Being Critized for Your Love of Disney

[216bruce]

I'm 53. I collect Disney stuff, go to the parks and cruises with my wife and took my kids before they were on their own. I also work in the world's most sarcastic business (television). I take a lot of "guff" for being a serious Disney geek. My usual response to the inevitable weird reaction I get is "Well, I could paint my face, get drunk and go to an NFL game. I suppose that would be 'normal' in your eyes."
They usually shut up then.

 

[ChrisFL]

I think this is a more recent thing...back in the 80's or 90's, I think since WDW was advertised as more of a newlyweds/couples destination with so many "adult" offerings available...now it's all about appealing to little kids who drag their families along.

That's the problem. WDW still has a LOT of activites for adults, but it's not marketed as such

 

[ChrisFL]

I'm 53. I collect Disney stuff, go to the parks and cruises with my wife and took my kids before they were on their own. I also work in the world's most sarcastic business (television). I take a lot of "guff" for being a serious Disney geek. My usual response to the inevitable weird reaction I get is "Well, I could paint my face, get drunk and go to an NFL game. I suppose that would be 'normal' in your eyes."
They usually shut up then.

:lol:

 

[DisneyNut2007]

To make matters worse, certain members (including the nihilists that enjoy lampooning every new endeavor that Disney does these days, whose names I won't mention) of certain Disney forums (even here, unfortunately) criticize other members for appreciating Disney.

 

[NYwdwfan]

My neice (6) slept over a few weeks ago and told my daughter (6), "I love your Mickey Mouse ponytail holder" (it's got a bunch of Mickey's and pink pastel ribbons hanging off) and my daughter replied, "that's not mine...it's my mom's". My neice looked up at me with the cutest face and said, "it's really pretty."

 

[becanya]

I'm the same way. People get really tired of me and my WDW obsession. But honestly, for the first time in my life I have something that makes me feel like a kid. I was the 4 year old who sat around and read books instead of playing, so that feeling is all new to me. I honestly don't care. It gives me something to look forward to...and I echo the earlier poster who said that those people always come to me for help when they are going themselves!

 

[Computer Magic]

The problem is Disney marketing over the last 10 years. All the commercials people see today is a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 kids).

Only people like us know there is more to Disney then just kids.

To be honest, if all I saw were those commercials today, I wouldn't think Disney is for me who has no kids.

I was lucky to have found Disney in the middle 90's when Disney was focusing on young adults in their 20's. The early days of DTD, PI, Epcot Resort area, etc.

 

[becanya]

People are dumb. I think it's better the older you are, and there are certainly plenty of adults in the parks.

Not only am I a Disney trivia geek, but I have a Mickey tattoo on my chest. I either get a "That's awesome!" Or a "Whoah, now that's dedication."

My husband and I never went to WDW until we had kids, and our first thought was...holy cow, why didn't we ever do this before we had kids? It is the perfect adult trip with so many great restaurants! I wish we had been smart enough to go before we had kids.

I will say, my Disney mania snuck up on me. We went the first time thinking...wow, these people are really crazy. I had a great time, but it wasn't until I got home that I started getting obsessed with Disney. nothing in the real world seemed quite as magical. I tell people that I am getting parallel PhD's...political science and Mickey science. I will be qualified to teach both.

 

[Mr.Skunkape]

I love when people ask why we are DVC members because once your kids get older they will not want to go to Disney because it is only for little kids. I guess they think we would never go to Disney by ourselves with out kids.

 

[ABigBrassBand]

So I didn't show Snow White, but I did show them The Sorcerer's Apprentice scene from Fantasia (although all of them had already seen it and agreed it was a classic in terms of music and animation). The teacher said "I hope that isn't one of those movies that kids have trips to", and I said "nah, not really" :lol:

 

[Mouse Man]

Honestly I believe in the following:

1) Peolple who drop the line on the wife and I that alot mention in this thread have never been to Disney and seen all that it has to offer. Once some of these folks go and see all there is to do and see and experience always tell me they never had a clue how much fun and things there were to do for adults

2) Sencond batch of people are the ones that are to stuburn to get out of there beliefs and comfort zone and never go to Disney. No hope for these people unless hit with a 2x4 in the back of the head to wake up and just try something new.

