Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan The fact that I waited about 4 hours to ride Indiana Jones Adventure the first time, and arrived in the wee hours of the morning on DL's 50th to wait in a long line divided into color-coded wrist bands to enter the park that special day, pretty much excludes me from passing judgement on what others will or will not wait in line to see and do. I think a lot of it depends on how often you've been to the parks. Once you've been there several times, you do seek out new and different things to do there. And of course, if you have small children, and they're truly patient enough to endure waiting that long to see a beloved character, go for it. I would think that Disney might consider some clever way to speed the process up, by having many more Elsa and Annas on hand allowing multiple people to have that experience in the same time, if they're not already doing so.
Originally Posted By leobloom I'd say there's a difference between waiting for a world-class designed attraction and waiting to get a picture with an underpaid CM dressed in a costume, but I doubt it would make sense to some posters.
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance It makes sense to me, and I like characters. But I like the characters from the movies really, and the version you see in the park never really feels like the "real thing" to me. Of course there is no "real thing" but the characters in the park never really hold the same affection I may have for a certain character. I always just see them as people dressed up in costume that make a fun photo op, but little more.
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance I have a real fondness for Mickey Mouse, but I get angry when I see the dumb looking outfits he wears in the park. There is a disconnect there for me, lol. And Minnie, don't get me started on Minnie.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "I would think that Disney might consider some clever way to speed the process up..." Magic band reservations? "Hey Constance...how do you feel about Minnie?" I am soooo tempted to post the hilarious video of Minnie doing a fast paced hula and tumbling off a stage, but I won't.
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance All I see is the color Red when I see costumed Minnie in the parks. I don't have a good reason for it either. And Hans you posted that video not long ago! LOL
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt That's why I am not posting it again, but you know I want to! I can see her little routine in my head now. Hahahaha!
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORWEN: When you go to a Disney theme park, isn't it expected that you're supposed to suspend disbelief--whether it's riding an attraction or meeting a character? ORDDU: This is a question that used to be taken for granted. But now days--maybe because people in general have become more jaded and critical than ever before--it's more difficult for them to do this. ORWEN: Uncle Walt always encouraged guests to leave the real world behind when they entered the park. But after reading some of the comments by others around here it's as if they've forgotten to do that. ORDDU: If so it's a shame. If all you see when you go to the parks is an employee dressed up in a costume--or an attraction that offers you a 'fake' experience--then the Disney magic is lost on you. ORWEN: I wish I knew of a way to bring that magic back for those who have lost it. But the only way to do that is going to be different for each person. ORDDU: In general, though, it's best to forget the real world when you enter the parks and try to NOT let the real world eclipse your young at heart experiences.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "When you go to a Disney theme park, isn't it expected that you're supposed to suspend disbelief--whether it's riding an attraction or meeting a character?" Not all Disney parks are created equal. When I visit EPCOT's World Showcase I expect to be immersed in foreign cultures not Fantasyland. Personally I find appearances by Disney characters in those enivirionments disruptive and an attempt by Disney to shoehorn in a franchise to make another buck. Perhaps this is one of the reasons I can't muster enough motivation to visit WDW.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: I understand your point, doctor, in regard to Epcot. From what I've read, Epcot was never intended to be populated with Disney characters. Yet, from other things I've read, too many guests came there expecting to find the characters there so Disney management felt compelled to add them. Their presence at Epcot doesn't bother me, of course. But then I've always loved the Disney characters and don't mind seeing them all over the place. For those who don't like them I can understand how it would be torture to see them. Perhaps it comes down to a simple question of what really is there about Disney that still appeals to you? If the answer to that is slowly being diminished, let's hope there are other interests you have that will inspire you even more.
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance Is certainly not torture for me to see a character. I even like getting pictures with them. But that has very little to do with what I love about Disneyland. It adds some fun to see them, but there are much bigger and better things to enjoy and love. And just because I can't make myself get super excited to see a woman wearing a pretty dress and talking through her nose doesn't mean I can't enjoy Disney.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORWEN: You really made me laugh, Constance!! Which character was talking through her nose? Was she having a personal problem when she did that? ORDDU: I understand the point Constance is making and think she has a good attitude. The thing we were trying to address is the negative attitudes some people seem to have who want to rain on the parades of those who DO still appreciate the magic of Disney--whether it be their excitement over meeting characters or riding favorite attractions. Those comments have no place in a Disney fan community. While these comments may have been missed by some, they were most certainly made.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >>All I see is the color Red when I see costumed Minnie in the parks. I don't have a good reason for it either.<< Maybe it's because her dress is red. I'm just saying... : ) And overall, I think I agree with Constance's philosophy. There are just so many other things that are a much higher priority for me when I'm in the parks that I don't really have any interest in greeting the characters, rather than never wanting to see them ever (though I agree with Hans that there's a time and place for them, and World Showcase really isn't it). When I'm running Disney races, I often stop for photos with the characters that don't have a queue but it's a really quick interaction (literally in the middle of a race, so the whole ordeal takes less than 5 seconds; it's fun to watch how quickly they can get through long lines of runners!) But waiting for hours, or even 10-15 minutes to meet them just doesn't have much appeal to me. Then again, I'm more of an introvert, so I wouldn't want to wait that long to meet a celebrity either; I just don't do well with idle chit chat and forced interactions
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "Perhaps it comes down to a simple question of what really is there about Disney that still appeals to you? " It really isn't that serious nor would I describe encountering princesses at EPCOT as torture. It's just not my thing and I dislike the way that the modern Disney theme park experience puts so much emphasis on them and kiddie type amusements in general. Like I said before I think DCA is an example of a place that strikes the right balance and that park has more of a draw for me now than DL.
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance "Then again, I'm more of an introvert, so I wouldn't want to wait that long to meet a celebrity either; I just don't do well with idle chit chat and forced interactions" This is me exactly. I've actually very shy, and it's always awkward interacting with the characters.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Glad to know I'm not the only one! I get especially awkward around the rubberheads. Since they don't talk, I just sort of forget that I can talk, and it usually just ends up being a lot of arm flailing by everybody involved (but mostly me)
