Shocked! Shocked, I tell you!

[Crystal_27]

Did you fail to slip the Kool-Aid in their drink or something??

Seriously, I pity those who don't get Disney...what a depressing way to go through life (of course, they would probably pity me likewise for loving Disney like I do).

 

[backyardponder]

Here's my suggestion to the OP: Have your friends get a tour book for the Orlando area and see what might interest them. There might be something which interests you also. My guess is once they experience WDW, they'll forget about leaving it.

 

[minster22]

In the beginning of my marriage and on one of our first trips to WDW with my then early 20's son and my DH,right after we got off the plane and are driving to WDW DH pipes up with "when are we going to International Drive and all the outlet stores??" I look @ DS and both of us are thinking "Huh, what about going right to WDW" but my wise DS says lets go right now (rightly thinking ...Lets get it out of the way so we can enjoy our time @WDW). After going into only a couple of stores , DH says "wow I don't remember this being so seedy here" and to this day there is never any talk about going off property.We all get a lot of laughs out of this experience every time we go!!!

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Somebody here who is much wiser than I, said "Those who have to ask will never understand, and those who understand will never have to ask".

I found that quote to fit the Disney experience perfectly..

MG

I LOVE this quote

To think positive, maybe they (or at least one of them) will have that "Ahhhh, now I get it" moment.

Here's to a great trip!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Sorry to be the exception to the rule! I love Disney and most everything that is Disney but come on, there's nothing to see and do in Orlando! I'm with you Buds! Orlando has many really good restaurants that far beat the Disney dining circus of poor food/service/quality. Yes flame away! What Disney has done to dining just to maximize their pockets is a darn shame. Short of Jiko and a few others, Disney dining has gone to the dogs. Sorry even my kids won't eat Disney morning, noon and night!

We love Disney but guess what, Universal, Sea World etc. are wonderful too, each in their own way and I'd be depriving my kids if I didn't give them all that the "world" (yes, Virginia there is a World that's not Disney) has to offer. We've gone to Cape Canaveral for a launch, the outlet malls and Medeival Times etc., too many to mention in combination w/ MK,Epcot,DHS &AK.

I love my DVC, because it allows me to see all of Orlando and more, including Disney!!!

 

[ccgirl]

My DH and I were just talking about this last night. We were not planning on taking a trip to WDW this year but I just couldn't do it. We are spending our 10th anniversary there (no kids). You can explain all you want but unless you see the parks a few times you have no idea how wonderful they are. I think the first trip is just so overwhelming. I have had friends come back from their first trip and tell me they don't see why I think it's a big deal that they were able to see EVERYTHING. WHAT?!? NO WAY!!! I think you either get the magic or you don't. Who knows...maybe one of your friends with get the magic too. Sounds like a great trip to me.

 

[toniosmom]

I have never thought of myself as a Disney groupie. Yes, I have childless cousins (now in their 50's) that have been going every single year for their entire 25 year marriage and I often wondered why they did not get sick of it. I now "get it".

My first trip to WDW was in 1975 at the age of 14 and I thought I was "too cool" for Disney. I ruined what could have been the time of my life there. However, a year later, I marched with my high school band in the 1976 Bi-Centennial Parade 1976 and it was a completely different experience. Being there with friends (and no parents) and seeing a bit of the behind-the-scenes action made for a memorable experience. Unfortunately, finances prevented me from going back until the mid-90's. I had one trip on-site and one off. There was NO comparison and vowed never to stay off property again.

We had a family trip in April 2008 at the All Star Movies resort. I did not like that resort at all. I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that we had 3 adults and a toddler in a cramped room. We were also with my sister and her 3 kids (in a 2nd room). We crammed a lot into our week-long trip, knowing that my sister's kids would not be back there any time soon. Her oldest two, ages 17 and 13, could have cared less and were more concerned with sleeping late. It just blew my mind. On that trip, I bought my first DVC ownership in AKV and this past March traveled to SSR alone with my 4 year old son. It was the best trip ever because it didn't matter how much time we spent at the parks, knowing that we will be back next year. We also did all of our meals in the room -- my son is not quite restaurant-friendly -- and it afforded us so much more relaxation time.

