I had to weigh in on this post because my husband and I have this discussion ALL THE TIME, as well as with people who go for the first time as adults. They will come back and basically tell me they can't believe what a big deal I make about Disney. This happened twice recently with my dentist and a good friend.
I truly believe that you really need to be indoctrinated to Disney at a young age and the more the better. Once you are hooked as a kid the magic is always there. I've been to France and Austria and various other locations and there is just no place I would rather be than Disney World. People think I'm nuts. But my parents took us as kids nearly every other year, I'm nearly 40 now and it is something I've passed on to my kids.
There are always exceptions but I think if you haven't been to Disney by the time you are 10-12, the magic may very well be lost to you. You've "grown up" and the ability to see beyond the "hokey" is lost.
One exception is my husband who used to like to quote from the Simpson's about Walt Disney having the "evil gene." He has been Disneyfied and I take complete credit for that! Very proud of myself.:thedolls: Now he looks for any excuse to get us down there!
It still drives me absolutely NUTS when someone says they didn't like Disney World. I take it as a personal affront and have to restrain myself from getting into serious debates.:bang: I'm working on that....