Who thinks you can't find an educational experience through a fantasy park like Walt Disneyland?
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As we geared up for our special day at Disney, Jeff made a list of all the places he wanted to go; Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Tea Cups, (yes, Tea Cups) Thunder Mountain and so on. He remembered these rides fondly from his visits to Disney World in Florida when he was a boy. Jeff was so excited to go to Disney and share the experience with the boys.
The boys counted down the days and hours to go and were thrilled to share the day with their friends, Katie, Ali and Maddy.
I had visions of taking pictures of the kids' expressions and all the colourful life-sized animation throughout the park. But, my memories of Disney were limited to a few rides and a wheel chair; so, I didn't have the same sense of anticipation as Jeff and the boys. When I was Luke's age, we went to Disney in Florida, but I was sick at the time, so I remember that I couldn't stand straight and that eventually my parents rolled me around in a wheel chair because it hurt too much to stand up. Plus, I was one of those kids who wasn't very 'kid-like', if you know what I mean. I didn't like getting dirty or hurt, my clothes had to match and I didn't understand cartoons or why kids did the crazy things they did. I spent more time with adults than children and I liked it that way.
As the years have passed after having Lucas, Josh, Matt and well, yes, Jeff in my life, I have become more of a 'kid' than I ever was when I was a child.
Our experience at Disneyland on Jan., 5, 2009 opened my eyes to the value of just having fun! More specifically, I think I finally understand the value of play in terms of expanding your imagination, creativity and ability to be who you want to be! Role playing and experimenting with characters allows kids to have some control over their own environment and interactions with others. They can show a side of themselves that is at the heart of who they are and can express that without condemnation from society.
Okay, I'm not going to get too serious or analytical about this-that kind of defeats the outcome of my day- it was just a great time overall. The weather cooperated, nobody was sick, we packed enough snacks to keep everyone fueled up, we got onto the rides quickly and there were ample washrooms so we didn't have to race around looking for too long! :) It all went smoothly. And yes, I went on lots of rides and loved them! When I arrived at Disney, I really felt compelled to be a participant not just an observer - in the past, I may have shied away from doing things that require you to let your guard down and just go for it - but no longer!
So, I learned a lot about myself, having fun and how fantasy can help you to let go of control and take you to magical places you wouldn't otherwise experience....it's only taken me 36 years!
Lucas and Matt liked Space Mountain the best! Josh liked all the rides and can't pick a favourite. I liked Space Mountain and Indiana Jones the most! Jeff loved them all too, but a highlight was Space Mountain and Splash Mountain for him. Maddy was chosen to be a 'Padawan' by a Jedi Master... that was cool! Katie enjoyed seeing all the characters at Mickey's Toon Town and looked adorable in her mouse hat! I think Ali had fun on all the rides and was rather exuberant about the big rides. Jeff and Will went on the rides with the kids and took them under their wings when they were nervous. Lisa was a trooper scoping out the good stuff for us and showing Katie the wonders of Disney.
If you read my last entry about 'Matt's thoughts', he said that to me as we were leaving Disney as if a light-bulb had gone off- "Mommy, I know what this trip is all about-it's about having fun and learning new things." Too true Mr. Matt. :) Apparently, Disney is a wise teacher.
