Originally Posted By Doobie This topic is for discussion of the October 16 article: Reliving Fond Memories at <a href="News-ID200180.asp" target="_blank">http://LaughingPlace.com/News-ID200180.asp</a>.
Originally Posted By friendofdd Thank you David. Having visited DL since 1955, I can really relate to your experience. We can never go back but it would be nice to be able to do so for a day or two. You help me resurrect my own fond memories.
Originally Posted By wonderingalice ..."Main Street itself was an attraction, with the Omnibus, the horses, the smell of candy and popcorn...." I remember those days SO well... Especially Disneyland's Penny Arcade of old... Ahhhhhhh...
Originally Posted By roberts1398 Wow, David! Awesome! You really made me think about Main St. I realize that like the other throngs of people, it's often just the chute we all have to squeeze through to get to the "real lands", and the LONG walk to the gates with tired feet at the end of the day. And I do remember feeling like it was a separate world when I was a child there. So, I'm determined... next trip... Main St. as a destination! Thanks for taking me back!
Originally Posted By Disfan1022 Wonderful article! Dining at Carnation is what hubby and I do on our first night of each trip to DL. It's there that I always say "I don't care what it takes, we have GOT to do this more often." Then we stroll, we don't walk or run, we stroll on over to listen to Rod Miller tickle the ivories. We top off the evening with fireworks and a little window shopping and then find a bench and people watch over an ice cream or popcorn. I usually lean on hubby's shoulder while we sleepily talk about our next few days in the park. After a long day of driving this is the best way to start our Disney vacation. =)
Originally Posted By JimG Thanks, David, for expressing what the "real" Disneyland was intended to be. The current so-called management has no clue about Walt's vision and the fundamental reasons for Disneyland's creation and existence.
Originally Posted By Elderp "The current so-called management has no clue about Walt's vision and the fundamental reasons for Disneyland's creation and existence." The problem is I don't even think most Disney fans understand "Walt's vision." The park spoon feeds us this story about him wanting to start the park as an alternative form of entertainment because of what he saw when he went out with his daughters on daddy-daughter day. The truth, in my opinion after reading extensively on this issue, is Disneyland was more than just a theme park for Walt. It was his dream, he was a very realist person and he made his dream a reality. An actual place that you can touch, feel, smell, etc. It doesn't stop there though because like most dreams it wasn't about what is but what can be. Walt wanted people to look at DL and be inspired to something more. It meant everything to him. That is all he did for the last years of his life. He wanted a place that would inspire people so much that it would actually change them. I don't think it worked as much as he wanted it to but it did inspire some, myself included. So when you walk down Main St. don't just sit there and think "Oh how beautifull! I wonder what this week's pin is?" Think to yourself oh if one person did this, what can I do? Just a thought.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Thanks for a wonderful article. As I stated in another topic, somehow, I have never eaten at Carnation Cafe! It will be a destination on my next visit.
Originally Posted By onlyme Great article...I love reading items like this. Although Disney has great rides, it was meant to be a theme park with so much more than just rides. I loved him talking about eating at the Carnation cafe at dusk. I've never done that, but it would be so fun to sit there and eat as the sun set and the lights came on. Oh, I think I might do that in SIX days, when I'm there!! >>We can never go back but it would be nice to be able to do so for a day or two.<< yea, wouldn't that be the greatest thing to step into a time machine and experience those days again,although I'm not really that old SuzieQ....if you like a good breakfast(that's the only meal I have eaten there), you must go next time. The croissants were scrumpdilicious.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ The more I think about it, the more I'm stunned that in 37 years of park visits, I haven't eaten there. It's just incomprehensable, LOL!
Originally Posted By onlyme ^^^^I could go on all day about the things I would like DL to bring back.
Originally Posted By velogirl Great article, David. I've felt this way for a long time. And Carnation is one of my favorite places to eat. Bring back the cinnamon bun french toast!! yum...
Originally Posted By rickfarley13 One day the wife and kids went back to the hotel and I spent 3 hours going just down the right side of main street. I made sure to see and experience every little detail. I look back on that day with fond memories.
Originally Posted By DisneyFreak96 <<I loved him talking about eating at the Carnation cafe at dusk. I've never done that, but it would be so fun to sit there and eat as the sun set and the lights came >> I had a great experience there last year. I brought up my christmas card list and stamps, bought a pile of DL holiday postcards and filled them all out at the Carnation Cafe until the fireworks, using a flashlight at one point. It was a real unique experience that I plan on repeating this year with NBC christmas cards.
Originally Posted By disneygurl Great article David! It seems that its the little simple things like sitting at a quiet and just observing people that make Disneyland so special. Thanks!! :O)
Originally Posted By wendebird Wonderful article David! Like SuzieQ, I have never been to the Carnation cafe. I must stop there on my next trip. I also must say, on my last trip, I just grabbed a lemonade & just sat & absorbed the atmosphere of Disneyland. I had NEVER done that before. I was always running to the next ride. It changed my view of the park. Thanks again.
Originally Posted By DisneyFreak96 After reading this topic I made sure to go to the cafe. I lucked out and Rob was on, so I finally got to see/hear him close up. The music was great, the atmosphere was even better, and he played ragtime like I haven't heard it in years.
Originally Posted By bubsmom David- What a wonderful memory you have shared with those of us who remember the Disneyland of old. You took me there in your words..closing my eyes, I could hear the penny arcade, the sound of its bells and the shining lights drifting through the crowd on Main street.The sights and sounds of Disneyland may be different but we can certainly fondly reminince. Thank you for sharing your memeories with all of us.