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

[Bocko57]

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.However this week reading various threads on these forums,Ive never seen so many people complaining about things that spoil their vacation.Hey! Let me assure you that I would be the first to join that queue to complain if my magical vacation didn't live up to my expectations,but it always does.Yes it costs more $$$$$ each trip,what doesn't nowadays.So my question today is " Is it still magic to you ? I truly feel sorry for families who spend their hard earned bucks only for stuff to go wrong or to find out the magic is no longer there.One more thought,and I'am being serious here.I think they should be a separate thread for people who have had bad experiences,from rude CM'S to resort problems,attractions,etc.Your thoughts on this please.Does the magic still live in your hearts.?

I would have to say "Yes" the Magic still lives on in my heart. I have been going to Disney World every year since 1996. I would say after my 10th trip I started saying, "ok next year I will go somewhere else." Then after about 2 weeks after my Magical Disney Adventure, I would start getting the itch to go back and even plan a trip there that same year or start planning for next years trip. The past couple of year's our trips have been a little shorter so the itch to go back is still there when we leave. Not all trips are as magical as others but the bad experiences (which I have had) have not diminished my Love for Disney and the Magic in my Heart.

 

[BryceM]

Lol, I don't know, it felt... not as detailed, rushed, tacky, not-true-to-itself... it's hard to explain, Umberto Eco would tell it better

I'm sorry you feel that way.

If you don't mind me asking, what parts of Universal Studios Florida or Universal's Islands of Adventure feel "not as detailed, rushed, tacky, not-true-to-itself"? I'm just curious.

 

[Pateerick]

I'm sorry you feel that way.

If you don't mind me asking, what parts of Universal Studios Florida or Universal's Islands of Adventure feel "not as detailed, rushed, tacky, not-true-to-itself"? I'm just curious.

I actually have an answer for that! Toon Lagoon and Marvel Super Hero Island. Pff.

Oh, and don't forget that large concrete walkway where nothing happens next to the lake in Studios.

 

[BryceM]

I actually have an answer for that! Toon Lagoon and Marvel Super Hero Island. Pff.

Oh, and don't forget that large concrete walkway where nothing happens next to the lake in Studios.

I can see your problem with Toon Lagoon, but not Marvel Super-Hero Island. But hey, opinions differ from one person to the next. Though, hat's unfair to declare that the rest of Islands of Adventure as tacky and rushed based on your opinion those two lands.

And I hope you know that the walkway you speak of used to be the town of Amity and was home to the Jaws ride. Now, it is currently a construction site for Diagon Alley, The Hogwarts Express and a Gringott's indoor roller coaster/dark-ride!

 

[Pateerick]

I can see your problem with Toon Lagoon, but not Marvel Super-Hero Island. But hey, opinions differ from one person to the next. Though, hat's unfair to declare that the rest of Islands of Adventure as tacky and rushed based on your opinion those two lands.

I'm just saying nothing in that park really impresses me visually (ok, Harry Potter is an exception). But I could stare for hours at the buildings of the Asia area in AK, the main street in HS and each of the World Showcase pavilions. For me, magic means atmosphere and that is in how detailed and studied the theming is.

As for the walkway, yes, I was talking about that one. That makes the perfect excuse to return to Florida when it's finished. But they could make it look less like a ghost town.

 

[BryceM]

I'm just saying nothing in that park really impresses me visually (ok, Harry Potter is an exception). But I could stare for hours at the buildings of the Asia area in AK, the main street in HS and each of the World Showcase pavilions. For me, magic means atmosphere and that is in how detailed and studied the theming is.

As for the walkway, yes, I was talking about that one. That makes the perfect excuse to return to Florida when it's finished. But they could make it look less like a ghost town.

Ah, I see. I guess it's a different matter of opinion! I could easily walk around Port of Entry for hours, explore Seuss Landing, admire The Lost Continent's architecture, watch The Incredible Hulk launch, enjoy the atmosphere of New York and walk through the colorful streets of Hollywood for long periods of time.

And yes! That should be plenty of incentive to visit Orlando again. Plus, Universal Studios Florida is adding Transformers: The Ride and an expansion of Springfield around The Simpsons Ride! Also, expect a new addition to Jurassic Park over at Islands of Adventure.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I'm just saying nothing in that park really impresses me visually (ok, Harry Potter is an exception). But I could stare for hours at the buildings of the Asia area in AK, the main street in HS and each of the World Showcase pavilions. For me, magic means atmosphere and that is in how detailed and studied the theming is.

As for the walkway, yes, I was talking about that one. That makes the perfect excuse to return to Florida when it's finished. But they could make it look less like a ghost town.

Youd have to stare at buildings its not as if there is much else to do.

But good to see you adopting the fan boy fail safe of mysticism.

 

[awoogala]

Well, for all my about fp+, I am still leaving for Disney tomorrow!
I am excited and overjoyed and anxious to get on the road.
Can't wait for the magic to hit me!
I am happy it is before the fp+ rollout, though! (I don't think I am going back until the first wave of traumatic issues are dealt with!)

