The topic of going to Walt Disney World for someone who really doesn’t like Disney is a fascinating adventure through the cosmos that can divide travellers down the middle. Let’s be honest, folks may think that Mickey Mouse will walk you down Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom with fireworks in the background with thousands of families (and only families) surrounding your every move.
That’s not the reality of a vacation at Walt Disney World, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t have a “magical” time!
Disney World for the Non-Disney Fan
I’ll be touching on the following topics
- Theme Parks
- Dining
- Resorts
- Attractions
- Shopping
Let’s start with a little bit of an understanding and setting ground rules.
- I won’t be using Jargon (Cast member = Employee)
- There is no bias or judgement
- I know going into this article that minds will already be made. That’s cool!
Let’s start with the basic questions
WHY SHOULD I VACATION IN WALT DISNEY WORLD?
Completely valid question!
Most of the time, this question actually focuses on the difference between the theme parks and the resort as a whole.
Walt Disney World Resort is made up of 25,000 acres (39 square miles), so think of it as double the size of Manhattan Island or the same size as San Francisco. This means that although the initial decision may be to visit the Magic Kingdom theme park, you’re actually going to a huge destination resort.
You have the opportunity to be as close to the intellectual property (IP–like Cinderella) as you’d like, but remember that with the sheer size of the resort, you’re able to escape it.
Walt Disney World is actually a place where you can have world-class dining, entertainment and completely escape your reality, which is why folks go on vacation to begin with.
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WHAT CAN I DO IF I DON’T LIKE DISNEY CHARACTERS?
Once again, it’s all about what you actually want to do and to what level. I went through the parks and made a short list of the attractions that actually don’t have an IP (or Disney tie-in).
Magic Kingdom
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Jungle Cruise
- Haunted Mansion
- Astro Orbiter
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
Animal Kingdom
- Expedition Everest
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Primeval Whirl
Hollywood Studios
- Tower of Terror
- Rock n Rollercoaster
EPCOT
- Test Track
- Mission: Space
- Soarin’
- Journey into Imagination
- O’Canada
- Reflections of China
- Impressions de France
DO I HAVE TO DINE WITH MICKEY MOUSE AND ALL THOSE FAMILIES AND KIDS?
With over 400 restaurants on property, you’re able to get everything from basic theme park fare to 5 Diamond Fine Dining.
Of the 65 restaurants on Trip Advisor:
- 1 5-Star Restaurant (Victoria & Alberts) – Our Review
- 60 4-Star Restaurants
- 4 3.5-Star Restaurants
Most of the dining actually takes place outside of the theme parks, and with hotels that cater to more business / convention traffic than families…you’re actually more likely to see a table of kale salads than a set of Mickey Ears!
From the African-style cuisine of Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you’re able to see a full range of high-quality experiences without having a character interaction.
SHOPPING
You’re not walking into a Disney Store from your local mall when you’re at Walt Disney World. Yes, there are a bunch of retail that is themed around characters and franchises (like Star Wars), but you’re able to pick up some incredibly unique merchandise that you may never have thought you’d see at Disney!
Just at Disney Springs alone:
- Arribas Bros – Glass blowing and so much more!
- Coach
- Coca-Cola Store
- Ghiradelli
- Lacoste
- Oakley
Overall, you’re looking at around 310 shops at Walt Disney World that cater to all styles and budgets. Knowing ahead of time that you’re able to get a shirt that doesn’t have a giant Mickey Mouse on the front is reassuring!
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RESORTS
Okay, so this one threw me for a loop initially, but that’s because I was looking at it through a prism. The goal of staying on Disney Property is about staying in the “Disney bubble”, but if you’re not a Disney-fan, you still want to have the same level of service and attention to detail that is expected from the price that you’re paying.
From Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter, you’re able to find hotels that bring a standard of travel that makes folks come back year after year without having all the families and tour groups.
Many of the resorts have amazing amenities, like huge pools, top-notch spas, and adult-only bars just like any other world-class resort. It’s all about knowing what amenities you want and will use while on vacation.
BUDGET
A Disney World vacation is expensive, and anyone who says that you can do it cheaply isn’t really understanding the market.
You can hop on a plane and get an all-inclusive resort on a beach and be completely happy with your vacation! If that’s what you’re looking for, go for it:) Tag me in the photos on instagram because we all can use a little sun-envy!
That being said, there are a more ways to save money while at Disney!
- Stay at a Disney Springs Resort
- UBER to and from the Airport and take Disney transportation on property
- Buy tickets online before you go
- Look for discounts!
- Starbucks – you can use your star rewards at Disney Springs on sandwich boxes
- Eat a table-service lunch and a quick-service dinner.
- If you’re not interested in being at the theme parks, you don’t have to go! Instead of buying park tickets, buy a round of golf or a day at the spa instead.
