What makes Disney so Special to you?

[WDW Peak Seasons]

I posed this question on the WDW boards, but thought I would get input from the DL boards as well. As a WDW veteran I can speak to that, but I was curious as to the answer for DL fans. We are planning on making our first trek to DL next summer, so I am curious as to your responses. Thanks

[Stich626]

For me, Disney has always represented the idea that is you truly believe in your heart, and make that special wish, it will come true. I have always believed in that. Disneyland for me is the physical manifestation of that. When I am there, my dreams can come true. You can put aside your "adult" beliefs and just dream. The magic is always going to be there if you need it to be.

[Sorcerer's Apprentice]

The easiest way to explain why DL is so special to me...is to quote Walt himself...

"Why do we have to grow up? I know more adults who have the children's approach to life. They're people who don't give a hang what the Joneses do. You see them at Disneyland every time you go there. They are not afraid to be delighted with simple pleasures, and they have a degree of contentment with what life has brought - sometimes it isn't much, either."

It's an escape from real life, a place where you have no connection to the outside world, a place where everything revolves around playing like a child, and laughing and sharing the experience with loved ones.
It's a priceless experience, creating memories of a lifetime!

[BC_DisneyGeek]

A big part of it is the incredible attention to detail. The best Disney rides suck you in right from the the queue (see Star Tours & Indy as prime examples). The attractions are often a "complete package". How many theme parks have queues that are nothing more than ropes, and non-descript ride buildings? The exterior features of The Haunted Mansion could be downgraded and still contain a good ride, but it just wouldn't have that Disney touch.

The fully immersive environments in general just really work well. The way the "outside world" is hidden from view is a big factor (they need to rid the park of McDonalds, but I digress).

It's hard to explain why Mickey Mouse really is Mickey Mouse, while Woody Woodpecker at Universal is just a guy in a bird costume. Is it character design? The attention to character performance?

[DisneyIPresume]

I assume you are referring to the Walt Disney Company? It is Disneyland, not Disney.

OK, enough of the mini lecture. It is the magic of entering a different world and leaving the stress of normal life behind. I don't care what kind of a day I am having -- once I enter the gate I leave all my worries behind. Sometimes I go in thinking it's not going to work but it has never failed in my 39 lifetime years of going.

[Mermaid_Magic]

I was raised on disney, my whole family loves it. My parents divorced when I was 15 and we used to go to Disneyland all the time. My dad lives in Texas now with his new wife and I see him maybe 3 times a year if I'm lucky. Whenever I watch a disney movie or go back into disneyland, I get flooded with happy memories and I can go back to that time in my life, even for just a second. I've also moved a lot of times in my life (I've had about 8 different "Homes") and I Disneyland has always been there. I always feel at home there. <33333

[The Disneylander]

The level of detail that goes into every area. You just don't see that type of attention at Knott's or SFMM.

And also the experiences itself

[WDW Peak Seasons]

These are great keep them coming!!!