My Love of the Parks is Dwindling. Not sure what to do.

[MaryJaneP]

WANE or WANED means (according to www.dictionary.com) to decrease strength. WEAN or WEANED means to withdraw or accustom. Perhaps some of the posters mean their desire to visit WDW has WANED, not WEANED because their desire to visit WDW has decreased in strength.

 

[larryz]

WANE or WANED means (according to www.dictionary.com) to decrease strength. WEAN or WEANED means to withdraw or accustom. Perhaps some of the posters mean their desire to visit WDW has WANED, not WEANED because their desire to visit WDW has decreased in strength.

I could see WEAN being appropriate, especially if the poster replaced their love for Disney with love for, say, Universal...

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Give yourself 20 more years, then you will see big picture.

...because your eyes can no longer see the small one....

 

[Club Cooloholic]

For most of my life, Disney has been the thing that keeps me going. I was bullied for it when I was younger, which was hard, but I was committed to the wonderful worlds Walt and his successors created.

But it’s become increasingly harder in the past few years. I’ve learned more about the company’s past and what used to be. I’ve noticed a further distancing from Walt’s ideals. The cynicism in the community has also gotten more intense. I always wanted to work for the company I loved the most, but this made me even more committed to do so than before.

I was supposed to work in Florida this summer. It would have been my foot in the door to a potential dream come true. I’m sure it would’ve been the same for many others as well. Perhaps it’s selfish of me to be upset or foolish to think this could’ve led to greater things, but it seems like this may have been my only chance for a lifelong goal of mine. I understand why things were cancelled, but it doesn’t make it any easier.

I don’t know if I should be sharing this or not, but I just feel like I need to talk about it. I still love Disney. I don’t think that will ever change. It’s such a huge part of me. But it’s becoming increasingly painful to think about it and what could’ve been. Every time I go to Disney, I feel so much pain leaving. It feels like it’s the only thing I have.


(Note: Moderators, if this isn’t the right board, feel free to switch it. Just please don’t delete it.)

I am sure you are getting a slew of encouragement and positivity from other posters, some saying don't give up the dream, WDW will reopen and it will, eventually. But on another level, you should never look at a place, or job, or even another person as your everything. Jobs are rarely permanent, companies and places change, people do too. The only thing in this world that you have, is you. Embrace that, put your pain, your feelings your energy into YOU. Whatever the magic you find in WDW, you can find in you, and your interests. Is it the food? Work on cooking. Is it the shows? Start trying to get into your local theater(when they are back). Is it just the parks themselves? Look into architecture, or working at a place closer to you when this is done.
Overall, invest in you, not WDW. It's not going anywhere, and when you are able to go back, WDW will be lucky to have you not the other way around.

 

[Lilofan]

I am sure you are getting a slew of encouragement and positivity from other posters, some saying don't give up the dream, WDW will reopen and it will, eventually. But on another level, you should never look at a place, or job, or even another person as your everything. Jobs are rarely permanent, companies and places change, people do too. The only thing in this world that you have, is you. Embrace that, put your pain, your feelings your energy into YOU. Whatever the magic you find in WDW, you can find in you, and your interests. Is it the food? Work on cooking. Is it the shows? Start trying to get into your local theater(when they are back). Is it just the parks themselves? Look into architecture, or working at a place closer to you when this is done.
Overall, invest in you, not WDW. It's not going anywhere, and when you are able to go back, WDW will be lucky to have you not the other way around.

Agreed. Do not put all your eggs in one basket. I know some families who did something somewhat similar. Entire families all work for WDW. All soon to be applying for unemployment.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

Another way to think about this....

Consider making a list...of all the reasons you want(ed) to work at WDW, what your WDW goals are. Then individually consider wider ways to achieve the same goals. Maybe you don't want to compromise on some fronts, but there are always wider options than what we initially imagine when we get creative.

None of my peers got their dream jobs. It was a major reality/ego check. We all had to do some form of re-thinking our priorities/goals, and finding new ways to achieve them. It sucked, but eventually things get better.

