Motivations for visiting Walt Disney World

[JemmaP]

Hello, I am new to this forum but I was hoping you could help me out

I am a 3rd year undergraduate student at the University of Lincoln studying Events Management. I am currently writing my dissertation on the motivations of non-family guests visiting Walt Disney World, Florida.

If you have previously visited Walt Disney World without children (under 18), or are planning to, it would be greatly appreciated if you could comment and answer some questions based on your personal experiences and motivations. All names will be kept confidential, and all data collected will only be seen by myself and my supervisor. This post, along with all stored data, will be deleted when it is no longer needed. Please only post if you are over 18. If you have any questions about this research, feel free to contact me.

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?
- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?
- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).
- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?

Thank you for your help

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

rMotivation: It brings me back to childhood. I've grown up with Disney. I feel like I'm back visiting my longtime best friend when I'm there. It just makes me HAPPY!
Choice: I enjoy all of the 4 parks and Downtown Disney. There is always something new to see/do that I haven't seen/done before. I want to go to Disneyland, and now that I have a little grandson I'm more likely. Think: CarsLand!!
Choice of WDW: The only other theme park I've been to is Six Flags. W/o going into a tantrum, I'll only say that WDW is superior, Six Flags doesn't hold a candle.
Cater to adults: I certainly have enjoyed vacations at WDW w/o children before and it was absolutely just as FUN!! The Food & Wine festival come to mind- great Food experiences in EPCOT , plus great entertainment too! I love Epcot for all the shoppes and Downtown is a great escape from the parks too. There are wonderful restaurants to choose from. Sometimes I decide on cuisine, other times for atmosphere. The entertainment choices available are great- House of Blues, La Nouba, The Boardwalk area, Epcot, etc. And the Tours are really interesting. I would recommend those highly. I haven't done a spa treatment, but that is on the list of new things to try.

 

[DisneyHoover]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?

I was raised on Disney so I've been a huge lover of all things Disney since I was little; my first trip to WDW was when I was 6 years old with my family. I got a chance to go again with my in-laws/nieces/nephews in 2013 for free (MIL was paying) so I jumped at the opportunity. After that visit I've been hooked, and I'm always planning my next trip. My most recent trip it was just my fiance and myself; I was originally at Coronado Springs for a business conference (you can imagine my excitement) and my fiance and I decided to extend the trip and make a long weekend trip out of it because of my love for WDW.

- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?

A big factor for me is just convenience; I live in Florida so WDW is just a hop, skip and jump away making it a great place to visit even if only for the weekend. I would love to visit other Disney Parks, I just don't live close enough and don't have the funds for the airfare.

- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).

I chose Disney because I love the characters and the stories behind all the rides/theming. It takes me back to my childhood and makes me really feel like I can act like a kid. I feel like there is always something new to do, even if you've visited the parks tons of times because the parks are so expansive. I also don't enjoy the thrill rides as much as I used so Universal is not as big of a draw to me as it used to be.

- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?

I think that Disney does try to cater to an adult demographic through some of the events & restaurants that they offer.

 

[Madmother]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World? I needed to get away and I wanted to go solo (1st solo trip ever). Disney is the "safest" place that I felt I could do that at.
- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris? Two & half hour flight from my neighborhood as opposed to 7.5 (Cali), or however many for Paris.
- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect). Didn't want to drive as a solo & DME and park buses are a huge convenience.
- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How? Absolutely yes - even though the parks are "for Kids" - it's the parents who do the spending. Therefore, besides catering to the children with rides and souvenirs - they pamper the adults who come via good foods, good wines and unbelievable service.

 

[BrianL]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?
I just like fun things and places as an escape from the real world. I love how detailed and deeply immersive Disney parks are.

- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?
Well, WDW is closer really, but I have also visited DL in Anaheim a couple of times as an adult without children.

- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).
I sometimes also go to Universal, but not as often. For me, the Disney theming and pageantry can't be beat and I feel they offer the best value for the money spent.

- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?
The Disney philosophy has always been to include everyone. I think they do a great job making everything fun for all ages. There are also more adult oriented events like the Food & Wine Festival, concerts, and running events.

