Disney parks vs. thrill parks.

Just curious on this site what people enjoy more. Do you like the theming and atmosphere of a Disney park, or prefer the thrill of a Six Flags or Cedar Fair park. I like both but would hit a park that has a bunch of high thrill coasters. I thought Disney would not be my thing since I haven't been to one since I was a kid until 2012, but I actually enjoyed it. I guess my tastes have changed. I enjoy both.

Me too. I also like apples and oranges.

How about pineapple? That is my favorite fruit. :)

I like whatever I can get to most conveniently. For me, that's WDW. It doesn't matter what I prefer because access ultimately dictates where I go.

I prefer high adrenaline rides. So naturally I would like CF or SF better but that's not to say I wouldn't want a little theming.

I like them both for different reasons. I wonder how many people don't know there is a difference?

I wear rose-colored glasses everywhere, so it's all good to me!

LostKause said:

I like them both for different reasons. I wonder how many people don't know there is a difference?

Geez, Travis, give people SOME credit, huh?

Busch Gardens (I've only been to Williamsburg) is an example of a park that strikes a perfect balance of thrill and theme, but to restate the obvious we go to different parks for different reasons, and we enjoy Disney just as much as Cedar Point.

I like The Exorcist just as much as Tommy Boy.

I prefer the charm and historic authenticity of classic, independently run parks, preferably with a high tree-to-asphalt ratio.

Having kids definitely changes your perspective. There are so many things about Kings Island and Cedar Point that I never used to pay attention to but do now. I remember not being very impressed with Holiday World the first time I went, but I was in my late teens and went with a group of friends that were used to a lineup of big coasters. The "charm" was lost on us. I haven't been back since I've had kids but I'm guessing I'll appreciate all the little things more when we do go (hopefully this year).

I prefer the true theme parks. They take you away from reality. You can ride rides at any carnival, and too many of the US parks are starting to feel like a step up from a carnival.

There is a reason that Disney has the highest attendance. There is something for everyone to do there all day long. They appeal to everyone, not just thrill seekers, and they tend to appeal to people with more disposable income. Most US parks are missing a ton of revenue by doing in the direction to appeal to just to thrill seekers.

The original Taft parks were an excellent happy medium between Disney & thrill parks. Each section was themed, each ride was at least named to match the theme. There were live shows and slow rides that everyone could enjoy, with coasters and flat rides for thrill seekers.

OhioStater said:

Busch Gardens (I've only been to Williamsburg) is an example of a park that strikes a perfect balance of thrill and theme...

I vaguely recall an interview years ago when Will Koch was asked about working anywhere else. After saying no other parks really suited him...he said BGW is one he could think was a good fit.

The Tampa park is beautiful and well-themed, and arguably a better thrill ride collection...but BGW is pure awesomeness with a lot of the intangibles like terrain and natural landscapes.

I enjoy both, for different reasons.

While I haven't been in quite a few years, BGW always impressed me as a perfect balance between the immersive theming of Disney or Uni and the thrill rides of a Cedar Point or a Kings Island.