Dispatch From Disneyland
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Out of a shadowy corner of the restaurant walked a man who looked familiar to Jane. He was dressed in slacks, collared shirt, and a cardigan sweater. His hair was graying at the temples in a way that reminded Jane of her grandfather.
“It’s Walt,” Jane heard one of the adults remark.
“I happen to have some matches right here,” said Walt. “But first I’d like to share a story, if you’ll bare with me kids.”
Walt pulled up a chair next to Jane and indicated she should get down off her chair and sit next to him. He draped his arm across her back in a fatherly way and said, “You look very much like my older daughter did at this age.”
“Each morning before going to work I would drive my daughters to school. One day I overheard this conversation transpiring in the backseat. I pretended not to hear, but as I’m sure you already know, parents have very sharp ears when it comes to their own children.”
“Sharon was urging Diane to skip class and come play with her in the park. But Diane wanted none of that. She knew that it was my birthday and if they were caught they wouldn’t get any cake when they got home. So she pressured her sister to go to class and they could play hooky another day.”
“The kids argued back and forth for a few minutes before Sharon caved in. Diane looked relieved for a moment and then looked at me in the rear view mirror and gave a sly smile. At that point I got the feeling that it was all a show put on for my entertainment. I’d been fooled by my own children.”
Walt paused than began to light the candles, “So Jane. Today is your birthday. I hope you have a great one. Did you know you share it with someone famous? Well you do. Today is my birthday as well.”
Jane wasn’t quite sure what to say. So her Mom chimed in, “Thank Mr. Disney and blow out the candles honey.” Jane turned to Walt and thanked him. Then together they blew out the candles.
• • •
Although I’m not yet married, I do plan to marry the woman I love and am engaged to (sorry girls). I look forward to the day when I can take our children to the park and share in the special magic that only parents can experience. I’m sure Walt was filled with good feelings every time he saw a family enjoying themselves at the park. I know that one smile on a child’s face at Disneyland is enough to warm my heart for a week.
I imagine myself sitting on a bench near King Arthur’s Carrousel munching on some popcorn while the kids float their way around the magical horse race. When I reach this day, I’ll be sure to thank Walt for his creation.
For now, I want to wish a happy birthday to the man who was Walt Disney. Although I can’t be at any Disney theme park for today’s celebrations, I am there in spirit. Walt’s vision for the future of humanity has changed my life and the lives of many many people around the world. In fact, some could argue his ideas, dreams, and hard work have changed the entire world.
Happy Birthday Walt!
Discuss It
-- Indigo
Dispatch from Disneyland: Memories and fantasies woven together to create whimsical tales that can happen any day at Walt Disney's magic kingdom. Through Indigo's dispatch you can experience some of the wonderful moments that make Disneyland such a magical place.
Dispatch from Disneyland is posted on the first Wednesday of each month.
The opinions expressed by our Indigo, 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 plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted December 5, 2001