The Magic of Disneyland
Aug 19, 2007 at 10:13PM - Beth
Disneyland. The name alone conjures up different memories and feelings for people all over the world. While some people see it as simply an amusement park for the kiddies there are others who know it is a special place where magic and imagination bring out the child-like spirit in all of us.
What is it that makes this spot, that used to be simply an orange grove 53 years ago, so special? What about this place can bring a smile to the face of children and adults alike? There is no single answer. Disneyland touches everyone in a different way.
As Lisa Carrier explains, "When I'm at Disneyland with my family and friends it always dawns on me that once our feet touch the esplanade we become equal no matter what our age differences are. We all become childlike; eyes so alert, bright and sparkling with excitement over which land and attraction to explore. Its the place for us where we all get to gather and let our cares drift away, relax and be silly. Whether it was sharing my dad's awe over the detail in theming or my grandma's wonder at the fireworks. To my sister's constant admiration for the flora, my godson's amazement while on the rides or my friend's appreciation of the entertainment; we all have a common love for Disneyland that joins us together there in our happy place, whether it be in the present or memories."
Memories are an important part of what makes Disneyland so special to many of us. We often visited with our families when we were children and recalling those times now are like a treasure to us. Ray said, "Disneyland is not only where it started for Walt (from a theme park standpoint), but also where it started for me. My parents took my brother and me there several times between 1971 and 1979 while we lived in Southern California. Like a parent with their children, I try not to pick favorites. Each park has something that it brings to the table."
But they don't have to be childhood memories to be meaningful. Denise Owsley shares that every visit forges lasting memories, "Each visit is unique and creates many wonderful memories. One memory that is extra special to me happened when my husband and I moved to Anaheim three years ago. In the first couple of weeks (before officially starting our jobs) we spent a lot of our time exploring the DLR. One quiet weekday afternoon we were sitting on a bench near Sleeping Beauty's Castle when Snow White appeared from backstage. Of course, we knew she was on her way to greet some young guests who were waiting in a nearby line for her to pose for pictures and sign their autograph books. I felt my eyes light up just seeing her walk by when she made eye contact with me and smiled. She then reached over a railing, picked a rose and approached me. She said "Good afternoon, this is for you" in her gentle voice. She didn't make the situation seem rushed and spoke with such grace that I completely got caught up in the moment. After picking my jaw up off the ground I managed to say a very heartfelt "thank you very much Princess". Snow White went on her merry way and I had to take a moment to wipe away the happy tears caused by such a special moment. I will always cherish the memory of that moment... the moment Snow White welcomed me home."
Home is the way many describe Disneyland. Though the park is full of hustle and bustle, there are those who feel comforted and relaxed the moment they step through the gates. Perhaps it was because Walt Disney felt so at home in Disneyland that others can feel that same little touch of magic. Jason Tracewell shares his thoughts, "Disneyland is much more than a theme park to me, it's a feeling of coming home. A feeling of walking under the berm and knowing that all my cares and troubles are gone for as long as I am there. I love just people watching, seeing others enjoying the park that Walt built as much as riding the rides. Enjoying the smaller things while in the park make my experience enjoyable and unique each time I go. I also always do at least one thing I have never done before on each trip, and to this day, I still have not run out of new things to do. Whether riding the Mark Twain, watching Billy Hill or riding Space Mountain, I am just relaxed, happy and sometimes giddy to be there. No matter how many times I go, I always feel better when I am there. It truly is a magical place, at least for me."
Disneyland feels like home to some, but others love the fact that they are carried away to another time and place when they visit. "What makes Disneyland so special to me is the fact that I can walk under the train and be transported." says Chris. "You aren't in southern California anymore. You are in turn of the century mid-America. It has been a place of escape for my mind. While I am there I don't think about everyday stresses or work. I just get to enjoy time with my family."
I think that all of these touch on why Disneyland means so much to me, personally. Disneyland was a place I visited with my family as a young child. It was a place where, as a teen, I could go and become a kid again. As an adult, its the place I can go to feel the magic pull at my heartstrings, even when life is hard. Its knowing that a man with a dream to create somewhere for families and friends to have a place to be happy together and share a day of pure enchantment, succeeded. I think what makes Disneyland so special is that Walt put his love into the park... and because of that everyone can find their own magic there.
What makes Disneyland special to you? Where do you find the magic? Tell us on the MouseHub discussion boards!
