So. At the Orlando airport today, I popped into the Disney Store to bolster my spirits before facing the security line. As I walked in, awkwardly dragging my suitcase and my carry-on behind me, I ducked to avoid a fellow airport sojourner, and whacked my head on a display. Looking up,a line of products caught my eye that had a giant "40" and "1971" on them. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that they were celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Magic Kingdom.
What? 40? FORTY?
I gave myself a mental slap on the forehead for not making the connection, and then stood there in front of the display, thinking back, to a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
I was there on opening weekend, lo those many years ago. (That's me, clutching the balloon.) The memories are getting a little hazy around the edges, but the excitement hasn't faded. I've carried that with me my entire live, and I have it still, in my mid-40's, and no, I'm not embarrassed to tell you that.
Growing up in central Florida, and having a grandfather who was sometimes as much of a kid as I was, it's not really surprising in retrospect, that we were there that weekend. I think that he loved it as much as we did. (A few years later, in 1975, when Space Mountain opened, I can clearly remember him laughing hysterically in the seat behind me, as I was busy concentrating on not losing my lunch, and basically being terrified out of my mind.)
We went there at least once a year. Call it what you will, hokey, commercial, syrupy, or juvenile; I'll disagree with you until I run out of breath. For me, it really is "the happiest place on Earth". I understand that not everyone feels that way, but I can't help but associate the happiest days of my childhood with Walt and his cast of characters.
(There I am again, me and my balloon. It didn't take much to make a kid happy back in the 70's...)
Walt knew how to tell a story. It was his God-given gift, that he shared with the rest of the world. I love that he used that gift to make people happy. He inspired us, motivated us, and sometimes, he even had the ability to transform us. (Of course that doesn't mean that he couldn't scare us, too. As villains go, he came up with some great ones. Ask me about "Snow White's Adventure", in Fantasyland, some time.)
I haven't really pondered Walt in a long time. But being hit on the head with him today gave me a fresh appreciation for the guy and his talents. Walt, wherever you are, I tip my mouse ears to you. Happy 40th.
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