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Original poster

Has anyone regretted going to Disney Florida?

306 replies

ForthethingsIdo · 09/02/2024 06:49

I feel I want to take my child but am so put off by the crowds and queues.

I’ve read people often stand in queues for 60-90min to ride.

Is it really worth it?

Thank you

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
Mrsjayy · 10/02/2024 14:39

herewegoagainy · 10/02/2024 14:37

A car is useful if you want to explore other places in Florida. But I agree if you just want to go to the parks you do not need one.

yes if you have other plans then a car is beneficial.

veryberry89 · 10/02/2024 15:29

herewegoagainy · 10/02/2024 14:17

Disneyworld no longer do the sending of packages back to your hotel. You do have to carry them.
You can use your phone to pay or watch to pay as well.
I found car hire cheap - went last year, but it maybe depends how far ahead you book? You do not pay for parking if you stay in a Disney hotel. Otherwise you pay $30 a day.
Many hotels outside Disney have free parking if you stay there. But its like the UK, some do charge. Some hotels that are not Disney hotels are walkable distance to the parks. There is also air bnb with some fabulous themed properties with pools, but only worth it if you do not want to spend all day every day at the parks.
Everyone tells you you must stay somewhere or do something, but it depends on your priorities. Disney hotels are more expensive and have smaller rooms unless you pay loads. But some love the ease of getting on disney transport and having disney restaurants around the hotel. Air bnb is cheapest option. Walkable non disney hotels are more expensive but cheaper than disney hotels.

They were a year ago re packages?

veryberry89 · 10/02/2024 15:39

That is a real shame if Disney have stopped the service of sending packages back to room as made everything much easier!

Whoever is running things now isn't doing a good job re this and genie plus, lightening lanes etc-all hassle. Disney has always been amazing with first class service but I must say I don't think it is as good as it used to be even though I would still go back finances permitting. The last time we went was least enjoyable which was a year and half ago I think.
I have heard they want less people in the parks spending more money which makes it unaffordable for most people who aren't rolling in it!
Similar to football, tennis, formula one and so on.

Justleaveitblankthen · 10/02/2024 15:54

My DC, now adults, have said they are so glad it was never even suggested when they were young. Their idea of hell they said 😂
My DS always had an utter aversion to mascots (is that what you call it when folk are inside a character?) Knew they were people inside, just hated the whole concept of having to shake a random puppets hand.
So he would have faced his worst nightmare at every turn 😁
They also have inexplicably always hated Mickey Mouse.

itispersonal · 10/02/2024 17:32

We went last October and we weren't overly impressed with it! We had gone as kids and just feel it has lost its edge and the things that made it magical had gone and not replaced!

Dd 10 didn't particularly enjoy it either, thought people were rude and preferred to be my the pool than spend all day in the park.

We got up early most mornings to beat the rush and we were really lucky that the longest wait we had was 60 mins for Hadrigds ride at universal IOA and for space mountain at Disney. The early mornings didn't suit my dp or dd they like a softer start to the day but I can't stand for long periods of times so didn't want to queue or pay for genie +. I do know if I had queued for hours plus for a lot of the rides I would have been completely underwhelmed. Universal studios are a bit of a let down for me with all the 3d experience rides- I find them boring. We are most adrenaline junkies.

Thought the food in and out of the park wasn't great either and expensive!

My favourite day was at discovery cove loved the swimming in the 'coral reef'

We personally felt Disneyland Paris was better a better experience than Florida - we went when dd was 5, had a better feel, shows were better.

Naptimenanny · 10/02/2024 17:44

It’s a complete and utter waste of money. Imagine spending all that on going to disneyland? There are far better ways to use that money for most families. It’s a very working class dream, which is a shame as that money could make a huge difference to a child’s educational outcome.

Trainstrike · 10/02/2024 17:52

Naptimenanny · 10/02/2024 17:44

It’s a complete and utter waste of money. Imagine spending all that on going to disneyland? There are far better ways to use that money for most families. It’s a very working class dream, which is a shame as that money could make a huge difference to a child’s educational outcome.

Top Mumsnet answer. Never pay for a fun expensive holiday or your children will fail in life.

NeverHadHaveHas · 10/02/2024 17:58

Naptimenanny · 10/02/2024 17:44

It’s a complete and utter waste of money. Imagine spending all that on going to disneyland? There are far better ways to use that money for most families. It’s a very working class dream, which is a shame as that money could make a huge difference to a child’s educational outcome.

Have you been?

LemonShirts · 10/02/2024 18:28

I don’t know how a thread asking if people have regretted going, is full of people explaining why they would never go.

rookiemere · 10/02/2024 18:33

LemonShirts · 10/02/2024 18:28

I don’t know how a thread asking if people have regretted going, is full of people explaining why they would never go.

Yes and only very few from those who have actually been who regretted it, even those who didn't particularly enjoy it said that there DCs did.

TizerorFizz · 10/02/2024 19:16

I think if you pay out ££££ and don’t like it, no one will admit it. We tried Paris first and dc were bored queuing so we were never going to go to Florida for them to be bored. I tried to explore various cultures with them as opposed to American cartoon film culture . They are now adults and I would doubt their dc would go either. If you love it go. If it’s not for you, there’s a lot more of the world to see. Mine preferred Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands and safaris and India. M Mouse never interested them.

spriots · 10/02/2024 19:22

LemonShirts · 10/02/2024 18:28

I don’t know how a thread asking if people have regretted going, is full of people explaining why they would never go.

