is disney world a tourist trap

The Walt Disney World Road Trip: Tips, Tricks and What Not to Do

Recently, my family decided to make a last minute trip to Disney World the week of New Year’s. Before everyone faints at the heresy of going during the busiest week of the year , my brother’s school was playing in a bowl game in Tampa, so my family decided to kill two birds with one stone. Quickly putting aside the loud warnings in the back of my head about the massive crowds, I couldn’t turn down a pseudo surprise Disney trip. The resort reservation was all set (we would be staying at a Finding Nemo Suite in Disney’s Art of Animation Resort ), and I already had my annual pass, but the flight fares were absolutely insane from Baltimore, which is the closest airport to me. Being a more intelligent person than I, my girlfriend suggested a simple alternative. Why don’t we just drive down? So we did. I hope everyone who is considering the possibility of driving instead of flying finds this useful.

Before getting on the road, make sure to fill up your car, get snacks and do all those obvious road trip things. Then grab something Disney and display it prominently on your dashboard as a constant reminder of why you’re driving. Trust me. It helps after you’ve been driving for six hours then realize you’re not even half way there yet. Also, music is important for any road trip but this is a Disney road trip so of course that should be Disney too. You could do songs from your favorite Disney movies but my girlfriend loves watching Stacey , so we listened to three different Stacey videos for hours on end. Her endless enthusiasm helps driving motivation exponentially. Alternatively, I suggest a loop of park music like Main Street or Future World in Epcot.

As for tips for the actual drive, it definitely helps to have multiple drivers. As exciting as Disney World is, driving along the same highway for what seems like forever is draining. Switching to the passenger seat and catching a quick nap has amazing rejuvenating effects. Also, this next part is absolutely critical if you are going to be driving through North Carolina and South Carolina on Interstate 95: do not stop at South of the Border . I repeat. DO. NOT. STOP. AT. SOUTH. OF. THE. BORDER. Pedro is like a Siren of Greek Mythology except what awaits you is an awful tourist trap. Moving on…

With our resort reservation beginning on Tuesday night, we left early Monday morning for our thirteen hour drive. We figured that we could do the bulk of the driving on Monday, stay somewhere along the way, then do the rest Tuesday morning before checking in and starting our trip properly at one of the parks. I figured we would stop somewhere in Georgia at a Holiday Inn Express or something like that. The Problem was that the anticipation got to us. It was late, but we just kept going. Seeing that first Disney World billboard ignited a fire in us that told us to keep driving. The further we got, the less we’d have to drive the next day was our thinking. Normally, I’d say this is a good idea, but not during New Year’s week. Remember how I said it was the busiest week of the year? That goes for the greater Orlando area, as well. It was 2 am, and we got to Orlando before deciding to find a hotel. The problem was that most places were sold out. It wasn’t until after checking eight hotels that one finally had an opening. I distinctly remember the hotel employee’s face of pity after taking one look at me and seeing how haggard I appeared. I know this is a minor point to harp on, but trust me. The last thing you want to do after driving twelve hours is get turned down by a hotel because it’s filled up. Consider making prior reservations if necessary.

After a much needed night of rest, we made our way from Orlando to Disney World, which brings me to my last and most important tip for road tripping to Disney. Take a photo of the Walt Disney World gate as you pass under it. Trust me. It’s like crossing the finish line at a marathon. I think. I’ve never run a marathon. Happy driving!

T.J. Van Fechtmann

Ever since his first trip before he could even walk, T.J. has loved Disney World more than any other vacation destination in the world. One of his goals in life is to visit every Disney theme park across the globe. Until then, you can find him making regular trips to Central Florida with the occasional trip to Disneyland as well.

17 thoughts on “ The Walt Disney World Road Trip: Tips, Tricks and What Not to Do ”

One of your tips actually did not ring all that loudly to me. If you are driving from the DC metro area or north, pick a place to stop for a good 6-8 hours sleep within less then 6 hours of Disney. The biggest mistake I see people doing is trying to push well past their normal sleeping schedule, even going earlier in the morning you will fight fatigue.

We go and stay at Fort Wilderness, so with RV in tow we are not in the left lane passing the world. Our trip takes about 16 hours of “road time” and averages 55mph with stops to make the about 875 mile drive. We plan and stick to stopping around the southern end of SC, or Northern GA for the night. We get a solid nights sleep and on the road by 9am the following morning. This sets us to arrive at the campground by official check-in time of 3pm.

On the subject of South of the Border is only good for one thing, their RV park, I don’t even get fuel there as I have better discounts at places like Pilot/Flying J. The RV sites are level, inexpensive at 25 a night, and full hookup. Otherwise, we bypass PedroLand every time.

Also for those driving any sorts of vehicles, just know there are discount programs for various places. I have a discount cart valid at all Pilot and Flying J, it gives me cash price for gas or diesel, and 1c a gallon off the Cash price for gas, and 3c off for diesel. Even if I pay with a CC. It is something to consider when driving, also use apps like gas buddy and plan your fuel stops. By driving another 30 miles you can save up to 25c a gallon (I don’t really care about 1-5c a gallon, but above that is worth it to plan.)

Oh, SotB is so very sad. I agree, do not stop. we half did – we pulled off and drove through. But it was clear just driving around there was no reason to get out of the car.

If you drive straight through, leave early! I am too afraid to risk the overnight drive. But leaving at 4am if you are going to drive 14 hours makes a huge difference.

There were better tips in the comments than the article. Perhaps I’m just spoiled by the typical TouringPlans post which includes facts, resources and useful information beyond, “…do all those obvious road trip things.” We’ve always driven I-95/I-4 from the Philadelphia area. A week before, the car is cleaned and tuned. Emergency supplies and trip supplies are stocked. A day before, the car is packed, save for everyone personal travel needs. Charger cords for all necessary electronics are in the glove box. The 511.org system is exceptionally useful online to plan for traffic an weather and en route for traffic conditions that arise. Invest some time pre-trip getting familiar with the webpage and phone prompts. The net also helps to maps out state rest stops, and with a little research cheap gas, eats and (if necessary) lodging only slightly off the more expensive off-ramp businesses. Don’t confuse “we’re making great time” with common sense safety. Stop every 2 to 3 hours, if only to stretch for 5 minutes. Out-of-state plates are a trooper’s dream come true as you blow past his speed trap. Don’t blow your souvenir budget on a speeding ticket. (I do not speak from experience.) Budget for a hotel stay on the way home. Everyone will be over-tired. Many of our favorite vacation memories have to do with enjoying the journey as much as the trip.

I’m from Birmingham, and it’s just not worth it to fly. (Much the same way I would think it would be from Atlanta.) It’s about seven or eight hours down, depending on how much the hubby speeds. We did fly on our honeymoon, but every other time it’s just been so much easier to drive. Pack what you want, do what you want. If you don’t feel like waiting on Disney Transport — don’t!

We’re early risers so we usually wake up around six and have gotten into Florida by ten am, easy. Then it’s just a few more hours until Orlando. It’s especially easy without kids. I won’t fly again, if I can help it.

The first time I read of someone who only drives to Disney from where I live, in Toronto, Ontario, I couldn’t believe anyone could do it, let alone more than once a year! The trip is about 24 hours if you take rests and food into account. My boyfriend and I are determined to try it at least once, but probably not until we can both drive so naps can be alternated. Here’s the blog about it: http://memoriesofdisney.com/2014/06/how-we-do-the-24-hour-drive-from-toronto-to-orlando/#.VLccYSxly8A I certainly admire their stamina!

Coming from somewhere outside the US, when you consider that you’re meant to be at the airport for about 3 hours prior to your flight, and you have to actually get to the airport from where you live, a 2.5 hour flight quickly becomes 7.5 hours, not then including the time it takes you to collect your luggage, board the Magical Express, and get to your resort. Plus, you can bring so much more without all the restrictions air travel has. I won’t know until I try it just how draining the trip there might be, but maybe it’s worth a try. 🙂

My parents took me on about three or four driving trips from Minnesota to WDW when I was probably between 10 and 20. I’m old enough now that my own two kids are elementary school age. My wife has never done that long of a trip and doesn’t believe me that it can be done without everyone going completely bonkers. We’re going very soon because we lucked out with super cheap airfare but I’m not optimistic it’ll be that cheap again next time we get the Disney bug. I’m not sure how to convince her it can be done.

Consider staying the night in Ocala. It’s close enough to Disney without spending the day driving, and small enough as not to be a big hassle finding a cheep room for one night in a decent neighborhood.

We did something similar once when we lived in Atlanta (about a 6 hour drive). I realized on a Wednesday that our kids were out of school on Monday – and that my husband had the day off as well (maybe MLK?). This was several years ago and we had a couple of days left on passes (back when days didn’t expire – on our previous trip, we had noticed that the five day pass wasn’t THAT much more expensive than the three day pass -we bought the five day and only used three – so we had two days remaining). My husband travels quite a bit and accumulates hotel points – I found a hotel that we could stay at for “free.” Friday night, we threw our elementary-aged kids in the car after school and started driving (hadn’t warned them AT ALL). We were up early Saturday and in MK. It was a holiday weekend and busy – but one of the joys of going to Disney multiple times is that we know what to expect. We know our favorites. And we know we’re coming back again. Somehow, that puts us all in a generous mood.

So long story short – too late! – we went to Disney for almost nothing. We drove for cheap, we stayed for “free,” and used our prepaid tickets. Sure, we paid for meals (breakfast in our hotel) but we often eat out on weekends anyway – so that wasn’t much more. It felt like a free trip – and that trip was one of the best of our family life.

We’ve been three times, and are going again in May. We always drive. No kids to get impatient, though. Our trip from NW NC (without stops) is right at 10 hours without stops. We typically stop at either the Embassy Suites in Brunswick, GA, or Jacksonville, FL. For those who don’t know, Embassy has a free complete breakfast including made-to-order omelettes, and a Manager’s reception with unlimited alcoholic drinks from 5:30 -> 7:30 each evening (the Manager’s reception also theoretically has “snacks”, but they are nothing to write home about). Even if the room is $125/night, the true cost for us is much less when the drinks and breakfast are taken into account.

