I found this piece unsatisfying. While Jada seems like she would be a delightful travel companion, her coverage is superficial, and I glean very little - either of a practical nature or from her personal reflection. She takes a tentative sip rather than a hearty gulp.
I would suspect The Times is shelling out an ample sum to send her around the world, so why be so scrimpy on the word count? Let her dive in, and bring back up some hidden treasures. If this paper is recommending we visit these places, you owe it to the readers to give them reasons why.
8
I kind of wish I hated Disney but I can’t because it’s awesome.
6
Well, this is weird. First we have a supposedly authoritative NYTimes article on "52 Places to Go in 2018." I presumed these places qualify as points of interest based on the Times own extensive reporting. But have NYTimes reporters actually checked out these places before stating that we should? Because now Ms. Yuan is tasked to do so and discovers not only that Disney environs really aren't that great but that she doesn't get into the park and that the hotel is booked but she makes it to a Holiday Inn instead and that the altogether most interesting happening is the seemingly incidental Peruvian food truck!
16
During a previous visit to Disney World I found that I needed pencil and paper to make notes. I thought: no problem, I'd get some at a store in Downtown Disney. I then discovered that Downtown Disney sold nothing useful; its whole purpose was to sell souvenirs. No wonder it didn't last. I wonder if its successor sells anything useful.
1
@Charlesbalpha Good question. Disney Springs is an entirely purpose built tourist destination designed to get visitors to spend on useless souvenirs and overpriced food.You'd think they have at least one store to supply things visitors might need, at least a pseudo bodega or variety store. Downtown Disney didn't have anything like that and so we had to leave the area to drive to find a CVS or Walgreens, some miles away. I wonder if the Springs has improved that situation?
Jada’s piece on Disney annoyed me; if I were reading it as an editor my blue pencil would be at work, marking infelicitious writing snd noting comments and questions. This is such a plum assignment, and it deserves more careful planning, preparation, and fact-checking than Jada serms to have done. Yes, traveling has its foibles, and yes, we do want to hear Jada’s voice in her pieces, but we don’t need to hear how one place got slighted because she was too busy getting ready to go on to the next (described, oddly, as “Being an actual adult”). And please, Jada, hone your writing. Great to tell us about the Mi Parrillita food truck, but when do Carlo Chavez and Evelyn Parada make the transition from “their day jobs cleaning vacation houses” to “sating Disney workers coming off their shifts”? When might I find them open? I’m looking forward to reading this series but I hope it improves as Jada settles in to both the rigors and joys of travel!
15
“we don’t need to hear how one place got slighted because she was too busy getting ready to go on to the next (described, oddly, as “Being an actual adult”)” Thank you! I read this and was like, really? That sounds more like your own problem than anything to do with Disney.
8
@History buff I felt the same frustration reading many of the articles she posted. There was an awful lot of talk about what she couldn't do and her never easy logistics. I'm thinking the entire undertaking was a bit ill conceived. I travel often and know that even the best laid plans must be flexible, but to really absorb a location, much less write about it, one needs time or it's all about lost opportunities.
It seems that food truck has closed, just for the record.
Obviously the author did no research or planning whatsoever before visiting “Disney Springs, FL” as she so oddly terms it. Nearly everything she writes is either totally or partially incorrect. First, the article is intended as a review of Disney Springs specifically - but the author then proceeds to review of a random non-Disney area hotel she stayed at (because, once again, she had not made that most basic of travel plans - a hotel reservation), a bizarre incident where she attempts to get into a Disney park that is at capacity and then complains when she is predictably escorted out, and a brief description of DS as an “outdoor mall.” What one gleans from this article is that the author spent minimal time in DS, and was irritated that she couldn’t get into Disney World for free. Her notion that one can expect to visit and/or stay at Disney with no prior thought given other than “I’m going there” is both hilarious and oblivious. As this series is sponsored, the author is obviously being reimbursed to travel to these destinations, and yet this article (and her previous two) are full of lazy contempt. I’m all for critical reviews, but not for poorly researched, lazy, and haphazard ones. Here’s a tip, New York Times: send writers who actually want to travel to these destinations. Blasé articles like this do a disservice to the reader and the destination alike.
26
I had the exact same feelings as I read this poor excuse for a "review". It was more like the book report written after only scanning wikipedia.
10
Thank you! I was appalled at the lack of planning as a lifelong Disney vacationer. If you plan ahead, and had she done an iota of research, she would have known the importance of that (although as a travel writer you’d think that was a given.) It would have been more fair for her to say that she was disappointed that she didn’t get into the park, but it was her own fault for not planning ahead. Also it seems rather unfair and immature to downgrade a place because she was too busy focusing on something else. Thats not Disney’s fault anymore than it was their fault every time I got sunburned in the park. This just read as whiny and completely out of focus.
