Originally Posted By BPSJP For me I go to Disney parks for the atmosphere first, then the rides. I can find great rides at many parks around the country, but only one place does a park like Disney. When I am in line for Indiana Jones adventure, I'm in another World, it's not just a ride, it really is an adventure. Thats Disney!
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost I have to agree that the atmosphere makes the place what it is. Of course, without the rides it would be pretty boring, but I have to say that atmosphere is the main draw.
Originally Posted By x Pirate_Princess x I mainly go for the atmosphere. It's sad that now, with fastpass, guests bypass a majority of the queue, which adds to the atmosphere of the attraction. Indy is the big one for that.
Originally Posted By danyoung Another vote for atmosphere. Even though no other park has rides like the HM and Pirates and Indy and Soarin', there's something special about walking down Main Street and just enjoying the vibe!
Originally Posted By Liberty Belle I'm definitely there for atmosphere first. I love most of the attractions too, and try to do most while I'm there (I go every year or two for about a week at a time), but if I had to choose between going gung-ho and doing every ride in the place or just wandering around enjoying my surroundings, I'd pick atmosphere for sure.
Originally Posted By darcy-becker Atmosphere definitely. There is a decent amusement park less than an hour from my home and I've never even been. I've spent full days at Disney and only done a few rides.
Originally Posted By SpokkerJones Clearly, someone should open a theme park oozing with immersive atmosphere and no rides. Oh wait, it's called Animal Kingdom on opening day.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt Perhaps local visitors, especially those who go frequently, are going for the atmosphere. The folks like me who come from a distance and don't visit often are more interested in hitting as many rides and shows as possible. Atmosphere counts, but without attractions there'd be no point in me getting on a plane and booking a hotel room to visit.
Originally Posted By danyoung >There is a decent amusement park less than an hour from my home and I've never even been.< I live about 10 minutes from Six Flags Over Texas, and haven't been for over 20 years. It just ain't the same!
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORWEN: I go to Disneyland to meet up with fellow Disney characters. Just today I hung out with Terk from Tarzan because she wanted to bang on some pots and pans with me. ORGOCH: Well, I goes ta Dizzyland fer the bull frogs ya can find off the banks a Tom Sawdust Island. ORDDU: I go to Disneyland for the gorgeous hunks I find all over the place.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Atmosphere. I come from a significant distance too, but I can get more exciting "rides" close to home. It is the atmosphere that makes Disney unique.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo As a child, it used to be the rides. But once I hit 25, it was all about the atmousphere. I can happily go to Disneyland, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or DLP and not ride anything, so long as the streetmousphere, live music and shows are going. Sadly, here in Europe, and to a lesser extent, in Florida, they have cut back too deep now, and the atmousphere has suffered (fast pass and shoving characters/tooning the parks have been responsible too).
Originally Posted By Mr X ***As a child, it used to be the rides. But once I hit 25, it was all about the atmousphere. I can happily go to Disneyland, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or DLP and not ride anything*** Add DisneySea to that list. I can say that there are 3 theme parks on Earth that I can thoroughly enjoy without riding ANY rides (and I have done so, multiple times)...DAK, Epcot, and DisneySea. As for the Magic Kingdoms, I like to at least ride SOMETHING and I almost always do (whether Cali, Tokyo, Florida, wherever), but for those three the atmosphere itself is a total E-ticket as far as I'm concerned. Beware of the troll, by the way. It likes to make it seem like it's "into" Disney stuff, only to make trouble elsewhere on the boards til it gets killed off (again). But an interesting topic, nonetheless.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I would love to try it out at Disney Sea too. I kid you not though, you could happily spend a day at DLP without riding. Heck, adventureland alone seems to be an Animal Free blueprint of DAK (including a huge tree in the middle where you can explore the roots).
Originally Posted By Mr X I haven't yet had the pleasure of enjoying DLP, but I certainly hope to someday! By most accounts, it is the ultimate Magic Kingdom (with all due respect to the amazing original!). One of these days, we'll get to Paris and check it out!
Originally Posted By alphabetmom I am from out of town and I would have to say I am having trouble deciding, but I guess I would have to say the rides. I am getting older and getting more and more affected by motion sickness, and most of Disneyland/DCA rides I can ride. Then it is the atmosphere. I love all the attention to detail things you miss if you are just going for the rides. Also, I love how clean the parks are.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I have gone through phases. As a kid I went for the rides. As Cast Member I went for the paycheck but also would go in on days off for the atmosphere. When I got married I went for a little of both becuase my wife had never been. As an aging adult I go for the rides again (with my kids) and I suppose I will be going again at some point just for the atmosphere.
