Did you know there are actually stages of Disney Addiction we progress through? Linds Pierce, fellow Chip & Co. blogger (and Disney travel agent) and the Disney Diva decided to (virtually) sit down and define these stages so that you could test yourself and see what level of Disney Addiction you, or your family members, are in.
Stage 1: Newbie (majority of park attendees)
# of Disney trips: 0 as adult, may have visited as children but don’t remember much about their trip(s)
Symptoms: Don’t know how much planning Disney vacations require. Are likely to only eat Quick Service the entire time and don’t know to take mid-day breaks. Choose parks based on interest on that day and don’t know about crowd flux. Relatively clueless about fast-passes and aren’t sure if they are free or not. May return to Disney, but no immediate plans to do so.
Identifying them in the park: Have a slightly glazed look as Disney is still overwhelming to them. Have a map they stop and check often and can be found looking exhausted while waiting in long stand-by lines. Will have bought at least one silly looking Disney theme hat (“Sorcerer Mickey” or Goofy buck-teeth”). Wears their Mickey Ears around the park. Will buy an autograph book for their kids, but have no idea what they’re going to do with the autographs when they get home. Alternates between huge smiles and grumpiness throughout the day.
Stage 2: Advanced.
# of Disney Trips: At least 1 as an adult, or many as children. They have developed a love of Disney growing up, but with all the changes that have occurred in the parks they’re practically starting over.
Symptoms: After having one successful trip, the Advanced visitor is feeling better about their ability to plan, and are likely reading planning books and the occasional Disney blog. Have a plan for most of the day, can navigate most parks on their own with occasional help from the map, knows to avoid certain parks in the morning and the best times of year to travel. They’re better with their fast-passes, but haven’t figured out that they shouldn’t cross the park so often. Have at least 3-4 Disney clothing items, most likely bought on their last trip, however they’ve now shifted to the Disney ball-cap or visor instead of the novelty hats.
Identifying them in the park: Have started doing the “matching family” outfits for the purpose of easily spotting each other if someone gets lost. Pay for cutesy Mickey-themed outfits for their little girls. Know what ADR stands for and have a few character meals scheduled. If they have older children/pre-teens they have likely bought a pin-trading starter kit. They’ve started an autograph/ rare character photos collection.
Stage 3 Pros
# of Disney Trips: At least 2 as an adult, at least one really successful as a “family”or with a group of friends where they were the primary planner.
Symptoms: Pros begin making plans for their next trip relatively close to departing their current one. Checks with travel agents frequently hoping to discover a good deal. Pros read blogs and books frequently because they love Disney or because they’re planning their next trip. They have 10+ items of Disney clothing and have begun collecting “something” exclusive to Disney Parks (house-ware items, ornaments, figurines, snow-globes, pins). Have debated becoming annual pass-holders so they could make an extra trip that year (or two). No longer get irritated when a Cast Member moves their stroller (because they knew to mark it.) Would never go to Magic Kingdom without buying a Dole Whip. Understands the value of staying on the monorail loop. No longer feels the pressure to ride every single ride or see every parade. At least one piece of Disney art is in their home now. Sport their Disney scarf, purse, totebag, or crocs with pride even in the “real world”. Gets a little misty eyed when watching Disney commercials. Has gone on, or has at least seriously considered going on, a Disney cruise. Has taken at least one set of grandparents or friends on a trip with them.
Identifying them in the park: These are lanyard-wearing, pin-trading types. They don’t rush back and use their FastPass once their time is up, but grab another FP instead. Pros are at the front of every rope-drop line and have their spreadsheet with park hours, ADRs and parades/showtimes. They pre-paid for their Photopass. They have albums of pictures and autographs and show everyone that comes in their home!
