My Disney Hot Takes!

Posted:  DVC Rentals Parks Resorts

If you spend any time at all scrolling through the Disney side of social media, there are some opinions, such as “Dole Whip is the best snack of all time”, “Grand Floridian is for fancy people”, or “Small World is the worst ride ever,” that are commonly shared. But what if YOU felt differently from the majority of other fans? Welp, sometimes I do!

Today, I thought it would be fun to share 10 of my Disney “hot takes” – those topics on which my personal opinion seems to differ from many others. Let’s get into it!

 

Hot Take #1 – Saratoga Springs is one of the best Disney resorts out there!

Yes, it’s big. Yes, it’s bus transportation to all the parks. BUT, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is also charming, quiet, usually holds availability well in the DVC inventory, has beautiful villas, never feels super busy, is within walking distance of Disney Springs, and typically comes at a great price point. 

“Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, a Disney Vacation Club Resort” is written on the side of a turquoise building at the resort, along with the horse-racing themed logo. Guests can be seen walking past the resort’s bike rental shop as well.

It’s got five pools, conveniently located bus stops, and some of the friendliest Cast Members and fellow guests I’ve ever encountered!

This High Rock Spring Pool at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is seen under a sunny sky. The waterslide entry is visible in the rocks on the right, along with a lifeguard on the left of the pool.
To me, Saratoga Springs feels like a real home-away-from-home. While it may not be on the monorail route or have the grandest lobby, it is an underrated gem that doesn’t get the love it deserves! 

 

Hot Take #2 – I don’t like Dole Whip!

Yep, I said it! 

A hand holds up a cup of pineapple Dole Whip soft serve at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

I don’t like pineapple, so the classic Dole Whip snack that so many Disney fans obsess over is just not for me. Now, I will clarify, however, that I’m not opposed to ALL Dole Whip (I’m not a full-on monster!) I’ve tried other flavors that were fine, but it’s still not the first snack I would choose personally. Popcorn, on the other hand, is another delicious and classic Disney snack I will never turn down! 

 

Hot Take #3 – Attractions like Carousel of Progress and Living with the Land are NOT for napping!

Look, I know they aren’t the most thrilling rides ever, but I love them! Carousel of Progress is brimming with sweet, wholesome nostalgia that I have loved since childhood. Yes, I will be that lady tapping her toes and singing “There’s a great big, beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day” during the show. It’s just such a catchy song! 

The audio-animatronic Father character from Carousel of Progress sits at a table on the attraction’s stage in a retro-looking blue and yellow kitchen during the show.

A large topiary shaped like Mickey Mouse’s head covered in green foliage is seen in the greenhouse section of the Living with the Land attractions at EPCOT.

Living with the Land is another favorite of mine. Do I have a green thumb? Nope! But I love gliding along the water in the boats, experiencing the different climates and regions, and learning how different plant life is cultivated around the world. Also, the greenhouse portion fascinates me every time!

 

#4 – Animal Kingdom is a FULL DAY park!

I’ll be totally honest: It makes my blood boil a bit when I hear people say, “You only need a half day at Animal Kingdom.” 

The Tree of Life is seen under a bright blue sky at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Now, I know there aren’t as many rides here, especially as significant construction and refurbishment projects are underway in 2025, BUT, there is still a TON of stuff to do in this park! For example, when was the last time you visited Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch? I’m going to guess it was probably a long time ago, OR perhaps not ever! Well, you’re missing out on petting some adorable animals plus a FREE class on how to draw Disney characters at the Animation Experience (plus you get to take your drawing home, so a free souvenir too!) 

Guests watch as a Disney Cast Member teaches them to draw a Disney animated character at the Animation Experience at Animal Kingdom. Each guest has a clipboard with paper in order to follow the lesson and complete their own drawings.

I feel like a lot of the shows, walking trails, and so much more that this park has to offer are often overlooked. I never have trouble filling the hours at Animal Kingdom!

 

Hot Take #5 – Meeting characters sometimes freaks me out!

I am an adult woman with no children who often travels to Disney, either solo or with a small group of fellow adults. For me, it can sometimes feel a bit awkward to chat with a character without kids around. 

David’s Vacation Club Rentals team member Stacy poses with Bert and one of the penguins from Mary Poppins at a past visit to Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.

That said, the characters do a fantastic job of bringing Disney magic to life, and the interactions I have always turned out to be a lot of fun! Sometimes it’s just a little daunting to get a conversation going (particularly if you’re meeting a character who doesn’t speak!)

 

Hot Take #6 – I love it’s a small world!

I said what I said! 

Guests seated in boats watch culturally designed dolls sing and celebrate on it’s a small world at Magic Kingdom.

