Four Parks,One World,But is it still Magic?

[disneysince71]

The more I go, the more attached I become, so I'd say it is still Magical! Otherwise I wouldn't have a vacation booked

That is the truth....!

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Dude, OK. All I said is that my family is enjoying our vacations to WDW lately, and that there has been an ebb and flow to my personal enjoyment of it over the course of my life.

I wasn't trying to be rude. WDW is still a magical place to take young kids. And as a parent there is nothing like watching their eyes light up when they connect with a bit of the magic. It's really helps us older more jaded adults remember why we fell in love with the place to begin with.

But just as much as going with little ones helps us see the place through their eyes. Going with teens also helps us see the place through their eyes, which are mostly pointed at their smartphone wishing they were someplace else. We are at the teen stage, and my family (single Dad, 16 and 12 year old daughters) was invited to attend the cast member preview of the new Fantasyland. My 16 year old declined the offer and just stayed home. So it was just my 12 year old (who doesn't have a smartphone) and I who met up with our CM friend and her boyfriend. After 2 spins on Mermaid and a tour of Be Our Guests my CM friend and her boyfriend had to leave. Then my 12 year old begged to go to Space Mountain. We skipped Belle's. So after less than an hour we were done with The New Fantasyland. We hit Space, HM, BTMRR, PotC, and were done. We spent less 4 hours in the park and then she wanted to leave. I wanted to stay and see the Celebrate the Magic and Wishes. But I could see how not interested she was in staying any longer, particularly 4 hours longer, so we left. As they say, it's all about the kids. And us adults traveling with kids usually tailor our Disney visits around what the kids want. That seems true if the kids are 5 or 12.

 

[spacemt354]

But just as much as going with little ones helps us see the place through their eyes. Going with teens also helps us see the place through their eyes, which are mostly pointed at their smartphone wishing they were someplace else. We are at the teen stage, and my family (single Dad, 16 and 12 year old daughters) was invited to attend the cast member preview of the new Fantasyland. My 16 year old declined the offer and just stayed home. So it was just my 12 year old (who doesn't have a smartphone) and I who met up with our CM friend and her boyfriend. After 2 spins on Mermaid and a tour of Be Our Guests my CM friend and her boyfriend had to leave. Then my 12 year old begged to go to Space Mountain. We skipped Belle's. So after less than an hour we were done with The New Fantasyland. We hit Space, HM, BTMRR, PotC, and were done. We spent less 4 hours in the park and then she wanted to leave. I wanted to stay and see the Celebrate the Magic and Wishes. But I could see how not interested she was in staying any longer, particularly 4 hours longer, so we left. As they say, it's all about the kids. And us adults traveling with kids usually tailor our Disney visits around what the kids want. That seems true if the kids are 5 or 12.

Well I am sorry for that. I can't really comment on that situation though because my family has never wanted to leave a disney park before.

No matter what age. When we travel with my family, we go with ages ranging from 5 to 75. Throughout all my tweens, teens and anything in between, I never got tired of going to Disney. As I got older, I started to appreciate the history of certain attractions, and read up on how they work, and little fun facts about each of them. Finding hidden mickeys was always something that kept me occupied and interested throughout. Sure, was I going to have the same favorites as I did when I was a little kid? Probably not. I wouldn't have been rushing to Dumbo, but if we went on it, it would bring mack memories and I'd still manage to have a great time. Nobody in my family, no matter what ages, wants to leave the parks. I'm in college now, yet Disney is still "cool" amongst my friends. And despite the notion that we should have grown out of it by now, we are still planning a trip on our own for spring break. We've all saved up a lot and are really looking forward to it, because we really enjoy going there.

But as I said before in my first post, I don't wish to argue. Everyone can't have the same view on Disney, because we all come from different experiences. All I can comment on is the experiences I have had, and that throughout my whole life I always keep choosing disney again and again.

