I just spent two nights at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Instead of something for Christmas, we took some of our grandchildren somewhere, to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas, a special nighttime event on select nights in November and December.
It was so much fun, an evening filled with special parades, free cookies and hot chocolate, special shows and fireworks, along with all our favorite Magic Kingdom rides.
One thing really stood out for me: everyone there was happy! Sure, there were lines and waits and thunderstorms. Yet everybody I saw, young and old, was having a great time.
I’ve been to plenty of zoos filled with tired, crying children and grumpy, yelling parents, all wishing they could go home. Frowning shoppers crowd the stores during the most wonderful time of the year. Angry drivers honk and gesture on highways and in parking lots. Airport security, delays, and lines rob us of the joy of travel. Preachers proclaim good news of great joy to rooms full of people who say, “I’ll be glad when this is over.”
What’s makes the difference? I’m not one hundred percent sure, but I think it’s because there is always something else besides the lines, the waits, and the storms that grabs your attention.
For example, you’ve got a good spot from which to watch the parade. But it won’t start for another thirty minutes. What’s that smell? Popcorn. And look, there’s a popcorn stand over there. A vendor walks by with Christmas light necklaces and bubbling bubble wands. A wandering musical act starts playing and characters begin dancing and interacting with the crowd. Fireworks from a show on the other side of the park lights up the sky. Families walk by in matching t-shirts or pajamas, wearing cleverly designed mouse ears. Familiar Christmas tunes reach your ears. Suddenly, the lights dim, you look up the street, and the parade has started. That was a quick thirty minutes!
Disney is very good at what they do. While waiting, you cannot see how long the line is. But you catch glimpses of people on that ride and others. The zig-zagging line is never still for long. You’re constantly moving. You hear people on other rides having a good time. There’s always music. Suddenly, it’s your turn to get on the ride.
If you’ve got a long walk to the next ride, you’ll find much to see along the way. At the Christmas party, huge inflatable candy canes signaled free cookies and hot chocolate, cider, or egg nog. Look, a random character over there! Cast members in all kinds of costumes walk by and interact with you. Suddenly, you’re there and it wasn’t as far as you thought.
I know that no one is happy all the time. Life is full of ups and downs. I know there are some who don’t enjoy theme parks. Larger crowds during peak times are challenging. That’s OK. But for a few moments, it was amazing to be in a place where everyone was happy!
Waite for it... 