Kenversations™
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Disney Magic is there when a boy dreams of soaring through the clouds on a magic carpet, racing Aladdin, and when a girl screams with delight as she meets a cowgirl named Jessie. It is there when a child no longer fears monsters under his bed because he knows they are just doing their job. It is there when a series of drawings makes people of all ages laugh, cry, and cheer - together. The Magic is there when people from all over the world meet each other while enjoying entertainment, food, and shopping among a collection of classical architecture from many different nations, gathered in central Florida.
A "snowy" Main Street at Disneyland
From colorful fireworks in the sky, to floats made from a thousand points of light depicting fantasy settings, to a nightly display of Mickey's imagination, Disney Magic abounds.
It is in the beautiful songs that play in your head because of the Disney experiences you have had - songs about love, romance, hope, faith, joy, dreams, and fun.
Virginia, Walt Disney was not the first, nor the last, to tell the story of Peter Pan. However, Disney Magic is why James T. Kirk can say "Second star to the right, and straight on 'til morning," and everyone knows what he is talking about.
Disney Magic is what distinguishes Disney from so many other things. People talk about "Disney movies", but they do not talk about "Paramount movies", or "Warner movies". Universal Studios is now part of a company called Vivendndi Universal. Warner Brothers is part of a company called AOL Time Warner. Paramount is part of a company called Viacom. Columbia and Tri-Star are part of Sony. MGM, a name that once meant grand things, is now alive thanks only to a man by the name of Bond, James Bond. Disney, however, still exists - as The Walt Disney Company, no less. Disney Magic a big reason why.
(c) Disney
It is an intangible something extra that makes Disneyland Park and other places a special experience.
It doesn't blanket everything The Walt Disney Company does, but it is present here and there, alive and well around the world thanks to those who work hard to cultivate it, and those who assist by believing in it. Yes, The Walt Disney Company is indeed a business, and it is there to make money, and some of the people there make some bad decisions. However, the company makes money best by supplying us with good doses of Disney Magic. Every company exists to make money - but every company does it by providing goods or services. There are few things better to provide than Disney Magic.
And just like there will always be villains or at least antagonists, there will always be people anywhere you go who will make bad decisions. Still, they haven't destroyed Disney Magic. It still lives.
No Disney Magic! Thank Goodness it lives, and it may live forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, it may continue to make glad the heart of children of all ages. Humanity would be blessed.
Yes, Virginia, there is such thing as Disney Magic. It only works if you let it, and works best if you believe strongly in it. Believe, Virginia.
Sincerely,
Ken
I would love to read what you think of my letter replying to Virginia, either via feedback or the discussion link below. Thanks!
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-- Ken Pellman
Ken Pellman is a writer who believes in Disney Magic. He has been a Disneyland Park Cast Member, has studied Disney and film, and has a BA in Thematic Environmental Design. He can be reached directly at Kenversations[at]flash{dot]net or at http://www.Pellman.net, where you can learn more about him.
Kenversations is posted on the fourth Wednesday or Thursday of each month.
The views, opinions and comments of Ken Pellman, and all of our columnists, are not necessarily those of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
©2002 Ken Pellman, all rights reserved. Licensed to LaughingPlace.com.
-- Posted August 28, 2002