 

[Sassagoula-Rvr]

You know, the last trip I was pretty upset seeing Splash Mountain in such poor condition...but others in my group didn't notice anything...I just happen to be a details oriented person and that's why I have always enjoyed Disney, they think and take care of everything. They're held to a higher standard because they supposedly hold themselves to a higher standard.

However...the memories I have of Disney, and the fact that it's one of the few places in the world where I have felt 100% safe, and care free insure that it will always remain my preferred vacation destination. Once I get on property until the time I leave is among the most relaxing times I can think of (other than waiting in lines and such, but that's part of the experience )

If Disney ever gets to the point where all those tarps occlude my enjoyment of the parks, then I'll have to reconsider...but it's hard to see it getting to that point.

 

[DfromATX]

This is an interesting post to me because I've noticed the negative comments and wondered why. I've been to Disney 3 times, 4th trip will be in June. I'm so looking forward to it and I'll admit, I've been accused of drinking the Disney Koolaid, lol. However, I am fairly new to this website, and to be honest, it never occurred to me to have any complaints about Disney until I read about them on this website! I understand things can go wrong, but a vacation is what you make of it. Unless something major in the parks has happened since 2010, I am sure it will still be "magical" for me. Maybe some people go too much? It would be like having Christmas everyday.

 

[JiminyandTink]

Each trip to WDW is different, some better and some worse (and I find that mostly has nothing to do with Disney itself), but undeniably WDW always slips some magic into evey vacation and inevitably you want to come back for some more.

The more you go to WDW, the less surprised we may become to some of the little things, but there is no doubt it is the most magical place on earth.

 

[Cody5242]

Having an AP kind of takes away the magic due to frequent visits but this Christmas I stayed at the Grand Floridian for a week and I can tell you that I experienced the magic for the first time in a while. Seeing "snow" on Main Street gave me a huge smile on my face

 

[Beholder]

Does WDW still have the magic? For me, I'd have to say yes. I've been going there from the beginning, albeit as an infant, so I guess it's found it's way into my DNA. We've been bringing my daughter now for her 16 years of existence, and she still loves The World. This "magic" we talk about is really a subjective thing. I think some of us are drawn to these kind of places/experiences and tend to get the most from them. Others, maybe those who don't see the point, or never experienced it while young or simply don't enjoy that kind of impractical use of resources, will never "feel the magic". I tend to "judge" Disney by it's past, and sometimes it isn't a good comparison. Things can/should be better, but I, in no uncertain terms, still love the place. I choose to be happy, I choose to have a positive attitude, and I honestly try to pass that on. I have very little control of the world around me, but I can choose to be happy with not only being in WDW, but being fortunate enough to BE there.

As someone mentioned earlier, it is really like coming home for me and mine. My grandparents brought me, my parents, now my daughter has her memories, and that is a great feeling, knowing that a place where so many great memories were created, will be there for the rest of my life and beyond. Sometimes, even though they've passed away, I still get to "see" my grandparents everytime I go back to the Magic Kingdom. And for me, that's pretty MAGICAL.

 

[bethymouse]

All of my trips to WDW have been magical in some way. I have to admit though that our last trip ( Sept 2012) wasn't quite as magical as others have been. I have to agree w/ the poster about going too much. It's time for us to go every other year now and I think we'll appreciate it much more. I do wish we were going this year though (2013). To me, it's my happy place and I look forward to it especially spending the time w/ my kids and loving every moment. Sure, we could go to the beach or another theme park, but Disney just makes us feel special. Oh man! Now I really can't wait until 2014!

 

[bethymouse]

Sometimes, even though they've passed away, I still get to "see" my grandparents everytime I go back to the Magic Kingdom. And for me, that's pretty MAGICAL.
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[Shadowgate]

I still feel the magic as does my whole family. Yes, things have changed over the nealy 40 years since I first went to WDW but there are still plenty of happy things about the happiest place on earth! Some things are no longer as good in general such as some of the food options but there has been a number of impovements in rides and the fact that they haven't just bulldozed the classics to put in something new. Yes, you could say that they haven't replaced them due to being cheap but I don't agree with that. I do think somemore should be spent on upkeep but I will not drone on about that as there are plent of threads on that subject.

Different trips have been more and less magical than others for me.

My first trip was magical as I was 10 (1975) and my fairly overprotective Mother actually let me return to Space Mountain to try to get on another ride of it while my family finished dinner and I actually got on twice before then came back! Single rider was WAY better wait time than the 2 hours we had waited earlier in the day... plus it being 6pm may have helped with many people also eating!

My last trip was with my mother and my sisters family which was a juggle and had me being the "tour guide" eventhough everyone other than my sister's two children 3 and 5 respecitvely have been many times. So it was a bit more of a job than I liked making sure we got onto all my daughter's faves as well as some of my wife's and mine and those I new my nieces would love! We also spent a bit more time in MK that trip due to my knowing there was more to do there for everyone. So not my perfect trip but my sister thanked me profusely for planning everything and making sure everyone had fun, so a success, and my daughter loved sharing Disney with her cousins! My daughter also 10 finally decided to try Space Mountain and loved it!

