Originally Posted By Doobie This topic is for discussion of the August 2nd article on Cal Ripken at Disney's California Adventure. This article is at: <a href="News-ID503180.asp" target="_blank">http://LaughingPlace.com/News-ID503180.asp</a>.
Originally Posted By JBills Am I the only one that thinks this whole thing was just a little overboard?
Originally Posted By Doobie Perhaps overboard if you're not a baseball fan. But Ripken is one of the greats of baseball and he's retiring this year. I believe every team he's visiting this final season is doing something like this. I think it's pretty cool of the Angels to do this and smart of Disney to use something like DCA to go along with it. And judging by the MANY fans in attendance, I think they liked it as well. Disney has often honored sports personalities in their parks (Mo Vaughn a couple of years ago, the US Women's Soccer Team, "I'm going to Disneyland" people, etc.) And I think it's a great tradition that I'd like to see continued. Doobie.
Originally Posted By JBills Doobie, I see what you are saying. I just thought that Cynthia Harris hugging Cal was a bit extreme. I guess there were a lot of fans in attendance. Do you think that DCA will ever start honoring some real California Heroes?
Originally Posted By Doobie Cynthia Harriss hugs everyone You should see her at an event. I just thought it was a good pic and used it, but it's nothing unusal. As for California heroes - I don't know, but I sure hope so. I LOVE it when the Disney parks honor people like this whether they be sports heroes, or that dog that was found after so many years (I believe he got a parade) or the POWs that were honored a couple of years ago. That sort of "community" stuff (with the community being the whole world) is a wonderful thing, IMHO. At the grand opening on California Soarin' (which was media only, unfortunately) they had the people who flew non-stop around the world play a big part. I would hope - had that occured after DCA was open - they would've been honored at the park. And in a different but similar vein, there are ABC Soap Opera stars at the park today for autographs and Q&A and hanging out in the Soap Opera Bistro. Little stuff like this that adds to the mix and makes a park more than just its attractions is stuff I really, really love. Doobie.
Originally Posted By CuriosWolfSo Yes!Doobie's California Adventure is perfect!All they have to do is change the bear logo to Doobie's head with the sun shining behind him.
Originally Posted By Kram Sacul Cal Ripkin is not the god of baseball. He's a good player and will undoubtably be inducted into the Hall in a few years but this is just nuts.
Originally Posted By 524156 I have to agree with JBills and Kram Sacul. How about taking the energy and money to honor a lesser known, but just as inspiring, hero (local or not) that isn't already making millions and 40 publicity stops around the country. Or better yet, taking that money and energy and investing it into the park; which is so desperately in need of a great E ticket ride.
Originally Posted By Doobie I don't understand why one has to preclude the other. My guess is this is something the Angels put on and DCA got a benefit from it. I hope they honor lesser known people (and they have - Agriculture Day at DCA is a great example) and I hope they put in more attractions. But I just don't see why this particular honoring is a negative? As I said earlier, it's the sort of sports figure (and others) honoring the Disney parks have been doing for a long, long time and I hope it continues. It's one of the little things that makes Disney, Disney. Doobie.
