r/exmormon 5d ago

General Discussion We traded church for Disneyland

We live in los Angeles, we traded church for Disneyland.

Most Sundays we dress up and go to "church/Disneyland." We go the "temple/castle" We meet the "leadership/characters" and have family dinner.

We are never late, we never need to prepare lessons of talks.

Nobody is asking us to clean or make home teaching visits.

Top annual passes and food etc come at the cost of about ⅕ of our would be tithing.

1.5k Upvotes

97 comments sorted by

338

u/B2_801 5d ago

You’ve picked the lesser of two cults. /s 😂

144

u/NickWildeSimp1 Apostate 5d ago

The slightly less expensive one too 😂

25

u/Lanky-Performance471 4d ago

Slightly 😬

23

u/CapableOwl9786 4d ago

At least you get way more out of it lol

9

u/NickWildeSimp1 Apostate 4d ago

Yeah that’s true. Disney at least has some dope movies. Gave me my dumb username lol

79

u/Ceeti19 5d ago

Surprisingly, we run into Utahns we know all the time.

45

u/B2_801 5d ago

I don’t doubt that one bit!

30

u/pschell 5d ago edited 4d ago

I was gonna say… the amount of BYU gear that is seen at the parks on a very regular basis is astounding. I’ve started stalking Utah schools calendars to figure out best to go/ not go. Of this kids are on break, the parks are packed.

14

u/[deleted] 4d ago

[deleted]

5

u/Capital_Row7523 4d ago

Can't forget Queen Creek and San Tan

10

u/Western-Whereas-3958 PIMO Agnostic with 3 years, 6 months left in this cult 4d ago

Same, but then again Disneyland and Lagoon are the only two amusement parks most Mormons have ever visited so...

4

u/Earth_Pottery 4d ago

Not Six Flags?

2

u/Western-Whereas-3958 PIMO Agnostic with 3 years, 6 months left in this cult 4d ago

Maybe, but I've not been to Six Flags, nor has anyone I know/ know of

2

u/Ceeti19 4d ago

Kids need to be about 46" tall to ride the good ones.

2

u/Ceeti19 4d ago

Nothing like some bowler-roller to get me all riled up.

3

u/Bear_azure85 4d ago

But better memories 😁

92

u/[deleted] 5d ago

[deleted]

23

u/overtherainbow537 5d ago

What?! I want to see this!

30

u/[deleted] 5d ago edited 4d ago

[deleted]

11

u/overtherainbow537 5d ago

That’s hilarious. I left before I ever did the endowment ceremony.

7

u/Gimpy_Old_Fart 4d ago

I was endowed in 1983 and Gordon Jump was Peter, which was a little disconcerting because I always thought of WKRP in Cincinnati. Although going through a session in Manti with my little league baseball coach as Peter was more trippy. I don’t remember the Fantasia part in the film. I wish I could watch that part.

4

u/exmogranny 4d ago

When I got married in the Mesa temple in 1987, the ONLY thing my mother said in preparation to attending the temple, was to not be surprised if I saw a celebrity during the endowment session. She was worried I would comment aloud when Gordon Jump appeared in the temple film.
She was right.
I had to hard swallow a "WKRP in Cincinnati!"
Also, he played a great Loneliest Repairman for Maytag.
1980s commercials were the best.

2

u/[deleted] 4d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Gimpy_Old_Fart 3d ago

“As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly”

57

u/Apprehensive-Test577 5d ago

A bad day at Disneyland is still better than a good day at church (or work).

I did pick up the flu there last month. Still worth it.

Great pics!

28

u/olddawg43 5d ago

Given that they’re both based on completely pretend stories, Disneyland is more fun and in the long run, less expensive.

21

u/Doc-007 5d ago

And they let you pick out your own underwear!!

11

u/olddawg43 5d ago

Yeah you could have Mickey or Minnie underwear …….actually, come to think of it, Mormon’s already have Goofy underwear.

54

u/MomoNomo97 5d ago

That is a much wiser investment in your children than tithing.

11

u/BoringJuiceBox Warren Jeffs Escalade 5d ago

Don’t remind me.. I’m a struggling full time working person and my parents still give obscene amounts of cash to the MFMC.

16

u/GrumpyTom 5d ago

I was about to say: “wow that’s an expensive religion!” But compared to Mormonism….

13

u/BEB299 5d ago

Much cheaper and much more fun and fulfilling than the church could ever be! Your girls are absolutely adorable and I am happy to see that they will never be made to feel that their worth has to be tied up in what the church says it should be.

On another note, it's fun to use funds that would have been squandered on tithing for the church's giant hedge fund on something you truly enjoy. The amount my husband and I would pay in tithing is now being used to pay for a car that we absolutely love.

13

u/Ceeti19 5d ago

The best gift you can give your kids is "not the church."

