Opinions on Disney

Hey guys

Most amusement parks are generally the same, there are bigger ones, smaller ones, some that are themed like Universal and others have huge coasters like the Point.

And then there is Disney World.

Like many parks, there aren't many thrill rides but at the same time there is themeing and it's a resort destination.

So how does the average coaster freak think of it? Boring, poorly managed, fun, great, what?

They don't have big coasters which would be a downside to most of us. I don't here much on Disney here at CBuzz and I was wondering what everyone thought of it.

For me..
I went to Disney nearly every year up to about the age 7-8. I have some great childhood memories of going there. I thought it was so cool. I remember going from 30 degrees in New York to 90 degrees in Florida and it was so weird. I loved Pirates of the Carribean and Splash Mountain and although my thrill ride obsession started with Viper at SFDL I still had such a great time.

I went last year and had a little bit of a change of heart. I still saw 'the disney magic' that little kids would experience, but it wasn't fun anymore. I can appreciate parks like Magic Kindgom for what they are but when you have to wait upwards of an hour to ride Peter Pan's Flight it's not fun anymore. I was so angry at Magic Kindgom it just wasn't fun any more. I guess they can't control how many people come but they charge $55 where as at Cedar Point there is stuff for young AND old for only $43.99 and the waits are shorter and for more exciting rides.

I went to MGM which was less crowded and although there were still lines they weren't bad because they actually moved and they were worth it for rides such as Rockin Rollercoaster and ToT, which were both a blast. I also loved some of the other rides as well.

Maybe I'm getting older, maybe I just need thrill rides at a park. What are your views on Disney?

My views on Disney? Wow, don't get me started! lol. I absolutely love the parks to death. I've been to WDW several times and it still ranks number 1 on my list. Even though I'm more a theme park enthusiast than a coaster one, I still think Disney parks are superior to others. But again, that's just my opnion. So far I've only been to WDW, but next year I'll visit Disneyland for the first time to celebrate the 50th!!! :D I can't wait! *** Edited 11/21/2004 3:14:12 AM UTC by LightningRacer821***

I can't stand Disney. I hate the corporate mega-empire that it is and everything it stands for as a company.

As a park, I also can't stand Disney World. The place is boring, the theme is better at Universal, and the rides are lame. I've been there three times and the only time I really enjoyed myself at Magic Kingdom was this last time and that was only because my girl who loves Disney was there for teh first time and was flipping out the entire time.

MGM is a little better, there's some good thrill rides there, but it's still not worth the trip or the money for that park alone. Gotta throw in a IoA or BGT in the trip to make it worth it.

Yea, that's my opinion on Disney, take it or leave it.

I love Disney. I've been to DL, WDW, and Tokyo DL. They are all very magical, special places to me. I know that sounds lame, but it's true :)

I'm saddened to see how the SoCal resort has gone downhill, but I'm optomistic that thigns are improving. However, I just wish the Oriental Land Co. (the corp. that owns Tokyo DL) would just buy the American resorts and start operating them. That would be a dream come true....they can out Disney the Disney corp!. (Translation: Spend whatever it takes to make their parks the best possible)

Maybe, maybe not, Peabody. My boyfriend has spent the last year working at Tokyo DisneySea and, while the parks are gorgeous, they aren't the best company to work for. At least, based on anecdotal evidence from him and other OLC employees I've talked to on my visits there.

But they are gorgeous, gorgeous parks, and I would almost sell my mother to get the Hunny Hunt ride in the states. That ride is incredible.

From the safety record of Big Thunder Mountain RR, maybe coaster enthusiasts should be grateful that Disney doesn't have many coasters.

On the upside: lap bars on Tower of Terror, animatronics, good selection of food, and themed queues that are designed to be at least slightly stimulating during long waits.

My only beef with the Disney parks is the price. It actually disturbs me that they charge outrageous admission prices but people are paying it so as a business, they aren't going to lower them.

Just everything Disney in general is marked up considerably. Even the Disney stores dotted around the country are ridiculously high in prices for what you get.

Don't get me started on the last 5 years of Disney movies (exception being Lilo & Stich and the Pixar movies). *** Edited 11/21/2004 5:25:22 AM UTC by Chitown***

For a themed, family experience, nothing beats Disney.

But, if you're only into thrill rides, and not much else, then it might dissapoint you. Some, like Impulse-ive implied, don't find it to their taste. Others, like true Disney-philes, won't enjoy any park unless it's a Disney park. But, I feel most park enthusiasts, like myself, find fun in just about every park that they visit, from the old traditional parks like Conneaut & Kennywood, to the big, corporate parks like Cedar Point, Paramount, Six Flags, and others, including the Disney parks.

Disney is truly one of the most immersive, magical experiences that can be captured while visiting a theme park. Although Universal and some other parks come close, nothing seems to be able to create a true themed experience like Disney. From fully themed resort hotels to the magic and wonderment found within in their parks, waterparks and resort amenities, nothing can top them (though Universal seems to come closest).

