Seeing the Light on Disney Fireworks

Re “Disney Light Show Stings Critics,” Dec. 28:

The Anaheim residents raising a fuss over Disneyland’s fireworks apparently don’t realize that the fireworks have been going on more than 40 years. And why is that? Because all the previous residents knew what they were getting into when they moved to the area. It isn’t as if Disneyland is this little hole-in-the-wall place that they could have missed. My advice to them if they don’t like the smell and smoke: Stay inside.

John McElligott Jr.

Fullerton

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As someone who lives across the street from the Disney Resort, let me tell you that, apparently unlike some of my neighbors in your article, I was aware that a theme park existed just down the road before I bought my house. I even knew they had been shooting off fireworks since the 1950s. Also, unlike some neighbors, I enjoy looking out my window some evenings at beautiful fireworks that most people have to pay $40 to see.

This is especially true on New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July, when most people have to venture outside the safety and comfort of their homes to enjoy big celebrations. Is it always a pleasure? Of course not, but the quote in your article that you can “barely see the street lights on Katella” is absurd. In our post-Sept. 11 world, I’d say complaints about Disneyland fireworks rank somewhere below crying babies in movie theaters.

As for local businesses such as the RV park in your story, they fail to acknowledge how much they rely on their proximity to Disneyland for their business. Their own Web site boasts “The Biggest [RV park] in the Disneyland Area” and “conveniently located 1/2 mile from Disneyland.”

As for my well-intentioned neighbors, here are some new year’s resolution ideas for 2002: Get a car cover, stay inside at 9 p.m., or better yet, just move. But check to see if there is a castle next door this time.

George Savvas

Anaheim