"Disney World Is For Kids" Is that statement Disneys fault?

blackthidot

blackthidot

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
In the Parks
Yes
I know we have ALL heard this from people who just don't get it, never been, or whatever the reason may be that they feel this way. But who's fault is it that these people feel this way, and should we as fans really even care?

The reason I COULD blame Disney mostly is because they really do nothing to change peoples mind of that it is for kids. Any commercial you see really targets only children. They don't do a TON of advertising to begin with, but there is NOTHING targeted after adults who may be single, or groups of friends, or couples without children.

Or is it that people who think this way just a lost cause? I have MANY friends who know we go 2 times a year and as much as we tell them and show them it's really not for kids at, all they still feel like it is for kids. Our "theme park" here in Pittsburgh that is nationally known Kennywood has more kids stuff in it than MK, Epcot, DHS, and AK combined and everyone claims to LOVE Kennywood. I just do not get it. If it was people I did not know who did not have an "expert" on the parks telling them no it is not like that at all I would not care what people think.

I guess I am trying to poke around and see why people feel this way and if Disney even cares because they obviously are not attacking the "problem" at all.
 
sueuk

sueuk

Member
We get this from people all the time, when they find out how often we have been over to Florida just as a couple (even if we took our 'kids', they are in their 30s! and there are no grandchildren :animwink:) No amount of explaining convinces people - who have never been - that adults can enjoy the resorts and the fun of the rides and parades and the general beauty of the parks; as well as fine dining, spectacular shows and great shopping ..... so I've stopped trying to convince them - less crowds while we're there!!!
 
Crush Dude!

Crush Dude!

Back from WDW!Counting down to DLP in November!
I have def given up trying to convince people who dont get it because they just wont until they see it for themselves!!!!

As far as your point goes, if you think about it, it all starts with kids!!

Disney World and Disneyland would have never got anywhere would it not have been for kids!!! At the end of the day Disney is aimed at kids but also has family appeal and when time is taken to appreciate the beauty of the parks amongst other things is great for adults :sohappy:

But had it not been for parents taking their kids to both Disneyland and WDW in the beginning then us older people would not realise how amazing it is, and a big reason people go for the first time is to bring their kids which in turn leads to adults realising how amazing it all is :wave:
 
WDW_Emily

WDW_Emily

Well-Known Member
People don't understand unless they went when they were little and continued going. I have gone almost every year since I was born and love it along with my sisters. However, I have taken someone for a first time as a young adult and she didn't find it as enjoyable as we did. Its really hard to explain to people who have never been before as well.
 
imagineer boy

imagineer boy

Well-Known Member
Parents with young kids should reasonably be the target demographic, but it shouldn't be the only demographic. What's there to lose in reaching out to other demographics? You can only gain profit by reaching out to teens, young adults, and young couples.

I remember back in the day there was a commercial that appealed just to teens that showed teens riding the thrill rides. If I were an ordinary teen watching that, it would really peak my interest.
 
T

tampabrad

Active Member
I think they need to step up marketing to single adults and adult couples. Yes it does start with kids, and families are the target audience, but look at all there is to do as a couple or single adults.

Pretty much all of the countries in Epcot are more for adults.
Fairytale Weddings, Honeymoons and Vow Renewals.
Most of the tours are for adults.
Most signature dining is geared to adults.
Food and Wine Festival
Flower and Garden Festival.
Rix at Coronado Springs Resort.

It would be nice to see some more adult night time entertainment available on property. I would love to see Adventurer's Club 2.0, and may be 1 or 2 night clubs and an ultra lounge come back to PI. Keep it all 21 and up and a bit more upscale than PI was.
 
Monty

Monty

Brilliant...and Canadian
In the Parks
No
CrazyEm said:
People don't understand unless they went when they were little and continued going. I have gone almost every year since I was born and love it along with my sisters. However, I have taken someone for a first time as a young adult and she didn't find it as enjoyable as we did. Its really hard to explain to people who have never been before as well.
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That doesn't apply in my case.

I never even considered going to WDW until I was in my 40's. I'm 51 and have been almost 20 times.

I think I understand just fine! :king:
 
Computer Magic

Computer Magic

Well-Known Member
I'm sad that Disney has stopped targeting adults. My wife and I would have never attened Disney if it wasn't for the Disney commercials of the mid 90's. Disney targeted newlyweds to have their honeymoon's in Disney. There was also PI for adults at night. We fell hook line and sinker into the love of Disney. I still go quite ofter but see the change. Changes that make my friends give me a look of "going again? :confused:
I know the tricks on how to enjoy Disney as adults. There is even (or was a book about it), but the average person may not know how. It takes planning and searching for the adult life.

