Staff writer Lisa Perkis answers letters on several recent articles.
MousePlanet reader Brian writes in with a unique perspective on the recent Cinderella DVD release (Lisa’s review: link):
I enjoyed reading your review of the newest platinum collection release, and upon receiving the DVD today there is one thing I wish Disney had kept in. The new restoration done to the film is most certainly extremely well done, but just for the sake of those who still wanted it, I really wish they had kept the original unrestored version of the visuals, so you could choose between the two. They included the original theatrical audio, I figure they may as well have given the option for the visuals as well. I guess there’s some kind of charm and nostalgia that the unrestored version would have provided. But I guess it really isn’t needed, since those of us that still want to see it like that can watch the older, VHS version. What do you think about this? Have any other MousePlanet readers mentioned this before?
Actually, I think you are the first one to express nostalgia for the unrestored version—congratulations! Seriously though, after reading your email I thought about how the older, re-released Disney films looked like in the theatres as a young child—a bit worse for wear, rough around the edges and a tad grainy. I did not notice or care one bit—I loved them as they were. However as an adult it’s exciting to see the film all cleaned up—I think Walt would have loved to see such careful attention being paid to his film these many years later.
Susan Edgington comments on Lisa’s review of the Parent Trap DVD collection (link):
I always enjoy reading your reviews, and I just wanted to add something about The Parent Trap 2. Yes, it was a TV movie made in the 80s, but I think that is part of it’s charm. I personally love that movie because it was one of my favorites as a kid. Whenever it aired on the Disney Channel, I watched it! I was so happy to finally see it on DVD, I have waited for it for years! Watching it now brings back my childhood, with the 80s clothes and everything depicted! Maybe new audiences wouldn’t love it like I do, but anyone who was a kid in the 80s could appreciate it. I was actually disappointed that they released The Parent Trap 2 with the original as I already have that one from the Vault Disney collection, and this new edition has the same bonus features as that. Also, the cover is all from the original movie, and I would have preferred the Parent Trap 2 by itself with more pictures from it on the cover. But then, maybe I am the only one who adores this movie!
You are right—Disney did release The Parent Trap as a Vault Disney release in 2002 and apparently it was not a very successful release, so they paired it with the sequel, changed the cover and gave it another go this year. The interface was changed, but the rest of the extras are the same.
As far as your love for The Parent Trap II, I don’t think you are alone. A friend of mine explained the entire plot to me and he had not seen it since it had originally aired on the Disney channel in the 80s. He thought it was great. I didn’t have the Disney channel until I became a mom, and I’m not big on TV movies in general, so that’s probably why this movie didn’t do a whole lot for me. But I am happy for you and the other Parent Trap II fans that it’s finally on DVD for your collection.
Lisa’s article on beating the boredom while waiting for parades or fireworks (link) generated several letters from readers:
Desiree F. writes:
I just wanted to say I loved your article! I go to Disneyland a lot and at my age (17) with my friends (16-20) our problem is helping the adults fight boredom. The adults sometimes just can’t fathom why we would be happy to sit in a blanket waiting for hours to see a show. Any tips on how to distract ages 30-60? Keep up the wonderful articles I’ll be looking forward to your next.
Not everyone is cut out to camp out at Disneyland! Let the non-campers go have fun and meet you back before showtime, or bring some trivia games or special snacks to keep them busy. Older Disney guests may not want to sit on the cold ground—even with a blanket it gets painful after a while, so try to find a bench so they will be comfortable.
Harry Warner writes:
I’ve found that the best way to wait for Fantasmic and the fireworks is to not wait at all. Simply reserve a spot on the balcony outside the Disney Gallery or take one of the tours that ends with reserved seating for the fireworks. Yeah.. they’re expensive, but if you only go once or twice a year then so what? I took my Mom to Disneyland to celebrate her 50th birthday and we did both. The park was crowded, but our reserved spots were not. Plus there were goodies and snacks at the train platform and an unbelievable dessert buffet with coffee and soft drinks on the balcony. The fact that not one other tourist elbowed my Mom or myself for the entire show was reason enough for the extra cost.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time with your mom. You make a good point—prime seating can always be had for a price at Disneyland. We have always wanted to try the Fantasmic Buffet as a family, but the cost quickly adds up with several children in tow. For a special occasion, or for the visitor who has one chance at a good view, it may be a good option.