Some folks say, never let go of your dreams. Bah! It is a nice thing to say, but you gotta eat. My peers all had to find alternate paths. Flexibility = strength and success.

Skilled people rise. With talent, you make the place you work into the place you want it to be. We all discovered over time, that when we opened our minds to broader possibilities, there was much we could do with our talent. We just achieved our dreams along different paths than we originally imagined.

More or less, that's life. Adulthood =letting go of our childhood fantasies. Growing up is hard. We don't always get what we want.

Maybe this isn't what you want to hear, but goodness, you have an education! If you are feeling sorry for yourself, think of the people living in refugee camps! and the great many who lived through dark days. I STRONGLY suggest we all read a book called, A Long Walk to Water. After that, read Ellie Wiesel's Night. After that, read about Hellen Keller, or Harriett Jacobs' biography called Incidents in the life of a Slave Girl.

All of those will help us appreciate the our present situation.

 

[juniorthomas]

For most of my life, Disney has been the thing that keeps me going. I was bullied for it when I was younger, which was hard, but I was committed to the wonderful worlds Walt and his successors created.

But it’s become increasingly harder in the past few years. I’ve learned more about the company’s past and what used to be. I’ve noticed a further distancing from Walt’s ideals. The cynicism in the community has also gotten more intense. I always wanted to work for the company I loved the most, but this made me even more committed to do so than before.

I was supposed to work in Florida this summer. It would have been my foot in the door to a potential dream come true. I’m sure it would’ve been the same for many others as well. Perhaps it’s selfish of me to be upset or foolish to think this could’ve led to greater things, but it seems like this may have been my only chance for a lifelong goal of mine. I understand why things were cancelled, but it doesn’t make it any easier.

I don’t know if I should be sharing this or not, but I just feel like I need to talk about it. I still love Disney. I don’t think that will ever change. It’s such a huge part of me. But it’s becoming increasingly painful to think about it and what could’ve been. Every time I go to Disney, I feel so much pain leaving. It feels like it’s the only thing I have.


(Note: Moderators, if this isn’t the right board, feel free to switch it. Just please don’t delete it.)

It's okay to have varying feelings about TWDCo. And don't let anyone try to tell you how you should feel about things you like. Only you get to decide the things that make you happy.

At the same time, you're at a crossroads. Nobody should tell you to abandon your feelings and blindly support Disney, the same way nobody should tell you to move away from them. Only you can make that decision. Use this board for feedback, and speak to friends and family. Gather information and put it all together; I trust you'll know what to do at the end.

I will say that giving this some time will help considerably. You're still well within the perimeter of an emotional loss. I'd suggest giving yourself a chance to get outside of that boundary first and foremost.

 

[TinkMar]

Never say never; things happens for a reason. I did not take a dream job offer in August 2011, on the 38th floor of the World Trade Center.
Everyone has their thing .. fo not let others dictate to you what you enjoy in this world! Careers zig and zag and with hard work, and a little pixie dust, you’ll get there!

 

[Tjaden]

Mine started dropping when I realized all my favorite attractions were slowly disappearing. It's understandable as they're a business just giving people what they want and my #1 love was edutainment but that doesn't always bring out the crowds in 2020.

It's also just a part of getting older. Disney wants my business, but I'm not their #1 market and it would be foolish of them to cater to me and my needs. Oh well there are thousands of museums out there for me and while I'm "down on Disney" it doesn't mean that I'll never visit as it does still have many positive memories. It might just be 5 years between visits until I have kids that will start their own Disney memories that will eventually get replaced as well.

 

[DisneyNittany]

Mine started dropping when I realized all my favorite attractions were slowly disappearing. It's understandable as they're a business just giving people what they want and my #1 love was edutainment but that doesn't always bring out the crowds in 2020.