6
Disney fans and foes alike are overlooking a glaring error early on in the article. "Lindsey is Jones' daredevil pilot, and is featured in a scene involving his pet snake, Reggie, that only die-hard fans remember."
This is the scene that sets up one of the best lines later in the movie! "Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?" Most people who saw the movie when they were old enough to form lasting memories remember the snake in the cockpit whether or not the author does.
4
I am familiar with the Guest Relations lines inside and outside Animal Kingdom and there is no way to get on to the one she was on accidentally without a ticket. . The author had to have intentionally snuck in or bullied a cast member into letting them past the entry or did something else because you simply just don't wander into Disney parks.
Then to turn around and complain that she was "yelled at" is appalling. She should be banned from the property not allowed to get in the line she was supposed to be in anyway. Did she skip the security bag check too? was she above waiting in that line also?
As an annual pass holder, I'm happy with the actions of the Cast Member, no place for line skippers, and I'm happy that the author blew off her assignment because it was too inconvenient to wait in a line. She probably would have tried to line skip the whole time she was there. Take your $120 and see how far it gets you somewhere else.
19
We've been to Disney three times as a family and have thoroughly enjoyed each trip. We've also regularly visit National Parks, U.S. and international beaches, and enjoy other active vacation destinations. Magic is where you find it.
8
I went to Disney Springs last month because I was at a business meeting held at a Disney World resort. It was the closest place to get in some walking.
The reporter didn't mention the World of Disney, a nightmarish mini-mall of 12 connected rooms selling Disney merchandise. Much is made of the fact that some of the goods being sold are exclusive to this venue.
I got my walk. I stifled my screams as the cash registers rang incessantly.
Shoppers at Disney Springs: please go to some estate sales and see the 'value' of your purchases. This is all stuff that people will take out of your home when you are dead.
11
I was just there this evening. It rained!
If you think this was tacky, then don't ever go to Pigeon Forge, it is a long, long step down.
2
My husband and I lived in Tampa for a year. We briefly visited Orlando for a day and saw the Disney kitschy urban sprawl. We met Floridians proud of their state discounted annual Disney passes and 1,000 photos of Mickey. I'm really glad that Jada had to visit Disney Springs. I would never visit what appears to be a fancy, ever changing, colorful, plastic strip mall. But I do really enjoy reading about the highs and lows of Jada's travel experience to Disney Springs. This is a wonderful example of traveling without having to leave my cafe and morning coffee! Looking forward to her visiting the other places on the 2018 list and knowing which ones I won't ever be visiting.
7
Having recently been to a Champs Élysées overrun with tourists and cheap shops and Disney Springs, I can only say chacun à son gout.
2
Seems like the 52 traveller has been fairly luke warm on the destinations she's travelling. Does not bode well for future weeks. I thought NYT 52 recommended travel locations would be great places and inspiration for my own travels looks like they just threw a dart at a map.
9
Agreed. We had a visitor who wanted to go to Disney Springs because of the Times piece and was disappointed. It is a great place but even as a local I wouldn't put it in the NYT Top 52 or the Top 10 in Orlando.
8
The author's writing is sadly underserved by their photos. The photos look as if they were shot on an iPhone -- and not a recent model. I understand that the format of this project doesn't lend itself to an accompanying professional photojournalist. Still, the Times should have offered the author a little more photography training before dispatch.
4
I have been a party of one in both Disney Springs and Disney World. Jada is right, Disney Springs is one big entertainment mall. Free to wander but overpriced for much of anything to partake like food or venues.
Disney World requires a bit of advance preparation to effectively navigate especially when time is short. But nothing beat being a full grown adult being a kid again in the Magic Kingdom. Being a party of one usually got me my choice of seats. Chomping on a huge smoked turkey leg with a beer while watching the Main Street parade? Priceless
2
My wife and I had year round passes in the mid-nineties while attending UCF. We would drink around the Epcot park and then just take little bits in. I did a whole lot of things that would have been A -ticket rides when I was a kid and enjoyed them. It is a place done best at your leisure. My only advise is to stay off of Its a Small World. I freaked out on that ride in 1978 because of herbal enhancements. Also, avoid The Carousel of Progress, unless you like a true horror ride. I was completely sober, but wanted to bolt the whole time. We saw it in 2007 and they kept singing about a big bright future. I wanted to scream 9-11, BUSH, NIXON---WAR Economic collapse! Far more terrifying than the Tower of Terror.
4
I love the Carousel of Progress. My only wish is that it could have been extended into the future, but that's not practical.
It's a far more fun experience to me than the clusterdflcuk that is the advertising module Disneyland put in its place. Endless mini-queues to access a few seconds of looking at movie promotions or playing with high-end electronics...no thanks. I'll take "It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" any day.
