It seems I can’t get enough of Walt Disney World. Assuming you’re reading this on the day it first appears on MousePlanet (May 8), I’m currently at the World or en route home from our third trip since last October. Three trips in eight months. Why? What is it about the place that keeps me coming back for more? Is it the parks? The resorts? The restaurants? The cast members? All of the above?
First, let’s get something out of the way. Some of you are probably envious that we were able to swing three trips inside of a year. Some others might accuse me of bragging—and there’s a bit of truth to that. When our three children were younger and living at home, our trips were much less frequent and much more expensive. Taking a family of five involved a lot more planning and significant expense. Our trips then were restricted to one per year—sometimes one every two to three years.
Then… we joined the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) and our kids grew up, finished college (Yes!), gained meaningful employment and moved out. Now keep in mind, they all still visit Disney World with us. After all, they appreciate staying in a DVC Villa as much as the next person does. The big difference is that now, with the exception of the DVC rooms, they mostly pay their own way.
The majority of our trips are now “solo,” which is how I describe the trips that are just the old ball and chain and me. Whoops. I meant my lovely bride, of course. With DVC, Disney’s Magical Express and our Annual Passes, our only real concern is the cost of airfare. This most recent trip, ostensibly for the International Flower and Garden Festival, was conceived on a whim back in January. I was looking at the cost of airfare (dreaming really) when I found a particularly good deal on Southwest. That, coupled with the fact that we had some money credited to our account from re-booking a prior reservation, meant that the wife and I could fly round trip for a total of $111. If you and your significant other could spend a week at Disney World for $111, wouldn’t you take advantage of it? We did.
So where was I? Ah, yes. I was asking why we continue to go to Walt Disney World. What is it about the place that draws us back repeatedly? You’ve probably fielded these questions from friends, relatives and co-workers. “You’re going again?” “Wouldn’t you rather go somewhere else?” “Why Disney World? Wouldn’t you prefer going to an island or on a cruise?” And my personal favorite… “You still go there?” with the implied addition of “at your age?”
First let’s examine the “why” we go there, then we’ll attempt to come up with some answers for those interested parties that still can’t believe we keep returning to a Mickey Mouse place.
Is it the parks?
Not long ago I received some feedback on one of my trip reports. The writer was very complimentary but was incredulous that we went to a theme park each and every day. She, and her family, spent most of their time relaxing at the resorts, swimming, and took a few other excursions, but only visited the theme parks two or three times during their weeklong stay.
I can recall a trip, in December 2003, where we spent our first day touring resorts and Downtown Disney to view Christmas decorations. We never came near a park and truly enjoyed that day and I wouldn’t hesitate doing it again; but I do feel the parks are a large part of what Walt Disney World is to us. We’re certainly not touring commandos but we typically visit a park each morning, take an afternoon break for lunch, swimming and/or relaxing, and then head back to a park in the evening. That schedule may be adjusted based upon the weather or other commitments—maybe a special dinner reservation or tickets to LaNouba—something like that.
The Disney parks, in my opinion, each have a charm and personality all their own. I feel differently about Animal Kingdom than I feel about the Studios. Likewise, I approach them differently as well. We’ll often simply visit a park to walk around, people watch, have a drink… without going near an attraction. That’s particularly true at Epcot’s World Showcase. I remember a cold January evening where we spent a great deal of time visiting the shops and conversing with cast members in China, Japan, Norway, Germany, etc. We were doing it to stay warm but it turned out to be an interesting and entertaining night; and where else can you do that?
To me, the parks are not the only reason I visit Walt Disney World; but they certainly are one of the reasons I do.
Is it the resorts?
Yes, it is. Where else on Earth can you find the collection of themed resorts that you can find at Disney World? If your tastes run to the Value resorts, you can choose from the unique theming of the All Stars (Sports, Movies and Music) to the decade-related and distinctive icons of Pop Century. The Moderate resorts can provide the feel of staying in a Louisiana bayou or in New Orleans’ French Quarter; or put you on one of the many Caribbean islands. Disney World’s Deluxe resorts offer accommodations that are… well, deluxe, with an impressive array of amenities, great locations and the theming for which Disney is known. Would you like to visit the Pacific Northwest, a Cape Cod resort, the Boardwalk of a 1920s and 1930s Eastern Seaboard town or an African savanna? We have a resort for you.
Some might argue that it would be better to actually stay on one of those islands; or in New Orleans. I disagree (well, at least partially). Being able to simulate those environments through Disney’s theming gives me the sense of those locations but still allows me to take advantage of everything else the World has to offer: the theme parks, water parks, other resorts, restaurants… you get the picture. I’ve been lucky enough (or, unlucky enough, depending upon your perspective) to have done quite a bit of traveling for business. I’ve visited many of these places and they all have a lot to offer. However, not one could offer the benefits of their location with the escape that Disney gives me.
Is it the restaurants?
