The Disney Elitist Attitude

[fly girl]

The “I paid a lot of money for this” attitude is generally not from the Disney elitists. They typically know you can’t do it all in one visit. Personally, I have seen that entitlement attitude from the non-Disney lover patrons. They spent big money for this trip so they’re darn well getting the biggest bang for their buck. Sometimes at the expense of others and park rules.

As for Disney is “the only” park, that’s how they feel. I can not control their opinions. Just like when I get the eye roll from family when I say we’re going back to Disney. Don’t care, rolls right off. We love going!

But we love going to Kings Island and Cedar Point too. However, we do feel it is a different experience. They aren’t the same. Both are great for what they are, but to us totally different experiences.

I do agree that I have issue with people who pounce when you say anything negative about Disney. Yeah, I think FP+ stinks. I do think their food quality has taken a nosedive. And I miss some of the unique touches that have gone by the wayside. If you don’t agree, that’s cool. But to attack someone for it is bizarre.

 

[Jrb1979]

OP you seem to see an elitist attitude in pretty much anything people say online.
First it was the I paid all this money so I can do what I want elitism.
Then it was the looking down at other parks elitism.
Now it's the not wanting to wear masks at Disney elitism.
I am wondering what it will be next, and then that begs the question what do you consider non-elitism attitude when it comes to Disney?

Non-elitism when it comes to Disney is to accept the rules they put in place, not telling others how they should enjoy Disney.

 

[Hikergirl]

Non-elitism when it comes to Disney is to accept the rules they put in place, not telling others how they should enjoy Disney.

Ok that is a fair observation, especially when it comes to entitled folks.
However, looking down on other parks and thinking they are lesser has nothing to do with accepting the rules of Disney.
Also, people expressing their opinions about how they don't want to go to Disney if all these social distancing rules are in place, or wearing masks is just that- expressing an opinion. As of now the parks are closed and not one single person has broken any of the rules.
And no they don't have to accept them, they can complain about them and say they won't do them and they can choose not to vacation there. Which doesn't have any effect on you at all.
It sounds like you think they should enjoy Disney regardless of the rules in place, which is exactly "telling others how they should enjoy Disney" BTW.

 

[spiders]

If you want to see true elitism then go to the airport and watch the platinums moan about how much (of their employer’s) money they spend.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

Poor guest behavior isn't due to elitism. It's simply poor behavior, and people who behave badly will try to justify it any way any way they please. I've seen poor behavior from people from all walks of life, all economic levels, all types of outlooks.

As far as some people only wanting to go to Disney parks or on Disney cruises is concerned, that's a personal preference, not elitism. Disney is a brand, and experienced guests know what to expect from that brand. They want to be guaranteed a vacation experience that they already know they will like, rather than branching out and trying something different. And there is nothing wrong with some people wanting to stick with the tried and true on vacation, because it's their vacation time and their money.

Someone who says, "Disney is great, but all the other parks/vacation experiences are for losers" is elitist, but you almost never hear or read that kind of comment. It isn't a widespread sentiment. There are plenty of people who hold Disney as a favorite and think it's the best, but that's their biased opinion which they're entitled to. It isn't elitism.

I will also second a PPs comment that some travel writers / afficiandos pointedly look down their noses at Disney and say the people who go there are idiots. That's elitism.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

Non-elitism when it comes to Disney is to accept the rules they put in place, not telling others how they should enjoy Disney.

This is an unclear statement. What does following Disney's rules have to do with not telling others how to enjoy Disney? I don't have a problem with either- I just don't see the connection between the two. What exactly are you referring to?

 

[VandVsmama]

It's really apples-to-oranges. No other parks anywhere, with maybe the exception of Universal, can be compared to the Disney parks. They can both be good experiences, for what they are and some may prefer one over another for their own tastes but it's kind of like comparing camping to going on a cruise. (And no, that doesn't imply camping is inferior - just very different.)

I agree.

If you pick just about ANY vacation spot, hobby, etc., you will find elitists. In my opinion, an 'elitist' would be someone who acts & speaks as if they are better than you because they go to a particular place, stay at a particular category of resort, drive only certain types of cars, only shop at certain types of stores, etc.

When it comes to theme parks, there are many different choices...not just Disney theme parks. It's like having a debate about what the best flavor of ice cream is. It's fun to discuss, but some people are very passionate about their favorite theme park...sometimes to the point where they get upset or angry at you if you have a different opinion.

In **my** opinion, an elitist attitude about stuff basically stems from a place of insecurity. A person who is self-assured doesn't feel the need to get snarky or put down other points of view. Look at how long the debate has existed on DIS Boards about "Which is better: Disneyland or Disney World?" You'll get passionate opinions on both sides of the argument. There are Disneyland elitists and WDW elitists.

