Was stuck at Disney Hell this past weekend. One thing I cannot fathom for the life of me:

[Tommy_Carcetti]

Grown adults who go to Disney World and wear mouse ears, goofy hats, etc.

I'd give a pass if it's a parent and they want to wear it just to be silly with their kids. But these were grown adults with nary a little one in sight.

I counted 46 of these idiots at the park.

Also, newlyweds who honeymoon at Disney.

I guess to each his/her own and everything, but I still question their sanity....

[Rambis]

1. No desire to go at all

I don't get it- I don't like rides and I see no reason to spend a kings ransom to go to a theme park.:shrug:

[Tommy_Carcetti]

3. Even considering it objectively, the Magic Kingdom sucks as a theme park.

All the rides are slow and dated and mediocre. Space Mountain is a joke of a roller coaster. The place is ridiculously crowded even by theme park standards--especially after one of those parades goes by. Food prices are expensive for what amounts to carnival faire. Parking is literally miles away from the park entrance.

If you are in Orlando and you must go to a theme park, skip Disney entirely. Go to Universal instead. At least they have good rides.

[HughBeaumont]

65. I was going to say . . .

. . . you pay all that money for WHAT? Lots and lots and lots of toddler-to-pre-adolescent-age merchandise; mediocre slow rides, lousy food, bad logistics, etc. Since I live in Ohio and there's three of us, that would be around $2000 (flight/hotel/admission/car rental/etc) when all is said and spent.

I mean, Disneyworld/Epcot was great when I was 6 years old. I couldn't see taking my about-to-be-15 year old there. That window has closed, especially with the way less expensive and way better Cedar Point only a 40 minute drive away.

[sammytko]

16. me too!

no desire at all to visit theme parsk, even as a youngster.

[HopeHoops]

2. I wore a Goofy hat to all of my senior year (last semester finals).

I wore a Santa hat to the first semester finals. I also graduated with honors.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

4. I said sanity, not intellegence.

And we all know you are as nutty as they come. jk

:P :hi:

[HopeHoops]

14. Yeah, well, I was also stoned all to Jesus for all of my finals.

I still aced them.

[MicaelS]

5. Reliving their childhood....

If you desperately wanted to go as a kid, and your family couldn't afford it then, what's wrong with going now as an adult when you can afford it?

IMO, it's better than pissing your money away gambling in Vegas or some Indian casino.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

6. Maybe, I guess. I never went to Disney as a kid.

My dad hated the place for what it did to the Central Florida landscape. He always said that if we wanted to go and my mom wanted to take us, he'd have no problem with that. And I think if my sisters and I really wanted to go, we would have lobbied my mom and we would have went.

But none of us really had much of a desire to go. When we went to Florida, it was for Florida, not for Disney. Funny thing is, we had an aunt who lived in Orlando that we usually stayed a few days with, and we could have easily done it.

So I finally went with my own family and my in laws and honestly, it didn't do much for me. I didn't feel like I had missed out on anything as a kid. My 2 year old daughter was mildly entertained but honestly, I think she enjoyed splashing around the hotel swimming pool that evening more than the park itself.

But I guess it is better than gambling away your money, so you might have a point there.

[Shell Beau]

7. Kids at heart I guess. Or trying to be a kid again???

[Symarip]

8. Maybe because it's not such a complete clusterfuck

But I enjoy going to Disneyland. I appreciate the architecture and layout even though I pretty well loathe most all things Disney. But yeah, I could never plan a trip around going to Disneyland/world. I just grew up in driving distance of Buena Park and when I'm home, my brother and I usually plan a weekday trip just for the hell of it.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

12. At least DisneyLAND is self contained and didn't scar up the land.

DisneyWORLD on the other hand basically ruined a lot of Central Florida, and recieved special blessing from the Florida Legislature to do so back in the late 1960s. It's not just the park itself, but the miles upon miles of sprawl right outside its gates that resulted because of Disney.

DisneyLAND, from what I understood, was built within a confined space in an already developed area, and there was no shady underdealings with the local government from what I understand. Not the case with Disney World.

[Symarip]

23. I've also read

If you enjoy Disneyland on any level to stay far away from The Magic Kingdom.

