Sweet! So what I'm hearing is that you appreciate the attention to detail, and some details remind you of times spent with family in the past. Maybe the environment is conducive to reliving memories because it has remained the same in appearance?
-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
Why Disney?
- Thread starter jiminy.cricket
- Start date
Sweet! So what I'm hearing is that you appreciate the attention to detail, and some details remind you of times spent with family in the past. Maybe the environment is conducive to reliving memories because it has remained the same in appearance?
YES! This is exactly the type of answer I was looking for! I mean I didn't really know what I was looking for, but I knew the answer would just feel right. Thank you! I didn't expect so many responses so fast; it's gonna take a while to go through them!
But you touched on another important point; why am I obsessed with Disney over other vacation destinations when they all serve the same purpose? Sometimes I wish I could live somewhat "sheltered" also since I grew up that way. I feel like staying involved with Disney just might offer that, but then I was afraid I might feel guilty for shutting myself off. I guess it just depends on how much I do and if it's right for me--ultimately, like you stated, it's a choice!
Thanks for all of these interesting responses! I agree; I've elevated the concept of Disney on so high a pedestal it's almost become like a dogma or religion to me. Maybe I should take it at face value and nothing more; separate work and play. I totally empathize with the security and escape sentiments. Maybe I'm starting to see Disney more for what it is more clearly than I could when I was younger.
I'm starting to wonder if subconsciously when I think of Disney I'm actually yearning for this time and place or this emotion. Maybe I just miss the exciting parts of my childhood. The trip to Disney was the highlight of my year as a child and something to look forward to--I wanted to escape the clutches of my miserable elementary school. Everyone there is nice and optimistic, there's always something to do, my parents weren't focused on work, no worries, great food, great entertainment, and the fact that there are countless things to explore and learn about the place and countless unseen details and history just adds to the mystique. That must be it. But I feel like it must be more than that because I've always known what Disney is all about, I think, and as a cast member I was so eager to perpetuate the Disney legacy and provide the same experiences for guests that I had as a guest. I don't know why. Is it a sense of heritage?
And I do remember watching the animated movie of 101 Dalmatians; it's one of my favorites! I also love Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Mary Poppins, and The Great Mouse Detective.
Maybe, like you stated, it is like an affirmation of the fictitious childlike ideals we used to harbor?
I can't get enough either! And congrats on your 22nd trip! I so would like to be there right now...maybe...okay, maybe in September...
I'm starting to wonder if subconsciously when I think of Disney I'm actually yearning for this time and place or this emotion. Maybe I just miss the exciting parts of my childhood. The trip to Disney was the highlight of my year as a child and something to look forward to--I wanted to escape the clutches of my miserable elementary school. Everyone there is nice and optimistic, there's always something to do, my parents weren't focused on work, no worries, great food, great entertainment, and the fact that there are countless things to explore and learn about the place and countless unseen details and history just adds to the mystique. That must be it. But I feel like it must be more than that because I've always known what Disney is all about, I think, and as a cast member I was so eager to perpetuate the Disney legacy and provide the same experiences for guests that I had as a guest. I don't know why. Is it a sense of heritage?
And I do remember watching the animated movie of 101 Dalmatians; it's one of my favorites! I also love Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Mary Poppins, and The Great Mouse Detective.
Maybe, like you stated, it is like an affirmation of the fictitious childlike ideals we used to harbor?
I can't get enough either! And congrats on your 22nd trip! I so would like to be there right now...maybe...okay, maybe in September...
I concur with a lot of you; I'm excited going there and depressed when leaving, but it's so hard to describe why. Maybe we all find something that we're looking for while we're there?
TheBeatles
Well-Known Member
For me, its like stepping into the past and visiting a place that I loved as a kid, but this past place still exist today virtually unchanged. Since WDW rarely looks different to me, I never feel aged when I go there.
That makes sense. It's like stepping into a photo album.
3IAlienKid
Member
I love this thread. As a kid, we lived 30 minutes from Disneyland and would go once a year. There's probably a ton of reasons why I love Disneyland, but since this is more about WDW....
