Has Disneyland Lost Its Magic-or Have We? Part 2

Is Disneyland still magical—or are we nostalgic for the people we used to be when we visited? In Part 2 of our Season 2 premiere, we're continuing our conversation with Paul Barrie, host of Window to the Magic, to explore what happens when the place we love changes, our expectations evolve, and the memories we cherish become part of the experience itself. From the evolution of classic attractions and Disney's growing emphasis on intellectual property to the rising cost of admission, crowded parks, and the pressure to maximize every minute, we unpack the tension between preserving the past and embracing the future. But what if the magic was never really about the rides? Paul shares deeply personal stories about family, memory, and the power of sound to bring people back together. We also explore the quiet corners of Disneyland, the lost art of simply being present, and why sometimes the best park experience doesn't involve riding anything at all. And in the end, we return to the question at the heart of this conversation: Are we nostalgic for Disneyland itself, or are we nostalgic for ourselves when we were at Disneyland? The magic may still be there. Where we find it—and whether we're still looking for it—might be the real question. 🎙️ Why Are We Like This? — Season 2 Premiere, Part 2 Join us as we keep asking questions, challenging assumptions, and making sense of the things that make us who we are. Send us a quick "Fan Voice Mail" with this link! Download this and future episodes of our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocketcasts, and anywhere else to find your favorite shows. You can search Why Are We Like This? and please be sure to subscribe, and/or write a review if possible to help build our show.  Have an idea for a future episode, or want to join us for a conversation? Send us a message with the link above!