Sorry for the headline.  I am feeling a little bit melodramatic today!  I have decided to blog less to concentrate on my business ventures for a while, but couldn’t stay silent about two articles I read today in the Union Tribune.  As a mom, Small World Fan, and theme park lover I had to weigh in on thse important changes to two of my favorite attractions.

Apparently the “renovation” of the Small World ride has resulted in its “Disneyfication”.  Disney characters  (think, Arial, Stitch, and Alladin) can now be found strategically placed throughout the Small World ride.  The music has even been altered to reflect Disney movie soundtracks.  Some may consider me a “Disneyland Purist” who is behind the times, but this is completely unacceptable.  The Small World Ride was a beautiful albeit stereotypical celebration of all the world’s cultures.  It seems disrespectful to alter it by injecting the Disney brand through what essentially amounts to “product placement.”  It was a fantastical version of reality-everyone happy and harmonious, and that is what I loved about it.  It makes me cry every time I sail through.  Disney claims that is implementing these steps to appeal to a broader demographic.  I would say that the ride is packed every time we go, and it attracts riders with its history and charm.  What makes Disneyland special is that some of the best “historic” rides have stayed the same.  What’s next, Tarzan visits the Tiki Lounge?

Further south ,the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park has banned outside food.  This is not a new concept, most themeparks have a policy in place.  It will remain to be seen who strictly it will be enforced.  So far I haven’t found a theme park that make you throw away outside food as you enter.  I had heard Disneyland once had stricter policies, but now they do not stop you from bringing a picnic.  Legoland seems to be the same way, thank goodness.  I’ve heard that Sea World is also somewhat lax about this.  The Zoo folks said that people’s coolers were getting in the way during busy summer months.  If so I think it would be more prudent to ban coolers.  In this economy you are not going to get many new passholders if you don’t let them bring their own food.  Most of us can not afford to spend $30 or more to feed our family every time we head to the zoo.

I was considering purchasing a zoo membership this year, but am now rethinking this.  Zoo food is yucky and overpriced.  We will not be visiting  very often if we can’t pack a few snacks to keep the grouchies away.  A picnic area outside works for the big folks, but we all know those preschoolers need to eat, when they need to eat.  They’re not always up to a trek out the gate.

On a more postive note,  a Harlem Globe Trotter will be visiting Legoland on February 6th between 4 and 5 pm.  Hopefully he will show off some moves.  Legoland Members get discounts to the Harlem Globe Trotters Show here in San Diego as well as to the Wild Ocean IMAX Movie at the Ruben Fleet Science Museum.    I love Legoland’s cross promotions, don’t you?

Well so long for a while my friends.  I’ll miss you and try to start up again as soon as I can.

Happy Trails,

Bridget

Tags: Disneyland, Harlem Globe Trotters, Legoland, Ruben Fleet Science Museum, San Diego Travel Bargains, San Diego Travel Discounts, San Diego Wild Animal Park, San Diego Zoo, Small World