I didn't take my first trip to WDW 'til the tender age of 29. My parents always said a trip to WDW was too expensive. Somehow, throughout my childhood, WDW became sort of symbolic of everything I thought my parents weren't giving me (actually, they gave me a great childhood, but you know when you're a kid....). So when I finally went, I too felt pretty much like a youth again, because literally I was fulfilling a childhood dream.
I told my friends I had finally made it to my personal Mecca, and I have a picture of me standing by myself in front of the Partners statue w/ a caption saying how I'd finally made the pilgrimage to the promised land to bow down before the great gods Walt and Mickey and lay down my enormous monetary offering (on-site hotel rate, length of stay admission ticket, meals, souvenirs, etc).
LOL! It definitely feels like a religion sometimes. Do you think your upbringing at Disneyland influenced your attraction to Disney World or Disney in general?
Pumbas Nakasak
Heading for the great escape.
I think it was the guys family name.
Oh; that explains everything now!
wedway71
Well-Known Member
I love anything Disney. Ive been going to WDW since 1971 and since then have been hooked on the Mouse.
Even though I truly love Disney I cant tell you why I do. Its almost like you cant put into words why you love Disney.You just do.
The closest way I can describe it like the difference between people who go to church every Sunday.There are people who go just to go or go because of tradition and then there are people who go because they really understand the true meaning and they cant describe it either-they just get it.
Even though I truly love Disney I cant tell you why I do. Its almost like you cant put into words why you love Disney.You just do.
The closest way I can describe it like the difference between people who go to church every Sunday.There are people who go just to go or go because of tradition and then there are people who go because they really understand the true meaning and they cant describe it either-they just get it.
LoriMistress
Well-Known Member
There are many reasons why I love Disney:
- I grew up watching Disney shows and movies. My first movie I ever saw in the theatres as when Disney re-released for the first time back in 1980's to release Snow White in the movie theatres. I still remember watching that movie as a child in the movie theatre and loving it. Also, I would watch a lot of Disney Channel as a kid and would watch The Wonderful World of Disney non stop.
- I would go to DLR as a child non stop. I pratically was raised there when I was little.
- The Disney parks are extremely clean, with wonderful CM who always smile and willing to help you out.
- You feel like you're in another world when you're in the parks.
- The rides/attractions are well detailed and you feel like you're IN the ride.
- That wonderful Disney Magic.
- When I arrive at the parks, I feel like I'm a child again.
Wow; so you were brainwashed too!
I guess it is just really hard to describe. That's an interesting way of putting it. Maybe I don't need a reason, but I am afraid that Disney is becoming almost like a religion which is scaring me a little, because I can't put my faith in a corporation! :lol:
Ravenclaw87
Member
I've been reading the boards for a little while, but this is my first post, so feel special.
I'm responding only because I feel like I could have made your first post. I feel the exact same way about Disney; the similarities are quite spooky.
I read something in my Anthropology 101 class about Disney, and I think it rings true: for many, going to WDW is like a religious pilgrimage. The way the parks--- especially the Magic Kingdom--- are set up are much like a religious experience, and, after all, wouldn't some say the Disney is not a theme park, but a way of life?
I know I go back to Disney because it makes me feel a sort of way that I can't find anywhere else. (Although, I should note that I have only been to WDW with a parent once, and that was my worst experience, so it could have something to do with that!) Disney is this special place, a world of its own, and a little escape from reality. It's a place where a boy can pull a sword out of a stone and become King; a place where growing up is not an option; a place where kisses end evil curses. It's no more, or less, than magic.
I'm responding only because I feel like I could have made your first post. I feel the exact same way about Disney; the similarities are quite spooky.
I read something in my Anthropology 101 class about Disney, and I think it rings true: for many, going to WDW is like a religious pilgrimage. The way the parks--- especially the Magic Kingdom--- are set up are much like a religious experience, and, after all, wouldn't some say the Disney is not a theme park, but a way of life?
