Y’all know I love a good controversy, especially a Disney one. And this love of all things debatable got me thinking of some of my unpopular opinions on Disney topics and I thought it might be fun to share a few. It may just make you realize you might have a few controversial opinions on Disney topics too! So, let’s talk, “Reindeer are better than people”…and other important things!
Let’s get this started with my terribly insensitive opinions on Princess Fairytale Hall. I know, I know, it is the mecca for every 6 year old to meet their favorite royalty, but let’s just talk about the iconic attraction that this replaced and why I long to have princesses roaming that parks for meet and greets instead of here! Of all the attractions that Magic Kingdom has seen come and go since its opening, none was more heartbreaking for me than Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. Sorry guys, but our mischievous Mr. Toad and his journey to “warm places” is far more important to us old Disney fogies than the sparkle of a fancy gown or brush with royalty. After all, Mr. Toad IS Disney royalty and deserves his rightful place in the Magic Kingdom. So buzz off princesses! Don’t you ladies have some magical castle to occupy?
Next up on my chopping block is a shocking one so be prepared.
In the family of Disney snacks, most folks that visit typically agree that one snack stands out from the rest as superior. After all, it outshines Mickey bars, Mickey pretzels, etc., etc. But, I must apologize to the iconic Dole Whip. Don’t get me wrong, you are a glorious and iconic Disney snack, but you are so easily overshadowed by the king of all that is snackdom at Walt Disney World, the Adventureland Spring Roll Cart Cheeseburger Eggroll! It is the ultimate savory basket of goodness that could not possibly ever be outranked in my heart by the custardy, citrus goodness of a Dole Whip. In fact, I feel so strongly about this, that I have often thought of petitioning for the stop of alternative spring roll flavors being offered at the cart so as to allow more cheeseburger egg rolls to be made instead. You know, in an effort to spread the egg roll love throughout Adventureland!
This next opinion is not so controversial amongst Disney park super fans, BUT in folks that maybe don’t visit Disney much or have not visited at all. Animal Kingdom is NOT a glorified zoo. Not even close! I have heard so many people make this exact statement to me when beginning to plan their trips and it sends literal electricity up my spine. First off, Animal Kingdom is a complete work of art. It is one of the most visually stunning places on the property. There is so much to see, do, and learn here. Yes, you’ll find a safari ride, jungle trek’s, animals galore, but, there is so much more! I’m wondering if you’ve ever been to a “zoo” where you can ride on the back of a Banshee through the world of Pandora, or come face to face with a Yeti on a forbidden mountain, or even dance to the sounds of African drums…..I don’t think so. I could go on and on about the experiences, the rides, the lands, and the cuisines that you will find in Animal Kingdom, but my best suggestion is to find out for yourself that this is NO ZOO.
I know I am up for a big fight on this one, but I will stand by my position on this one until something drastic changes my mind…..Chef Mickey’s is the worst character meal…Now that you are big mad, here me out. While Chef Mickey is on every parent’s mind when planning a first visit or even a repeat visit to Disney, my stance is that we now have other character dining experiences that far outshine the lackluster buffet at the beloved eatery. If it is an experience with Mickey and the gang that you are dreaming of for your little ones, the breakfast experience at Topolino Terrace atop the stunning Riviera Resort is the top choice right now. Not only is the food absolutely top notch and outstanding but the character interaction here is so reminiscent of Disneyland character experiences that I would happily go here on every visit! Having repeated this character meal kidless on so many occasions, I cannot get enough. It’s fresh, interactive and the food is over the top and worth that higher character meal price tag. So before you write me off completely, give Topolino a try, you will thank me later……especially if you order the quiche!
Ok, I’m going to wrap this up with my shocking opinion on resorts. When most folks see Disney commercials or advertisements, the Grand Floridian is most often featured as the king of resorts at Walt Disney World. While the Grand is just that, grand, my opinion on the current reigning king may be a little out of the box. Let’s take a trip away from the Victorian seaside, to the beautiful and artistic French and Italian rivieras, to Disney’s Riviera Resort. I know, I know, I was not a fan of this project in the beginning. A deluxe property closer to moderate resort areas than its proximity to parks among other things really had me skeptical. But, after multiple stays at Riviera since its opening, there is literally no place I’d rather stay than here if given the choice. The views, the rooms, the staff, the food, and the service. Every single detail of the resort screams perfection in my opinion. So while so many dream of the monorail line resorts, I have definitely left my heart at Riviera!
I’ll leave you to digest these latest unpopular opinions of mine and I would love to hear some of yours. I am sure the more you visit Walt Disney World or maybe even now you have formed a few already! Different strokes for different folks is always fun! As always, I hope you enjoyed my antics, and keep in mind, these are only opinions and just for fun! I hope to share some more of these fun topics with you soon!