Again, I really don't have any desire to go to any theme park for a vacation, so I don't think I'll end up at the 'World one way or the other. I will say, though, if you like roller coasters and themed entertainment, Virginia isn't doing too bad between the two major parks here: Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens. In fact, Busch Gardens might be the funnest theme park I've ever been to. But then again, they sell beer.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

25. Kings Dominion is awesome.

One of the best parks for good coaster action. Loved the Volcano ride.

Busch Gardens VA is okay, but it helps to be over 21 for the free beer. I like Busch Gardens Florida better though.

You know Disney almost put a park in Manasas? True story.

[Symarip]

27. I'd prefer a DisneyManassas versus the redneck water park we have.

I do everything possible in the Summer to stay away from this place.

Ugh, why did you have to remind me I live here.

Edited to add: Busch Garden's Griffon ride is worth the admission, alone. Front row, after one or ten beers, and life becomes pretty fucking epic for a second or two.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

30. Well it would have been near the battlefield....

....and people, for whatever reason, thought it would be distasteful to have a Disney Park on the same grounds where a century and a half ago people were getting their heads blown off and their legs amputated.

Who knew?

[TZ]

32. Yeah Disney Civil War History would not have been

umm very accurate to say the least. The idea of characters dressed in Civil War Duds (and you KNOW they would have done that) is a bit unnerving.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

33. I don't know.

Watching Private Goofy of the 20th Maine stick a bayyonet through the heart of Corporal Donald of the 2nd Alabama? The kids would have loved that!

Donald, gasping for air in that wheezy voice of his? Take out your cameras, kids!

[TZ]

28. I was about to comment on Volcano being one of the BEST coasters ever

But I really like Kings Island in Ohio (which is very similar) bettter. Google The Beast and The Son of the Beast. Those are two of the best wooden coasters in THE WORLD!!!
You know, I think I'm going to start a coaster thread..:)

[Tommy_Carcetti]

31. My wife jokes that it sounded like I was having an orgasm when we rode it.

I was screaming that much.

[Symarip]

36. Between King's Dominion and Busch Gardens I'm really torn

Beer drinking aside, I like the fact KD has so many good coasters. And the water park included is a nice bonus on hot days. But 3 out of the 4 coasters at Busch Gardens are showstoppers. I don't know. It's kind of a tie.

I will say I like both Virginia parks better than all the theme parks in California, sans Magic Mountain (which is arguably the greatest roller coaster park in America). The only thing I don't miss about Magic Mountain is the fucking crowds. Whew, does it get busy.

[TZ]

44. I'll say this for my home state of Ohio

It doesn't have all that much going for it (you think Manassas is rednecky..whoooo) but they have a whole bunch of the best roller coasters in the world-- Kings Island and Cedar Point are just awesome! Probably because people really need stuff to do in Ohio! :)

[cemaphonic]

68. I think the setting at Busch Gardens gives it the edge.

The faux Old-World themes, and the trees everywhere - it's really one of the nicest parks just to walk around in. But they are both great.

[Shell Beau]

50. I've been to Kings Dominion.

We had a good time there. I didn't like it is as much as the Six Flags, but it was a good time.

I was PISSED that the volcano coaster was out when we went. PISSED! But I enjoyed that crazy one that shoots up that really high curve.

[hayu_lol]

76. The original Disneyland was built way out...

in the boonies of Orange County when it was pretty much farms and orchards. That is why the bankers were hesitant about loaning Disney money to develop it. Who would go there they asked him.

Orange County is now wall to wall homes and businesses.

Back then, it was just open land...a nice place to go for a Sunday drive.

[Art_from_Ark]

78. I heard that DisneyLAND was built in an orange orchard

in what was a largely undeveloped area.

[TZ]

19. Really?

I am now having an amusing image of you walking around with a pair of mouse ears on your head...:rofl:
This beats me going to Star Trek conventions, I think...:D

[Tommy_Carcetti]

20. Dude. He only went because of the Narwhal Mountain ride.

Fuck yeah!

[Symarip]

24. C'mon, fucking guy.

Disneyland might be kind of fun, but it's not 'IS THIS NOT THE RADDEST SHIT YOU'VE SEEN ALL DAY' fun.

[Symarip]

26. I have never owned a set of mouse ears

As an adult, or as a child.

I have, however, had a BLAST going on the now defunct peoplemover as a teenager. Especially for the TRON hall.

(some people will know what I'm talking about)

[Dr. Strange]

34. He only went to see Rush.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

35. That picture is way too small. You need to make it larger so everyone can see.

Ah hell, just post it in its own seperate thread.

