The survey was conducted by independent research firm, Directive Analytics, and released on the eve of the actual 50th anniversary of Disneyland (July 17, 2005). The "Golden Ears Survey" polled more than 8,000 consumers from all 50 states to gauge opinions about entertainment, attractions, characters, events and occupations featured at Disney's flagship parks.
Now, let's have some fun with highlights from the results. Have you ever worn the park's iconic Mickey Mouse Club "Ears?" Well, if you have, you're not alone... nearly half of the respondents (46 percent) admitted to Disney theme parks bringing out the kid in them enough to wear the hat with ears.
And, whose the leader of the band, that's made for you and me? M-i-c-k-e-y M-o-u-s-e, of course. Of all the beloved Disney characters, it's Mickey Mouse that we'd like to spend a day in the parks with (18 percent). Goofy (17 percent) and Mary Poppins (15 percent) round out the top three.
Can you sing "It's a Small World (After All)?" Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans (72 percent) can sing a chorus. Of course, after reading this, you'll be humming it all afternoon.
What is your favorite Disney theme park attraction? At the "peak" of America's list was Space Mountain (63 percent), followed closely by Pirates of the Caribbean (62 percent) and the Haunted Mansion (49 percent).
A Goofy Nation Where Character Counts
If you're feeling a little "Goofy" today, then you most likely live in one of the 36 states that chose Goofy as the character they most indentify with... that makes us a "Goofy" nation with 72 percent of American's relating most to the loveable Goof.
Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, It's Off to Work We Go...
America's Finest (policemen) chose the mayhem of the Haunted Mansion as their favorite adventure, while attorneys favored criminal types choosing the mischief of Pirates of the Caribbean as their attraction of choice. And, talk about type-casting - homemakers chose a spin on the teacups of the Mad Tea Party.American executives identify most with Mickey Mouse's leadership ability (after all, he is the leader of the club made for you and me!), but teachers put Minnie Mouse at the head of the class.
While doctors were most likely to call themselves Dopey, nurses chose Cinderella. U.S. Military personnel? They admit to being a bit "Grumpy," which could be explained by early wake-up calls!
When You Wish Upon A "STAR"...
If America could choose a celebrity to tour the parks with, Oprah Winfrey tops the list (16 percent). Clint Eastwood (11 percent) and Mary Poppins herself, Julie Andrews (8 percent) round out the top three.
- Just as average Americans, celebrities most identify with Goofy, but Tyra Banks feels at ease with Pocahontas.
- The favorite attraction of celebrities is Pirates of the Caribbean, but James Denton is "Desperate" to discover the secrets behind the Haunted Mansion.
- Two-thirds of celebrities can sing a chorus of "It's a Small World (After All)."
- Many celebrities (80 percent) admit to wearing Mouse Ears. In fact, David Arquette admits to wearing his Mouse Ears, "almost daily!" Paige Davis is transformed back to childhood when she wears Mouse Ears.
- What do America's favorite "Housewife" and "Friend" have in common? Tinker Bell! The precocious pixie was chosen by Terri Hatcher and Courtney Cox-Arquette as their favorite character. Husband, David Arquette chose Donald Duck, while Hatcher's on-screen hunk, James Denton chose Pluto.
- Who did Julie Andrews see eye-to-eye with? Mary Poppins, of course!
- Where does Magic find magic? It's a "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" kind of day when NBA great, Magic Johnson, enjoys Splash Mountain, just like rock star Avril Lavigne and John Stamos.
- Is it a sports thing? Football superstar Peyton Manning, soccer legend Mia Hamm and WNBA star Lisa Leslie all go for out-of-this-world thrills on Space Mountain.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boomers vs. Gen X & Y
What does age have to do with Disney preferences? The 45-and-over Baby Boomers responses were compared to 25-44 Generation X and under 25 Generation Y responses. The results? The generation gap isn't as wide as you would expect.
- Gen X's pefect park companion is Brad Pitt, while Gen Y would rather stroll with Oprah. Baby Boomers prefer both Oprah Winfrey and Clint Eastwood.
- Gen X's identifies most with "Beauty and the Beast" heroine Belle. However, both Gen Y and the Baby Boomers relate most with Goofy.
- Both Gen X and Gen Y prefer the thrills of Space Mountain, while Baby Boomers prefer the dangerous waters of Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Yet, all generational groups surveyed can sing a chorus of "It's a Small World (After All)."
What does this all mean? Perhaps just simply, it's a small goofy world after all!
> Our Poll: What Is YOUR Favorite Magic Kingdom attraction?