It is creepy knowing about the grisly accident, though. I will grant you that.
As a native Floridian I hate what Disney has done to central Florida. It is now an urban sprawl of kitschy theme parks, traffic and unhappy families realizing how much they’re paying for a plastic fantastic experience.
Everything is fake at Disney from the “countrys” in Epcot to the supposed fine dining in restaurants run in abstentia by chefs willing to sell their names and reputations for a pot full of cash.
Unfortunately Disney represents much of America. A population of folks who have no education, no class and the ethos of a Jerry Springer Show audience.
25
That's kinda mean. Its a crafted experience, made by people who work very hard to come up with and execute a shared vision.
Do you think any of the high culture experiences of Europe started out any different? Was Versailles any less artificial or exacting compared to the rest of France?
Disney world may not last for 400 years, but it's accessible, crafted vision and entertainment is to the highest standards.
13
I don't think the comment is mean -- it's factual. I was born in Orlando in 1947. When disclosing that I'm originally from Orlando, I hasten to add that it was a little town, citrus and cattle, until about 1970.
2
I am really enjoying this travel blog by Jada. Having been to Disney many times, I found this piece to be spot on. Looking forward to ready her upcoming dispatches. Very fun! And I’m a little jealous...
2
I have simply never understood adults without children who go to Disneyland (unless they are high, then all is forgiven). I have seen them, they are a breed unto themselves, kids who never grew up, bizarre individuals decked out in Disney gear, some of whom have annual passes and go every few weeks. These are the same people who dress like children, can't use a knife and fork (I am not joking) and go to see movies based on cartoon characters. One has to wonder how this started and what it means for the future of America.
16
I can use a knife and fork, thank you very much.
I'm sorry our joy troubles you so much. Clearly, Disney actively caters to childless adults so your point is puzzling to me. There is nothing wrong with keeping fun and magic alive, to plan for an escape from the harsh demands of everyday life. And some of us may have wanted to have children to bring to Disney, but life was not so kind. There is no reason we should withdraw from society and become masters of gardening and solitaire.
12
I took my children to Disney once, because that is what you do. Far from being the "happiest place on earth" Disney was stressful, expensive, crowded and had the worst food ever. Want to go to a happy place, go to Denmark, consistently voted the happiest country and home to Tivoli Gardens the inspiration for Disney. Disney is everything that is wrong with America, commercial, plastic, fat inducing and inauthentic. For the same amount of money, you can actually go to another country and see another culture. The same kind of people who take cruises, go to Disney and other theme parks, they create massive waste, encourage the entrapment dolphins in swimming pools (because they want to 'swim with the dolphins', they might as well just kill the dolphins. I do not understand people who travel in packs, the best part of travel are the discoveries you make along and out of the way. I'm glad there are places like this, that provide an imagination for people without one. While they're standing on line for an expensive ride, I'm experiencing sand surfing in another country. As has been obviously noted, the author doesn't plan very well, really, you know you were going to 52 places and already you need to buy new luggage? If you're already having trouble in America, wait until you get to South America. Good luck!
28
I do not love Disney by any stretch of the imagination, but this review is pretty much worthless. I travel to Disney because my wife loves it, a little planning makes the trip fun for both of us. Your review of Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) as if it is Disney World is truly uninformed. Why did NY Times publish this?
49
Disney Springs is just a small slice of the huge Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts in Florida. I never knew this was the forth attempt of this area! I have fond memories of Pleasure Island, that was fun!
Jada describes Disney Springs as "a fancy pedestrian mall", which is spot on. Tenants come and go, the ones that do business stay, and the others leave and are replaced, Disney as the landlord always wins.
Spot on also, no rooms available at the onsite Animal Kingdom Lodge or Polynesian Village resorts, and plenty of GREAT rooms just outside the Disney bubble like the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites. Jada got a suite for less money than a single room on site by staying close by, but just off Disney property.
Jada describes "trying" to get into the Animal Kingdom theme park, one of 4 parks in the resorts and accurately describes typical experiences at the parks; long queue lines, poorly trained workers (called cast members) and giving up what you are trying to do because the place is simply TOO CROWDED!
I smiled to see that Jada found The Mi Parrillita food truck along W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, which the locals call route 192, I never noticed it there. I am going make a point of trying it
Jada described the food as, "the best food experience in Central Florida". She may be right there too. I also think the food is better OUTSIDE of the gates of Walt Disney World.
15
First of all, I applaud the NY Times for creating this series and reaching out to a younger audience.
