What's out: Disney World. What's in: Public parks.
Filed under: Extracurriculars, Travel
Disney World (and I can't believe I'm writing this) was once the ultimate family destination for many of my friends. I can specifically enumerate examples of friends for whom a Disney World vacation was such an important life event, they planned future childbearing and other major personal decisions around the family trip -- and, what's more, planned the trip more than a year in advance. Disney World has been, for many families, truly a signal that they've arrived as consumers of American culture.For this year already, 10% fewer families have arrived. Disney earnings, released a few weeks ago, indicated that visits to its iconic amusement parks were down 10% this year. And, indeed, the stock has been depressed as investors expect "Armageddon at the parks." The fact is that families strapped for cash to heat their homes and buy groceries are probably going to avoid the indulgent and expensive family vacations. The coming credit card meltdown is sure to put a dent in families' ability to use credit card points for "Disney Rewards," as well as reducing the main way many people finance their magical vacations. And these days? Conspicuous consumption is over; and enjoying your family is coming back.
If Disney World is out, public parks are in.
Why pay thousands for having fun with your kids when plentiful public spaces are within walking or biking distance? At your local public park, you can pack a picnic lunch of your favorite food and enjoy the sun (and you can plan your "vacation" around a sunny afternoon: it's better than vacation insurance!); go on the "rides" of your children's imagination on the play structures and century-old trees; and explore the wild wonder of squirrels, blue jays and horse chestnuts without having to pay for a separate admissions fee. Like adventure? Take a hike in a wooded nature preserve near your city. Discover a waterfall. Pick up unusual rocks and pinecones; they'll last just as long as the merchandise sold at Disney resorts, I promise you, and you won't have to buy the DVD of the movie tie-in.
Make a little magic of your own. Show your kids a mushroom growing under a log, or a bird's nest in a tree, or how to make a daisy chain. Best of all? No waiting in line to ride the swings, and you don't even need to take vacation time. Instant, VIP access to a paradise in your neighborhood: now that's a sign you've arrived.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-21-2008 @ 5:32PM
D said...
I just don't get it. The price for a one day ticket is close to $75. WHY????? Doesn't Walt Disney's grand-kids realize that is TOO MUCH??????? Come on now. In 2004 it was just over $50 and now in less then 4 years it's gone up $25. Well, I guess it takes a lot of $$$ to keep the head mouse above the rest of us. And what a shame. I would love to have gone here as a kid, but with 6 children in a family where only one parent worked, this was a pipe dream. Only after I was married to a Floridian, did I get to fulfill this dream. Now, I realize when I walk through the gates, it's a privilege now. I have to save for years to do this, and safe money to eat within the gates too. I don't buy souvenirs there either, I get them at discount stores in and around Orlando. Wake up Disney. Only the rich can enjoy what pleasure you offer within your gates. Have you ever thought of having some discount months????? For the whole country, not just people in Florida and California? I'm heading to Disney this year, but only with bonus tickets can we go there.
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11-30-2008 @ 12:22AM
mitzi villeda said...
YOU SAID IT WRIGHT ON THE DOT AND THE FOOD AT DISNEY IS NASTY. ONLY THE SWEET STUFF TASTE GOOD.I DO NOT HAVE KIDS BUT IF I DID I STILL DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY YOU HAVE TO BUY EVERTHING THEIR TO DRINK AND EAT.YOU CANNOT TAKE ANYTHING INSIDE THE PARKS.PLUS,WOW THEY GIVE YOU ONE DAY FREE IN THE PARK AND GUESS WHAT MINE'S ON GAY DAY IN JUNE.ME AND MY HUSBAND WENT ONE YEAR ON THAT DAY WE DID NOT KNOW YOU CAN'T WEAR RED CLOTHES ON THAT DAY.BUT DISNEY DID GIVE US FREE T-SHIRT EACH.
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11-30-2008 @ 2:49AM
Terry said...
I used to go to disneyland alot. I had year round tickets, I could go when ever I felt like it, even to just go for lunch or shop for a gift. Those days are long gone. Over the years the rides,park and themes lack the imagination that Walt Disney had. Going to Disneyland was a dream come true for any kid back then. Now it is just a money trap, from way overpriced tickets get in, to being forced to pay super high prices for thier food and drinks only.
Some of the really cool stuff like the Lincoln theatre have been shipped off to somewhere else.Lincoln no longer stands up and walks and talks, he just sits there. Not worth even seeing now. The new park lands are 2 dimensional as opposed to 3 dimensional during Walt time. They look cheap and give you the feel of a carni ride.
The old rides are dirty . The haunted house has torn screens which they project on, which ruins the whole effect. The head in the crystal ball is fuzzy as opposed to sharp and clear in the old days. A general lack of up keep is what I noticed overall. the new rides are fun but Missing that walt Disney touch, any park anywhere would have the same basic ride.
What is missing is the really special rides that really inspired us, with thier imagination and made it worth planning a trip there. The dream that alot of children and adults held of at lease one trip in thier lifetime has died. Due to Disneyland has make it very clear that the dollar and only the dollar is number one at any Disney enterprise.
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11-30-2008 @ 5:17PM
Bill Glass said...
Last week I tried to book a stay at the Grand Floridian at Disney World. All the dates I picked were booked. They were happy to book me into another on property hotel, BUT, Disney has decided that smokers are not welcome. Now before we get into a arguemnet of about smoking, second hand smoke etc. Disney will not even block off rooms for smokers. Now I can go for hours without a smoke, my morning routine or habit is to have a cup of coffee and a smoke. If Disney is off 10%, maybe they should look to see if the 10% they lost were smokers?
I am able to fly across the Atlantic without smoking, noproblem and the ban of smoking on planes is understood, not liked but understood. But to not allow someone who is addicted to nicotine a room presents a problem. I was going to pay well over $500 a night for two rooms and pay the park fees for for people, which is a lot of money.
Maybe Disney needs to rethink it's policy.
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11-30-2008 @ 6:40PM
Emily said...
Bill, as the mother of small kids who have allergies. buy yourself some nicotine patches and quit whining. It's a family place, and we shouldn't have to subject ourselves to second-hand smoke just to accommodate a few addicts. 'Nuff said.
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