Guest Column - One Man's Love for Disney
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Note: This piece was originally written by the author, Roger Rodriguez (know as "Roger Rabbit" on our Discussion Boards), for the Citrus College Clarion newspaper for an on-going series called "Fanatic"
Dec. 5, 2001, marked the 100th birthday of Disneyland’s creator Walter Elias Disney, also known to Disney fans as "Uncle Walt." It was his vision that made the Walt Disney Company possible. Without Walt, there would be no theme parks or Disney characters.
During his Disneyland opening day speech on July 17, 1955, Disney said: "I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in Disneyland. I want them to feel they’re in another world." That is how I relate to everything Disney. I’m transported into another world where the news is always happy.
I sometimes wonder how my obsession with Disney characters, theme parks, animated movies and memorabilia all began. Could it have been those yearly visits to Disneyland with my family? I’m a Disney fan. No one else in my family is. Those trips might have planted the seed, but much more is involved.
In May 1997, I spent three days in Disneyland, as part of Magic Music Days. As part of this program, Disney music professionals work with high school bands and choirs to improve their sound. Disney dance professionals also work with dance groups to enhance their routines. During that visit, the park’s details caught my attention. Walking down Main Street was like walking in a small town. Riding Pirates of the Caribbean took me back to the time when pirates lived.
My obsession could also have been sparked by the full-length animated movies. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and Aladdin are some of my favorites. These movies take me to a different place, whether it is the ‘second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning’ in Peter Pan or the city of Agrabah in Aladdin.
My fascination doesn’t stop there. I am a member of two Disney fan clubs: the Disney Club and the National Fantasy Fan Club. I recently attended the 10th annual Disneyana Convention at the Disneyland Hotel, where collectors gather to buy rare and new Disney memorabilia. Merchandise at the convention ranged from old attraction vehicles, such as Autopia and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, concept art, pins, buttons, theme park tickets and brochures from Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea’s opening days, and Disney character porcelain figurines. Would I go to another Disneyana Convention? Yes because there were so many things available that I would like to buy.
Since March 2000, I have been able to share my interest about the Walt Disney Company online here at LaughingPlace.com. It has become a second Disneyland to me. LaughingPlace.com features Disney news, trivia, discussion boards, and a great staff who work to make the website experience enjoyable.
In February 2001, I attended opening day at Disney’s California Adventure. I had the chance to meet Cynthia Harriss, President of the Disneyland Resort, and see Disney executives including Roy E. Disney, Michael Eisner and Barry Braverman.
A plaque above the Disneyland entrance tunnels reads: "Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy." No other place in the world gives you such a magical greeting.
It was "One Man's Dream" that made my fascination with Disney possible. "Thank you Uncle Walt."
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-- Roger Rodriguez
Guest Columns are posted occasionally on LaughingPlace.com. If you'd like to submit an idea or column for consideration, contact [email protected].
The opinions expressed by our guest columnists, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future of Disneyland and the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted December 17, 2001