M-I-C-K-E-Y -- M-O-U-S-E…

It had been some time since last I had a chance to visit the East coast version of this wondrous ode to a mouse…

Disneyland and Disney World (the east coast version) are an ode to all that is fantasy, imagination and a desire to dream and to believe this dream can and will come true…

For a dreamer like myself, these thoughts and feelings are at the very core of what living is all about. I indeed believe and, as I see these childhood stories come to life in all the parades, the rides and the general feeling that emanates from the park’s heart (if it can be said this is possible) there is a sense of inner peace and joy that lasts... well, until you go to any of the stores or kiosks and are asked to pay twice what the “outside” price is for anything you consume within the Wonderful World of Disney… Hmmm!!... At $3.50 for a small bottle of water, the illusion quickly fades to a grim reality.

On we go!!! Frontierland, Adventure Land, Main Street, Tomorrowland… and all other combined lands!!... Walk on and explore the different areas of the park!! Always with the firm commitment that nothing will be bought unless there is a life or death need. Of course, after 4 hours of walking around, food and water become such a dire necessity…

Happy New Year!!
Disney Style...

 There are times of the year when visiting these parks is a pleasurable thought and deed. The period going into the waning days of the year is no such time; the hordes of tourists that come in, the amount of yelling parents and crying children… combine this with the people who believe it is their God given right to push anyone around them (these folk usually come in two sizes: very large and much larger) and the experience diminishes somehow. Yet, the spectacle is a grand example of what an extremely well oiled machine can do… all employees wear the same smile, along with their little mouse ears somewhere on their uniforms… imperturbable before all, much like the famed Royal Guards at Wimbledon… nothing moves them, except these over here are allowed to interact with the people. And each one does his/her job well. Something to be said for good employee training and on the job supervision.

Yesterday was a long day; we had been invited by our children to accompany them in this excursion, and so we did. There is a 10 year old grandson who loves this park and his ebullient attitude does influence our own. Yet, we decided not to go in until later in the day, about 2:30 pm… Our past experiences told us that about this time, a good number of those who were present to open the park begin to leave, for their little tykes are about ready to drop off the face of the earth… and so are the parents. However, at this time of the year, this apparently does not hold too true, for we found ourselves swimming in a tide of people, everywhere we went.

This, in turn, allowed me to look, listen and observe the behavior of many of these folk…  But you knew I was getting to this point…  right??

Cinderella's Castle...
Ready for the new year

 The majority of people walking around were lugging little children; much like little dogs on leashes … These small folk were also being carted on backpacks, baby carriages and much any contraption that could hold anyone up to the age of three. Which brings me to point one: People, please pay attention… a 2 year old will not last much more than a couple of hours of this grueling pace, for grueling it is… Yet, I witnessed parents yelling at their kids for the sole reason that they were tired and not enjoying the visit anymore… For the sake of God, man!!! A small child cannot last longer than a couple of hours; it is not within their reasoning power to understand (actually, this is outside my own scope as well!) that every last penny paid must be somehow milked by getting on as many rides as you possibly can, no matter if the very children who are supposed to be enjoying this madhouse, are screaming and telling you they are TIRED AND WANNA GO HOME AND GO TO SLEEP!!!

Point number Two: You do NOT always have the right of way… no matter what!! The fact you paid to get in does not give you any advantage over anyone else… they also paid the same money to get in!! Why does every one seem to lose the very spirit this place is supposed to foster? Courtesy and kindness take a second place to “I’m going ahead first” syndrome. People jump lines ahead of others, push and shove to get to the doors before you… there really is room for all concerned!! Slow down and enjoy; this is what you paid for… not to be hassled, to feel pressured to get in that one more ride, and to fall to the stress that someone else may, by God, get in there before you do… But the mentality of the “free for all” takes hold…

Relax and enjoy… so what if you don’t get into one more mountain ride? What about if you walk a little slower and enjoy the surroundings, the actors and the fantasies they represent…? Is this such a difficult thing to do? Imagine… if it cannot be done in the very place built to foster these feelings, what do you think your daily life at home and work are like? What are you giving your family as a daily dose of peace and enjoyment? 

Life is a continuum of little moments; whether at a specialty park or at the place we call home… It is up to each one of us to make of it a better place and time. Slow down a little; look around, enjoy those who are walking along this path with you, let them enjoy you, and the journey you are all on a little more; spread your love and receive the same in kind. Take the time to be…

Be Well … Be Back!!!

NOTE: The radio broadcast for this Sunday (1/1/2012) is cancelled; unfortunately, I will be on the road… but the “cast” will return the following Sunday, at the usual 6:30pm slot)

Final Notes:

• Pray for those who are fighting an illness which may take them away from their loved ones… Every request is heard, and counts!!
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