We've been to Universal too. We went the first year Potter opened. I was impressed. I read all the books and saw all the movies up until that point and the detail according to the books and films was just incredible. While I was a tad underwhelmed by the fact they just rethemed two of the attractions, FJ was a great ride, and kinda made up for the fact that was the only thing "new" But for all the good attractions UNi had, it didn't fit our family. A lot of the rides my grandparents and other family members couldn't go on, either because they were too intense or would cause motion sickness. Only 4 out of 9 family members were even able to go on Potter. So we basically said to ourselves, if some members of our family can't even ride the good attractions in UNI, and overall we didn't feel the same emotional attachment as we did to Disney, then what's the point? We live close to Six Flags Great Adventure. It's much less expensive park tickets, and we get better thrill rides, which we felt was the main draw to Uni. So if we want thrills, the family members who could take the thrills can ride Kingda Ka, El Toro, etc, and the other family members who ride the tamer attractions can still come for a day out since the park isn't as expensive as Uni or Disney.

The point of the rant was that my opinions probably aren't the same as other people's on here in regards to Disney, Uni, or whatever. That doesn't mean I'm wrong, it's just a different way of having fun. Because that's all that matters is having fun and feeling that your money is well spent. If that doesn't happen at Disney for you and your family, then in no way would I want you to waste your time there. Go where you are happy, because that is the most important part.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Well I am sorry for that. I can't really comment on that situation though because my family has never wanted to leave a disney park before.

No matter what age. When we travel with my family, we go with ages ranging from 5 to 75. Throughout all my tweens, teens and anything in between, I never got tired of going to Disney. As I got older, I started to appreciate the history of certain attractions, and read up on how they work, and little fun facts about each of them. Finding hidden mickeys was always something that kept me occupied and interested throughout. Sure, was I going to have the same favorites as I did when I was a little kid? Probably not. I wouldn't have been rushing to Dumbo, but if we went on it, it would bring mack memories and I'd still manage to have a great time. Nobody in my family, no matter what ages, wants to leave the parks. I'm in college now, yet Disney is still "cool" amongst my friends. And despite the notion that we should have grown out of it by now, we are still planning a trip on our own for spring break. We've all saved up a lot and are really looking forward to it, because we really enjoy going there.

But as I said before in my first post, I don't wish to argue. Everyone can't have the same view on Disney, because we all come from different experiences. All I can comment on is the experiences I have had, and that throughout my whole life I always keep choosing disney again and again.

We've been to Universal too. We went the first year Potter opened. I was impressed. I read all the books and saw all the movies up until that point and the detail according to the books and films was just incredible. While I was a tad underwhelmed by the fact they just rethemed two of the attractions, FJ was a great ride, and kinda made up for the fact that was the only thing "new" But for all the good attractions UNi had, it didn't fit our family. A lot of the rides my grandparents and other family members couldn't go on, either because they were too intense or would cause motion sickness. Only 4 out of 9 family members were even able to go on Potter. So we basically said to ourselves, if some members of our family can't even ride the good attractions in UNI, and overall we didn't feel the same emotional attachment as we did to Disney, then what's the point? We live close to Six Flags Great Adventure. It's much less expensive park tickets, and we get better thrill rides, which we felt was the main draw to Uni. So if we want thrills, the family members who could take the thrills can ride Kingda Ka, El Toro, etc, and the other family members who ride the tamer attractions can still come for a day out since the park isn't as expensive as Uni or Disney.

The point of the rant was that my opinions probably aren't the same as other people's on here in regards to Disney, Uni, or whatever. That doesn't mean I'm wrong, it's just a different way of having fun. Because that's all that matters is having fun and feeling that your money is well spent. If that doesn't happen at Disney for you and your family, then in no way would I want you to waste your time there. Go where you are happy, because that is the most important part.

I think it pretty much boils down to the one line I bolded and underlined. I am sad that your family can't enjoy Universal Resort Orlando.

