What is it about Disney?

[MelissaE1]

Warning: Philosophical, rambling post -- read at your own risk!

I've been reading the threads on other cruise lines, other all-inclusive vacations, etc. vs. Disney. The general consensus seems to be "It's great fun, you'll enjoy it, well worth your time... but don't expect Disney."

So I was wondering... what is is about Disney? What keeps so many people coming back again and again? We book a WDW vacation every year in May. Even my DH, who used to say no way would he go to an amusement park every year, looks forward to it now. We are cruising Disney for the first time next week, but I fully expect to want to save money until I have twice what I could pay on another line so my family can cruise Disney again. It's not that we don't enjoy places like Six Flags and I think we'd love a cruise on RCCL, I just don't think it would become a tradition.

Now I love to go new places, do new things, meet new people. But if you asked me where the best place I'd ever been in the world, I'd have to say my Grandma's house. I felt safe, I felt comfortable, and best of all, I felt important. No matter how many family members Grandma had, she always treated me (and everyone else) like I was number one. Maybe Walt took a page out of Grandma's book, because that's just how I feel at Disney. And that's what keeps me coming back.

Anyone else?

 

[alexandrew]

Disney treats their guests like a member of the family...the best service. Period.

 

[TinkHappy]

WOW!!! Very nice and well put.

 

[saturday97]

Melissa, you may enjoy some of the "academic" books on Disney, such as Understanding Disney by Janet Wasko. I don't know that anyone has quite pinpointed what constitutes "Disney Magic" but it is fascinating to hear some of the theories applied to it, such as postmodernism.

 

[atigeg]

Hubby and I are major Disney fanatics (as you might guess, considering that we've taken 28 Disney cruises and have 7 more booked for 2003). First, as others have pointed out, Disney service is impeccable, and once you have experienced their high standards, it's difficult to adapt to anything else. Before he ever visited Disney, hubby always wondered why I was picky and constantly compared other hotels, amusement parks, etc. to WDW. But now he fully understands and is just as picky himself. To make a fair comparison, we sailed on Sovereign of the Seas, which goes on the same itinerary as the Wonder. The food was excellent, as was the service, but the staterooms were broom closet size compared to Disney, and the ship was definitely showing its age. It wasn't a bad experience, and it certainly was a lot cheaper, but I am willing to pay the extra $$ for a premium service (sort of like buying a name brand rather than a generic). Disney is also responsive to their guests...over the four years that we've cruised on DCL, we've witnesses an evolution based largely on guest comments and suggestions.
Also, for us, things have gone a step futher. Because we sail on Disney so much, it has become like a second home to us. We've gotten to know many of the crew members, so it's like sailing with friends.
And last but not least, I think that both hubby and a gravitate to Disney because it is sort of a fantasy world where, like Peter Pan, you never really have to grow up. Both of us grew up in fdifficult circumstances where we never really had the chance to be a child. Thankfully we met each other so we can enjoy our happy childhood now, and Disney is certainly the place to do it.
Just my two cents worth!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Scratch42]

Where else can you go, act your shoe size and not your age! See so many smiling faces! etc., etc., etc.,

That is why I can hardly wait to experience our first cruise. The look on my DD's face when I finally told her about her surprise was priceless!

Disney is a place where families can enjoy and leave reality behind for a while!

And when people ask "Why are you going again?" All is I say is, "Why Not!"

Disney is what memories are made of!

In today's world too many of us have to grow up before our time. Disney let's us regress and rejuvinate!

But that's my 2 cents worth!(Acutaully .0065 'cause I'm Canadian!)

Life is too short, enjoy!

Scratch

 

[Michelle]

Great post, Melissa!

It does feel like going home to cruise with DCL or go to WDW. Plus it is one of the few places in the world where you can feel like a kid again. Disney does an amazing job to keep the magic alive and that's what keeps me coming back.

