There have been a few threads on the sites recently that were started in observation of things that I think mostly originate in a change of tastes. Park X isn't as good as it used to be, or it's just different. I totally get this, but different doesn't mean better or worse, it means different.
Last year, I met up with my friend Ken to visit Cedar Point, which is kind of a big deal since I share responsibility of maintaining the biggest unofficial site ever about the park. (Technically we were in town to see a show.) The park's general operations, in terms of rides, was deeply disappointing. But at the same time, the culinary and beverage operations, as well as the overall resort ops, leveled up several tiers since the last time I was there. The ride situation was disappointing, for sure, but my buddy and I ate a lot of great food and got a little drunk and had a great time.
When I was in my mid-20's, what we experienced would have been a train wreck. Why? Because at the time, the only thing that would have mattered was riding as many roller coasters as possible in the shortest possible time. To this day, a great ride gives happy joy joy feelings to the N-th degree, certainly, but that's just a component to a greater experience. Toward the end of last year, I met up with my ex, Catherine, and her family, at Universal Orlando. I finally got to ride Velocicoaster. But much of that day involved being with her family, and that was the important part. We both have children and life experiences and spouses, and everything is different. I was the one who pushed Cath to get over her coaster fear, and now she's watching her "babies" ride at other parks without her. Things are different because we're different.
I remember in my late 20's, at the turn of the century, going to Cedar Point, or with friends from that social circle to other parks, to wait in line and ride all the things. Those were amazing social scenarios that I hold dear to my heart, but they're a product of that time in my life. I wouldn't go out of my way to try and recreate those, because at a minimum, I'd want to make new memories with my wife and child, if it made sense.
Growing up is weird like that. But I think the people who really are maturing in a positive way, they're accepting that the best moments are just different. It doesn't mean that you are different, it just means that the circumstances are different. It goes back to what I've said about becoming a parent. People are quick to talk about how they've changed, but I would argue that they haven't changed, they're just something new in addition to what they were. It's a subtle distinction, but it's real. That influences your decisions.
I can't help but apply this to the day that we had today. Diana and I went to Epcot for lunch today. I wish we did it more often, but my schedule sometimes makes that hard (day job and all). We've done this quite a bit over the years, and generally we can get in and out in an hour or so. It's very hashtag Orlando resident. We went back after work, bringing Simon, but it was crazy crowded. We got our Guardians of The Galaxy ride, had some food, and then got the hell out of there. It was insanely crowded. Twenty-something me might have tried to tough it out. But not this time. It's not like any of us haven't been there enough.
A friend of mine and his wife, now empty nesters, moved into a high rise above a major downtown metro. I'm envious. It's cool as fuck, the kind of thing that you would do in your 20's if you weren't so fucking poor. But I'm sure that there are people of a certain age that would consider that immature. That's nonsense. Circumstances change, our tastes change, we can do different things. That's what living is all about.
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