Is it the rides, the environment, the characters, or the themed merchandise?

[Doug Means]

My family lives close enough(easy drives) to 2 six flags and we go often. the rides are good and the price is even better. WDW, up until about 3 years ago for me, was just so immersive, and on point to the even smallest detail, that and just growing up with that magic on TV and in the movies made it just the superior place to visit. Universal has defiantly equalized the game and Disney has taken some steps back. So, In conclusion, the strict adherents to details has always been the draw. Then nostalgia kicked in

 

[Wilbret]

It has been a while since I have been on these boards. I used to be a big WDW fanatic, but I lost the spirit several years ago. AS such, I haven't even been inside the parks in over 3 years, and haven't kept up with any of the changes, nor experienced many of the new lands and attractions.

But I have been thinking about what makes Disney special when compared to other amusement and theme parks. And really I just know my opnion, which I am sure is not very closely aligned with everyone else's.

So in order to understand, what do you think makes the Disney Parks so special?

Is it the rides?
Is it how immersive the theming is, and its ability to take you to another world?
Is it the theme and character itself - would any other imaginary land be the same as the worlds Disney creates in their films?
Or is it the characters themselves that are the real draw?

I am curious to know what other people think?

I think the answer is YES.

All of those things combine to create memories. The first impression. The rides... these are often the first thrill rides kids can actual ride. The shows. The food. The smells. The heat. The rainy days. The late nights (when they had them). Osborne Family Lights (THEY NEED THEM BACK). The surprise days where the crowds are non-existent and you can ride your favorites over and over again. the crowded days where you try something new. The sheer terror a kid has when meeting a character. The sheer joy they have meeting the same character the next trip. Camping out for a great spot for a parade. Swearing you won't buy any overpriced merch, and then buying something for everyone. Crowding into a cramped monorail or bus. Frog hunting at the resort at night. Finally going swimming on the last day, and hearing your kids tell you that was their favorite part. LOL.

OH. And not being at work, yeah that helps. No house to clean. No traffic (maybe) to stress about. No worries. Just fun. Just living thru your kids' eyes and being a kid yourself. It's an escape from reality. It's a shared experience.

 

[kalel8145]

Oh what a great question. I would say the immersive theming. You're in a different world far far away from the real one. Disney World has been a part of my life forever. Going with mom and grandparents and sisters. Then taking my wife on her first trip. Then with my son and my sisters and their families. Now with my son and his fiance. Hopefully one day with his family.

 

[Dayma]

For me it has always been about the environment in the parks. I don't think anyone does it like Disney still...

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

I feel the same way.