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Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
Now, we went durning peak season and only went to MK for 2 full days, but DH and I felt kinda bored after the first day. The kids seemed to like it but they weren't overly enthused. The only part I really enjoyed was seeing there faces when they met the characters. That made it for both DH and I, I think the kids too.
I also felt like it was very overpriced for what it was.
So far the kids are not begging to go back which I thought they would. We have been to Atlantis a bunch of times and they hate leaving. As we are on the plane they are already planning our next visit. They didn't talk about Disney at all.
Anyone else feel the same way? I do think we will take them back in maybe 5 years when my little one is 8 and do the other parks too.
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Posted 4/23/14 1:19 PM  |
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
You know we had a lot of fun, but it could also be the time you went. We went mid-October when it wasn't so crowded, and also right before the whole Frozen craziness came out. We went to all the parks. Felt that our least favorite day was Hollywood Studios. Not much for them to do and it was the hottest day.
Loved MK, but also was able to move around easily and there was never a long wait. We also lucked out several times where we were at a spot where a character would pop up before anyone was around. The kids got to spend a lot of time with them.
Since Frozen I've heard it's been nuts and not to mention you also went during peak time.
Also right at the time the boys were obsessed with Mickey Mouse clubhouse and we watched it everyday.
We won't be going back for a while either, but glad we got to experience it.
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| Posted 4/23/14 1:34 PM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17795 total posts
Name:
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Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
We had a fun time - we went for a week and did 1/2 day at the parks and 1/2 day at the resorts a year and a half ago. We're planning another trip for September.
We stay offsite and our resort has great things for the kids to do - great pools, playgrounds, etc.
BUT - all DS 1 talks about is how much he wants to go to Myrtle Beach and this is the first year since he's born that we don't have a trip planned! It's making me crazy.
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| Posted 4/23/14 2:22 PM |
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mrsboss
my little love
Member since 12/09 5054 total posts
Name:
Me
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Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
Not a Disney fan at all. Prior to going, and after going.
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| Posted 4/23/14 3:35 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
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Re: Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
I can say you really don't get a feel of it in 2days. Did you just do MK? I would never go during spring break. Too many crowds so you gets long lines and don't get to do very much.
Did you do the pools? Or what did you see? I think that can make a difference too. Atlantis is fun though but IMO very different from disney.
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| Posted 4/23/14 4:37 PM |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name:
Momx100
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Re: Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
We had the opposite effect. I didn't think we would like Disney so much but we keep going back. Our kids have been to Orlando 4x in the last 3 years. I personally like that there is so much to do in Orlando and everything is so kid friendly. Each trip is a totally different experience. We have always gone during low season though. I would probably be miserable if it was too crowded.
Trip #1 - only did mornings at the park, spent our entire afternoons/evenings at our off site hotel in the pool.
Trip #2 - enjoyed everything Christmas themed. focused on shows, parades, characters and holidays. Loved Celebration.
Trip #3 - did mostly non-Disney in Orlando. Went to SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, enjoyed the Halloween décor, spent more time at the different Disney resorts vs at the actual theme parks.
Trip #4 - spent majority of our time at Epcot/Boardwalk area and focused on everything we could find with dinosaurs.
We will be going on a Disney cruise later this year. Most likely be going to Animal Kingdom and Epcot only. Our kids like AK best. They are not a huge fan of MK.
Message edited 4/23/2014 7:26:30 PM.
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| Posted 4/23/14 7:07 PM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19461 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
I think the fact that you went during one of the most crowded times for just 2 days has an enormous impact on how much you can do and enjoy at the parks. For WDW I feel that 4 days is the minimum to get a real feel for the parks and to start to get a bang for your buck. Less than that it is just too expensive, things are rushed, and you can't do it all. For DL 3 days is enough to do everything in the parks though.
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| Posted 4/23/14 10:13 PM |
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Re: Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
Posted by LSP2005
I think the fact that you went during one of the most crowded times for just 2 days has an enormous impact on how much you can do and enjoy at the parks. For WDW I feel that 4 days is the minimum to get a real feel for the parks and to start to get a bang for your buck. Less than that it is just too expensive, things are rushed, and you can't do it all. For DL 3 days is enough to do everything in the parks though.
