I was 10 (I think) when Disneyland opened up in SoCal. I was a movie-goer and a dreamer BUT my parents never felt it was a priority for us to "need" to go there. I finally made it to Disneyworld in my 30's....it wasn't TOO expensive yet so we were able to include our "tweeners" in that trip. As adults now, they don't view it a huge priority to go to either attraction. Our culture has made entertainment into an "experience". As some others have said on here that growing up was where we had to "make" our own entertainment (ie. using our imaginations).
For me it was reading, riding my bike and pretending I was anything I wanted to be. I used to "act out" stories I'd read and movies I'd seen---but putting my own story-lines into it. I never felt deprived----except maybe never getting that pony I yearned for. My own kids would say that they lived a very great childhood since they lived in a community where they could ride their bikes anywhere. PLUS in the summers---the day would begin leaving the house to play with friends only to come home at mealtime.
Today so much is given to kids. They have the latest in technology yet are bored if it's taken away. Am I deviating too much from the OpEd?? I hope not! Going to the attractions has gotten way out of hand in their prices!!!
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