 

[JenniferS]

Good Morning Everyone. I always remember reading my first WDW brochure,not that long ago (2004) before my first visit,it stated,quote; " Imagine a place where dreams come true everyday. A place where the glass slipper always fits. Where the clock never strikes midnight. A place where the air is filled with pixie dust,and where little brothers get on with their little sisters.Then welcome to Disney World Florida." Unquote. Your thoughts on this please.Does the magic still live in your hearts.?

I can honestly say Hatter, that this year's trip was even more magical.
After years of going to WDW every year, we missed our trip in fall of 2010, as my dad had just passed away (at the age of 62, with no benefits or life insurance) and the funeral expenses were horrendous. In 2011, Hubby and I were planning a Jen and Mike only trip (no kids) and planned to go mid November. Everything was booked: resort, dining, KTTK tour and a side trip to Chapel Hill, NC on the way home. Then my mother passed, suddenly and unexpectedly (also at the age of 62) less than a week before we were due to leave. We had moved her in within us shortly after my dad passed, and the effect of her sudden death on my kids was devastating. Clearly, there was no way we could abandon them so soon. And, as much as Disney is my happy place, I would not have enjoyed myself either. A few days after her funeral, I discovered this site and poured myself into planning my next trip.
Fast forward to Fall 2012, and I am in my Happy Place again. Hubby stayed home with the boys (had coaching commitments anyway) and I am at WDW again with SIL, her daughter, and another niece. It wasn't the same, but it was wonderful. Everywhere I went, I kept remembering how much my parents enjoyed the time we took them in 2006. And then, the first night I attended the Osborne lights, I stood in the middle of the Streets of America and bawled. My mom loved Christmas so much, and put so much effort into making it special for everyone else. Standing there at DHS, watching the lights, listening to the music, and feeling absolutely gobsmacked, I felt a large measure of healing pour all over me. So yeah, Hatter, the Magic still lives in my heart.
And now I have the itch to give the West Coast parks a visit.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I can honestly say Hatter, that this year's trip was even more magical.
After years of going to WDW every year, we missed our trip in fall of 2010, as my dad had just passed away (at the age of 62, with no benefits or life insurance) and the funeral expenses were horrendous. In 2011, Hubby and I were planning a Jen and Mike only trip (no kids) and planned to go mid November. Everything was booked: resort, dining, KTTK tour and a side trip to Chapel Hill, NC on the way home. Then my mother passed, suddenly and unexpectedly (also at the age of 62) less than a week before we were due to leave. We had moved her in within us shortly after my dad passed, and the effect of her sudden death on my kids was devastating. Clearly, there was no way we could abandon them so soon. And, as much as Disney is my happy place, I would not have enjoyed myself either. A few days after her funeral, I discovered this site and poured myself into planning my next trip.
Fast forward to Fall 2012, and I am in my Happy Place again. Hubby stayed home with the boys (had coaching commitments anyway) and I am at WDW again with SIL, her daughter, and another niece. It wasn't the same, but it was wonderful. Everywhere I went, I kept remembering how much my parents enjoyed the time we took them in 2006. And then, the first night I attended the Osborne lights, I stood in the middle of the Streets of America and bawled. My mom loved Christmas so much, and put so much effort into making it special for everyone else. Standing there at DHS, watching the lights, listening to the music, and feeling absolutely gobsmacked, I felt a large measure of healing pour all over me. So yeah, Hatter, the Magic still lives in my heart.
And now I have the itch to give the West Coast parks a visit.

That's what Disney does best. And no, I don't mean make people cry. They touch people's hearts.

 

[spacemt354]

I think it pretty much boils down to the one line I bolded and underlined. I am sad that your family can't enjoy Universal Resort Orlando.

I think you missed my point. And you misinterpreted my statement that you bolded/underlined.

How can a place, after one visit, have the same emotional attachment as a place I have been to my entire life? It doesn't. Yes, I prefer Disney over Uni, but where did I say my family didn't enjoy the park?

