Hello All,

I rarely feel the need to reply to online forums; however, this article by Mr. Seth Stevenson has stirred some deep emotions, and I would like to add my two cents.

Firstly, Mr. Stevenson deserves some credit for correctly choosing a subject which would generate substantial feedback, and as is evident, many of us have responded. I even decided to join this forum because of his article, so this would be good news for the editor.

I have spent much of this evening reviewing many posts, from many good people, regardless of which side of the fence they sit upon. I'm glad I took the time, because I was able to reflect on my past experiences at the Disney theme parks, and I am grateful, eternally grateful for their existence.

This is not to say that I've felt pretty good when having to fork over big bucks to the Disney empire, but, after reflection, I say, the benefits gained by the entertainment investment, as fleeting as it may be, far outweighs the costs incurred.

If you don't mind, I want to go back in history to the first time a young gay child visited Disneyland in the early 1970's. My Mom, sister and I were driving down the Santa Ana Freeway in one of those old GM sedan clunky tanks. My mom barely had her driver's license, as we migrated from the East Coast, wondering "where are the subways in Los Angeles ??" (Little did we know that the collusion of oil, auto and rubber companies destroyed the 400 miles of the Pacific Electric Red Car Lines -- the early light rail system in Southern California). I'm looking out the window, and I see what looks like a snow-covered mountain in the middle of a city full of palm trees. It's the Matterhorn, rising above the warehouses, motels, and gas stations of Anaheim. My sister and I are overwhelmed with joy and excitement, and we didn't even arrive to the park yet! I've always been kind of an imaginative child, and I just couldn't believe my eyes seeing that Matterhorn appear out of nowhere. It was a magical moment in my life. Well, needless to say, I'll never forget the memory of that first visit to Disneyland, of seeing dinosaurs (dinosaurs!!) come to life while riding the Disneyland railroad around the park. My mom scraped together the dollars and the courage to drive the LA freeways in order to bring some happiness to her kids. I'm sure that she was pretty shocked by the couple of dollars she had to pay for three hamburgers, fries and cokes for lunch, too, but you know, my mom knew that IT WOULD BE WORTH IT, because of the memories, the sights ,sounds, the new worlds for a child to visit, even if there was no way in the world she could ever afford to take her children for a lavish overseas vacation. No, we were not a wealthy family. We were just getting by. But, summer after summer, even as the price of admission increased, my mom still took us for a summer's day at Disneyland. Why ? Because mom knew it would be worth it, to bring some happiness to her kids.

Let's fast forward a number of years, when it was my great happiness to treat my mom to an all expense paid trip to Walt Disney World. Seven wonderful days in Orlando, Florida. We even missed the rainstorms of late spring. Although I've treated mom to a number of vacations, including Europe, I know deep down that the most meaningful one of all was that vacation to Disney World. I remember, in awe, when taking a big ferry to the entranceway of the Magic Kingdom, I couldn't believe it! It was a joy of a lifetime, that visit to Disney World, and I thank the powers above that I was able to bring that special joy to my mom.

As a gay man, I knew, even as a young child, that in this world of Disney, I would not be able to find a fairy tale Prince Charming falling head over heels for flighty Peter Pan (this Peter Pan being a guy, you know). Sure, I always hoped that maybe, just maybe one day, there would be a theme attraction, where hey folks, the handsome young country lad wins the Prince at the end of the story. Well, that may be hundred years away, but even the Disney empire is accepting the "pink dollar," and it is okay. It's the same dollar as anyone one else's. Disney, one of the giant corporations of the world are recognizing the existence of the GAY guest with their Gay Days, and for even allowing, back in 1985, same sex dancing at Disneyland. Sure, they fought about four years in a lawsuit, but it was acceptance by Disney that the gay public exists, has some money to spend, let them dance, and you know, it is the right thing to do. I believe the Disney company even offers domestic partner privileges. Perhaps a kind reader or two will help to provide that info for the forum. Well, are they truly perfect at catering to all needs, whether gay or straight? Probably not; however, as so many posters have noted, Disney certainly understands absolute customer service and satisfaction. Their cast members, even if they are having a bad day, know that they are there to help make someone's day special. Never once, in any of my visits at the theme parks, has any cast member treated me, my family or friends rudely. That is a testament of fact. So, I thank those Disney cast members who may be reading this post. Thank you for showing and bringing some kindness in this often cruel and harsh existence. You are so very much appreciated, world-wide.

