For many first-timers who have never experienced Disney like most of us here on the forums have, their initial taste of what to expect during a typical WDW vacation is found through images portrayed during one of the many television commercials used to promote the parks and resorts. Some of us are familiar with the numerous commercials Disney has used, dating back decades. They bring about a sense of inner joy, anticipation for an upcoming trip, nostalgia of fond memories past, and sometimes, yes sometimes, a debate on how legitimate (or not) some of the images are when it comes to realistically giving that first-timer watching from his / her TV or device, what
truly is in store once they step onto those sacred grounds for their very first visit to the place we call home.
So, in the spirit of just for fun, I decided to compose my very own top-10 list of knowledge and tidbits of advice I've gathered from viewing the wide array of WDW commercials over the years. I hope you enjoy, and maybe use some of the tips & tricks I've discovered from the commercials to better enhance your future vacations. Now, without further delay, I give you:
Top-10 Things I've Learned From WDW Commercials.
1. Mickey Is Just Waiting To Meet Your Kid.
View attachment 221592
One of the main things I've learned from watching WDW commercials throughout the years, is that Mickey is very easy to find, is usually secluded by himself in a very centralized location, and just waiting (with no crowds involved) to meet you! This is a good tip to keep in mind, as many people have come under the impression that meeting the Big Cheese involves lines, and hordes of other eager families between your child and that coveted hug & autograph. But as the commercials clearly illustrate, all you need to do is keep your eyes peeled (preferably in areas such as right in the middle of Main Street, or directly in front of the castle), and there he will be just hanging around, free of the mobs of other park guests, and ready for your child to run up and greet! It's as simple as that.
2. If You're A Large Family, Spread Across As Much Walkway As Possible
View attachment 221593
If you're one of those families which brings three generations with you to explore the parks together, make sure you're doing so as stretched-out as possible like a moving chain link fence. Heck, the characters might even
join you for this mobile game of Red Rover maneuvering down the streets of MK. Point I'm trying to make is, single file is overrated. Sure you may get the occasional dirty look or "
excuse me" from selfish park guests who find it difficult to squeeze by or don't appreciate your stylish blockade. However, it is their folly for not learning from the commercials that
this is how you walk the parks in bulk. Spread out wide to do your theme park stride!
3. Tourists ALWAYS Know How To Dress To Impress.
View attachment 221594
This one's kinda obvious, especially for those of us who've frequented the parks multiple, multiple times. One thing you'll notice from every tourist you encounter during your Disney vacation is how classy and stylish their chosen apparels are. From the always tucked-in, collared polo shirts worn by the gentlemen, to the elegant blouses and ankle length dresses sported by the lovely ladies, there is no denying that taste and sophistication run rampant with all those who enter the park gates. Fact.
4. The Princess Pasture
View attachment 221595
Similar to #1's tip about meeting Mickey with no crowds involved, only this time it's the Disney princesses whom you can mix & mingle with sans the headache of lengthy wait times. The best place to look is in any open grass area adjacent to Cinderella Castle around mid-afternoon. There you'll find a random Disney princess waiting to say hello to your little princess. Wait times vary depending on how fast your child can run up and extend arms for that warm hug.
5. Characters On Every Ride!
View attachment 221596
You might as well tell your children to just expect a ride with some Disney character on every ride they go on...because as the commercials show us, that's pretty much a given: Ride = character sitting right next to you. It's as easy as that.
6. No Crowds During Fireworks
View attachment 221597
There's no denying that a great way to escape it all and catch a little alone time is to watch the fireworks from right smack in the middle of Main Street.
Bonus Tip: You're practically guaranteed an obstruction-free view every show.
7. It Never Ever Rains In Florida. Ever.
View attachment 221598
I mean, duh.
8. Strollers Don't Exist, And Walkways Usually Seem Deserted.
View attachment 221599
The only thing you'll find clogging up paths at Disney is a sea of more open path. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying or simply isn't doing WDW the right way.
9. The Seven Dwarfs Like To Rap.
View attachment 221600
Just as Walt intended...
And finally...
10. Mickey Hangs Out On Top Of SSE For Some Reason.
View attachment 221601
It makes absolutely no sense, but the view has got to be spectacular.
So there you have it folks, my top-10 list of neat bits of knowledge and secrets I've gathered from those timeless WDW commercials that we hold dear. If you have found some tips or knowledge of your own from past commercials you'd like to share, feel free to post away. Whoever said there was no truth in advertising obviously never used some of the tips & tricks found in past WDW commercials. But it's their loss. Because while they're fighting the mobs for that perfect firework viewing spot, or having to book a M&G months in advance, those of us who paid attention to the commercials know how to do Disney the right way.
Disclaimer: This post was done in jest. Do not take it seriously. Do not take me seriously. I realize commercials have to make things appear more lavish than they actually are. I do not recommend that anyone use the tips listed above in future vacation planning. If you do, that is your misfortune.
I'm Batman.