I'm as sorry as the next person that we just don't have the funds to travel from the northeast to both Disney and Uni each and every trip. And I'm sorry we don't live in Florida, and can't travel to these parks more often. I initially didn't think it necessary to go into that, but I guess I have to be more specific for you when I say it doesn't "fit" my family.

Where did I say that we can't enjoy the resort as a whole? When you say that, it makes us out to seem like we have a warped view and can only enjoy Disney. That's not the case. I said some members of the family can't ride the intense attractions. Disney doesn't have intense attractions? Mission Space, RnRC to name a few are attractions in which our family has to separate. The rides are not everything to the park. Simply walking around WWoHP was a great experience for my family. Suess landing was very well themed. And a lot of things about Uni were very nice, but it just wasn't enough of a pull for us to choose to go back again (at least until Potter 2.0 comes out)

Please don't assume things. No, my post does not boil down to what you bolded/underlined. My point was that every family is different. If someone likes another vacation destination better, then good for them. Whatever makes you and your family happy is all that matters. That is all.

 

[real mad hatter]

I can honestly say Hatter, that this year's trip was even more magical.
After years of going to WDW every year, we missed our trip in fall of 2010, as my dad had just passed away (at the age of 62, with no benefits or life insurance) and the funeral expenses were horrendous. In 2011, Hubby and I were planning a Jen and Mike only trip (no kids) and planned to go mid November. Everything was booked: resort, dining, KTTK tour and a side trip to Chapel Hill, NC on the way home. Then my mother passed, suddenly and unexpectedly (also at the age of 62) less than a week before we were due to leave. We had moved her in within us shortly after my dad passed, and the effect of her sudden death on my kids was devastating. Clearly, there was no way we could abandon them so soon. And, as much as Disney is my happy place, I would not have enjoyed myself either. A few days after her funeral, I discovered this site and poured myself into planning my next trip.
Fast forward to Fall 2012, and I am in my Happy Place again. Hubby stayed home with the boys (had coaching commitments anyway) and I am at WDW again with SIL, her daughter, and another niece. It wasn't the same, but it was wonderful. Everywhere I went, I kept remembering how much my parents enjoyed the time we took them in 2006. And then, the first night I attended the Osborne lights, I stood in the middle of the Streets of America and bawled. My mom loved Christmas so much, and put so much effort into making it special for everyone else. Standing there at DHS, watching the lights, listening to the music, and feeling absolutely gobsmacked, I felt a large measure of healing pour all over me. So yeah, Hatter, the Magic still lives in my heart.
And now I have the itch to give the West Coast parks a visit.

. I appreciate you telling your story,and I can so understand what you all went through.I know there's been a lot of people recently on here going on about things that Disney could be doing better,and I'am not going to disagree,but your story brings it all home.Yes I'll admit it brought a tear to my eye,but that's what Disney is all about.It touches so many people in so many ways.Long may the magic live in your hearts.

 

[Beholder]

Disney has such a rich history in the lives in so many families, and not only theme parks, but tv, movies, music, toys, characters and so much more, it's easy to understand why the "magic" runs deep. It's not (in my case) a knock against UNI, IOA or anyone else, it's just that Disney is part of Americana. People have grown up with Disney, experienced things great and small with Disney, and have numerable memories with friends and family. It's more than just attractions or rides. It's everything. Maintenance issues and update/new attraction issues aside, it's near impossible to "compete" with a history that's ingrained not only here state side, but the world over.

Just my opinion.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I think you missed my point. And you misinterpreted my statement that you bolded/underlined.

How can a place, after one visit, have the same emotional attachment as a place I have been to my entire life? It doesn't. Yes, I prefer Disney over Uni, but where did I say my family didn't enjoy the park?

I'm as sorry as the next person that we just don't have the funds to travel from the northeast to both Disney and Uni each and every trip. And I'm sorry we don't live in Florida, and can't travel to these parks more often. I initially didn't think it necessary to go into that, but I guess I have to be more specific for you when I say it doesn't "fit" my family.

