Let's talk Disney

Every so often I am asked by some ‘poor unfortunate soul’ why I enjoy going to Disney World when my kids are no longer little and it’s ........ fill in the blank ........ expensive, hot, crowded, silly, etc, etc.

For me, the best part of any Disney trip is seeing the smile on a child’s face when they see Mickey Mouse or their favorite princess. I equally love the older couples wearing matching shirts, singing along with the classic Disney movie songs and pointing out nostalgia to their grandchildren. I like when young adults remember and embrace what it’s like to be a kid. I like to see them proudly wearing tees or hats and ears posing for photos with their favorite character. Yes, I people watch.

If you let yourself, you can believe anything at Disney and completely be yourself. It’s the place where anything is possible if you live in the moment.

I remember when my aunt visited Disney several years ago. I don’t recall her exact age at the time but she was in her late 70s. When she returned home, I asked her what she liked best. Without hesitation, she declared her favorite as riding ‘Mission Space’ because that was something she’d never be able to experience any other way.

When my parents visited Disneyland in 1970, they drove to California from Ohio to spend one day at the park. They were 28 years old and they talked about that day for decades.

I continue to share stories of memorable character experiences from when my children were small. My favorites are when my son met his hero, Buzz Lightyear; and my daughter hugging her favorite princess, Cinderella, while dining at 1900 Park Fare.

As I overheard a young mom tell her kids on Main Street USA during a recent visit, “We’ll never have this day again.” And while that is true every day, the memories made at Disney last throughout our lives.

This year as we all know has been difficult for many, including those who work at Disney. I'm not just referring to cast members who've been placed on furlough, or been given the heartbreaking news their jobs are being eliminated or long anticipated internships cancelled. It's tough on those who had to make those difficult decisions as well. And it's hard on the cast members who are at the resorts adjusting to the 'new normal' and anxious about what the future may hold.

In full disclosure, I do not work for the Disney Company nor does any member of my family. I'm not a shareholder. I am a Disney enthusiast with a reminder for the cast members around the globe who will be working to recover the theme park business from the impacts of coronavirus for some time. The message is simply this, what you do matters.

I recently shared the first few paragraphs of this post on another social media platform and the response I received from fellow Disney enthusiasts was overwhelming. The stories shared of how visiting a Disney theme park created lasting memories were heartwarming, but not surprising.

What was amazing was the extent to which time spent at Disney made their life better in significant ways. The examples included overcoming major life obstacles, healed relationships, recovery from injury or illness, and transformational life decisions with many inspired by their Disney experience.

In closing, I share the reminder that dreams do come true and that with "faith, trust and a little pixie dust" I look forward to when Disney theme parks return to full operations and more guests are able to experience the magic that not only touches, but improves lives.