Dispatch From Disneyland
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There is one season at Disneyland I prefer among all the rest. During this time of year the nights are brilliantly illuminated, the days full of delightful entertainment, and cast members are willing to go that extra mile to make your day. It’s the one time of the year when the whole park seems in unison. It is, of course, the winter holidays.

This winter you take the train home for your holiday visit. The conductor calls, "Main Street U.S.A." and you know you've reached your destination. Then you see it! There in the Town Square is the giant Christmas tree you remember from your youth.

It has been a long time since you’ve been able to visit and you’re ready for anything. In the distance, you hear the amiable sound of carols. It’s time to gather your belongings and disembark. So much awaits you. Already you’re feeling at home.

Waiting on the platform is the town welcoming committee. This year it includes the Mayor, the local Constable, a few families waiting for the return of distant members, and children who are busy playing while holding out hope for presents from any Aunts and Uncles who might drop by for a visit.

You descend into this fray and notice for the first time how beautifully decorated the train station is. Fresh wreaths and long garlands with ornaments of every shape and size are strung on each post. Small twinkling lights catch your eye and tickle your fancy as you think about getting home and decorating a tree of your own.

Your daydreams are interrupted by a salutation from the Mayor. He calls you by name and expresses how good it is to have you back in town. Despite what seems like unseasonably warm weather, the Mayor is dressed in a deep green double-breasted wool suit. His shoes and smile are polished to a politician's shine and as he greets you he fingers the gold chain of his pocket watch with one hand while extending the other for a handshake.

"I'd be honored if you would let me take you around and point out some of this years little touches that I am so proud of," His Honor continues. He is quite the gentleman and makes it apparent any refusal will not be accepted. "Have you met John, the new Constable? He'll make sure your bags get home safely."

Your first stop on the tour is Town Square and the Christmas tree. It towers over the local buildings. You guess it stretches over 60 feet tall. Each limb appears to have some variety of ornament on it. Colorful Nutcrackers, prancing Reindeer dolls, and giant glass balls make up a few of the decorations. High on the very top of the tree is a giant gold star that glows in the reflection of the evening sun.

A crowd has gathered below the tree. As you approach the Mayor declares how happy he is to have the Dickens Carolers back in town this year. Then, as if on cue, the choir starts singing Carol of the Bells.

For a while the crowd is silent, even the little mischievous children, pause to listen. Then with the final bass note the scene comes back to life. Workers return to their tills and shoppers go on their way each load lightened just a little bit by song.

At this point the Mayor ushers you into the largest shopping establishment in town, The Emporium. It too is fully decorated for the holidays. Large displays of the latest in winter wear surround you. Music and friendly service work together to obscure the brisk pace of holiday shopping.

Over in the corner of the Emporium is the source of much of that holiday glow. A barbershop quartet is joking around with a fellow that bares an unfortunate resemblance to old saint nick.

During the song each member of the quartet acts out what they want for Christmas and make the poor fellow guess until he gets it right. The crowd roars its approval in laughter each time he finally gets it. You find yourself joining in the laughter, but feel just a tad guilty, after all you wouldn’t want to be up there as the target of all this attention.

After the song is over, and the Santa look-alike is given a Mickey Mouse sucker for being such a good sport, the Mayor performs introductions. "This group calls themselves the Dapper Dans. None of them share that appellation, however. Shelby here is a banker; Bill, a part time policeman; Mark, is the local handyman (‘handy if you need someone to eat your leftovers and drink your punch, if you know what I mean’ - interjects Shelby.); and Ed is a volunteer fireman. A bunch of real swell fellows."

The Dapper Dans thank you for listening and send you harmoniously on your way with this barbershop tag, "Happy Holidays to you and yours / from your hometown."

For a few minutes you and the Mayor wander through the local shops hoping to find that special gift. The aroma of peppermint and fresh candy permeates the air. There is even a chance for you to grab a mug of your favorite holiday beverage, Hot Apple Cider. It even has a Cinnamon stick in it!

Before you know it dusk falls on the town and you’ve reached the end of Main Street and your final stop on His Honor’s tour--the town founder’s mansion.

The local’s call it The Castle due to its fairytale qualities. Each year the whole town gets together and decorates it with the custom and style that is appropriate to the largest and grandest building in town.

This year the style is very regal. Giant felt banners in deep rich hues adorn the castle walls. Attractive garlands, heavy with lights and ornaments, garnish each turret. To top it all off, the moat has been filled with dozens of floating candle bouquets providing an eerie luminescence to the whole scene.

Waiting for you at the castle are your friends and family. You shake hands with the Mayor and wish him happy holidays then set about to give everyone a warm hug. Some of the littlest ones you give candy canes to as well.

During all this, the Dickens Carolers have strolled up and started singing. Soon everyone has joined them in song.

Have the happiest of holidays everyone!

-- Indigo (November 5, 1999)