The change happened around 2000, maybe the world changed with family being more important and now kids being the target in commercials. Maybe DisneyWorld has been around long enough now that family traditions have started with parents have taking kids. Now those kids are grown up and taking their kids. After all that is what DVC is aimed at, which is why they have the 40-50 year contracts.

I also see the changes in the parks, targeting for kids. Adults don't have PI and Epcot has changed for kids as well with Crush and Nemo like attractions. There are still many restraruants to enjoy as adults. I also find myself at Deluxe resorts and using tours where there are more adults theme activities.

I'm disappointed, as we don't have kids and we see our happy place gearing for kids. I see the new FL being big smack that Disney is gearing more for kids. I understand but don't like it. We have to accept this and enjoy what we have or move on.

I know if I did have kids, I would be a big sucker for taking them to Disney, starting with a DVC purchase. That is what Disney wants, "The Circle of Life".
 
blackthidot

blackthidot

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
In the Parks
Yes
MontyMon said:
That doesn't apply in my case.

I never even considered going to WDW until I was in my 40's. I'm 51 and have been almost 20 times.

I think I understand just fine! :king:
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I agree. I did not "get it" till I was 22 years old. I was a "Its for kids" person but I at least WENT and saw so for myself. Thank god I did!
 
lilclerk

lilclerk

Well-Known Member
I think a lot of it is marketing. Heck, my 8 and 6 year old nephews think it's too "kiddy" for them and don't want to go.
 
Tigger#1

Tigger#1

Active Member
I believe it is also geared toward thoes of us who refuse to grow up and need a place to express ourselvs:sohappy:
Where else could I wear my Tigger ears and not get strange looks? DW won't let me go out with them on at home:shrug:
 
Duke of Disney

Duke of Disney

Member
The last piece of material I read mentioned that WDW is the #1 destination on the planet - that being said I think they are doing just fine. Walt was about making a place where children & adults could be immersed, learn and have fun - and since we arrive together, I think its just built in or understood in the marketing of the concept.

Im 32 years old and have been at least 30 times, and friends give me grief about it and wonder "why" I enjoy going. The fact is that it is a family tradition to go, I have memories there with grandparents since passed, friends etc. - And my parents actually went when it opened. When I go now, it's about the family time, food and rides - in that order.

I think any adult that sets foot on Disney property for the first time will instantly have respect for what Walt, Roy and the thousands of Castmembers that pull off the stunt that is "Disney" - because it really is pretty amazing. At the end of a day in the park, there is nothing like dinner at the California Grill and a nightcap at Mizner's lounge while the band plays in the Grand Floridian - these things are definitely for adults, and they make lasting impressions - or at least they did on me.
 
sleepy01020

sleepy01020

Member
Disney is still one of the top Honeymoon destinations. One of my Friends arrived at WDW this morning on her honeymoon and she's never been before. I can't wait to hear what she thinks when she gets back.
 
JustInTime

JustInTime

Well-Known Member
Disney World IS for kids. And so what? It doesn't matter. At all. Throughout history adults had adopted things meant for children (see Harry Potter). And if people don't get it, they just don't get it. Obviously the parks being seen as "kiddie" does not have an impact on the attendance. No debate here. I just feel bad for people who are missing out. :shrug:
 
blackthidot

blackthidot

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
In the Parks
Yes
JustInTime said:
Disney World IS for kids. And so what? It doesn't matter. At all. Throughout history adults had adopted things meant for children (see Harry Potter). And if people don't get it, they just don't get it. Obviously the parks being seen as "kiddie" does not have an impact on the attendance. No debate here. I just feel bad for people who are missing out. :shrug:
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It's really NOT for kids though. Its geared more towards adults in my opinion. There are way more attractions and things for adults to do than for kids. They may make things a little light so kids can enjoy it, but all the kids stuff has good adult humor as well so it evens out.

The commercial from 95 was really good with the two guys in the office.
 
imagineer boy

imagineer boy

Well-Known Member
JustInTime said:
Disney World IS for kids. And so what? It doesn't matter. At all. Throughout history adults had adopted things meant for children (see Harry Potter). And if people don't get it, they just don't get it. Obviously the parks being seen as "kiddie" does not have an impact on the attendance. No debate here. I just feel bad for people who are missing out. :shrug:
Click to expand...

I completely disagree that its for kids. Its a place with somthing for everyone. Same with Harry Potter, I wouldn't call a book series where several main characters get murdered (and some with pretty graphic injuries on the way) something made with just kids in mind. Disney and Harry Potter are actually pretty similar. They appeal to kids while at the same time they're smart and mature enough so adults take it seriously as well. Unfotunately the kiddie aspect of WDW has been over-marketed to the extent where the general public assumes Disney is for kids.
 

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