I know I go back to Disney because it makes me feel a sort of way that I can't find anywhere else. (Although, I should note that I have only been to WDW with a parent once, and that was my worst experience, so it could have something to do with that!) Disney is this special place, a world of its own, and a little escape from reality. It's a place where a boy can pull a sword out of a stone and become King; a place where growing up is not an option; a place where kisses end evil curses. It's no more, or less, than magic.
So many reasons...
My first trip was as a ten year old back in 78' I think. I remember staying at the Polynesian and will never forget the wonder of the Monorail. Then and now it is such an immersive experience. I probably remember as many details about the resort as I do about the Magic Kingdom from that first trip (and another a few years later).
In the mid 80's we visited a few years after EPCOT opened. This would have had me in my teens and the nerd I was then was amazed by the technology that then seemed so leading edge.
Visited in the early 90's with my wife for our honeymoon. What a cool place to go and be a kid again. It was her first trip, and she was hooked. We remember seeing all the families, especially the totally out kids clutching a Mickey on the buses at night thinking about what it would be like to bring our kids in the future.
Now with our kids, we have gone every year since 2002, with two trips last year (one on 3 weeks notice to go in December). And we head back again in 4 weeks.
I really can't wait to get back. First because it is a special place for me that reminds me of some of the best times of my childhood with my family (still have my "magic" light bulb from the Old Magic shop in the MK from 79'). But also because now I can take my kids and they are grins from the time we get on the plane and even later when we get back. I love seeing all three of my children playing with Chip n Dale. Even my 13 year old goofs around in a way he would never let his friends see. And yes you will see me wearing that Pluto hat around the park .
I think what pulls it all together though is the total immersion that you feel when you are there. The attention to detail from the Magic Kingdom to Typhoon Lagoon to Old Key West to..... You aren't in any one place, your are in all kinds of places.
So in the end it isn't any one thing but so many different things that bring us back to WDW and make Disney something special.
-Greg
My first trip was as a ten year old back in 78' I think. I remember staying at the Polynesian and will never forget the wonder of the Monorail. Then and now it is such an immersive experience. I probably remember as many details about the resort as I do about the Magic Kingdom from that first trip (and another a few years later).
In the mid 80's we visited a few years after EPCOT opened. This would have had me in my teens and the nerd I was then was amazed by the technology that then seemed so leading edge.
Visited in the early 90's with my wife for our honeymoon. What a cool place to go and be a kid again. It was her first trip, and she was hooked. We remember seeing all the families, especially the totally out kids clutching a Mickey on the buses at night thinking about what it would be like to bring our kids in the future.
Now with our kids, we have gone every year since 2002, with two trips last year (one on 3 weeks notice to go in December). And we head back again in 4 weeks.
I really can't wait to get back. First because it is a special place for me that reminds me of some of the best times of my childhood with my family (still have my "magic" light bulb from the Old Magic shop in the MK from 79'). But also because now I can take my kids and they are grins from the time we get on the plane and even later when we get back. I love seeing all three of my children playing with Chip n Dale. Even my 13 year old goofs around in a way he would never let his friends see
. And yes you will see me wearing that Pluto hat around the park .I think what pulls it all together though is the total immersion that you feel when you are there. The attention to detail from the Magic Kingdom to Typhoon Lagoon to Old Key West to..... You aren't in any one place, your are in all kinds of places.
So in the end it isn't any one thing but so many different things that bring us back to WDW and make Disney something special.
-Greg
Snow White was my first movie too, when I was three! Then it was the Little Mermaid, but Beauty and the Beast really got me hooked, and the rest is history. I see what you mean; you were brainwashed too! Sorry; I use that word too much! It's immersing, it's clean, friendly, it's just all-around positive, and I guess there's nothing wrong with that! I guess it can be a little eerie, but it's Disney! And yes, I do feel somewhat like a child. I guess it's just an amalgam of everything!
I've been reading the boards for a little while, but this is my first post, so feel special.
I'm responding only because I feel like I could have made your first post. I feel the exact same way about Disney; the similarities are quite spooky.
