Letters to the Editor
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In December, Indigo's Dispatch from Disneyland column took you to Disneyland in the rain

Thanks so much for your article about the beauty of the rain at Disneyland. I am from Washington State, I am so used to the rain. In fact, I used to work outside and it would rain so much that I eventually shaved my head so that my hair would quit being wet all of the time. Anyhow, I try to plan my trips to Disneyland when I think that it will rain. I have the best times there when it rains, no crowds and a little chuckle inside at all of the whimpy people who cannot handle a little water from the skies. Your article was very inspiring; I could almost smell the steam coming from the ground......that peculiear smell that I only smell at Disneyland.  --DE

As one who enjoys Disneyland from afar (Lincoln City, Oregon - Oregon Coast) vicariously through memories of past visits to the park and this website, I really appreciate your sharing of such "whimsical tales" such as this. I haven't been able to visit the park in the last few years, and the opportunity to feel the magic of Disneyland through your writing is much appreciated. The privelege of experiencing the park in the manner you described has come to me only once - and it was thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks for sharing your moments with us. As the rain and wind beats against the window late this evening, my heart is in Disneyland.  --DK

The March Dispatch from Disneyland column took you on an Indigo childhood trip from Oregon to Disneyland

Indigo - I really enjoyed your ' trip report '! I grew up in the small town of Harrisburg , Oregon and got to go to Disneyland once ! We had a Monte Carlo that had those really tiny back windows so I don't remember much of a view. I do remember after being in that car for what seemed like forever we finally pulled into the Disneyland parking lot and my parents decided that oops we better go get a hotel room first - talk about disappointment! I've taken my kids over 10 times and I make sure we get to the Park as soon as possible !  --R

I remember doing the same as a small boy with my sister..being the first to see the Matterhorn was all a game! What wonderful memories  --J

I, too am from Portland, and Indigo's memories are familiar to me. Both of my brothers went to college in SouCal (CalTech and USC), and I regarded the trips to take them down or see their graduations mostly as an excuse to visit Disneyland. My parents tired of the park towards later years, but they humored me and came along.

On the drive down and on the way back, we sometimes stayed in Redding, but usually in Red Bluff (about 40 miles down the road). I remember the endless miles of straight highway lined by fields of vegetables as we cruised down the great valley. Then, as we approached Los Angeles, spotting the high arcs of Magic Mountain in Valencia, and the vast suburban sprawl of the San Fernando Valley.

There was much anticipation, though usually just me, as we traversed the final few miles into Anaheim. We typically didn't go to Disneyland the first day, instead staying at a motel near the USC campus or in Pasadena. But the signs of Disneyland approaching are indelible to me. Oil pumps on the side of the road. Giant freeway interchanges. Road signs for Knott's and Buena Park. And then... Disneyland, Next Exit.

Oh, the glory of pulling off the freeway around the giant curve and seeing the monorail tracks hovering above the chain link fence. The Matterhorn poking it's snowy little cap above all else. The giant Disneyland sign on Harbor (*sniff*), getting our parking ticket and pulling up to a space. Then the march to the gate...

These days, I make my approach to the Park from the West or South in a Super Shuttle van from one of the Airports. Being able to fly is a lot more comfortable than driving in a van for two days, but there is that air of anticipation that's lost when you're counting each mile to the final destination. Of course, when I fly in, I still try to see if I can spot the Matterhorn from the plane window.  --T

Rick West sparked a heated response with his October West Side of the Kingdom column on Disney's California Adventure

I find it a little ironic and very amusing that you championed for the Westcot scheme, an internationally themed showcase of culture featuring restaurants, shows and exhibits and now you critisize California Adventure, a California themed showcase of culture featuring restaurants, shows and exhibits. Different theme, pretty much the same content. In fact, the wooden coaster that you refer to was orignally planned for the Asian/China section of the Westcot park.

How many times can you be excited about exhibits and restaurants? That depends on who you are. The new park seeks to appeal to a fast growing demographic: aging baby-boomers; the very people that were being pushed around in strollers when the Matterhorn first opened at the park back in 1959. The new Disneyland Resort in 2001 will offer the most diverse content of any attraction in California, much as Disneyland did in 1955. Think about it: from an authentic California winery to a seaside amusment park to Space Mountain to Fantasmic and then a live(!) concert at House of Blues, all within walking distance. Finally to bed in Anaheim's only luxury themed hotel.

True budgets have been slashed but judging from the schemes as presented to the public, there is nothing to suggest that Disney's new park won't be just as spectacular as the original Westcot proposal. Actually the recently revealed plans for the Downtown Disney section seem to be much more elaborate and complementary than originally assumed.

By the way, has it occured to anyone is So Cal yet that this new park is not being built for them? Believe it or not (before the Disneyfication of the entire planet, including Las Vegas and Times Square) Disneyland used to be at the top of the list of tourist attractions in the state. Foreign dignitaries, celebrities, even a few ex-presidents would drop by every once in a while. California Adventure sends a clear message that Disney is aiming to re-crown it's flag-ship theme park as a world class tourist destination. Don't worry Rick, most visitors to California Adventure won't even be aware that or concerned that Knott's is just around the corner. Just like Disney fans couldn't care less that there's going to be yet another irritating refrain sung in "It's A Small World" again (this time in China of all places) or that no one bothers to visit "Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln" anymore. Most people just won't care. That's Disney's bet. And I bet they're right.   --Anon