How much is Disneyland (or any of the Disney parks) a part of your life?

Similar questions: Disneyland Disney parks part life.

It was more in my childhood Like you, layyla, I live pretty near to Disneyland in Southern California. It is close enough that our Senior Trip in high school was there, and we went about once or twice a year when I was growing up. We went for birthdays, or when it was cold and rainy since we liked that weather.It was a very special time, and I had my favorite rides (Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain).

Even in college (also in So. Cal.) I would go with friends occasionally, and walk around all day chatting, staying for the fireworks or whatever happened in the evening. I haven't gone in years, although I still live in the area, because the prices are ridiculous.

Even though there are some discounts for locals, it is still more than I want to spend.It is a special place to go, but not the most special place to go. If a local family of four wants to go, they'll spend nearly $292 (assuming two kids 9 or under, or $312 if they are 10) without counting parking or getting any food. It costs more for out-of-towners.

I am convinced they would make more money by charging $30 per kid and $35 per adult (that would total $130 for the same local family) and convincing them to come back, not twice, but three or four times a year. I would, at those prices, and I'd buy food and souvenirs, too! Now I am a mommy, and I know a lot of other moms who have annual passes.

They love it. I don't have one, because the passes are expensive, too, and I fear I would feel trapped. Oddly, I don't feel that way about the much farther San Diego Zoo, where we have been members for years.

We go 3 to 5 times a year, and don't feel trapped at all. Of course, the tickets cost a lot less, and don't have blackout dates. Money is also the reason we don't go to Sea World, except once when I lucked into some free ones.An amusement park should be special, but shouldn't be its own budgetary line.

Aside from the money, I do think a trip to Disneyland is a special occasion, and I'd like to take my daughter there in the next couple of years.

Disneyland is my "Mecca"! Walt Disney has been my lifelong idol, and Disneyland my equivalent of Mecca (a place where I can "worship" him). I first visited Disneyland on October 2, 1955 (the year that it first opened!), which was my 13th birthday.

I have visited it well over a hundred times since--although, I will admit that it has gone somewhat "downhill" over the years since Walt's death in 1966 (on the other hand, it is 52 years old! ) I've gone there with many people--at first with my family and brother--and in later years with my own family and friends.My most moving experience was the first time I took my then very young daughter there (I took her by myself, as I had gotten divorced from her mother). As we rode one of the trains around the perimeter of the park, and were passing through one of the dioramas, I broke down crying with happiness that I was able to share my love of Disneyland (and, by extension, Walt) with her.

I will never forget that moment. I have--to my regret--never visited Walt Disney World in Florida, which I understand is quite an improvement over Disneyland (since Walt didn't have the money to buy sufficient acreage around Disneyland in order to control the ambiance of the surrounding area, he made up for it by buying a huge amount of acreage in Florida)--but since Walt Disney World opened well after his death, it is actually of less importance to my life (the Walt Disney World that Walt envisioned--particularly the Epcot part of it--never came close to realizing his original dreams for it). Sources: My love of Walt Disney.

Disney World obsessed I have been a fan of Disney movies for as long as I can remember. Love almost every one of them. I saw them multiple times, could quote them, sing all the songs, etc.But I never went to any of the Disney Parks.

I never even allowed myself to learn anything about the parks, because I knew that if I did, I'd become obsessed. And I could not financially afford to become obsessed with somewhere like that. ;-) Then, in 2004, my friends wanted to thank me for being the best man at their wedding.

To thank me, they took me to Walt Disney World for the first time. As predicted, I became hooked almost instantaneously. I fell in love with the place.

When I got back, I started reading all I could about it, learning all the ins and outs, all the "secrets", everything that makes it even more "magical". Since then, I've been to Walt Disney World three or four times a year. I've gone with four distinct groups of friends, I've gone with my sister, I've gone by myself.

I read Disney fan sites daily. I have an annual pass. I'm the current point leader of the Disney topic here on Askville.

I have a Mickey Mouse enclosed countdown to my next trip on the whiteboard in my office. A student at the college where I teach recently asked me to become the faculty adviser of the newly formed Disney club. I have three lanyards full of trading pins.

I am the Disney guru for any of my friends who have questions about the parks. I own tourbooks and dden Mickeys guide books and Disney World trivia books. Like I said, I'm obsessed.