I think you are right.
This is what we did the first day:
walked into main st. at 8:25am and saw Minnie was there so we were waiting on line. Met her at 9am.
There was a short wait for peter pan (20 minutes) so we went on that first.
That was done and Small world had a 10 minute wait. DH saw that Thunder Mountain had a short wait so he took DS to that and Splash Mountain. Durning small world the ride stopped for a good 10 minutes. I think from start to finish we there for 45 minutes. Did the carasoul We went over to meet DH and he was just getting off Splash Mountain. Then we all went on the train that goes around the park to cool off. By that point it was only 11:00 I think. We came back and went on Alladin, needed to wait 25 minutes. Walked back to see Philharmagic and it was about 1:30 when it was done. So we ate lunch and then we did under the sea. We had a fast pass for that so it wasn't bad. The kids were and us were so tired by that point and we decided to go back to the hotel. We figured we would go on more rides at night. We did take one more snack break durning the day and went back at 3:15. We rested and got back to the park to eat dinner at 7:45. So finished dinner in time for the fireworks so we stayed and watched that. Then we hung around to watch the parade. By that point it was 10:30 I think and we all exhausted (we arrived the night before and didn't go to the bed until after midnight because we had to eat).
The second day we got there at 8:45 had breakfast and DH took DS to go on Space Mountain, buzz light year, the speedway (they did that 3 times). I took the girls to do the meet and greet with the princesses since the waits get really long. We met up at 11, did dumbo, DH did the roller coaster with DS that he needed to wait online for. I walked around with DD#1 because I thought the line would move faster than it did. They got off and we went to lunch. Then we went to peter pan (had the fast pass), finished that and the next one was for Enchanted tales with Belle, did that. we come out and it is raining. We run for cover and to get ponchos and its starts pouring, I mean it was like a monsoon. Our sneakers had puddles in them as did our stroller. We decided to go back to the hotel and come back later. So we dried everything and headed back. There was no line to meet Mickey so we met him and were headed to go on some more rides and it started drizzling. So we went back to the hotel and took the kids to the arcade since we had reservations at chef mickey. Dinner took a while and the kids wanted to play in the arcade again. By 10:30 we were wiped out and the baby was sleeping in the stroller.
That was the trip!
I do agree that we went at the wrong time, originally we were strictly going to florida but a different part. I convinced DH to do a stop there and drive down.
I also don't know if it makes a difference when you have more kids walking as opposed to being a in a stroller. Its a lot of walking for a 6 and 8 year old and they were tired. My little one was fine because I was pushing her.
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| Posted 4/24/14 8:48 AM |
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MarisaK
HELLO Manolo !!
Member since 5/06 14562 total posts
Name:
Marisa
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Re: Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
We LOVE Disney but for other random reasons. I always have, DH was 'eh' about it - but we took our boys last year (then 2 & 4) and no one wanted to come home when the week was over (My parents, included!)
Everything is immaculatey clean and manicured - always
Everything is extremely organized
Youi can do everything or nothing and still have a great time.
Anything you can THINK of doing, or wanting to do, or see or eat, or experience - it basically an option there.
Everything is convenient - no NEED for a car if you stay on property - and you can walk to a significant amount of stuff (depending on where you stay) - We're city lovers, if we can walk it, it's an automatic bonus !!
Last year we went mid May and it was a perfect time -
This year we're going a few weeks later and I'm a little nervous b/c it will be hotter, and more crowded - - I'd NEVER go at a peak time. IMO, it's a waste of money b/c those crowds ruin the experience.
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| Posted 4/24/14 2:01 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
Posted by JerseyMamaOf3
Posted by LSP2005
I think the fact that you went during one of the most crowded times for just 2 days has an enormous impact on how much you can do and enjoy at the parks. For WDW I feel that 4 days is the minimum to get a real feel for the parks and to start to get a bang for your buck. Less than that it is just too expensive, things are rushed, and you can't do it all. For DL 3 days is enough to do everything in the parks though.
