Guru Disney

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It would be very easy to be critical of Disney and Magic Kingdom. So easy in fact that I have frequently and very openly criticised to my heart’s content.

It promotes stereotypes to our children, commercialises dreams and is a shining beacon to excess. Walt has pre-packaged experiences so neatly and densely that it draws us away from the space and solitude our heart’s need to quieten the mind and experience life at a deeper level.

Magic Kingdom also rocks! 

I feel seriously conflicted.

Wandering around the park this week I was struck by how much I was smiling. My cheeks hurt by the end of the day. Disney has an exceptional ability to make me see the world as a three year old. Every princess makes me want to sing, every monster makes me boo. Every person in the park is my best friend.

Queuing for rides is a delight in community. 

Time spent chatting with the kids. Seeing the laughing and smiling faces of a thousand young children, all high on the expectation of the next magical experience. It’s all I can do to not sing and start a mass dance - think the opening scenes of La La Land with crowds singing and dancing in unison while awaiting the utter heaven of Its A Small World (where I am most certainly retiring to).

The ability to see the world through the eyes of a child is a revelation. No intellectualising, no cynicism, no judging. Just wide eyed amazement and the promise of an awesome tomorrow.

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