Disney magic for all to enjoy
They call it the ‘‘happiest place on Earth’’ but my first appearance at a Disney theme park could have been considered the ‘‘sweatiest day out in history’’. As it neared 40C and 100% humidity at the Hong Kong outpost, our group experienced the unnatural phenomenon of streaming perspiration from the kneecaps.
On the Jungle Cruise riverboat ride we dreamed of slipping overboard into the watery set for relief – and not for the barrage of dad jokes. They too were on fire.
Almost a decade later I had the pleasure of visiting the original theme park in Anaheim, Los Angeles, for the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company.
In the much more pleasant climate of California in winter I effortlessly skipped between rides and was offered a sneak peek of new activations launched for the celebration.
The theme park has the ability to fill visitors with emotion and nostalgia. It’s the characters, the intricate sets, the uplifting cinematic soundtrack, and the wafts of buttery popcorn that hit you around every corner.
While thinking about my two daughters during World of Color – ONE, the new night-time spectacular, I almost shed a tear as the characters of Frozen appeared in a mist of water, light and projection.
Disney magic certainly isn’t lost on the staunch; another grown man revealed to me days later that he had felt like a kid again after meeting the theme park’s costumed characters.
It also brought to life a previously unknown frantic personality trait of wanting to do all the things all at once. Forget the trend of slow travel – flick to pages 38–39 and read how, like me, you can make the most out of your day.
In this week’s issue we have more uplifting stories to sink your teeth into. On page 41, Craig Tansley finds the ‘‘happiest town in America’’, while on page 37 Michael Lamb heads to Waiheke Island and discovers a beautiful, serene respite from the world.