So, I think I've been "Disney Shamed"...

[YawningDodo]

Most Americans seem to forget the overseas parks, and to be honest, there aren't even many Americans who do travel abroad. Only 30% of Americans, give or take a few percent, have a passport, and most are uninterested. It's this whole idea of American exceptionalism, where people assume America is the greatest so why bother going anywhere else. Your first trip abroad is always a real eye opener.

That's a depressing statistic. I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Russia for six weeks about a decade ago, and it does vastly change one's perspective. I agree that American exceptionalism surely plays a part, but...part of it, too, is that it's expensive. If I hadn't been able to get my airfare on miles, it would have been just as expensive to go abroad as to go to WDW. That 2018 trip was the first time I'd been abroad since Russia because it took me a decade to get to a place in my life where I could afford it.

Im so incredibly sick of ppl commenting on my vacations to Disney. How expensive it must be. Dont i want to go anywhere else? Am i aware there are other theme parks besides disney? Why do these ppl care so much. When ppl tell me where they go on vacation i never judge or tell them where they should go instead. Even the ppl who take their annual trip to the same beach house. So why do so many ppl feel it necessary to comment negatively about mine. I also find ppl will start listing off alternative options for me to do as if i asked for advice. Its truly bizarre !

Thankfully I haven't actually encountered that kind of behavior myself apart from my brother...and that was mostly about him wanting to go abroad instead of to Disney again, back when we used to travel together and he would have had some say in it (we're not close anymore). I've never gotten it from someone when it was just completely not their business to begin with; it's weird to think that people think that's appropriate.

 

[artinlife]

I went to WDW 2 years in a row with my DH and kids, and my cousin’s friend said upon meeting me “oh, you’re the crazy Disney people!” Clearly my love of Disney bothered my cousin enough that it was a conversation topic with strangers. I’m sure if I went by myself it would bother her even more.

I just shrug it off and know that it has more to do with the other person than it does with me. Why would someone else even care where I go on vacation, or bother to form a judgmental opinion, unless it was due to jealousy or insecurity? I am too blessed to stress over someone else’s petty thoughts about my vacation destination choice.

Isn't it weird that people go to 'Vegas' over and over (like the fools that they are) , and no one make any smart remarks.

 

[minnie4ever]

In my lifetime so far I have been all over Europe, the US, Canada, Mexico but I still like to go solo to WDW when I can ( I am also deep into Senior-ville) I have done ABD, Disneyland, WDW and several DCL cruises. I used to go to WDW with friends but I got sick of being travel agent and guide for them. I do go with my brothers family but they do not go very often. There is always something to do different every time I go and staying on property makes things very easy.
I get ragged on at work, but boy when someone needs help with making plans to go to WDW they are rushing to my desk for help!. So I say to the naysayers PPPPFFFFTTTTT! Eat your hearts out, cause I will be having a great time all by my lonesome!!

 

[DisTXMom]

This is our cross to bear, people... as everyone has said, it’s ok to go to the same beach or Vegas every year but somehow going to Disney is up for shaming. I’m with others above- I don’t defend it anymore. I just say yes we love it and have a great time there and leave it at that. Our family goes other places for trips but that doesn’t seem to eliminate the shaming. It’s not for everyone- that’s what I say for people that feel the need to keep pushing.

 

[minnie4ever]

This is our cross to bear, people... as everyone has said, it’s ok to go to the same beach or Vegas every year but somehow going to Disney is up for shaming. I’m with others above- I don’t defend it anymore. I just say yes we love it and have a great time there and leave it at that. Our family goes other places for trips but that doesn’t seem to eliminate the shaming. It’s not for everyone- that’s what I say for people that feel the need to keep pushing.

I figure if they don't get it, there are less people on line in front of me for Peter Pan!

 

[Newcastle]

I just don’t understand why we get the grief. Like psychologically, what is driving people to make these comments and why do they feel that there is something wrong with us for wanting to go on a Disney trip year after year? I have tried to figure this out but maybe it’s just ignorance? Maybe they just don’t get Disney or never developed an emotional attachment to Disney growing up? My brother and sister-in-law recently went on their first Disney trip with their kids. I was super excited for them and was hoping that they would have the same magical experiences that I do. Well, they did not enjoy themselves and likely won’t be going back. I think that was partially because everything was scheduled to the max and they were pretty much exhausted by the time they came home. It was so disappointing to me though because while I’ve never chatted with them extensively about Disney, they know that I go often and now I feel like I can’t really even talk to them about our trips because clearly it was not their cup of tea. Sigh....

