Moving on from DL, but where to?

[Broadway Guru]

What if...

...DL changed so much it wasn't DL for you anymore?
...everything you enjoyed about it had been taken out or dumbed down?
...you've hung around hoping things will get better and forced yourself to realize they won't?
...you're tired of getting told you just "can't deal w/ change"?

I've heard a few people on here express opinions like these. Here's the quandary: is there anyplace left where you can have an experience like you used to have at DL back in the good old days (whenever those are for you)? I've been looking hard and I doubt any one place will ever cover all the bases, but a few have come close (the Walt Disney Family Museum, for one).

Where...

...can you visit places that never existed, but should have?
...is the place so clean and well-kept you can't believe it's real?
...does everyone else who's there w/ you feel privileged to be there and act accordingly?
...do the locals smile and act like they're happy to have you there, not just to get your money?

What places have you found that give you that same DL feeling? Where would you go if, for some reason, you had to find a "replacement" for DL?

[DreamsofColor]

Walt's intention was for Disneyland to keep changing and progressing with the times. As he stated, Disneyland will never be complete. Although we have seen some poor decisions made throughout the years, it's all part of the growing process. I personally appreciate how Disney is slowly learning from their mistakes (ie DCA) and is listening to what guests want. I also have many fond memories of growing up going to WDW and DL, remembering my favorite attractions that no longer exists. It's saddening but it's always best to move forward and think of the possibilities in the future. The technology today is astounding and theme park entertainment is becoming over-the-top.

It's hard to think of a place that gives me that past DL feeling because everything and everywhere has changed. At least we have the memories and more opportunities to create new ones. If I had to replace DL/WDW I'd probably go back to focusing more on my roots in the theater

[WorldDisney]

I been in over 35 countries...there is no place like that because DL is a safe, conservative, sanitized white bread version of reality and history whose job is to make you feel like that, ie, a theme park!

If those are the ONLY conditions, then no you wont find it, trust me! And to be honest, if that was the only criteria to enjoy any other place, then it would suck for me! There are theme parks that really do give you a good time and put a smile on your face as you feel you entered another world and experience something new and different, all the while sucking you dry once you pass the admission gates. And thats fine for many people obviously! And then there is everywhere else where its not designed to always make you feel safe, warm, clean and well mannered like you just entered shangri la or something with the other 30,000 tourist.

No, believe me Disney parks are the closes you will get if thats the only type of experience you want! And despite peoples cynicism of them, you wont find anything else close to it with that list. Even as it changes, which its been doing several decades now and will ALWAYS do, it will still be the only place that will come to that criteria.

If thats the ONLY way to enjoy a vacation my only advice is to explore other Disney theme parks and maybe you will feel that way again in a different resort. But if Disney in general is starting to leave people feeling dry, then go out and see parts of the world you havent seen yet that will leave a more lasting impression than your thousandth spin on Space Mountain or another picture with Mickey Mouse and Buzz. It wont alway be clean or comfortable but I guarantee you it will stay with you longer than anything you find inside a theme park!

Just my advice IF people are sick of Disney theme parks! I love Disney to death but if it was gone tomorrow, I wouldnt blink! Its waaaay too many things out there to do and see. Too many!

Thats said, lately I really love it! I hear the complaints, but for me its still FUN!!!! Thats what I mostly care about. FUN!!!! If I want to learn about the world or history, I dont go to Disney for that. No one I knows goes for that. I want to have a real vacation or experience, I go to those places I can really learn about it. If I want to pretend I'm in 'the wild west' with trash cans every 10 yards, roller coasters and foam heads to take pictures with, I go to Disney. Because its the only place you will find that type of experience.

Actually I take that back, there is ONE place that fit your criteria for me: Boracay Philippines. Its like Disney on an island these days without the rides...and its waaay cheaper! But no, not as clean lol.

[misfits138]

My replacement for the DL of days passed is my own house! I have used a vintage DL theme as my decor. This includes artwork, collectibles , and general theming that I feel invokes the feeling of the DL of the 80's (when I was a kid). I am currently working on converting one room into a replica of the Haunted Mansion foyer complete with identical wallpaper, crown molding, and candle sconces. I highly recommended you find your own way of "replacing" vintage DL because you will not find any place like it. If collecting or home decor won't do it for you, then I recommend a wonderful website called Yesterland which you may already be familiar with. However, let me add that I also love current DL. And if it had not changed since my youth then there would be no Splash Mountain (1989), Indiana Jones Adventure (1995), or Tower of Terror (2004). 3 of my favorite rides! And you to have realize that in 20 years, todays kids will be reminiscing about good ol' DL of 2012.

[TwilitWings]

This is an odd post to make on a Disney/Disneyland fan board, isn't it?

I mean--I still find the values you're listing as 'missing' in Disney, but obviously my opinion differs from yours: only you can make a judgement on whether you find it 'magical' for you. Maybe ask around other places besides a place for a gathering of Disneyland fans? I doubt this board will be all that helpful for you. :S