Doing Disney 'light'

[mdcpr]

I was in Orlando last week with my teen (14) daughter. When I offered her to go to WDW, she said no, she wanted to do 'Disney Light.' And what is that you might ask.

- We visited almost every store at Disney Spring (walked 4 miles according to the FitBit)
- bought Disney goodies from World of Disney (tons of shirts)
- ate Mickey Rice Krispies Treats
- went to lunch to Ragland Road so we could also see their music show
- went to the Coca Cola store to try new drinks
- saw Circle du Soleil Drawn to Life (not the best Cirque du Soleil I've ever seen, but the one with the most heart)
- walked in the rain wearing Disney ponchos
- had pizza at Blaze

According to my daughter, this was way more enjoyable than when we went to the parks. We also realized that we love Disney (all the gear we bought proves it), but it is not about the rides for us...it is all about the experience, the shows, the sights, the food. Are we going back to the parks? Nope! We want to try a Disney cruise, or a resort with a great pool where our main focus will not be rides.

We fell in love with WDW again, but Disney Light is just right for us.

 

[thomas998]

I was in Orlando last week with my teen (14) daughter. When I offered her to go to WDW, she said no, she wanted to do 'Disney Light.' And what is that you might ask.

- We visited almost every store at Disney Spring (walked 4 miles according to the FitBit)
- bought Disney goodies from World of Disney (tons of shirts)
- ate Mickey Rice Krispies Treats
- went to lunch to Ragland Road so we could also see their music show
- went to the Coca Cola store to try new drinks
- saw Circle du Soleil Drawn to Life (not the best Cirque du Soleil I've ever seen, but the one with the most heart)
- walked in the rain wearing Disney ponchos
- had pizza at Blaze

According to my daughter, this was way more enjoyable than when we went to the parks. We also realized that we love Disney (all the gear we bought proves it), but it is not about the rides for us...it is all about the experience, the shows, the sights, the food. Are we going back to the parks? Nope! We want to try a Disney cruise, or a resort with a great pool where our main focus will not be rides.

We fell in love with WDW again, but Disney Light is just right for us.

Not unexpected given how crappy the park experiences have become. When you look at the price of a park, the hassle involved and how many actual rides you are likely to get it, add that up to the amount of time standing in a hot line... It is hard for a lot of people to justify the parks anymore. We had already moved toward more of a MK is only worth it during a special ticket event... but their overselling of those to the point that it is often just as crowded as a normal day has turned us off of even those things. Disney needs to find a solution for the parks that makes them worth it again. Right now the negatives are overwhelming the positives for a lot of visitors.

 

[DisneyHead123]

It’s a bonus when kids are at an age or stage where you can get by with blowing past the headliners. My preschool aged son is obsessed with trains, planes, cars and boats right now - his top 5 list at MK is the railroad, monorail, people mover, steamboat and Tomorrowland Speedway (he’s a maybe on Thunder Mountain and Barnstormer but he’s not sure if those are “scary” or not.) While I’ll miss doing some of the classics, I’m kinda looking forward to watching him light up at rides with super low wait times. A different way of touring the parks than I’m used to but I think having a trip just to do some of the low key stuff might be really fun.

 

[WorldExplorer]

My most recent birthday trip was by far my most enjoyable experience because I went in with the mindset that I was laying around the resort a ton and only going in the parks if I really wanted it.

I had a great time at Fantasia Gardens, enjoyed Stormalong Bay (), wandered around the Crescent Lake resort complex, watched movies in the room, popped into Epcot for food, and spent only a couple hours in Animal Kingdom. I wanted to win a dinosaur and have lunch, which I did, then I went back.

I realize that's not quite the same because this was after paying for the deluxe resort, but not feeling like I needed to stay in the parks for hours was so freeing. I wasn't so tired the whole time. I got to really feel like I got the most from the resort (especially since that whole area is so pretty). There was no feeling of forcing your way through something.