Since then I have scheduled a trip for March 2010 to AKV and am already looking forward to future trips.

So, yes, I now proudly call myself a newbie Disney groupie!

 

[lugnut33]

I'm not sure what this qualifies me as, but in May my wife and I took a couples only 4 day trip to WDW and only spent 1 day at a park. However, we actually only left Disney property 1 time during the whole vacation!!

 

[DVCGeek]

DW gets it now; hopefully the OP's friends can also learn! In 2006 we went to WDW and stayed at Pop for 3 (I think) nights for her BD [our first FL trip together]. Commando touring of the parks, exhausting for her. In 2007 we went to FL for our honeymoon- Ft. Lauderdale for a night on the beach then stayed off property in Orlando and did Universal for 2 days, saw a non-Disney timeshare presentation (yuck!), lunch in Celebration, but on the bright side also did Epcot Dive Quest & Backstage Magic tours + MNSSHP (no "normal" Disney park days). On our way home she said "OK, Disney was better, it IS worth it to stay on property, and ME was really nice." So, that reconfirmed for me that the marriage was going to work. In 2008 we went to WDW for my BD; spent 6 nights @ ASM. We toured DVC on that trip and started paperwork that we finished by mail. Now ressies are made @ BLT for right after Thanksgiving in 2009 (Christmas decorations) and Feb. 2010 for her BD. We also started tossing DL in the mix; I was in Anaheim for a conference in Nov. '08 and we used DPs to swap over to Grand Cal. Hotel instead of Paradise Pier. Loved it. Added on @ VGC. Plan is to go there for my BD in Oct. 2010. That means for the next 50-ish years we'll go to WDW once per calendar year for ~6 nights and DL once ever 3 or 4 years for ~5 nights. Now if only I had the $$$ for more points so we go go more often. Then again, I'd also need more vacation time from work... Just gotta' win the lottery!

 

[hsteacher]

My Disney addiction started with marching with the band in 1976 also. DW wasn't what it is now but it was "magical" for me and my band groupies. We just had a blast as Jr/Sr. in HS in MK (that's all there was!). Since that time, it truly has been the only place I really like going back to consistently. My DH isn't quite so "addicted" (yes, we're still married!) but he does "get it". We honeymooned there in 1982 and have been back every single year since. My kids (now 24 and 18) still believe it's the only place to vacation. We only recently bought into DVC - biggest mistake not to do it earlier.

We have vacationed outside of Orlando - Cape Coral, Siesta Key, Palm Springs, went to AZ, did the Civil War vacation to the east, Cali, etc. When we get home from these other vacations the kids always ask "when are we going back to DW?" They don't consider the above "real vacations" but getaways to satisfy their DD. As the kids have gotten older, we don't always go to the parks as much. They may go by themselves, with friends, etc and we've gone to Cape Canaveral, done the cruise 6 times, etc. DVC allows us to just relax in our "home away from home" and still have the atmosphere of Disney - sometimes without all the craziness. We own at BWV and we find that area "magical" unto itself. When we've brought their friends with in a 2 bedroom the friends just love it also.

Even with DVC, my DH isn't always sold on the "pixie dust." He could easily stay home and relax or go canoeing (what????). He always has a great time when we go though.

My DD was a CM there and there's lots I could post about that experience - great, good and sometimes not so good as it is with any career/job. Disney has always placed Guest Relations as their top priority and THAT is what might be suffering right now. Lately, the cut backs on personnel have been drastic and as some posts have detailed, it's being seen at many different levels.

 

[DisneyMama27]

I count my blessings that my dear wife enjoys Disney as much as I do!

Yes, I say we were a match made in heaven because no one else we know loves or gets Disney the way we do! Our kids are completely "brainwashed" of course!

