Politics and Culture

"Hey, let's spend $300.00 to learn about California history!"

Story here.

I worked at Disneyland while they were building California Adventures. They described it to me as a way for Disneyland to have more of a teenager/carnival/state fair/six flags/secular (non-Disney) feeling.** "Cool," I thought (They didn't ask me; I worked at the hotel).

Follow up:

I don't have any statistics, but I think that the theme doomed it from the start. Adults think: "California? Is this like a museum or a state park?" I'm sure most people would prefer the real thing than a more expensive imitation.

Teenagers think: "California?" Is this like a field trip or something?" Why would Disney want to evoke, in teenagers, a day with Mrs. Kerblosky? Maybe Disney should have required a three-page report due on Tuesday.

Another problem is that Disney built California Adventures right next to the original Disneyland. Customers don't get a sense of value having to pay another $50.00 per person for something across the street. If you could only afford one, wouldn't anybody prefer Disneyland? It should have been like Toontown- a distinct but not totally separate part of the park.

Now, I did take my daughter to California Adventures because she wanted to have dinner with the princesses. It was a beautiful moment. I'll try to dig up the picture.

**I had fun working at Disneyland, but sometimes I'd make management mad. During training, they'd ask, "What would you say if they complained about the construction?" Incorrect answer: "Ask them why they don't help, then."; "What if we run out of snow castles?" Wrong answer: "Tell them they have the same thing at Knott's Berry Farm."; "When were out and about the park, we're 'on stage'" Wrong comment: "Then, why did I see an 'associate' clipping their toenails on a bench."