Dispatch From Disneyland
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Indigo was unable to provide us with a Dispatch From Disneyland this month, so we went to deep into his archives - long before LaughingPlace.com existed - to come with this edition. It's short but sweet, and we hope you enjoy.

Today it's raining at Disneyland. But like the night time or the holiday season, the moisture reveals a special side of the park. Children's faces still reflect the awe and magic of Walt's dream and now they can add puddle jumping to the list of attractions. The lights of Main Street flicker on early and glimmer in those same puddles. Yes, when it's raining many attractions don't run, but attendance is so light you can find yourself practically alone with the park and its majesty.

As I write this, I'm seated on the Main Street Veranda (Porch). On that double sized bench with a floral mattress. Close your eyes and imagine yourself there for a few seconds. Across the street two mickey mouse yellow poncho clad kids have their noses pressed against the Candy Palace window. Inside they're making fudge, or peanut brittle, or your favorite treat. Whatever, it doesn't matter, as it all smells like Vanilla. In fact, you can just barely smell the faint vanilla scent right now as it wafts across the street.

In the air you hear the familiar strains of the Main Street sound track. At this moment it's that Surrey With The Fringe On Top. In the background you can also make out the distinct Ragtime flavor of the coke-corner pianist. He's inside today, just a little behind that leak they can never seem to fix, no matter how many renovations the refreshment corner undergoes. Occaisionally there is the fresh chirping of the resident swallows. These must live in the tree directly in front of you as they seem really comfortable with the porch area. While you're listening, one flies right up and lands on the seat cushion to your right. As he cocks his head and queries your existance in his world, you remark to yourself, "It's amazing how natural the animatronic birds look" and chuckle to yourself.

Looking up you notice the rain has let up significantly, you can even feel the sun burning its way through the clouds. Across the way a small group of tourists are huddled in front of Esmeralda awaiting their fortune. One teenage girl is giggling as she digs beneath her poncho for a quarter, the key to her future.

Life is pretty good here on the Main Street Veranda. It's easy to imagine Walt sitting here at the end of the day, as he did many many nights, watching his guests leave the park. Every smile a job well done. Every frown a chance to improve tomorrow. For me this is all one big gift, a special something left on the pillow of my life. The taste is so delicious that sometimes it overwhelms and I must revert to nibbling. Other times, I can't help but to gobble it all up as often and as enthusiastically as I can.

Thanks to every cast member, every imagineer, every administrator, past and present, who has helped make Walt's gift possible. See you at the park.

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-- Indigo

-- Posted December 5, 2001
-- Originally witten February 2, 1998