I think you are right.
This is what we did the first day:
walked into main st. at 8:25am and saw Minnie was there so we were waiting on line. Met her at 9am.
There was a short wait for peter pan (20 minutes) so we went on that first.
That was done and Small world had a 10 minute wait. DH saw that Thunder Mountain had a short wait so he took DS to that and Splash Mountain. Durning small world the ride stopped for a good 10 minutes. I think from start to finish we there for 45 minutes. Did the carasoul We went over to meet DH and he was just getting off Splash Mountain. Then we all went on the train that goes around the park to cool off. By that point it was only 11:00 I think. We came back and went on Alladin, needed to wait 25 minutes. Walked back to see Philharmagic and it was about 1:30 when it was done. So we ate lunch and then we did under the sea. We had a fast pass for that so it wasn't bad. The kids were and us were so tired by that point and we decided to go back to the hotel. We figured we would go on more rides at night. We did take one more snack break durning the day and went back at 3:15. We rested and got back to the park to eat dinner at 7:45. So finished dinner in time for the fireworks so we stayed and watched that. Then we hung around to watch the parade. By that point it was 10:30 I think and we all exhausted (we arrived the night before and didn't go to the bed until after midnight because we had to eat).
The second day we got there at 8:45 had breakfast and DH took DS to go on Space Mountain, buzz light year, the speedway (they did that 3 times). I took the girls to do the meet and greet with the princesses since the waits get really long. We met up at 11, did dumbo, DH did the roller coaster with DS that he needed to wait online for. I walked around with DD#1 because I thought the line would move faster than it did. They got off and we went to lunch. Then we went to peter pan (had the fast pass), finished that and the next one was for Enchanted tales with Belle, did that. we come out and it is raining. We run for cover and to get ponchos and its starts pouring, I mean it was like a monsoon. Our sneakers had puddles in them as did our stroller. We decided to go back to the hotel and come back later. So we dried everything and headed back. There was no line to meet Mickey so we met him and were headed to go on some more rides and it started drizzling. So we went back to the hotel and took the kids to the arcade since we had reservations at chef mickey. Dinner took a while and the kids wanted to play in the arcade again. By 10:30 we were wiped out and the baby was sleeping in the stroller.
That was the trip!
I do agree that we went at the wrong time, originally we were strictly going to florida but a different part. I convinced DH to do a stop there and drive down.
I also don't know if it makes a difference when you have more kids walking as opposed to being a in a stroller. Its a lot of walking for a 6 and 8 year old and they were tired. My little one was fine because I was pushing her.
Ok I admit I do enjoy disney in NON crowded times (won't go when it is wall to wall) but I am tired for you reading that. We go at rope drop have our list to do in the order with the shortest waits and then we leave. We hit the pool relax at the resort. My kids would hate it to if we were at parks until closing etc. We enjoy EPCOT too. Listen I will be honest Disney isn't for everyone. My parents can't stand the place but this is their third trip with my kids. They love seeing the girls' excitement. I think sometimes a mixture of park resort time is better than trying to see it all. When you go longer you feel less pressure to "do it all" and can be more relaxed. Some people enjoy commando. We don't. Disney is a lot of walking and kids tire out, then they Greg cranky etc. I have seen kids almost 10 in those rented park strollers. Heck I think some adults would like to get in.
Sorry you did not enjoy it more. Maybe another time you could try a little longer trip in a less crowded time.
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| Posted 4/24/14 8:10 PM |
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Re: Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
The 2nd to last time I went, I was in 10th grade.
After DS was born, DH and I never really thought we would ever go unless DS was begging for it. Then my parents planned a family trip and went all out (hotel/meal plan/hopper/etc) and we went.
It was better than I expected in some ways. I hate rides and I thought I was going to be sitting on a bench the whole time while my family went on the rides but I went on so many things that were my pace.
BUT the crowds (we went in early October) and the lines were SO annoying. I was not a fan of Epcot at all.
And the worst part for me was staying to watch the fireworks show and then the HOUR to get out of there afterwards!!!! It was like Times Square on NYE! Torture!
