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Disney vacations: Why we go

by Leigh Caldwell (RSS feed) on Jan 24th 2011 at 3:00PM

Walt Disney World is the most visited resort in the world. Other Disney resorts and Disney cruises remain huge destinations worldwide. Yet, a Disney vacation is also maligned by many people.

Believe me, I've heard all the negatives: It's overly programmed; it's pedestrian; it's gimmicky; it's hot and miserable (or cold and miserable, as the case may be).

And as a journalist who covers Disney, I have to admit that many of my trips to "The World" feel a whole lot more like work than vacation, even with my family in tow.

After a marathon couple of weeks trying to cover all the holiday happenings at Disney Parks, I spent the first half of January in Disney burn-out. But I was reminded again last week why I - and many other moms - bring our kids on Disney vacations.

While watching the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, Tinker Bell took off from Cinderella Castle to make her nightly flight. My 7-year-old daughter, who has seen these same fireworks dozens of times, turned to me, eyes sparkling, and squealed, "Mom, Tinkerbell waved at ME!"

I cannot even express the joy I felt in that moment. I can only say it was worth a million not-so-great moments waiting in line, sweating, and dealing with kids' meltdowns and obnoxious grown-ups on vacation.

It's a sentiment Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger agreed with when I interviewed him last week on board the Disney Dream.

A father and grandfather himself, Iger has a built-in focus group at home, and it keeps him centered on Disney's core values.

"Watching through my kids' eyes reinforces the richest and most valuable quality of Disney - the impact we have on kids and families," Iger said.

Sure, enjoying a Disney vacation requires a little leap, a little suspension of reality. And no, it doesn't give you a sense of the place you've traveled or a look into the real people who live there.

But I still urge you to try it sometime. And when you do, go with a kid.

Because as far as I'm concerned, Tinker Bell really does fly out of Cinderella Castle every night. And she really did pick my daughter out of the crowd last week and wave specifically at her.

And it was magical.

Filed under: North America, United States, Theme Parks

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Nancy Jan 25th 2011 2:25AM

Disney trips are definitely geared for children. Disneyland and Disney World held special place in my heart when I was a kid. Then after many years of not going, I finally went with a friend on a weekday in the fall time. There were very few people around so I was able to enjoy the rides without any long lines. I still had fun because it was a magical place. Just one day of fun and without any care in the world. If it is at all possible, go on the days when it would not be crowded. It's good to have that feeling for even just for one day. :-)

Emland Jan 25th 2011 2:24PM

We had a similar experience with Tinkerbell. My daughter was 5 years old and when Tinkerbell flew out of the castle my daughter turned to me and exclaimed "She's real, Mommy, Tinkerbell is real!"

I of course agreed that she must be real. My daughter brought her Aurora costume from home (she was really into Princess mode that year) and wore it the 3 days we were there. The castmembers (what they call their staff) all addressed her by Princess and would go out of their way to open doors, give her little trinkets like toy rings and stickers and she ate it up. I took her to the Bippity-Boppity Boutique (reservations a must) and had the works - hair, nails and makeup and it was the best $45 I have ever spent. She loved going to the salon and they put so much goo in her hair to do the Cinderella-do that it stayed good for the entire vacation. Just a little spritz of water to smooth it out in the morning and she was good for the day.

My husband hated the heat (we went in August - not recommended), the regemented dinner plan (reservations are a must for the sit down meals) and the crowds, but my daughter and I took it all in stride.

Just an FYI: WDW also has an Armed Forces Recreation Center called the Shades of Green which is for active-duty and retired service members. You can't use the Magic Express from the airport for free, but you can use the bus to the parks for free once you are there.

Ina Jan 25th 2011 10:41PM

We waited line for Dumbo right before the fireworks started and were able to get on the ride partway through the fireworks. There was no way to describe the feeling! The fireworks are literally going off all around you as you fly through the air. I swear time felt like it slowed down. We'll never forget the experience! Absolutely incredible and magical.