Disneyland/Orlando = Awful

[YellowTulips]

Just got back from 2 weeks in Orlando.

I know I am a miserable bugger but I HATED it.

Hot humid weather, stupidly high fees to enter the parks (legoland was especially shit).

Kids loved it, but I surely can't be the only person who disliked it ......

My husband isnt a snob just a grumpy bastard

Mrsjoss I can see where you're coming from, but I don't think the ENC phenominon can explain why people return so many times.

If they really in their hearts hated it, they wouldn't book another plane!

I've been to Florida lots of times; theme parks, Kennedy, Key West, Miami, Everglades, Sanibel Island...there's always a new place to see.

I've taken my DC several times too. They do really love it. And they're very well travelled (Brazil, Australia, New York, California, Canada (both sides), Sout Africa, China, Thailand, Vietnam...) but they still love Florida. They've convinced us to go again in October half term (we get two weeks) as they're desperate to visit the HP thang. They're 15 BTW!

We all love it except the grumpy one we have been twice was the 2nd time he said he would never go back. We did other thing s went to the everglades key largo (I want to live there). I just think it was too muggy too busy and fast paced for him he prefers to camp in a field, dds are going to go next year or the year after and leave him at home.

We all love it except the grumpy one we have been twice was the 2nd time he said he would never go back. We did other thing s went to the everglades key largo (I want to live there). I just think it was too muggy too busy and fast paced for him he prefers to camp in a field, dds are going to go next year or the year after and leave him at home.

Should say, though, we're not hitting Orlando for two weeks! Too full on for me.

We'll stay at Universal for four days. Do the Universal park and also book a day at Discovery Cove.

Then we'll head off elsewhere. Maybe a trip to the Everglades, then the beach...

Sorry I must have double tapped.

We did universal last time we didnt stay at the resort I much prefer universal we stayed away from disney hp world was chaos but we so happened to go the week it opened

each to their own - but the facts that it was hot, humid and expensive are well-known and not concealed; fully available on all the websites!

for those who like Disney, cartoon characters and the whole ethos; go, enjoy and why not. But I would not go expecting high culture or half-decent food!

I have been and loved it although I was in my 20's and childless. The theme parks, waterpark and shows were amazing.

I would like to take my dc just the once.

I admit the food is dire. After one week I was craving my home cooked meals!

People are not expecti g high culture it is disney world not the pyramids they are visiting people who do disney know what they are going for,

One of the main reasons I'm looking forward to going next year is that it's something that all of our family can enjoy together. There actually aren't that many things that my 14 yo ds (who has AS) and I can engage in together and both fully enjoy, our personalities are all quite different.

One of my ds's loves camping, but for DH and I it's hell on earth, so that's what scouts is for. We have been to plenty of other places for sightseeing, culture and adventure, it's not like The typical Orlando holiday is going to be the extent of my dc's travel experience before they reach adulthood.

I do think there is probably some jealousy involved from the Disney snobs. Even if they genuinely don't think they'd enjoy it, it's still an expensive holiday that isn't an option for everyone, and the vast majority of children would like the chance to go.

Vera I to wouldn't go on holiday without my children, like others a family holiday is a chance not only to "do" things but simply enjoy each other's company as a family for however long. My point about martyrs was based on someone I know who hates theme parks and waterparks but will insist on taking her children "it's all for the kids" type of thing and thinks this makes her a better parent in the process. I just don't agree that's all.

And regarding jealousy or snobbery for me it's neither snobbery, as I said we are having an adult fancy dress party on Disney which should be a laugh. Nor is it jealousy, I personally wouldn't want a fortnight in Orlando just visiting the parks ( and I do know there is more to Florida than Orlando but I do know people who do spent 2 weeks trailing round theme parks only) but I get some people might, it's just not for me, which is why we are planning a Californian road trip.

I do think some parents want to take the kids on holiday they will like doesnt mean the are trying to be superior parents they just want them to have a good experience most families factor in fun things to do on holiday for their children

Re food. Had the most delicious scallops yesterday; dh had beautifully cooked medium rare steak and also lovely chicken. Dd had the chicken too and also delicious shrimp. All
Cooked fresh in front of us Tapanyaki style and no dearer than home too.

