I grew up about a mile from Disneyland in Orange County, and eventually worked there for a few summers. Growing up, we visited there frequently, often as much as once a month when the weather (and our working class budget) permitted. As a child, I thought it was a bit overwhelming; although my favorite memories were made there (we even saw Walt himself waving from the balcony of the firehouse at the end of Main Street, USA). I have a few of the old paper ticket books in my memorabilia collection, a set of mouse ears with my name embroidered on it, and a hefty collection of pins, pennants and other ephemera from my Disney-fied upbringing. But I have to agree; as an adult, Disney leaves me cold. I guess being able to go "backstage" as an employee gave me a unique view of what Disney is really all about... aggresive and overpriced retail punctuated by restaurants and an occasional ride. It's all about separating American families from their money. Not that they don't get some of what they're paying for (an entirely fictionalized experience that we're told is actually better than the real thing). Epcot is preferable to messy, dirty, dangerous world travel, and you're far less likely to get your wallet stolen. Roller coasters allege to give you the real formula one or outer space experience without the danger and expense, and animatronic animals don't have rabies, don't ever poop or try to bite you. A friend of mine who worked as a street entertainer while I was employed there used to walk around with a roll of scotch tape and tape fallen leaves back onto the real trees when they dared to shed them. His sarcasm was lost on our Stepford supervisors, needless to say. Inside Disney, things don't die because things aren't real. It's a cute idea, but it does wear thin. And really folks, it's all about buying things. The rides are just a minor distraction, just like at the Mall of America. Don't fault Seth for travelling there alone and seeing this because without children screaming and crying and demanding things, you have the luxury of using your adult brain to see things as they really are. Maybe adults shouldn't travel there alone. I don't care if I never visit another Disney property again in my life. There's only so much unreality a person can take... and trying to kiss your elbow to make it seem okay just doesn't work in the long run.