Ultimately, I do admit that the Disney empire is a corporate empire. It needs to make a profit to sustain itself, its vast number of employees, its vast operations. Sure, I skip those $10.00 hamburger meals, and I try to avoid those endless gift shops, but you know, the price of helping to continue to keep the place in existence for another child, whether they be a boy or girl, straight or gay (or bi), black or white, or of whatever religion or not... well, in my humble opinion, it can make all the difference in the world.

So, back to the 1970s again, and that joyous summer day is almost over, The fireworks show is done. Tinkerbell has swooped from the Matterhorn down to earth somewhere, and Mom is holding our hands, sister and me.

We are pretty exhausted, but in good spirits, as we stroll down Main street, and we see the candy store. We beg Mom, please... some candy, a Mickey Mouse souvenir, and some trinket or two. Mom looks at us and smiles. Somehow, she, in all her wisdom, has managed to save that extra dollar or two for a few goodies before going back on that freeway.

I take a few bites of the candy, and I'm getting sleepy, my mind whirling with all the incredible sights, sounds and colors of the day.

My sister is drifting off, too, and we are sound asleep in a matter of minutes. Mom starts the long drive back to our humble apartment in Hollywood.

We are safe at home...once again...sheltered in our Mother's loving arms...

Well written. Thanks for taking the time to communicate your own sense of wonder. Too many people get all caught up in the 'Evil Empire' rhetoric and forget that the basic idea of Disney (according to Walt, who should know) was a place where parents and children could have fun *together*. He got the idea from sitting on a bench while his daughters played at a park. He wanted to create a place where the experience wasn't one doing, one watching but an experience to be shared.

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Dear Momster,

Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

Your motherly wisdom shines through,

Hugs !

Thank you for this beautifully written account of the Disney Enterprise at its best. Mr. Stevenson's article stirred an extreme amount of contempt in me, and I was going to make an accout on here just to state my opinion. I refrained from this, though, telling myself that it was not good for my already sky-rocketing blood pressure and that I should just forget about it. Fortunately for me, I took the time to read a few comments, including yours. Your story was heart-warming, and showed point-blank what Mr. Stevenson missed. He was unable to lose himself in the magic, to accept that it was fake, and to realize that such things can bring happiness to all ages. Did he not see all the smiling faces of joy and excitement around him? I would not believe for a second that there was a moment in a Disney park where one of these jolly folks was not present. I made my account on here to let you know, "gaychild," that you made me feel much happier after wasting twenty minutes of my life reading an editorial that a cold-hearted machine could have written. Like the obviously large amout of people here, I love Walt Disney World and will continure to return year after year. I feel a great sorrow for Mr. Stevenson for missing the magic.

Well said!

Your account of your trip with your mom and sister was moving and beautiful. Thank you for that.

Dear Pineapple91,

I want to thank you for your kindness and caring in taking the time to review my post. I was very inspired to share my story with others, who, like you, would understand the true meaning and magic of the Disney theme park experience.

Heartfelt regards,

Gaychild

Dear Chongo,

Thank you for your kindness and caring, too. I am so glad to have shared my story.

Heartfelt regards,

Gaychild

Hey there Gaychild,

I would also like to thank you for your very thoughtful post. I, unfortunately, don't have any hard evidence here on the Net to point to that says," Yes, gay partners get benefits!" but I do know I've run across more than a few articles that stated it in a "by the way" line. Also, Disney is one of the few companies that offered committment ceremonies right alongside its weddings. I just try and remember that even a big, "evil" corporation is only a sum of its parts-Disney is made up by many individuals, each with their own sense of morality, tastes, and experiences. I've always heard positives and negativies about Disneyworld, but I've never ever heard of someone returning from a vacation there and vowing never to go back.