 

[SueDonym3]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?
I wanted a high quality resort with emphasis on customer service in a safe environment. WDW fit the bill.
- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?
Proximity-WDW is closer.
- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).
Quality. The emphasis on customer service.

- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?

No. Disney is for kids. Fortunately, there are adults that refuse to admit they are no longer kids. I am one. And that is the appeal.

 

[Sir William]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?
Like some others have mentioned, I grew up with Disney: the original Mickey Mouse Club, a visit from Walt every Sunday night on the Wonderful World of Color, etc. I lived in southern California when Disneyland was still a very new park and entertainment concept. I like WDW better - it's larger and has more parks and other entertainment venues to enjoy. When my children were young we'd go every 2-3 years. Now that they've grown, I've gone solo several times (usually combined with a business trip). My wife, on the other hand, last visited in 2011 and has no desire to return anytime soon, even though we will be spending several days at our DVC resort in March.

- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?
Primarily location. Living on the east coast, WDW is much closer and more convenient to get to. When I lived in California, I went to Disneyland. I have not been to any of the Disney Parks overseas. On our last two trips to Paris we did not have sufficient time to spend a day at the park and still do everything else we wanted to do.

- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).
I find Disney parks more inviting, entertaining, and interesting. I like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, but other than that I don't find much of interest there, which doesn't make a visit very cost-effective for me. I'm going to Sea World on my next visit to Orlando, but primarily because I have a free ticket. I should note that I seldom visit theme parks except for WDW since I don't find the same "wonder and magic" I get with a visit to WDW.

- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?
Certainly, for the same reasons already stated by others. Walt wanted a place where everyone could go and have fun, especially the young at heart, so an adult can have just as much fun at WDW as a child. There are also some attractions and venues that appeal more to adults, such as the Food and Wine Festival, the entertainment provided at the Boardwalk and Downtown Disney, the adult focused restaurants, the backlot tours, and more than a few rides (Thunder Mountain, Great Movie Ride - which I know will be revamped soon, Carousel of Progress, the country films at World Showcase, for example), golf courses, the Richard Petty Driving Experience, and the various marathon type runs. I have more fun at WDW when I go solo then I ever did with my family.

 

[georgina]

I have done a Disney trip solo, one with just my husband, and am planning another solo trip.

Motivation - for solo trips, it is somewhere I feel safe by myself. There are lots of entertaining things to do besides rides so I find myself doing more of those (although I do love rides). I did not grow up on Disney so it is not a nostalgia thing. When I went with my husband it was a short trip to go to the Christmas party and enjoy all the holiday events.

Location - WDW in Florida is in my time zone, which is more convenient. Plus it is much bigger than Disneyland so much more to do. I have been to Paris a couple of times but never considered going to Disney Paris. So many historical and cultural sites to see instead. Perhaps if I was in Paris a lot I would go, but don't see it as a primary destination.

I have been to Universal Studios Florida several times and enjoy that as well. If I do another solo trip beyond what I have planned for 2015, I may go there for the next one. Also work in a trip to Discovery Cove, which I enjoy.

I think Disney caters to families more than adults but there are things I have done solo that we did not do as a family because the kids were more focused on rides. I have done the Keys to the Kingdom tour, am planning the Wild Africa Trek, and hope to get to the Food and Wine festival eventually. I spend more time sitting and watching the entertainment at Epcot (made nicer by the fact that I can enjoy an adult beverage there at the same time). As a solo adult I can slow down and enjoy the atmosphere more.

 

[ludari]

Hello, I am new to this forum but I was hoping you could help me out

I am a 3rd year undergraduate student at the University of Lincoln studying Events Management. I am currently writing my dissertation on the motivations of non-family guests visiting Walt Disney World, Florida.

If you have previously visited Walt Disney World without children (under 18), or are planning to, it would be greatly appreciated if you could comment and answer some questions based on your personal experiences and motivations. All names will be kept confidential, and all data collected will only be seen by myself and my supervisor. This post, along with all stored data, will be deleted when it is no longer needed. Please only post if you are over 18. If you have any questions about this research, feel free to contact me.

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?
- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?
- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).
- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?

