But someone please elaborate why it's so much more horrible for someone who might, say, do a little weekend trip from Boise with kids ranging from 9-15. Maybe juxtapose with Disneyland since that place is also nightmarishly crowded and expensive, but seems to get a lot of love around here.

Yes I've been to Lagoon, but it's been probably 20 years. I actually went a few times as a kid and have happy memories. Is it that bad now?