We spend 2 weeks at WDW every summer, have been for Christmas, Thanksgiving, spring/fall breaks, etc. We have had weekend trips with one parent and one child - some of my favorite trips! - and with 14 people! We try desperately to share our love of Disney with family. Mine gets it, mostly, but his does not. His DSis is going for the first time next spring, with her son's high school band! She said she will be taking along her 6yo DD so she'll never have to do it again! It makes me sad when people have that attitude before ever going!

On the other hand, we were able to help DH's cousin plan their first family trip to the World - we let them rent points to stay at SSR, so they would not feel cramped. They LOVED that! We gave them all kinds of pointers and even spent most of the time with them there, since we happened to be there are the same time (we were at AKV). They had planned on this being a one-time trip, but when they left, they admitted that they would probably try to come back!

We usually have a car, so we have ventured out into Orlando. We live in the Dallas area, so there's not much there that we can't find at home. (Medieval Times, outlets, etc.) We visited the huge McD's after seeing the Travel Channel show about it - that was a HUGE letdown. Now we just go to Publix and then back to the resort. One day we may go to Sea World, and maybe Universal when the kids are older (DH and I went years ago and were not impressed), but it's about more than the rides for us. We love Florida beaches - but that is a separate trip for us!

Somebody here who is much wiser than I, said "Those who have to ask will never understand, and those who understand will never have to ask".

I found that quote to fit the Disney experience perfectly..

I love that quote, and I completely agree. We have given up trying to explain it to those who don't get it. They know where to find us when they want to plan their trip!

 

[DVCGeek]

I forgot to mention- besides taking me to WDW ~8 times while I was growing up + DL once, my parents go to the World at least twice a year now since my dad retired, and have already gone twice to SSR on my DPs! Due to some airfare bargins they did 3 short WDW trips in less than 5 weeks at the beginning of this year and have a stay books @ WL come August, plus are coming with us to BLT (separate studio) in Feb.!

 

[Goofy442]

Friends would ask where are you going on vacation and when I tell them I get didn't you just come back from there. They find it very strange that my children would love to live in WDW and what we have to go home. I get what people are saying but never go back not a option. So I guess we will still get those strange looks from all the non Disney lovers.

 

[rkwier]

My first trip to WDW was in my mid 20's. My parents never had the opportunity to take our family when we were children. We DH and I were finally able to go, I was completely enamored - I felt like I was six again! I felt exactly like that commercial where they show the two little girls and then one of them is actually the mom.

Fast forward 15 years. I have been to Orlando several times for training and stayed onsite at the Poly and Yacht Club. My last trip at the Yacht Club was when we toured the DVC model "for grins." We were hooked and soon became members at BLT. I agree that there are some other things to do in Florida, but we have found that we thoroughly enjoy our time on property and often never visit a park. Perhaps once the OP's friends have their first magical visit, they will turn into a 6-year old also.

OT - DisneyMama27 I see that you also live in Allen - Hi neighbor!

 

[PSC]

Hello, My name is Leigh Anne. I too AM a pathetic Disney groupie. Can someone tell me how the 12 step program works? lol

Isn't the first thing to admit that you have a problem. I don't have a Disney problem, I can quit going any time I want to - I just don't want to.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

I know how you feel. I can't believe when people I know go to WDW and come home saying they won't go back because they saw it all! How can you see it all in one week?!?! I have been going ever since WDW opened. We used to go every year as kids and it was the best vacation! When I met my husband, he had only been one time, stayed off property, went to MK one day, BORING! So I set up a trip for us, stayed at what was called The Disney Village - Grovernors Hotel (sp?), took him to MK more than one day, also went to EPCOT more than one day, also a day a River Country. Those were the only parks back then. He had a GREAT time and we kept on going back for more trips. We have taken our children many times staying at the CR and just bought into BLT. We LOVE WDW! Now I will admit there are other things to do there. We have been to Sea World a few times. I did go to Universal along time ago. When we go to WDW my kids don't ask to go anywhere off property. They are never bored there. OP, I bet your friends will have a great time. I guess you could ask them what other things they might want to do and fit that in. Have a great time!

