Oct. 1 marked the 40th anniversary for the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. The enduring Disney legacy has played a part in so many lives, and with this milestone, we can look forward to it touching many more.
Not many of us view the Disney theme parks as a measure of success, but when the concept was new, hopes for their life spans weren’t very high.
Now we see the popularity of these utopia-like vacation destinations reflected worldwide in the joyous moments of children and adults alike.
The beloved Disney World has not only survived but also flourished since its creation. I know that I’m no rare exception when I say that I can’t let go of my childlike love for all things Disney.
The endearing movies and characters are tied to memories of family and of carefree days.
How many of us have the classic Disney park souvenir — that little blue book filled with all of our favorite characters’ autographs?
What never fails to amaze me about Disney is its innate ability to attract all ages. I believe I was lucky enough to be a child during the true golden years of Disney movies.
After all, what could beat The Lion King? The fact that it topped the charts with a second release in 3-D gave a defining answer: nothing.
I knew as soon as I saw the first previews that I’d be going to see it in theaters, and I think I might have loved it even more the second time around.
It’s the timelessness of the memories and emotions that Disney brings us that has allowed for the brand’s endurance throughout the decades. Though the joys it brings us are simple, they’re hard to let go of.
I’d like to meet someone who doesn’t have a soft spot for the vintage Mickey Mouse cartoons.
In this grown-up, real-world life that many of us are finding our way into, you wouldn’t expect that we could all relate to that magical feeling of Disney World.
But I think it would be a challenge to find someone who would scoff at the sight of Cinderella’s castle, just one among many of Disney World’s most famous attractions.
People are so attached that they’ve kept the Disney World Resort thriving for the past 40 years, and I don’t think that there’s an end in sight. The “circle of life” for the Disney brand is far from extinction.
I think we could all take a little lesson from the everlasting, mystical Disney World. Life can be quite a bit simpler than we see it at times. A beloved memory, an old pal, or maybe an inspiring anecdote: All of these small joys have the power to turn a day around.
Sometimes it’s the simplest things in life that we can rely upon to be the strongest.
Nicole Spears is a sophomore studying public relations and a columnist for The Post. How many times have you seen The Lion King? Email her at ns307109@ohiou.edu.