It's also just a part of getting older. Disney wants my business, but I'm not their #1 market and it would be foolish of them to cater to me and my needs. Oh well there are thousands of museums out there for me and while I'm "down on Disney" it doesn't mean that I'll never visit as it does still have many positive memories. It might just be 5 years between visits until I have kids that will start their own Disney memories that will eventually get replaced as well.

I think of WDW as a toned down, PG version of Las Vegas. The parks (casinos), specifically the rides (tables), are the main draw for most people, but not for me. Don't get me wrong, I love the rides (and the tables...actually, sportsbook for me), but the ambiance is what I enjoy the most. I'm just as happy, arguably happier, with walking around World Showcase at night and grabbing a few beers than I am while on a ride. I love being in Animal Kingdom when the sun is just coming up, and while I most certainly enjoy a morning safari ride followed by a climb of Everest, I feel most relaxed (isn't that what vacation is all about) when the Dawa Bar opens and I can grab a 10a Safari Amber and take in the Harambe streetmosphere. I love the Mountain Range, but there's nothing better to me than once the parked has closed, my wife and walking around a nearly empty Magic Kingdom, taking in a dark and quiet Frontierland and Adventureland, until a CM tells us that we need to head back to the hub. And, while everyone is either exiting or shopping on Main Street, we grab a corn dog nugget meal at Casey's, find a seat, and watch the "Kiss Goodnight" a few times while the park empties. While everyone else is rushing to ToT or Slinky at 8:59p, you'll find me ordering a beer or two at Tune-In Lounge, and either sitting around Echo Lake or strolling down Sunset and/or Hollywood.

I haven't even mentioned the resorts, and how much fun it can be to explore them while the parks are at their hottest and most crowded point, or just heading back to your own and getting in some much needed pool time.

 

[SteamboatJoe]

I think of WDW as a toned down, PG version of Las Vegas. The parks (casinos), specifically the rides (tables), are the main draw for most people, but not for me. Don't get me wrong, I love the rides (and the tables...actually, sportsbook for me), but the ambiance is what I enjoy the most. I'm just as happy, arguably happier, with walking around World Showcase at night and grabbing a few beers than I am while on a ride. I love being in Animal Kingdom when the sun is just coming up, and while I most certainly enjoy a morning safari ride followed by a climb of Everest, I feel most relaxed (isn't that what vacation is all about) when the Dawa Bar opens and I can grab a 10a Safari Amber and take in the Harambe streetmosphere. I love the Mountain Range, but there's nothing better to me than once the parked has closed, my wife and walking around a nearly empty Magic Kingdom, taking in a dark and quiet Frontierland and Adventureland, until a CM tells us that we need to head back to the hub. And, while everyone is either exiting or shopping on Main Street, we grab a corn dog nugget meal at Casey's, find a seat, and watch the "Kiss Goodnight" a few times while the park empties. While everyone else is rushing to ToT or Slinky at 8:59p, you'll find me ordering a beer or two at Tune-In Lounge, and either sitting around Echo Lake or strolling down Sunset and/or Hollywood.

I haven't even mentioned the resorts, and how much fun it can be to explore them while the parks are at their hottest and most crowded point, or just heading back to your own and getting in some much needed pool time.

This. So much this. I love the rides and do everything I can to get on as many as possible during a trip. That said, I always love when I am in a park the second or third time during a trip. By then, I've probably rode everything I wanted to ride and just explore, enjoy the ambiance, and be spontaneous. The way the parks (and resorts) were really meant to be enjoyed.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

 

[mousedroid]

Never say never; things happens for a reason. I did not take a dream job offer in August 2011, on the 38th floor of the World Trade Center.
Everyone has their thing .. fo not let others dictate to you what you enjoy in this world! Careers zig and zag and with hard work, and a little pixie dust, you’ll get there!

2011?

 

[Parker in NYC]

2011?

Tink meant 2001, yes. Thanks for pointing that out for us.

 

[larryz]

2011?

10th Anniversary year.

Either that, or a typo.