If we ever go again, I will be skipping Epcot and watching the fireworks from somewhere else.
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| Posted 4/29/14 10:47 AM |
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LittleDiva
LIF Adult
Member since 9/11 1284 total posts
Name:
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Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
i HATED our first time. we thought it wouldnt be crowded but it was the rest of the country's spring break! and we did no research before so we spent alot of time walking around lost and had a cranky toddler (who we decided to potty train before the trip, bad idea!)
now we went again and did so much pre planning (which made me hate disney again) and we went with a much older 'toddler' and it was such a better experience! i cant wait to go back!!!
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| Posted 4/29/14 1:28 PM |
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Dani922
Here's to new beginnings
Member since 10/07 7260 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
I'm going next week with SO & my kids. I've never been nor have the kids, but SO went many times as a kid. He hated it pretty much every time. I'm hoping seeing it through the eyes of the kids will be a different experience for him.
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| Posted 4/29/14 7:15 PM |
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MrsA714
Baby #2 is here!
Member since 8/07 8806 total posts
Name:
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Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
I wouldn't say I didn't come back a fan BUT I would NEVER go back with a toddler. EVER. My oldest was 3, just about to turn 4. That was a perfect age. From that age on I think it's great. My youngest was about 19 months. I did not think it was enjoyable for me or him at all. And we went during an off peak, not crowded time. Those people who bring babies and toddlers to Disney and actually enjoy it impress me. Immensely. lol
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| Posted 4/30/14 10:15 AM |
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JP826
=)
Member since 9/06 10903 total posts
Name:
Me!! All about ME!
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Re: Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
I have no interest, neither does either of my kids.
I went in 07 (Pre kids) and thought it was okay. Nothing spectacular. I just dont get all the hype. My idea of a vacation is the exact opposite of crowds, lines, sweltering heat/humidity combo and tourist traps. (and sorry to insult anyone, but tons and tons of kids)!
Give me a beach, some nice scenery an all inclusive perhaps and great restaurants.. and I'm sold.
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| Posted 4/30/14 2:21 PM |
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Re: Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
Posted by JP826
I have no interest, neither does either of my kids.
I went in 07 (Pre kids) and thought it was okay. Nothing spectacular. I just dont get all the hype. My idea of a vacation is the exact opposite of crowds, lines, sweltering heat/humidity combo and tourist traps. (and sorry to insult anyone, but tons and tons of kids)!
Give me a beach, some nice scenery an all inclusive perhaps and great restaurants.. and I'm sold.
This is how we vacation too. I feel better knowing I'm not alone 
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| Posted 4/30/14 5:32 PM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
I almost didn't respond to this because I am a Disney lover but then I read it again and noticed that you did two full days at MK. That was probably, IMHO, a big part of the problem.
I might be in the minority on this one but I don't think MK requires two full days and honestly there is so much more to Disney than MK.
While MK has several beloved rides there are also a lot that are overrated and remind me of things you find at any random portable fair on LI during the summer, just with more theming.
I think the other three parks actually have more in the way of uniqueness. On the last trip we actually spent most of our time at Epcot and HS. Everyone calls the latter a half day park, and it definitely has less headliners than MK, but DS loves Pixar everything and DSD loves the two headliner thrill rides so we did 1.5 days there.
You (general you) really have to do the research to get the most out of Disney. It's easy to get lost in all that it offers and not planning makes you more vulnerable to things like crowds and long lines. (I can't remember how much planning you said you did, I'm just speaking generally based on many anecdotes I've heard, on this thread and elsewhere.)
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| Posted 5/1/14 11:30 PM |
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DancinBarefoot
06ers Rock!!
Member since 1/07 9537 total posts
Name:
The One My Mother Gave Me ;-)
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Has anyone been to Disney and come back not a fan?
The very first time I went to Disney I was not impressed, and completely didn't understand what the hype was all about. Even the second time, I wasn't all that enamored. Part of my dislike was the commando way we went through the parks, and part of it (for the second trip) was the amount of pre-planning that had to go into it. Now, it is like my home away from home, and i love it.
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| Posted 5/4/14 2:32 PM |
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