Unfortunately, I'm finding these articles to be more like a series of glorified Yelp reviews than insightful, entertaining reading. A few commenters bemoaned the fact that the writer isn't prepared. But don't trips tend to be more memorable when things go wrong? So I'm hoping the writer evolves as she travels and does a better job weaving her own personal narrative into the bigger story. A hearty good luck and fingers crossed for the rest of the series.
19
I think that’s a Disney tourist thing. They think the only reason people don’t like going to Disney as their vacation is that they haven’t worked out fast pass for rides or when to go to a “character breakfast” to meet Ariel from Little Mermaid. It’s hard to explain to them that those things wouldn’t help, and that we would rather be somewhere else.
4
It seems to me very well, that there are more attractions for adults, so that they do not lose the joy of being children.
3
A supposedly fun thing I'll never do again.
14
I recall visiting Disneyland as a boy - 13 or 14 - and loving every minute of it; in fact, I couldn't get enough. But then I visited as an adult some years later - and I hated it. I found it contrived, phony, manufactured, and, really, a fantasy of an America (i.e. Main Street, Frontierland) that never existed. Needless to say that I shall never return. I have now travelled to over 60 countries - and there are many many other places I would rather be than in fantasyland.
16
In college I went to Disney World with my future wife on a large handful of mushrooms. As an adult with kids we went armed with spreadsheets, meal plans and how-long-is-the-line iPhone apps. At this point binge watching Westworld is about my current pace.
34
I think this is one of the best comments I've read on the NYT.
11
I don’t think that we need to necessarily love the fact that adults are so loving this Disney experience. It is what it is, but that’s about the best that I can say of it. Adults love to read young adult literature too, like the Harry Potter series. It is what it is, but I don’t think there’s anything particularly to love about it.
6
Did the author actually get in without a ticket? By convincing a staff member to let her in?! No wonder they wanted to know who did that. She broke every security rule they have.
10
Does that mean she deserves to be yelled at like a little child escaping kindergarten? If she had called ahead and told the PR office she is a reporter, she would have been escorted in for free (most likely), but I am fairly certain the NY Times prohibits that kind of thing (free handouts). She said she was trying to get to a shorter ticket buying line.
By the way, Disney flies in various media people (those willing to be corrupted) during the year and treats them like royalty. I know this because people at television stations I have worked with told me they were taking Disney tours. This is a form of soft corruption.
9
Yes, she does. (Yelled at like a kindergartner).
I don't think providing the product for review at a reduced or no cost qualifies as a handout or corruption. If they gave her a free annual pass, or a bunch of merchandise, or anything else beyond the product (in this case, park admission), that would qualify as an inappropriate compensation. But I do believe press is typically comped for this kind of thing. When I was in theatre management, for example, press and public who were reviewing a film were admitted for free, but they had to purchase any concessions they wanted. When I read cooking blogs, the author will often disclose that they were provided a product for testing and review.
However, it's highly unprofessional and unreasonable to just show up without advanced arrangements and make demands for free admission. This should have been arranged through the appropriate channels beteeen the Times and Disney before the author arrived, and they would have definite instructions on whom to meet to receive their tickets. It's bizarre that she just started disregarding rules and making demands, like she was from a joke of a publication and trying to bully her way in. This is the Times, for god's sake!
She shows her age on this one. A little too snarky for me. I'm never thought I'd like WDW, we're more outdoors and historical sites folks, but I first went with the family and my 9 year old 15+ years ago and loved it. What a surprise! We plan it well and never wait in lines. She stayed off site? Big mistake. I'm sure there were rooms someplace. I'll help you out next time.
16
Why would you not have pre-reserved tickets during “Spring Break” — which as a former FL local runs from Valentines Day to end of April — and expect to not have issues?
Had you asked anybody at all from FL they would have told you all about magic bands (not mentioned here ofc) and how Disney stopped giving two shakes about locals and casuals years ago.
Also you should have stayed at one of the off the beaten track on site resorts. Palm Spring is a delightful taste of old Flordia and I have a lomg standing fondness for the Yacht Club’s period grandness.
This is one stop where talking to a local beforehand would have almost certainly lead to a much better experience and more accurate sense of the current flux Disney Springs is actually in.
10
Never a fan of Disney to begin with, even as a child, despite being taken there twice by family.
These days though Disney is especially not magical since the company ships jobs abroad and has several "cast members" who get paid so little, they sleep in their cars. All covered by the NY Times, the latter just a few days ago. Not going to support an exploitative company especially one who touts itself to be "family friendly".
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/27/us/disneyland-employees-wages.html
https://www.nytimes.com/times-insider/2015/06/05/disney-layoffs-and-immi...
