Are you "spoiled" by WDW?

[lazyboy97o]

Of the big theme park destinations (namely Disney and Universal), Walt Disney World would presently be at the bottom of my list. Even many local parks feature a level of guest service and amenities that should embarrass the once king of customer service and experience.

The pier/boardwalk up in San Jose, CA looks like a blast, and I hope to get there one day (gotta find someone who's willing to drive six hours from Los Angeles to San Jose)

Do you mean the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk? It is a lot of fun. I can't believe nobody wants to make the drive with you, as it is quite scenic. I'm also a sucker for Monterey and the surrounding area.

 

[rt06]

There is one place I will never visit again, thanks to Disney, and that is Rye Playland, although the go-karts there are infinitesimally better than Speedway.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Of the big theme park destinations (namely Disney and Universal), Walt Disney World would presently be at the bottom of my list. Even many local parks feature a level of guest service and amenities that should embarrass the once king of customer service and experience.


Do you mean the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk? It is a lot of fun. I can't believe nobody wants to make the drive with you, as it is quite scenic. I'm also a sucker for Monterey and the surrounding area.

Yes, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk! There are a lot of "Santas" and "Sans" here and I get confused, as you can see.

Yeah, I was planning a trip to go maybe three years ago, and when it came down to it, nobody wanted to go. I went to Monterey just once back when I was in junior high and loved every minute I spent there.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

At one time I would have said yes, then I visited somewhere other than WDW and realised that there was a whole world of new experiences waiting to be discovered.

 

[Chef Mickey]

I don't feel like you need to apologize for feeling Disney is the only theme park you find enjoyable or that you constantly compare other parks to the magic of Disney.

I don't enjoy going to other theme parks because I always long for the feeling I get at a Disney park. I am not stupid. I realize other parks offer enjoyable attractions, well kept grounds, a great staff, and good food. That's not the point. When it comes down to spending your money, spend it at the place you feel is the most worth it. Everyone won't agree on what is the "best" but it's a personal decision that only you and your family should make.

Disney has its problems but nothing makes me feel as good as being there. I take a lot of "other" types of vacations: Beaches in the Caymans, Maui, Turks and Caicos and travel to exotic places like Tokyo, Kathmandu, Seoul, Beijing, NYC, or Europe. However, those venues are not theme park related and I view as a completely separate experience. When I've visited Sea World, Universal, Cedar Point, etc, I always end up thinking about the Haunted Mansion, Pirates, and Main Street.

I am now exclusive Disney when it comes to theme parks. Am I missing out? Maybe, but I know from experience I would miss Disney more. For me, the opportunity cost of going to Universal, Sea World, or other theme parks is a day I'm NOT going to spend at Disney.

And it's not like you're alone. Disney IS the most visited theme park destination by a mile and continue to be the parks of choice for families. They are the best because they've built the best brand and the best content. Do they need to improve? YES. Will they just hold this crown forever by coasting? No, but they still have my heart.

 

[mammaminnie]

I think that my kids are more spoiled than I am. We were at Six Flags Fiesta Texas for maybe 30 minutes last year when they sadly said "Six Flags is NOT Disney World".

 

[Gullywhumper]

This only effects my 50%.
Whenever I see rides at other carnivals I realize that if Disney had made the ride it would be much better.
But if I ride it, I can still enjoy it. Like for an example, if I go to a haunted house ride at a carnival I might say "Oh man, disney could have done this much better!" but I would still enjoy it and appreciate the amount of effort put into the ride.

 

[tlev]

While I love Disney and it's the best by far, I do have to get my ride fix in between Disney trips. I'm a season pass holder to Six Flags Over Georgia. It does not even compare to Disney....but it's 3 hours away and since my sister lives in Atlanta I have a free place to stay. I also have a season pass to a small amusement park in Panama City, Florida as it's only 2 hours away we visit there quite often. It's no Disney, but it's still alot of fun for my 8 year old daughter.

 

[acishere]

I usually consider Six Flags, carnivals, and WDW/Uni to be entirely different kinds of experiences and each can be enjoyed on different levels. They are not meant to be immersive themed experiences. Carnivals are cheap thrills. Six Flags and Cedar Point are massive thrill ride destinations. Totally different set of standards.

Also most of the firework shows in my area are paired with music and are pretty well budgeted so I have yet to have Disney ruin those for me either.