Originally Posted By Mr X ***You feel it or you do not. I totally feel it at DL and to a slightly lesser degree DLP. I do not feel it at all at the MK in Florida*** Wow. That's strange to read, although I can relate because I felt that way at DCA (nice enough park, but didn't feel like "Disney" to me), and also to an extent at HKDL. The Magic Kingdom, though, is plenty magical enough for me (of course, Disneyland is nicer). Just the approach to the park alone is close to the true Disney experience as I've ever felt (that, and walking under the Mira Costa into that stunning Harbor view, or walking closer and closer to Spaceship Earth...three unparalleled "only at Disney" experiences imho...and interestingly I've found nothing comparable in Anaheim).
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo See, I think a lot of this is due to where you grow up and what you become accustomed to. Because I grew up in Ca and had high hopes for the MK, they always failed for me. And for east coasters, I think that can be visa versa (though I have met a few East coasters that once they go to DL cannot go back to the MK).
Originally Posted By iamsally Intersesting, I have really learned to enjoy DCA. I mean, Screamin' is the best. But I do what I like there and then head back to Disneyland. I would never say, "Hey, let's go to DCA and people watch and soak up some Magic." That is reserved for Disneyland.
Originally Posted By ShivaThDestroyer >>Well said murfsmom. I think it is hard to quantify or qualify the magic. You feel it or you do not<< >>There are quantifiable elements - cast member style, cleanliness, maintenance, design, streetmousphere, as well as nostalgia, balance of entertainment/attractions, merchandise, catering standards, crowd levels etc. These all add to the magic. Strip some of those away, and the magic can diminish.<< Over the years I have discovered that there seems to be certain people that feel the magic and others that look at DL in another way. They appreciate DL as an incredibly wonderful theme park and will usually cite many of the same reasons that dwb just has and they call that "feeling the magic". For myself and others like me, we feel something completely different when we're "on property". There is an excitement that is almost like a small electrical charge the whole time we're there. Some of us even seem to feel a presence that ebbs and flows and even moves around within the park. It has very little to do with the conditions that were cited. I can usually tell in a very short time the people who feel the magic the same way I do. I've often compared notes and, while some are initially reluctant to admit it, because it seems a little silly, their experiences are virtually identical with mine. Once they realize that there are others who feel the same things they do, they often seem relieved. I've also discovered that there is a certain personality type that seems to feel the magic more strongly than others. I don't think I can explain it nor would want to, it's just one of those things that is.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Shiva, one thing that is very sad to me is I used to feel the magic, so much so I could not sleep or eat, and a part of me still does feel the magic (albeit, not quite as much as I used to). I don't know if this is because the real world is grinding me down (I am thinking of seeking professional help soon), or because getting to the parks is a bigger challenge/expense, or because the commercialisation and stripping down of theming diminishes the magic or me. There is no doubt we had a magical March. My faith was greatly renewed, as you well know. I want to feel the magic, and I did then, and hope I do (sure I will) at DLP in a couple of weeks. I just wish getting the magic was a part of the essential attributes for the execs in TDA, WDI and WDC.
Originally Posted By TINK-MOBILE You know....there are some that come to this Happy Place with no expectations of leaving with something Special, how ever deep down many who choose to keep it all in , will smile and chuckle as they look at the photos of their fun times, some see the faces of their children in awe, they see the Wonderful presentation's about them, they'll remember the Joys that this Happy Place has shown them... It is so true...Disneyland may not touch others in the same Magical way as it touches all of us...the many who have worked there for years and years bringing you and me all the joys of happiness they could possibly bring, are filled with this pure sense of mAGICAL Happiness that has touched THE HEARTS OF SO MANY...My very good Friend Shiva....has spoken a wonderful truth, in the same way, others have received the gift of skills, knowledge, ect... others have been gifted with the Happiness that this place brings....sharing it thru out their own lives to all, that they meet, Disneyland is not for everyone, but if it isn't for you,and you come..and we see you there....We will say to you.. ..WELCOME TO THIS MAGICAL PLACE....I tell you the truth...not boasting at all, there is no bigger fan....than the one that starts small.... Then comes that day, when the small is all grown, the smile is still there, the magic still glowin, out pops that laughter matured thru the years... Your Happiest Friend of Disney has now reappeared, so when ever you come and your feeling down, look for that smile , they'll be many around, even though Disney , you may not like, hold on to that smile, it'll help you feel alright...in closing i say, take care all of you, Murfsmom and ole Shiva thumbs up to you too....hugs from the tink-mobile The Happiest Wheels of Disney oxoxox
Originally Posted By WDWdreamin I am really looking forward to a meet, even a mini-meet. I am finding it harder and harder to go with people who just don't feel anything special. I would love to at least meet another adult who is smiley and happy at disneyland without the complaints.