To answer the specific questions you asked: * I actually visited Disneyland with my parents when I was 5, but I don't remember any of it. I first visited Walt Disney World in 2004, when I was 26. * I have no childhood memories, unfortunately, of the parks.

Only of Disney movies. * I have made 7 trips to Walt Disney World so far, with the next one scheduled for this November (a solo trip) * I've been to all four Walt Disney World theme parks, both water parks, the Fantasia Gardens mini-golf course, and Downtown Disney's Marketplace, Pleasure Island, & West Side. I will be making my first (memorable) Disneyland trip early next year, and will visit Disneyland Park, Disney's California Adventure, and their Downtown Disney as well.

* Still single and childless, so I've not taken any children or grandchildren to Disney with me. * The most special moment at Disney was last year in November. There was a group of 10 of us on that trip, and it coincided with my birthday.

We had a dinner at the Garden Grill in Epcot, with Chip & Dale, Mickey, and Pluto walking around. After dinner, the waitstaff and Pluto came to our table and presented me with a cake, as everyone sang happy birthday.It was incredibly special, and by far my happiest birthday that I can remember. Sources: obsession MrItty's Recommendations The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2007 (Unofficial Guides) Amazon List Price: $18.99 Used from: $2.06 Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 104 reviews) 3rd Edition: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best-Kept Secrets (dden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secre) Amazon List Price: $11.95 Used from: $6.60 Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 2 reviews) The Walt Disney World Trivia Book: Secrets, story & Fun Facts Behind the Magic Amazon List Price: $14.95 Used from: $6.75 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 58 reviews) Google Map View Larger Map .

I grew up less than 10 miles from Disneyland. My mom retired from teaching at Walt Disney Elementary School. They could see the Matterhorn from their playground.

The first time I went was in first or second grade. We would go at least twice a year. I never got tired of it.My extended family loved to come and visit us because we would take them there.

I didn't realize how expensive it was as a kid. I do remember having to keep track of which tickets applied to which rides, before the "whole park pass" became common. I remember visiting there at peak season with 70,000 other people, and waiting over an hour to ride The Pirates Of The Caribbean.

I also remember my highschool getting together with a few other highschools, and reserving a few hours for us on a week night as a senior trip. No lines anywhere.My kids are too young to enjoy it yet, but soon. I have visited Disneyworld also, and that place is gigantic.

Disneyland is surrounded by the the busy city it is in. Disneyworld is surrounded by other amusment parks like Epcot Center and others. They use to have a lot of the same rides, but they have diverged over the years.

I hope this helps. Manimal's Recommendations The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2007 (Unofficial Guides) Amazon List Price: $16.99 Used from: $8.21 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 19 reviews) .

Not too much... My husband and I are actually leaving this weekend to take our kids to Orlando to Disney. This will be the second time they have been there in 3 years. They are almost 9 now.

They both like it and have a great time. I like to take lots of pictures. I don't think my husband had ever gone as a kid.

The first time I went was when I was 15 or 16. I never went again until the first time I went with my kids. It was kinda fun at 15/16, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was younger.

The only memories I have from that trip when I was younger is that I was grinding my teeth so loud one of those nights that I woke up my whole family in the condo we were staying in. I also remember the Disney breakfast that we did. We had breakfast and all the Disney characters came around and took pictures with you.Oh... and Space Mountain was out of order.

I was so upset because I heard about how great the ride is. It just better be up and running next week! I do remember we went to Epcot and my brother and I were SOOO bored!

We kept asking to leave and my mom got mad at us for wanting to leave. We are taking the boys to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and maybe one of the water parks. I think we'll have a great time.

I can't wait! Sources: vacation time .

It could be from commercials, franchises or theme parks. " "How important are parks and recreation in rating a city as the best?" "what hotels are walking distance to any of the disneyworld theme parks" "where can I find the micheal parks coffee table book" "What type of parks and recreational facilities are available in your area? Do they help increase quality of life?

" "It it possible to find out where bike racks, parks, and trails are placed aound my are?" "Does anyone know where I can find the book (autobiography of Larry Parks)? " "What are some good places/parks to visit in North Seattle? " "Can you buy Disney pins anywhere else besides in the parks?Ie.

Stores, not online" "Who were the stars in The Michael Parks TV show.

It could be from commercials, franchises or theme parks.

What hotels are walking distance to any of the disneyworld theme parks.

Where can I find the micheal parks coffee table book.

Who were the stars in The Michael Parks TV show.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.