WSJ: Even Disney Is Worried About The High Cost Of A Disney Vacation (gift link)

[Basil of Baker Street]

We went to Universal in FL for the first time a few years ago and this was our experience also, after years of hearing how cheap Universal was I was shocked how similar it was to Disney pricing.

I've found if you're going to go to Universal, just buy the AP and go more than once. Get the premier pass and you get express pass after 4pm.

 

[Basil of Baker Street]

Ooo, anyone else remember the original Contemporary arcade? Back when it was on the first floor? It was MASSIVE. And you earned tickets and got prizes.

(Last part going away is on the state of Florida, not Disney).

I dearly miss the Wave lounge. It was cool and dark and was an absolute hidden gem as a break from MK.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Here's a wild anecdotal thing. My youngest has been a few times to WDW (we usually need to be down there for a convention in the summer). The thing he wants most this summer when we go down? A hotel with a crazy pool. He could care less about the parks. All he talks about right now is going to Cedar Point this summer (mind you he's in Kindergarten). I think of some of those memories from when I was younger. It's not riding Space Mountain or dumbo. It's the parades (especially at night), the fireworks, it's the character interactions, things like that (it still occurs, but I still remember NEEDING to stay out every night to watch the electric water parade). He just doesn't have any connection with the parks at all outside of "Oh that Guardians of the Galaxy ride is fun." I know I've been broken from my loyalty, but we still go, and it's interesting that it's not connecting at all with him at his age. Now, it could just be kids are weird and he will look back much differently later, but he definitely could care less about going to Disney this year.

I guess it depends on the kid. I have memories of the original Figment even though it closed when I was three. Also remember riding Dumbo. Also lots of memories of the playgrounds, but also some specific rides. I remember Tapestry of Nations, but not really any other parades. I remember our first time watching Illuminations. I also remember when Fantasmic came out because the first time we tried see it, they cancelled it for wind and I remember my mom telling me that "Mickey says it's too windy to do his show."

I'd definitely have been mad if my parents were like "oh, we're not going" but I was raised on Disney princesses and was very much a ride kid. I'd be like, oh, take me to Disney and also take me to this other amusement park. Still am; Cedar Point is on the bucket list.

We also frequently met up with other people, so I remember that a good bit too. I think that was a big part of it, like "oh, we're going, and these other people are coming too."

I was definitely not a kid who was interested in pools. We stayed over at Beach Club when I was growing up, and I could not have cared less. I wanted to be in the parks. Now as an adult, I'm like, please leave me on this lazy river with my Kindle and do not bother me.

 

[Agent H]

I guess it depends on the kid. I have memories of the original Figment even though it closed when I was three. Also remember riding Dumbo. Also lots of memories of the playgrounds, but also some specific rides. I remember Tapestry of Nations, but not really any other parades. I remember our first time watching Illuminations. I also remember when Fantasmic came out because the first time we tried see it, they cancelled it for wind and I remember my mom telling me that "Mickey says it's too windy to do his show."

I'd definitely have been mad if my parents were like "oh, we're not going" but I was raised on Disney princesses and was very much a ride kid. I'd be like, oh, take me to Disney and also take me to this other amusement park. Still am; Cedar Point is on the bucket list.

We also frequently met up with other people, so I remember that a good bit too. I think that was a big part of it, like "oh, we're going, and these other people are coming too."

I was definitely not a kid who was interested in pools. We stayed over at Beach Club when I was growing up, and I could not have cared less. I wanted to be in the parks. Now as an adult, I'm like, please leave me on this lazy river with my Kindle and do not bother me.

Can I say something embarrassing? no one laugh please I don’t remember my first trip down Main Street USA! okay now you can throw your tomatoes

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I dearly miss the Wave lounge. It was cool and dark and was an absolute hidden gem as a break from MK.

Have you tried the lounge at Steakhouse 71? I do really like that place. I like the food better than what was at the Wave, and there's lots of artwork/photos displayed from MK and Contemporary when it was being built and in the 70s. We really like it as a breakfast spot as well. Admittedly I have not been to the lounge for food/drinks (I don't drink very often), but the seating area is gorgeous, and still dark and cool.

I do enjoy the lobby of the Contemporary as a general hangout spot. There is coffee bar on the first floor (no pastries, but they do have the peach and mango teas) and plenty of spots for charging if you need it. My favorite Disney hangout lobby is still the Grand Californian lobby in DL, but I do enjoy the Contemporary one. Although I still miss the arcade.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Can I say something embarrassing? no one laugh please I don’t remember my first trip down Main Street USA! okay now you can throw your tomatoes

I do not either.

Spoiler

I was five months old, in my defense

Spoiler

Obviously, that trip wasn't for me.

 

[JoeCamel]

For several years as a teenager I had annual passes to Lagoon park in UT and would always dream of going to DL, this year we didn’t renew our APs at DL and one of the replacement trips we’re looking forward to is a trip to Lagoon, funny how some time away makes most things special again. I’m secretly hoping that taking some time away from Disney will have the same affect and help us re-find the magic.

Amazing that L.A.Goon has continued to exist, the bench development pressure is crazy. Point of the Mountain is gravel pit and houses now.

 

[Basil of Baker Street]

Have you tried the lounge at Steakhouse 71? I do really like that place. I like the food better than what was at the Wave, and there's lots of artwork/photos displayed from MK and Contemporary when it was being built and in the 70s. We really like it as a breakfast spot as well. Admittedly I have not been to the lounge for food/drinks (I don't drink very often), but the seating area is gorgeous, and still dark and cool.

I do enjoy the lobby of the Contemporary as a general hangout spot. There is coffee bar on the first floor (no pastries, but they do have the peach and mango teas) and plenty of spots for charging if you need it. My favorite Disney hangout lobby is still the Grand Californian lobby in DL, but I do enjoy the Contemporary one. Although I still miss the arcade.

I have. But its just not the same. And a lot brighter!