19
You picked a winner with Jada Yuan. I'm enjoying the blend of sweet and tart in her work. For those criticizing the writer's lack of forethought in not making plans in advance... you might not understand the context. This is the "52 Places Traveler." She's showing up at a new place every single week, and any arrangements for the next place have to hurriedly be made while still experiencing and reporting on the current place -- and then quickly traveling on. She alludes to this in the article, but readers unaware of how this works may not have understood. She's in the whitewater rapids of reporting, guys! I wonder how much sleep she's managing and how challenging the time zones will get. We're lucky she's still conscious and entertaining.
46
She's neither conscious nor entertaining, although there is a certain train-wreck fascination that keeps me coming back for more.
7
I get that Doris, and I do find some enjoyment in her writing, but she's not exactly giving us reasons to actually visit these places that The Times seems to think we need to go. Perhaps the content will get richer as the locales do.
2
An experienced traveler thought she could walk into WDW Animal Kingdom theme park the morning of her visit without a ticket and ride the single most popular ride in all of Disney World, all within a couple hours and then leave. What a joke.
24
That's how it should be and used to be 25 years ago.You could wait an hour in line but not being able to get in at all is unacceptable.Disney could provide better logistics given the prices it charges.
1
Yes, Disney World is a joke, and a bad one at that.
1
I'm not really liking the format of these articles. Great idea in theory to have someone visit each of the 52 places in one year, but in practice, that means a new location every weekend. So then the review of Location C becomes partially about preparing to travel solo to Location D. Real people don't vacation like this - they go with their families or friends, and they don't have to stress about logistics of the next new place before they've even seen the current place.
I don't have the time or money to travel often, so in deciding where to go, I use reviews by people who are vacationing at least somewhat the way I do. Wish the NYTimes had chosen half of the list (or even less) and sent someone to more leisurely explore - and enjoy - those places so that we could enjoy them with the author.
25
Disney world was created solely to torture parents and somehow compel presumably rational people to stand in line in 95 degree heat for hours to see some cheesy exhibit or ride. Other than the cocktail circuit around Epcot, as mentioned, there isn't much there for adults. Having said that, our intrepid Travel Reporter on her 52 places trip was unable to navigate the ticket line at Mouse World. Not a good omen. (I once bought the right bus ticket in Sofia where there wasn't anyone at the station who spoke English and not a single sign in Latin letters.) If this travel expert can't handle the ticket line at Disney, I wish her the best of luck on her travels. She is going to need it.
25
Enjoyed the article. I like the unscripted quality, including the real-life frustrations of not planning ahead. Maybe an artificial environment like anything Disney benefits from tight pre-trip scripting, but it's more enjoyable to read about travel that includes the unexpected.
On the online cover page, numerous photos flip past, but in the article itself there is only a four-image panel of photos. It would be better to provide a series of photos with brief captions to accompany the text.
12
A shallow venture. Jugglers, street musicians, burlesque dancers, and drummers show up lots of places and are not the kind of entertainment people go for. Some more research may have helped, from not getting a giant hotel room to somehow getting a ticket to Disney world like the rest of us. I hope this wasn't typical for the author.
12
Appreciated hearing the highs/lows from the perspective of someone ambivalent about visiting Disney World. I thought this was a pretty accurate and balanced portrayal, honestly. It's sad you didn't have a chance to visit Animal Kingdom park, it's my personal favorite, the best park for Disney skeptics and very people of color-friendly.
Many people do show up to the parks and wait in long lines to buy tickets the way you would for pretty much any other attraction in the world, so it's hardly likely the author is alone in not knowing the various ways to avoid waiting (pre-purchasing at home, buying on the app, buying from non-park locations)
7
Disney: Too crowded, too commercial, too too...
Many years ago, newly divorced and fairly broke, I took my daughter on her first trip to Florida. Well-meaning friends offered to loan me the money for Disney World, but I declined. Instead we stayed with friends. went to the beach every single day, ate wonderful seafood, and loved our relaxed time together. I'll never forget her first sight of the Gulf, her big, amazed eyes, jumping in and our of the gentle surf all day...much better than being exhausted and overextended at an amusement park...
22
So...from what I can gather, the "lows" really had nothing to do with Disney Springs, but had to do with working out logistics if setting up another involved trip outside of the country and dealing with Disney World (which, as you note, is not Disney Springs). So the mixed bag review seems mixed because of things that don't have anything to do with Disney Springs. I am a FL local, but not a Disney lover (I way prefer Universal), but went to Disney Springs 2 weekends ago. It was the end of a northern February break and the place was crowded. That said, the parking is free and it is easy to get around. We walked right into Splitsville at 5:45 pm and were seated immediately (and had a really nice dinner there). If you want to go to one of the fancier restaurants, you should make reservations (but this is true of everywhere). There were lots of nice shops (some that you don't see everywhere like Kiehl's and Uniqglo). There's a House of Blues for concerts and a huge nice movie theater. It's a high-end outdoor mall with great amenities. I neither love Disney nor shopping, but I will be visiting there again when I'm in Orlando (can't wait to try Jose Andres', Art Smith's and Rick Bayless's places).
