As part of our “A Month of Thanks” celebration, we asked our readers and contributors to share their stories about why they are thankful for Disney. Here is just one of those submitted. If you would like to share why you are thankful for Disney, please see this article or contact Maria (NDM 130)
The first movie I ever saw in a cinema was ‘The Little Mermaid” I don’t remember the experience but I’m told I was scared to death of Ursula in the final battle scene, not surprising given the scope and scale of that HUGE octopus body looming over this little 8 year old in a dark and foreboding cinema.
But despite that experience, I wasn’t turned off Disney, in fact quite the opposite. I was raised by TV and Movies and I am eternally grateful that the majority of my viewing was Disney-centric.
I felt forlorn for the poor street rat Aladdin, but admired his pure heart, I found a hero in Belle and her intelligence and compassion.
Disney instilled and reinforced great values and morals in my heart and mind and also encouraged me to expand my own imagination. To this day I can return to my favorite childhood Disney films and learn, see, hear as well as understand a new facet I hadn’t noticed before.
Watching weekly after school and Saturday morning cartoons fueled my interest in drawing and writing. I used to write tales of underwater adventures featuring goofy and Donald duck and I would beg my parents for the trace and color books for the latest Disney films so I could learn to draw my favorite characters.
I distinctly remember sitting in After School Care in the second grade using my trace and color books to learn how to draw Lumiere from Beauty and The Beast.
Being raised by Disney films also led to a VERY strong desire to one day visit Disneyland. Arriving at Walt’s original Magic Kingdom for the first time was akin to stepping into my own Imagination. I was thrilled and excited and I loved it all, especially the details of the design throughout the park.
I’ve been back 7 times since and am deeply saddened that I am stuck in a country so far far away from the place that feels like my real home. Throughout my trips I have met amazing people including my AP holder Disney loving family who take the time to not only send me things from Disneyland but also join me at the Parks when I visit and I couldn’t be more thankful for meeting and knowing those amazingly kind and loving people.
Throughout my life Disney has opened my mind, imagination, helped me keep my childlike wonder alive and connected me with beautiful kindred spirits halfway around the world. In the end, it all started with a man and his mouse so Thank you, Walt, for all that you have done for me and countless others across the globe.
Photo Credit: JustDisney.com
Stacey is a lifelong Disney fan. She grew up watching the fantastic Disney films and TV shows of the 90’s, so an obsession with all things Disney was very much inevitable. Stacey heralds from Australia, a country that has an unfortunate lack of Disney stores, groups, merchandise and activities. Not having Disney at her fingertips has meant that Stacey has had to creative her own ways to show her Disneyside. Her first trip to Disneyland in 2002 started a whole new love affair with the Disney Parks. She has returned 6 times since and she has definite plans to return as many more times as possible.