 

[Hcalvert]

I have spent the last week worrying that I was going to be reduced in force at the end of the school year because my district is doubtful that they are going to get their operating levy. Yesterday, I found out that most likely that will not happen, but I will not know for sure until next Friday. I was reduced in force by this same district in 2016. When that happened, I really thought my teaching career was over. No district (other than charter schools) is looking to hire a teacher that has taught 10+ years, has international teaching experience, and has a MA when they can hire a new teacher for peanuts. I would get the interviews, but ultimately most hired within or a newer teacher. I didn't give up though. I ended up swallowing my pride and applying for a substitute position at the same district and covered 4 different teachers' maternity leaves that year, which resulted in me teaching AP English, English 9 & 10, 7th grade Math, and 7th & 8th grade Science all in one school year (over 400 students). The following school year I ended up being recalled and was awarded my tenure too.

So, roll with the punches and get back up when you are pushed or knocked down. Open a door or make a new opening. Take the road less traveled and needing wear.... or whatever other motivational quote/saying that will propel you to greatness. It will happen someday, don't worry. Here is a picture of positive feedback that I received from one of my students yesterday. It doesn't seem much, but it puts a smile on my face as this student has been somewhat challenging to engage in a lesson and even more so now we are teaching remotely.

View attachment 462084

Just a follow-up regarding my situation if anyone was wondering. I was not reduced in force but changed to a different grade level (7th). I don't mind Greek Mythology, The Giver, or The Outsiders. This is not a horrible change for me as I taught 7th grade ELA in Florida for five years.

 

[Yert3]

I know how you feel. I have loved Disney and the parks my whole life and actually moved to Orlando in 2017 just to be close to Disney. But for a while, I haven’t been liking the direction the parks have been going in. I think the last straw for me was illuminations ending. I was there on the final night and it kinda felt like a piece of me died. Especially knowing what is replacing it.

I actually moved back to my hometown 3 months ago because I just felt like Disney was starting to go down a path that I just don’t like. I will still visit the parks because I still have family in Orlando, and even if I didn’t, I’d probably still go back on vacation. I made a sacrifice to leave my hometown and friends to be near the place I love most, but if I’m not a fan of their current plans, why stay?

 

[larryz]

I know how you feel. I have loved Disney and the parks my whole life and actually moved to Orlando in 2017 just to be close to Disney. But for a while, I haven’t been liking the direction the parks have been going in. I think the last straw for me was illuminations ending. I was there on the final night and it kinda felt like a piece of me died. Especially knowing what is replacing it.

I actually moved back to my hometown 3 months ago because I just felt like Disney was starting to go down a path that I just don’t like. I will still visit the parks because I still have family in Orlando, and even if I didn’t, I’d probably still go back on vacation. I made a sacrifice to leave my hometown and friends to be near the place I love most, but if I’m not a fan of their current plans, why stay?

View attachment 464186

 

[ryguy]

The company is run by guys who don't really like or care for theme parks. They are media guys, theme parks are for the common folk. When they go on vacation they go to Paris. The goal of the parks is to suck every last dime out of the common folk. If you get that, then the parks are real turn off.

I too had the same dream of working for Disney. Which I did for a year. Thats all I needed. The college program was a scam (at least for me it was), I fortunately figured that out and didn't do it. I just went to the casting center and picked the job that interested me most. I ended up working at Epcot selling tickets. I actually liked it, and the people I worked with were very nice. Most were retirees actually. And some college program kids. But they were lucky. Most cp's were flipping burgers or doing something that any high school kid could do.

If you want to work for a company similar to Disney back when it was run by the Disney's I would go work at Chic Fil a. You can make a nice living being an owner operator. Or even a manager.

The opening of MGM Studios was when the sledgehammer hit our family on the head. I remember my Dad walking out and saying how we got duped by Eisner and it was a half baked park. For the record he was an electrician with a high school education, so it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out when you're getting screwed. He also despised time shares and thought it would negatively change Disney World. 30 years later I can't say he was wrong.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Go to a Six Flags park...It'll change your mind reaaallll quick...