What is your Disney shameful secret?

[Asuva03]

Well here goes:
I see people in the parks with kids under 4 (or even 5+ months pregnant) and I just wonder "why?" Maybe I'm being insensitive, and I don't mean to be rude, but I just don't get it.... It just seems like more hassle than it's worth to me.. why not wait a few years when the child can understand everything that's going on, and actually really enjoy seeing mickey (and remember it!) as much as you enjoy getting that picture of them with mickey? It just seems like you (and the child) waste and miss out on so much of what Disney has to offer with a kid that young.
And pregnant women... I guess if you booked the trip before you knew you were pregnant then that's one thing and I also understand every pregnancy is different... but I've seen so many women "out to here" pregnant, in the 90 degree humid Fl weather, and they all just look miserable . Why would you knowingly do that to yourself? I feel so bad for them ... I think I'd have to opt out and be like 'yeah guys, I'll just have to catch the next one....
I realize for some people, waiting/rescheduling, or "catching the next one" isn't an option... but I just dunno..... I don't get it. I can't be alone in this on here - I personally know several people (with kids and without) who don't get it either...

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

Well here goes:
I see people in the parks with kids under 4 (or even 5+ months pregnant) and I just wonder "why?" Maybe I'm being insensitive, and I don't mean to be rude, but I just don't get it.... It just seems like more hassle than it's worth to me.. why not wait a few years when the child can understand everything that's going on, and actually really enjoy seeing mickey (and remember it!) as much as you enjoy getting that picture of them with mickey? It just seems like you (and the child) waste and miss out on so much of what Disney has to offer with a kid that young.
And pregnant women... I guess if you booked the trip before you knew you were pregnant then that's one thing and I also understand every pregnancy is different... but I've seen so many women "out to here" pregnant, in the 90 degree humid Fl weather, and they all just look miserable . Why would you knowingly do that to yourself? I feel so bad for them ... I think I'd have to opt out and be like 'yeah guys, I'll just have to catch the next one....
I realize for some people, waiting/rescheduling, or "catching the next one" isn't an option... but I just dunno..... I don't get it. I can't be alone in this on here - I personally know several people (with kids and without) who don't get it either...

Can't speak on the pregnancy part because you don't really know the situation... maybe its a tumor? fibroids? But I digress.... I totally agree with the children situation. As much as I LOVE Disney, I took a 5 year break when I had my daughter. There was no way I was spending all that money for me to deal with meltdowns, navigating strollers, and trying to balance changing diapers in a crowded restroom. No thank you. I went to Disney in December 04 (just before I got pregnant) and didn't go back until December 2010 (her 5th birthday). Im so glad I waited. She remembers every moment, and we had a great time!! She even braved ToT and Dinosaur - at 5!!

 

[LisaTC]

Well here goes:
I see people in the parks with kids under 4 (or even 5+ months pregnant) and I just wonder "why?" Maybe I'm being insensitive, and I don't mean to be rude, but I just don't get it.... It just seems like more hassle than it's worth to me.. why not wait a few years when the child can understand everything that's going on, and actually really enjoy seeing mickey (and remember it!) as much as you enjoy getting that picture of them with mickey? It just seems like you (and the child) waste and miss out on so much of what Disney has to offer with a kid that young.
And pregnant women... I guess if you booked the trip before you knew you were pregnant then that's one thing and I also understand every pregnancy is different... but I've seen so many women "out to here" pregnant, in the 90 degree humid Fl weather, and they all just look miserable . Why would you knowingly do that to yourself? I feel so bad for them ... I think I'd have to opt out and be like 'yeah guys, I'll just have to catch the next one....
I realize for some people, waiting/rescheduling, or "catching the next one" isn't an option... but I just dunno..... I don't get it. I can't be alone in this on here - I personally know several people (with kids and without) who don't get it either...

a little, but I can address some of this...I think I know some adults just love Disney. Period. When they have kids, they are taking them. Do the kids get a lot out of it or remember the experience when they are wee little...who knows, but the parents may get a lot out of looking at the awes in their kids faces. Likely, the youngest won't remember. I wondered this myself when I've seen too many melt downs from little ones.

My DD doesn't remember the times she's been to the beach/ocean when she was 2, 3, 4, 5. Was I glad we went - heck yeah, because she had a glorious time and so did we...being together. She's 10 now and remembers more, but I don't think that's the only reason to go. It's family time, together time, away time. However...was I glad I didn't take DD until she was 6 to WDW...yes, for us it turned out to be a much better experience that she could walk (no stroller, no naps, no diapers, etc) However, I'm not other people. It wouldn't be enjoyable to me to have a stroller in WDW. It wouldn't cause another person to bat an eyelash. Everyone has their own barometer for which they measure worth, I guess. **Edit: I had a friend who's inlaws had foot the bill for a big family vacation. One of the DIL was 6 months pregnant with twins, plus a 3 & 4 year old, one had 1 & 3 year old another had a 5 year old. Do you not go? A free trip, heck yeah! They had fun. They took my advice, however, and did the trip in moderation and used their kids as the barometer for when the day was done and didn't push it.

