That was over 50 years ago. Opinions and attitudes change. Maybe Walt would see it differently today.
Maybe he would. But seeing as how it didn't change from start to finish in his lifetime... we'll never know, that's all on has to go one. And in the meantime, if his wishes mean nothing, what is the reason for
Disneyland staying dry? They stand to gain as much financially as WDW. And yet... dry it remains.
Maybe Walt wouldn't be happy about Disneyland still being dry after all these years. The point is, we don't know.
Walt was fully involved in DL but he never even saw MK built let alone know anything about the rest of the parks. He's dead, been dead half a century, the corporation is not. Walt never wanted cotton candy in the parks and I am sure he would be disgusted by the folks walking around gnawing on turkey legs dropping bits of meat on the ground ... the ground he didn't want sticky from cotton candy. While there may be some valid arguments against any offering .......... what would Walt say is not, at this point in time. AND we don't know what he would say, I mean after a couple days in the park with nasty guests he might be rolling Main Street with a wagon full of beer.
Honestly it is incredible to me that they have maintained DL and MK in such a pure condition rather than try to keep up with technology. Dumbo, Tea Cups, Small World, Speedway, Jungle Cruise, Pooh ............. talk about old school and boring by many standards. Disney has done a great job of keeping the vision while growing the offerings and business. Magic Kingdom is not much different than it was when it opened in terms of atmosphere. Like I said, I don't think it's needed, I doubt I will drink in that park (especially since I don't drink at meals but rather enjoy as a snack), but as long as the atmosphere doesn't change ......... I don't get all the hand wringing.
It is a business move. No alcohol is fine when you are the only destination ..... but when you have competition, competition that is continuing to grow and up their game, and you see guests sharing their money with them as well ... you are going to make changes based on guests responses to maintain business. Orlando has lots of competition, that all serve alcohol, and lots more on the horizon. They have to stay in the game.
In terms of DL vs WDW ......... not even a discussion, they are apples and oranges. They do not stand to gain anywhere near as much as MK ... they already have alcohol literally steps out the front gate, they are an AP based park, a single day visit park and not so much a vacation destination like WDW. Two completely different guest bases. Can't compare.
Just like all else at Disney, pay for what you want, no more. If the overall experience is not working for you ....... go somewhere else. I just ignore the stuff I don't like and focus on the stuff I do .... and Disney is still working for me as a vacation destination.