I'm doing the same for my next birthday, definitely.

 

[ppete1975]

I was in Orlando last week with my teen (14) daughter. When I offered her to go to WDW, she said no, she wanted to do 'Disney Light.' And what is that you might ask.

- We visited almost every store at Disney Spring (walked 4 miles according to the FitBit)
- bought Disney goodies from World of Disney (tons of shirts)
- ate Mickey Rice Krispies Treats
- went to lunch to Ragland Road so we could also see their music show
- went to the Coca Cola store to try new drinks
- saw Circle du Soleil Drawn to Life (not the best Cirque du Soleil I've ever seen, but the one with the most heart)
- walked in the rain wearing Disney ponchos
- had pizza at Blaze

According to my daughter, this was way more enjoyable than when we went to the parks. We also realized that we love Disney (all the gear we bought proves it), but it is not about the rides for us...it is all about the experience, the shows, the sights, the food. Are we going back to the parks? Nope! We want to try a Disney cruise, or a resort with a great pool where our main focus will not be rides.

We fell in love with WDW again, but Disney Light is just right for us.

I am curious, how far away do you live? I live in oklahoma so for me, when i go i have to go all out.

Im thinking my next trip is going to be a christmas cruise, so i can see where you are coming from.

 

[mdcpr]

I am curious, how far away do you live? I live in oklahoma so for me, when i go i have to go all out.

Im thinking my next trip is going to be a christmas cruise, so i can see where you are coming from.

We live in NYC. And maybe because we're go-go-go people, we want Disney to be more of a chill experience for us. No need to go all out if it is going to be stressful.

 

[iamgroot61]

There is no question that much fun can be had at Disney Springs. It has really evolved into something special. I have met people there on multiple occasions to get a tiny "Disney fix," which typically includes a stroll through the complex, dinner, and a visit to the World of Disney store. Checking out the live entertainment is cool too. That having been said, I don't think I would travel as far as you did just to shop and eat (I live roughly an hours' drive from Orlando). Not disagreeing that you can feel the vibe, but if I'm gonna travel hundreds of miles (probably via air) and spend at least one night (with all related expenses), I'd want to visit at least one of the parks. I'd prolly try to get a res at MK and also do a day at DS.

In Anaheim the Downtown Disney area is immediately adjacent to the park entrances and there isn't nearly as much to see and do as in Florida, but you can literally park-hop and visit DTD all on-foot. That's something I really like about CA.

I'm glad you enjoyed your visit to DS.

 

[mdcpr]

There is no question that much fun can be had at Disney Springs. It has really evolved into something special. I have met people there on multiple occasions to get a tiny "Disney fix," which typically includes a stroll through the complex, dinner, and a visit to the World of Disney store. Checking out the live entertainment is cool too. That having been said, I don't think I would travel as far as you did just to shop and eat (I live roughly an hours' drive from Orlando). Not disagreeing that you can feel the vibe, but if I'm gonna travel hundreds of miles (probably via air) and spend at least one night (with all related expenses), I'd want to visit at least one of the parks. I'd prolly try to get a res at MK and also do a day at DS.

In Anaheim the Downtown Disney area is immediately adjacent to the park entrances and there isn't nearly as much to see and do as in Florida, but you can literally park-hop and visit DTD all on-foot. That's something I really like about CA.

I'm glad you enjoyed your visit to DS.

Agree. Trip to Disney - very expensive, but happy a teenager telling you she's having the best day of her life and smiling like when she was a little girl is priceless. In other words, these memories will be everlasting.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Everyone has different likes and ideas of what a vacation will entail. Your daughter made her choice and you got enjoyment from it. That’s what counts. I’d never do a park less trip because those things in each park are what makes my trip. To me DS is a nice side trip on a day when I’ve already had many park days and I’d never make a trip out of it. I do know many folks who also go to the parks but never do any attractions. They enjoy all the other things and the dining, so that’s their enjoyment. Glad you had fun doing what you did!!!!