 

[adfoster84]

I get it all the time..."Can't you find somewhere better to go and waste your money." I have really gotten to the point in life where i don't care what others think. I especially love when the comments come from someone who never goes anywhere...just sits at home. Like cool if sitting at home is your thing...going to Disney is mine. My husband and I don't have kids and love the fact that when we go to Disney, it is the only vacation where it truly feels like the rest of our adult life ends and being carefree and goofy and spontaneous is allowed. So we will keep going back despite what others may say or think.

 

[DisneyKoyote]

I'm going to Disneyworld for the first time and have told people out of excitement, but definitely get responses asking why I picked that place and how its for kids.
Honestly I get petty and try to make them feel bad hahaha. I just tell them "do you know the amount of planning that goes into Disney? the logistics to get through the park? Obviously anyone who's done any kind of research knows its easier to go without kids. If you think it's a kids only park, you clearly know nothing about Disneyworld. "
If they're going to try to make me feel bad/childish, I have no problem making them feel the same. Of course if they're genuinely curious I'm a lot nicer.

 

[Jasperkitty]

T husband and I tend to laugh and tell them, they don't know Disney if they can ask that. And them start listing all the benefits until their eyes glaze over. We tend to mention the adult oriented stuff, the level of customer service, talk about the food, etc. If I know their tastes, I'll try focusing the perks for them specifically, my hubbie prefers to list everything and will continue for hours unless stopped. After all, they did ask...

But we're evil that way.

Funny enough, we've had a very large number of those same naysayers come back to us, asking for help planning their own Disney trips. Or ask to go with us in our next trip. I'm currently planning a group trip for 12-15 people in 2 years, and have about another 5-6 folks debating on joining us. Half of which have never been to any Disney park before.

Mwahahaha! No regrets!

 

[Tootsie62]

So, last night out of the clear blue, someone I know basically "Disney Shamed" me. Like, it was that "(As a single adult with no kids) Why go to Disney when you can go so many other places?" conversation. I basically told him, "You know, I like it. If it's not for you, that's fine."

I must say I was annoyed by it. This is someone I'm good friends with, so I know he didn't really mean any harm, but why can't people just respect the fact that we all have different tastes in things?

Has anyone ever encountered this? How did you deal with it?

All the time, people roll their eyes when I tell them I'm going to Disney, they say, again, weren't you just there, I reply, well yes, but it's fun and I have a great time, they always say back, there are other places more fun to vacation. I always tell them they should try it just once and if they don't have fun, then THEY can go someplace else.

 

[mco65]

I do get questioned by some.. of course i have a family/kids so its an easier sell if you will.

Still, i just let 'em know we do a lot of things and go on several vacations each year.. one being Disney.

 

[Matoskah Poodle]

T husband and I tend to laugh and tell them, they don't know Disney if they can ask that. And them start listing all the benefits until their eyes glaze over. We tend to mention the adult oriented stuff, the level of customer service, talk about the food, etc. If I know their tastes, I'll try focusing the perks for them specifically, my hubbie prefers to list everything and will continue for hours unless stopped. After all, they did ask...

But we're evil that way.

Funny enough, we've had a very large number of those same naysayers come back to us, asking for help planning their own Disney trips. Or ask to go with us in our next trip. I'm currently planning a group trip for 12-15 people in 2 years, and have about another 5-6 folks debating on joining us. Half of which have never been to any Disney park before.

Mwahahaha! No regrets!

Kind of funny it always happens that way! We go 5-6 times a year. with half of those being solo trips. As someone that travels a lot for work, I love the "all in one aspect" of Disney. I can have whatever type of vacation my heart pleases. A go go go rides and events trip, a lazy sit by the pool and drink ritas all day trip or snazzy nite out with fine dining and drinks while watching the fireworks.

 

[plygph]

You are in good company as you can tell from all of the post's on the subject. God created Disney for only a select few, he gave the rest of them other places not as magical.

So now for us Dinsneyites lets all take a trip down to our happy place.

