What's Disneyland?

Our friends, Doug and Leslie Reese of Sanger, are hosting two exchange students this year, Monica from Italy and Inez from Portugal. They are attending Sanger High School, and they just happen to be having birthdays about this time. The Reeses decided to celebrate by taking them on a four-day trip to Disneyland. Yay, said Inez ; but Monica was not enthused. "Don't you like Disneyland?" Leslie asked her. "What's Disneyland?" was the response.

Wow, what's Disneyland? In all my 26 years of having conversations with teenagers from all over the world, I have never heard this question. This is one of the reasons I so love living in California. When we host international visitors, they get to see some of the very best parts of America. It's so much fun being the one to introduce a teenager to Disneyland. Leslie and Doug tried to explain Disneyland to her, but they concluded that it's just something you have to experience for yourself. Absolutely.

Speaking of Disney, today's New York Times story in The Bee about the company's decision to stop using its characters to sell junk food to kids is a good move. It's also cleaning up its theme park restaurants, changing the default options for side orders from French fries to carrots or applesause. All trans fats are to be eliminated from food at restaurants in Disney's theme parks by 2007 and from licensed food items by 2008. The theme parks,however, are the least of the issue. One day a year eating goodies at Disneyland isn't going to hurt anyone. It's the children's daily diet that is contributing to their weight problems. The consumer advocates say Disney didn't go far enough, that it should also address the TV commercials aimed at children. That's absolutely true, and Disney is in a position to be a leader in this important area. Still, this small first step should be applauded, with parents and consumer activists continuing to apply pressure for more. Disney's mission statement in 1955 was this: "We create happiness." Are unhealthy children happy? Of course not. Let Walt Disney himself be their guide.