Have a great day!

I remember going to Disneyland in CA in the mid 70's. I was young and fearful and had to be dragged onto the Pirates of the Carribean ride. I will never forget that ride...how magic it was...

I've since taken my daughter to Disneyworld. At the end of the day we were tired and had spent every nickel we had but we watched those fireworks and I knew we would go back.

Magic, indeed.

Your writing is beautiful, I enjoyed every minute of it.

I am a firm Disney lover, but being a skeptic, I also know when they're in it for money. A gift shop every ten feet? Absurd! But there are so many rides and things to do, who really cares? They're not shoving merchandise down your throat saying "buy it", they are a corporate power who doesn't even need advertising anymore! I haven't yet met a person who didn't love at least one Disney movie, wether it was a classic like Sleeping Beauty or a new one like Rattatouille (might have butchered this!). And, correct me if you think I'm wrong, but Mr. Stevenson seemed to only want to critisize it like he had Penis Envy, I found no reason for his annoyance towards Disney except his inability to accept the magic. If he is going to walk around without want to enjoy it, then he won't, just like if you don't want to enjoy anything, you probably won't. Buzz kill? Yes indeed. I feel he is just critisizing it because he feels no one does.

I, on the other hand, couldn't have had a more magical sweet 16 at Disney Land with my family, and though I haven't been there for years since then and my entire family was fighting the entire trip there, once inside Disneyland our troubles and anger melted away till we laughed about it in the end. Magic? Not like the movies or what the critics want, but magic indeed.

14!

Awwwww...ain't that precious! I'm getting all teary-eyed over how some perverted freak reflects on buggery. Not! You're actually making my gorge to rise!

Personally, I believe being a homo is a psychological thing and that a few weeks of electro-shock therapy would cure 99.99% of them. Those that were too far gone, well, put a 5c round in their heads. No need to have a bunch of twinkle-toed c*cks*ckers runnning around spreading AIDS and raping children.

So tell us gaychild, what's the fascination with having another man shove a fist up your ass or to get p*ssed on? I mean, how depraved and self-loathing does one have to become to resort to such perverted and filthy acts? Do you actually like the smell of your own feces on another mans schlong or is it an aquired taste?

Is that where the whole fag pride comes in? You're proud of being a fecalfeliac and catching STDs 100 TIMES that of heteros? Or is it coming from the fact that you're such a low number of degenerates, that you must recruit to keep your ranks full of young boys? NAMBLAS motto is "We recruit!". 8 yr old boys are what you recruit, you filthy degenerate!

How about we all have a moment to reflect ourselves of what it was like 70 yrs ago when you freaks stayed in the closet and out of our lives and when Disney wasn't owned by the filthy jews to allow your disgusting behaviours! F*CK Eisner!

DD

akingu, maybe it is just me, but homosexuality has ABOSLUTELY NOTHING to do with this POST or this BOARD. I have never read anything more disgusting and twisted. I hope there is some sort of admin around here who will do the decency of deleting your post. You should be ASHAMED OF YOURSELF for writing something so awful.

You made me feel that I was right along side you at Disney land.

I applaud your very well writen post. Thanks so much for sharing.

Lol, akingu, you're funneh. I had to read it twice to make sure it wasn't a joke, but you're all the funnier that it wasn't. You're just silly, Mr. Nazi.

That is one of the loveliest and best written responses that I have read in my 8 years reading these forums. And I agree - just like all things in this world, Disney's theme parks and its corporate entity are complex. They do some things that make me mad, some that make me cringe, some that make me smile and some that make me cry tears of joy.

I am a single man with no children, but I've been to Disneyland many times and I've always gotten some joy out of it that can be had no other place I've ever visited. Whether because of my first trip there in 1977 at the age of 7, or because of the joy I get from seeing how happy it makes all the little ones, Disneyland is still a magical kingdom in my eyes.