A wonderful post, friend!
Walt's approach to theme parks is one that Imagineering since has failed to truly capture. A place that is pleasant to simply be. Whether it be New Orleans Square, Main Street USA, or Fantasyland, I am pleased to walk around and enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents. But in a place like Galaxy's Edge, I am caught up in details and a hunger for attractions. But do I desire to be on Batuu? No, I'm afraid not. I'd be much greater pleased sitting peacefully beside Snow White's Grotto than observing the details of war-torn, time ravaged Galaxy's Edge. And what is the cost difference a simply garden of water and marble sculpture to a land of mechanical marvels? If Disney were to return to its simpler roots, they would both create a better park and save cost (and, ideally, cut the price of admission).
But, regretfully, Walt's Disneyland is dead. A park I'd pay admission for just to sit around replaced by one where every attraction must be hit in order to get one's money's worth. Unfortunate, but true. I will say, from about 2012 to 2015, DCA tapped that spot. Its attractions were lackluster, but the ambience of Buena Vista Street, Paradise Pier, Grizzly Peak, and Cars Land were enchanting. Not as perfect as old school Disneyland, of course, but charming in its own right.