 

[TChrist05]

Melissa....great post! I have to tell ya....we have enjoyed Disney World for the past 25 years....I had never traveled anywhere before. When my wife and I got married....we decided to honeymoon in Disney World....and it was only the Magic Kingdom at the time...and we fell in love with the place....and now, my daughter is 23 years old and has gone at least once a year for her 23 years....we go twice, sometimes three times a year.....just look around at all the crazy Disney hats people wear in the parks, the birthday hats...the Christmas hats....and nobody gives them a second glance....it is accepted that it is a fantasy place and people live out there fantasies there...and the cruise is the same magical place....and yes....I could sail more often if I went on the other cruise lines....but like everyone has said....it just is not Disney.....we were unfortunately booked on the November 30th cruise that was cancelled due to the illness on the ship....and it was like we lost a good friend....we just missed the beloved Magic ship....and yes....we ended up on the Wonder for four nights....and it was great...but not the Magic....and honestly....I just hit 50....and the magic and fantasy of Disney keeps me young and coming back for more.....it truely is a magical place with many magical castmembers keeping up Walt's dream....and our dream too!

Tom

 

[NejTheLion]

I think that Disney vacations have that extra magical feeling primarily because of how much Disney is a part of our culture. Who out there didn't grow up watching Disney cartoons on TV and seeing the movies in theaters? Who out there didn't then go through the same process with their own children? When you think about Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Universal - none of these are tied into your childhood like Disney. Barb hit the nail on the head. It's Peter Pan syndrome all the way. On other vacations, yes, you get to relax and forget about all the stress of daily life, but on a Disney vacation, you go back in time to when you were younger, when grown-up problems weren't even imagined, when magic was still very real.

Jen

 

[jlawall]

Hey Barb! Your post was very touching, I can definitely relate. My two cents is.....Disney lets you have fun and be a "kid" whether you are in the parks or on the cruise. You relive the wonderment of a child. I also think that the staff goes WAY out of their way to make you feel special. I have NEVER been on a Disney vacation where some CM didn't make my trip extraordinary. Either Disney trains staff really well or they recruit exceptional people. My goal is to someday work for Disney and make that MAGIC for others at some point in my life!!!

 

[disneygal58]

Thank you, thank you for so eloquently assigning verbage to what lives within our hearts.
I have tried to analyze and justify my seeming obsession, but now merely, gleefully accept it. We even went so far as to relocate to Florida (not ONLY to be closer to all things Disney, although it was a major factor in the decision).
A few years ago, I had my astrology chart constructed. Jokingly, I inquired why an educated, spiritual, political "non Disney" appearing type such as myself would gravitate to the parks, movies, cable channel, cruise (and now admittedly - clothing). She pointed out that most of my astrology lies within the seventh house of hopes, dreams and wishes. Now, when my parents (especially) ask why I am "going to do the same thing over again and again" - I chalk it up to the stars.
So, when I am not working within the holistic health field, teaching political activism to my small brood or reading the classics, I am circling the Tower of Terror and eating warm chocolate chip cookies on Main Street.
May We Never Lose The Need For Pixie Dust,
Dawn Hope

 

[Ginny]

What a wonderful thread!!

There is just something about driving through the Welcome sign at WDW or driving up to the PORT and seeing the Magic or Wonder and knowing I am "home." It is about being in a special place where dreams do come true and the look in DS or DD's eyes is worth a million dollars. It's the same feeling I get at the end of Disney Dreams - overwhelming awe washes over me. Others might find it silly but those who understand it feel the same way.

And, because of all the wonderful people on the DCL board and other DIS boards, I get to really feel like I am a part of the "Disney Magic" because I know the "inside" scoop. Everyone shares their experiences and tips so freely that the "magic" is just passed on and on to others. And, sharing makes it all the more special.

For me, who has moved every 2-4 years of my adult life, this "world of wonder and magic" is my home. Now, if I could just put that down on my Voter Registration!!