Originally posted by Merlin
You know, I think the root of my frustration (and I'll admit I do tend to get a little worked up regarding this topic) is that I take it a little personally. Let me try to explain because, admittedly, I realize I've done a poor job. Think about what a huge Disney fan you are (I don't know you personally but I'm going to assume for the sake of argument that, like most on these boards, you're a huge Disney fan versus just a casual Disney fan). When people say things about Disney that you know are incorrect, doesn't it annoy you? If you see a lot of people buying the false claim, doesn't it annoy you even more? Keeping in mind that was the whole point of this thread, when the question was posed, Paradise Pier was one of the first things that came to mind. However, in SOME ways, I may have twisted my interpretation of the original question. The original question referred to things about DISNEY that people say that are wrong. In reality, what has annoyed me here is what DISNEY has said about CALIFORNIA. They're trying to make it seem like carnivals and beach amusement parks are a significant part of California. Well in addition to being a huge Disney fan, I'm also intensely proud of my state. I was born here and have lived here all my life. I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot and have spent some significant time in many other states (as well as other countries). And although I've been impressed with other places, my travels have reinforced how lucky I am to live in such a great state. I'm proud of it's history and it's diverse culture. And it irks me to think that there are probably visitors who go to DCA (which was touted by Disney as being a representation and a salute to the Golden State) who come away actually believing that they HAVE seen a true representation of what California is. That bugs me because, with the exception of things like Hollywood Pictures Backlot, the Bountiful Farm and the Mondavi Winery, it really isn't a true representation. Paradise Pier isn't the only part of DCA that I think sends this wrong message, but to me it is the part that is most likely to be believed by outside visitors. In truth, beachside amusement parks have existed (and have played a much larger role) in other states.
Does this all make sense? I don't "hate" DCA or even Paradise Pier for that matter. I just object to it being represented as truly being California.
So to answer your question, yes it WOULD make me happy if they were to change the name of DCA to something else. It is not California and in my opinion, they have failed at that concept (which is too bad, because when they first announced they were building a park based on California, I got very excited).
