I think I am abnormal in that I have no interest whatsoever in visiting a Disney theme park.
None.
Whatsoever.
Surely I’d have loved to go on my first trip to California when I was 8. But the allure has long since died down. I drove past Disneyland once. That’s as close as I’ve ever gotten and as close as I care to.
It’s not that I have any great malevolence towards them. I simply do not care.
My husband and I both feel like we must be missing some key feature that our Disney-adoring/Disney-obsessing Adult friends haven’t told us about that draws them back again and again. Something top secret you only find out about once you are there.
Because I sure don’t get it.
But we’ve both been told by numerous people, “Once you go, You’ll understand!”
Really?
That suggestion doesn’t seem to hold water.
I’m not convinced that airfare plus hotel and food plus $80+/adult/day entry fees are a good way to crack the mystery.
My idea of a good holiday is flying to England, eating lunch in the park, going to the museums, taking ourselves on a Harry Potter, Doctor Who, or Cadfael tour, having tea with our overseas friends, and climbing the towers of local cathedrals.
Vacations need to be personal. Otherwise, why bother?
When your bragging rights run out, what are you left with?
A bunch of memories that are yours but also Not Yours because they were built around what a bunch of other people deem appropriate?
No Thank You.
I like Adventures. You can keep your theme parks.
In the Mouth of the Lion 
Jun 24, 2014 @ 14:41:56
I feel like most people who express a genuine love for Disneyland grew up in Southern California. I rarely come across someone from out-of-state who actually gets excited about visiting the themepark.
That being said, I have a feeling that the people who do look forward to going made the trip as kids. My family used to make it an annual summer outing up until I was about 10 or 11 (back when ticket prices were relatively affordable). I never got the urge to buy an annual pass but I do get nostalgic for certain things and make the trip every four or five years.
The place is a suped-up carnival attraction but it holds a lot of memories. And that’s what really draws me in.
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Jun 24, 2014 @ 14:54:27
I think with a close group of friends who hold memories like that I might be able to experience it with that kind of awe, at least a little bit. 🙂
Maybe next time we visit LA!
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Jun 24, 2014 @ 15:11:59
(I should mention that most of my disney-obsessed friends are east coasters.
)
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Jun 25, 2014 @ 12:42:19
I enjoy both! I agree with you wholeheartedly, though – you do you. The pursuit of happiness is deeply personal. There is no point in living your life to please others, and no extra credit at the end for playing by anyone else’s rules/value systems.
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Jun 25, 2014 @ 12:46:19
I absolutely loved following your 24 hour adventure!! I think with other enthusiasts along for the ride, maybe we’d be able to get into it. Going a first time as ‘outsiders’ I think we might feel less attached, much as we do now. Thanks for the comment! xoxo
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