When I first arrived for a trip to Disneyland with my dad, the first place I would go would be the Magic shop. I used to just love having the man behind the counter show me the latest illusion and marvel. Alas, now it is but a series of racks for cheap tricks and gags. Such is my disappointment with todays Main Street USA. The arcade has moved all but a few flip viewers for more ancillaries. I can understand making money for the shops, but it is like they are all the same and with no character. And there is always this mood of "sell" within moments of paying a high admission price. This feels very wrong.As an example of change, the Magic shop should be as it was when Steve Martin began to hone his career. The vendors should act as cast members and not mall employees. The goods should always reflect the store front in some way and no repeat items elsewhere. But not to be too negative. I have had good fun having our family's silhouettes cut, watch glass blown, and marveled over the character and attraction art. Thankfully, the small theater is still diligently playing classic Mickey silents. It's a great place to sit and take a breather.
