Originally Posted By MoondoggieCA So interesting to hear a common thread running through most of these responses. I grew up in Orange County and then, as an adult, worked as a CM for almost 11 years. There was something that Disney did to inspire me as a youngster through his quality, feel good movies and television shows. And this feeling never left. It was inevitable that I would one day work there as a CM. I wanted to be part of it. I look back on the park as being a nostalgic part of my past that was shared with my family and friends. But when I think on it, much hasn't changed. I still share it with family and friends. You also think of the imagery of Disneyland: its sights, sounds, smells...it all integrates beautifully to create such a unique experience. One that you just don't get at Knott's or Six Flags Magic Mountain. Maybe it's because Disneyland has the cinematic edge to it as well. You can watch a Disney movie or television program, and then go experience it firsthand at the park. You walk through the gates and become part of another world. You forget about what's going on in your life, and get transported to somewhere else. You can be transported some time in the past. It can be somewhere in your imagination...in a world of fantasy. It can be somewhere in your future, or somewhere in the scientific annals of your mind. (Although the latter is less apparent than it used to be as Tomorrowland has become more about thrill rides, glorified video games, and attractions based on animated features than educating). Still it is a place to forget your troubles for a while. It just makes you feel good being there. It's true that there are other parks that base their attractions on movies...Universal, for example. But Disney was on the cutting edge of this process. They were among the earliest parks (if not the earliest) to do it, and do it in a quality manner. And when Disney brought his world to life in a place called Disneyland, he also focused on creating an environment that was like a living experience when you walked into the gates. You weren't met by employees. They were Cast Members playing a role. And you were to be part of the experience. Disneyland....there really is nothing like it. While the park might have changed over the years, there are constants that remain. Families and friends continuing to return to share quality time together in a very unique place that brings out unique feelings. When I see guests donning their Mickey Mouse ears, boarding trams to the main entrance. How different is that from 1955? I love seeing guests in Mickey ears because it really keeps us all connected with the past, demonstrating how we really aren't all that different than those who came before us. We're all in search of the same kind of feelings and experiences. And Disney brings that out. It creates a human connection that hasn't really changed all that much. We appreciate quality and values. Disney serves that up in an amazing way.
Originally Posted By gardenrooms Even though DL has changed over the years, for each new generation it is still unique and special. I grew up with Disney on tv and the dream of some day going to DL, and when I finally made it it did not disappoint (except Dumbo, which looked so wonderful and exciting on the Mickey Mouse Club - looked like those little elephants flew over all kinds of exciting scenes!). Disney himself was part of the magic - like a favorite uncle who visited every week! The first movie I ever saw was from Disney - Peter Pan. When you grow up loving something, then you want to share it with your children - I could hardly wait till DS was old enough to go - and he loved the DL of his childhood - and he wanted to share it with his fiancee (he proposed at WDW) - and another fan was born - such a big fan that she wanted to get married at the DL Hotel! (DL would have been better, but at $60k+, also impossible!). And whatever it is like then, they will be looking forward to sharing it with their child, and so it continues.