Having our own vehicle allows us to stay off-site in a much larger place (with our own splash pool) for less money than staying on-site (typically we pay around $100-105/night for a 3bed/3 bath with splash pool, somewhat less without), yet we are still only about 10 minutes from any of the parks. This saves us further money because we eat breakfast in the room, along with several suppers over the course of a week. If you haven’t checked out VRBO.com, I strongly suggest it.

Would we ever fly from NC to Disney? No. It’s a two hour drive to the nearest airport. Assume we arrive 1.5 hours before our flight. That’s 3.5 hours on one end. On the other end, since we don’t stay on-site, assume another 1.5 hours to claim luggage, rent a car, and get to our accommodations. Now we’re up to 5 hours. Add about 3.5 hours for the flight itself, and we’re up to 8.5 hours. For an extra 1.5 hours, I’ll take having my own vehicle any time!

We made an 18 hr drive from Dallas/Ft. Worth the week of Dec. 14th. We stopped and spent the night in Lake City, so in the morning it was 2 1/2 hrs to WDW. We had a fairly leisurely morning and arrived at Pop Century in time for lunch. We used afternoon FP+ at HS, went back to Pop to have dinner and add some layers, then enjoyed MK until 3am. It was a great start to our trip. We drove all the way home in one day. It was a very long day, got home a 12:30am, but it was so nice to sleep in our own beds. This was our first time to drive and it was worth the savings over airfare for a family of 4. And the family time in the car was actually good. Kids are 11 and 12.

We love driving to Disney! We can stop when we want, walk around, listen to whatever we want. It is hard to plan when to stop to get that room because it is so tempting to drive just a little bit more and the next thing you know, you are looking for a room in Orlando.

How was the drive on the way back? Is it absolutely unbearable? We live in Chicagoland and the trip is 19 hours (without stopping). With 3 kids it is ridiculously expensive to fly and we thought it would be nice to bring more stuff(diapers and stuff for the youngest) and not have to worry about what fits in luggage and also to have a car on property. The kids are good travelers but they have never gone more than 6 hours (nor has my husband). P.S. – I swear Pluto looks more weary in your second picture than the first.

While you don’t have the anticipation of the trip to motivate you, I’d say the drive also felt shorter on the way back just because of that. I definitely was feeling it towards the last hour or two though. We didn’t stop on the way back but I probably would next time. Overall, for the reasons you said and more, I’d definitely say it’s worth it. I didn’t have kids with me though so I can’t speak to that. As for Pluto, that wasn’t on purpose but now I can’t stop noticing it.

We live about 30 minutes south of Chicago. We have 2 kids and love driving to Disney. As long as you have snacks and something to keep them occupied you’ll have no problems. We always leave early early in the morning and stop in Valdosta, Ga. That only leaves 3 hrs left to drive the next day and that way your nice and refreshed to see that wonderful sign.

We live in Boston, which is 23 hours w/o stops, and have driven every two years for the last several years with three kids (2.5, 5, 8 the first time). We do stop overnight and sometimes we will take the Auto Train in one direction or another. I love driving … it’s true that it takes longer, but you don’t have to worry about what fits in your suitcase, you don’t have to worry about how to get home whatever you buy in the parks, and the most intangible part is that I feel like it provides enough time to mentally be on vacation by the time you get there, and mentally come home from your vacation on the way back. We’re flying this year because we got tickets at great prices, but crazy as it seems I find myself sometimes having regrets about the decision to fly instead of drive!

I pack a cooler of sandwiches, snacks and drinks. Then we stop at rest areas instead of fast food joints and there is always room to run around and let the kids burn off some energy. It helps a lot! After one epic bout of skinned knees, however, I now also keep band aids and peroxide in a first aid kit!

Tourist Trap

Episode aired Apr 5, 1998

A middle aged father fed up with his dead end job and wanting to seek adventure sets out on an RV trip with his family, based on an old Civil War diary, to follow in the footsteps of his gre... Read all A middle aged father fed up with his dead end job and wanting to seek adventure sets out on an RV trip with his family, based on an old Civil War diary, to follow in the footsteps of his great grandfather. A middle aged father fed up with his dead end job and wanting to seek adventure sets out on an RV trip with his family, based on an old Civil War diary, to follow in the footsteps of his great grandfather.

Richard Benjamin
Andy Breckman
Yvonne Campeau
Wally Dalton
Garry Davey
5 User reviews

Ranger Ratovich

Sheriff Lancaster

Rachel Piper

Jeremiah Piper

Private Latimer

Town Sheriff
Cowboy Biker

Dale Butterworth

Spoiled kid

Derek Early

All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Did you know

Trivia Josh tells his dad, George, that he wants to stay home alone. George is played by Daniel Stern, who appeared in the first two "Home Alone" films.

George W. Piper : No more 'Where Is Thumpkin?'! That is a very dangerous song!

User reviews 5

Hollywood_Yoda
Oct 7, 2023
April 5, 1998 (United States)
United States
Aventureros de ciudad
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Sandollar Television
Walt Disney Television
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Runtime 1 hour 29 minutes

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Please Stop Falling for These TOURIST TRAP Restaurants at Disney World

Not all Disney World restaurants are built the same. Unfortunately, that means there are some duds among the diamonds .

Some Disney World restaurants we just think aren’t worth your money when there are better options out there, but others we would classify as straight-up tourist traps. We suggest you avoid these!

Coral Reef Restaurant

Over in EPCOT , you’ll find Coral Reef Restaurant located right near The Seas With Nemo and Friends. The main draw of this restaurant is that there are windows to the tanks located inside SeaBase (the aquarium) , so you can really feel immersed in the underwater atmosphere while you eat.

The problem? Most of the food here is mediocre seafood (at best), AND you might kinda feel bad eating the friends of the fish you’re staring straight at. While the idea of this spot is epic, and the atmosphere is pretty great, the food and price tag are just not usually worth it.

Instead, just head over to SeaBase a few steps away and check out all the marine life in there! You’ll get the same experience without feeling like you just spent $30-$50 each on food that is pretty inconsistent and mediocre. There are much better places to eat on your EPCOT day! Check out Emma’s EPCOT food tour right here.

Rainforest Cafe

You knew it would be on here — yep, Rainforest Cafe, located both in Disney Springs and right outside Animal Kingdom . This restaurant’s claim to fame is having a bunch of animatronic jungle animals spread out throughout the restaurant, and periodically, “storms” will happen.

If you love animals, we say just head into Animal Kingdom instead and make the most of your park ticket to see REAL ones ! These animatronics aren’t terrible by any means, but they are slightly outdated. Not to mention that if you’ve got party members that are afraid of loud noises, the storms will NOT be fun for them.

When it comes to the food, it’s just okay. Nothing will blow your mind, but you likely won’t be disappointed necessarily either. The real reason we say to avoid this one is that they’re EVERYWHERE! Instead, dine at one of our favorite restaurants in the park that’s exclusive to Disney World!

Check out our ranking of ALL the restaurants in Animal Kingdom!

Unless you’ve got a kiddo who is so obsessed with dinosaurs it’s the only thing they want out of Disney World, T-Rex is 1000% a tourist trap. It’s the same set up as Rainforest Cafe — slightly outdated animatronic dinosaurs that roar and interact with each other/their environment while you eat food that’s just meh.

Unlike Rainforest Cafe, though, this restaurant is only located in Disney Springs , right across the way from its more colorful cousin (just look for the giant dinosaur skeleton, you can’t miss it).

It does have a fun dinosaur version of Build-A-Bear attached though, so if you’re looking for a way to satisfy your kiddo’s dinosaur phase without spending $100+ for the whole family to dine in, stop in for the souvenirs, and go somewhere else to eat. Maybe The Polite Pig — it’s nearby and won’t let you down!

Polite Pig Restaurant

Amc dine-in theater.

If you’re looking to catch a movie on your rest day in Disney World, the AMC in Disney Springs is a great choice. However, if you’re just choosing to eat there above other spots in Disney Springs? We advise against it.

For the same reasons as the others — AMC Dine-In Theaters are everywhere! The food or experience isn’t special to Disney World, so if you’re visiting from out of state, try one of our favorite restaurants local to Disney Springs instead!

We ranked ALL the restaurants in Disney Springs!

Any stand that just sells fruits or chips.

This one isn’t technically a restaurant, but you’ll see stands around the parks that just sell chips and fruit and we are BEGGING YOU to not waste your money here!

The fruit and chips are fine in quality sure, but you’re paying more for one orange than you would for an entire pack of cuties most of the time ! Instead, we recommend using Kroger Grocery Delivery to get groceries and snacks delivered to your hotel lobby. That way, you can save some money on all your favorite snacks, and have them in the hotel room to pack for a day in the parks or for a late night snack!

Now, where you want to eat in Disney World is entirely up to you, but we do just generally recommend avoiding these if you’re looking to have a true Disney World dining experience. As always, be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Disney news!

Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!

What would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!

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Just for Fun
Community Board

Is there anything wrong with tourist traps?

Thread starter bcla
Start date Aug 13, 2017

On our rugged Eastern foothills.....

Aug 13, 2017

I know there's that negative connotation of places that are really just made for tourists. Near where I live I've taken the family to Fishermans Wharf or Chinatown in San Francisco. There are of course functioning parts of those places. Fishermans Wharf still has operating fishing boat fleets and Chinatown still has tons of regular grocery shopping. Grant St is where most of the kitschy touristy stuff is, while Stockton St and nearby is where the locals actually go to shop. I just found myself doing the semi-local tourist stuff, and for all the ridicule that it gets, these places are kind of fun. I know there's a lot of discussion about "authenticity", but sometimes it's just fun to engage in the silliness. For instance, I took the family to a well known chain restaurant (let's just say it's based on a movie) and frankly had a good time. The interior was supremely cheesy and the menu was overpriced (we saved by coming in for happy hour). However, the service was fine and the food was actually quite acceptable.