5
"We walked right into Splitsville at 5:45 pm and were seated immediately (and had a really nice dinner there)."
Probably because nobody under the age of 100 eats dinner at 5:45 pm.
5
We had tickets for the house of blues show that started at 7 necessitating an early dinner but thanks for the insult
7
So it’s a mall. With restaurants. It’s sad that this passes as not only entertainment but travel for many Americans.
4
When my kids were younger and we went to Disneyland, they always asked me: Dad which is your favorite ride? To which I would answer: The ride home! Boy did I hate the long lines for rides at disney. You pay good money to stand in line? Why?
13
The title of this article should have been, "How poor planning, really does lead to a poor experience. Even at the happiest place on earth."
It would have been really nice if we could have read a real review of the location from someone who ate at the restaurants, went to the attractions, and stayed at the hotels.
Maybe 52 places is about 25 places too many for good journalism.
22
And never, ever buy a time share there period
4
Being a local, we're at Disney Springs often. Our old standby is House of Blues for live music. Look for Wine Bar George coming soon, headed by a master sommelier and super cool guy.
15
Ugh! Definitely not on my list of things to do. To many people, too expensive, too commercial. Give me a wildlife refuge any day.
21
People laugh at Disney vacation pictures on holiday cards, but sneer at European or island vacation pictures as snobbery even though a Disney vacation costs considerably more! It was fun for a one-time trip when the kids were little, but we'll look for real castles and natural wonders for future trips.
21
"...encountering an aghast attendant who demanded I rat out the name of the “cast member” who had let me onto park grounds (I didn’t) and then refused to speak to me until I went back outside the entrance..." Really? Did you actually cut in front of everyone else and then proceed to disparage the employee who caught you? Or am I getting this wrong?
50
I will never, ever, ever understand adults who love going to Disney theme parks. And that's ok. It's not my business to get them. As for the author -- she gave us her own authentic review. Why trash her for sharing her own experience -- does it matter if she didn't planned ahead like some of you would have? She isn't writing a travel brochure. She's writing about her experiences -- good, bad, ugly.
32
My sons and I worked out a great system when in Florida at the grandparents.
1) I buy them anything they want at a surf or bike shop. (Good kids, they never ask for much.)
2) We go to the beach and never mention Disney.
Note: beaches rarely have lines. My younger son and I will sometimes run or ride a trail through the woods.
Admission to the state park with the awesome bike trails: 5 bucks.
And we have lots of money left over.
27
A few clicks on the free disney app the author could have purchased his ticket to Animal Kingdom and perhaps even booked a last minute fast pass for that ride, along with a couple of others, not to mention the ability to make dining reservations (including at Disney Springs) and even order ahead for quick service places.
27
True...but she’s just got on this 52 places gig. I can’t imagine planning my next trip when I am on the first.
I am a non-Disney type but read this eagerly to see if I might manage a trip to Disney Springs with friends. I learned two things: the writer did not make even a minimal effort to plan her visit (planning is essential for smooth sailing on almost any trip), and the Peruvian food truck was a highlight. We readers deserve more.
44
I respect that Disney is not everyone's cup of tea, but how can anyone expect to go to Disney without actually planning? Especially as someone who is in the travel industry. A Disney-related article pops up every other week. If she planned ahead of time with an open mind, she would've had a more enjoyable experience.
I PLANNED a Disney trip myself and it was smooth sailing. Guest services went above and beyond for my party. And guests are having the time of their lives, it's so easy to talk to people, even if you're solo. I'm not sure If I can trust this writer's articles anymore.
55
I'm finding this series disappointing. The author doesn't have time to prep for her locations, lands for a couple of days (to prep for her next location) and moves on to the next location, with minimal prep.
98
I agree. No one really travels like this. That she couldn't wait in line to buy a theme park ticket was kind of the kicker for me. How much of a deadline is she on?
15
I don't think there is any way around this. the idea of 52 places in 52 weeks is ludicrous.
Reading this review was like reading a book report from a seventh-grader who only skimmed through the book the night before it was due (and complained about it the whole time). You are professional travel journalist, maybe “be an actual adult” and make some arrangements ahead of time? What kind of journalist goes to Disney World, but doesn’t visit a Disney Park or stay at a Disney hotel? Really glad we got that food truck recommendation though, that will really come in handy the next time we’re all just passing through central Florida.
86
Please cut the reporter some slack. Her list of destinations precludes extensive planning.
1
The author should spend some actual time at Disney.
If I'm not mistaken, most Disney parks are alcohol free.