[TZ]

46. BWAHAHA-

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!!!! :spray:

[azmouse]

9. MrMouse and I went to Disneyworld for our honeymoon in 1987.

Where else would a mouse go? :7

Disney wasn't the only (or the main place) we visited in FL but we did go.

Question my sanity? Fair enough! :hi:

[Tommy_Carcetti]

10. It's all good.

Believe me, there are things about me where my sanity can be questioned as well.

:hi:

[azmouse]

11. It was my visit to FL that convinced me I had to live somewhere w/ palm trees.

I just love 'em!

[Tommy_Carcetti]

13. Well that I can certainly agree with.

I love Florida's nature, including its palms.

[MajorChode]

15. Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

--Chili Davis

[Aristus]

17. Hey! Mrs. Aristus and I honeymooned at Disney.

We took a cruise of the Caribbean for a week, then spent the second week in Orlando.

Truth is, we spent only half a day at the Magic Kingdom, where I got sick from one of those awful turkey legs they sell.

We spent three days at EPCOT, and loved it, and one day at the Animal Kingdom, which was pretty cool.

As far as I can tell, neither one of us is crazy, except in the fact that we are crazy about each other, after all these years...

[Tommy_Carcetti]

21. Well you did it as a side trip. I will grant you dispensation.

And I will admit the Everest Ride at Animal Kingdom was decent, as was the Rocking Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios.

[RadiationTherapy]

18. Counting people you judge as idiots. Whew! What fun!

You crazy, man!

[Tommy_Carcetti]

22. I was bored. Very bored.

It was a long, long time from 10 am to 7 pm. My mind wandered.

[Orsino]

29. If they're not sports fans or RenFaire types, and not politically active...

...there are damned few opportunities to wear stupid hats.

[Beetwasher]

37. What Gets Me Is ALL The Lazy Mutherfuckers Who Ride Scooters Now

Holy fucking shit. Now, I can understand why SOME people need them for health reasons, and I got no beef, but every other person was riding these fucking scooters last time I went. Seriously, that's some fucked up lazy-ass shit goin' on.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

38. I know exactly why.

Line priority passes. They ride their Rascal up to the entrance of the ride, get out, show them their pass (that they most likely borrowed from a friend), bypass the people standing 2 hours in line, get on the ride, walk out, and get back on the Rascal. On to the next one.

Crazy like a fox.

[la_chupa]

39. I have a coworker who LIVES for that place

She has no kids, but she goes with her family (all adults) every single year. She has a popup camper thing they haul down there. We work in a cube farm. Her whole cube is decorated with Disney stuff. I'm all about everyone getting their jollies their own way but since she's such a damn Disney expert everyone who plans a trip there (usually people with actual children) comes over here and she tells them ALL about it and I do mean ALL about it. I've heard about meal plans, some sort of pass you can get to skip the lines, themed parties.

OHMYGOD

it makes me nuts absolutely nuts

She goes to these character breakfasts and she and her also adult sisters put together autograph books for the characters. Why in the world would you want to spend your vacation time stalking some college drop out dressed like a cartoon character and get his autograph?

pant pant pant

I'm ok

no really I'm not

A few weeks ago I got so sick of it that I actually bought Disney stock just so when I hear them going on and friggen on about the damn place I figure at least it helps my stock. I have no idea how that stock is doing. I did absolutely no research. I bought it solely because I was angry

sort of like having sex with your ex's...you know what I think I'll just move along now

[lukasahero]

52. All of my co-workers live for the place

OHMYGOD - we have the same co-worker! However, my place is filled with them - kids, no kids, they're all Disney freaks and I get to listen to it day after day after day after day after...

I've been and enjoyed it but once was enough, thank you. Lots more for me to see in the world.

The only reason I chimed in here is I think there's a correlation:

Most of my co-workers go to Disney every vacation.
Most of my co-workers are Republican.
I am looking for another place to work.

:evilgrin:

[la_chupa]

59. there is this other thrill ride that I like to do on vacation

You put on a life jacket, hop in a raft, and take off down the Snake River woo hooo
kind of like a roller coaster, but different

It's odd that freepers would be so into Disney, weren't they leading a boycott?