My only other "less magical" time was due to weather during early December where it was in the 40's and rained 90% of the time we were there and really you can't blame Disney for that!

 

[Walt Disney1955]

Yes it hasn't changed at all. In fact, it's probably more magical today than when I was 10. I don't know how, but I'll give you an example of how I know in my heart of hearts Disney still hits my inner child:

2009 - After a long hiatus I took my wife for her first time. This was the first time I went without my family since I was younger then. I told myself over and over: "Look, you're 29 years old, don't be disapointed if the place just doesn't feel the same anymore. You're a grown man." So I went in with that mindset. Guess how long it took me to realize things were the same? Well I was driving from the airport to our off site resort which is 2 miles away from WDW. I was in the wrong lane and ended up turning on the ramp to the entrance of WDW. All of the sudden we drive under the "Walt Disney World" sign and a wave of excitement swept over me and my wife. We were in Disney World! Heck, it was 8pm and we were just trying to get to the resort. She was looking around all over the place trying to get a peek at the Castle even though I told her it was WAY at the end. Anyway, we turned around and everything felt right. Obviously I felt the same magic swoop over me in the Magic Kingdom a couple of days later.

2012 - My first trip to Disneyland. We had to do it eventually and we coupled a wonderful trip to California along with it. We were jetlagged the first night and just stopped in to eat in Downtown Disney and went back to our hotel. We didn't explore. The next night we went to the Rainforest Cafe and had lots of time to walk around. I was telling myself that I was a WDW veteran and the place just may not be the same to me and if it isn't try not to be disapointed with the comparisons. Well, we walked around Downtown Disney that night and a wave of curiousity hit me. I wanted to walk towards the gates of both parks. It was 8-9pm and people were leaving the parks but once I heard the music loop it hit me like a rock. I literally stood at the front gates in front of the fence trying to peek in there and look down Main Street. I couldn't see much. I was going to be there just 12 hours later but I couldn't contain my excitement. I had a good sleep but woke up at 6am and never went back to sleep. I couldn't. I was going to Disneyland today! My wife and I got in there and I was racing around Main Street like a kid in a candy shop. She thought it was funny. We left our 16 month old son at home but I bought him about half a dozen stuffed animals like Mickey, Donald, Dumbo, Chesire Cat, etc. I just wanted to bring a piece home. Yeah, it was safe to say Disney still had that magic.

So if it can still captivate this big burly 32 year old man then I think it's safe to say there still is magic. I was excited before I even entered!

 

[jonesenon4]

My family and i have been to disney around 75 times and we still love every trip and will continue to go for as long as we can. As a matter of fact our trip this past dec. was our best ever.We do love disney sure some things may not always be up to par but the magic is still there if you let it be there.What i'm saying is if you don't look for faults there won't be any let downs just let the magic happen and it will be there.So my answer to the OP is yes the magic is still there for me and my family.

 

[Skibum1970]

Ah, I see. I guess it's a different matter of opinion! I could easily walk around Port of Entry for hours, explore Seuss Landing, admire The Lost Continent's architecture, watch The Incredible Hulk launch, enjoy the atmosphere of New York and walk through the colorful streets of Hollywood for long periods of time.

And yes! That should be plenty of incentive to visit Orlando again. Plus, Universal Studios Florida is adding Transformers: The Ride and an expansion of Springfield around The Simpsons Ride! Also, expect a new addition to Jurassic Park over at Islands of Adventure.

I can sit at the Port of Entry and just listen to the music and look at the lighthouse. I would never categorize it as painted concrete by any stretch of the imagination. The new areas are going to be awesome (by the descriptions). Plus, who can look across the lake at Jurassic and WWoHP or from the other direction across the lake at the Hulk and the lighthouse without feeling relaxed. Of course, I also own the IOA soundtrack so I might be a little biased.

 

[Skibum1970]

With regards to Disney, the magic is there. It just depends on if you want to experience it. On our last trip, I didn't tell the wife which hotel we were staying at. So, finally, we boarded the Magical Express that took us to Grand Flo, Contemp, and WL. She kept watching my reaction and finally we were headed towards WL which was the last stop. The feeling that came over both of us as the bus turned onto the drive and then walking into that fabulous lobby was of wonder and instant happiness. So help me, everything that worried me just dissipated. I remember checking into POR on the trip before that and turning around to see my wife sitting and watching the Disney cartoons playing on a television in the lobby.

For the parks, one can't describe the feeling that comes when entering. From the first views of the castle to entering into Pirates to being welcomed by our ghost host. I always employed the Death March at theme parks but even I slow down when I get there. I don't want to rush and take away from the fun that I'm having. It goes by too quickly as it is. I want to soak it in since I know that it may be a couple years before I get back. So yeah, the magic is there. Every time.