rob0519
Well-Known Member
That just makes you a more financially well off fan than others.
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What Makes a "Real" Fan?
- Thread starter _caleb
- Start date
That just makes you a more financially well off fan than others.
rob0519
Well-Known Member
But that would be illegal.
A true Disney fan doesn't have to be a WDW expert. If they're going to answer questions here, it sure helps, but certainly isn't required.
In my book, a "qualified fan" has at least half of the movies, has been to at least three different Disney locations (not just parks) multiple times, and owns (or has owned) DIS stock. Extra points if they've been on one or more Disney cruises, own DVC shares, and have been on a "Vacations by Disney" experience.
So, again, being a qualified fan is based on how much money you can afford to spend on travel, merchandise and investments?
I get the desire to factor in financial investment ("If you're a fan, let's see you put your money where your mouth is!") and time spent in the parks, but I know some very knowledgeable fans who don't have that kind of money. I also know several people who spend lots of time at the parks but still don't know very much about them.
It also occurs to me that we're not all fans in the same way. Some of us really get into animation and the movies- and come by our Disney fandom that way. Others may love the technical aspects of the rides/attractions/transportation, some around here are really big on fireworks and parades. We're all Disney fans, but not in the same way.
That said, it seems to me that anyone who takes to time to read/post on WDWMagic is probably a more knowledgeable fan than the average person out there!
It also occurs to me that we're not all fans in the same way. Some of us really get into animation and the movies- and come by our Disney fandom that way. Others may love the technical aspects of the rides/attractions/transportation, some around here are really big on fireworks and parades. We're all Disney fans, but not in the same way.
That said, it seems to me that anyone who takes to time to read/post on WDWMagic is probably a more knowledgeable fan than the average person out there!
Chef Mickey
Well-Known Member
It kind of shows i'm willing to spend my hard earned dollars at the place that I feel happiest.
You can "know" a lot about Disney and still not be a big fan. Actually going to the parks and spending your money there is more of a direct indicator (to me) that you are truly a fan. Voting with your wallet is the clearest sign you like something.
rob0519
Well-Known Member
Some "fans" work very hard for their money. They just don't have enough left over at the end of the year to drop thousands of dollars on travel to the parks, merchandise, stock, and well, DVC isn't right for everyone anyway. For some, buying a new release of a DVD or getting a hoodie or princess dress for their daughter from the online store is all the investment they can afford. That IS voting with their wallet. It's just not as fat a wallet as others.
KBLovedDisney
Well-Known Member
Maybe we have "Die-hard Disney fans" vs "Disney fans". Die-hard being the ones that spend our paychecks and more just going to the parks, buying merchandise, tattoos, etc. to show our love for the place (and sometimes putting ourselves in Disney Debt...). Not saying one is better than the other but I do think there is a slight difference in Die-hard Disney Fans than Disney Fans. I think Disney Fans are a lot more subtle in their love of Disney (maybe they like a few movies/could give or take a trip to Disney/etc.).
Not saying any of this defines who are true Disney fans or not. This is just my opinion.
Not saying any of this defines who are true Disney fans or not. This is just my opinion.
Chef Mickey
Well-Known Member
I totally get that. What I'm saying is I think the knowledge of Disney and the love are separate things.
Voting with the wallet can mean all of those things, including going to the parks. People are saying knowledge means something (it does), but I'm arguing I think spending means the most (even if it's movies, books, merch, etc).
jloucks
Well-Known Member
Definitely! I'd think it fair to put planning into the discussion category.
jloucks
Well-Known Member
I was going to include something along these lines in my post, but couldn't make it work without sounding grumpy. Yes, you can hate something and still be a huge fanatic.
A few people on this board don't really seem to like WDW that much, but maybe how they define 'like' is different from my definition.
The Empress Lilly
Well-Known Member
Dat my drink tab at V&A's. -_-
TwilightZone
Well-Known Member
anyone who enjoys watching disney movies, enjoys going to at least one of the parks, knows the difference between disney, dreamworks, etc., and knows at least some of the history is a disney fan in my book.
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Chef Mickey
Well-Known Member
Right. In fact, I'd argue several people here seem to complain more about WDW than act like they enjoy the parks.
Tony the Tigger
Well-Known Member
I think people have issues if they need to prove themselves a fan or disprove anyone else.
Maybe Google a local therapist and discuss self-esteem.
Maybe Google a local therapist and discuss self-esteem.
Nj4mwc
Well-Known Member
They like Disney. That's all. That's it. Nothing else is needed your own personal opinion no matter how hardcore a fan you are makes no difference. Not saying this in a negative way just it's pointless to get worked up on over the real fan question. I was a huge marvel/D.C. Geek as a kid and at one point hated all the marvel fans that came with the movies. But if they didn't exist I'd have no more movies
Nj4mwc
Well-Known Member
What if your poor and only get to watch what's offered on broadcast tv, have no money to buy merch or visit the parks and no internet to discuss Disney on. And no one in your life who cares to talk about Disney. Does that make someone more of a fan because they have the financial means. Is tom cruise a bigger fan because he got to stay in Cinderella castle. You can still be a huge fan, bigger than a sucker with an open wallet
Who's getting worked up? I'm just curious what would motivate someone who has never been to WDW to post strong opinions about WDW attractions on a WDW fan site. No hate here!
Nj4mwc
Well-Known Member
I have pop culture obsessed friends who could rattle off a million facts about the movies, parks, management but could care less for Disney, I know other friends who take their kids to all the movies and multiple park trips but hate Disney. So knowledge and spending mean nothing. A fan is one who considers themselves a fan cause they like Disney. Even if they occasionally mix up a dream works movie
Nj4mwc
Well-Known Member
It's weird I'll agree but then their idea of fandom is critiquing YouTube videos or whatever other way they learn of the attractions
Nj4mwc
Well-Known Member
Sorry I think I'm working myself up into a frenzy. I'm a reformed your not a real fan of the thing I obsess over, so I spin out of control sometimes