[lukasahero]

62. LOL - now that sounds like my kinda ride!

They're not full on freepers. (I live in MA - we measure things a little differently around here. ;) ) They're just not especially well-educated, over-paid drones who think they're brilliant because they've been with a company for 20 years that refuses to fire anyone who hasn't actually killed somebody and they haven't been affected by the economic downturn. Hell, one of them is gay. She's not evil, she's just stupid.

But yeah, I'll take the real ride over the controlled Disney environment every time. See you on the water! :hi:

[begin_within]

40. Disneyland in Anaheim is a work of art

Every single thing in it is a work of art, whether it's the architecture, theming, landscaping, floral displays, finishing touches, signs, music, costumes, lighting and effects, the innumerable tiny details you discover randomly - it's really dazzling to the eyes and ears. And it's the park that Walt Disney built and walked in. So they get a pass on that one, though their other parks are crass commercial entities, the original Disneyland is still an amazing place and almost a historical site unto itself.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

41. No kidding.

There are some old cacti in Frontierland or whatever they call it that they must have planted back when they first opened the park, and have been taking good care of ever since. They could be display pieces in a show garden, and the typical Disney visitor will walk right past them without even noticing.

[deutsey]

61. My mom took us there in the '73 when we lived in Long Beach

We went maybe three or four times, though I don't know how she afforded it on her waitress wages (maybe they actually tried to make the park affordable back then?).

I enjoyed it, but I don't have any desire to go to any Disney park now.

[lunamagica]

42. My family and I love to vacation at WDW. We're all adults

I wonder how many of those with the most negative comments have actually been there.

"All the rides are slow and dated and mediocre. Space Mountain is a joke of a roller coaster. The place is ridiculously crowded even by theme park standards--especially after one of those parades goes by. Food prices are expensive for what amounts to carnival faire. Parking is literally miles away from the park entrance."

That is not my impression of the Magic Kingdom. I've never gone during their most crowded times. It's easy to plan going when the park isn't too crowded. We take the busses which take us right in front of the park, but I understand there are trams that take you to the parking lot. Yes, the food can be bad, depending where you eat. There are restaurants inside the parks, or close by at the hotels where the monorail can take you in no time. I think most rides, esp The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean are far from mediocre. Splash Mountain has great charm, IMO

"If you are in Orlando and you must go to a theme park, skip Disney entirely. Go to Universal instead. At least they have good rides. "

That depends on your taste, and on your health. Rollercoaster after rollercoaster, and getting wet are nor my idea of fun. But to each his own.

Me, I love to be at Disney, and all four of its parks. love all the "old rides" at the MK, love Epcot and its Spaceship Earth, Ellen's energy adventure, Test Track, strolling through the countries and watching shows, esp the Beatles tribute band.

I love Tower Of Terror at Disney Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM) RnR coaster, and more. The super spectacular "Fantasmic" alone is worth the entrance price.

I love the Safari, Expedition Everest, The Nemo show at Animal Kingdom.

I wont list everything I love about Disney (this post is long enough already) But Disney is also more than rides. Foe me is like leaving the real world and feel like a kid for a while. Disney is really accommodating to people in all kinds of physical shape and ability. It's great to be able to participate, and not just watch the others have fun.

So yes, I'll admit to loving Disney. But we don't wear mouse ears or funny hats. Are we still insane? :silly: :-)

[Tommy_Carcetti]

45. To be fair....

I can say I honestly enjoyed both the Everest ride at Animal Kingdom and the Rock N Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. Neither in my opinion measured up to the best roller coasters of other theme parks, but they were within their own right good rides.

I still think Magic Kingdom was outdated and overrated, but if I had my pick of the rides, I think Splash Mountain was half decent. It lasted longer than most of the rides.

While I can't stand Disney World itself (perhaps based out of being a Floridian), if other people love it, that's fine with me. Plus you don't go around with mouse ears or anything ridiculous like that.

[Initech]

43. I live in Anaheim - Disneyland west.

Outside of the House Of Blues I haven't set foot in the actual theme park in years.

[jobycom]

47. Adults who have grown past the need to wear an emminence front.

They get life, and get that being a grown-up doesn't mean pretending they are grown up.

Applause to them. Shun Tommy-Carcetti for bringing them down. Shun. Shuuuunnnn.

[redqueen]

49. Yes! Shun the non believer! SHUNNNNNN!

:thumbsup:

[TZ]

51. Nice post Charlie!

LOL! Now we have a pink fictional unicorn reference! This thread is awesome!!!

