Just returned from Disney World WOW$$$$$
Dec 12th, 2006, 10:54 AM
#101
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not a Disney World fanatic in any way myself, although I have had a few good times there, although many years apart and now not for over 5 years.
But I must say, once again, that the rote "warped values", fake, total commericialism is absolutely subjective and IMHO a generalization that is repeated and yet just plain wrong. Intellectually, I am so sick of the old refrain that to me has little, if any actual substantiation- except maybe in the cartoon products/characters' goods sales. But I guess they aren't selling little gladiators next to the Colosseum either. LOL!
It has just not been the case or my experience in any personal visit I have had to those parks. Nor in any heightened degree by comparison to any other live, theatrical, art form, public garden, or venue on other continents done for entertainment value and/or arts sake either.
For instance, the hydro-farm, hanging water gardens in EPCOT in THE LAND (and I could make lists of surroundings and demonstrations of similar kinds in AK or in MGM) well, I ate the carrots grown from that exhibit, which is like an art work in every sense. They sure didn't taste fake to me. Learned a whole lot about hydro farming as well.
Intellectually it just isn't fair to repeat that refrain when you have not experienced the educational, imaginative, historical, and entertainment aspects of many related Disney activities. It not only cartoon characters and rides, and hasn't been for a long, long time. It's shows in every technical venue or form, much live entertainment and access to interactive entertainment activities (dancing/ games) and also huge numbers of related educational demonstrations.
And how does going to WDW preclude you from attending other places? It doesn't. Some days you feel like a nut, some days you don't.
It isn't my favorite place in the world by any means, but it IS one of the ones where I have had the most fun, seen immense examples of wit and imagination. And despite not liking crowds or heat, I just can't stand when its given such an unearned dis.
But I must say, once again, that the rote "warped values", fake, total commericialism is absolutely subjective and IMHO a generalization that is repeated and yet just plain wrong. Intellectually, I am so sick of the old refrain that to me has little, if any actual substantiation- except maybe in the cartoon products/characters' goods sales. But I guess they aren't selling little gladiators next to the Colosseum either. LOL!
It has just not been the case or my experience in any personal visit I have had to those parks. Nor in any heightened degree by comparison to any other live, theatrical, art form, public garden, or venue on other continents done for entertainment value and/or arts sake either.
For instance, the hydro-farm, hanging water gardens in EPCOT in THE LAND (and I could make lists of surroundings and demonstrations of similar kinds in AK or in MGM) well, I ate the carrots grown from that exhibit, which is like an art work in every sense. They sure didn't taste fake to me. Learned a whole lot about hydro farming as well.
Intellectually it just isn't fair to repeat that refrain when you have not experienced the educational, imaginative, historical, and entertainment aspects of many related Disney activities. It not only cartoon characters and rides, and hasn't been for a long, long time. It's shows in every technical venue or form, much live entertainment and access to interactive entertainment activities (dancing/ games) and also huge numbers of related educational demonstrations.
And how does going to WDW preclude you from attending other places? It doesn't. Some days you feel like a nut, some days you don't.
It isn't my favorite place in the world by any means, but it IS one of the ones where I have had the most fun, seen immense examples of wit and imagination. And despite not liking crowds or heat, I just can't stand when its given such an unearned dis.
Dec 12th, 2006, 11:15 AM
#102
Guest
Posts: n/a
May I just point out that Disney was one of the first companies to offer benefits to unmarried partners of Disney employees?
When the Southern Baptist Convention said they would boycott Disney for supporting homosexuality, Disney released a statement stating something to the effect that they find it unfortunate that they were being penalized for offering medical benefits to the uninsured.
When the Southern Baptist Convention said they would boycott Disney for supporting homosexuality, Disney released a statement stating something to the effect that they find it unfortunate that they were being penalized for offering medical benefits to the uninsured.
