I know I have; it is a question that if isn't verbally asked, I can often tell that people are thinking it. There seems to be some unwritten rule or law that if you are an adult going to WDW, you better have kids in tow.

Recently I was thinking about how I should respond to people that ask that. I usually say something like, "I love it; I guess I'm just a big kid...I love the rides, the food, and, as a web/graphic designer, especially the theming and attention to detail." Those things are certainly all true, and seem to be common responses from people like me. Earlier today I sent out a request on Twitter for people to let me know what they said, and here are some of the responses I received:

But, as you can see, most people shared a common thought, that the thought of being a kid again is what draws them in. This makes perfect sense, as one of my favorite quotes of Walt Disney is "Adults are only kids grown up anyway." Too many people are too embarrassed to admit this, and, in my opinion, miss a lot of the joys in life; not just WDW, but so many things. I've seen too many adults go to WDW with their mind already set on the conception that WDW is for kids, and the only place for adults is to pay the way for their children. On the other hand, though, I have never seen anyone, of any age, go to WDW with an open mind, and leave having not had a great time!

But, anyway, back to the topic...

So, in many ways, being at WDW is like being a kid. But, few children are able to appreciate the detail paid in many places at WDW, such as the Everest or Tower of Terror queues, for example. While I agree with these thoughts given by readers, I don't believe they are really the true reason(s) why I, as a married adult without kids, love going back to WDW time and time again. I mean, I can get great food almost anywhere. I can enjoy warm weather all across the globe, and can experience many great ride experiences across the country. But, none of those are the same as they are in WDW. I guess the most base reason would be that it is an escape from reality; not necessarily a chance to be a kid again, but just a pure escape from everything related to everyday life and the so-called real world.

You see, the restaurants aren't just restaurants. In fact, in many cases, better food can be obtained for less money off of WDW property. But WDW restaurants make you feel like you aren't in a restaurant, but that you are somewhere else. It's an experience, not just a meal. Most of the rides at WDW don't utilize unique or original ride systems. Roller coasters of the same type such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Expedition Everest are a dime a dozen. However, the theming and experience that surrounds them are unique and one of a kind. They aren't really rides, but rather experiences. The attention to detail of not only the rides but of the parks themselves amazes me, and inspires me for my work when I return home (but not while I'm there; remember, I have no concept of the real world while on those 47 square miles!). Traveling through the parks isn't just a chore, but an--you guessed it--experience. I don't feel like I'm in central Florida; I feel like I'm in a rainforest or in colonial America, depending on the park and the area.

For me, it is the experiences that set it apart, and how those experiences take me away. Do these experiences make me feel like a kid again? Sometimes, sure! This is why I'm not disagreeing with those people that sent me their opinions. But, for me, it is more than that. It is the draw of the experiences, and how they help me escape from reality. It's not that I have a bad life; I am very blessed with family, a job, and everything I need. But there is just something about escaping everything, leaving it all behind, and having a few days with no concerns. No other vacation or destination on earth can compete with this "unreality" that WDW offers, and that, I imagine, is why I keep going back. WDW isn't just for kids, and, for me, I love the escape from reality that the unique experiences provide. No one is too old to have fun, and from now on, when I'm asked why I, as an adult, love WDW, I will respond like so: "The experiences there are one of a kind, from the dining to the theming to the rides; no place on earth can compare to the originality and fun of WDW." Or, I could just quote Walt, as found on the "Partners" statue: "[WDW was not created for children, but as a] family park where parents and children could have fun - together."