Thank you for your help

- My motivation for my trips to WDW are primarily to attend runDisney races.
- My multiple visits to WDW also include multiple trips to Disneyland. I am local to DL so not only do I visit DL for runDisney events I also visit just for fun.
- I grew up visiting Disneyland so returning to the parks especially DL reminds me of my childhood when visiting with my parents.
- I think Disney caters to families first but as a single adult I don't feel left out. As an adult I do enjoy the deluxe resorts, varied restaurants/bars at certain resorts/parks and various park tours. I also enjoy the various runDisney events.

 

[FFMatt12]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?
My girlfriend and I have visited WDW twice as adults, we are 23 and 22 respectively. Our decision is based on the fact that we share a love for the Disney brand in the entertainment side as well as the vacation side. We had both been there previously as children with our families and then when we wanted to plan a dating anniversary vacation, Disney World just seemed right. That trip, however, changed my life as well as hers. I became fascinated with how things work in the park, why things are done the way they are as well as all things Disney. Maybe I am mesmerized but I definitely enjoy everything about it.

- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?
I always believed that Disney World Resort in Florida had the best to offer us in variety of things to do to fill an entire week as well as variety in lodging. It is also closest to our home in New Jersey.

- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).
Disney has a way of being all inclusive, for us flying to Florida, we receive transportation to any Disney property we please. Whether it be a shuttle or a monorail trip, we can go anywhere at almost any time. We would like to visit Universal in the future, I visited in 2000 with family, but it is not in the cards at the moment.


- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?
I believe Disney does indeed cater for an adult demographic. When we planned our vacation, we were not sure if we would stand out as two very young adults in a theme park that (we thought at the time) designed for children. We were pleasantly surprised that we did not feel out of place whatsoever. There was plenty to do for us and we enjoyed every level of entertainment, levels of rides, food, etc. They truly do have it all in the parks.


Best wishes on your research and your education!
Cheers

 

[JasonMouse]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?
Parents took me many times as a child. Memories.

- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?
The resorts are fun to stay at, and it's fun to resort hop - aka visit other resorts and their amenities, and it has 4 large theme parks (the size).

- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).
Memories as a child, it feels more familiar, like home, and everyone seems friendlier, and the least corporate.

- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?
Yes, many adult menus at resturants, spas, alcohol (except for Magic Kingdom), quiet pools

 

[TipsyTraveler]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?

The last time I visited with my parents as a kid was the year before Animal Kingdom opened. Animals are my "thing" so I always wanted to go back and visit that park. Otherwise, it felt somehow incomplete. I especially wanted to stay at AKL. I eventually got around to making that trip so I could check it off my mental list. It wasn't until that first adult trip that I really started to get passionate about Disney. (And a huge part of that is because of AKL. I go for the hotel probably more than the parks. Okay, definitely more.)

- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?

For the first adult trip, see above. Beyond that, WDW is my "home" resort due to it's proximity to where I live and also because it has, IMO, the most to offer. We don't limit ourselves to that resort, though. We have since visited Tokyo Disney and we plan to get to all of them eventually. (I have also been to Disneyland in Anaheim when I was younger.)

- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).

I really don't have an interest in visiting amusement/theme parks. Disney is the exception. While I'm not adverse to tacking on a few days for Universal, to me, it's not a destination in its own right. Neither is Six Flags, King's Dominion, Busch Gardens, etc. Those are day activities. Disney is a vacation destination that can occupy me for two weeks.

- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?

Yes. Most of my Disney plans are focused on the hotel (AKL), signature dining, and special events such as Food and Wine, Flower and Garden, etc. I've always thought of Disney as an alternative resort vacation. Lots of people spend a week or two out of the year lying on a beach at an all-inclusive. That doesn't appeal to me. I would get bored. Most of my travels are of the sweaty, lost, hungry, international variety. Disney is my relax at a resort alternative to that. We get the same eating, drinking, relaxing, let someone else handle the transportation and details type of vacation that any other resort-goer would get, the difference being, they spend their days on the beach and we spend ours at the parks.

 

[elizmeyers]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?

I have visited Disney twice annually within the past three years. When my husband first hinted that he'd like to vacation at Disney, I had disregarded it because we do not have children. As a child, my family would occasionally visit WDW and I always thought that our family vacations at WDW were the most exciting, but as a childless adult, I thought Disney may be too juvenile. Boy was I wrong.

