Never Been To Disneyland
Ok, so I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 12 years and I’ve never been to Disneyland.
Is that terrible?
Personally, I don’t feel like I’m missing anything. My boys are 6 and 2 and don’t watch tv much, so they’re not familiar with Mickey and the gang.
I really hate wasting time and money and I feel like “are they REALLY gonna remember this experience?” Shouldn’t I just wait till they are a little older, or just do something else all together?
Plus, I’m just not a fan of the big commericalized places and theme parks like Disneyland, Legoland, Chuck E Cheese, etc. They seem like money and germ pits. Neither high on my list.
Sometimes I think some parents just succumb to social peer pressure and take the kids to these places, or do it just to say that their kids have done it. Big deal. 
I’m not that kind of parent. I am more than happy to take my kids places they have a genuine interest in, but not into taking them places “just to be going” and they don’t get anything out of it.
I always envisioned Disneyland as a girly/princess place. Umm yeah, neither me or the boys would enjoy that.
*griping continues* AND I hate waiting in lines and get easily annoyed at other people’s kids, especially the ones who just run amuck and bump into me…oh gosh, just the thought!!!!
Am I depriving my kids?
I know millions of people plan family vacations just to visit Disneyland and Universal Studios (never been there either, BTW). Yuck. Doesn’t sound much like a vacation to me. Sounds more like a nightmare. I’d rather be suntanning lounging at the Kea Lani in Maui watching the boys swim in the ocean.
Mo has never expressed any interest in going and I remember I took him to Legoland a few years ago. After driving 2 hours (he complained half the way), spending tons of money on food and useless souvineers (he never played with), and 3 LONG hours there, he claimed he was bored and wanted to go home and play at our local park. I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to hug and smack him at the same time.
So, since then, I have honored his wishes of keeping play simple, local, and cheap.
However, now I feel a little guilty. I don’t want my boys to be 25 years old and in therapy because they were deprived of a childhood Disney expericence.
For me, the happiest place on Earth is on my pillowtop bed under my down comforter, but perhaps I should give Disneyland a shot???
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Nora! You live 30 minutes from Disneyland. I bet you’ve been to South Coast Plaza a few times though. SHAME!
I just re-read your post, the boys have never been to Universal????!!! You live THREE MINUTES from there!!!! I am reporting you to the authorities. Bad bad mommy. Lol
You should take them. There are plenty of fun boy things they will enjoy. Your lucky to live so close. Take advantage of that.
I am speechless.
That is what grandparents are for. Send them with extended family or go with one of your girlfriends.
What is your address? I am driving across country just to take your boys to Disneyland. Every child should see the Magic Kingdom and it’s a small world.
I know what you mean about theme parks. At Disney, you can get VIP packages where you don’t wait in line, you have a park employee escort you around the park, they will show you rides and places custom to your child’s interests. It’s really nice. It costs more, but if you’re discerning, it is totally worth it.
Oh no!!! *slapping hand* Nora you’ve got to take them at least once. Maybe they will enjoy Universal Studios better because of all the coasters, but at least give them the oppty to go. I took my Godson five years ago and he still reminds me how great of a time he had.