A Magical Holiday – diary entry 1

The first time I noticed, and actually read, this sign was in 1985 – my children were two, four and six years old. We were heading through the tunnel into Disneyland. I have read it on numerous occasions since then and always been moved, but never like that first time.

I remember forgetting to breathe. I remember the drum of my heart. I remember the wave of emotion that gathered in my eyes and started to stream silently down my cheeks. I remember feeling foolish.

My children had no idea that their mother was overwhelmed, they bopped through the tunnel, starry eyed, as I tried to compose myself. My husband took my hand. I cried myself toward the town square and looked down main street USA through tears. I couldn’t dial down the emotion – I was caught in something I didn’t understand.

Disneyland is touted as being the happiest place on earth – the Magic Kingdom – and that’s hard to dispute. Where else can you be greeted by a giant mouse and not think it strange? Disneyland is like dreaming with your eyes open – all the magic, all the imagination – it’s a fairy tale in real time.

My children were awestruck from the minute we walked through the gate – they believed in everything. I’m a bit of a sucker for magic, I love animation, I love costumes. Disneyland was made for dreamers like me – we are a match made in heaven. Add my three small children to the recipe and I was suddenly a puddle.

That sign is a welcome, it beckons imagination to take the lead. It is an offering of magic and, should you choose to accept it, a suspension of reality. The invitation took my breath away.

I have left many today’s behind in the years since that first overwhelming moment – I now enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy with the ease of a citizen. Tomorrow morning I will leave a today behind again and it will feel both familiar and brand new. I will bop through that tunnel with two granddaughters in tow. I can’t promise I won’t cry, but this time the tears won’t be a surprise – I am ready for the magic.