"Please stand clear of the doors...Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas."

Welcome aboard the Walt Disney World Express Monorail, our Highway in the Sky to the Magic Kingdom. For those of you standing, please hold on to the handrails throughout our journey and stay clear of the doors. For the comfort of others, no smoking please. Thank you.


We are circling the Disney-created Seven Seas Lagoon. Rising from the Magic Kingdom on the opposite shore is Cinderella Castle. You can also see Disney's mountain range, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain in Frontierland and Space Mountain in Tomorrowland.


To the right hand side on the shores of Bay Lake is Disney's Wilderness Lodge, which captures the spirit of the National Park Service lodges built in the west during the early part of this century. Also on Bay Lake, you can enjoy a natural setting at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. More outdoor recreation can be found at River Country, Disney's version of the old-fashioned swimming hole.


We are entering Disney's Contemporary Resort, where on the Grand Canyon Concourse, you can start your day with Chef Mickey's Character Breakfast. For a panoramic view of Walt Disney World, the California Grill, located on the 15th floor, offers an exquisite array of fine dining experiences, with each meal prepared on stage, as a specialty of the house.


While your group is together, now is a great time to pick a place to meet if you become separated in the park. Should you become separated, stop by City Hall on Main Street U.S.A. for assistance. Guest Relations at City Hall can also help you plan your day, make dining arrangements or provide a special guided tour of the Magic Kingdom.


In front of the Magic Kingdom is Disney's Walk Around the World, a pathway that will eventually stretch more than three and a half miles around the Seven Seas Lagoon. Each stone in the pathway commemorates the name and year of an individual guest visit or an entire family vacation at Walt Disney World.


Ladies and Gentleman, we're approaching our station at the entrance to Main Street U.S.A, gateway to the seven themed lands of the Magic Kingdom. If you're standing, please hold on to the handrails and stay clear of the doors until the Monorail stops completely and the doors open. Ladies and Gentleman, this is the Magic Kingdom Monorail station. On behalf of the cast of the Walt Disney World Resort, we'd like to welcome you to the Magic Kingdom.


Ladies and Gentleman, please collect your belongings and watch your head and step. Please assist small children by the hand. Once again, we hope you enjoy the Magic Kingdom.

 

[aspinc2001]

I have been both people. I’ve been the one scratching her head, asking “why Disney?!” and I’ve been the lunatic “planning her 50,000th trip” (some people like to exaggerate when they ask “why disney?!”). So your response was great, some people don’t get it and it’s fine.
I went to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot in my teens but living up north, I didn’t really have the opportunity to return. Though I’ve always loved everything Disney, I never considered going back since I didn’t have kids and it was expensive. In my 30s we moved within a 5 hour drive of WDW and we seemed to be surrounded by Disney fanatics. I recall having conversations with local fans and asking why they keep returning. To me it was more of a vague curiosity as to whether I should bother going back, but to them I was probably just another person who just didn’t get it.
A few years later, we adopted our son and took him for the first time. I caught the bug and suddenly we were “that family”. Then we fostered a sibling group of 2 (14 yo and 6 yo) and I thought our Disney days were over. We wouldn’t be able to afford it for the 5 of us and at 14, she might not be interested. Still it was important for us that they get to go at least once. We found plenty of creative ways to make it happen and finalized their adoption in the process. Our daughter is off to college soon and we have crammed in plenty of Disney trips in the 4 years she’s been with us. It actually helped so much in bonding. Especially early on when we didn’t really know what we had in common, we’d plan trips and do the countdown. I thought, she’s not going to want to go now that she’s a college kid but she’s definitely been infected. I’m sure Disney trips will keep our family close even as they become adults and that’s something I never expected.
Honestly, with or without kids I’d probably still be a fanatic but Disney has had a big roll in our family bonding. I’m okay when people don’t understand and I’m okay when they decide to plan a trip and seek me out for advice. I’m sure that was the longest way of saying, you did the right thing by brushing it off. Disney means different things to different people so don’t let it bother you.

 

[Brett Wyman]

All good things in moderation! I enjoy Disney A LOT but we also like our other vacations too. My solo Disney trips usually coincide with work or a conference in Orlando but I completely understand those that want to go solo. For me there's just a ton I can't see or do with the kids there. I do wish my wife was there for the solo trips but someone's gotta watch those kids!