On a whim, I decided to indulge my husband and vacation at WDW. He was 40 and I was in my mid 30's. We had the best time! Disney brought back those memories of when I'd go with my family. It's almost like going home again. I felt nostalgic and comfortable. I realize that I like the self contained environment that Disney provides. Everything within WDW is safe, its environment is meticulously maintained and kept to the highest standards. When you enter the property, you've entered a fantasy. A utopia unlike the cities in which most of us reside. For me, Disney is a stress free escape. Where else can you visit where EVERYONE is happy and friendly (besides the cranky toddlers who need a nap)? From the cast members who work there to the families and couples (and solo's!) who have counted down in anticipation for months their getaway, everyone is in high spirits!

- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?

Location. I live in the South. WDW is closer than any other Disney property. WDW offers the most parks and resorts as well. I don't think I'd be able to visit for a full week in Anaheim. I might be bored after a couple of days. Plus, there's no EPCOT

- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).

On one of our recent trips, we spent two days at Universal. The rides make me nauseous. I did not identify with many of the themes and rides. I was raised watching Disney movies so I know many of the characters. I don't know Marvel comics. I've never seen or read Harry Potter (shocking, I know). That being said, the Harry Potter area was pretty amazing and I feel Universal's rides are more tech savvy than some of Disney's. But I don't visit WDW for the attractions. I love the experience. I love to walk around leisurely with a cocktail in hand, to take my time and enjoy my time spent on their vast property.

- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?

Yes. Some of my friends with kids agree that Disney is more fun WITHOUT children. And while I know they are joking, those of us without kids have more flexibility. Disney offers a lot of dining choices, has many great spots to enjoy a drink. I'm not a nightclub kind of gal, but its an option. When we visit, we dine at at about 3-6 signature restaurants, we've taken the Keys to the Kingdom tour, done the Hoop Dee Doo Review, seen Yee Haw Bob at POR, resort hopped (and bar hopped while doing so!). Also, I think that the resorts on property are pretty sophisticated. I've never stayed at a value-only deluxe and moderate. I feel like I'm on vacation. We have stayed at a different resort every time and had different experiences each time.

 

[Waiting2goback]

What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?
I love it. I love that there is something to do for anybody that goes. Whether you like the rides, or good food, or people watching, shows, or just hanging around a nice hotel. You can do it all.

- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?
I have been on 3 solo trips. My most recent trip I chose Disney World because I signed up for a runDisney race as motivation to get healthy and it happened to be at WDW. I will be running more races in the future and this will give me a reason to finally get to Disneyland. I will say though, going to DL has me nervous because they don't have the transportation and I have never been there so it has the fear of the unknown thing to it. Plus, if I go there I might love it as much as WDW and then won't know what to do on future trips.

- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).
I am not a big lover of the rides themselves. I like Disney because of the feeling and atmosphere. The energy the place has, the service, the comfort. I have also read several of Walt's biographies and seeing what he went through to start the company just makes me appreciate it so much more.

- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?
They cater to everyone. As for adults, they have hotels more geared toward adults, dining, shopping, golf, fishing, you name it. Heck, even the race I ran was primarily an adult race. I saw a few kids running but it was mostly adults in the field of 11,000+ runners.

Hope this helps, good luck with the class.

 

[JemmaP]

Hello! Thank you for all your responses so far, theyre all really useful and will help me a lot
Please keep your comments coming, I need as many as I can get

 

[coolbrook]

Motivation: I have always loved Disney. Lived close to Disneyland in CA as a child and Mom says we had annual passes then. Even after we moved away we vacationed there sometimes and when WDW opened my grandparents took us there. The motivation for this particular trip however was a business trip of my husbands to meetings being held at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Since I love Disney I wanted to come along, left the four kids with Grandma and had a wonderful time. I spent one day in MK alone while my husband worked and had a wonderful time.
Choice of WDW and Disney parks in Orlando was made by my husband's company.
Appeal to adults: Yes. The very fact that they have convention centers for business purposes is catering to adults. Other things are appealing to adults like restaurants, the detailed back stories, music, and art even in things like tile work in the bathrooms, being able to park the car and not worry about driving for your whole vacation, the fact that adults can fit on and enjoy all the rides which in other theme parks would be "kiddie rides" only, the entertainment especially in Epcot like the British Revolution band, and as others have mentioned, the nostalgia of riding rides and remembering movies and stories from my childhood.

