It's nice - but it's not Disneyland

[Barbaraann]

Last few days of August, we always take a short trip to Wisconsin Dells. It is relaxing and fun. My grandson swims, plays golf, arcade games, eats good, stays up late, and get's spoiled by grandma and grandpa. We have done this for a number of years now.

Problem is, that when I am vacationing in Wisconsin, I am wishing I were in Disneyland. I compare everything. Wisconsin has waterparks. I would rather splash down Splash Mountain. We go shopping and I would rather be at Downtown Disney shopping for pins. Food wise, I like characters with my meals, at least some of them. Wisconsin Dells has deserted Amusement type attractions. Roller coasters that are 1/2 full. Overpriced boat rides.

Now don't get me wrong I like going to the Dells. We pack up the car and we are there in three hours. For the money we spend, I could have a much better time at Disneyland. I could visit Walt Disney World also, quite nicely, thank you.

So does anyone else also do the Disney Dreaming, while vacationing other places?

[AllisonWonderland]

So does anyone else also do the Disney Dreaming, while vacationing other places?

Mostly just when I'm home working.
Sounds like it's time for a new annual tradition!

[Barbaraann]

Can't get the husband to go to Disney. He won't get on a plane, and he hates crowds. So the grandson and his mom and I, usually plan one trip a year when he is out of school. That has become our Disney tradition. Grandpa stays home when we go to Disney, and mom stays home when we go to the Dells.

[BigThunder]

Interesting thread. I find myself comparing things to Disney almost everywhere I go (especially family entertainment venues) and most of the time my conclusion is: "Nice. But Disney would have done it better."

There's a yardstick I use called "The Disneyland Principle". It represents the highest commitment to quality, service, immersive and beautiful environments, imagination and a "spare no expence" attitude toward the guest experience. Very few places that I have visited live up to this standard.

Sadly, these standards no longer seem to be applied accross the board at Disney. On my first trip to DCA I recall thinking: "Nice. But Disney used to do it better."

[NemoZorro]

Very good thread idea. Yes, I'm with you. My wife and I constantly do this, so much to the point where we have to ask ourselves - "Why didn't we go to Disneyland?". Makes me wonder if we have spoiled any other vacations!

We really want to go to Tokyo, but I'm afraid after I saw DisneySea, I might be a little disappointed back here in DL!

[JiminyCricketFan]

It is always nice to see what else is out there. But I do agree that comparisons most often just make you appreciate Disneyland even more.

I bet that you did not see Jiminy at the Dells? Huh!

[Druggas]

Comparing everything to Disney, is why we are so hard on DL. When you've seen perfection, you won't settle for less.

[Jennidisneyfer]

I do this all the time on vacations. I feel like I'm wasting time/money that could have better been spent at Disneyland. Although, the week at the beach house spring '04 was a totally cool trip. VEEEEEEERY relaxing. I would also like to take the family to Hawaii someday.

Nothing beats a Disneyland trip though. My kids start to crave it after it's been a few months. They're such good little minions.

[Churro]

Do we compare everything to Disneyland??? OF course we do! Whenever we go anywhere....like the zoo, a fair, another theme park, or even to the store....my husband always says "for another 20$ each we could have spent the day at Disneyland..and would have had a lot more to do!" LOL always.

[fastpassmountain]

The Dells are an interesting place. Where else can you ride a duck, see Noah's ark and visit several indoor water parks-- all inbetween visits to buffetts and tacky tourist traps.

Barbaraann: When I'm in large parking structures, I compare it to the Mickey & Friends structure. That Disney Dreaming permeates a lot of things, un/fortunately...

[RooBear]

It's so true, how we compare it all to the Disney high standards.

But, on the other side, I use my skills learned from traveling at Disney parks when I travel elsewhere. I saw much of New York City like I see Disney World, on foot, preplanned and ready-to-go.

When we go to Six Flags, we're there early, done with ride by lunch, leave the park for cheaper food and come back when the crowds have thinned.

But you are so right...we do compare it all, don't we?

Peace.

[EmilyStrange]

I used to live in Chicago and would visit the Dells on vacations! Of course, now I live in LA and can go to Disneyland every year for my birthday! Move!

[Barbaraann]

Unfortunately, my husband is 8 years away from retirement and won't leave Chicago, any time soon, because our only grandson is here. So I have to settle for my once a year trips. This year was an exception. I got to visit both WDW and the Disneyland Resort. You lucky people who live so close to Disneyland.