QUOTE -Disney World is set up for two types of people: annual pass holders who come in groups to drink - END QUOTE
The Times Should be embarrassed by paying for this guy to NOT visit the actual parks.
12
You are mistaken. The writer was visiting Disney Springs, which does indeed serve alcohol. Alcohol is also served at Disneyland's California Adventure park.
But biggest of all - most Disney fans who know even a little bit about the Disney parks are aware of the Drinking Around the World Challenge that fells so many adults in Epcot. In fact, I'm pretty sure selling drinks is the major reason Epcot has managed to survive for the past 30+ years.
2
You are, in fact, mistaken.
https://www.eater.com/2015/8/26/9173931/best-drinks-cocktails-disney-world
2
The author is female and is Chinese-American originally from New Mexico now living in Brooklyn NY. I thought the place to be reviewed was Disney Springs which is, as the reviewer mentions sort of a PG rated adult commercial and dining/drinking mall. Visiting the theme park was sort of a detour.
3
My idea of Hell.........A Disney Cruise or anything associated with the company.
28
I like the costumed characters, why else would anyone go to a Disney park? The daily fantasy parade, featuring characters and floats, was the highlight of my trip. I agree with the person who said Disney is for adults, not kids.
8
We just missed you! We're from SoCal and just wrapped up our fist Disney World experience! The Fort Wilderness campground is the best lodgings for Disney World. Winter is best to avoid mosquitos and heat. Once we got our reservation online just a few weeks ahead (cancellations come up every day - so we watched the website closely and slipped in without planning a year in advance) we bought our park passes online as well. Disney shipped our bands to us and we wore them entire time, so we never needed to carry money (real helpful when you're drinking around the world at Epcot!) We stayed in Fort Wilderness in our trailer - which we live in full time - but Fort Wilderness has cabins too, and some people tent or just car camp. Disney World was the most layback vacations we've ever had. We didn't have to get in our car for 8 days - we just rode our bikes, took ferries and busses and the monorail to the parks and Disney Springs. Our dog even got to stay with us and enjoy the grounds, the dog parks and hiking trails and watching the wild turkeys that showed up in our campsite every day. Lines were short for everything - transportations and rides - no more than five minutes. We loved it. Amazing trip! I'm looking forward to hearing more about South America! Many American RVers are going down there these days. Happy travels!
22
Disney Springs is not for adults only. There are numerous restaurants and shops, even a Lego store.
How could the author get this so wrong?
There's even a dinosaur-themed restaurant that I wouldn't ever go near WITHOUT my kids!
24
And a train and a carousel. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/attractions/disney-springs/marke...
6
Between this article and the one about Disney cruises both on the front page today, it's frankly disappointing to see two travel writers that seem to expect everything to go perfectly smoothly when they don't even engage in the bare minimum of planning. These two people just seem to show up in busy places, completely unprepared, and expect everything to go off without a hitch. Whereas 15 minutes of online research or preparation would have improved their experiences immeasurably. Approach these guides as "what not to do" and you'll be fine.
123
I grew up on the south side of Orlando and spent many nights with "my boys" at Pleasure Island. One night a kid got stabbed by a rival gang member in front of us as we were walking out of a restaurant. It happened around 10:45 pm. We decided to head home but were greeted by Disney police (yes, they have their own autonomous police force) at the gate telling us that Pleasure Island was on temporary lock-down. We couldn't figure out why since the guy who stabbed the kid had been almost immediately apprehended. I decided to call my girlfriend, so I headed to a bank of payphones near the center of the complex (this was the early-1990s before cell phones). Picked up a phone...no dial tone. Picked up another phone...no dial tone. At this point it dawned on me what was going on. We were going to have to wait until the local news went off the air.
Sure enough...at 11:30, the gates opened and we were free to go.
The happiest place on earth!
58
I love Disney but yeah they control everything. If they can eliminate mosquito bites in a Florida swampland, they can definitely eliminate news leakage for a mere stabbing...
4
Disney fans are always gonna have their knives out for stories written by the non-Disney enthusiasts that attempt to portray the parks/cruises as they actually experienced them.
13
This article was incredibly disappointing and incredibly unfocused. It seems that the author doesn't plan ahead (a cardinal sin in almost all travel but especially Disney) and chastises her experience because of her own faults. In addition, if she had gotten into the park (once again, this was a result of an astounding lack of planning since tickets can be bought online or at Disney Springs) she would have been greeted with a 3 to 4 hour line for Flight of Passage, which would resulted in further complaints about how she couldn't get on what she paid for, ignoring the fact that everyone else in line had paid for the experience as well.
75
Loving this series!
