Not So Magical At Times
Published by on 16 July 2009.I recently returned from a family trip to Walt Disney World in FLorida. So for those whom may have never been it can be an experience with many emotions.
The hype, drama and excitement that leads you up to the day of arrival can be quite an experience for your children and I found out in a moment of weakness for me as well.
My family and I showed up for the opening day of one of the theme parks only to be greeted by a huge security line that checks all people carrying in bags. Being the bag carrier that day I waited in line while rest of my family continued on into the park to get to one of most popular attractions... I said I would catch up with them. As I'm waiting impatiently for my turn to get past security I started to feel anxious about the time its taking to enter the park. The next line was just as long to get my entry card swiped. I finally made it in and found my running through a maze of people to meet my family at this attraction. So as I'm running I started to dodge and push my way through the crowd, running and sweating (did I mention its already 31˚C in the morning), pushing, running and yes sweating. In the near distance I see my family and caught up with them only to be greeted by another 40 minute wait in line. So we ended up getting a Fast Pass and came back to this attraction later in the day. Well, for me as I stopped and dried myself off and thought that the Disney hype got to me as it does with so many thousands daily, I just made a bit more of a fool of myself in the process. The well oiled machine they call Disney is alive and well have proved themselves over and over in the art of moving and herding people through their parks. Although, I will admit I was impressed with the way Disney markets and presents themselves from branding to communications. So for all those willing to put up with huge crowds, waiting in line through mazes of turn styles where by the only way out is through another gift shop, and all those who wish to experience over priced food and all the hype that is Disney then this the magical place to be, all you need to do is pay for it. We will more than likely go back again.
As Walt Disney once said 'it all started with a mouse'. For me and my family it started with a simple click of my mouse.