Elizabeth writes:
This was a great article…lots of good info. I think this time my son (7) will be able to deal with waiting a while for the fireworks…we’ll use some of your suggestions to make the wait easier.
Thanks for the feedback. Remember, the worst thing that could happen is that you decide to pack up and ride attractions if you decide the wait is just too long. You can always try again another time, or wait until he is older.
Julie Kist writes in with comments and questions about the Paradise Pier Hotel photo tour (link):
Great review. Thank you for your pictures and insight. We are heading to the Paradise Pier Hotel. Anything else we might want to know before we head out? Last year we stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel and I’m so afraid we are going to be severely disappointed with this hotel versus the Grand Californian. You mentioned the private entrance is closed?
I hope you have a great stay at the Paradise Pier Hotel —we have always had good experiences there, even though the hotel is not as “Disneyfied” as the Disneyland Hotel or the Grand Californian. If you do not have a park view room, I think it’s worth checking on the price of an upgrade. The view is so beautiful, especially at night.
The private Paradise Pier Hotel entrance to DCA has been closed for a while now, but it is easy to cut through the Grand Californian’s lobby to the Grand Californian’s private entrance to DCA — they honor both the GC and the Paradise Pier Hotel guests there. If you are walking to Disneyland, still cut through the Grand Californian and it will save you a lot of walking.
Finally, Lisa’s January 2005 article on fighting children’s anxiety (link) continues to generate letters:
J’Amy Pacheco writes:
Just a note to tell you how AWESOME your article is! I stumbled across it today, and couldn’t believe the perfect timing.
After several years as a pass holder, my 9-year-old finally got brave enough this year to try Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain (twice each) and Space Mountain (once). Her grandmother was so excited to hear that she was finally willing to go on those rides that she booked a multi-day stay at the Disney Resort for all of us, as a birthday gift for my daughter, so they can ride “the big ones” together. It’s scheduled for late February.
Now, suddenly, not only is she afraid to go back on the mountain rides, she won’t even go on the Matterhorn — once a must-ride favorite. I’ve been banging my head trying to figure out how to solve the “problem.” Your article really opened my eyes, and gave me some excellent suggestions — and helped me see the situation in a whole new light. Thank you SO much for taking the time to write!
Thank you so much for the feedback. You are not alone in feeling mystified and frustrated by your child’s changes of heart! Most of the time the child can’t even put into words what has changed their minds about a particular attraction; all they know is, they want nothing to do with it. Some important things I try to remember when I’m in that situation is to try to stay calm and positive with the child; guilting them, berating them or threatening them will only make it worse.
I hope the article gave you some fresh ideas to try with your child. Sometimes we have to take a few steps back and build up the confidence again before trying. My Char is doing very well with Big Thunder now due to all of our practice, but has sworn off the Matterhorn due to “Harold’s” scary growls. We’re going to keep working on it.
Jennifer writes:
I found your article by doing a Google search on “four year old anxieties.” As I sat and read your article, I burst into tears because I so closely related to it. My son will be 4 this month and for about the last 4-5 months, has been very anxious about things that to me didn’t seem normal. Like Charlotte, he has always been a very cautious child. Not wanting to go on the little fair rides, or sit on Santa’s lap – or even go near any of the characters at Sesame Place (which we took him to when he was 2 1/2.). His anxieties seem to be worsening. He refuses to go to places that he once enjoyed.
I took him to a birthday party at a small indoor amusement park last week with all of his classmates, and he refused to try one thing. He wanted to leave the party. I did my best to try to coax him into trying something, but was unsuccessful. Of course, I did not force him and wound up taking him home, but there was a part of me that was thinking “why can’t you just try something like the other kids?.” I told him that I hurt myself, when he asked why I was crying. I just felt so bad for him. I want him to be happy and have fun, not to be afraid of everything.
I know exactly the worries you are having about your son. I felt the same way with Char — I didn’t know what to do and I was afraid she would never be able to enjoy life since she was afraid to try things and take chances. It’s so hard for a parent to watch their kids go though things and not know how to help them.
I would really recommend you check out The Anxiety Cure for Kids by the DuPonts. It totally changed the way I approached Char’s anxieties, and it helped me to understand what she was feeling and thinking. It didn’t happen overnight, but she has made so much progress. She will always be a cautious child, but now we both have a game plan to deal with things as they come up.
Don’t lose hope, and start learning about anxiety. I know you can help him face his dragon, too.