[Tommy_Carcetti]

53. Noooo!!! The shunning! The shunning!

It burns me so!

[jobycom]

54. Wait til you get to Candy Mountain, Hoss.

:rofl:

[Tommy_Carcetti]

55. I'm sure I'll be in line for two hours.

Unless I buy a "fast pass", that is.

[mitchum]

48. Never wanted to go even as a child...

"Mickey Mouse is a sissy" (a quote by the 10 year old mitchum)

[Fire Walk With Me]

56. The answer is simple.

Don't suck the rat.

:shrug:

[RainDog]

57. I saw an advert for weddings at disney

and had to laugh.

yeah, THAT marriage is off to a realistic start. lol.

but honestly, disney kind of gives me the creeps. always seemed like a potempkin village of american life.

[rug]

58. You're not very nice.

[lutefisk]

60. Ever here Franklin Ajaye (comedian) do his "Disneyland High" routine?

I'm guessing a good number of adults at Disney are stoned.

They drug test the employees, not the customers.
:hi:

[Beaverhausen]

63. If you wear a "just married" pin you get lots of perks

Me and my hubby went a few months after we were married and got them to give us the pins to wear.

We got to ride our own boat at It's a Small World and other fun stuff.

I like Disneyland, and my hubby grew up in So Cal so he's very sentimental about the place.

[TommyO]

64. A rather interesting post, since this 45 year old will be there next week

No, I won't be wearing silly hats at all, it's going to be shorts, t-shirts, and three days all to myself at the parks. I've been to Disneyworld twice, and Disneyland twice (much more recently than world) and I'm looking forward to it, since both Hollwood Studios and Animal Kingdom are new to me, and even quite a bit at both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot weren't there the last time I visited over two decades ago.

[tk2kewl]

66. a guy i particularly loath...

the husband of my wife's friend was board on his honeymoon in hawaii and had his bride leave hawaii with him to go back to cali for disneyland.

[lost-in-nj]

67. I like Disney.... Drinking your way through Epcot

is awesome....

and the food is great!


Went with a bunch of friends a few years ago and had a blast




lost

[Lydia Leftcoast]

69. I went to a convention in Orlando in November 2008

Our hotel was located right outside Downtown Disney, and admission there was free, so I took a stroll around. Bleccch. Cheap souvenir shops selling Disney-themed crap and containing ads for other Disney-themed crap, located between overpriced restaurants selling mediocre food.

I had no interest in seeing Disney World or any of the other theme parks, but I had some spare time, so another translator and I went to Cirque de Soleil, which has a permanent troupe in residence. The tickets were WAY overpriced, too, but at least the show was thrilling.

Then we walked back to the hotel, past the now-closed souvenir shops and the mediocre restaurants, which were now emitting the sounds of mediocre music and hordes of drunk tourists.

I don't know how many of you are familiar with the British soap opera Eastenders, which plays on some PBS stations, but as we were having a pre-show dinner, in walked a group of Brits (evidently two families). They looked, dressed, acted, and talked as if they had just walked out of Eastenders. I started laughing, but my companion, who had never seen Eastenders, didn't get it.

[Bombero1956]

70. I cannot fathom honeymooning at Disney World

Do these newlyweds spend the day riding the teacups and Space Mountain and then go back to the hotel and bump uglies while wearing mouse ears?

[Love Bug]

71. Where else can you wear them?

[GoneOffShore]

72. Why go to Disney when the real world is so much better?

Never can understand it.

[WinterParkDonkey]

73. Everyone who said they don't like DisneyWorld....PLEASE..

do us all a favor and don't come back to Central Florida. I have lived here all my life and they have ruined what was once the best place to live in America. Sorry.

[GoneOffShore]

75. I remember going to Orlando before Disney. Didn't much like it then but saw the charm.

[applegrove]

74. As a family we went for a couple of days. We went on the rides for half a day and then stayed at the

water park for the next 2 days. We just were not so into the rides. You really have to be a believer to spend time in Disneyland and we were all too old to be believers. I guess you saw some adults who were still believers.

[MrMickeysMom]

77. My niece honeymooned at Disney...

Wanted me to drive up (I lived close at the time) to drop by. Big Goofy freak... not your typical high brow stuff.

They split about 5 years later, too.