DIS Veteran

I'd say no, since these boards are based on one of the best known tourist traps on earth.

Heck no! I love Gatlinburg, and Duval Street in Key West.

ronandannette

I gave myself this tag and i "like" myself too.

bcla said: I know there's that negative connotation of places that are really just made for tourists. Near where I live I've taken the family to Fishermans Wharf or Chinatown in San Francisco. There are of course functioning parts of those places. Fishermans Wharf still has operating fishing boat fleets and Chinatown still has tons of regular grocery shopping. Grant St is where most of the kitschy touristy stuff is, while Stockton St and nearby is where the locals actually go to shop. I just found myself doing the semi-local tourist stuff, and for all the ridicule that it gets, these places are kind of fun. I know there's a lot of discussion about "authenticity", but sometimes it's just fun to engage in the silliness. For instance, I took the family to a well known chain restaurant (let's just say it's based on a movie) and frankly had a good time. The interior was supremely cheesy and the menu was overpriced (we saved by coming in for happy hour). However, the service was fine and the food was actually quite acceptable. Click to expand...

My DH & I just visited a tourist trap seafood joint in the town where my parents live. We have tons of family out there, and I grew up spending my summers in that area, so I don't consider myself a tourist. My parents offered to watch our kids for the night, so we thought we'd check it out. Food was awesome-fresh off the boat, beer was cold, beautiful view, and the employees seemed to have their crowd control skills down to a science, so the wait was short. Prices were surprisingly reasonable for a restaurant on the main strip of a beach town during the summer. The only frustrating part was......well, the tourists! Parents not watching their kids, kids extra hyper because they are on vacation, grown-ups not watching where they are walking, talking loud, drinking too much because they are on vacation, etc... We expected this atmosphere because its a tourist trap restaurant.

Squirlz said: Heck no! I love Gatlinburg, and Duval Street in Key West. Click to expand...

I love a good tourist trap - like Vegas, Gatlinburg, WDW. I HATE the Nashville honky tonk scene though. Of course, I don't care for country music, so that's part of it.

That be a Mum Y'all - a Texas Mum

SallySkelington

Wait- what.

As others have said, the difference between a Tourist Trap and a legitimate destination is your point of view. *ahem* Walt Disney World! Even admittedly cheesy tourist traps I love! I'd love to get to Gatlinburg again! And Vegas! The Wisconsin Dells are on my Bucket List. Also Solvang, CA. However, I make it a point to avoid Branson like the plague. As The Simpsons famously said, "Branson is what Las Vegas would be if it was designed by Ned Flanders."

loves to dive

I love em, I try to mix my trips up with the tourist thing and then seek out the out of the way local stuff. I think the only place I will not go is Cherokee, NC although I do love the living village just not the tourist part of town. It makes me sad.

Buzz & Woody

Pier 39 in SF is equivalent to the Seattle Waterfront. There are a couple decent places but most stores are junky stores selling poor quality t-shirts and crappy knickknacks. There are plenty of people shopping there though. I don't understand the draw at all.

MillauFr said: Pier 39 in SF is equivalent to the Seattle Waterfront. There are a couple decent places but most stores are junky stores selling poor quality t-shirts and crappy knickknacks. There are plenty of people shopping there though. I don't understand the draw at all. Click to expand...

mousehockey37

What's wrong with tourist traps.... THE TOURISTS! The past 3 places I've lived were either near, in, or around Tourist trap locations, and it's the tourists that get to be the problem. It's mostly on the roads because, well, as tourists do, they gawk around, don't pay attention, have little idea where they are going, and then above all else... They have the vacation entitlement. This just isn't a Disney thing, it's a vacationers everywhere thing. Disney just takes the cake with it because we're always hearing the stories start with "I paid so much to.....". Unlike Disney though, the tourist areas I've lived around were all seasonal, and after Labor Day things wind down and people went away. The places return to "normal", roads are drive-able again, you can go shopping once more, etc.

BrinkofSunshine

I've lived my whole life in either Orlando or NYC, so I've learned to live with tourist traps and the tourists that are there year-round. I think it depends on the quality of the trap. I will never understand why someone would eat at the Olive Garden in Times Square when you have some of the best local Italian cuisine in the country nearby (but I also find TS aggravating most of the time). Personally I love kitsch, so things like Gatorland, Weeki Wachee, anything retro would pull me in. And I love theme parks.

I always thought it was Grant Avenue, San Francisco from Flower Drum Song...but are y'all telling me it's Grant STREET??? Or are there 2 different places?

My local tourist traps...the Atlantic City and Ocean City boardwalks. The only boardwalk I go to is at WDW.

What is great about a tourist trap, is most of them know how to handle the crowds. I hate going someplace that doesn't know how to handle the crowds that come with a tourist trap. When traveling anymore, I would't hit up an Olive Garden, but I will check out Yelp or the Travel Channel and see what they recommend. This summer I have begged my DH to take me to Shipshewana, which is a huge Amish flea market and eat at the The Blue Gate. It is nothing but a pure tourist trap, but its been years since I have been there and I want to go back. Everytime I mention it he groans and says why. I also wanted to go to Tuesday at the State Fair. I was begging anyone to take me and I was paying for everything. All you would have to do is drive me. Everyone told me its too tacky. Its $2 day so admission is $2 instead of the normal $12 and all the snack vendors have to offer something for $2 at their stands. I love it. We visit the booths and eat lots of things we normally wouldn't because its $2. DD finally said she would take me and we had a wonderful time. Our favorite was a Mac Daddy Grilled Cheese sandwich. Something I wouldn't try normally, but for $2 we gave it a shot. It was great!

BrinkofSunshine said: I think it depends on the quality of the trap. I will never understand why someone would eat at the Olive Garden in Times Square when you have some of the best local Italian cuisine in the country nearby (but I also find TS aggravating most of the time). Click to expand...

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U.S. Tourist Traps That Are Actually Pretty Great

U.s. tourist traps worth the price of admission.

You know the feeling. You’re midway through a long road trip. Your eyes are tired, and you wouldn’t mind a chance to stretch your legs. Suddenly, you see a sign along the side of the road, beckoning you to the “World’s Only Corn Palace” or “Largest Ball of Twine” or a museum inexplicably dedicated to a single, mundane product — like mustard.

These roadside attractions are often referred to as tourist traps because they tend to charge exorbitant entrance fees for ho-hum attractions that only an out-of-towner would be suckered into checking out. Except that sometimes the fees are reasonable (or non-existent), and the attractions are genuinely interesting. And you pull away with a renewed sense of energy and an impressively encyclopedic knowledge of mustard.

So, why not embrace the idea of the tourist trap and set aside some time to visit at least one on your next road trip? Any of the U.S.-based attractions included here are particularly worth the stop.

Dollywood, Tennesse

Dollywood sign near the entrance to the theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN.

At the largest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee, the hairstyles (and cowboy hats) here are nearly as tall as the rides. While this theme park has been around since 1961, attendance numbers soared in 1986 when the park was rebranded with a little help from country music icon Dolly Parton. Now, it pulls in more than 3 million visitors a year.

Most of the rides don’t obviously relate to Parton or her career, but she makes regular appearances, and she’d probably approve of the visitors who bedazzle their jean jackets and cowboy boots in a delightfully Dolly manner.

The park closes in the winter, so plan to visit in the warmer months.

Hearst Castle, California

Hearst Castle is a historic famous monument

In his own lifetime, media mogul William Randolph Hearst typically referred to his California homestead as a ranch, but castle is an apt descriptor.

Construction began in 1919 and continued until 1947, a few years before Hearst’s death. In between, he regularly hosted celebrities and politicians — from Charlie Chaplin to Winston Churchill — at the estate. Guests could roam the grounds during the day, taking a dip in one of the estate’s two gigantic pools or wandering through its private zoo, then the world’s largest. At night, they’d dine with Hearst in an ornately decorated dining hall, where he’d ply them with wine (even during Prohibition) that he typically kept locked tight inside a subterranean vault.

Today’s revelers can explore the beautifully preserved grounds, pools and dining room as well — though, alas, the animals have left the zoo, and wine is no longer part of the experience.

International UFO Museum and Research Center, New Mexico

An entrance road going to Roswell, New Mexico

Even if you’re not inclined to believe that tiny green men make frequent visits to Earth, you could still enjoy this out-of-this-world museum.

In 1947, an unidentified flying object crash-landed on a ranch near Roswell, New Mexico. Government officials say that it was a surveillance balloon, but ufologists had other ideas. In the years since, Roswell has become a hotbed for extraterrestrial enthusiasts, many of whom make regular pilgrimages to this museum, which occupies a historic theater near the town’s center.

Some of the exhibits on display (like a jumbled timeline of what supposedly happened in Roswell in the 1940s) are more likely to inspire confusion, or boredom, than wonder. But all in all the museum is a fun place to while away an afternoon, and worth its modest entrance fee.

Robert’s Western World, Tennessee

If Nashville is the queen of American honky-tonk culture, this historic establishment is the jewel in her oversized belt buckle. Some of the best country-western singers of our time have passed beneath the neon guitar that hangs above its doorway, and even the lesser-known musicians that play here are often stellar.

Visitors can hear live music at Robert’s seven nights a week, all while snacking on fried bologna sandwiches or moon pies. And the establishment never charges a cover.

The House on the Rock, Wisconsin

While the House on the Rock is located only a few miles away from Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Wisconsin homestead, it bears more resemblance to a nightmarish theme park than an iconic work of mid-century architecture.

The interior of the vast house, perched atop a 60-foot-tall column of rock, is filled with architectural oddities, dubious antiques and strange exhibits. A 200-foot sculpture of a sea monster is suspended from the ceiling of one of its rooms. An animatronic symphony dominates another. And, deep within the bowels of its basement, the world’s largest carousel features 269 animals but not a single horse.

If you go, plan to spend several hours wandering through the wonderfully weird space.

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

It’s a national memorial now, but at one point, Mount Rushmore was just a great marketing gimmick. South Dakota resident Doane Robinson figured that the state might entice more people to visit if it created an intriguing tourist attraction, like famous faces carved into the side of a mountain. And Robinson was right.