Dec 12th, 2006, 11:18 AM
#103
Guest
Posts: n/a
Dec 12th, 2006, 12:04 PM
#107
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 36,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would never comment on what a horrible city to visit Branson, Missouri is because I've never been there. It doesn't sound like the type of place I'd enjoy, and I doubt I'll ever go, but I have to reason to tell others they're crazy to go there -- nor could I possibly be an authority on what the place is like.
Yet there seem to be dozens if not thousands of people who love to talk about what a horrible place Disney World is, and how those who go have misguided values -- even though many of those people have never been there. How did they get to be experts on a place they've never been?
Yet there seem to be dozens if not thousands of people who love to talk about what a horrible place Disney World is, and how those who go have misguided values -- even though many of those people have never been there. How did they get to be experts on a place they've never been?
Dec 12th, 2006, 12:06 PM
#108
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,862
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Credit where credit is due. Disney has stood up against the hate-mongers. They put the welfare of their employees before the almighty dollar, and they deserve credit.
Still, I'd rather stick needles in my eyes before I'd spend another saccharine minute there. But to each his own...
Still, I'd rather stick needles in my eyes before I'd spend another saccharine minute there. But to each his own...
Dec 12th, 2006, 04:28 PM
#109
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We just returned from our trip today. Fantastic trip (especially the shuttle launch!!!)...but yes, expensive. We had a great time, but highly doubt we would return. One trip of this nature is enough for our family, just based on preferences. We prefer either European trips or backpacking in the mountains. Just a personal preference. BUT, we did have a great time, loved our hotel and the parks, made some great memories...so while not our usual trip it was still great! But it sure is nice to be home
Dec 13th, 2006, 05:27 AM
#111
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks LiveItaly Yes, the first attempt was a long night. The crew said they were not too disappointed it didn't go that night as it was still such a charge to be in it and ready to go. I was glad to hear that felt so good about it. But the 2nd attempt, the Discovery did take off and OMG, absolutely spectacular!!! The fireworks shows at Disney couldn't compete, lol!
Yes, the first attempt was a long night. The crew said they were not too disappointed it didn't go that night as it was still such a charge to be in it and ready to go. I was glad to hear that felt so good about it. But the 2nd attempt, the Discovery did take off and OMG, absolutely spectacular!!! The fireworks shows at Disney couldn't compete, lol!
Dec 13th, 2006, 03:10 PM
#113
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mms, we were thinking about you the night of the first launch attempt! So glad that it was a beautiful night on the 2nd attempt and that you got to see what we mean when we say it lights up the sky.
Sorry you didn't have better weather while you were here (although we had relatives from the NW in town at the same time, and they were just happy to have a change from the horrible weather they've been having).
Sorry you didn't have better weather while you were here (although we had relatives from the NW in town at the same time, and they were just happy to have a change from the horrible weather they've been having).
Dec 13th, 2006, 03:25 PM
#114
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
dsquared--Thanks I was thinking of you too, with the help you gave me. Funny about your relatives...that is exactly what we were thinking too! I just watched the dvd that my DH made of the launch and am still in awe of it.
I was thinking of you too, with the help you gave me. Funny about your relatives...that is exactly what we were thinking too! I just watched the dvd that my DH made of the launch and am still in awe of it.
Dec 15th, 2006, 04:52 PM
#115
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes NeoPatric it is true I have been going for about 10 years. Prices have increased every year. But this year they have gone through the roof. It is a wonderful place and lots of fun for the kids (and adults too) but next year I will reconsider and maybe go somewhere else
with more value for my dollar.
with more value for my dollar.
Dec 15th, 2006, 05:16 PM
#116
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I went in 1972 when I was 10 and again in 1980. I don't remember the prices well, but I'm sure it was expensive then too. I remember staying off property at the Howard Johnsons Hotel in Lake Buena Vista. I also remember my parents not buying any souvenirs. I remember going on "If You Had Wings" ride when it was sponsored by Eastern Airlines, so that gives you a time frame. Have not been there since and don't expect to go back there any time soon.