 

[BudgieMama]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?
It was a lifelong dream. As a child, a trip to the USA was financially impossible. I inherited some money after a family death in 2013, and decided to put it towards visiting WDW for the first time.

- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?
I travelled from the UK, so Disneyland was not a viable option for a week long trip. Disneyland Paris prices are very high (especially as there are only two theme parks there) and staying at SSR with free dining and a week's tickets was a similar price to 3 nights at DLP. Plus WDW could guarantee nicer weather!

- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).
Disney was always the dream. We visit Merlin theme parks in the UK, but the ones we visit are day trips rather than holidays. Disney held more appeal to us (in relation to characters and options for the trip, for example, free airport transport)

- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?
The choice of dining was key for us- the quality of food was very good and there were lots of options. We chose a resort that was themed nice and calmly. We found the parks very adult friendly, and we were welcome and enjoyed everything. So much so, my husband who insisted it would be a "once in a lifetime" trip is now eagerly awaiting the deals for 2016 trips!

 

[DisneyFan2013]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?
- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?
- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).
- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?

Thank you for your help

1. The rides and attractions are my motivation for visiting WDW. I really enjoy the whole atmosphere of fantasy and fun!

2. Disney World is closest to me and has more to see and do.

3. Disney World has more of what I'm interested in (themed hotels, restaurants, fireworks, parades, etc)

4. Definitely! I like going during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival which is a fun activity for adults.

 

[I M Fearless]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World?

Disney World is the best at what they do. There is no experience in life that is able to offer so reliably the immersive environment that allows adults and children the opportunity to see the world in a way that excludes things that we would rather not have to deal with. Disney's concept of a place in which adults and children could enjoy together is as important now as it was in 1955. I believe that it is the quality of how well that idea was executed that keeps guests returning time and again. Simply put it is the degree of escapism that the environment offers that is unparalleled in the competitors products at this time.

- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris?

Disney world is the perfect version of disneyland. As Walt said, you can't practice building a Disneyland without building a Disneyland. There were many things that were less than perfect when Disneyland became operational and I believe that by the time Walt Disney World was built many of these imperfections were removed from the design, allowing Disney World the chance to reign supreme as a more superior product. Disneyland Paris is nowhere near as ambitious a project as Disney World and does not offer the same degree of experiences that are available at Disney world.

- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect).

There simply are no real competitors to Disney. There are many theme parks around the world that borrow elements of the Disney product but none even come close to providing the overall immersing environment that Disney do so well. At the competitors parks you are very aware of the real world which hides behind the facade of the environment. Disney is designed so well that the environment becomes the real world. It is harder to remain adverse to the illusion in which you find yourself than to believe it. Somehow nobody else has yet managed to provide the same convincing illusion on such a dramatic scale.

- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How?

Yes, Disney absolutely caters to an adult demographic. There is no real difference in the adult and child's needs in this regard. Both adults and children need to believe in the show. The reason Disney is so successful is that they are aware that to convince adults as well as children they must go the extra mile to ensure that the illusion is so meticulously executed that it convinces children as well as adults that the story is real. It is perhaps easier to convince a child into believing a story, but to convince an adult with their preexisting knowledge of the real world and all the negative aspects of it, is much more difficult to achieve. It is this persistent effort to convince the adult as well as the child that perhaps sets Disney parks totally apart from other theme parks. I honestly don't think they are comparable in that regard to any existing competitors.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

- What motivated you to visit Walt Disney World? Fun, forget about work, cares of the world, horrible things in the news, etc and it is fun!

- Why did you chose to visit Walt Disney World in particular, rather than Disneyland or Disneyland Resort Paris? Bigger park, better prices on airlines, own DVC, and it is fun!

- Why did you chose to go to a Disney park, rather than a different theme park group? (Merlin/Universal ect). I am not into thrill rides or rides that are all 3D and simulator effects. And it is fun!

- Do you think Disney caters for an adult demographic? How? Yes. That depends on the adult, though. I am not into drinking, bars, a party scene, etc. It is all about the show. Lots of dining experiences to choose from. And it is fun.