Why Are You Going There?

[GrumpyFan]

My wife and I usually take every other trip without the kids. We've been doing this since 2000, and the kids understand. Parents, In-laws, others, they don't get it. Probably never will. Some people think we're mean for leaving our kids home while we go. We simply reply that our marriage/relationship is more important and comes before our kids. We told the same thing to the kids, and THEY understand.

Some suggestions for your reply:
1) Where else can you go and stay in a 5-star hotel, experience dining and cultures from around the world, see broadway style shows, hollywood style action, ride rollercoasters, go to a spa, the beach, France, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Africa, Asia... (the list goes on), all in one place?
2) We're big kids, who refuse to grow up. It's our Neverland, at least temporarily.
3) It's our escape from reality.
4) One word "Magic"
5) Okay, another word "Mickey"

In some ways I feel sad for those who don't get it, but then again I don't. Those who don't "get it" surely won't be clogging the lines or in the way.

 

[stina]

I love this thread! I work in an office full of Disney-haters. I mean these folks are so bitter that they think that Disney is actually poisoning the minds of children with their "licensed characters"!!! OK, so you can see why I like to get away from that environment and go on my Disney vacations! I don't even talk about it at work, because it's so taboo. They have no idea how cool it is to stay in an African Lodge or to go down waterslides with your closest friends and family. I think they knock it but they've never tried it. The way I see it, it's their loss!

We are two adults (age 30) with no children and we go to WDW or on a Disney cruise every year. This year we are taking my in-laws. They are very excited, they have never been to Disney. So it will be fun for us to take them there and watch them freak out at how incredible it is!

My parents have been taking me to Disney World every few years since I was 6, so I was practically raised on it and I NEVER get sick of it. It is truly the happiest place on earth filled with some of the happiest people anywhere. I love the spirit of kindness and generosity exuded by CMs and guests alike at Disney World. I can't imagine a better place to hang out, relax, and have fun and adventures with my friends and family. Disney is where we go, it's our family tradition and I don't have to justify that to anyone!

This will be our second trip this year. I actually spent my 30th birthday in WDW earlier this year. (what a treat! I got to be in the Jammin Jungle parade, ride on a float with Mickey on my 30th birthday - talk about magic!) This fall we'll be bringing my in-laws, but my sister and her fiancee will be there as well as my dad and some of our closest friends. We're going to a big character breakfast with all 10 of us adults! When we called to make the reservation they asked "How many children in your party of 10" and we said NONE!!! The CM at reservations actually laughed. Clearly she knows how much we BIG kids enjoy Disney!

Have faith grownups! Long live the Magic!

stina

 

[deekaypee]

I get the question a lot, and I've perfected the blank stare and "Because it's Disney" straight-man answer.

In the past, I've also given them this one:

"Have you ever been to someplace where you immediately felt like you were home, even if you'd never been there before? That's how I felt the first time I went to WDW. If you've had that coming-home experience, you understand why I go back. If you haven't had that experience, I can't possibly explain it."

By the way there's a thread, "Excuses" for loving WDW!, that you might enjoy. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1195329&page=1&pp=15

 

[Disney Doll]

I just smile mysteriously and say "If you have to ask that question, you'll never understand".

Drives 'em nuts!!!!!

 

[PirateKitty]

I just smile mysteriously and say "If you have to ask that question, you'll never understand".

Drives 'em nuts!!!!!

Love that one!! I'm gonna have to use that next time.

 

[I Love Pluto]

I go to Disney because I am in love with Mickey Mouse!

 

[Flyerfan]

In the past, I've also given them this one:

"Have you ever been to someplace where you immediately felt like you were home, even if you'd never been there before? That's how I felt the first time I went to WDW. If you've had that coming-home experience, you understand why I go back. If you haven't had that experience, I can't possibly explain it."

YES!!! As we approached the Walt Disney World sign and drove underneath I raised my hands and said "I'M HOME"

 

[Flyerfan]

I love this thread! I work in an office full of Disney-haters. I mean these folks are so bitter that they think that Disney is actually poisoning the minds of children with their "licensed characters"!!! OK, so you can see why I like to get away from that environment and go on my Disney vacations! I don't even talk about it at work, because it's so taboo. They have no idea how cool it is to stay in an African Lodge or to go down waterslides with your closest friends and family. I think they knock it but they've never tried it. The way I see it, it's their loss!
stina

I kind of know how you feel. Well, the one woman in my office (who recently resigned - Yeah!) used to put down WDW. She felt if you didn't have kids, then why go and constantly compared it to an amusement park. The other woman, who has never been but her husband has waaaay back in the 70's, just can't seem to grasp what "all the fuss is about". Her DH says, "You're not missing anything". I know I shouldn't care but I want to grab him by the collar, drag him to Florida and say, "See, NOW tell your wife she's not missing anything!" Sorry, went off there. The other woman would probably love to go and does understand, but her DH won't travel. I would love to be her guide.

 

[disneybridetobe]

We're getting married at WDW (Wedding Pavilion!) and we've gotten that question...more than a few times. I can't wait to go- I haven't been there in 13 years, and I am more excited than I've ever been! I can't wait to experience Disney as an adult!
On our wedding...
A lot of people think we're getting married on a roller coaster... ::shudder::
Oh, they have no clue.
Strangely, the people you would think wouldn't understand, DO!