Some 2.5 million people now visit the attraction — which depicts the likenesses of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln — each year. And, in spite of its lackluster origin story, it’s become a symbol of American ingenuity and progress.

Madonna Inn, California

Travelers have been rolling into this California inn for decades, some of them enticed by its proximity to Route 101, others by its outlandish decorations. Each of its 110 rooms boasts a different name — Love Nest, Rock Bottom, Caveman Room — and theme. Rooms start around $100, but cash-strapped travelers can get most of the Madonna experience simply by booking a reservation at the steakhouse.

After all, the steakhouse is festooned with thousands of yards of pink fabric, making it look a bit like a real-life version of Barbie’s Malibu Dream Home. And in the men’s restroom adjoining the restaurant, guests can relieve themselves at an oversized urinal designed to look like a naturalistic waterfall, rocky outcroppings and all.

The City Museum, Missouri

Don’t let its name fool you. The City Museum, which spans 600,000 square feet of space on the site of a former warehouse in St. Louis, isn’t just some sad old repository for civic memorabilia. It’s more like a gigantic playground that appeals as much to adults as children, built largely from architectural remnants and discarded industrial objects.

On the first floor alone, there’s a life-sized replica of a Bowhead Whale, a slinky big enough to crawl through and a labyrinthine series of tunnels that can be reached via a 10-story slide. Elsewhere, there’s an on-site bar (yes, the alcoholic kind), a Ferris wheel and a massive rope swing dangling from the center of the building’s domed roof.

The Vegas Strip, Nevada

The famous Las Vegas Strip with the Bellagio Fountain. The Strip is home to the largest hotels and casinos in the world.

Where can you see Roman temples, Parisian landmarks and New York City skyscrapers stationed along the same street? The Vegas Strip, baby. The roughly 4-mile stretch of asphalt in the Nevada desert is the site of some of the largest and best-known hotels in the world.

And, contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need to gamble to have fun at the Sin City attraction. Window-shopping and people-watching are both free, and if you work up an appetite, you could easily work through several plates of greasy goodness at one of its all-you-can-eat buffets.

Winchester Mystery House, California

This sprawling San Jose mansion was once owned by Sarah Winchester, the widow of millionaire firearm magnate William Wirt Winchester. According to local lore, Sarah moved to California in 1884 to build a home large enough to house the ghosts of all those gunned down by Winchester rifles, and she kept construction crews working around the clock on the property until her death in 1922.

Whether or not that’s true, her house — which has been open for tours since 2017 — is well worth its admission fee. Inside, there are roughly 161 rooms, many of them full of stairways that lead to nowhere, windows that open into interior walls and other architectural oddities.

Pineapple Garden Maze, Hawaii

No, it’s not in Versailles — the world’s largest maze can actually be found in Hawaii, on the grounds of the Dole Plantation. Fittingly, the maze, which stretches across 3 acres and was crafted from 14,000 species of indigenous plants, takes the shape of a gigantic pineapple.

Tickets cost about $10 for adults, a bargain when you consider that a drink in a hip Honolulu coffee shop could set you back about as much and that you could easily spend at least an hour navigating the maze’s nearly 2.5 miles of paths.

Bearing that in mind, you might want to buy your Dole Whip frozen dessert befor e stepping inside.

Pike Place Market, Washington

Seattle’s most popular tourist destination is a gigantic farmer’s market full of food. What’s not to like?

Spend an hour or two noshing on free samples while admiring the public art (including a 550-pound sculpture of a pig named Rachel that many visitors rub for good luck) on display. Or settle in for a full meal at a sit-down restaurant like Lowell’s, a seafood spot that’s been a mainstay of the market since 1957.

Before you leave, be sure to visit the fishmonger’s stall, where employees toss fresh fish to one another to cut down on the handling time. Impressive when you consider that the salmon they sell can grow to be three feet long.

Disney World, Florida

Yes, it’s overpriced and overcrowded — more than 17 million people visited it in 2022 – but if the smiles on visitors' faces are any indication, Disney World may actually be the happiest place on earth. You could easily spend a full day in any one of its four parks or zip back and forth between them by bus or monorail.

Highlights include the classic rides at Magic Kingdom (Splash Mountain is still a must), the history of animation offered up at Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom safari experience.

Don’t forget: There’s a second Mickey Mouse mecca in the U.S. Disneyland in Anaheim, California, isn’t quite as bright and shiny and new as its Floridian sibling. But it’s equally charming.

Coney Island, New York

For the better part of a century, Coney Island was the largest amusement park in the United States, a place where travelers could sunbathe, ride roller coasters or even visit a brothel built inside a seven-story wooden elephant. A fire tore through the park in the 1940s, and the real estate developer Fred Trump (father of You Know Who) had one of the boardwalk’s three original amusement parks, Steeplechase Park, demolished in the 1960s to make way for planned Miami-style apartments. (He threw a demolition party in honor of the razing.)

Still, you can still see touches of Coney’s former glory here and there. Three of the rides — the Wonder Wheel, Cyclone and Parachute Jump — have been open for the better part of a century.

Wall Drug, South Dakota

In 1931, Ted Hustead opened a drug store in the tiny town of Wall, South Dakota. But business didn’t really pick up until his wife suggested putting up a few signs along the highway, advertising free ice water for travelers en route to nearby Mount Rushmore. The signs brought in so many thirsty tourists that the Husteads began expanding on the ad campaign and the store itself — eventually erecting hundreds of signs and constructing additional attractions, like a cowboy-themed department store, a western art museum and an 80-foot-tall sculpture of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

There’s something strangely endearing about the earnestness of the exhibits, though. As famed travel writer Bill Bryson once wrote: “It’s an awful place, one of the world’s tackiest tourist traps, but I loved it and I won’t have a word said against it.”

Bourbon Street, Louisiana

This street in the Big Easy was named for a French royal family. But it’s fitting that the word bourbon doubles as a type of booze because the crowded thoroughfare is lined with dozens of bars and restaurants.

Many straddle the line between classy and tacky (like the Channing Tatum-owned club Saints and Sinners, which attracts hordes of tourists nightly in spite of the fact that it looks like a seedy antebellum brothel). But there are authentic gems to be found along the glittering, bead-strewn avenue, too.

One of them, Pat O’Brien’s Bar, has been open since 1933 and is believed to be the first business to hire dueling pianists to serenade its clientele. It was also the first to serve the now-classic hurricane cocktail.

Cloud Gate, Illinois

On paper, the idea of plopping a gigantic, blob-shaped sculpture in the middle of one of the country’s busiest pedestrian thoroughfares is a terrible idea. In reality, “The Bean” is actually pretty great.

It lies in the middle of Millennium Park, directly between one of the most picturesque stretches of the Chicago skyline to the west and the glittering, green-blue expanse of Lake Michigan to the east. As visitors approach the 42-feet-tall artwork, they’re treated to distorted views of themselves and the surrounding scenery. And anyone who walks all the way underneath the seamless, stainless-steel plated sculpture will find multiple images of themselves stretching funhouse-style across its concave surface.

In other words, if you’re going to snap a selfie, you might as well do it in front of an internationally renowned work of public art that makes your legs look impossibly long.

Niagara Falls, New York

In recent years, Niagara Falls has become synonymous with the phrase tourist trap . And it’s easy to see why. There are several slightly sleazy casinos within the surrounding city, plus the expected hodgepodge of wax museums, indoor waterparks and all-you-can-eat buffets.

But the falls themselves — the most powerful in North America — are still one of the world’s most majestic natural landmarks. And if you drive around to the Canadian side of the river, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the water, and its staggering 160-foot drop, while walking through stately Queen Victoria Park.

Cadillac Ranch, Texas

Most people consider rusted-out cars abandoned along the side of the road an eyesore. But not Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez or Doug Michels. The three men — members of an art collective called Ant Farm — convinced an eccentric millionaire named Stanley Marsh to help them partially bury 10 cadillacs, nose first, in a field in Amarillo in the 1970s.

Today, the cars, which are visible from the nearby highway, are a popular target for aspiring graffiti artists. And that’s just fine with the members of Ant Farm. “We wanted it to be an interactive monument,” Doug Michels once said, “so people could express themselves.”

Fittingly, all 10 cars were painted a flat black when Michels died in 2003. The first taggers arrived less than 24 hours later.

Dinosaur Kingdom, Virginia

Some people believe that dinosaurs coexisted with humans for thousands of years. But Mark Cline of Glasgow, Virginia, might be the first to suggest that dinosaurs A) were still alive during the Civil War and B) fought for the Confederacy.

In 2005, Cline opened a theme park that asks its visitors to imagine that paleontologists discovered dinosaurs in the South in 1863 and that, when the Union Army tried to weaponize them, they turned on the troops. The park is full of alarmingly detailed dioramas depicting animatronic dinos attacking or eating Union soldiers. It’s weird as hell and well worth its modest admission fee.

Dinosaur Kingdom isn’t the only off-the-wall tourist attraction that Cline has created. He’s also responsible for Foamhenge, a full-scale styrofoam replica of the ancient English monument Stonehenge.

Times Square, New York

New Yorkers love to hate it. But that’s only because the novelty of the bright lights and bustling street traffic that make Times Square the most-visited destination in the world fades over time.

If you’re visiting the Big Apple for the first time, or even the fifth, you should absolutely add it to your must-see list. Some of the best theaters in the country are within spitting distance of the square, and there’s a non-zero chance that you may see a famous actor if you hang around long enough.

Just be sure to avoid it during the New Year’s Eve ball drop, unless you’re into the idea of standing in close quarters with more than a million other people, without any way to relieve yourself, for hours on end.

Mall of America, Minnesota

The heyday of the American mall has come and gone. But in the suburbs of Minneapolis, the 1990s mallrat ethos still seems alive and well. Here, in the nation’s largest retail mecca, you can find more than 500 stores, from Auntie Anne’s to Zara. You can also find some decidedly less traditional attractions, like an indoor theme park that features a full-sized roller coaster and a 1.3-million-gallon aquarium.

