The Dawning of Reason

Ah, yes. It finally dawned on me today, while maneuvering through the stroller-infested crowds of Disneyland just why I neglected to renew my annual pass over a year ago. It has nothing to do with the rides and attractions; I'm a huge fan of the Tower of Terror and the classics like Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Railroad. It isn't the food, which tends to be overpriced, but the taste more than makes up for that. And it isn't really the crowds because having grown up with Disneyland, I realize that crowds come with the territory.

What held me back from renewing -- and will probably keep me from purchasing a new one after the current pass expires -- is the lack of courtesy from everyone. Strollers being rolled over and over again into my heels as I'm walking. Groups huddled together at a standstill, smack dab in the middle of a busy walkway or sidewalk or path, and not caring that they're causing a bottleneck. Children being loosed upon the masses, running around in circles or screaming at the top of their lungs or climbing fences and barriers, and the parents not minding or paying attention -- yet when one of them falls and hurts his- or herself, they're quickest to lay blame on Disney for their lack of parenting skills. The stroller parking lots which take up most of the walking space near big attractions, the worst of which is in the transition from Adventureland to News Orleans Square.

The construction doesn't help, either, but that will disappear eventually. Just remember, only two more visits, and the pass will have paid for itself.