Let's take the camping analogy one step further for argument's sake. **OUR** family doesn't go camping. It's really because I'd prefer not to. I find it to be a lot of work and pretty stressful and I don't like having to set up my 'house' when I'm on vacation. But that's **me.**

We have some relatives who LOVE to camp. They go camping a couple of times a year. I think it's GREAT that they enjoy themselves so much when they go camping. We ask them about their trips, what did they like best about it, etc., etc. With that side of the family, though, there is one relative who gets defensive about camping. The one person who, when he/she starts talking about their camping trips, will start to make snide remarks about our Disney trips. Passive-aggressive put downs & such.

What I think is so unnecessary is when an "elitist" gets all worked up over decisions that other people make which have literally NO impact on the elitist's own personal life & choices. Ok, so let's say you love WDW and I prefer Disneyland. Great! There's enough to go around for everybody!

Or let's say you love to go on cruises and it's your favorite type of vacation. Whereas I would rather get a root canal than go on a cruise. No big deal!

Or people who go on the same beach vacation every year.

Or people who go on the same sky trip every winter to their fancy ski resort.

Or people who go touring through Europe every summer.

Or people who spend a week in a Value resort at WDW, compared to people for whom it really and truly isn't a "Disney trip" unless they're in a club level room at a monorail resort.

In my opinion, there's a lot more important things to get worked up and upset over. So some people are elitist about the stuff they prefer. Meh, big deal. It's a free country.

 

[VandVsmama]

You can find elitist attitudes in just about anything. For example:

- "I/my family are better than you because we do/do not vaccinate our children."
- "I/my family are better than you because we do/do not put our young children in daycare."
- "I/my family are better than you because we do/do not put our kids in private school or charter school."
- "I/my family are better than you because we do/do not home school our children."
- "I am better than you because I do/do not drive an electric or hybrid car."
- "I am better than you because I do/do not use paper straws."
- "I am better than you because I do/do not bring my own reusable bags to the grocery store."
- "I am better than other theme park fans because we only go to WDW every year."
- "I am better than other theme park guests because I have an AP."
- "I am better than other people because only my ideas are the right ones and they live their lives differently than me."

So they don't like your choices and don't agree with you? Big deal. If the person starts to bully you over it, spend less time with that person. If he/she doesn't let up, then bluntly telling the person that he/she is being a tool is definitely warranted. And then give yourself a time out from interacting with the tool.

 

[Jrb1979]

This is an unclear statement. What does following Disney's rules have to do with not telling others how to enjoy Disney? I don't have a problem with either- I just don't see the connection between the two. What exactly are you referring to?

When I talk about elitism is that on other theme park sites I go to I don't see as much whining about wearing masks or restrictions that take away from the experience. It feels like Disney fans aren't as accepting to changes.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

When I talk about elitism is that on other theme park sites I go to I don't see as much whining about wearing masks or restrictions that take away from the experience. It feels like Disney fans aren't as accepting to changes.

Oh, so this is really another mask debate thread.

The mask debate has nothing to do with elitism. Your preference is that everyone would want to wear masks. Some others agree with you. Some others disagree that non-medical grade masks are helpful (there is no actual scientific evidence) and therefore don't think they should be required. Some people don't want to pay for an expensive vacation in which they'll have to wear masks, especially when the benefit hasn't been proven.

That debate is not about elitism, though. Wanting to avoid wasting a lot of money (a Disney trip can easily cost several thousand dollars) on an experience one wouldn't much enjoy is actually a very practical and down-to-earth concern. Some people who are planning to visit regional parks might not mind a mask requirement as much because for most Americans, a visit to their local regional park is typically a lot less expensive than a trip to WDW, and/or shorter in duration.

I'll also point out that nothing has been officially decided about masks upon Disney's full reopening. WDW hasn't released dates or plans for the reopening of parks & resorts. Orange county currently requires masks, which is why they're required at Disney Springs. Once Orange county drops the requirement, Disney probably will, too.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

Duplicate

 

[LSUmiss]

I have noticed that ever since the shutdown happened the Disney Elitist Attitude has really come out online everywhere. Its been in the parks for awhile now too. Its the " I paid a lot of money for this vacation so I can do what I want" attitude. Where I see it online is how much people look down at other theme parks. I don't see it at other parks including Universal.

It hasn't always been there. I took my nieces to the parks about 6 years ago or so and never noticed it as much then. I went a couple of years and really noticed it. I have a 6 month old and an thinking of taking her next year. I know she would love the Magic but the elitist attitude is giving me second thoughts. I just want to know where it came from and why years ago you didn't see it as much.

How would someone else’s elitist attitude effect you anyway? Even if I do “look down” on other parks, how would my opinion affect your experience?

 

[LSUmiss]

Where I really see the elitist attitude is the mask debate. I'm also on another theme park site that's not Disney and almost everyone is fine with wearing masks. They just want to get back to riding rides and the parks. Here it feels like masks are the end of the world and it takes to much away from the Disney bubble.