I read something in my Anthropology 101 class about Disney, and I think it rings true: for many, going to WDW is like a religious pilgrimage. The way the parks--- especially the Magic Kingdom--- are set up are much like a religious experience, and, after all, wouldn't some say the Disney is not a theme park, but a way of life?
I know I go back to Disney because it makes me feel a sort of way that I can't find anywhere else. (Although, I should note that I have only been to WDW with a parent once, and that was my worst experience, so it could have something to do with that!) Disney is this special place, a world of its own, and a little escape from reality. It's a place where a boy can pull a sword out of a stone and become King; a place where growing up is not an option; a place where kisses end evil curses. It's no more, or less, than magic.
I do feel special! That is interesting; it is like a pilgrimage for many of us Disney junkies, and even for Americans in general. It is a bit of escapism, and I guess there's nothing wrong with that as long as I'm not distanced too much from the real world. I guess working there just gave me a different perspective, and since it was always there and nothing changed on a daily basis, the luster disappeared for a while.
So many reasons...
My first trip was as a ten year old back in 78' I think. I remember staying at the Polynesian and will never forget the wonder of the Monorail. Then and now it is such an immersive experience. I probably remember as many details about the resort as I do about the Magic Kingdom from that first trip (and another a few years later).
In the mid 80's we visited a few years after EPCOT opened. This would have had me in my teens and the nerd I was then was amazed by the technology that then seemed so leading edge.
Visited in the early 90's with my wife for our honeymoon. What a cool place to go and be a kid again. It was her first trip, and she was hooked. We remember seeing all the families, especially the totally out kids clutching a Mickey on the buses at night thinking about what it would be like to bring our kids in the future.
Now with our kids, we have gone every year since 2002, with two trips last year (one on 3 weeks notice to go in December). And we head back again in 4 weeks.
I really can't wait to get back. First because it is a special place for me that reminds me of some of the best times of my childhood with my family (still have my "magic" light bulb from the Old Magic shop in the MK from 79'). But also because now I can take my kids and they are grins from the time we get on the plane and even later when we get back. I love seeing all three of my children playing with Chip n Dale. Even my 13 year old goofs around in a way he would never let his friends see
I think what pulls it all together though is the total immersion that you feel when you are there. The attention to detail from the Magic Kingdom to Typhoon Lagoon to Old Key West to..... You aren't in any one place, your are in all kinds of places.
So in the end it isn't any one thing but so many different things that bring us back to WDW and make Disney something special.
-Greg
Wow; you've been coming for a while! My parents first visited the year after Epcot opened. Actually we went relatively frequently when I was younger...I guess it's safe to say I was brainwashed and the memories just stuck out. So do you still stay at the Polynesian? Maybe it's about memories.
That is so awesome; it makes people act differently and it's like another world; another dimension, almost! Even my childhood classmates who thought they were above Disney probably had an awesome time...I don't know why they didn't get obsessed...maybe they didn't grow up on it. I like the locale variety as well! The parks are all so different, and there's even more variety in resorts! And I guess with the amount of things to do, the interest stays because of the sheer size and plethora of things to do! And there's always something new to discover every time. So that probably took care of the boredom aspect. Maybe the magical way everything worked and the mystery was alluring.
Dragonrider1227
Well-Known Member
basically, they just DO it better. Better parks, better service, better rides, better everything. They offer so much more than the competition and ask for "relatively" reasonable prices. Other parks may cost less, but they GIVE you less too. WAY less. Disney also doesn't feel like a "park" It feels like it's own world. Universal, Six Flags, yeah. They're just parks.
Okay, so I feel like I've found the answer! My friend merely showed me this video, and it just hit me!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?d...225&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1
Everything seemed to be answered! It reminded me what it was like to be a kid, and the fact that I can sing along with lots of other people makes the experience...even more amazing, I guess?
So I guess it's basically everything all of you have been saying.
I personally feel like the most important thing about Walt Disney World is that it reminds people how to have fun and to be a kid again. I know it sounds trite, but there's a difference between reading the statement and actually feeling and internalizing it! A trip to Disney is like a pilgrimage to our childhood, when we decide to leave the real world at the gate (although I think the real world is important too, of course). And I've met a lot of people who I think could use a trip down there and loosen up. Seriously, nobody there cares if you're 40 and wearing a Goofy hat!