All told, the mall encompasses nearly 3 million square feet, allowing visitors to spend hours strolling through a climate-controlled shopping oasis even while in the midst of one of America’s most notoriously chilly cities.

The best thing about the mall, though? You’re never more than a few hundred feet from your next meal.

Salvation Mountain, California

About 100 miles south of Joshua Tree National Park, in one of California’s inland deserts, a strange mountain of sorts rises above an otherwise flat landscape. In the 1980s, outsider artist Leonard Knight began hauling large quantities of straw and adobe over to the site, mixing them together to create an artificial mountain range. He then painted his creation, covering it with inspirational — often biblical — quotes and imagery.

Knight passed away in 2014. But a public charity was established to maintain the site, which has become a popular pilgrimage for folk-art aficionados and adventurers alike. Former California Senator Barbara Boxer has described it as “a national treasure ... profoundly strange and beautifully accessible, and worthy of the international acclaim it receives.”

Biosphere 2, Arizona

Someday, humankind may begin to terraform other planets in our solar system. Until then, we’ve got Biosphere 2, the largest closed ecological system ever created.

In the early 1990s, a group of scientists volunteered to spend two years living inside the sprawling artificial ecosystem, intent on proving to the world that they could create all the food, water and air they’d need to live. When the experiment ended, their oxygen levels were low, and their morale, even lower. But they managed to (more or less) achieve what they set out to do.

Now, visitors can sign up for tours of the space to see where the scientists lived and how they maintained the seven distinct biomes — among them a rainforest and miniature ocean complete with its own coral reef — located within the biosphere.

Reading Terminal Market, Pennsylvania

Newer isn’t always better. Philadelphia’s most famous public market opened in 1893 and quickly became famous for its state-of-the-art refrigerated storage spaces, which allowed merchants to keep seasonal products in stock year-round.

These days, it’s better known for its contemporary, home-cooked fare — DiNic’s roasted pork sandwich was voted the “Best Sandwich in America” by the Travel Channel. But you can still find traces of its early history in its ornamental exterior and in the names of the businesses that occupy its older stalls (two of the current vendors are direct descendants of original tenants).

Strangely, like another destination included in this list (Seattle’s Pike Place Market), it also features a sizable sculpture of a pig. His name is Philbert, and he’s the market’s unofficial mascot.

Enchanted Highway, North Dakota

Midwesterners are acutely aware that their coastal neighbors often complain about how boring it can be to drive through the vast plains and prairies of Middle America. With that idea in mind, the artist Gary Greff began constructing enormous scrap-metal sculptures along a sleepy, 32-mile stretch of road in North Dakota. Since he began working on the project in 1989, he’s completed seven sculptures — most of which depict enormous animals, like pheasants, geese and grasshoppers — and is currently working on an eighth.

In 2012, Greff also opened the Enchanted Castle, an eccentrically decorated inn (completely with its own drawbridge) near the highway in the town of Regent. Greff hopes to drive more tourism to small towns in rural America that have suffered since many of the country’s scenic two-lane highways were abandoned in favor of much larger and less picturesque freeways.

The Willis Tower, Illinois

As a rule of thumb, tourist attractions of the observation-deck-at-the-top-of-a-tall-tower variety tend to disappoint. After all, if you’ve ridden an elevator to the top of New York City’s Empire State Building you probably have a pretty good idea of the sort of view that’s waiting for you atop Seattle’s Space Needle.

That being said, the Willis Tower (still commonly called the Sears Tower in Chicago) is worth a trip for two reasons. One, it’s still one of the tallest buildings around. And two, it’s 103rd-story Skydeck features a glass bottom that extends four feet beyond the edge of the skyscraper, allowing visitors to imagine (maybe a little too vividly, for some) what it would be like to walk among the clouds.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Ohio

The Louvre it isn’t. But since opening in 1995, Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has outgrown its reputation as a glorified Hard Rock Cafe and become a legitimate bastion of music history. In 1997, the museum began showcasing special exhibitions (the first being “I Want to Take You Higher: The Psychedelic Era, 1965 – 1969”). And to date it’s inducted hundreds of musicians into its Hall of Fame.

It’s worth noting that the museum receives its fair share of criticism from music insiders, many of whom believe that the Hall of Fame nomination process is opaque and unfair. But that sense of controversy doesn’t make the museum any less worthy of a visit — just bear in mind that the selection process is more subjective than scientific.

Hole N’ The Rock, Utah

Its name couldn’t be more accurate. About a century ago, Albert Christensen began carving a small hole into the side of a sandstone cliff in Moab, intent on providing his boys with a fun place to camp out at night. His ambitions grew along with the hole, though. And over the course of about 12 years, he chiseled out 50,000 cubic feet of sandstone, transforming the space into a 14-room home for him and his wife, Gladys.

When Albert died in the 1950s, Gladys converted the home into a gift shop of sorts and began inviting travelers inside to tour the unique homestead. Gladys is no longer around either, but the tours are still available.

Golden Gate Park, California

You’d be hard-pressed to spend more than a few hours in San Francisco without setting foot inside Golden Gate Park. The 1,017-square-foot green space stretches east to west and is significantly larger than New York City’s Central Park.

It’s not nearly as well known as its northeastern neighbor, though. And that’s a shame because some of the city’s best tourist attractions— the De Young Museum. and the California Academy of Sciences — can be found nestled within its borders. It’s also home to both the oldest Japanese garden and the oldest wooden conservatory in the United States. Both make great destination choices for travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for an afternoon.

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Sweepstakes

These Notorious So-called 'Tourist Traps' Are Worth Visiting, According to Travelers

Travelers are speaking out to say these spots aren't half bad.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Alex Livesey/FIFA via Getty Images

Ah, the traveler’s debacle: To follow the crowd to major, must-see sights knowing they’ll be met with overpriced services, entertainment, food, and souvenirs — or to avoid these sites completely and search out hidden gems void of other tourists. To some, visiting Paris without going up the Eiffel Tower isn’t seeing Paris , while to others, the complete opposite is true.

It’s a question — or way of traveling — that isn’t always black-and-white. Most of us want to see the major sites — preferably without giant tour groups and overpriced crêpe stands — and stumble upon authentic places that few others will get to experience. So when is it worth following the crowd to a site you really want to see, even though it’s probably a tourist trap?

One user on Reddit , u/MarathonMarathon, posed that question , noting that for them, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel in Shanghai was a tourist trap they ended up genuinely liking. “It's basically this short 5-minute tourist trap light show tram thing that takes you across the Huangpu River from the Bund to Pudong, with bizarre voice-overs. Sort of like some Disney attraction, but sadder, the very epitome of a kitsch tourist trap.”

The Reddit community responded, sharing the tourist-trap-inclined sites and tours that they genuinely liked and would recommend to others. Below are the “best” responses in order:

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour — Niagara Falls, U.S.

The 20-minute Maid of the Mist boat tour, which claims to be “the original Niagara Falls boat tour” — takes travelers to the foot of Niagara Falls where they can feel the power of 600,000 gallons of water crashing down and enjoy the resulting mist.

“You wait in line forever, the boat is packed, it seems cheesy ... and then you get up to the Falls and feel their power, you realize that the boat has the engine running at full power yet it struggles against the current and you realize that yeah, this is awesome,” said u/twoeightnine.

Original Sound of Music bus tour — Salzburg, Austria

The Original Sound of Music bus tour takes travelers through Salzburg, where "The Sound of Music" movie was filmed. The bus visits Mirabell Garden and Pegasus Fountain, where Maria and the children danced in the movie; Schloss Leopoldskron, the house, where the Trapp Family lived; and Church Mondsee, where Maria and Baron von Trapp got married, along with other sites.

User u/opuntialantana said the four-hour journey included, “Glorious views, drinks, snacks, and a Maria von Trapp lookalike leading us in singalongs as we drove from one filming location to the next. It was cheesy and it was perfect.”

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours — Matamata, New Zealand

At Hobbiton , visitors can walk through the lush pastures of the Shire and through the movie set used in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" film trilogies. The part-bus, part-walking tour includes visits to the series’ most famous locations, including the Hobbit Hole where Bilbo and Frodo Baggins lived.

The 2.5-hour tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn , where a free drink concludes the tour of Middle-earth.

Guinness Storehouse — Dublin

The home of Ireland’s most iconic beer offers daily self-guided tours that include entry to the Guinness tasting rooms and a pint of Guinness. If you’re a true beer or Guinness connoisseur, you can opt for a “ premium experience ,” like a guided tasting with storytelling or a tour through the brewery’s historic sites — including their famous underground tunnels.

“When anyone came to visit [sic] me I always took them there; it never got old! It’s a well-curated museum and of course, the tap room is always fun to go to. Also, all my Irish friends were happy to go with me when I first moved there so it seems to be well-liked among people that live there too,” said u/tcpower2.

Hofbräuhaus München — Munich

Reddit user u/Triple10X said they initially went to Hofbräuhaus München “just to say that we've been there.” But after visiting several smaller German beer halls they felt that Hofbräuhaus was the best.

The three-floor beer hall has a Bavarian restaurant and ongoing shows that take place in a historic, 16th-century building. According to u/Triple10X, “The food we got was phenomenal, the beer was obviously good and the atmosphere was eclectic with multiple couples around us all talking to each other in different languages.”

Tourist Trap

Tourist Trap is a Disney television movie that originally aired as part of The Wonderful World of Disney on April 5 , 1998 . It was later released in Germany on May 13 , 2000 and on video in Hungary on June 28 , 2001 .

Synopsis [ ]

Fascinated by the Civil War in which he devotes all his spare time, George Piper decides to take, for the holidays, his wife and two children in the footsteps of his glorious grandfather, who played a decisive role in the Battle of Cripple Creek. But the journey he imagined motorhome does not go as peacefully as planned.

