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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you’ve ever been to Walt Disney world florida?

111 replies

Idlovetoknow · 21/07/2023 16:19

I’m not a Disney fanatic but I’d absolutely love to go back with my kids. Reception and preschool age. I went in the late 90s and recall it been infinitely better than sliced bread and crying every time we left. I’m worried it won’t live up to the hype in my head and too much of the parks has changed.

some of my favourite things seem to have gone; honey I shrunk the kids show and playground, voyage of the little mermaid, discovery island, the swimming with sharks in one of the water parks and Mickey’s house seems to be gone too!

ive been to DLP with the kids and that brought some of the magic back, as I’d been as an adult and found it a bit lacking.

anyone been? Anyone been in the 90s and then recently?

i know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s ok

OP posts:
Desperado40 · 23/07/2023 16:07

If you are planning a once in a lifetime trip, take them when they are a bit older. Primary school age is ideal, maybe 7-12. They would still be into Disney and the magic, with enough energy to last them all day, including all the queuing.
We went last year - a really special trip and kids loved it, BUT... I had previously been in early 00 and this time round was not the same... I remember being blown away by the customer service back then, the cast and staff created a real magical atmosphere. Staff were charty and friendly and it felt really magical... A fast pass was worth the money! Fast forward to 2022, it was eye wateringly expensive, fast pass was replaced by rubbish genie system (not worth the money,) and it was just not the same. Half the staff would not engage with the kids or smile and it felt overcrowded.
On the other hand, we had a great experience in universal studios and wished we booked more days there- a real treat for Harry Potter fans.

Original poster
Idlovetoknow · 23/07/2023 16:14

Desperado40 · 23/07/2023 16:07

If you are planning a once in a lifetime trip, take them when they are a bit older. Primary school age is ideal, maybe 7-12. They would still be into Disney and the magic, with enough energy to last them all day, including all the queuing.
We went last year - a really special trip and kids loved it, BUT... I had previously been in early 00 and this time round was not the same... I remember being blown away by the customer service back then, the cast and staff created a real magical atmosphere. Staff were charty and friendly and it felt really magical... A fast pass was worth the money! Fast forward to 2022, it was eye wateringly expensive, fast pass was replaced by rubbish genie system (not worth the money,) and it was just not the same. Half the staff would not engage with the kids or smile and it felt overcrowded.
On the other hand, we had a great experience in universal studios and wished we booked more days there- a real treat for Harry Potter fans.

See we’re not potter heads, I actually find it tedious (I’m prepared to be flamed, sorry) but Jurassic park… that’s another story! I’d got to universal just for that ride! But my kids are too young. So it’s Disney, just Disney next year and then the whole shebang when they’re older. Its as much for me and dh as it is for them, tbh haha

OP posts:
JollyJolene · 23/07/2023 16:26

I first went to Disney in 1989 and then a few times afterwards in 90s and 00s. I vividly remember all the things you have mentioned and loved them.
I was lucky enough to go with my family in 2019. I loved it. Cried at the fireworks, when my children met Mickey and a few others in between. It was so magical watching their faces light up, walking down Main Street. We stayed in a Disney hotel and, despite leaving there to go to Universal for a few days, I cried then too.

Just to add, we also went to Disneyland Paris in 2014 and it just wasn’t the same. Please try not to compare.

Desperado40 · 23/07/2023 17:21

Idlovetoknow · 23/07/2023 16:14

See we’re not potter heads, I actually find it tedious (I’m prepared to be flamed, sorry) but Jurassic park… that’s another story! I’d got to universal just for that ride! But my kids are too young. So it’s Disney, just Disney next year and then the whole shebang when they’re older. Its as much for me and dh as it is for them, tbh haha

Show quote history

Ah, if you are planning to more than once, then definitely a great trip. Mind, if you are into bigger rides they will not be able to join. Plenty to do in universal for littles as well though, they have some lovely areas, including Dr Seuss! And E.T ride is my favourite 😁

StillWantingADog · 31/07/2023 16:41

I went aged 11 in 1991 and it was the best thing ever. However it wasn’t nearly as expensive as it is now. Some friends have gone this summer and it’s clearly costing a five figure sum. And I wonder how much time will be spent standing in queues.

i’d like to take my kids in a couple of years when they are a comparable age- but not at any cost!

Ericaequites · 31/07/2023 17:03

Florida is Hell with less interesting people. Disney works hard to destroy our cultural heritage and perpetuate princess culture. Disney has also received special exemptions to US copyright law to protect the Mouse. I went at 6 with my folks and teen siblings, but mostly remember the absolute terror I felt on Space Mountain, being too small for most of the rides, and It’s a Small World. Seaworld and other minor attractions were much more exciting. Take your children to Legoland and save your money.

Original poster
Idlovetoknow · 31/07/2023 18:16

Ericaequites · 31/07/2023 17:03

Florida is Hell with less interesting people. Disney works hard to destroy our cultural heritage and perpetuate princess culture. Disney has also received special exemptions to US copyright law to protect the Mouse. I went at 6 with my folks and teen siblings, but mostly remember the absolute terror I felt on Space Mountain, being too small for most of the rides, and It’s a Small World. Seaworld and other minor attractions were much more exciting. Take your children to Legoland and save your money.

No thanks, I remember being bored out of my skull at Lego land

OP posts:
Ericaequites · 31/07/2023 19:03

Go anywhere but Disney. It’s an unwholesome place that gives young girls and boys very poor examples for adult life. There’s something frightening about people who are obsessed with that place and the characters.

Original poster
Idlovetoknow · 31/07/2023 19:46

Ericaequites · 31/07/2023 19:03

Go anywhere but Disney. It’s an unwholesome place that gives young girls and boys very poor examples for adult life. There’s something frightening about people who are obsessed with that place and the characters.

Well I loved it and mine loved DLP paris both times they’ve been. They’ve already been bitten by the bug and love the movies.

i don’t know the more modern stories like moana have a different feel to them

OP posts:
1992H · 02/08/2023 17:01

We are going next summer @Idlovetoknow and I also cannot wait! we went for our honeymoon in 2016 and I can’t wait to see them see it. We did DLP in December and it was a bit so WDW will be next level.
We are staying at port Orleans riverside for 14 nights, will add a couple days on before/after off site to fit around flights.
the highlight in December for my boys was the character dining so we’ve done the dining plan and plan to use the dining credits to top up where necessary to do as many of the character breakfasts/dinners as they wish.
hope you have a fantastic trip ❤️

1992H · 02/08/2023 17:01

It was a hit, not a bit 😳🤦‍♀️

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