The thing that always bothered me about Disney World (never been to Disney Land so I don’t know if it’s the same) is that it always felt like there were more shops and restaurants than actual attractions. After having been there a few times between school trips and family vacations, I found myself getting bored during the last couple of visits.
Although I do have issues with depression, so I’m operating from a lower baseline than average, but still - bored in Disney World. It’s just an outdoor mall with a few interesting rides.
I do admit it’s a bit overwhelming to walk past two gift shops to get to a ride, get out of the ride and see that the ride also has a gift shop that you are forced to walk through in order to exit.
I had a great time going to that little Disney Springs strip mall in Orlando. Nice shopping, some good restaurants, and no wait lines for overhyped attractions.
I’ve lived within driving distance of it almost my entire life.
It’s in her hometown and brings in quite a bit of money for the rural area, however the tourism has changed the town/towns massively, almost like the redneck/hillbilly version of gentrification.
Oh definitely, I’m not blaming Dolly, just saying that as one of the largest draws in the area, (along with the National Park) that she basically is the local economy, which does have its negatives along with its positives.
The area became a tourist destination long before her too. The tourism industry really started after F.D.R. came to town and established the national park.
I used to go there for school trips as a kid. It was always fun and not nearly as expensive as Disney was. Personally, I wouldn’t compare it to Disney as it’s just a completely different class of theme park and it was awesome in its own ways.
I guess the major caveat is that I haven’t been there in over 20 years, but I seriously doubt the vibe has changed too much.
Dolly is not only an awesome lady, she apparently (I’ve never been) has an awesome theme park:
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2024/06/04/dollywood-beats-disney-world-for-favorite-park-best-new-ride/73963998007/
Better than Disney World is quite the feat!
The thing that always bothered me about Disney World (never been to Disney Land so I don’t know if it’s the same) is that it always felt like there were more shops and restaurants than actual attractions. After having been there a few times between school trips and family vacations, I found myself getting bored during the last couple of visits.
Although I do have issues with depression, so I’m operating from a lower baseline than average, but still - bored in Disney World. It’s just an outdoor mall with a few interesting rides.
Definitely the same way with Disneyland, but I think it kind of makes sense because attractions take up a lot more space, so you can’t have as many.
And Disney has always been about squeezing money out of people.
I do still want to go Drinking Around the World in Epcot, though. So they might still end up squeezing a little more cash out of me.
I do admit it’s a bit overwhelming to walk past two gift shops to get to a ride, get out of the ride and see that the ride also has a gift shop that you are forced to walk through in order to exit.
Disney is just teaching children the value of self restraint
/s though it really feels like I don’t need that
If you’re in Orlando your top priority should be Gatorland, not Disney World.
I had a great time going to that little Disney Springs strip mall in Orlando. Nice shopping, some good restaurants, and no wait lines for overhyped attractions.
Fucking awesome. Even in November.
It should actually be the springs…then absolutely Gatorland…with the best entrance that’s the same since the 90’s at least
IIRC she throws a lot of money at reputable charities too.
I’ve lived within driving distance of it almost my entire life.
It’s in her hometown and brings in quite a bit of money for the rural area, however the tourism has changed the town/towns massively, almost like the redneck/hillbilly version of gentrification.
For example, in that county, there’s 10 times more hotels, cabins, Air B&B’s, for tourists, than their are houses on the market and apartments to rent for locals (I actually have written a few college essays about this). Which has effectively priced out most long-term generational residents, to the point where almost 50% of the county’s labor force comes from outside the county and can’t afford to live inside it.
To be fair, it’s not really Dolly’s fault so much as capitalism, right?
Oh definitely, I’m not blaming Dolly, just saying that as one of the largest draws in the area, (along with the National Park) that she basically is the local economy, which does have its negatives along with its positives.
The area became a tourist destination long before her too. The tourism industry really started after F.D.R. came to town and established the national park.
I’m inclined to agree. The housing crisis is present all across the country, and there’s only one Dollywood. Can’t be responsible for them all.
I used to go there for school trips as a kid. It was always fun and not nearly as expensive as Disney was. Personally, I wouldn’t compare it to Disney as it’s just a completely different class of theme park and it was awesome in its own ways.
I guess the major caveat is that I haven’t been there in over 20 years, but I seriously doubt the vibe has changed too much.
She bought a 50% share in the park in the mid 80’s because it creates jobs & brings in tourist money to the rural area of Tennessee she grew up in.
She treats her employees very well
Dollywood is not better than Disney world but it is a lot of fun!