I've always been intrigued with the state of innocence that the Disney theme parks maintain, especially when compared to everything else Disney related. The peter pan ride, the flying dumbo, and the it's a small world ride all seem as if they are adopted into Disney when compared to Disney channel role models.
Or maybe it's the other way around. Looking at Miley Cyrus, who has recently turned her life to drugs (legal ones of course; maybe she can be tamed), Zac Efron's High School Musical ex lover Vanessa Hudgens and her naked pictures (but it's okay, because they were only intended for her boyfriend. obviously), and Ashley Tisdale who now stars in Hellcats (the name says it all; at least she graduated from Disney's high school, and moved to the CW's college. progress), these are just a few examples of great people Disney has raised. It's no wonder they aren't found wandering around the theme parks with Mickey and friends ready to take pictures and sign autograph books with all of the little ones, Disney's embarrassed.
Or maybe it's the other way around. Looking at Miley Cyrus, who has recently turned her life to drugs (legal ones of course; maybe she can be tamed), Zac Efron's High School Musical ex lover Vanessa Hudgens and her naked pictures (but it's okay, because they were only intended for her boyfriend. obviously), and Ashley Tisdale who now stars in Hellcats (the name says it all; at least she graduated from Disney's high school, and moved to the CW's college. progress), these are just a few examples of great people Disney has raised. It's no wonder they aren't found wandering around the theme parks with Mickey and friends ready to take pictures and sign autograph books with all of the little ones, Disney's embarrassed.
It sounds like I'm hating on Disney, when in reality I am one of Disney's biggest fans. Regardless of it's flaws. This past weekend I had the privilege of spending the weekend at the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. Without fail the second I walked into the park years were shed from my age and a permanent smile was put on my face. I said I was intrigued by the theme parks innocence, but it doesn't surprise me at the same time because how could anyone walk in the park, regardless of age, and not instantly become innocent? It really is magical.
But when taking a closer look, it, along with it's networks seems to have its own quirks. One of which I witnessed and was apart of. It was a holiday weekend at Disney, packed with people. And when the people are out, as are the Disney characters. I was sitting with some friends at a table right off of main street, enjoying some mediocre overpriced theme park chili (the fact that I was eating chili at Disneyland while it was 80 plus degrees out, is an example in itself of how magical Disney really is) and we were people watching. Amongst the people, we spotted Mary Poppins, and her male friend with kids lined up to take their picture/interact with the characters straight out of the movie. At our table, we could overhear Mary Poppins and friend speaking with the children and started a discussion on whether or not their accents were real, and what it was like to have a job as a character, and being in that character for a full shift. To us, it was incredible how they interacted with the kids, and convinced not only them, but us as well, that they really were the real characters.
Our interest led to the desire for interaction and a picture of our own. So, we stood in line behind the 5 year olds waiting our turn to get a picture with Mary Poppins, and the extremely attractive male character with her. In that moment, I became the age of the girls around me. Despite the extreme attractiveness the guy had going for him, I could see nothing in front of me but my very own Mary Poppins movie in front of me! I was about to get a picture with celebrities! My innocence was short lived and taken aback quickly as soon as it was my turn to take the picture. I was asked to stand in between Mary Poppins and friend to pose, and as soon as I did, I hear a whisper in my left ear from a male voice saying, “you can be my arm candy anytime”.
It was in that moment that reality was quickly brought back to me. Disney is still magical, but innocence is only a surface cover.
But when taking a closer look, it, along with it's networks seems to have its own quirks. One of which I witnessed and was apart of. It was a holiday weekend at Disney, packed with people. And when the people are out, as are the Disney characters. I was sitting with some friends at a table right off of main street, enjoying some mediocre overpriced theme park chili (the fact that I was eating chili at Disneyland while it was 80 plus degrees out, is an example in itself of how magical Disney really is) and we were people watching. Amongst the people, we spotted Mary Poppins, and her male friend with kids lined up to take their picture/interact with the characters straight out of the movie. At our table, we could overhear Mary Poppins and friend speaking with the children and started a discussion on whether or not their accents were real, and what it was like to have a job as a character, and being in that character for a full shift. To us, it was incredible how they interacted with the kids, and convinced not only them, but us as well, that they really were the real characters.
Our interest led to the desire for interaction and a picture of our own. So, we stood in line behind the 5 year olds waiting our turn to get a picture with Mary Poppins, and the extremely attractive male character with her. In that moment, I became the age of the girls around me. Despite the extreme attractiveness the guy had going for him, I could see nothing in front of me but my very own Mary Poppins movie in front of me! I was about to get a picture with celebrities! My innocence was short lived and taken aback quickly as soon as it was my turn to take the picture. I was asked to stand in between Mary Poppins and friend to pose, and as soon as I did, I hear a whisper in my left ear from a male voice saying, “you can be my arm candy anytime”.
It was in that moment that reality was quickly brought back to me. Disney is still magical, but innocence is only a surface cover.
As the entertainment media changes and access to the lives of Disney's personalities grows more ubiquitous, how do you see that impacting the way people see these traditional characters? Also, I think that line "you can be my arm candy anytime" is great. Was he her Disney escort or another character?
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