The Disney Effect
Archive - Andrew's Junk, Parks and FrivolityAuthor: Andrew Traweek
Wednesday, December 5th, 2001 marks a very special day for the massive Disney family. It’s the Centennial of Walter Elias Disney’s birth; good ol’ Uncle Walt.
On that day, friends, relatives, and millions of people he never knew, would celebrate the man, the legend, and most importantly… the promise of Walt’s Dream. A world so perfect. A world void of time, famine, plague, and these days, war.
Walt left the world a legacy that could never be rivaled in all of human history. He brought the world a place to escape from life. A place where an 80 year-old woman can become a youthful princess, and a little boy can travel to the far depths of space. If Disneyland is the place of dreams, then Walt was Mr. Sandman. He put all of America to a sweet, peaceful sleep while singing her a soft lullaby.
I believe that society owes a debt of gratitude to this man. The man that proved to the world that when you wish upon a star, your wishes really do come true. A man who saw the best in humankind, and created a place that showcased, and in many cases, brought that quality out in people. Walt wasn’t just a showman. He was so much more. Only once in a blue-moon does someone comes around that so profoundly changes the world for the better. I wish those who negatively impact the world only came around that often.
But as I was contemplating the sociological affect Walt Disney had on the population as a whole, I began to think of the affect he had on me. The effect on one person in this whole, wide world. The journey I took was bittersweet.
I’ve been a Disney fan my whole life without even realizing it. My very first memory is that of Disneyland. It’s a bit faded and torn, mind you, but it makes the memory that much more pleasant.
We were somewhere around Main Street, because I vaguely remember a low-angle view of the Penny Arcade facade. I can only assume that I was in a perambulator (stroller). I still remember the smell of sweets. You know, it’s not really a memory you can describe, it’s just one where you get a tingle up your spine and you begin drooling on yourself. Of course, that could just be a horrible virus perforating your central nervous system.
By the time I was eight, I had only been to Disneyland three times. As the years wore on, the parents grew interested in other vacation spots, and Disneyland fell by the wayside. During those years, I discovered other theme parks in the features of Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain.
It would take me nearly ten years to achieve my dream of visiting Disneyland whenever I wanted to.
But those ten years weren’t spent completely void of Disneyland. I had made a few trips with my respective schools, and a few with friends. Even now, I draw a wealth of memories from those few times. That’s truly a part of the magic. Disneyland makes those warm, fuzzy memories. Something you can curl up to in times of sorrow.
Sorrow… yeah. I know that. A few years ago, I had a horrible break-up with my best friend/girlfriend. Of course, being a silly teenager (would the word ‘dumbass’ be more appropriate?), I thought my life was over. Which, I guess was a testament to the relationship, because I would normally just walk away after a few choice words. But I digress (“the hell!” you say?). J
Anyway, the memories I had of us at Disneyland just made things feel better. And as I learned to interpret those memories, I realized the true meaning of my relationship with her, and what it was worth. I worked for over two-years to mend our friendship… and to this day, we remain the best of friends. Thank-you Disney! You little Multi-Media Conglomerate, you!
I now have my Annual Pass, and even with another park nearby, I still feel the urge to kill a day in Disneyland. No matter how much we disagree with logistical decisions, maintenance scheduling, or other junk, Disneyland will always remain the gleaming emotional treasure that it is, at least in my eyes. It’s a place very near-and-dear to my heart, and I look forward to the day when I can share that magic with my children.
So, on December 5th, think about how the birth of Walt Disney has affected you. Dust off those old memories and feel the warmth again. And once you’ve done that, remember… it all started with a Man and his Mouse.
-Andrew Traweek