Anyway, we had an awesome time at Disney. We really, truly did and it was so fun to enjoy with family and see my kids experience and love the magic that is Disneyland. While we were there, my sister asked, "Don't you ever feel caught up in the commercialism of Disney?" and I had to admit that I sometimes do...it's something I struggle with because I really do love the place so dang much, even with their $10 hamburgers and $6 Uncrustable PB&Js. But, one thing I truly appreciate about Disneyland is the fact that they work hard to make it more than just commercialism for the sake of itself--there is real magic, from the characters to the parades to the way the cast members throughout the park treat you, Disney goes above and beyond to make it truly memorable, and like stepping out of the mundane. In that way, I think they are trying to stay close to the vision of Walt Disney. Say what you want about the shows or the movies, but the man himself was incredible, and more than any other part of the company, I think the parks work hard to make magic a real experience. So, yeah, the food is overpriced and they charge your a million bucks for the soda they are given for free and the light up toys are 98745376 times more expensive than they should be...but if that's what it costs to let my kids believe in and experience magic, I'm gonna have to roll with it. (Okay, I warned you before we left that I would be all Disney all the time for a while...and it may keep up a few more posts--so, my apologies to those who live cold dead lives absent from a "Disney heart.")
I'll share lots of pictures of my favorite moments later, but for now I want to tell you a little story that has nothing to do with my family, but everything to do with Disneyland being totally awesome:
While we were waiting in line for Pirates of the Carribbean, I noticed this very distinguished Pakistani (I assumed) gentleman ahead of us. He stood very tall, had a long white beard and was dressed like a tribal sheikh, or elder, in traditional all-white turban and long shalwar kameez, like this:
He was obviously important, based on the way he carried himself and the fact that he had a permanent Fast Pass for the day. I also noticed he had several men accompanying him. One appeared to be related to him, as they spoke closely several times. The others were of considerable size and wore well-cut full suits and ties in the astounding heat. At first I thought they must be crazy (or perhaps very orthodox) to wear black suits in the heat, but after watching the way they led the elder and were very attentive to the people around him, I recognized them as his body guards.
Of course, I thought this whole thing rather interesting, and wondered why this group would choose Disneyland to visit. I rode Pirates and pretty much forgot about it, until we were leaving the ride, and once again, they were just ahead of us. As I watched them proceed away from the ride, I saw the bodyguards, still very serious, looking around ahead of their charge. He, I saw laughing and looking like he had rather enjoyed the ride. And when I saw them all turn to head out of the exit, I caught sight of each of them wearing one of these:
And I have to say, I totally got it. Because if I were in his shoes, visiting a foreign country, yeah...I'd take a trip to Disney too--enjoy my first visit and my permanent fast pass, be awed by the wonder of the parades and shows and animatronic Jack Sparrows, and even let my bodyguards have a little fun on the rides with me. Awesome. Seriously, awesome. And that, my friends, is why Disneyland really is the Happiest Place on Earth.
More later, if you can stand it!
I love it Kierra! You know - I had lost all love for Disney because my only non-child experience of memory was that of our theater trip. You remember - the one where Cinderella looked super pissed off and the crowds were crazy and, beside the fun glasses and hats we bought and proudly wore, was not that great of a day? However, I went back just a couple short years ago for a dear friend's bachelorette weekend in June, and boy did I fall in love during an amazing trip. So much so that I went back the following December and got to experience two magical things together - Christmas and Disney and it was AWESOME. Anyhow, just wanted to share the love and say once again that I love the way you write. Even when it's about Disneyland - you're so eloquent!
ReplyDeleteSo funny. We've never been - I wanted to wait until the twins were old enough to somewhat remember the experience ... and then I had 2 babies and it just has not worked out yet. Maybe this next year... I'm so glad you had such a great time on your trip!! I hope you've caught up on your sleep and that is why you haven't posted the pics yet. Can't wait to see them though!
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