Some people think it’s strange that I continue to love Disneyland into my adulthood, and tend to make a return pilgrimage every four years or so. That’s because they don’t realize that the park can have serious resonance for grown ups.
For example, take my absolute favorite ride: Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. It used to be that right before the riders plunged into a maelstrom of color and movement, they would see a demonic figure warning them not to proceed further. As the photo below shows, the ride has been updated and now displays the floating head of Karl Rove, explaining his side of the story in the C.I.A. disclosure scandal:
The big deal this weekend, though, was the reopening of Space Mountain. I was astounded to learn that the ride has been closed since 2003. That’s two years worth of revamping and remodeling. Radio stations were on hand to record the event, and even the Fast Pass lines were two hours long. With all that, you can imagine the high expectations people had as they stood in line:
My review? It’s pretty much the same old ride, but it has a few new flashing lights on it. So basically, this ride was overbudget, past its deadline, and delivered far below expectations. Frankly, that’s a bit too much like the real space program for my taste. I prefer more of an escapist element in my roller coasters.
Speaking of which, who needs Autopia?
You drive around on a track and get stuck behind slow traffic. And if you bump other cars, people yell at you. Again, far too much like real life. Except that out of all my friends, I’m the one who got a free prize--a tiny little Autopia car. See what I mean? Disneyland gives even when it takes away.
In conclusion, Disneyland isn’t old hat. The end.
Posted by Greg at 09:14 PM. Filed under:
(20) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
I totally support you continued love of Disneyland. I went to Disney World a short time ago and so totally enjoyed acting like I was 8 1/2 for a week that I’m planning to go again… and I’m dragging all my “no I’m too adult and I have responsibilites” friends with me.
I’ve been thinking of getting a group of my old fogey friends together to make a day trip to Canada’s Wonderland but I was chickening out, figured everyone would laugh at me. Your story has inspired go for it and drag them away from their desks and force them to have fun.
the concept of “space mountain” being closed for repairs for two years is just too funny. seriously, nasa isn’t involved, are they?
(ps: nice work on the goiter, again)
I LOOOVE your party hats!
P.S. There’s something 4th grade school-teacherish about the demon/Rove figure.
When I was in grad school, I went to Disneyworld every year. But then I am also unashamedly Disney’s bitch.
(Are you wearing Eeyore ears? With mane?)
My aunt is well into her 60’s and still goes to Disneyworld at least every other year. Nothing wrong with being a big kid
I love, love, LOVE Disneyland. It’s been awhile since I’ve been so I missed Karl Rove’s head. Perhaps I’ll get a chance to see it in the fall.
I went there once with you, but you don’t remember.
Me too. Stoner.
love the pic. :D
Am sooooo in love with the hat! Am sooooo jealous you got to ride on a roller coaster—independent of it’s depressing resemblance to today’s space program, which I probably can’t ride either.
Lucky punk.
Sure I do, cloudmeister. Journalism class, freshman year of high school. An outstanding Disneyland expedition.
And yes, it’s an Eeyore hat, and yes, I own it. ph33r me, as the kids say.
Heh, ph33r me, that took me a second, I must be old.
So were there any beheadings at Space Mountain while you were there?
When I went on Space Mountain as a kid, my parents got on the ride with me NOT KNOWING IT WAS A ROLLER COASTER. My mother almost had a heart attack.
I can’t get over the idea that “indiana jones and the forbidden eye” is a pale euphemism for “indiana jones gets cornholed.” then again, I tend to take “small world” very personally too.
I did not know you were a furry.
great. my image of you is totally blown. i’m going to have to rethink this Eeyore Greg thing.
shouldn’t you be looking sadder since you’re wearing the eeyore ears? for shame sir! get into character will you?!
Never been to Disneyland… but I make a pilgrimage to Disney WORLD about every four years.
I L-O-V-E Epcot Center and wish I could live inside of the giant globe. And the Animal Kingdom park with the safari and tree of life is just awesome.
I think it’s just about time for my return visit.