I think quite a few people have said that they went and either didn't enjoy it or didn't enjoy it enough to justify the expense.

I am in the latter camp - I have been 3 times as a child because I had family in Florida and, while I wouldn't say I hated it, I did enjoy it, I don't intend to take my children because I didn't love it, I just had a pleasant time. I suspect they would enjoy it but I think they would enjoy three cheaper holidays more - for the price of Florida, we can do Euro Disney, Billund and Efteling and I think they would enjoy that more. I don't think children are great at judging value for money

Comedycook · 10/02/2024 19:23

I think a lot of parents enjoy a holiday if their children have enjoyed the holiday iyswim.

Mrsjayy · 10/02/2024 19:24

Naptimenanny · 10/02/2024 17:44

It’s a complete and utter waste of money. Imagine spending all that on going to disneyland? There are far better ways to use that money for most families. It’s a very working class dream, which is a shame as that money could make a huge difference to a child’s educational outcome.

ah you mean taking them trekking in Nepal don't you 😂

yes we are working class .my children had access to museums and culture and theatre books the whole educational hoha and still had fun holidays!

edited to explain my sarcasm.

JDJT · 10/02/2024 19:30

NeverHadHaveHas · 10/02/2024 17:58

Have you been?

Show quote history

I doubt it. They can't even get the name of the place right.

strawberry2017 · 10/02/2024 19:34

I went in November once with my parents and it was great, parks were quiet. Weather was nice but not unbearable. This was early November though not thanks giving time.

Shopper727 · 10/02/2024 19:47

I’ve done Disney (Florida) 4 times, once as a child and 3 times with my kids. My youngest 2 have been since with their dad and my eldest went with friends. I really like it, there’s an element of planning but it’s never ott or rigid. We are going again this year - last time was 2014 so it’s been a while. Boyfriend is dubious about it. I am very excited. It’s what you make of it.

I Like the atmosphere and just wandering about the parks, It is expensive but we all choose what to spend our money on. I’m not a beach person. I’ve never queued to see a character as my youngest wouldn’t so we did some character dining, he loved Donald Duck. We spend time at the water parks and the pool too. We’ve done a mix of hotel, villa and staying on site. We are doing half and half this year. Making use of busses as parking is so £££ we’ve been in february and November when it’s been more quiet, Feb was quite chilly, the locals were in big puffer jackets we in hoodies and they kept asking why we weren’t frozen.

Grah · 10/02/2024 20:36

It's the best place in the World!! I've been as a young adult twice, and a Mum with my kids twice. Will go again when I'm retired and hopefully some day with Grandkids.

Mummasals · 10/02/2024 20:39

We went to Disneyland Paris last October with 6yr old, 3yr old and 1 yr old. We wanted to go while the 6yr old would still be into the magical princess parts but wouldn’t contemplate going all the way to Florida with a such a young family. I was a bit concerned that I’d get there and be underwhelmed - I’m not into Disney per se and I don’t see why grown adults would be obsessed with characters or things. It was a long old drive to get there with poor sleep and a lovely row with my husband. But when we walked round the corner and got the first glimpse of the castle, my eldest’s jaw hit the floor and I then spent the first few hours on the verge of happy tears because my kids’ reactions were epic. We are planning Florida for 2027 when the kids are all a fair bit older (although we might go back to Paris instead).

Before considering selling a kidney to fund Florida, I’d really suggest a trip to Disneyland Paris for a fraction of the price to see if it’s for you!

Wexone · 10/02/2024 20:50

Sweet lord no. went when I was 16 - many years ago 😳 - and still remember it along with my brothers and sisters as best holiday ever ( I dunno how my parents afforded it ) contemplating going again with my husband. loved loved it. it's an all go go go holiday so would book a few days rest after it. but amazing. and this was before Facebook insta recording everything.

Shanster · 10/02/2024 20:51

I thought it was totally overrated! We live in the US and we went for Spring Break, 4 days split between Disney and Universal. Never again! We spent 5 hours in a line for the Star Wars ride because it kept breaking down, I thought the lack of customer service was appalling. Disney was disappointing, Universal was a bit better. If I were to go again I’d do it off season and take the kids out of school for a few days. Not my idea of a holiday! Kids enjoyed it but 2 days would have been plenty. Orlando is not a pleasant place to be in July or August! It’s not just hot but humid too!!

RubyBon · 10/02/2024 21:06

MummyDummyNow · 09/02/2024 07:17

Going somewhere where I'm advised to eat lunch standing whilst standing in a queue and to make a spreadsheet beforehand is not my idea of a good holiday 😂

Sorry OP not helpful!

I agree…. What kinda bullst*t holiday is that 😂😂😂 and paid through the nose for the privilege

Bsgpuss · 10/02/2024 21:15

It's worth going. Just enjoy it.

Irishmama100 · 10/02/2024 21:32

There are definitely better holidays to do!
Took my two when they were 7 and 10. My daughter cried in Magic Kingdom. Wanted the toilet and there was a queue! She just broke down. Everything is a queue. They should rename it queueland!
My son 13 often speaks about the trip and he said that if you did a cost benefit analysis a trip to his Granny’s caravan is better than paying all that money to go to Disneyland🤣 His words!!!

Mumsgirls · 10/02/2024 22:21

Went years ago, but only I week in Orlando and 1 on the beach on the gulf coast.
Been back to the gulf coast several times, but never felt the need to go back to Disney. Kids were a good age 12 and 8