 

[ppete1975]

We live in NYC. And maybe because we're go-go-go people, we want Disney to be more of a chill experience for us. No need to go all out if it is going to be stressful.

maybe im just cheap then, if im going to pay for driving, or airflight plus hotels and time off work I feel i have to go to the parks. But I only go about every 5 years, so theres that as well.

I am glad you found a way to enjoy your vacation even more than before

 

[JIMINYCR]

maybe im just cheap then, if im going to pay for driving, or airflight plus hotels and time off work I feel i have to go to the parks. But I only go about every 5 years, so theres that as well.

I am glad you found a way to enjoy your vacation even more than before

Sounds like the OP might have been in the Orlando area for something else and WDW was an add on, not the purpose of the trip. If thats the case then the cost for flying, hotels etc. and not doing the parks might be easier to swallow.

 

[AndyS2992]

Sooo.. an average day at Disney Springs for me Lol If it works for you then wonderful I don’t think I could ever visit Orlando and not spend at least one day at Magic Kingdom.

 

[mdcpr]

Sooo.. an average day at Disney Springs for me Lol If it works for you then wonderful I don’t think I could ever visit Orlando and not spend at least one day at Magic Kingdom.

Different perspectives. An average day for me...not average---NYC--an 'adventure' a day if you let it be that way.

 

[ppete1975]

Sounds like the OP might have been in the Orlando area for something else and WDW was an add on, not the purpose of the trip. If thats the case then the cost for flying, hotels etc. and not doing the parks might be easier to swallow.

Ill never judge regardless. Anytime we can find happiness we should take that opportunity. Would prob be alot less wars and problems in the world, if we just found what made us happy and do it.

 

[cookiee_munster]

I was in Orlando last week with my teen (14) daughter. When I offered her to go to WDW, she said no, she wanted to do 'Disney Light.' And what is that you might ask.

- We visited almost every store at Disney Spring (walked 4 miles according to the FitBit)
- bought Disney goodies from World of Disney (tons of shirts)
- ate Mickey Rice Krispies Treats
- went to lunch to Ragland Road so we could also see their music show
- went to the Coca Cola store to try new drinks
- saw Circle du Soleil Drawn to Life (not the best Cirque du Soleil I've ever seen, but the one with the most heart)
- walked in the rain wearing Disney ponchos
- had pizza at Blaze

According to my daughter, this was way more enjoyable than when we went to the parks. We also realized that we love Disney (all the gear we bought proves it), but it is not about the rides for us...it is all about the experience, the shows, the sights, the food. Are we going back to the parks? Nope! We want to try a Disney cruise, or a resort with a great pool where our main focus will not be rides.

We fell in love with WDW again, but Disney Light is just right for us.

This. Is. Brilliant! Glad you and your daughter had a great time!

As much of a huge Disney Parks fan that I am, honestly, if tomorrow I was told I was going to Disney World, I'd freak out and obviously make myself go (because of the money spent) but I know I'd be stressing the entire time.

When I watch trip reports of people getting up at 5am to make reservations for some ride, or making reservations for some restaurant 6 months prior to actually going, I die a little inside. Where's the spontaneity gone?

The last time I was at Disney World was in 2001, my family and I were there, and we had a blast. But there was none of this getting up super early. In fact, my mom insisted we did a water park every morning before we hit the parks to my dismay (back then I was a grumpy body conscious teenager)

But yeah, looking back we just went into the park, strolled around and did what ever ride was nearest. I think the longest time we ever waited was maybe just over an hour? (fast pass helped considerably)

I'm guessing you could do the same thing now? But without ALL the planning that's now needed, can a trip to Disney World (parks) actually be that casual without actually having to wait in line for stuff for 2 - 3 hours (or more?)

 

[Brisco]

This. Is. Brilliant! Glad you and your daughter had a great time!