Some would argue, and I might agree, that the quality of Disney World restaurants is not what it once was. We’ve seen a “dumbing down” of menus due to the Dining Plan. We’ve also witnessed simple cost-cutting resulting in smaller portions for higher prices or less care in preparation than we had previously known. In many cases, dining at Disney World is not what it once was but… it’s still pretty good. Certainly, we pay a premium, but if you’ve ever stayed in a resort hotel anywhere in the country, maybe the world, the inflated prices shouldn’t shock you.
At the higher end, there are some very unique dining experiences at places like Boma and Jiko-the Cooking Place. I’ve had some fine meals at the California Grill (with its spectacular views), the Yachtsman Steakhouse, the Flying Fish and, my new personal favorite, Narcoossee’s. There are huge fans of the Hollywood Brown Derby, Artist Point, Citrico’s… and I’d better stop here or I’ll incur someone’s wrath by leaving out their favorite (but I should at least mention Victoria and Albert’s).
We can move down a bit in price but maintain the unique dining experiences with the 1950’s kitsch of the 50s Prime Time Café or the drive-in theater feel of the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. You might enjoy the “dine with Lady and the Tramp” atmosphere of Tony’s Town Square or the colonial feel of the Liberty Tree Tavern. Maybe just a hot dog at Casey’s or a burger and a game at the ESPN Zone. What about the character meals at Chef Mickey’s or the Crystal Palace? Let’s not forget the crème de la crème for little girls—the breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
I guess what I’m driving at is that there should be something there for us all, regardless of taste or wallet size.
Is it the cast members?
Once again, we’ll have some anecdotal evidence of deterioration in the cast members’ knowledge or attitude. Yes, there have to be some isolated incidents where cast members have been rude to guests. I am certainly not condoning that. I do know that the training that was once given to all cast members, particularly the Traditions training, has been scaled back. All of that is unfortunate but a reality of the world we live in.
What I’ve told anyone that will listen is that I have never been anywhere where I have been treated better than at Walt Disney World. The smiles and attentiveness I receive there are the best. I love being somewhere where it seems that making me happy is the goal of each and every employee. Look, I won’t deny that some of the stories are true. There will always be a bad apple (or two) or a cast member that is just having a bad day. Again, I offer that as acknowledgment, not forgiveness. Overall, and in my opinion, the Walt Disney World cast members do a stellar job.
The bottom line
For me, the allure of Disney World is truly all of the above. In most other vacation spots that I’ve visited, no matter how much I’ve enjoyed them, I’m ready to head home—sometimes a day or two earlier than planned. With Disney World, I often find myself wishing for one or two more days or, at the very least, I begin planning the next vacation on the return trip. Maybe I’m unique but I think not. I think there are a few more of you out there that can relate to and agree with my thinking.
So where does this leave us in dealing with the doubters and naysayers?
You’re going there again?
I had a co-worker who repeatedly questioned why I was returning to visit Walt Disney World. Every time I announced I’d be “on vacation next week”, I’d get a sarcastic “Disney again?” and “Why? Has anything there changed?”
After many futile attempts to explain my rationale, I finally got through by asking him where he liked to vacation. He spoke lovingly of a spot on Cape Cod… and a quaint little inn on the ocean… with a wonderful restaurant… you get the idea. I asked how many times he had been there. “Six or seven” he said. “And we’re planning another visit this summer.”
I asked, “Why do you keep going back?”
He started to answer, “We love it there. It’s right on the ocean and…” and a look of understanding came over his face. He may not have agreed with me, but he understood.
Why Disney World?
This one is tougher. Too many people have a negative opinion of Walt Disney World for all the wrong reasons. “My cousin went there and said it stunk…” What he didn’t say is that his cousin spent one day at Magic Kingdom, as a side trip to an alligator-wrestling excursion in the Everglades. He drove for six hours, paid $80 for a one-day pass (wondering why he couldn’t get the no-expire option) and said later it was so crowded he didn’t go on a ride the entire day. It was July 4 and he arrived at noon.
Others have never been and are proud of it. Their view of Disney World has been shaped by a single scene in a television commercial. Disney World conjures up the single image of a small child being embraced by Mickey Mouse. What self-respecting person would ever spend money to travel to a resort with such limited entertainment activities? They know nothing of the gorillas on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail; Dole Whips; a Black and Tan at the Rose and Crown; kaki-gori from Japan; fishing excursions; Off Kilter; Fantasmic! Komodo dragons; Sea Raycers; Miyuki, the candy artist; spas and fitness centers; The Belle Vue Room; Zebra domes; the back side of water; chocolate samples at Ghirardelli’s; Big Al; the Kitchen Sink; the Haunted Mansion; a Big River Rocket Red; Soarin’; Streetmosphere; fish and chips at Harry Ramsden’s; the Tower of Terror; the village of Harambe; seeing Tinker Bell fly; Illuminations
That’s my opinion. What’s yours?
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