My first experience with Disneyland was when I was but a toddler (I was born in Anaheim). I remember the picnic tents and the Matterhorn mountain. It was fun.
As I grew up I realized I loved that place (my thoughts have changed in the interim). I grew up in the 60s and every year my family would go to Disneyland. It was a magical place. I had nothing to escape from, but I became part of a dream. I could go to a place where my thoughts were real and I could live in a different world.
My father loved to tease us and once he realized I was scared to death of "Snow White" he would make a point of taking us on this ride every year (I would close my eyes through the whole ride and he seemed to enjoy that.) Fantasyland was awesome in spite of my trepidation. Sleeping Beauty's castle has alway made me happy. There used to be a food place where they served tuna sandwiches called "Captain Hooks" on a pirate ship in this wonderful land. They would put plastic swords in the sandwiches and it was part of the dream. We would ride the "Tea Cups", fly with "Dumbo", and tour "The Matterhorn". This is part of the dream.
Tomorrowland was wondrous. Cars that kids could drive, a spectacle of future living (Carousel of Progress), and Moon flights. I especially loved the submarine ride and the rocket ships. As I grew older I enjoyed their band stand, "People Mover", and "America, the Beautiful" experience in 360 degree wonder. Good times.
My mother loved the "Tiki Hut" (she loved "It's a Small World" too, but I hated it.) and so did I. Adventureland was an experience I have always loved. We would travel to the "Jungle Cruise" and I would revel in the fear and wonder of Africa. We would climb the tree house and walk and do things. The "Mark Twain" was a nice distraction.
I eventually came to love this place because of the added land of "New Orleans Square". Two rides dominated my fantasy at this juncture. "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Haunted Mansion. Words cannot express my joy and wonder while experiencing these attractions. Once I was old enough to go on my own I would head to this place first.
Disneyland was a magical place and forever ingrained in my mind.
I am disappointed
in what it has become.