I see, however, too often, over tired kids and cranky families that are trying to create the perfect vacation and fit everything in and tour the parks to the nines...that creates very unhappy kiddos. They just want a popsicle and to run through the sprinkler! LOL

Many people only have summer time to vacation. I would never have wanted to vacation in Disney in the heat 8 months pregnant. Not my idea of fun at all, but some may not think twice. I do have concern of the safety of it, but I digress. Disney has a tendency to draw you in without logic! It's the Disney curse!

 

[wintershawl]

Haha, sorry. Didn't mean to start on children. It was just our shameful secret.

I do want to say that I do recognize that some children have visible or invisible situations that may cause the meltdowns. So, I don't want anyone thinking we don't understand that it is just a kid throwing a temper tantrum.

But, I do agree that hard core commando style touring is not the way to go with kids. Have fun. loosen up. keep everyone as happy as you can. I think the reality is.... everyone has more fun that way.


Carry on.

 

[LisaTC]

Haha, sorry. Didn't mean to start on children. It was just our shameful secret.

I do want to say that I do recognize that some children have visible or invisible situations that may cause the meltdowns. So, I don't want anyone thinking we don't understand that it is just a kid throwing a temper tantrum.

But, I do agree that hard core commando style touring is not the way to go with kids. Have fun. loosen up. keep everyone as happy as you can. I think the reality is.... everyone has more fun that way.


Carry on.

You're fine. I think that a lot of people wonder the very thing you did and I know I did, too. I've had those I know with young ones explain to me their reasoning and I was just passing it along. Even being a parent I wondered myself. You were very polite about your inquiry. Sometimes on forums, it isn't so...so thank you. And you're right, those poor kids who are tired from too much touring or over-exposure to stimuli or whatever have my utmost empathy because it has been too much for one day.

Another shameful secret of mine (well, DD's) is we have to leave the fireworks...she hates the noise. When asked if I've seen Wishes...uh, yes, over my shoulder, I have, on the way out!

 

[Caseheidi]

On the children in Disney issue, as a Mom who will be taking her DD5 for the third time in 16 days, the first trip was not for DD, but all for DH and myself. Our family and friends trout we were doing it for her, but nope! We wanted to experience it through her eyes and have the family photos and memories. And her second trip she was 3.5, and is still talking about it a year and a half later. It is surprising how much they can remember at such a young age. I also have to admit that we were blessed and have never had a meltdown at Disney with her.

So for a shameful secret, until recently I blamed my husband for our Disney addiction when people questioned why we were going to Disney again. Instead of admitting that I love it and can't wait to go again, I would give them a song and dance about it was the only place DH could actually leave work at work and get away from the stress of life. Now, finally, I can admit that several of the trips were my idea, and I am obsessed with the fact we are leaving soon (did I mention we leave in 16 days!

 

[LisaTC]

So for a shameful secret, until recently I blamed my husband for our Disney addiction when people questioned why we were going to Disney again.

Oh why must we hide our shame! LOL. It isn't shameful, it isn't shameful, it isn't shameful! It's weird isn't, it though...it's almost like you are put on the spot! You go! 16 days! Jealous!

 

[sky13]

1. I actually really love Duffy. I have 3 Duffy bears sitting above my computer right now and hope to acquire another one soon!
2. I love Disney jewellery and scarves - see below!
3. I got really bored by Festival of the Lion King (HK Disneyland). And would probably have walked out if it wouldn't have been disruptive to other people/performers.
4. I didn't "get" Fantasmic in Disneyland - but will try Fantasmic again in DHS just to see if it's any different/better?
5. I love It's a Small World and make it a point to ride it on every single visit (in any park). Was devastated when it was down when I was in Disneyland!
6. I fell asleep watching Animagique (Disneyland Paris). Was very tired and the darkness of the theatre didn't help! I did enjoy it when I watched it at a later visit though.

I claimed to HATE those Pandora bracelets... I mean seriously whats so great about a charm bracelet? And they are so expensive! Then I found out that Chamilia (basically a Pandora) made Disney charms and I went an bought one! AND LOVE IT!!!

I was searching for Chamilia Disney charms on the forums and found this - and it so totally describes me! I never "got" charm bracelets until I realised in the past week that Disney ones exist... and a couple of visits to my local jewellers later I now have a couple of Chamilia Disney charms and a charm bracelet!

