The author seemed to enter this experience with preconceived notions, especially since he wrote that Disney World is a, “universe completely fake and soulless.” I did agreed with some of his experiences and perceptions, but certainly not that one. In my experience first time visitors can be “poisoned” by the initial shock of the World (the heat, crowds, cost, and not-so-polite guests) and have great trouble finding the pixie dust.

His summary is what inspired me to post.

“After spending the past five days here, I’ve come to the conclusion that Disney World teaches kids three things: 1) a meaningless, bubble-headed utopianism, 2) a grasping, whining consumerism, and 3) a preference for soulless facsimiles of culture and architecture instead of for the real thing.“

There is nothing wrong in aspiring to Utopian ideals. Somebody somewhere should help parents show our kids some positive spirit in this world. They are becoming harder to find in our society and it is increasingly difficult to keep our kids away from the negative aspects of our own culture. At least there is a place where it is held at bay for a little while.

Disney costs money and people deal with consumerism issues everyday. Disney makes no difference. The people who whine about “I want this and it’s unfair can’t get that,” say the same things at home. Disney did not invent that attitude; just look to our media and how they portray how self worth equals money. Vacations cost money, some places more than others. They all have expensive hotels, food, souvenirs, and entertainment. A “destination” vacation is always expensive. Disney is not unique.

I have been able to visit over half of the countries that are at Epcot and would be the first to say the real thing is better. But, Epcot is a great introduction to another culture and it may convince you to go visit. This was the original intent; a travel brochure to create interest and excitement about another country not a facsimile. Visiting a foreign country with a young family is a stressful, logistically difficult, and an expensive experience. I have never heard anyone say I didn’t need to go to Paris, I visited Epcot instead. I have had my 10 year old daughter with me at the Louvre and was not able to experience it in detail the way I would have liked because she lost interest after 4-5 hours; I can’t blame her and I knew that going in. You vacation where you feel it is appropriate for your family.

Nobody is required to like Disney, but many people do and there are good reasons for it. I have had unforgettable experiences with my family that compare to the “real thing” and will continue to do so. Disney is place where the whole family, young and old, can have a good time together and the key word here is together. This specifically does it for me and this was Mr. Disney’s original intent. How many places in this world can you say that about?

The author needs to lighten up. The Disney experience is not some insidious, corrupting experience; it is a place to go for a vacation.

Walt Disney World is a place full of “precision-crafted environments” with “fully realized narratives” and a “community spirit“. Those are also the author’s words and I can’t say it any better.