As many of you may know, we are fans of Disney. We love the parks, the resorts, and the cruises. We get excited about traveling on a Disney vacation, even if it is a short one. We are also very proud owners of a Disney timeshare product called Disney Vacation Club, which allows us to spend a week or so at a resort about once a year. So, it would make sense that, at least once, we would write about something Disney related, right?
This weekend we spent some time at a convention called the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. Basically it is a yearly convention where fans of all things Disney get together and meet. There is a small trade show portion where vendors can sell their wares, anything from trade-able pins, artwork, and jewelry. One of the sponsors was a Disney-specific travel agency. They have special guest speakers that include people that have worked for Disney as Imagineers or actors. There are raffles that go to charity, photo ops on old roller coaster carts, or in front of set from Cars or Frozen. In all, it has a little something for every fan.
And speaking of fans, we found out this weekend that there are people that are more fan-atical than we are! Sure, we have a tattoo and some earrings, and a lot of Disney clothing, but there were people there dressed up in costumes (all day), buying up some of the expensive art, and sporting something Disney on every available body part that was visible (I don't want to think of the non-visible!).
Through all this hype and fanaticism, I had to ask myself, what is it about this Disney stuff that makes us so excited?
The first time I walked into Disneyland was many years ago, but before that, I wasn't all that excited about it. As I was walking into the park I noticed sign above the entrance that said "Welcome to the happiest place on earth!". I thought ... wow, that's something. But as I walked into the park something happened. I smiled. And I grinned. And I laughed. And I had fun! As you look around at the people, whether it is at one of the theme parks, on a Disney ship, or at one of the non-park resorts (Aulani, Vero Beach, etc) you see something on their faces...a smile. Sometimes it is a smile of wonder and amazement on the face of a child. Other times it is a big goofy grin on a dad as he exits a ride. That smile is contagious.
The other thing that I discovered this weekend is the influence that Walt Disney has had on peoples' lives. I have never really thought much about Disney the man until I watched the movie Saving Mr Banks. There I saw the portrayal of a man that looked at his work, his life, and his business like an excited child on Christmas morning. When I listened to the speakers this weekend talk about their lives with Disney and with Walt, I could see that excitement. This man has influenced the emotions and the intelligence of many people. I think I am one of them!
So, what is it about Disney fans? They are excited about something, and that says it all!