Yvonne Campeau ... Daphne
Wally Dalton ... Ranger Ratovich
Garry Davey ... Sheriff Lancaster
Stephen Dimopoulos ... Manager
Rodney Eastman ... Stork
Margot Finley ... Rachel Piper
Brendan Fletcher ... Kyle Early
Paul Giamatti ... Jeremiah Piper
Julie Hagerty... Bess Piper
Chas Harrison ... Private Latimer
Mark Holden ... Town Sheriff
Zook Matthews ... Cowboy Biker
Stephen E. Miller ... Dale Butterworth
Walter Olkewicz ... Mr. Bloom
Jeremy Radick ... Arlo
David Rasche ... Derek Early
Ryan Reynolds ... Wade Early
Blair Slater ... Josh Piper
Daniel Stern ... George W. Piper
Ken Tremblett ... Theme Park Sheriff
Crystal Verge ... Carla Butterworth
John Aguiar ... French casino patron (uncredited)

Gallery [ ]

2 The Emotions

Disney World Is Now Charging Guests To Use Bathrooms?

"it will cost you $1 to pee and $2 to poo there," viral video claimed., aleksandra wrona, published june 25, 2024.

About this rating

In early June 2024, a rumor went viral on TikTok that Disney was charging guests to use bathrooms. "It will cost you $1 to pee and $2 to poo there," viral video claimed, while its caption read "Many adults are wearing diapers at Disney World because of this."

The rumor originated from an article published by Mouse Trap News on June 7, 2024, claiming that you now need to pay to go to the bathroom at Disney World:

New Pay to Pee Program Coming to Disney World You now need to pay to go to the bathroom at Disney World. It will cost you $1 to pee and $2 to poo there. This is part of Disney's newest Pay to Pee program. If you want to go to the bathroom, you need to scan your MagicBand. Then, the toilet will unlock, so you can go to the bathroom. You will then be charged based on the weight of your deposit. That allows Disney to determine if you went number 1 or number 2, so they can charge you accordingly. This applies to both urinals and toilets. Disney is doing that to prevent men from taking a dump in the urinals to cheat the system. Because of this new policy, many adults are now wearing diapers inside Disney World.

This item was not a factual recounting of real-life events. The article originated from a website that describes its output as satire, as labeled on the website's About page:

Mouse Trap News is the world's best satire site. We write fake stories about Disney Parks stuff. From Disney Park announcements to Disney Hotel and resort news to made-up Disney partnerships, you can be assured that anything you read here is not true, real, or accurate, but it is fun. So technically our slogan The Moused Trusted Name in Disney News isn't true, but we thought it was creative and funny, so we are running with it.

Similarly, @mousetrapnews' TikTok account bio stated "‼️Real Disney News That is 100% FAKE‼️"

On June 7, 2024, we debunked a similar rumor claiming that visitors to Disney World could get colonoscopies in an effort to encourage more adults to get routine colon cancer checks.

For background, here is why we sometimes write about satire/humor.

About . 22 Dec. 2022, https://mousetrapnews.com/about/.

Ibrahim, Nur. "Colonoscopies Available at Disney World?" Snopes , 7 June 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/colonoscopy-disney-world/.

By Aleksandra Wrona

Aleksandra Wrona is a reporting fellow for Snopes, based in the Warsaw area.

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Here's a Breakdown of the Ongoing Disney Vs. DeSantis Battle—and the Latest Updates

It all started when the florida governor took issue with disney's support of lgbtqia+ rights..

As the battle between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis continues to notch regular updates , anyone who hasn’t been following from the beginning might be a bit confused. Why is this Republican presidential hopeful openly fighting with his state’s biggest taxpayer? Let’s take a look.

What were Disney’s special district privileges?

Disney’s public stand against the legislation prompted Governor DeSantis to play petty with the law, making a move against the Walt Disney Company that could actually have financial repercussions for the people of Florida. DeSantis ended the state’s long, lucrative relationship with Disney by removing its control over the Reedy Creek Improvement District —the 27 square miles of land that Disney Parks now occupies.

The area was o riginally intended to headquarter Walt Disney’s Epcot , which was described in 1966 as an example of a sustainable city of the future he planned to build. With Disney’s Florida Project , he dreamed of creating a new urban community where American free enterprise could test the latest innovations while addressing problems that suburban sprawl and the car industry were ignoring. S ome elements of his original plans can be seen in Epcot attractions like Living With t he Land, which actively works to provide a vision of futuristic solutions to farming.

After Disney ’s passing, the original plans for Epcot were re-worked and incor portated into Walt Disney World. Still holding this special district control, Disney was able to act as an independent entity without having to go through the state for approvals on things like expansions, all while still paying the high property taxes in Florida’s Orange and Osceola counties. These t axes would not have been sustainable if Disney had not taken care of them since the park’s opening. This why DeSantis’ move was seen initially as a strike against the state’s economic landscape , especially central Florida residents who depend on Disney to take the brunt of that financial burden.

DeSantis—whose other interests include banning critical race theory —then c reated the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, overseen by a board whose members were appointed by DeSantis , and who would have power over municipal contracts and approvals on the contested 25,000 acres of land. DeSantis initially hoped the board would have influence on creative decisions, too, though that ended up not being the case; however, t he district’s debt obligations were still Disney’s responsibility.

Bob Iger returned to lead Disney— and sue Florida

Disney went on to exercise it s right to sue over First Amendment violations, as DeSantis made no effort to conceal that his political moves were retaliations for not supporting his rulings aimed at persecuting marginalized people. In the lawsuit Disney stated that the company “finds itself in this regrettable position because it expressed a viewpoint the Governor and his allies did not like. Disney wishes that things could have been resolved a different way. But Disney also knows that it is fortunate to have the resources to take a stand against the State’s retaliation—a stand smaller businesses and individuals might not be able to take when the State comes after them for expressing their own views. In America, the government cannot punish you for speaking your mind.”

In one of Bob Iger’s first investor calls when he returned to lead the Walt Disney Company , the public was eager to hear his thoughts on the matter as the lawsuit heated up, and he responded. “I think the case that we filed last month made our position and the facts very clear and that is really that this is about one thing and one thing only—and that is retaliating against us for taking a position about pending legislation. And we believe that in us taking that position we are merely exercising our right to free speech.”

He affirmed, “Also, this is not about special privileges or a level playing field or Disney in any way using its leverage around the state of Florida. But since there’s been a lot said about special districts and the arrangement that we have, I want to set the record straight on that too. There are about 2,000 special districts in Florida. Most are established to foster investor development, where we were one of them. He basically made it easier for us—and others, by the way—to do business in Florida, and we built a business that employs, as we said before, over 75,000 people, and attracts tens of millions of people to the state. So while it is easy to say that the Reedy Creek Special District that was established for us over 50 years ago benefited us, it is misleading to not also consider how much Disney benefited the state of Florida. And we are also not the only company operating a special district. I mentioned 2,000—the Daytona Speedway, it has one. So do the Villages, which is a permanent retirement community, and there are countless others.”

Iger pointing out that other special districts were allowed to operate as they were really drove the point home. “So if the goal is leveling the playing field in the uniform application of the law or government oversight of special districts, [that] needs to occur or be applied to all special districts,” he said. “ There’s also a false narrative that we have been fighting to protect tax breaks as part of this. But in fact we are the largest taxpayer in Central Florida. We pay more taxes, specifically more real estate taxes, as a result of that special district. And we all know there was no concerted effort to do anything to dismantle what was once called Reedy Creek Special District until we spoke out [against DeSantis’ anti-LGBTQIA+] legislation. So this is plainly a matter of retaliation while the rest of the Florida special districts continue operating basically as they were.”

What’s more, Iger said, this ongoing feud has the potential to leave real damage behind . “I think it’s also important for us to say our primary goal has always been to be able to continue to do exactly what we have been doing there, which is investing in Florida. We are proud of the tourism industry that we created and we want to continue delivering the best possible experience for guests going forward. We never wanted—and we certainly never expected—to be in the position of having to defend our business interests in federal court, particularly having such a terrific relationship with the state as we have had for more than 50 years. We employ thousands of people and, by the way, we pay them above the minimum wage, substantially above the minimum wage, dictated by the state of Florida. We also provide them with great benefits and free education. So, I’m going to finish what is obviously kind of a long answer by asking one question: does the state want us to invest more, employ more people, and pay more taxes—or not?”

What’s the latest update on the Disney vs. DeSantis feud?

This week, in a whimpering bid to continue to embarrass himself— to the point where fellow deep- in- hot- water candidate Trump feels comfortable trolling him within their own party — the Florida Governor is now trying to claim immunity from the lawsuit. Florida’s attorney statement, as reported by Deadline , described the motion as follows : “Although Disney grabbed headlines by suing the Governor, Disney—like many litigants before it who have challenged Florida’s laws—has no basis for doing so. Neither the Governor nor the Secretary [of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity] enforce any of the laws at issue, so Disney lacks standing to sue them,”

So the messy battle continues, with DeSantis acting above the law by chasing a mouse he can’t catch or control, while seeing his traps blow up in his own face. Aren’t there Mickey Mouse cartoons about this sort of thing?

More to come!

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel , Star Wars , and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV , and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who .

People Share The Worst Tourist Destinations That Aren't Worth The Hype

E ver dreamed of visiting a famous landmark only to find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with a throng of tourists and feeling a bit underwhelmed? You’re not alone. While some travel destinations live up to the hype, others might not be quite what you expect . This article dives into the world of both beloved and overrated tourist spots. We’ll explore Reddit threads where travelers share their honest experiences, along with insights from travel expert Jhona Yellin. Get ready to discover hidden gems, alternative destinations , and crucial travel tips to make your next adventure truly unforgettable.

1. Not for Everyone: Solo Travelers in India and Egypt

Panda Kicki says on Reddit , “ Very true. I was scared in India and I have been to 45+ countries. The hostility to me as a women was staggering. Another solo woman traveller was hit in the head with a rock that was thrown from a bike. I was hit by a water bottle. Sri Lanka in the other hand felt very safe to travel in. Egypt…yeah…not without male company.”