I love that it’s a boat ride, I love the dolls and their costumes, I love the style of artistry displayed, I love that it often has a short wait time, and I even love the song! 

A sign showing a drawing of children in a boat and the phrase “Welcome to the happiest cruise that ever sailed” sits above the entry way into the it’s a small world attraction.

I think it’s a sweet ride, and I love the nostalgia factor, too!

 

Hot Take #7 – Fantasmic! is the best nighttime show!

Disney may be known for their epic fireworks shows, and I agree that they are indeed epic, but Fantasmic! is just so unique! 

Mickey Mouse dances among the water fountain spray during Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios. Behind him is a large rock mountain used as a set for the show.

I love that it combines live actors, projections, music, and some awesome special effects, and I think all of those elements make it an extra special show. 

Mickey Mouse holds up a sword that is shooting out golden sparks as large water fountains spray upwards during Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios.

The story of Mickey conquering his fears and taking back control of his dreams is very inspiring to me. Spoiler alert, but you won’t catch me with dry eyes when the sparks fly out of his sword or when you spot Steamboat Willie steering the ship with all the characters at the end. It just fills my soul with magic! 

Several Disney characters including Moana, Belle, Beast, Tiana, Pluto, and more twirl ribbons on a large white steamboat driven by Mickey Mouse as Steamboat Willie during Fantasmic!

It’s such a captivating show, and I hope it’s never replaced!

 

Hot Take #8 – Going to Disney solo is THE BEST!

The first time I went on a solo trip to Disney World, a lot of people asked, “Will you be bored?” or “Will you be lonely?” The short answer to those questions from me is a simple “nope!” 

David’s Vacation Club Rentals team member Stacy poses with a smile while riding the Disney Skyliner solo.

My solo trips to Disney are some of my very favorites. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family, friends, and teammates, but I also love doing what I want to do! Going about your day without having to consult with anyone else about what ride you’re going on next, if you want to sleep in, what you want to eat and when, and whether or not you take an afternoon break is really liberating! Plus, Cast Members and other visitors are so friendly, there’s still lots of chance to have some great conversations and even make new friends! 

Two brown chairs sit out on the private porch of a villa at the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The seats have a view of a walkway surrounded by foliage as golden hour falls over the resort.

Another perk to being a party of 1: single rider lines!

 

Hot Take #9 – Staying at a Deluxe resort is SO worth it!

Yes, the Deluxe resorts have a higher price tag, but the perks are just awesome! All of the DVC resorts are in the Deluxe category, which means additional amenities such as more varied dining options on-site (not just quick service), Community Halls, activities, and feature pools with waterslides. Most also have multiple transportation options, which is a super bonus! 

The life-size pirate ship waterslide is seen in the distance beyond part of the Stormalong Bay pool area at Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

For me, having access to the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours alone is a fantastic amenity that is exclusive to Deluxe resort guests (and yes, as a DVC guest, you’re eligible for them!) 

Golden fireworks sparkle in the sky over Cinderella Castle during the Happily Ever After show at Magic Kingdom.

Plus, booking with David’s Vacation Club Rentals can help you save a TON on your resort stay, usually working out to be similar in price to a Moderate or sometimes even Value resort…just saying! (*wink wink*)

 

Hot Take #10 – Going to Disney World without kids is NOT weird!

I am that stereotype that was such a topic of conversation a few years ago – a childless millennial who travels to WDW repeatedly. Yep, I’m a Disney Adult, and I don’t think for a second that Disney World is a place only for children and their families. 

Barstools line the bar counter inside Enchanted Rose lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. There is a large golden light fixture above it as the room is decorated with dark blues, dark woods, and a red rose in a glass fixture.

Do I love visiting with my extended family and friends with little ones? Absolutely! But there are also a TON of things for adults without kids to enjoy at Walt Disney World! Signature dining restaurants, bars, lounges, After Hours events, and holiday parties that run into the wee hours of the morning are just a few examples of experiences enjoyed by many travelers without children in their party. 

Two hands hold guidemaps for the 2024 Disney Jollywood Nights event in 2024 held at Hollywood Studios during the holiday season.

Walt Disney did envision his parks as places where families could spend time together, but these days, families come in all shapes and sizes. I think Walt would be immensely proud that there is still something for everyone of all ages to enjoy in the parks that carry on his legacy.

A bronze statue of Walt Disney rests on a bench at EPCOT. In the background there are green trees and attraction buildings.


As the saying goes, “variety is the spice of life,” and I feel like we’ve got a lot of seasoning here in the Disney community! However, one of the things I love most about Disney is that there is something for everyone. If you don’t love a certain resort or restaurant, no problem! There are lots of alternative options for you to explore and enjoy!

~Stacy 

 

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