Everyone made me feel like a “misfit” because I saw no magic there when I went for the first time in 2007. (I was 46 years old then). You made me feel okay to feel the way I feel.

I’ve never written to you before, but wanted to say a big AMEN to your column.

We have two sons, 7 and 11, and many folks in our school chat it up about their treks to Disney. I’ve often wondered if it’s more of a status thing for parents and not so much about the whole “experience” for the children.

I’ll admit that we’ve sent off for the promotional DVD and have looked into it in the past, but it’s simply not a priority. There have been times when I’ve felt a pang of guilt for not saving for a Disney trip. However, I often remind myself (and my sons) that we are tremendously blessed to have a house, two vehicles, food, employment, and our health.

We live two states away from friends and family, and try to instill in our boys that it is important to us that we take family trips “back home,” so they can get to know those loved ones better.

Magic is fleeting, and seemingly comes at a price. The love of friends and family, along with the appreciation of what you have, is what lasts and can’t be purchased. Values are taught, not bought.

Kindly,
Teresa
Norton Shores, MI

I lean towards Disneyland for a couple of reasons. One, it was the first and only park Walt Disney saw through before his passing and I live in Oregon, so I am partial to CA over FL. My husband, however, would be like you. He literally rolls his eyes into the back of his head if I even bring up going back to Disneyland. Our son is now 15 and family vacations will be ending soon, so I have this memory in my head of how great it was when I went (four times before I had my son) and the time we took him.

Thanks for your perspecitive on Walt Disney World, it was great to read your article.

Gwen

If you want another reason to shun the rat I’ll share with you something I learned recently. Two different families I know have recently visited the magic kingdom – west coast. I guess if you go to the customer service office on main street and tell them your poor child is ADD and simply cannot wait in line they will give you a pass allowing you to go straight to the start of all the rides. My friends were so thrilled that they were able to go on four or five times as many attractions without the stress and bother of waiting in line. Meanwhile the folks that believe in waiting their turn (as I would have thought friends of mine do) get to wait that much longer.