3
I did visit Disney Springs in early February 2017; my previous visit to WDW was in 1997. My goal was to see all the Disney World parks and not use my car. I stayed at one of their on site moderately priced hotels and I used the bus system to get around. Disney Springs was reached by boat from a dock at the hotel. My car sat in its' spot all week. Although I won't visit again, the Disney Springs piece offered a boat ride, a variety of restaurants, no lines and minimal children in meltdown with their understandably weary parents. If one is immersed in the Disney world ecosystem (crowds, crowds, crowds) Disney Springs is a nice in-house respite.
8
Unfortunately, this piece highlights the author's lack of openness going into to her experience at this quintessential American icon of amusement parks. If she were truly heading into this assignment with a fair, critical eye, she would have planned in advance (ever go to Venice without some research? Same experience: crowds, waiting in endless lines, bad food...). Sadly, I feel this article just highlights some ineptitude on her part going into this trip (and I'm not a Disney fan, but appreciate its fictional confection!) Hopefully she won't exercise the same misjudgment in her remaining destinations, as I'd like to follow along!
63
It’s been a long time, but a great way to visit DW, is to camp there. We rented a camper in Orlando, paid camping fees, which including boat across lake to Contemp Resort Hotel and Monorail. Swimming, camp fires, Canoe, boat ride to hotel, swimming pool, all part of camping fee. Spent several days. Cheaper than DW hotel, with camper included.
Days
6
I'm not sure what this article meant to convey - maybe some things at Disney World and Disney Springs are appealing and some not? As a repeat visitor, I have spent countless hours enjoying the ambiance, resorts, food, entertainment, theme parks, spas, and shopping. These visits were often with kids and a couple times adults only. I will admit it is not perfect, but the experience has been positive to wonderful as countless visitors from everywhere would say. The whole bit about getting ready for a long trip to South America during a brief visit to WDW makes his experience not really a reliable report on a popular travel destination.
42
Well, if folks love the Disney and surrogate trashy amusement parks here in California at least it keeps them away from our beautiful beaches, National Parks and forests.
17
No it does not! I was a National Park Service volunteer camp host for 3 years. I enjoy the beach. I have hiked most of the National Parks. While I haven't been to the Disneyland park in California, all I can say that enjoying one venue - Disneyworld - does not mean we don't enjoy, appreciate and support the National Parks and other natural places.
35
One of the (major) things this review is lacking is Disney Pin Trading. It's one of the cheapest, most exciting ways to get in on the Disney fun (no park ticket required). Cast members all throughout Disney Springs wear lanyards covered in Disney pins and are required to trade with you as long as you have a genuine Disney pin that is in good condition. There is nothing that beats the thrill of finding the perfect pin of your favorite Disney character and trading for it!
3
The author has done a great job of capturing how people experience Disney World, even while apparently not experiencing much of it herself. That's a shame.
Come back, Ms. Yuan, after you complete your 52 places, and take a bit more time to get pixie dusted.
15
I think when I do wish to join a pack it will be with the more intellectual lemmings, thanks. I don't mind being seen as a bit of a snob.
10
Although an engaging recap of her trip, Ms. Yuan does not really explain much about Disney Springs, Fla. The review was all over the place and unfocused. The theme of this article seems to be the downfall of not properly planning trips ahead of time, and that is a valuable lesson to impart to the reader, but she does not focus on that as a thesis. I feel I did not learn much through this article. P.S. You can buy Animal Kingdom tickets online.
103
I struggled to understand why she was unable to stay at a Disney resort. they are never all booked. She never explained why she would only stay at Animal Kingdom or Polynesian Village, and, failing that, went to the Holiday Inn. Of course, Holiday Inn is fine but it just sounded really random and very very poorly organized of her to be a) unable to get reservations for either place, b) wouldn't go inside any other Disney property and c) chose the Holiday Inn.
The whole story of the Animal Kingdom tickets was super weird. Why does she think she should get special treatment? Buy the tickets online if you don't want to stand in line. Has she never done any planning herself in any trip ever?
8
I have never understood or appreciated the love of Disney theme parks. Why would I pay a significant amount of money to stand in lines? We witnessed so many screaming, overtired meltdowns--and the kids with them too. It is an over-hyped and overpriced fake world. We took a family of four to Africa for two weeks for the same cost that our neighbors spent on a week of Disney theme parks. Don't drink the Kool-Aid; go see the real world and meet real people.
112
One does not exclude the other. I've taken my son to London, Paris, Rome (and we started out in East Africa), and we absolutely love Disney!
79
While I agree with the lack of interest in theme parks, why criticize those who enjoy them? I'm not going to tell what books to read, wine to drink or color to paint your bedroom, why do that for vacations. Vive la difference!
55
This is perhaps the best comment I've read here. Hits the nail on the head.
3