 

[THE BARRON]

It happens all the time, so even though I go to Disney World 3 or 4 times I also go on the cruise, this year we went on the cruise, Yellowstone, Gatlinburg and Disney, (4 times )

 

[disneyseniors]

Sounds like a good segway into DCL and Adventures by Disney(which most people don't know Disney offers). The latter specifically has some adults only trips. Plus, Paris, as great a city as it is, is still relatively tame when it comes to international destinations. I would choose Morocco, India, China, or Egypt for a good adventure. Been to Colombia and definitely recommend, but I am looking for something else on my next international trip. Also, those people that mentioned Paris do realize they have a Disney park as well?

I don't think those people who go to Paris all the time would think to spend time at a Disney park. Sad......

 

[AdamsMum]

You are in good company as you can tell from all of the post's on the subject. God created Disney for only a select few, he gave the rest of them other places not as magical.

So now for us Dinsneyites lets all take a trip down to our happy place.

"Please stand clear of the doors...Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas."

Welcome aboard the Walt Disney World Express Monorail, our Highway in the Sky to the Magic Kingdom. For those of you standing, please hold on to the handrails throughout our journey and stay clear of the doors. For the comfort of others, no smoking please. Thank you.


We are circling the Disney-created Seven Seas Lagoon. Rising from the Magic Kingdom on the opposite shore is Cinderella Castle. You can also see Disney's mountain range, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain in Frontierland and Space Mountain in Tomorrowland.


To the right hand side on the shores of Bay Lake is Disney's Wilderness Lodge, which captures the spirit of the National Park Service lodges built in the west during the early part of this century. Also on Bay Lake, you can enjoy a natural setting at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. More outdoor recreation can be found at River Country, Disney's version of the old-fashioned swimming hole.


We are entering Disney's Contemporary Resort, where on the Grand Canyon Concourse, you can start your day with Chef Mickey's Character Breakfast. For a panoramic view of Walt Disney World, the California Grill, located on the 15th floor, offers an exquisite array of fine dining experiences, with each meal prepared on stage, as a specialty of the house.


While your group is together, now is a great time to pick a place to meet if you become separated in the park. Should you become separated, stop by City Hall on Main Street U.S.A. for assistance. Guest Relations at City Hall can also help you plan your day, make dining arrangements or provide a special guided tour of the Magic Kingdom.


In front of the Magic Kingdom is Disney's Walk Around the World, a pathway that will eventually stretch more than three and a half miles around the Seven Seas Lagoon. Each stone in the pathway commemorates the name and year of an individual guest visit or an entire family vacation at Walt Disney World.


Ladies and Gentleman, we're approaching our station at the entrance to Main Street U.S.A, gateway to the seven themed lands of the Magic Kingdom. If you're standing, please hold on to the handrails and stay clear of the doors until the Monorail stops completely and the doors open. Ladies and Gentleman, this is the Magic Kingdom Monorail station. On behalf of the cast of the Walt Disney World Resort, we'd like to welcome you to the Magic Kingdom.


Ladies and Gentleman, please collect your belongings and watch your head and step. Please assist small children by the hand. Once again, we hope you enjoy the Magic Kingdom.

I got a little emotional reading that. Thanks for posting it.

 

[Rach3975]

Only 30% of Americans, give or take a few percent, have a passport, and most are uninterested. It's this whole idea of American exceptionalism, where people assume America is the greatest so why bother going anywhere else. Your first trip abroad is always a real eye opener.

That statistic doesn't surprise me, but I think the cost has a lot more to do with it than American exceptionalism or disinterest. I'd love to travel overseas, but with a family of 5 the cost is prohibitive. We can manage a bigger domestic vacation (WDW or someplace else) every other year. When I tried pricing international vacations last year, the cost was going to be at least double what we spend for DIsney.

 

[DisLiss]

I really don't care about that kind of thing. I think when someone says something like that to a person, it reflects far more on them than on the person they are "shaming". (Unless, of course, they are actually asking in a very sincere way, as they either have never been to a Disney park or have not been since they were a child and they truly don't know all that an adult can find enjoyable there.) So if someone said it to me it wouldn't bother me. It would just tell me something about the type of person they are. And I would tuck that knowledge away in case another conversation with them ever came to be.