It’s Off to Work I Go
When I finally bit the bullet and got a job the Summer before my senior year of high school, it was at Disneyland Park, of course, and that meant I could drive my friends to and from the park. We’d often linger after my shift, burning through the warm Summer nights at the park, which was open until as late as 1 a.m.

Fantasmic! premiered before Summer in 1992. It had completely changed the quiet nature of the west side of the park at night, attracting thousands of people to sit down and grab a spot early. While it had altered the landscape of the area somewhat, it would be later on that the area would be furthered concreted and terraced to accommodate the crowds. But that first Summer, we could grab a spot on a sloped grass lawn and chat the evening away as we waited for the popular new spectacular. We’d talk about anything- Disney trivia, our families, whether James Thales Kirk would be any match for Emperor Palpatine- anything.

I was in college by then, and since I still shunned classes in the Summer and I was living much closer to the park and working at the park, it was easy to hang out there after a shift on my days off. The average, rational person wouldn’t get it- they automatically figured anyone would get sick of the place. But it wasn’t like I was spending all day there running around trying to get on every attraction and see every show. I could scrutinize the design of the park, sit and read, stroll around leisurely, hang out with friends, bump into friends and chat, and people watch. I could leave after a couple hours because I wasn’t paying to get in.

Farewell to Carefree Summers
Alas, growing up and getting a “real job�? in a climate-controlled office took me away from spending my Summers at Disneyland Park, at least Monday through Thursday. The weekends are still good for hanging out, but I just can’t put in the hours I used to. Ironically, there is now so much more to experience with the expansion into the Resort.

I don’t get to the beach much anymore, either.

Summer is drawing to a close and youngsters everywhere are going back to school. But Summer will be back before you know it. If you still have a real Summer Vacation every year, then cherish it. Make some memories that will last a lifetime. I think Disney theme parks are a fine place to do that, but I’m a little biased. Maybe you don’t live close to a Disney theme park or a real beach, but no matter- you should never, ever spend any of your Summer in boredom. There is just too much to experience.

Do you have Summer traditions and memories, especially ones involving Disney parks? Share them with us in the discussion area - the link is below..