So you can’t understand why it may be less tolerable for me to spend almost $6000 & have to wear a mask that will take away from my overall enjoyment vs spending a couple hundred max for a local park? I won’t spend $6000 & not enjoy myself, but I might suck it up a couple hundred. Most ppl I see aren’t saying they won’t follow the rules, but rather just won’t go.

 

[sam_gordon]

When I talk about elitism is that on other theme park sites I go to I don't see as much whining about wearing masks or restrictions that take away from the experience. It feels like Disney fans aren't as accepting to changes.

I'm not going to go on any long term (4+ days), expensive ($1K+) vacation where I need to wear a mask 4+ hours a day. That's Disney, a cruise, an AI, or wherever. As PP, I *MIGHT* (doubtful) be willing to wear a mask if I go a regional park. But why spend the money if I'm not going to enjoy the day because I need to wear a mask? If you think you'll still enjoy your trip while wearing a mask, more power to you! I wouldn't. If that makes me "elitist", so be it.

 

[Snowysmom]

I guess I really don't pay much attention to other people while in the parks or vacationing anywhere to be honest. If someone cuts me off or is a bit rude I just say "really!" quietly to my DH and we go on our way. I am too busy having fun or looking at really great scenery.

 

[cabanafrau]

Completely disagree. Disney is a mass market product. There is nothing exclusive about it what so ever. They have no 5 star hotels or experiences.

Disney has marketed in some ways to entice demand by sowing the seeds of exclusivity of various aspects at various points in time. Other businesses do the same from time to time, creating an image.

For us when it comes to WDW the product stopped feeling special or in any way top quality quite a few years back. Incredible demand allowed the pricing to keep spiraling ever higher as if they were still delivering the famous Disney service and quality they built their brand on. When I started feeling as if I were being herded about I stopped enjoying the parks the way I used to.

As far as regional parks I do think Dollywood is beautiful and offers a very different experience. I haven't done Cedar Point in years because I just can't handle the adventurous type rides anymore. I don't care if people have an opinion about what parks I enjoy or don't. The only way I would comment on other people visiting parks would be if asked my thoughts about what are the pros and cons of visiting X or Y if they're gathering information to try and make their selection.

ETA Hadn't read far enough in the thread to understand that elitism was about not wanting to wear masks. I'd never make it 3 minutes in FL heat in a mask. Wouldn't be doing any summer touring of any parks of any type overhearing in a mask.

 

[cobright]

I know she would love the Magic but the elitist attitude is giving me second thoughts. I just want to know where it came from and why years ago you didn't see it as much.

Without specifics, it's really hard to say. In my experience, even on the most crowded of days, unless you are physically impeding the progress of another guest 99% of them will be completely unaware of you.

What I have seen more often at Disney parks than at other parks are guests approaching guest services for issues I never would have even considered bringing to management. "We spent a fastpass on seating for a parade but the sun was in our eyes...", "We had to chicken out of Haunted Mansion because our 9 year old was too scared."

At first I was greatly shocked and appalled, these days I'm just a little shocked sometimes and rarely appalled. Thing is, Disney is selling you "The Most Magical Place in the World." and they are charging you a premium for it. If you bought a lemonade and they gave you lukewarm bathroom sink water you would complain. If you bought lemonade and they gave you orange juice, you still might complain.

What sets Disney apart from many other options really is the investment. It's a very expensive vacation something many may only be able to do once every few years or once in a lifetime. Which means that when something isn't going right, the 'stakes' are much higher. I've seen families in the park wound tight like violin strings. Adults crying in guest relations. I don't know how much of it I would assign to elitism though.

 

[cobright]

When I talk about elitism is that on other theme park sites I go to I don't see as much whining about wearing masks or restrictions that take away from the experience. It feels like Disney fans aren't as accepting to changes.

I remember a whole thread of people gushing about the face masks Disney is selling now. I'll admit, I liked the winnie the pooh masks and wished more of them put the character face on you.

I don't see more Dis fans upset about mask restrictions than anywhere else and I think if Six Flags over Texas makes masks mandatory for guests you will see people down there lose it.

 

[MillauFr]

What I have seen more often at Disney parks than at other parks are guests approaching guest services for issues I never would have even considered bringing to management. "We spent a fastpass on seating for a parade but the sun was in our eyes...", "We had to chicken out of Haunted Mansion because our 9 year old was too scared."

I wonder how much of what you mention them stems from people getting completely overwhelmed at DisneyWorld? I think many of the first time visitors have no idea on what they are in for. If they did little or no planning it will negatively impact their experience. They end up taking it out on cast members. I don't know how the Cast Members at guest services put up with a constant stream of nattering nabobs of negativity. I would go insane if I had their job. Some people are truly nasty to them.

 

[MillauFr]

Disney has marketed in some ways to entice demand by sowing the seeds of exclusivity of various aspects at various points in time. Other businesses do the same from time to time, creating an image.

I can see your point. Things like Vacations with Disney, Remy, Victoria & Albert are pretty exclusive.