 

[Lost in Neverland]

DH and I had been the WDW twice before we had children and could not understand what all the fuss was about. Then after reading all the stories to our children and of course the movies until they were old enough to really enjoy the trip we got it. The look on DD's face when we stepped onto Main St USA and she saw the castle the first time still brings tears to my eyes when I think of it. The first time DS saw Buzz and Woody is the same reaction. Yes we are definitely "Disney Crazies" and are proud of it.We have been so many times now it is hard to keep the memories straight but no matter how many times we go there is a first. We have friends that do the outlets and talk about the mall who look at us as if we live in another world when we tell them we have never left the property once we get there. Our car sits idle for the entire time. Now that we are DVCers I am sure it will only get worse.Our family thinks we are crazy but we are in good company.

 

[WDW Enabler]

everyone at my work knows that I am a Disney Fanatic and whenever I say I am going out of town they know I am going to Disney. They will ask me to help them plan their Disney trip, but don't ask me anything about Orlando as they know I don't do much else there, except for Seawolrd every now and then.

 

[Modeltrf]

I'm totally Disney groupie...but I think I've come close to doing everything in a week. But geez...you have to be the ultimate commando to do it.

I take that back...I don't play golf, do pools, or play tennis.

But...in a week's time..I've seen about every inch of the parks, seen all the fireworks, went to Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island, gone to a Dinner show, rode a surry bike, and a sea raycer.

Now that I'm DVC, I don't have to do that!!!

I have done the ultimate commando for the parks in the past. Even in my commando days I don't believe I ate in every restaurant, visited each country completely, watched all the street shows, etc. But even if one could do everything in the parks in one week, which is highly doubtful, the parks are only part of Disney. As you stated you haven't done the golf, pools, tennis. Have you done other things such as the Richard Petty Driving Experience, Backstage Tours?

I repeat with great confidence you can not do all things Disney in one week, not even two weeks, no matter how motivated nor how much money you have. And do you know why I can say this?...Because there are more than 7 resorts at Disney! Each resort is special in it's own way. You can't drive by them or stop in to see the lobby to experience the resort. You must stay at the resort.

At the risk of seeming pretentious, my family makes at least one 3 week visit to Orlando each year. At least one week is spent at Disney. We have being doing this since our honeymoon 1990. 19 years of Disney and I firmly believe I haven't done it all!!!

 

[Modeltrf]

Sorry to be the exception to the rule! I love Disney and most everything that is Disney but come on, there's nothing to see and do in Orlando! I'm with you Buds! Orlando has many really good restaurants that far beat the Disney dining circus of poor food/service/quality. Yes flame away! What Disney has done to dining just to maximize their pockets is a darn shame. Short of Jiko and a few others, Disney dining has gone to the dogs. Sorry even my kids won't eat Disney morning, noon and night!

We love Disney but guess what, Universal, Sea World etc. are wonderful too, each in their own way and I'd be depriving my kids if I didn't give them all that the "world" (yes, Virginia there is a World that's not Disney) has to offer. We've gone to Cape Canaveral for a launch, the outlet malls and Medeival Times etc., too many to mention in combination w/ MK,Epcot,DHS &AK.

I love my DVC, because it allows me to see all of Orlando and more, including Disney!!!

I completely agree!

I love Disney and I have a strong track record to prove it. But the other parts of Orlando are awesome to, often in different ways. I agree the food at Disney can often be beat by many other Orlando restaurants. I have spent weeks at all the other parks, water parks, amusements and such.

At the risk of being flamed I will also state there is more to Florida than Disney/ Orlando! The panhandle and northern Florida has many gems. Miami and the Keys are a not-to-be-missed destination. But one of my favorite places in all of Florida is Sanibel/ Captiva. It's the place I go to get away from the frantic pace of life and reconnect with nature.