There is way more than just burgers if you want there to be

It's also worth pointing out that we haven't spent 6k either, and in fact this trip is costing us less than our original plan for this summer. We had planned to go to the south of France, staying in a villa with a private pool, getting a car and exploring etc. we've been before and liked the area so thought we would go back and see more. The villa for a fortnight alone was more than the cost of our flights and villa here! The exchange rate is not favourable with the euro and the cost of a half decent villa somewhere vaguely close to the coast was ridiculous at times

Mrsjossnaylor - I can guarantee you that there is no way on earth I would find a fortnight camping in the uk more fun!!! I can manage camping anywhere for a couple of nights but even then only if the weather is nice and dry. But any longer and for my holiday - no thanks! It's not for me.

Parks not too busy at moment though downtown Disney was awfully busy yesterday evening. Only went to look at frozen dolls for my niece.

I never understand why some people think it's nice and acceptable to call others names for choosing a holiday different to what they would want to do. Maybe it makes them feel better about themselves, I don't know. But it certainly makes them sound ridiculous!

I didn't say all parents, I just know someone like that. Far too much money to spend if the adults don't get to enjoy it to. Loads fun stuff my kids enjoyed in California eg My middle DSs loved visiting the street in LA where Marty McFlys house is I from Back to the Future, his favourite film. Plus a day at Universal, lots beaches etc.

I'm with you op - I was underwhelmed by it to be honest! We went in the last two weeks of August, yes,it was humid and rained for an hour at 1pm everyday, but we knew this, and expected it. It certainly didn't affect our stay negatively, and the parks were very quiet (US schools and a lot of European schools go back by 15th August, so the last 2 weeks were much quieter than Easter / Christmas.

I wouldn't necessarily return, I found it was expensive, too groomed and artificial and a bit too forced entertainment wise. I missed going for a stroll in the evening and seeing real life. The DCs did love it but no more than other places we have been.

I sort of agree with you but I guess this person you know wants her kids to be happy I dont get why anybody woul d want to be miserable on holiday.

We have a house out there just purely because we love the area! You aren't unreasonable to think this though as I know DH would rather be shopping in Florida Mall than being on the rides. Kids love it, especially DDs who love meeting all the Pixar characters DSs just like the rides. And me...I love the kids to be happy and the experience is something you have to do.

MrsJoss - camping is dull. Anyone who thinks it's more fun than Orlando clearly didn't do Orlando right.

And the Disney and Universal parks are absolutely nothing like Thorpe Park or Alton Towers...

I'm thinking you haven't actually been.

We're still here. Yes it is warm and humid but we dress for it. We've queued for 90 mins on two rides but fast passed the rest at Disney. The kids are having a ball and we're enjoying it too!

Curious Georgie - Camping is NOT dull. This year we went surfing, explored "hidden" coves off the beaten track, swam in the sea at dawn, had barbecues on the beach and sat up late, under the stars, drinking wine. It was bliss.

Why would I lie about having been to Orlando?! I just didn't like it very much!

And I thought Universal (both the main one, and Islands of Adventure) were pretty much exactly like Alton Towers, only bigger. Lots of rides, lots of fast food places, some live entertainment.

No idea how I could prove to you that I actually have been. I find it odd that you refuse to believe that someone could go and not really enjoy it.

I fully appreciate that not everybody enjoys camping...!

also represents good value for families. 4/5 of us could share a hotel room for a night. no hidden surcharge.

we looked at Barcelona and my ds in our room would have costed more as he was 13.

also it is to a high standard. the villas are spacious and even condo has a dishwasher. in the uk our hoseasons accommodation was so basic with nothing added, had to feed metre.

The exchange rate is particularly advnatgeous at the moment.

DH and I both recently opened dollar accounts and paid in our US tax refunds. There is no way, I'm turning those dollars into sterling right now!

This makes an Autumn trip to Florida even more secuctive!