In addition to my new Disney themed bracelet - about half of my jewellery is Disney - I have a small (but growing!) collection of earrings with Mickey shapes (dangling and studs and ones with charms), and a set of Tinkerbell earrings and necklace...

And then... all the scarves I regularly wear at the moment are from Disney, though they're not very obviously Disney (the Mickey shapes are quite subtle)...

I think part of the fun for me is wearing Disney themed things in real life, with almost no one realising that they are Disney... and then it gets even more fun when someone then twigs on to the hidden Mickey shapes! I don't think anyone around me realises how much of the stuff I wear is Disney themed...

(The hidden subtle Disney thing is also why while I have a couple of Disneyland Paris shirts and jackets I rarely wear them...)

 

[wintershawl]

Another shameful secret of mine (well, DD's) is we have to leave the fireworks...she hates the noise. When asked if I've seen Wishes...uh, yes, over my shoulder, I have, on the way out!

Yeah, so I was the kid that made my parents leave fireworks.... only i was like 9... and then 15. Ugh. I'm glad they've gotten to see them since. Now? I still have to wear earplugs. Not sure what type of odd fear it is, but at least my DH doesn't have to drag me out of the parks crying.

Oh why must we hide our shame! LOL. It isn't shameful, it isn't shameful, it isn't shameful! It's weird isn't, it though...it's almost like you are put on the spot! You go! 16 days! Jealous!

I hate being shamed that I go to Disney, and we don't even go every year! I hate having to explain that we enjoy it. Feels soooo wrong.

 

[com_op_2000]

I hate being shamed that I go to Disney, and we don't even go every year! I hate having to explain that we enjoy it. Feels soooo wrong.

What I tell people is:
Whoever pays the piper calls the music.

If your family/friends wants you to go on a vacation and they are willing to pay for it, go and have a great time on them. If you are paying for the trip you go where and when you choose to go.

 

[AliceandAriel]

1. I'm embarrassed to say that the reason I go to Disney is for myself and myself alone. Not for my lack of trying to get others into it, but for the most part it's just me who loves the World with a fanatic passion.

2. I've been asked if I have kids, if I have a husband, etc., and the answer is no to all of them. I'm embarrassed that, when they ask me, I'm typically judged for not starting a family at 23. (I know the kids debate is a tough point, hope I don't start anything by mentioning this.)

3. Never seen Fantasmic!… yet.

4. Haven't ridden Splash Mountain… yet.

5. I've never seen the Princess and the Frog. I don't know why, it's just something I always forget to watch along the way.

 

[LisaTC]

1. I'm embarrassed to say that the reason I go to Disney is for myself and myself alone. Not for my lack of trying to get others into it, but for the most part it's just me who loves the World with a fanatic passion.

No need to be embarrassed and, especially, not here! We're right there with ya!

2. I've been asked if I have kids, if I have a husband, etc., and the answer is no to all of them. I'm embarrassed that, when they ask me, I'm typically judged for not starting a family at 23. (I know the kids debate is a tough point, hope I don't start anything by mentioning this.)

Good for you, explore the word, visit Disney till your heart's content. Do what's right for you when it is! You're still a baby compared to me! I felt that judgement, too. Except when you said you were 23, I was a little aghast. I didn't marry until I was 38 and had my DD at 42! LOL

3. Never seen Fantasmic!… yet.

Me, neither! A lot of people haven't.

4. Haven't ridden Splash Mountain… yet.

Splash was a once and done for me! Maybe I'll get brave again about that last drop!

5. I've never seen the Princess and the Frog. I don't know why, it's just something I always forget to watch along the way.

Please see it. One of my Disney favs!

 

[rn448698]

33 year old guy here:

1) The new Dumbo (at night) is one of my favorite rides
2) I refuse to see Flights of Wonder due to a bird phobia
3) I spend more time on certain rides thinking about the mechanics and layout (Haunted Mansion, Buzz, Pooh, Dinosaur).
4) I've never spoken to a face character, and never will.
5) I get bored on Pirates, but I ride it out of principle.

 

[policycobb]

I read Cast Member Confidential: A Disneyfied Memoir by Chris Mitchell last month. It was awful but I couldn't put it down. I was embarrassed to return it to the library. I found it that bad.

I also spent over $100 on my 9 year old daughter an Elsa Cosplay dress to wear to MNSSHP.

 

[wintershawl]

33 year old guy here:

1) The new Dumbo (at night) is one of my favorite rides
2) I refuse to see Flights of Wonder due to a bird phobia
3) I spend more time on certain rides thinking about the mechanics and layout (Haunted Mansion, Buzz, Pooh, Dinosaur).
4) I've never spoken to a face character, and never will.
5) I get bored on Pirates, but I ride it out of principle.

Haha. #5 made me laugh. It's why I ride IASW. It sort of feels like I'm supposed to. Last time we got stuck at the end for about 15 minutes. I think this time we are skipping it!!

