs public assistance, I am all for helping people get a hand up. But if they turn around and use that money for DL and character meals, and are still in the same boat with their lives, that is just wrong. People need to get their priorities in order before heading to the park. And I don't like excuses of why they "need" to be there. No one needs DL. You will night die if you don't get it. So it is not a need. Anyone who uses the excuse that they need DL is just trying to justify their poor choices and behavior. Get your life in check first, then save up to go. Don't decide if you want to eat at Ariel's or pay your bills.

 

[fairykin]

I agree.. as an american taxpayer... i am grateful i am able to contribute to helping people who need help getting food or medicine.
But then to read about those recieptiants posting of going to ANY theme park weekly or monthly while your only income is from the government, is Wrong.

And to see where going out to eat all the time is the norm for these goverment funded people, when i make menus and food budgets makes me want to say, Why not check out the Disboard Budget board. Sign up for some of their meal challenges and money management tip threads.

Try to chose an obsession that will benefit your life. Visit the Disboard Budget board and try to learn skills that will help you. I've learned alot there.

My DH gave me a ticket to the Food and Wine Festival French Dinner this year as i've been talking about wanting to go so badly for months and months. Then i read on the disboards where someone who's only income is goverment funded will be attending 2 of the $150 specialty meals. I was stunned?!! Is this what our hard earned tax dollars are being used for? My close friend could feed her family on that 300 for a month.

I have a friend who is a single parent and works so hard, yet she is right on the threshold of not making it. It is heartbreaking because she barely makes enough to scrape by and she works so hard. Her family has never been to any of the parks. She was even "advised" to quit working and collect benefits. But she has too much honor and doesn't want to abuse what that goverment funding is intended for. But sheesh, what about some help for a hardworking mother like that! $300 for 2 meals would feed her family for a month, i've seen how she budgets.

I was talking to my Father about this topic and He recommended a interesting book called..Nickled and Dimed.. On (Not) Getting By in America By Barbara Ehrenreich, that i am going to read.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

I agree.. as an american taxpayer... i am grateful i am able to contribute to helping people who need help getting food or medicine.
But then to read about those recieptiants posting of going to ANY theme park weekly or monthly while your only income is from the government, is Wrong.

I totally agree. It makes me sad to think that there are people who struggle without government assistance and there are people who get it and take advantage.

For us, it's a want. It's fun and it's a nice escape. Are we going broke to go? Nope. We may cut back on my "extras" for a couple weeks before, but we're not cutting back essentials.

 

[toocherie]

Ok--so that we don't stray into "political" talk let's talk more about the psychological difference between a "need" and a "want." I think we can all agree that using governmental assistance monies for a luxury like a theme park is wrong.

I was focusing more on the thread on the overriding motivation some people feel to go to the parks.

 

[inluvwithbuzz]

Disneyland is a want for me.
Growing up as a kid we did not go on holidays and during the summer we stayed home. My parents could not afford to take us to places like Disneyland.
Now that I am a single mother to a 2 year old boy who's father is not involved. I want to take my son to places that I never got to as a child. I work a day job and just get by. This year I took my son recently to Disneyland for a week. I wanted to do this for him. And it was well worth it. Every year during tax time I get a good refund because I am a single parent. So that is what I use to be able to afford taking my son on holidays. So now we will have to wait until next year, and when its tax time and I get my refund we will be heading back to disneyland again.
I totally do not agree with people who are helped out by the government and abuse it.

 

[fairykin]

Well.. my Dh and I have gotten to the point in life when we are not so much into buying "things"..we would rather make memories and give people we love experiences. So that's why Disneyland is among the places we want to go to as well as take our family to.

Need to go? Nope.
Enjoy going, yes.

Need is water, Want is a Strawberry Kiwi SnappLe.

 

[lntsmom]

Everything is paid...cash in advance. I would never put any part of a Disney trip on a credit card, nor would I use regular household money to pay for it.

I've managed to swing 4 Disney trips in 10 years. Mind you, it was a matter of opportunity cost. I have plenty of other wants that the money could have gone toward, but, while my children are still young, I have chosen to do Disney.

I only know one person who has a Disney addiction. I have a former coworker who ended up in credit counseling and almost had to file bankruptcy due in large part to having chosen to go to Disney once or twice a year...on credit. This was almost 10 years ago, long before the current economic situation.

So, yes, there are some people who will make inappropriate choices. I would guess that most of the folks who fall into that category are middle classed, where Disney trips are a sign of social status. My wealthier friends take their kids to Europe or South America on vacation. My poorer friends rarely vacation, and when they do, it tends to be day trips. Just my observation....