Need help with story about Disney fans

[scak]

Hey everybody -

I'm hoping you can help me out with a long, magazine-style story about die-hard Disney fans that I'm working on for New Times Broward-Palm Beach, a weekly paper in South Florida.

Specifically, I'd like to talk with some of you: the people for whom Disney is more than a vacation; the most passionate fans and critics; and people whose lives have found new direction through Disney.

We are looking for people with stories to tell -- of personal hardship that led you to Disney, of people you've met there, of how it's influenced or consumed your life. Essentially, we want to take an idea that many people consider inexplicable -- why grownups would continue to return to Disney with such devotion -- and show what that devotion is actually like.

I spoke with Pete Werner, the owner of DISBoards, and we decided it would be okay to post here, seeking your replies. If you or anyone you know has a story to share, please get in touch with me as soon as possible.

I'm available by private message, by phone at 954-233-1573 (office line), or by email at stefan.kamph(at)browardpalmbeach(dot)com. Hoping to hear from you this week, just to chat about how we might proceed.

ESPECIALLY looking for Floridians planning trips to Orlando in the next month, and people planning trips to the D23 Expo.

Thank you very much. Let me know if you have any questions or ideas.

Stefan Kamph
Staff Writer
New Times Broward-Palm Beach

 

[cruelladv]

I wish someone would write about how the hippies and yippies took over Disneyland in the late 1960's. I have asked numerous people at Disney over the years what the actual date was and they deny that it ever happened.

I know it happened ... because I was there.

The newest rides were the Haunted House and Pirates of the Caribbean.
They took over Tom Sawyer Island and ran a marijuana flag up the flag pole.
They took over the controls of the Matterhorn.
The National Guard was called in and lined the streets as they evacuated the park.

When we were forced to leave we were told our tickets would be good for the following day if we wanted to come back. I didn't get to go back because that was our last day in California.

I've back several dozen times and still have my 25th Anniversary sweatshirt.