3) Sadly the batch that does go to Disney World and complain and never feel happy about there trip unless they make a loved one or the rest of the family miserable. Lack of fun, grown up, lost that fun and make believe spririt. Probably do not believe in Santa Clause and teach there children the same thing. Probably due to never getting that puppy or red rider BB gun for christmas. No hope at all and never will be anything that can be done for there eyes to open.

Disney is fun, exciting, a chance to be a kid again, a place to go with your loved ones and just laugh and bond. So much to see, so much to do, so much to experience and so much to eat. I really could not imagine the wife and I never wanting to go again. That would truly be a very sad sad day.

 

[Disney05]

All the time. Our family loves Disney but I'm the one who's really obsessed. I'm listening to the Tangled sound track as I type this. But I have a head set on or I'll catch heck from my 11 year old DD. I wear my Mickey watch every day and a lot of days wear my Mickey tie to work. People have gotten used to it. I catch all the negative comments most of you probably get. But I could care less. Like others have said if that's the worst thing they can find wrong, in their opinion, about me so be it. I stick to this comment every time: "For those who get it, no explanation is necessary. For those who don't, no explanation will do."

 

[preludevtec01]

I always get... We have a Goofy here in the office. Referring to me, hah :ROFLOL:

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I love when people ask why we are DVC members because once your kids get older they will not want to go to Disney because it is only for little kids. I guess they think we would never go to Disney by ourselves with out kids.

That's a funny statement. My now 14 yro son has "plans" for a special trip when he turns 16 so he can do all the tours and stuff he's wanted to for so long but wasn't old enough. AND, both my boys (14 & 13 yros) have referenced when they get older bringing their future significant others to WDW and someday their own children. That's an arguement for buying in if I ever heard one. LOL!

Like you said, going to WDW when the kids are gone is a great time to go. The hubby & I went sans kids in May of '08 and had just as awesome a trip as any.

:wave:

 

[Disney05]

I love when people ask why we are DVC members because once your kids get older they will not want to go to Disney because it is only for little kids. I guess they think we would never go to Disney by ourselves with out kids.

My son just turned 18. He's been going since he was 12. He can't wait for our next trip in May. People just don't get it. :shrug:

 

[C&D]

I generally test the waters by mentioning my interest in Disney; if the reception is the least bit cool, I shut up and/or change the subject. Some Disney fans go too far in preaching, when others just don't have the interest and don't want to here it. Similar thing when someone starts and is relentless, with say, Vegas or the Lake or the beach, etc., etc. If you find a like-person then go for it, if not, well there are other things to talk about.

 

[artbell2]

I've seen grown women wearing cookie monster shirts before so Disney isn't the only iconic brand that people are interested in.

As far as the male demographic is concerned it can be quite a troublesome experience if your single, childless and interested in Disney. I felt kinda weird going into the Disney Store a couple times (back when we had one!) Unfortunately the media adds fuel to that fire every time a Disney (male) employee is guilty of doing something terribly wrong.

I'm mainly interested in "Old School" Disney films/music and 80s/90s vintage WDW.

There is a strong following/fanbase for theme park history especially Disney. And I think that will carry through even further in coming years. I was imagining this morning what will WDW look like in 20 to 30 years from now. There probably will be massive mega size hotels and probably a new land by then.

Disney is the kind of place that ages with you but it still makes you feel young while your there. If that makes any sense.

I imagine a lot of those people who have said things probably won't admit to it but they are probably the same people who have gone on Ebay to search for their old toys they once had.

 

[TinkerChelli]

hehehe good for you!!!!
Like in Bambi, Thumber said...if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything.....

Well Said Thumber Well Said :>)

If I had a dime for every person who asked "How old are you?" when I say I am going to Disney or talking about Disney. I also hear about how expensive it is and how much people hate it. I just always smile and say I am not a fan of you either. LOL

 

[NYwdwfan]

I've seen grown women wearing cookie monster shirts before so Disney isn't the only iconic brand that people are interested in.

I have a Green Eggs and Ham shirt and I get tons of positive comments from strangers every time I wear it.

 

[draybook]

I get the occasional ribbing from my co-workers about our trips, but that's more because they can't see spending 3-4k on a vacation. They do know that I'm obsessed with Disney and last night one of my co-workers asked for advice on when to go.