Where did I say that we can't enjoy the resort as a whole? When you say that, it makes us out to seem like we have a warped view and can only enjoy Disney. That's not the case. I said some members of the family can't ride the intense attractions. Disney doesn't have intense attractions? Mission Space, RnRC to name a few are attractions in which our family has to separate. The rides are not everything to the park. Simply walking around WWoHP was a great experience for my family. Suess landing was very well themed. And a lot of things about Uni were very nice, but it just wasn't enough of a pull for us to choose to go back again (at least until Potter 2.0 comes out)

Please don't assume things. No, my post does not boil down to what you bolded/underlined. My point was that every family is different. If someone likes another vacation destination better, then good for them. Whatever makes you and your family happy is all that matters. That is all.

I believe that I did mis understand your original post. But I get what you are saying. So I should have said that "I am sorry that your family can't enjoy all that Universal has to offer."

On a side note. It is probably best to not even include any mention of Six Flags when discussing Universal unless you are intending on insulting Universal fans. Because a lot of Disney fans love to insult Universal fans by saying that Universal is just a cheap and tacky Six Flags with Disney prices. We are a bit touchy on the subject. There are many folks right here on WDWMAGIC who continually call Universal "Junky". Then point out that Universal has carnival games just like Six Flags, I guess they forget about:

 

[spacemt354]

I believe that I did mis understand your original post. But I get what you are saying. So I should have said that "I am sorry that your family can't enjoy all that Universal has to offer."

On a side note. It is probably best to not even include any mention of Six Flags when discussing Universal unless you are intending on insulting Universal fans. Because a lot of Disney fans love to insult Universal fans by saying that Universal is just a cheap and tacky Six Flags with Disney prices. We are a bit touchy on the subject. There are many folks right here on WDWMAGIC who continually call Universal "Junky". Then point out that Universal has carnival games just like Six Flags, I guess they forget about:

Will do.

If the six flags matter is a touchy subject to UNi fans, then I respect that. I certainly feel it is much more on par with Disney than six flags in terms of themes and quality. Six flags is an amusement park franchise. Nothing more. No I don't feel universal is "junky" as I have seen others post on here. While I do prefer Disney over UNI, it doesn't take away from the fact it is the closest thing to Disney thematic wise in the entire world. And with Harry potter, dare I say even surpasses it. And that's something they should be proud of for sure.

 

[BryceM]

Will do.

If the six flags matter is a touchy subject to UNi fans, then I respect that. I certainly feel it is much more on par with Disney than six flags in terms of themes and quality. Six flags is an amusement park franchise. Nothing more. No I don't feel universal is "junky" as I have seen others post on here. While I do prefer Disney over UNI, it doesn't take away from the fact it is the closest thing to Disney thematic wise in the entire world. And with Harry potter, dare I say even surpasses it. And that's something they should be proud of for sure.

Couldn't agree more. Disney and Universal are leagues of their own when it comes to theming, rides and overall quality. They define "theme park". If someone says that either Disney or Universal is similar to a Six Flags or Cedar Fair park, then they need to be out on heavy medication and admitted to an insane asylum, hahahaha.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Will do.

If the six flags matter is a touchy subject to UNi fans, then I respect that. I certainly feel it is much more on par with Disney than six flags in terms of themes and quality. Six flags is an amusement park franchise. Nothing more. No I don't feel universal is "junky" as I have seen others post on here. While I do prefer Disney over UNI, it doesn't take away from the fact it is the closest thing to Disney thematic wise in the entire world. And with Harry potter, dare I say even surpasses it. And that's something they should be proud of for sure.

Thanks. And Universal is aware that their parks are more heavily weighted to the thrill group. And that is because that is what the vast majority of the theme park going demographic wants. But most of their upcoming attractions hit the "Family" demo. Transformers will have a 40" height restriction and they have a Dumbo-like spinner coming to the Simpson's expansion and The Hogwarts Express will be a full blown E-Ticket that anyone can ride. Also there are rumored to be 2 attractions coming to the Jurassic Park expansion with both being "Family" oriented.