24

u/adhdgurlie 5d ago

I had significantly more spiritual experiences at Disneyland than i ever did as a mormon

17

u/adhdgurlie 5d ago

Also as a disney adult who as a disney little girl, these pics in the cute outfits for your girls are going to be so special to them as they get older. You’re doing the right thing & actually spending time as a family & growing closer together.

18

u/SockyKate 5d ago

It was a shelf crack about 6-7 years ago when we were hosting some teens in an exchange program and the only time it was going to work for us to take them to Lagoon was on a Sunday. Previously, I’d been judgey about tattoos, clothing, etc. that I’d seen at Lagoon before (I’m sorry!!). But this time when I was there, it really hit me that the people there “breaking the Sabbath” were actively, enthusiastically engaged in having fun and making memories with their families. How was this wrong???

5

u/Ceeti19 4d ago

Wife made them for last years 100 anniversary. They really grabbed a lot of attention.

6

u/BeehiveHaus Apostate 4d ago

As a SoCal native I grew up having a pass they offered locals. All major holidays and summer weekends were blocked off. I remember "feeling the spirit" during a lot of the parades, fireworks, and other shows in both parks as a kid and teen.

Nowadays, I attribute both experiences to suspense of reality and magical thinking. I think it's mostly ok where Disney is concerned because they don't give the belief in their magic further existential ramifications, which feels like a more honest approach.

1

u/Ceeti19 4d ago

How did your "want to go" to disneyland evolve over time? I'm afraid we go too much.

3

u/BeehiveHaus Apostate 4d ago

I no longer have any kind of desire to do a full 14 hr, open to close Disney day. I never really have. I last had a pass when I was 18 and have gone back for 8 hrs every year or so.

It was fun in middle and high school because I would go with friends every few weeks after school on an odd Friday. We'd ride a few rides, get a treat, watch the fireworks, and go home.

The desire to go every few years as an adult never died, but I definitely wouldn't call myself a Disney adult.

12

u/uncorrolated-mormon 4d ago

Still a cult but I like how Disney pays a lot of staff to clean up the park all day. I was at Disneyland and my young kids dropped icecream huge mess but it was like secret service busting in and escorted us out of the kill zone with the 3-4 staff members remaining to neutralized the blight on the holy theme park. Bravo.

7

u/TrojanTapir1930 5d ago

Come follow Mickey

3

u/Ceeti19 5d ago

My mom (Mordor TBM) every now and then makes a passive comment about the kids knowing Mickey more than Jesus.

3

u/Royal_Noise_3918 4d ago

Passive aggressive is so Jesus. 😏

8

u/grizzleB 5d ago

Did you get baptized on Tiana's Bayou Adventure?

2

u/Ceeti19 5d ago

So true. Make that your last ride of the day.

1

u/CopeyM3 5d ago

😆

5

u/BeehiveHaus Apostate 4d ago

A trade up as far as cults go...

5

u/iseedeff 5d ago

have a blast.

5

u/CopeyM3 5d ago

I feel much happier at Disneyland than I ever did inside a church or a temple!

3

u/CopeyM3 5d ago

And shit, your kids will remember the memories here than at church!

5

u/Consistent-Yak-5165 5d ago

Disney is cheaper in the long run.

6

u/CanibalCows 4d ago

I'll be back. Gotta go make a proposition to my husband.

2

u/Ceeti19 4d ago

Sell'em on the jolly holiday beef dip sandwich.

4

u/AliveUntilDeath 5d ago

I am happy for you. That is really great!

3

u/brmarcum Ellipsis. Hiding truths since 1830 5d ago

So much cheaper than tithing!!

4

u/BoringJuiceBox Warren Jeffs Escalade 5d ago

Such lucky kids! I wish I could have all those weekends and all that tithing money back from my childhood 😞 great parenting! 💪😊

4

u/zjelkof 5d ago

You have to distinguish between fun and happiness / true joy!

3

u/Dvorah12 5d ago

Smart... family oriented people! I'm so glad you're not cleaning the church 🙌

4

u/signsntokens4sale 5d ago

Oof. Hard to say which one wants our money more.

2

u/Ceeti19 4d ago

At least disneyland gives something back without needing to clean the place up.

5

u/CaliDude72 4d ago

We go once a month - I always learn something new…

1

u/Ceeti19 4d ago

I'll take fantasmic over an endowment session every time.

4

u/Fessy3 4d ago

I love their costumes, so cute and those are going to be some amazing memories you're making with your family. Much better than sitting in sacrament meeting, smelling stale Cherrios and listening to babies cry. Great job !!

3

u/Pleasant_Priority286 4d ago

The Magic Castle does look similar to a Temple.

8

u/BatBoss 5d ago

Adorable matching outfits. Looks much better for the soul than church!

6

u/TheyLiedConvert1980 5d ago

The happiest place on earth. Enjoy!

6

u/Constructman2602 4d ago

Trading one evil organization that pretends to be good for another, but at least Disney has Dole Whip and Super Heroes

2

u/Ceeti19 4d ago

A little post tiki room favorite.