Stage 4: Ultimate
# of park trips: They have a hard time remembering because they’ve been so many times.
Symptoms: Ultimates would be content if every vacation was at a Disney park or a Disney Cruise. Read blogs daily, and likely HAVE their own Disney blog. Knows who is a knowledgeable source and who is an idiot on Disney open forums. Often ask for Disney books and travel guides for Holiday gifts. Ultimates no longer need a park-map. Almost every t-shirt they own has something Disney on it. They laugh at people who wait in long stand-by lines and are experts in the art of fast-pass. Know the importance of running at a dead sprint at rope drop to Soarin, Toy Story Mania, and Expedition Everest. Get nervous if they don’t have their ADR’s secured exactly 180 days before their trip. Are in, or have seriously considered, the Disney Vacation Club (or have a time-share that allows frequent trips). Have bought at least one high-end camera just to take better pictures at Disney Parks. Ultimates know short-cuts to get around the masses on Main-Street and the importance of mid-day breaks. They likely have the ringtone for Wishes!, Spectromagic, or Main Street Electrical Parade on their cell-phone. Not only know, but can repeat, the monorail spiel in Spanish (“¡Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas!”). Ultimates have been to at least one “holiday party” and know what MNSSHP is. They know who the Sherman Brothers and Ub Iwerks are.They have attempted to “Drink around the world” at least one time. They have gone on (or want to go on) a Backstage tour.
Identifying them in the parks: Can you miss these people? Special pouches for their Keys, ID and FastPasses,they jump from one attraction to the next with minimal wait times. Likely have their own Disney nametag, and can give a newbie directions in the park. Uses the “Disney point” even in the outside world! Look for the person who looks the most relaxed at Disney, and they are likely an Ultimate.
Can you think of other things that define the stages? Free to comment them here and tell us what stage YOU are in! Stay tuned this week to discover which stage some of your favorite Chip & Co writers are in and “proof” of their addiction!!
Linds & the Disney Diva
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2.5 with symptoms of a burgeoning 4. Yes, I *will* be getting online for the 5am (central time) ADR openings at 180 days out (Oct. 25).
Definitely a 4. I’m a travel agent that books only Disney trips. 75% of my clothes have a Disney Character on em. My game room and kitchen are decorated in Disney with over 100 lithographes and both my cars have personalized plates that say Disney fan and Minnie Mouse( mini cooper). Oh and my son’s name is Mickey!
Definitely stage 4! I can’t tell you how frustrated I get with friends and family who go with me to the parks and will not listen when I try to explain the importance of getting fastpasses for the extra popular rides! You will usually here me yelling “There’s an easy way to do this people”! 😉
I’m somewhere between Pro and Ulimate!! <3 me some Disney trip planning!! 🙂 124 till my next trip!!
I must be between a Pro and an Ultimate…I blog, I have helped other guests around the Parks, and I wear Mouse Ears everyday at home and around town. I would say there is one more step…that would be the “All-In” That’s the person that is a DVC member, D23 Member, does all the runs…Great blog!! Pretty right on the money!
I must be between a Pro and an Ultimate…I blog, I have helped other guests around the Parks, and I wear Mouse Ears everyday at home and around town. I would say there is one more step…that would be the “All-In” That’s the person that is a DVC member, D23 Member, does all the runs…Great blog!! Pretty right on the money!
Make that “hear”… not “here”. LOL!
Definitely Stage 4 here! And it’s rubbing off on my kids (5 and 3). They here a bus, truck or any other large vehicle drive by and they scream “Monorail!?!”. <3
It has!! Thank you so much! We are so excited to use it! 🙂 Three sounds good! 🙂
My addiction level requires rehab at WDW. Too bad teleportation does not exist yet!
I live about 45 minutes away from disney and love to take advantage every year of the $99 for four tickets. I would have to say that the show i enjoy most would be the stunt show at hollywood studios and the park would be Magic kingdom, I have a 9 month old daughter and can’t wait till shes old enough to enjoy disney as much as I do!! I am an Ultimate Disney Fan 🙂
Lee, I’ll see your t-shirt and raise you a matching hat.
Lee, I’ll see your t-shirt and raise you a matching hat.
haha I’d say you’re a solid two and after you go your first time to WDW and get your bearings then you’ll be a full on three. 🙂 haha! Has your gift card arrived yet?