2. Cruise Ship Blues

While some Redditors enjoy cruises, others find them overcrowded and not what they used to be. Amanda Moore on Reddit says, “Cruise ships should somehow count on this list as well. They’re definitely not like they used to be. “

Read More: 25+ Cities That Might Make You Think Twice About Visiting

3. Tourist Trap or Paradise? Mallorca in Spain

Travel expert Jhona Yellin is unsure about Mallorca, known for its beaches and nightlife, due to potential crowds. She said, “ Despite the allure of its sun-soaked beaches and vibrant nightlife, the tales of endless parties and throngs of tourists make me hesitant to add it to my itinerary. Sometimes, the promise of paradise is overshadowed by the perils of popularity.”

4. Beware of Crowds: Athens in Peak Season

Jhona shares her experience in Athens during August, finding it overcrowded and unpleasant. “One prime example is our trip to Athens a few years back, ” the expert says. “It was a miserable tale of overcrowding at its finest! Our visit during August, when the scorching heat failed to deter hordes of tourists, turned out to be more of a test of endurance than a leisurely exploration. Every historic site in Athens was overrun by selfie sticks, and even the secluded beaches were invaded by sun-seekers.”

5. Times Square: A Sensory Overload

Full of flashing billboards, aggressive costumed characters, and busy streets, Times Square isn’t for everyone. Andy Frobig on Reddit says, “ I worked at 39th and 8th starting in 2010 and I feel pretty sure there were already plenty of Elmos and Spider-Men, and gold living statues, and living Statues of Liberty in Times Square before 2013. I can say that New Yorkers tend to avoid the square like the plague. “

6. Dubai: Not for Everyone

Some Redditors find Dubai to be unpleasant. One Redditor said, “Unless you want to rot next to your fancy swimming pool, Dubai isn’t that great. No freedom there. All there is to see is the Burj Khalifa”

7. Nassau in the Bahamas: A Pushy Paradise

Nassau is a port town filled with vendors selling overpriced souvenirs. A comment reads: “ Nassau. It's in the Bahamas and most cruise lines always stop at that port. But it's a whole town dedicated to trap tourists into buying overpriced stuff. They play music through the whole town and you can't walk more than 2ft without someone trying to sell you something. “

8. Beyond the Beaches: Bondi Beach in Sydney

For a less crowded and more relaxed beach experience, Redditors recommend venturing beyond Bondi Beach in Sydney. A Redditor said, “ Bondi beach. Honestly one of the crappier beaches in Sydney that is so chock full of tourists that you're swimming/relaxing with 8 million other people. If you can, go down the coast further – Wollongong, Kiama and Gerringong have beautiful beaches with much less traffic and friendlier people.”

9. Cabo San Lucas: Beware of Drugged Drinks

A Redditor shares a scary experience with a drugged drink in Cabo San Lucas. A commenter said, “ Cabo. Went in honeymoon in 2017. We never left the tourist areas yet wife's drink was still drugged. Thankfully the "free drink" they offered me, I declined. Also thankfully my wife was okay. Just needed to sleep it off. I had a friend who also had a laced drink in Cabo last summer.”

Read More: 7 Places to Visit Before You Leave This World

10. Disneyland: Not for the Faint of Heart

With long lines, crowds, and potentially cranky children, Disneyland Paris might not be ideal for everyone. A Redditor explained, “Not to mention the $$$$$$ needed. We went to Disneyland (California) on our honeymoon, but that was ages ago, about 25 years after it first opened. It was a pleasant experience then, but I’d never go there now. Went to Disney World in Florida once, but that was when we were living there back in the 1980s, and only because we had out-of-town company who wanted to go. Having been to Disneyland just a few years prior, I didn’t care for it – I thought it was too big, and walking around in oppressive heat and humidity was miserable.”

11. Hollywood Walk of Fame: Less Than Glamorous

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is underwhelming, according to some Redditors. One of them said, “I enjoyed looking for specific stars and took a lot of pics. But once was enough.”

12. It’s Just a Bell: The Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell might be less impressive than expected. According to one Redditor, “ The Liberty Bell is a bell. Don't know what else I was expecting.”

13. Skip the Rock: Plymouth Rock

Some Redditors consider Plymouth Rock a bit underwhelming. A top commentator said , “ It was meaningful to me, as an immigrant but there’s nothing else there. Funny story, I was working in an office in California and the receptionist asked where I was from due to my accent. I replied that I was from England, near Plymouth, where the Mayflower sailed from. She said, “Oh, did they call it Plymouth in England, too?””

14. Cruise Ship Chaos: Venice and Santorini in Summer

For a more peaceful experience in Venice or Santorini, avoid the summer months flooded with cruise ships. Jhona says, “ For places like Venice or Santorini, avoiding the summer months when cruise ships descend can ensure a more peaceful experience. Instead, opt for the shoulder seasons or even winter when you can have these iconic spots all to yourself.” “ In essence, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to travel, ” the expert says. “ It’s all about doing your homework, understanding the local dynamics, and timing your visit wisely.”

Read More: 25 Destinations Being Ruined By Excessive Tourism

15. The Grand Canyon: Not All Sides Are Created Equal

The tourist areas near Vegas at the Grand Canyon are considered crowded. National Parks offer a better experience when it comes to natural sights.

16. Land’s End and John O’Groats in the UK: Disappointing Endpoints

These popular spots are known to be underwhelming and overpriced. A commentator said, “Land’s End and John O’Groats are neither the northernmost nor southernmost points of the country but have become tourist attractions because people believe them to be. Both are utter c**p holes that exist only to relieve tourists of money for c**p souvenirs and overpriced drinks.”

17. Times Square on New Year’s Eve: Not for the Faint of Heart

With long waits and crowded conditions, Times Square on New Year’s Eve might not be for everyone. One commentator said, “ Was in London on NYE 2019 and considered (very briefly) watching the fireworks from Tower Bridge (or London Bridge?). Unsurprisingly an estimated million of other people had had that brilliant idea, too. To go through with it I’d have had to enter the bridge in the afternoon (~5 pm, I think) and not leave until midnight, or else lose my place. The winter weather is considerably warmer than New York, but I think not even a sunny 24°, a deck chair, and a server at my disposal would have made me go through with that schedule.”

18. Mount Rushmore: Underwhelming For Some

While iconic, Mount Rushmore is underwhelming, according to some Redditors. A Redditor said, “An abomination and embarrassment to our country, and a monumental insult to the indigenous peoples who have lived there and prayed there for centuries before we ever heard of the land. It is a monument only to our hubris, arrogance, and insensitivity. The men whose faces are represented upon the stone would probably not have advocated for its creation.”

19. Salem, Massachusetts: A Fun, But Potentially Overhyped Tourist Trap

Salem is a popular Halloween destination, but some find it to be a tourist trap. Someone exclaimed, “I went during Halloween the first time. It was fun, but I preferred it the second time I went. It was off season, and I got to see all the things I couldn’t get to the first time, due to long lines, and crowds.”

Read More: 30+ Most Dangerous Beaches In The World

20. Ferris Wheel Flight? The London Eye

The London Eye is a basic Ferris wheel ride, and the name might be a bit misleading. A Redditor commented, “ Fair enough if you are a tourist and probably not coming back to London but it’s way overpriced for what it is. Saying that I haven’t spoken to anyway who didn’t enjoy themselves on it.”

21. Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany: Pretty But Not Unique

While beautiful, Neuschwanstein Castle is not historically significant and there are many other castles to explore in Europe. Someone commented, “ Neuschwanstein Castle-Yes, you’ll get a great picture. The same picture that the other 500 people on the bridge are currently taking and the same one that a million people have seen over the years. There are a lot better castles in Germany to visit.”

22. Venice or Bust?

Some Redditors find Venice to be overcrowded, expensive, and smelly, while others recommend exploring it beyond peak season. Some Redditors say, “Venice didn’t do anything for me. If you want to see canals, go to somewhere like Bruges, Belgium instead. Better food, better beer, smaller crowds, etc. I’ve loved every other place I’ve visited in Italy, just not Venice.”

23. Stonehenge: Smaller Than Expected

Stonehenge might be less impressive than what some visitors expect. It is, literally, a collection of rocks arranged in a special manner. There is nothing much to ponder on, unless you are a historian.

24. Gondola Rides in Venice: Overpriced and Overhyped

Gondola rides in Venice can be overpriced and not worth the hype, according to some. There are far too many gondolas going around at the same time to have that romantic feeling you see.

25. Parisian Magic: Paris Despite the Crowds

Jhona acknowledges that Paris can be crowded but argues that iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower are still worth experiencing. So, for the sake of ticking it off the list, you should visit it.

This content has, in part, been generated with the aid of an artificial intelligence language model. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. We recommend independently verifying the content and consulting with professionals for specific advice or information. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the use or interpretation of this content.

The post People Share The Worst Tourist Destinations That Aren't Worth The Hype appeared first on The Amazing Times .

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Fire breaks out on world's largest cruise ship

Crew on board the world's largest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas, were called on to tackle a fire this week as the gigantic vessel was berthed in a port in Mexico.

The "small fire" was "quickly extinguished" after it broke out on Tuesday, the ship's operator Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed to CNN Travel. The cruise line said there were no injuries and the overall on board impact was "minimal."

The video featured is from a previous report.

The record-breaking Icon of the Seas - which is nearly 1,200-foot-long and 250,800 gross tons - was docked in Costa Maya, Mexico when the incident occurred. The vessel briefly lost power, but back-up power was activated right away.

The Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed crew members controlled the blaze, explaining all crew are trained to handle such situations.

During the incident, on-board announcements alerted passengers about what was happening, according to the cruise line. Social media users on an Icon of the Seas Facebook group spoke of minor disruption to their day, but proceedings were quickly back to normal.

The $2-billion Icon of the Seas made headlines when the vessel launched earlier this year, with its seven swimming pools - including a record-breaking 17,000-square-foot water park. The vessel's current itinerary hasn't been impacted by the fire and the ship is now en route to the Mexican island of Cozumel.

In March, a fire broke out on a Carnival Cruise Lines ship, with footage captured by a passenger of the ship's tail ablaze.

