Please, Do Not Stand Too Close To The Rivers Of America! Valuables Tend To Disappear!

[Mayonnaise]

And the fact that you consider those who are different to you dumb, may be why they don't enjoy their interactions with you.

8^S

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

And the fact that you consider those who are different to you dumb, may be why they don't enjoy their interactions with you.

8^S

thats because they have usually done something that will greatly effect their future and freedom.

and yes, it is usually because they are dumb. I guess you could call them an SG of life. ;)

[Mayonnaise]

Wait... are you equating all people who think in different ways to you, with criminals? People who bring a book to stay occupied are the same as people who commit crimes? Ok I'm out. You're hopeless.

8^S

[Amphigorey]

what makes you think that that I don't know people function differently?

I deal with people like that all the time. quite a few of them do not like the interaction I provide for them.

I just think it realllllly dumb to take an electronic device to keep you amused when you are at the best AMUSEMENT park in the world.

Here's another way to look at someone who might want a book (paper or electronic) in Disneyland: they might need something to focus on because they are easily overstimulated. This is the opposite of what you're suggesting!

I have a friend who often checks his blackberry or appears to be paying attention to something else while he's out socializing. In fact, what he's doing is using the phone as a focus point, so that he can pay attention to the people around him. If he has no focus point, then he often can't follow conversations because his brain goes off in too many different directions, and he loses track of what's being said. It's counterintuitive to most people, but it works for him.

Disneyland has a lot going on - the sights, sounds, and smells are everywhere, and there's a lot of data to process. Even for someone who is neurotypical, a first trip can be overwhelming. Having something small that you can control to focus on can be enormously helpful, and it means you can enjoy the experience more.

(This isn't necessarily true for everyone you might see with their iPads or whatever... but I think it's worth keeping in mind that not everyone with a book or game at Disneyland is self-evidently as dumb as you think they are.)

[DisneyMom]

I agree with the overstimulating thing at DLR- That's why whenever I am there I walk around with a big dumb smile and drive Hubby crazy with all the things I want to do. For others,it may be TOO MUCH,and cause a melt-down,
so a book or device is great.
I do agree with GP that it does seem that many(including my kids),don't know how to be unplugged, and simply revert to that instead of finding their own adventure :(
We've gone to forbidding them to bring electronic devices on trips.

[PatchOBlack]

what makes you think that that I don't know people function differently?

I deal with people like that all the time. quite a few of them do not like the interaction I provide for them.

I just think it realllllly dumb to take an electronic device to keep you amused when you are at the best AMUSEMENT park in the world.

Perhaps you are confused. You see, the electronic device is not used when one is actually enjoying an attraction or show or whathaveyou. It is used while one is waiting in a long line, or waiting for the start of the show, or any other time where there is a long lull between the various forms of amusement offered by the park. At least, that is how I'm reading this.

[Mayonnaise]

(This isn't necessarily true for everyone you might see with their iPads or whatever... but I think it's worth keeping in mind that not everyone with a book or game at Disneyland is self-evidently as dumb as you think they are.)

This^^^ is exactly what I'm trying to say. Thank you Amphigorey once again for expressing important things better than I can.

8^)

[hobie16]

If he has no focus point, then he often can't follow conversations because his brain goes off in too many different directions, and he loses track of what's being said.

I have the same problem but I call it having a senior moment.

[darph nader]

I have the same problem but I call it having a senior moment.

Or as I call it,"Alfies-heimers".

[BRWombat]

I have the same problem but I call it having a senior moment.

You know, of course, the first three things to go when you get older:

1. Your memory.
2. ... ?

I'll get back with you.