Here’s the thing. I have never been to Disney World, and Disneyland only a few times, not by choice. But, we are going soon, and I have a binder, am members of many sites, study my three personal Disney books, and my SIX library Disney books constantly. My husband and I quiz each other on where things are so we know how to get from point A to point B in most all teh parks (by the time we go, we will know for sure!), we know lots of tips and tricks (thanks to Disney Diva, Chip, etc….), and I am making a spread sheet for all our fun! We don’t get to stay on Disney property because we own a Marriott Time share, but we will be close. So, I don’t know what number I am, I just know I am a fanatic, and can hardly wait for my first WDW trip in May!! 🙂
haha my kids do this ALL THE TIME. They’ll see some oil spilled in the Target parking lot and scream HIDDEN MICKEY! hahaha
You win! YOU WIN! I bow to your awesomeness!
And I got married on the monorail! Does that fall under some Stage 5: INSANE! category? LOL
No question, I am a #4! Except for one thing: I have a vast selection of ears/deely boppers/tiaras and wear them proudly to go with my outfits.
No question, I am a #4! Except for one thing: I have a vast selection of ears/deely boppers/tiaras and wear them proudly to go with my outfits.
No questions asked I am a 4! With the exception that my ringtone is “When You Wish Upon A Star’! LOL!!
No questions asked I am a 4! With the exception that my ringtone is “When You Wish Upon A Star’! LOL!!
No questions asked I am a 4! With the exception that my ringtone is “When You Wish Upon A Star’! LOL!!
No questions asked I am a 4! With the exception that my ringtone is “When You Wish Upon A Star’! LOL!!
No questions asked I am a 4! With the exception that my ringtone is “When You Wish Upon A Star’! LOL!!
No questions asked I am a 4! With the exception that my ringtone is “When You Wish Upon A Star’! LOL!!
No questions asked I am a 4! With the exception that my ringtone is “When You Wish Upon A Star’! LOL!!
No questions asked I am a 4! With the exception that my ringtone is “When You Wish Upon A Star’! LOL!!
No questions asked I am a 4! With the exception that my ringtone is “When You Wish Upon A Star’! LOL!!
No questions asked I am a 4! With the exception that my ringtone is “When You Wish Upon A Star’! LOL!!
No questions asked I am a 4! With the exception that my ringtone is “When You Wish Upon A Star’! LOL!!
haha Angelique you are in total denial. You are a stage four. Own it!!! lol
My husband and I fall between Stage 3 and 4 and are extemely proud of it! Our friends come to us to help them plan their trips!
P.S. I’ve learned the art of packing for a trip when you’re flying as well as the arts of packing your backpack and fanny pack 🙂 My kids have their own Disney luggage tags and lanyards…Dis-Nuts in training!
I am a Stage 3: Pro with Stage 4: Ultimate tendencies 🙂 LoL I have the guide books(autographed), some Celebrations mags, Lou’s trivia book, I have learned the times of year that are slower, but still go when I want to because I know when to leave! I know all about staying on and off property and the best deals on booking. I’ve attempted to help friends plan their trips. I used to be on the forums, but life took priority so I just keep track of blogs. I MADE my own monorail schpiel shirt as well as t-shirts for all my family members (all different, not alike). My husband says I’ve overorganized, I just say I’m prepared 🙂 I’ve been to MagicMeets and wish to go back if only I could afford passports!! They’ve gone on cruises the last couple years. I have thought about cruises and DVC, even cruised ‘by resale’ a couple times, but give in and book a package with free dining on site instead. We’ve learned to pick the rides we want to visit instead of making it a marathon trip, so we can stop and enjoy things we don’t get to usually. Thing is, we live in PA, not FL (although that’s where I’m from). Made our own autograph books, too. A couple scrapbooks. Even had them autograph our photo album once so we could stick the pics in with the autographs! I love Disney!! We’ll be back after the construction’s done Nov. 2013!
Oh yeah Hidden Mickeys! I totally forgot to include that one!!!
I believe Stage 4’s will also spout park trivia at their companions, or know where most of the hidden Mickey’s are. (I’m the trivia one, and my husband is the hidden Mickey guy. 🙂 )
I think I’m a stage three but I’m heading to stage four!