They were never designed to be COASTER parks. Yes, they do have some coasters, but mostly of the family variety. (Rock N' Roller Coaster & Euro Space Mountain being some exceptions). They're never gonna build a Top Thrill Dragster, Millennium Force or Superman: Ride of Steel, but that's fine with me. If I want those types of rides, I'll visit Cedar Point, Six Flags, etc. But, that's not why I go to Disney. It's a different experience. The immersiveness of the attractions like Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dinosaur, Indiana Jones, Spaceship Earth, & Space Mountain are unique to their formula. I don't always need to be 'WOWED' by the latest thrill ride to have fun. Sometimes, a slower paced, special FX filled dark ride will 'WOW' just as much in a different way. Yet, Disney is not devoid of thrills. Mission Space, Tower of Terror, Rock N' Roller Coaster, Indiana Jones Adventure, etc, give some decent thrill ride excitement that seems to please most thrill ride enthusiasts.

To me, ALL theme and amusement parks are fun. It all depends on what you find exciting and enjoyable! *** Edited 11/21/2004 1:32:25 PM UTC by Brother Dave***

I think that a lot of coaster enthusiasts are also park enthusiasts, and a lot of park enthusiasts are Disney-philes (Darn, I wanted to be the first in this thread to use that word.).

If you know not to expect Gigacoasters and high speed flat rides, then Disney can be fun. I feel like a little kid when I visit MK. Disney's rides/attractions have a lot of creativity and imagination behind them, and that's what makes them so much more unique than other rides at other parks. Almost all of their rides tell a story.

I agree that they are WAYYYYY too expensive. Any more than $50 is too much imho.

I dont view Disney World in the same way I view other parks, its a completly different experience and I do stuff there I wouldnt do at other parks such as actually attending night shows, among others. The key to enjoying Disney is to take in the themeing let loose your inner child and realize you should compare it to any other park because it is too unique.

I would have to say Disney is one of the best places on earth. I live in Palm Beach, Florida, and have annual passes to both Disney and Universal. I visit Disney and Universal up to 2 times a month. I would say Disney is great. It makes you feel like a kid again. But it also has good rides. The problem is, the rides are spread out, which makes for a ton of walking! You need to get the park hopper pass and just hop from park to park. Start off at MGM and ride Tower of Terror and Rock N' Roller Coaster. These are two great rides. Grab a fast pass for Tower of Terror then wait in line for RRC. Then go wait in line at TOT ride, then get in the fast pass line. Ride them again if you want, but then get on Disney Transport and go to another park.

Epcot has Test Track and Mission Space, two more amazing rides. Magic Kingdom has some good things too; Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain. Then Animal Kingdom has Kilomajaro Safari's, and the water ride; soon to get Everest too!

Overall Disney is becoming a place for everyone. It is great. I also love Universal. But if you go stay at Universal and just drive to Disney. Universal's hotels far exceed anything Disney has :)

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Shoewee said:
Universal's hotels far exceed anything Disney has

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I would have to disagree with that. Have you ever woken up to giraffes and other exotic African animals outside your window at Universal? Or dined at the only 5-star restaraunt in Orlando? Or experienced a traditional luau or one of the best western musical shows? Or only been a boat launch away from some of the most magical places on Earth? These are just very few of the things that Disney has to offer over Universal's. Disney's (I feel) resorts are much more beautiful too. Also, the nice thing about Disney's resorts are that the prices range to fit any budget, where Universal's are way up there, and to some are unaffordable.

My girlfriend and I had fun. Nothing particularly thrilling, but thats the point isnt it?

The things that bothered me most is there were barely any drinking fountains, and then the prices for water were insane as were the lines to buy it. There was also no where to cool down. No mist, no AC in the lines.

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LightningRacer821 said:
Have you ever woken up to giraffes and other exotic African animals outside your window at Universal? Also, the nice thing about Disney's resorts are that the prices range to fit any budget, where Universal's are way up there, and to some are unaffordable.

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I agree you have to pay a lot at Universal, but there are discounts. I never EVER pay rack rate, and usually pay 1/2 the price. But if you wanted to wake up with the African animals, you are paying just as much as Universal. Imagine being in Italy, and it looks like Italy, at a 5 diamond resort. It is amazing. Lowe's has the best hotels by far. You can also go to a Luau at the Royal Pacific Resort. Not to mention that transport to the parks is a lot better from the Universal parks than Disney. To ride on a nice boat ride from right outside your door, instead of those terrible disney buses.

Each place has their advantages and disadvantages. I stay at universal for my Express pass. That alone is worth it's weight in gold.

I am a BIG Disney fan. I like being surprised with EXTREME entertainment from non-coaster attractions. I visited last June (on my birthday we flew down) and our first park was Animal Kingdom which we had never visited before. Dinosaur has turned into probably my favorite attraction ANYWHERE. It was so great and so interactive and it scared the S**T out of me! Words cannot express how much I liked that ride.