As much of a huge Disney Parks fan that I am, honestly, if tomorrow I was told I was going to Disney World, I'd freak out and obviously make myself go (because of the money spent) but I know I'd be stressing the entire time.

When I watch trip reports of people getting up at 5am to make reservations for some ride, or making reservations for some restaurant 6 months prior to actually going, I die a little inside. Where's the spontaneity gone?

The last time I was at Disney World was in 2001, my family and I were there, and we had a blast. But there was none of this getting up super early. In fact, my mom insisted we did a water park every morning before we hit the parks to my dismay (back then I was a grumpy body conscious teenager)

But yeah, looking back we just went into the park, strolled around and did what ever ride was nearest. I think the longest time we ever waited was maybe just over an hour? (fast pass helped considerably)

I'm guessing you could do the same thing now? But without ALL the planning that's now needed, can a trip to Disney World (parks) actually be that casual without actually having to wait in line for stuff for 2 - 3 hours (or more?)

This might be a little off topic and don't take this wrong at all I'm just curious, what is your motivation to be an active member on a site devoted to all things Walt Disney World, yet not take a single trip since 2001? You aren't the only one I've seen on this site (maybe the longest) who hasn't gone in a while and has no future plans to go. I'm just asking out of sheer curiosity just as it is a common occurrence. I, for one, frequent the parks and am not as active on this forum. Thanks!

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

This. Is. Brilliant! Glad you and your daughter had a great time!

As much of a huge Disney Parks fan that I am, honestly, if tomorrow I was told I was going to Disney World, I'd freak out and obviously make myself go (because of the money spent) but I know I'd be stressing the entire time.

When I watch trip reports of people getting up at 5am to make reservations for some ride, or making reservations for some restaurant 6 months prior to actually going, I die a little inside. Where's the spontaneity gone?

The last time I was at Disney World was in 2001, my family and I were there, and we had a blast. But there was none of this getting up super early. In fact, my mom insisted we did a water park every morning before we hit the parks to my dismay (back then I was a grumpy body conscious teenager)

But yeah, looking back we just went into the park, strolled around and did what ever ride was nearest. I think the longest time we ever waited was maybe just over an hour? (fast pass helped considerably)

I'm guessing you could do the same thing now? But without ALL the planning that's now needed, can a trip to Disney World (parks) actually be that casual without actually having to wait in line for stuff for 2 - 3 hours (or more?)

I'm glad OP had a great time, and I am glad to read your post. This forum has a handful of very prolific members, and they tend to post the same sentiments over and over. I think to some extent, that leaves people with a distorted idea of WDW. The media, I daresay, also tends to distort things. (using term media very broadly to include all reporting on WDW.) While going to WDW is not the same as it once was, and the prices are high, it is still a fun place to visit.

We do not get up at 5am. We do sometimes choose to be up about 6:30am, so we can get G+ before 7am. At WDW though, I already did wake that early. It is just now I am using that time to get G+, instead of sipping coffee. Booking G+ isn't mandatory though. It is, I'd say, a compromise we have been willing to make.

Two things are true at once- I am slightly unhappy about it, yet it is also something I'm willing to do some days. We did not buy G+ every day though. It is generally fine to go to AK and Epcot without it, or to sleep later. (which we also do some days.) IF you are willing to be in the parks early, and book G+, the effort pays off, but it isn't essential. OH, it is also worth adding the PM peripheral hours are also as good as ever. Well, no PM parade in MK, but the PM lines tend to be fairly short. You just have to know to ignore the posted wait times signs.

For us, on the days we did buy G+, we really made the most of it. We usually hop. We book as many good rides as possible in our first park, then shift to booking PM passes in another park, usually MK. We take a mid-day break, then visit MK about 6pm. That way, we enter MK with 3 decent G+ passes for 6-7pm, and use them rapid-fire. That's pretty fun, but not essential.