 

[Softball Princess]

I cant stand dole whips

 

[Asuva03]

Can't speak on the pregnancy part because you don't really know the situation... maybe its a tumor? fibroids? But I digress.... I totally agree with the children situation. As much as I LOVE Disney, I took a 5 year break when I had my daughter. There was no way I was spending all that money for me to deal with meltdowns, navigating strollers, and trying to balance changing diapers in a crowded restroom. No thank you. I went to Disney in December 04 (just before I got pregnant) and didn't go back until December 2010 (her 5th birthday). Im so glad I waited. She remembers every moment, and we had a great time!! She even braved ToT and Dinosaur - at 5!!

This is exactly what I meant - Just seems like more hassle than it's worth to me for the amount of money you spend. I know I would want to wait a few years (as painful as it would be) to avoid some of that like you did. My cousin is waiting for her little girl to hit about 5-6 years old too, that way she can walk some and they don't have to lug a stroller everywhere, she can communicate a little more effectively if there's a problem or she wants something, she'll actually get to ride some of the rides if she wants, etc. This just makes more sense to us.

a little, but I can address some of this...I think I know some adults just love Disney. Period. When they have kids, they are taking them. Do the kids get a lot out of it or remember the experience when they are wee little...who knows, but the parents may get a lot out of looking at the awes in their kids faces. Likely, the youngest won't remember. I wondered this myself when I've seen too many melt downs from little ones.

My DD doesn't remember the times she's been to the beach/ocean when she was 2, 3, 4, 5. Was I glad we went - heck yeah, because she had a glorious time and so did we...being together. She's 10 now and remembers more, but I don't think that's the only reason to go. It's family time, together time, away time. However...was I glad I didn't take DD until she was 6 to WDW...yes, for us it turned out to be a much better experience that she could walk (no stroller, no naps, no diapers, etc) However, I'm not other people. It wouldn't be enjoyable to me to have a stroller in WDW. It wouldn't cause another person to bat an eyelash. Everyone has their own barometer for which they measure worth, I guess. **Edit: I had a friend who's inlaws had foot the bill for a big family vacation. One of the DIL was 6 months pregnant with twins, plus a 3 & 4 year old, one had 1 & 3 year old another had a 5 year old. Do you not go? A free trip, heck yeah! They had fun. They took my advice, however, and did the trip in moderation and used their kids as the barometer for when the day was done and didn't push it.

I see, however, too often, over tired kids and cranky families that are trying to create the perfect vacation and fit everything in and tour the parks to the nines...that creates very unhappy kiddos. They just want a popsicle and to run through the sprinkler! LOL

Many people only have summer time to vacation. I would never have wanted to vacation in Disney in the heat 8 months pregnant. Not my idea of fun at all, but some may not think twice. I do have concern of the safety of it, but I digress. Disney has a tendency to draw you in without logic! It's the Disney curse!

Sorry - I didn't think of it as being off topic - it's something a little less "silly" I guess than most of these 'confessions', but it was something I've always wondered about - but figured I'd be crucified if I ever said anything aloud about it. thus: "shameful secret", though I guess it's more like "shameful wondering"... But I figured this was the best place to throw it out there - since most everyone is running the risk of the same crucifixion. lol.
Disney definitely has that Effect though!! "ahh to heck with it! - lets go anyway!" I totally agree and understand that children are children and they will have tantrums and throw meltdowns and whatnot. Even teenagers and adults do this.... especially at Disney (goodness knows I have ) Even if you have one of those (wonderful) freak kids who are happy ALL the time and you never have a problem with them the whole trip - it just doesn't seem like a good time to me to have to keep up with all that extra (navigating stroller, changing tables, cheerios, etc), and pay all that money, just for them to not remember it or even get to really enjoy it.
For me, I'd much rather make the much cheaper beach trip like you mentioned, go to a nearby zoo, or give the kid that popsicle and sprinkler for a few years while I dream of the day they're old enough to go.... But I only get to go every few years, and have to make the most of every trip, so that may be part of it for me - I think even if I could go every year or more I'd still wait though... It's just not worth it to me - but to each their own, I suppose.

 

[Chuckers]

I realized today, that while I love the movie Frozen... I can't stand Olaf. I think it's because Josh Gad's voice during 'Summer' annoys the snot out of me.

 

[Vivianne]

I realized today, that while I love the movie Frozen... I can't stand Olaf. I think it's because Josh Gad's voice during 'Summer' annoys the snot out of me.

I'm the same. I find him annoying & dumb if he can't figure he'll be a puddle in the sun. I just don't like this character but if some love him, especially kids, so be it.

I prefer Rapunzel & her frying pan.

 

[Chuckers]

I prefer Rapunzel & her frying pan.

And her chameleon