It was either Ascher Baer or Frank who originally proposed that if I were the embodiment of a “Super Hero”, it would have to be Negativo Man. Amused by this, Frank would put words to a melody (sung with arms akimbo) so that even before an appropriate costume could be chosen and comic books printed, I had an anthem.
Pretty impressive, no?
Sometimes I happily don my cape (what Super Hero worth his or her salt doesn’t have a cape?) when circumstances warrant it. When I see thru cherry and whipped cream assertions that something is going well, when in fact it is not… it’s “Cape Time”! And with this President in Office it is a rare day that I do not wear my cape.
My concerns don’t have to be National or Global (call me insensitive, but the plight of the Rough Coated Felix doesn’t keep me up at nights)… my concerns could relate to work or home.
It’s not that I am mean spirited… it’s just that even on an ostensibly good day, I fear there is an unhappy occurrence just around the corner… out of sight now… but surely there. I guess that’s why I have been pinned with the handle “Negativo Man”.
I don’t think this is entirely fair. I only bring it up as background for my visit to Disneyland.
My recent visit with Zack and Beth marks my fourth visit to the legendary Park. The first was some 43 years ago… a mere 7 years after the Park opened its doors.
The Park has changed over the years. Attractions have been added and subtracted. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is gone, Indiana Jones Adventure has been added.
Attractions have changed… what was Swiss Family Robinson’s Tree House is now Tarzan’s Tree House..
Attractions have been updated… Storybook Land now has a miniature Palace of Agraba.
And here, for your consideration, is a thumbnail of my recent visit. I am not a “traditional” roller coaster fan like my kids. But I love the Disney versions: Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Matterhorn. Splash Mountain is a blast, too, and it is one of my favorites.
Somehow I feel a comfort level on these speedier rides produced by Disney engineers. That comfort level doesn’t exist in other Parks regardless of their reputations.
And more than that… Disney coasters have a special quality. Shaina (she and John had recently been to Disney World) has said that it’s more than speed… there is a story. I couldn’t agree more. When you’re in the bobsled traveling thru the Matterhorn you catch glimpses of a Yetti hidden in the nooks and cranies of the ice formations. It’s not merely going up and down fast.
I still enjoyed attractions that are geared to younger audiences: Peter Pan with its aerial view of London and Adventure Land’s Jungle Cruise with the Disney Guide’s non-stop use of corny puns and smart ass repartee.
The food was better than I remembered. We had lunch at the French Market in New Orleans Square. Zack had a Pork Po’ Boy, Beth had Fried Chicken w/Dirty Rice and Beans, I scarfed down a French Dip and the Fruit Salad plate we shared was mind blowing (every piece of fruit was miraculously at peak ripeness… was this luck? Or Disney food design?). And as a plus, we lingered at the table to catch some live Jazz.
It was good to see that Disney has responded to “healthy eating” concerns. There were several locations where you could pick up fresh fruit, yogurt, juice and smoothies.
And it was great to see some things never change. Like the Disney attention to detail… the Disney fastidiousness… unmatched landscaping… their taking the extra step to help folks with little kids… or their compassion in helping families with members who have severe physical limitations. At Storybook Land we waited as Disney attendants placed a man, with no control of his legs, nor able to hold his head erect, into one of the Canal Barges. The rest of the family was delighted to be there. I am sure he was, too.
You have to feel good about being in Disneyland. To see little kids with their innocence, smiles and giggles galore. Older kids more aware of the technical merits of the attractions. Young parents, experiencing or re-experiencing the excitement thru the joy of their children!
And Grandparents, too! Look at their eyes! I think of any age group, they are the most excited, the most thrilled… thrilled to hear the laughter, the squeals and shouts of happiness… sounds of living… confirmation that I am still here on this side, and not there.
Zack and I talk about our experiences at Disneyland (and Disney World) at various age posts. How at every age we have had special times. The “magic” transcended our ages.
If you are waiting for me to cast a negative word on our day at Disneyland… you will have a long, long wait. What a day we had! It’s a day I wish for each of you.
As we made our way to the exit, I stop in at one of the gift emporiums that line Main Street. There is a t-shirt that had caught my eye. I had to pick it up. It featured Grumpy from Snow White with the following caption: “The Dude with the Mood”.
Sorry Frank… I think I am up-graded.
Thanks Beth. Thanks Zack.