Criticism on WDW is OK, but Start your Trip “Open Minded”!
What happens if you want to write an article about spending 5 days at Walt Disney World without kids but are not open minded towards this experience. Seth Stevenson does it in his “well-traveled: Dispatches from the front lines of travel The Mecca of the Mouse” article. He already starts the article with the false assumption it’s a place for adults with children only. (and adds, later in the article, that all visitors are annoyed and cranky by the end of the day)
Why on earth would I, a childless adult, visit Disney World by myself? (Slate; Part 1)
Walt Disney World was not even given the chance. A negative view was needed, for whatever reason (Page Hits?), and that’s what you’ll get when you read these first two parts of what will be (I think) 5 part negative Disney rant.
How many childless adults go to Disney? If you did your research you would know that it isn’t that strange at all. I have been on two childless WDW visits myself, and countless solo Disneyland Resort Paris visits too. It isn’t that strange. Disney is not for children (only), it is for the child in you.
While I am open for remarks and critics when it comes to Disney, we can’t all like the same stuff, I do want to point out that in this case the approach of the writer is completely wrong and unjust. I have brought people to Disney who didn’t understand what the fuss was all about, who didn’t like the idea of a Disney trip, but after they left the park they where a lot more open and understanding. Some of them still didn’t like a Disney vacation, but they could understand why others would make the choice and love it… even without kids. (On the other hand I brought in many more first timers who have returned since)
Don’t like it? Fine, but be genuine about what you want to write about and start with an open mind…
There was a little hope in the second part where he talks about the Disney details you can find in the park(s)…
I think it’s these interstitial moments—the seamlessness and the attention to detail—that really stun Disney visitors and stay with them long after they’ve left. (Slate; Part 2)
…but the negativity picks up right away again after that.
Want to read the article yourself, follow this link and then return to let us know what you think.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
I am not a regular reader of Slate, but the few articles I have read because of referrals from other sites have all had a negative slant. From what I can tell, that is the general tenor of the whole site, and for that reason I seldom read it. There is enough negativity in everyday living without intentionally immersing oneself in it.
About this article in particular, I think it’s a case of finding what you are looking for. Wherever you go, whatever you do, whoever you meet, you can find good or bad. I believe life is more enjoyable when you look for the good.
I am 10 years older than the author. I, too, remember when Epcot opened (and when the Magic Kingdom opened, for that matter), and have been wanting to visit ever since. Finally, just last month I visited WDW for the first time. My experience couldn’t have been more different from his. We saw the same sights, rode the same rides, experienced the same attractions. But I enjoyed it immensely. From the moment the “Magical Express” bus approached the portal declaring that I was entering Walt Disney World, I felt a sense of wonder that remains even now.
I have a completely opposite take on some of his points. I thought the Hall of Presidents was one of the best attractions there (although perhaps GWB’s speech was a bit long). The Great Movie Ride was loads of fun, enjoyed even by the kids in our group. I thought Spaceship Earth, overall, was well-done, as are most of the attractions throughout WDW.
We didn’t spend much time in World Showcase, and I might agree with his observations there. Having attended Expo ‘86 in Vancouver BC (a marvelous introduction to dozens of countries and cultures), it seems that World Showcase is both narrow and shallow in comparison. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to discovering what it has to offer on our next visit.
Speaking of future visits, this visit didn’t satiate my appetite for WDW. If anything, it heightened it. This time around was with four of my relatives, including a 9 year old and a 14 year old. I’m ready to go back—anytime!—with them, with a larger group, just my wife and me, or even alone. It was great!
March 26th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Those are some great comments Jerry. Thank you for sharing them here! It proofs that many people love Disney, each on our own special way and that you don’t have to be a child to do so. Enjoy your next trip to WDW and let us know your story about your future showcase visit(s)…
March 26th, 2008 at 12:49 am
This article isn’t about hating Disney, its about an honest perspective. I think the article’s author was saying that going to Disney without children is a hassle, which it is. For the same amount of money, a pair of adults could afford a luxury hotel and first class service. Disney is about waiting in lines and dealing with kids. I guess he assumed misery loves company. Just because you’re one of those adults in denial, doesn’t mean you have to take offense to the article.
March 26th, 2008 at 3:44 am
It is without doubt one of the most ignorant, one-eyed articles on travel I have ever read, anywhere. A pre-determined story from a pre-determined author who is determined to shove his misguided ‘opinions’ down the public’s throat with no thought for anyone other than his magazine colleagues, who all, no doubt, share his nihilistic view of the world.
Ultimately very sad. I’d truly hate to be Seth Stevenson; it must be a very miserable place to live.
March 26th, 2008 at 3:45 am
Oh, I forgot to add. It seems Disney PR are keen to cultivate these ‘alternative’ sources of publicity away from mainstream travel writing. I wonder if Bob Iger is happy with this view of his World?
March 26th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Thanks Simon, You hit the nail right on the head!
Ralph, for the same amount of money I will show you Disney in all its luxury you think can only be found elsewhere. All you have to do is be open minded, something Seth is not doing in his article. I don’t take offense in any criticism, we all are different people liking different things. I love Disney, I love visiting the parks and everything around it (there is a lot more then “just” 4 parks), others don’t. You (or Seth) want to give criticism, fine, just make them valid with good examples why and what could be done to change them or help. It would not be the first time I write or talk to people who don’t like the Disney experience. The difference is that the article is obviously one that had to be negative, not because the writer had a negative experience but because it was expected to be a negative one for the site. But whatever your vision is, no “need to call me one of those adults…”. There are thousands and thousands of us. (proofing that Seth did not do his research)
March 26th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
couldn’t see the contact page, so i hope you don’t mind me posting this here, as it is off-topic.
but, i thought you would enjoy this piece:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/03/snow-white-was-green.php
it’s about how the early, classic Disney films helped generate a generation of people that care about the environment and nature, since movies like Snow White, Bambi, Jungle Book, etc, featured an idyllic nature scene.
May 5th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
There is absolutely some truth to this one mans perspective of Disney and he is entitled to his own opinion, but that’s what blogs are for right? Just because he had a negative experience doesn’t mean everyone will. To me it seems like he had already gone to Disney with an negative attitude anyway and no matter what, wasn’t going to try and enjoy his time there. That is just sad.