And there's just something special about seeing people act differently than you've seen them before, and going crazy and people going crazy with them for the same reasons and nobody even cares! It's kind of like that cathartic ritual they do out in some desert in California...I forget what it's called...
I think this human need and collective memory is what defines and unites the Disney junkie community at its most basic level. I think it's important to become a "kid" (with good sense and manners) every now and then, but I can't explain why; like many of you stated, maybe it's just unexplainable.
The attention to detail, size, variety of activities, Cast Members, history, round out everything else. We never get bored with the place because it's constantly changing: there are new attractions, new things to discover or try or notice, new people to experience them with, new ways of looking at the World. No experience is ever the same.
Guests are generally treated hospitably and pleasantly (theoretically), which is just a positive experience and adds to the atmosphere (even creates it in a lot of cases). The Cast Members are people you can share that special feeling with, bring the place to life, and if you live in an environment in which most people are not like CMs, this could be a pleasant surprise or break.
The history kind of touches on the whole philosophy behind the experience and, I don't know...just makes it more enriching? It's just interesting to learn about these people who thought this up and designed everything and put so much effort and love into this baby!
Thank you so much for all your responses! I guess this thread kind of bled with my uncertainty about the future and career, but it definitely just helped me to understand myself better. Feel free to add even more comments...my ears are always open!
And here's a video I just think everyone should watch:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=i3WWf7cbzsc
The sunscreen one?
http://video.google.com/videoplay?d...225&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1
Everything seemed to be answered! It reminded me what it was like to be a kid, and the fact that I can sing along with lots of other people makes the experience...even more amazing, I guess?
So I guess it's basically everything all of you have been saying.
I personally feel like the most important thing about Walt Disney World is that it reminds people how to have fun and to be a kid again. I know it sounds trite, but there's a difference between reading the statement and actually feeling and internalizing it! A trip to Disney is like a pilgrimage to our childhood, when we decide to leave the real world at the gate (although I think the real world is important too, of course). And I've met a lot of people who I think could use a trip down there and loosen up. Seriously, nobody there cares if you're 40 and wearing a Goofy hat!
And there's just something special about seeing people act differently than you've seen them before, and going crazy and people going crazy with them for the same reasons and nobody even cares! It's kind of like that cathartic ritual they do out in some desert in California...I forget what it's called...
I think this human need and collective memory is what defines and unites the Disney junkie community at its most basic level. I think it's important to become a "kid" (with good sense and manners) every now and then, but I can't explain why; like many of you stated, maybe it's just unexplainable.
The attention to detail, size, variety of activities, Cast Members, history, round out everything else. We never get bored with the place because it's constantly changing: there are new attractions, new things to discover or try or notice, new people to experience them with, new ways of looking at the World. No experience is ever the same.
Guests are generally treated hospitably and pleasantly (theoretically), which is just a positive experience and adds to the atmosphere (even creates it in a lot of cases). The Cast Members are people you can share that special feeling with, bring the place to life, and if you live in an environment in which most people are not like CMs, this could be a pleasant surprise or break.
The history kind of touches on the whole philosophy behind the experience and, I don't know...just makes it more enriching? It's just interesting to learn about these people who thought this up and designed everything and put so much effort and love into this baby!
Thank you so much for all your responses! I guess this thread kind of bled with my uncertainty about the future and career, but it definitely just helped me to understand myself better. Feel free to add even more comments...my ears are always open!
And here's a video I just think everyone should watch:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=i3WWf7cbzsc
The sunscreen one?
Couldn't agree more! Disney just does it better and thank God for that! I know that sounds extreme, but I wonder how people lived before Disney parks were around, or Disney for that matter...I always pictured them as sad when I was younger...:lol:
Maybe they just found pleasantries in the same things Walt did when he was a kid.
There's just something special; there's value in theming and aesthetics and environment; I just don't know what it is--but it's there for sure!