Speaking to CNN Travel, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said minor fires are "not common, but also not uncommon" on cruise ships, but are usually handled swiftly and with minimal disruption to passengers.

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IMAGES

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U.S. Tourist Traps That Are Actually Pretty Great
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"The Wonderful World of Disney" Tourist Trap (TV Episode 1998)

VIDEO

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COMMENTS

Disney World Fans Are Sharing 5 Tourist Traps To AVOID When Traveling
Tourist trap or not, if you didn't already visit the NBA Experience in Disney World — you're out of luck (or incredibly lucky, depending on who you ask). We had a few replies that mentioned this former Disney Springs attraction arguing that it was a tourist trap in and of itself.
10 Disney World Tourist Traps That Are Actually Worth It
Cinderella's Royal Table. Now, the price tag and overall quality of the food make Cinderella's Royal Table a one-and-done spot. If you want to try something different on your next Magic Kingdom day, we'd recommend some of the table service restaurants at monorail resorts like 'Ohana, Steakhouse 71, and Citricos.
Avoid These Tourist Traps To Save Money At Disney Parks
These are some of the most common tourist traps at Walt Disney World and Disney Land to watch out for during your trip. Mouse Ears. The iconic Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears are sold on caps and headbands at every Disney park. Unfortunately, they're ridiculously pricey - at Walt Disney World, Mickey Mouse caps cost between $14.99 and $24.99US ...
25 Orlando tourist traps and where you should go instead
Pretty much all of Orlando is a tourist trap, but some spots are worse than others. ... A closing was announced by Disney awhile back, but if rumors are believed to be true, the NBA Experience ...
The Walt Disney World Road Trip: Tips, Tricks and What Not to Do
Recently, my family decided to make a last minute trip to Disney World the week of New Year's. Before everyone faints at. Recently, my family decided to make a last minute trip to Disney World the week of New Year's. ... SOUTH. OF. THE. BORDER. Pedro is like a Siren of Greek Mythology except what awaits you is an awful tourist trap. Moving on…
10 Tourist Traps In Florida To Skip, Plus Alternatives To Visit ...
Walt Disney World Visit Orlando's ICON Park instead for lower prices! This might be a controversial take, but Walt Disney World has slowly turned into a large tourist trap in Florida over the years.
"The Wonderful World of Disney" Tourist Trap (TV Episode 1998)
Tourist Trap: Directed by Richard Benjamin. With Yvonne Campeau, Wally Dalton, Garry Davey, Stephen Dimopoulos. A middle aged father fed up with his dead end job and wanting to seek adventure sets out on an RV trip with his family, based on an old Civil War diary, to follow in the footsteps of his great grandfather.
Don't Fall for These TOURIST TRAP Restaurants at Disney World
T-Rex. Unless you've got a kiddo who is so obsessed with dinosaurs it's the only thing they want out of Disney World, T-Rex is 1000% a tourist trap. It's the same set up as Rainforest Cafe — slightly outdated animatronic dinosaurs that roar and interact with each other/their environment while you eat food that's just meh.
The Ultimate Tourist Trap
The Ultimate Tourist Trap. orlando. My wife and I took our two young children and stayed at the merriot world center and to say the least it was crazy how espensive it is, first your trapped at the resort and are forced to eat there and pay five star prices for two star food or pay 30. bucks to take a cab somewhere else.
Reviewing Every Tourist Trap Outside Disney World
Stop data brokers from exposing your personal information. Go to my sponsor https://aura.com/billiam to get a 14-day free trial and see how much of yours is ...
Is there anything wrong with tourist traps?
Walt Disney World. News and Updates Tickets Maps Parks Hours Parades / Fireworks Theme Parks Resorts Dining / Menus Events / Holidays Discounts. Disney Cruise Line. News and Updates Ships Staterooms Discounts. Book a Vacation. Disney World Disney Cruise Disneyland Adventures by Disney Universal. Videos.
The WORST Tourist Traps in Orlando You Should NEVER Visit
It's the tourist capital of America, and one day there is enough to see why. One day in Orlando is also enough to see that not all attractions are created equal. For every awesome themed land and museum, there's also an awful, trashy tourist trap. For every genuine thrill, there's also a slightly-too-real fright.
U.S. Tourist Traps That Are Actually Pretty Great
Disney World, Florida. Yes, it's overpriced and overcrowded — more than 17 million people visited it in 2022 - but if the smiles on visitors' faces are any indication, Disney World may actually be the happiest place on earth. ... In recent years, Niagara Falls has become synonymous with the phrase tourist trap. And it's easy to see why ...
WATCH PARKSCENTER
WATCH PARKSCENTER — Flower and Garden Preview, More Bad Guests, and Is Walt Disney World a Tourist Trap? Join us live tonight, Sunday, February 25th, at 9:00 p.m. ET, or watch ParksCenter anytime on WDWNT.TV. We are updating you on all of the big things happening in the Disney Parks each week! We cover the top stories in Disney Parks news and ...
What Is A Tourist Trap? And Is It A Bad Thing?
The Eiffel Tower is not a tourist trap, neither Walt Disney World. But if you stated the dozens of shops selling souvenirs at the Eiffel Tower or the 1,000s of shops selling whatevers along International Dr in Orlando, as being tourist traps, I would say you have a very good understanding of what a tourist trap is!
How To Avoid Tourist-Trap Restaurants
Getty Images. It is a constant and annoying balk by people who have never eaten at a well-known restaurant that the reason they avoid it is because "it's full of tourists.". Which is fine ...
Tourist traps that you genuinely like? : r/travel
Look it up, it's basically this short 5-minute tourist trap light show tram thing that takes you across the Huangpu River from the Bund to Pudong, with bizarre voice-overs. Sort of like some Disney attraction, but sadder, the very epitome of a kitsch tourist trap. The tunnel was built and opened in around 2010 (for Shanghai's World Expo), along ...
MSN claims Epcot is the worst tourist trap in Florida
Wait. The worst tourist trap in FLORIDA? EPCOT is the worst in FLORIDA? The state of Florida invented tourist traps. We have a 18-course menu on tourist traps. We can separate our tourist traps from gourmet kitsch, road-side citrus stands, tshirt silk screen printings, beach shack glasswares all the way down to full-blown exotic animal ...
10 U.S. 'Tourist Traps' That Are Actually Worth Seeing
"Plenty of people all over the world gripe and groan about how Disney is a tourist trap," Taylor Beal, Europe travel blogger and content creator behind Traverse With Taylor, tells Best Life. "They ...
Disney World is Horrible : r/unpopularopinion
anonymous10472011048. Disney World is Horrible. I don't get the fascination with Disney world. The 2 times I've visited it I've regretted it so much and thought it was the biggest waste of time. There's many more things better then it and I don't plan on ever bringing my kids there, they can be taken my parents of friends but not me.
These 'Tourist Traps' Are Still a Must-visit, According to Travelers
Sort of like some Disney attraction, but sadder, the very epitome of a kitsch tourist trap." The Reddit community responded, sharing the tourist-trap-inclined sites and tours that they genuinely ...
Tourist Trap
Tourist Trap is a Disney television movie that originally aired as part of The Wonderful World of Disney on April 5, 1998. It was later released in Germany on May 13, 2000 and on video in Hungary on June 28, 2001. Fascinated by the Civil War in which he devotes all his spare time, George Piper decides to take, for the holidays, his wife and two children in the footsteps of his glorious ...
Don't Waste Your Money at These Worst Tourist Traps in Every State
While it is not Disney World, the prices in the souvenir shops may remind you of it. ... Magnolia Plantation is a popular tourist trap with many places to take pictures and get a small taste of ...
Disney World Is Now Charging Guests To Use Bathrooms?
The rumor originated from an article published by Mouse Trap News on June 7, 2024, claiming that you now need to pay to go to the bathroom at Disney World:. New Pay to Pee Program Coming to Disney ...
Disney vs. DeSantis Update: Florida Feud Background, Updates
But he turned his back on the state's main tourist draw when Disney—exercising its right to free speech—took a stand against his "Don't Say Gay" bill. Known as HB 1557, the law outlaws ...
People Share The Worst Tourist Destinations That Aren't Worth The ...
Tourist Trap or Paradise? Mallorca in Spain. Travel expert Jhona Yellin is unsure about Mallorca, known for its beaches and nightlife, due to potential crowds. ... Went to Disney World in Florida ...
Fire breaks out on world's largest cruise ship
Here's where Disney Cruise Line is sailing in summer 2025. Watch Live. ON NOW. Top Stories. ... Empire State Building named world's top tourist attraction. 17 minutes ago.

The Walt Disney World Road Trip: Tips, Tricks and What Not to Do

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Is there anything wrong with tourist traps?

On our rugged Eastern foothills.....

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U.S. Tourist Traps That Are Actually Pretty Great

Dollywood, Tennesse

Hearst Castle, California

International UFO Museum and Research Center, New Mexico

Robert’s Western World, Tennessee

The House on the Rock, Wisconsin

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Madonna Inn, California

The City Museum, Missouri

The Vegas Strip, Nevada

Winchester Mystery House, California

Pineapple Garden Maze, Hawaii

Pike Place Market, Washington

Disney World, Florida

Coney Island, New York

Wall Drug, South Dakota

Bourbon Street, Louisiana

Cloud Gate, Illinois

Niagara Falls, New York

Cadillac Ranch, Texas

Dinosaur Kingdom, Virginia

Times Square, New York

Mall of America, Minnesota

Salvation Mountain, California

Biosphere 2, Arizona

Reading Terminal Market, Pennsylvania

Enchanted Highway, North Dakota

The Willis Tower, Illinois

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Ohio

Hole N’ The Rock, Utah

Golden Gate Park, California

These Notorious So-called 'Tourist Traps' Are Worth Visiting, According to Travelers

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour — Niagara Falls, U.S.

Original Sound of Music bus tour — Salzburg, Austria

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours — Matamata, New Zealand

Guinness Storehouse — Dublin

Hofbräuhaus München — Munich

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