 

[GorshGoofy]

YES!!! As we approached the Walt Disney World sign and drove underneath I raised my hands and said "I'M HOME"

Yes!

I've been 3 times solo and a number of family vacations in years past. I'll be bringing my new bride there in January. Can't wait!! I've been able to handle all the abuse I get from "those who don't get it" but I was floored last October when the older man who checked my paperwork at the Disney Cruise Line terminal was surprised to find that I was going on a cruise alone. He ... a Disney cast member ... actually said, "What's the matter? You couldn't get anybody to travel with you?" Even he didn't get it!! Oh well. His loss! BTW, I had a great time!!!! Of course!

 

[PrincessAlways]

YES!!! As we approached the Walt Disney World sign and drove underneath I raised my hands and said "I'M HOME"

I know exactly what you mean! When people give me that "again" look, I just say I'm going "home". It's true, if you have to explain it, they'll never understand. At least all of us know about the magic feelings!

 

[pbnjrockette]

I certainly hope my hubby becomes one of the "believers" after this trip!! (do they sell magic mickey dust I can sprinkle on him while he sleeps??)

I know he is only going to fulfill a promise we made to friends that "someday" we'd go to WDW with them---well, she had a bad cancer scare this spring and decided that "someday" needed to be scheduled soon.

He never wants to go back to a place we've been before (says there is too much of the world to see). But I know I'm going back---as soon as our granddaughters get older, my friend and I are going to do a Disney Cruise!!

And I love MICKEY!!

 

[Oscee]

I'm lucky I guess!! My friends just ask how many days? They know I always have a trip planned and a countdown going. Heading out in 5 days to Night of Joy and 9 day stay and just booked 4 day stay in Dec for Birthday!!!

 

[WeirdTigger27]

I haven't had that said to me, but I've told everyone I've never been, so maybe that's a good reason to them? Anyway I am going full gusto, I'm getting an autograph book, and will run up to characters and ask them for one. I don't care, I'm a kid in a big body that's all! I am so excited to finally be going!!

 

[djblu883]

Hey wierd TIG...you are in for such a wonderful experience! I'm excited for you...wish I could see your face the first time you see the Castle...it all makes the trip REAL and oh sooooooooooo magical for me!!!

 

[WeirdTigger27]

I think I'll probably cry the first time I see the castle. I have always wanted to go to Disney World. I'm like that little boy in the commercial, "I'm too excited to sleep!". I'm going to mind my manners of course, but I won't care how many stares I get for playing for the first time in WDW.

 

[DisneydaveCT]

As I sit here on Labor Day reading this thread while visiting my parents' cottage in New Hampshire, I am reminded of what I tell people everytime I am asked "why?"

I remind these people that my going to WDW a couple of times a year is no different than if they went to New Hampshire, Cape Cod, Virginia Beach, or "insert the name of a local vacation spot near them" every summer. They have no problem going to the same non-Disney locale every year, but seem to think we are nuts to think that Disney is our version of New Hampshire, Cape Cod, Viriginia Beach, or some other resort areas. They just don't understand that Disney offers many of the same activities that you can find at other resort areas (dining, shopping, golf, swimming, shows, etc), but with one very large difference...Mickey and the Disney Magic.

I love my time in New Hampshire, but if I had to choose just one to visit each year, New Hampshire would just be a memory. I'm going home to Disney. And yes, when I land at MCO, I do feel like I have come home.

If you have read some of my other posts, you will also see that I have ended dating relationships with women who didn't get it...I could see that becoming an issue in a LTR, fighting over going home to see Mickey and the Gang.

No matter what others around me think, I am still going home to WDW year after year.

 

[Redbudlover]

Yeah, hear it every trip from the evil MIL. She actually tells my kids that it's crazy going there...."you've seen it all." We tried to plan a girl trip with my DD, my mom and I even included the evil MIL. Big fat "no" from her to my DD. This was suppose to be a birthday celebration trip for my DD turning 10.

It sounds like you are lucky she turned you down!!! I can just imagine a Disney hater blowing your DD birthday trip with whining and complaining....

 

[Redbudlover]

I get that all the time too. At age 59 most of the people, including my children who I couldn't afford to take when they were younger, think I am crazy. I just say I go for the magic and the happiness, and the restaurants and the resorts, and the beauty of the landscaping, and most of all to hear Mickey tell me good morning - though waking up to Stritch was a bit of a jolt! With a brand new granddaughter, I think I will finally be able to coerce my one son and DIL to come with me when I take my GD there. And I am taking my GD there! HOO Hoo!

 

[Corwin12]

I took my wife to Disney in March ... her first time at 39. I have not been since I was 16, 17 years ago. I used to hate Disney and the the thought of going there. Our trip in March was the best vacation I ever had in my life. I was in the military and traveled everywhere (including overseas) with my friends. But that week with my wife was better than all those trips put together. We celebrated it like it was our honeymoon, since we never had one (we were married 5 years ago.) She was having a bad day and I wanted to cheer her up so I surprised her with the trip, all planned in a matter of a week. Suffice it to say, this December we are headed back, with a little more planning. I get the same questions: why are you going back there so soon?, wouldn't you rather go to Vegas? I am glad to see I am not alone in thinking Disney is a great vacation for adults.
Kevin