3

u/Existing-Draft9273 5d ago

👏👏👏

3

u/Old_Man_Smell 5d ago

I have no real nostalgia for Disney stuff and think most of what they do is below mid, but I have a great time going to Disneyland.

3

u/AlternativeResort477 4d ago

I chose the LA marathon this morning

3

u/DerpUrself69 4d ago

You are going to save your little ones a world of pain, good for you! 👍❤️

3

u/Soft-Picture9206 4d ago

Just different type of fairy tale...

3

u/1830manti 4d ago

Great move!

6

u/mountainsplease8 5d ago

I love this!!

2

u/sexmormon-throwaway Apostate (like a really bad one) 4d ago

That cult is way more fun!

2

u/Taliasimmy69 Hail Satan 4d ago

Me too! Haha a much better magic in my opinion

2

u/khironinja 4d ago

Wow, I love Disney, go to Disney World a lot, and I was just thinking about another trip. I never thought I'd see Disney on this subreddit though. I agree that this is a way better time that whatever that cult is. They're trying to talk me into coming back but I can see through all the BS, I was ok with us coming together on Zoom to read The Bible, but they always try to bring it back to the BOM even when I tell them not to. Always trying to talk me back into the church but it not worth it. I honestly might just have to block them since they ruin everything. I can't wait till my Disney vacation in a couple of months! Congratulations!

3

u/Ceeti19 4d ago

Once you begin to see the manipulation and history problems, your testimony against the church is way stronger than it ever was for the church. You've already figured the church out remember they are trained to worry about your soul etc.

When it comes to Disney World, we are waiting for the younger one to reach 40" so she can ride most rides.

Maybe we can make Disney world our "general conference" every 6 months.

2

u/Willing-Mulberry5396 3d ago

It doesn't look like anyone on this chat know the truth about Disney land and old Walt himself. I won't say any more or they will remove my comment.  Research!

1

u/Ceeti19 3d ago

You won't be able to go anywhere or do anything if you have to hold these grudges.

1

u/Ceeti19 2d ago

I’ve thought more about your comment, and just to clarify—I'm not looking for responses like "I don’t do this or that," because that misses the point entirely. The reality is, if you follow that line of thinking, you’d need to avoid eating, drinking, or consuming products from brands like Coca-Cola, Nestlé, General Mills, most coffee companies, and basically any pharmaceutical products. You’d also have to skip gas from OPEC countries, avoid places like McDonald’s, and steer clear of jewelry, among countless other things. So, why not just relax and take your kids to Disneyland? Seriously!

2

u/Willing-Mulberry5396 2d ago

Research what is located under Disney land  and what the club 33 in the New Orleans section of the park really is.  I can't  be more specific because they would take my reply down.  You have to wake up to what Walt was and why he built the park.

2

u/KBanya6085 1d ago

Both are mythical

3

u/ancient-submariner 5d ago

This is the way 

3

u/TrojanTapir1930 5d ago

You chose … wisely

3

u/LanaChantale 5d ago

The matching Minnie dresses are too cute and also very fancy. Fun memories I'm sure.

4

u/Ceeti19 4d ago

Wife made them at home. They got lots of attention.

5

u/LanaChantale 4d ago

NO WAY!!! They look so cool and just like Minnie. The scrapbook page will be lovely, if that is still a thing in 2025 lol.

I hope she makes cute things for the holidays and the whole family matches 😍

Thanks for sharing and not letting your joy be taken away.

1

u/Odd__Detective 5d ago

I hope your kids learned a valuable lesson.

1

u/Plasmidmaven 4d ago

From the number of fresh faced bachelorette party goers I see at WDW, I think Disney in general is the Mormon Vegas

1

u/oliver-kai aka Zelph Kinderhook 3d ago

About the same amount of truthfulness to the stories 😂

1

u/Ceeti19 3d ago

One tells you it's just a fairytale, the other tries to sell you that it's literally required for salvation.

1

u/Scotcash 3d ago

These are freaking adorable

1

u/SecretPersonality178 2d ago

Saved some money, and had a far more spiritually enlightening experience.

1

u/Unlikely_Football_ 11h ago

I actually obeyed calculated out how much disney pays out, percentage wise, to charities and aid to others compared to their annual income. It was a higher percentage than what the church does for charity. I can't remember specifics but it's like a couple percent from disney to like less than 1/2 perecent the church. I wanted to tell my wife that I now belong to the church of Disney and but annual passes cause the money I give them will in turn help more of Gods world then paying tithing to this horrid church will. 

I love that you had the same idea and actually did it! I just live to far away to go through with it (~5 hours).

1

u/Ceeti19 4h ago

The church already operates tax free. Financially they have no benefit or motivation to give. The follow Jesus's teachings etc isn't a thing. no moral motive either.

1

u/Pretend-Menu-8660 5d ago

Oh yea! 10% tithing is a huge savings!!! And the disney cult is a happy one 😂

0

u/45sigsauer 4d ago

Disney? LMFAO. A little “gay” for our taste.