Originally Posted By iamsally Shiva and I have talked about this many times. The feeling is spiritual/religious for us. I sometimes feel it is beyond the park or even Disney himself but perhaps the very ground upon which it was built. There is some reason I cry when I enter the gates. I do not do that at Magic Mountain or Marine World. (Though sometimes I get the feeling at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.) But that too is a place rich in history and positive energy. If you do not feel it I do not think you can get it. Sometimes it may ebb but I think it always returns. Dave, you need your Disney fix. And do not discount professional help. It can do wonders. But walking through the Gates is wonderful therapy too.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo iamsally - I get it. Honestly, it does feel spiritual, very much so. In fact I once felt my religion was Disney. And indeed a Disney fix is very renewing and rejuvinating. Sadly for DL, if we go during peak times, the cost is about 6 months of our mortgage payments for a week (we had a number of points and timing issues that made our March trip much more affordable). Sadly I am having major issues at work that I am sure are culturally related. I have been seriously rethinking whether we should return to California. That could sort it out.
Originally Posted By Disneyland55 >>>See, I think a lot of this is due to where you grow up and what you become accustomed to. Because I grew up in Ca and had high hopes for the MK, they always failed for me. And for east coasters, I think that can be visa versa (though I have met a few East coasters that once they go to DL cannot go back to the MK).See, I think a lot of this is due to where you grow up and what you become accustomed to. Because I grew up in Ca and had high hopes for the MK, they always failed for me. And for east coasters, I think that can be visa versa (though I have met a few East coasters that once they go to DL cannot go back to the MK).<<< I think you are right. Back in school, we had a foreign exchange student from Germany, who had been to DLP many times. She visited Disneyland, and told me that "it sucks," and that DLP is way better. I have been to DLP once, and really enjoyed it, but it didn't lower my opinion of Disneyland. Perhaps had I grown up going to DLP and then visited DL, I wouldn't like it?
Originally Posted By iamsally Dave, I will tell you that proximity to Disneyland is always a consideration when we think about moving or where to live in retirement. I would really like to live close enough to be able to make day trips to Disneyland so we can take vacations elsewhere. Somehow, I do not think of Disneyland trips as vacations. It is just going home.
Originally Posted By TINK-MOBILE Hi iamsally speaking of going home we will be going there very soon, as you know, cindy is better to-day..we are just waiting to find out the best time to hit santa nella or stockton on friday morning or afternoon, are you all okay with santa nella, cindy was asking , she likes the food dennys prepares for him there, for his diabetes ,hope that tinkeroon is available...great comment you made while speaking to Dave, who is a wonderful fella, Dave...I feel the same way..about Disney been Home, my dream is that Disney would come home here..too. take care..my email is christmas-wishes@hotmail.com tink...oxox
Originally Posted By LuLu Dave, those are big concerns and decisions. I wish you all the best as you sort it out. Professional help can be a blessing. If you feel you need it, then it's probably a good idea. As for the magic - I definitely don't feel what Shiva describes. I wonder if there are others like me here. (My guess is Shiva may know better than the posters themselves!) To me, there is "magic" in LP. That's why I'm here, and I think it's the reason I got "hooked" on Disneyland.
