They might as well rename Disney World, Nordyke World every March.
Ever since I was way too young to remember, we have gone to Disney World during spring break season. My mom guesstimates that I have been there every March since I was 3, with the exception of three times. Once was because I was in Chile, once was to go to NYC, and the other was because I spent my spring break at home in CF, home from college. That makes seventeen times. Plus Tim and I went on our honeymoon there.
Eighteen Disney trips in my life. When I think about it, it doesn't even seem like that many times. I know the parks by heart, moreso than I even know Waterloo, which is almost creepy. But Disney truly is an amazing experience. I went through the "I hate Disney" phase between the ages of 14 and 18, where I felt like I was too old and mature to enjoy the kids stuff, but still too young to get the adult experience, and now, I feel like I will forever be a fan.
You cannot just go once in your life. The first few visits people make to the parks are insane. Frantically running around, because guaranteed they didn't plan a long enough vacation to hit everything they want to see, which is everything, because they don't know what sucks and what doesn't suck yet. They don't know the food vendors to hit and when, so they end up waiting in line for hours just for a Mickey ice cream bar. But once you know what rides die down when, where the best burger is (the ABC Commissary) and just where to sit on Everest (the very very front). It is totally possible to do everything you want to do. A park a day, with one extra day to hit the good stuff twice. Also, that as cool as it looks, don't eat at Mexico, its overrated.
Disney is a foodie dream. Epcot's lake surrounded by countries brings every food imaginable to the table. Indian, Moroccan, killer Canadian salmon, French soup to die for, French pastries of fatness, English fish and chips of glory, Chinese Hot Pot that puts a sweat on anyone, and the list goes on and on. I should keep on moving though, I could talk for hours about Disney food. My two pieces of advice must be said. Don't eat at Mexico (but drink the margaritas) and don't eat at Japan. There, I said it, even Disney isn't 200% perfect ALL the time.
Sure its great for families with obnoxious small children that I want to punt across Fantasyland (whatever you do, DONT ever cross through Fantasyland unless you want bruised shins for days), but it is also great for couples and families with high school and college kids. There are enough big kids rides to get your thrills, shopping at Downtown DIsney, and plenty of high class entertainment. Pleasure Island has a great comedy club, as well as the Adventurers Club. As I am not one to dance, I stay away from the dance clubs, but hey, there are plenty of places to get your groove on. Every year the stores get better with cuter and less Disney character based clothing, and every year I want to see CIrque Du Soleil's La Nouba (which I have seen twice). For the PSP and Halo deprived, there is Disney Quest, 5 floors of video game and arcade game fun.
It never gets old. Despite the crowds, despite the lines (Fastpasses are the coolest thing since sliced bread), and despite small children, I will continue on in the Nordyke Disney tradition as long as my wallet can support it. And I will continue to promote its awesomeness forever.
