What have you replaced your WDW fandom with?

[Christian Fronckowiak]

Hey folks,

Over the past 3-4 years, I've used the phrase, "my interest in the Disney theme parks has been priced out." Over time, with no immediate plans to return to the parks, I've read fewer message boards, phased out listening to the various podcasts, etc.

I've missed engaging with an online community the way we do here, but felt visiting these sites to be a bit fruitless, since I haven't walked through a turnstile in nine years.

If you've found yourself in a similar boat, what are some other interests/hobbies you've invested your "being a Disney fan" energy with?

Looking forward to reading!

 

[Andrew C]

1. Universal. Found it to provide a better bang for your buck, they are doing some cool things, and as the kids get older, they have found it to be more interesting.

2. Cruises. Again, better value for what you get. Fun to visit different places as family.

3. National parks, etc.: Camping, hiking, nature and exploring this wonderful country.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Hey folks,

Over the past 3-4 years, I've used the phrase, "my interest in the Disney theme parks has been priced out." Over time, with no immediate plans to return to the parks, I've read fewer message boards, phased out listening to the various podcasts, etc.

I've missed engaging with an online community the way we do here, but felt visiting these sites to be a bit fruitless, since I haven't walked through a turnstile in nine years.

If you've found yourself in a similar boat, what are some other interests/hobbies you've invested your "being a Disney fan" energy with?

Looking forward to reading!

We were Disney fanatics and only vacationed each year at WDW.
Now we are definitely Universal fans. I love their resorts and the parks. So, we have switched to Universal only for a theme park experience. We do traveling to other places, but no other parks.
I admit to missing Disney at times. We have a lot of memories at WDW over the years, but times change and we are very happy with Universal.

 

[John park hopper]

Universal has my business until Disney changes their corporate mind set

 

[Chi84]

We were Disney fanatics and only vacationed each year at WDW.
Now we are definitely Universal fans. I love their resorts and the parks. So, we have switched to Universal only for a theme park experience. We do traveling to other places, but no other parks.
I admit to missing Disney at times. We have a lot of memories at WDW over the years, but times change and we are very happy with Universal.

We’ve replaced some of our WDW vacations with DCL cruises because they’re less complicated but we still love WDW.

 

[DisJosh]

I was priced out of WDW as of about 10 years ago. I replaced in with a return to college and a mountain of student debt. Fortunately, I have always had a plethora of other hobbies: art, reading, miniature painting and aquariums to name some. All money pits but still more affordable than a trip to the magical Florida swamp.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

The cats are named after Disney princesses; it is too late for me.

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

Ita was DCL over WDW but that has now changed to DLP.
It's generally dependent on what is best perceived value for us.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

In all seriousness, I live in Maryland but can easily get out to California, so because of all the construction around WDW probably going to be spending more time at DL. I also find the crowds more manageable there.

I just was in WDW and spent most of my time at the pool. My parents are DVC members, and I am not a dummy, so I go with them to save costs. The crowds have been extremely light, so that was nice. I also am injured and having surgery tomorrow. I rented an ECV, and lemme tell you, it was wonderful. I haven't been mobile in months, and to be able to just go places, not have to worry about transportation...it was fantastic. CMs were great about making sure I was close enough to boarding areas if needed. The first time I was on RNRC, I went through the exit (that line doesn't allow ECVs; they ask you to transfer into a wheelchair. If you can't, they give you a return time and send you through the exit, which is what I usually did). The CM mentioned that the third row has a car with a door on it and a handle. I was like, what? That is amazing. It was SOOOO much easier to get in and out. I wish I had gotten her name so I could send her a cast compliment in the app because I was asking for that every time.

I don't have any real desire to do Universal. Because I have an AP at the DVC rate and don't always have to pay for a hotel, it would cost me more to go to Uni, and I can't do a lot of the rides because of motion sickness. Even though it's further, I picked DL as a second pass because I can do the vast majority of their rides. I can do straight rollercoasters, so I did Knott's Berry Farm in CA and Sea World San Diego. One of these days I gotta get to Sea World Orlando. I do Busch Gardens Williamsburg as well.

 

[Mike S]

All my fan energy is towards Nintendo now.