Dec 18th, 2006, 07:59 AM
#117
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, if you are using 20 years ago as the comparison, let met tell you this. It is immensely better now than it was then. Much less cartoon, IMHO less commercialism re product association, and much more pure entertainment value. And the surroundings are superlative in nearly any public display/ entertainment or esthetic sense.
It is probably not a good value in the most crowded times. I have not been there in those times myself. The last time I was there in October and they actually were starting shows after we came into the hall/room. Magic Kingdom is the least changed and my personally least favorite. It got better.
It is probably not a good value in the most crowded times. I have not been there in those times myself. The last time I was there in October and they actually were starting shows after we came into the hall/room. Magic Kingdom is the least changed and my personally least favorite. It got better.
Dec 18th, 2006, 08:30 AM
#118
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
JJ5--Could you give some examples of how it is different? Maybe I just didn't notice, but when we lived in Winter Park 17 years ago, we went to Disney often and I didn't see any real differences on this trip. The cost is the only different thing we noticed. Well, and a couple new rides, lol!
Dec 18th, 2006, 08:59 AM
#119
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
More entertainment while you are waiting for shows to start (pre-ride ride LOL! or views/preclude scenarios within the maze or waiting rooms), new rides, new shows, different parades. Shows revamped and parade styles and types have changed, routes through the parks have changed and most of all there is much more interactive with the tech age growing up. They changed many of the old standbys like the House of the "future" etc. And put in things like the Rock & Roll roller coaster type surprises instead in almost all of those former Corps based oldies. Also the shows are less song/dance basic now- have more a tinge of cirque type shows with special effect features, IMHO.
Actually many of the former type E rides are modified, changed or have been replaced, except for Magic Kingdom classics like Pirates of the Carib. etc. We missed Captain Nemo though, I thought that one should never have left. And the Alien encounter too.
Also if you stay INSIDE Disney, there are lots of watersport and campgrounds activities that are available that weren't when they were much newer. But overall, I think it is the quality of the surrounding natural botany bounty plus and general landscaping and structural improvements that have grown up to magnificent in aspects. Many more pools, water venues too- not just the waterpark features, themselves.
Are you trying to test me, bait me in a way? That's sounds paranoid, and it is- because you would never ask that of a city in Europe with 2 very same features that they had 50 years ago. Or entrance fees to shows/plays that are basically very similar. Nor would so many dis Pisa per se, just because it has the same old leaning thing.
Disney is Disney. It is a pretend place. People do not actually live there. Before long, Venice may be similar, as less and less and less people can live there in reality.
And the pretend place is a valid magic condition re children of all ages. One in which the powers that be, well they actually seem to change things BY magic when they do change. Or clean, or supervise or anything you generally would "see" done out in the open at other venues.
Actually many of the former type E rides are modified, changed or have been replaced, except for Magic Kingdom classics like Pirates of the Carib. etc. We missed Captain Nemo though, I thought that one should never have left. And the Alien encounter too.
Also if you stay INSIDE Disney, there are lots of watersport and campgrounds activities that are available that weren't when they were much newer. But overall, I think it is the quality of the surrounding natural botany bounty plus and general landscaping and structural improvements that have grown up to magnificent in aspects. Many more pools, water venues too- not just the waterpark features, themselves.
Are you trying to test me, bait me in a way? That's sounds paranoid, and it is- because you would never ask that of a city in Europe with 2 very same features that they had 50 years ago. Or entrance fees to shows/plays that are basically very similar. Nor would so many dis Pisa per se, just because it has the same old leaning thing.
Disney is Disney. It is a pretend place. People do not actually live there. Before long, Venice may be similar, as less and less and less people can live there in reality.
And the pretend place is a valid magic condition re children of all ages. One in which the powers that be, well they actually seem to change things BY magic when they do change. Or clean, or supervise or anything you generally would "see" done out in the open at other venues.
Dec 18th, 2006, 09:03 AM
#120
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
JJ5--I'm sorry that you think I am baiting you. Not the case at all. I asked an honest question because I could not see much difference for myself and so was curious. That is all...no other motive, etc.