We have also long visited beyond WDW, especially combo trips where we combine 1 day as OP did with other FL options. We recently discovered Silver Springs State Park about 1.5 hours north of WDW, and it is a pretty neat park. It only cost a few dollars to enter, and the park very much looks like it was the inspiration for PO Riverside. It has a very Disney feel, and they offer fun glass bottom boat tours. Our Captain was super fun. As fun as any WDW CM. Canoeing also looked like a very fun option there.

In WDW, it is still also possible to tour in a pretty relaxed manner, little waiting, much of the year- IF one is willing to skip some of the rides. SOME rides now get long waits, but many reliably still tend to have short waits. Like there is never a long wait for Muppets, teacups, walk-through animal attractions, and rarely much wait for Imagination. If we just sacrifice FoP, Rise, and 7DMT. Then touring the parks is quite a bit more relaxed, so some days we make the effort to ride them, other days we skip them and just skipping the 1 ride in each park makes a big difference in touring.

 

[dmw]

My most recent birthday trip was by far my most enjoyable experience because I went in with the mindset that I was laying around the resort a ton and only going in the parks if I really wanted it.

I had a great time at Fantasia Gardens, enjoyed Stormalong Bay (), wandered around the Crescent Lake resort complex, watched movies in the room, popped into Epcot for food, and spent only a couple hours in Animal Kingdom. I wanted to win a dinosaur and have lunch, which I did, then I went back.

I realize that's not quite the same because this was after paying for the deluxe resort, but not feeling like I needed to stay in the parks for hours was so freeing. I wasn't so tired the whole time. I got to really feel like I got the most from the resort (especially since that whole area is so pretty). There was no feeling of forcing your way through something.

I'm doing the same for my next birthday, definitely.

You must have an AP. No way would I pay the full park hopper ticket price and just pop in for a couple of hours.

When we had APs we definitely visited and toured the parks differently. We did not feel like we needed to ride/experience everything in a single visit to get our money's worth.

 

[WorldExplorer]

You must have an AP. No way would I pay the full park hopper ticket price and just pop in for a couple of hours.

When we had APs we definitely visited and toured the parks differently. We did not feel like we needed to ride/experience everything in a single visit to get our money's worth.

Yeah, if someone's paying normal price for the park ticket I would never in a million years recommend just wandering into Epcot for food.

But for previous birthdays, despite having that same regular park access, it kinda felt like an obligation to go in and stay there. Like, you booked the hotel, so OF COURSE you're going to spend 10 hours in Magic Kingdom.

I'm very appreciative (or grateful or some similar word I can't think of at the moment) that I've gotten the chance to be in a position where I can take it so easy because I have such regular access to the parks. The "I need to cram this stuff in because I have one day and I paid a lot for this" mindset makes sense (and is how I used to go about it before I moved here) but it also makes it's also tiring.

 

[JIMINYCR]

This might be a little off topic and don't take this wrong at all I'm just curious, what is your motivation to be an active member on a site devoted to all things Walt Disney World, yet not take a single trip since 2001? You aren't the only one I've seen on this site (maybe the longest) who hasn't gone in a while and has no future plans to go. I'm just asking out of sheer curiosity just as it is a common occurrence. I, for one, frequent the parks and am not as active on this forum. Thanks!

Oh youll find many posting on this site who havent been to WDW for many, many years but they have a need to inject their opinions on a variety of subjects. They will be adamant that they wont go back and they wont spend another penny on Disney. Mostly taking a negative stance on how Disney is now compared to when they were there years ago. Nothing about the present Disney has any value or enjoyment. They say they need to post in order to tell people a side they arent getting here, of how bad it is and in doing so theres hope that their negativeness will influence Disney to change. They want others to stay away to drop Disneys profits, thus to send a needed message that change must take place. They seem to like the attention they get and the followers who agree with them, many who like them are staying away as well.