I, personally, am not as big of a fan of Magic Kingdom as many people are. I find it probably the most charming park (with things like the "mayor" of the southern town it was modeled after, and the firetrucks, and creative shops) but it is always overly crowded and hard to enjoy. For that reason, I typically head to Magic Kingdom just for a few of the favs like Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, The Carousel of Progress (There's a great BIG beautiful tomorrow...), Buzz Lightyear's space ranger spin, and the blue line people mover.

After that, I head to Epcot, my entire family's favorite park. I'm super interested with the world and different cultures and I LOVE doing the World Showcase. It is really cool to see what other people eat, drink, listen to (music), do for entertainment, and actually see common products from each of those countries (btw, the fish and chips at the United Kingdom are UNBELIEVABLE!!!)

I agree Disney is expensive, they seem to be running on an entirely different economy. I always say that when you take that exit onto Disney property in Florida, you are in their world, and while that is financially troubling (for many) it's also comforting to know that you will be treated non-stop by the finest service the industry has to offer. Also, almost nobody buys the one park one day pass for over $50, most get multi-day hopper passes which are not bad at some $115 for a 4-day pass.

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LaMarcus said:

On the upside: lap bars on Tower of Terror, animatronics, good selection of food, and themed queues that are designed to be at least slightly stimulating during long waits.

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ToT doesnt have lap bars anymore...that was changed last year...all seat belt seats!

The sig says it all. I find Disney the best of the best. While I don't agree with their recent directions in some of their other ventures, I find Disney the best a themeing and entertainment. One thing I find humorous about the Universal argument is how people keep saying it's better themed. If it's so well themed how come every ride/show is themed to a hot set? Couldn't they just tie it into the rest of the area, oh, like Disney? IoA is the exception, but still....

I added a "pre-IAAPA" Magic Kingdom visit on the Monday of IAAPA week, and while expensive for an afternoon ($58 w/tax), I was surprised that the park was not that crowded (most lines 10-20 min, Space Mountain was 15 min, Pirates was only 5 min) and I had an enjoyable time.

I think that you can't compare a "Magic Kingdom" with a "Cedar Point" or "Magic Mountain" because in my opinion, they are completely different. If you want a one of a kind, family, themed, story telling experience, a Disney park will be great. If you want to ride the biggest, fastest, tallest....than Cedar Point will work. I would almost submit that the Magic Kingdom isn't even a "theme park"....it's in a category of it's own. Not necessairly any bigger or better, but in a different category.

My point is that comparing an experience at the Magic Kingdom vs. other "thrill" parks is like comparing attending an NHL hockey game, vs. attending a hockey game at the Winter Olympics (I have done both). Each scenario offers a completely different, and perhaps incredibly great experience, but you choose attending one over the other for completely different reasons. Same game, but completely different. Again, I am not saying that the MK is any better, I am just submiting that comparing the MK with other "theme parks" is a bit like the perverbial "apples to oranges". *** Edited 11/21/2004 11:29:30 PM UTC by Hanging n' Banging***

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Hanging n' Banging said:

My point is that comparing an experience at the Magic Kingdom vs. other "thrill" parks is like comparing attending an NHL hockey game, vs. attending a hockey game at the Winter Olympics (I have done both). Each scenario offers a completely different, and perhaps incredibly great experience, but you choose attending one over the other for completely different reasons. Same game, but completely different.

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I'd say that it's more like comparing NHL Hockey to Olympic Figure Skating. Both are done on the ice, but obviously one has lots more 'physical action' while the other tries to be more 'artistic'. Some like both, others only like one or the other.

Living in Los Angeles, Disneyland was a huge part of growing up. My first visit to the park was before I was even 1 years old, and as a family we'd visit at least once a year. My first adult coaster was Matterhorn, at age 3. As a kid, nothing beat Disneyland and I continued to visit the park annually until I went to college.

From my late teens through mid-30's I went through a prolonged period where I was not a Disney fan. I viewed their parks as clogged with slow moving, stroller-pushing, kid-crying families waiting in long lines for unexciting rides. I rarely went to the parks, usually only when they added a new "e-ticket" attraction.

During that time in my life it was all about the big thrill: travelling to ride the biggest and badest wood and steel coasters in the country. Cedar Point, King's Island, Six Flags, Busch Gardens...those where the places I was going to. I didn't care about anything but coasters.

And then something changed a few years ago. I began to see the magic in the Disney experience. I think part of that was due to visiting the park with out-of-state friends who had never been to a Disney park. I got to see the park through the eyes of my nieces and nephews. And I discovered a love of dark rides, at which Disney excels. I began to enjoy the Disney experience so much that I did something I swore I'd never do: I bought an annual pass, and I've renewed it every year since.

I think its stupid to hate Disney parks because they don't offer thrill rides like other theme parks. That's not what the Disney experience is all about. You don't go to McDonalds if you have a hunger for filet mignon.

Disney does something better than any park: it manages to bring out the inner child. I think the older one gets and the more one yearns for the uncomplicated life of one's youth the truer that feels.