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Quote of the Day: Saving Mr. Banks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPt-y1KKohg
This post is for Dr. Bastiat and his recent Disney World post “Searching for Meaning in Orlando.”
I first went to Disney World about twenty years ago. I did not want to go. I was up to my elbows in work and the small nonprofits that I was running at the time. My husband had won this “prize” through his company–a week in Disney World. He would be involved in quite a few company seminars through the week, and my middle-school-aged son, Ben, desperately wanted to go. I couldn’t disappoint Ben, especially since my good friends and fellow nonprofit volunteers packed my bags and put me in the car and told me I needed a vacation. :-) Off I went. Very unhappy and grumpy at being interrupted in my many ongoing projects.
When I first saw Main Street in Disney World, my entire life changed in an instant. “Yes,” I said. “This is the world I want! I love this.” Much to my own surprise, I had an unforgettable experience. I’ve been back once since, a couple of years ago, and the magic hasn’t worn off yet. I love Main Street, Disney World. It’s Norman Rockwell around every corner. Families having fun. It’s the reason I love Cape Cod as much as I do. Everywhere I look all summer, I see families having fun together.
My reaction to Disney World has always puzzled me. Goodness, I’m a grownup. Why do I love it so much?
A couple of years ago, my kids talked me into watching the movie pair Mary Poppins and Saving Mr. Banks. I enjoyed the latter more than words than describe. I think it was successful because it was the result of an often-conflictual artistic effort of people who loved and admired Walt Disney on one side of the room and people who loved and admired Pamela Travers on the other side. The result was a brilliant movie.
There’s a scene in the movie where Pamela is talking to the crew writing Mary Poppins when Pamela says sharply to Walt, “You thought I was there to save the children?!?” What a breakthrough for Hollywood. The writers of this movie and story reached far beyond the usual pablum about children who grow up in dysfunctional families. I have never seen a similar acknowledgment that the children love their parents deeply and want to help them and save them. This strength in the children is something modern psychologists miss entirely.
I think that’s why there’s a long line to get into Disney World, even in 100-degree weather. The adults enjoy it as much as the kids do. Because nearly everyone grew up in a mildly dysfunctional family and enjoys the momentary escape to the Magic Kingdom and the incomparable fireworks.
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My wife and I also liked Main Street. During a typical July day, we had an ice cream soda that was the best ever, and the price was reasonable. Since we were staying close by, the nighttime “Electrical Main Street Review” with music and dancing Disney characters was also more enjoyable than anticipated!
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I’m so glad you posted this clip. I was going to, but I was afraid the post would be too long. I love this. Thank you!
And an assist goes to V-man! I now know how to embed video in a comment again!
And yes, this clip is simply perfect with your post! Let us never lose the joy of the child within!
I grew up near Disneyland, and loved going there as a child; my first trip was shortly after it opened. It was magical, and we didn’t go often (especially loving the E-tickets); for my family it was a bit of an expense. I lost my enthusiasm when I couldn’t help comparing the beauty and simplicity of the early park with going on rides where you had to go through a souvenir shop to exit. Every time. Plus I now have an aversion to crowds. Ah, the good ol’ days! I don’t think I’ve lost my inner child–she’s just the quiet, simple type. ;-)
We lived in Santa Ana when it opened: We soon had all sorts of family and family friends come “to visit us” – and I got to go to Disneyland with every one of them. But even as grandparents when we lived in Boca we’d go up to Orlando with or without kids. Not so much for the rides, but for the rest.
And I forgot to say: Thanks for this post. Never saw Saving Mr. Banks, seen Mary Poppins a number of times. Now we have both of them scheduled to watch with some of our grandkids.
In Saving Mr. Banks, there are some scenes in the beginning of the movie that deal with the somewhat mature theme of alcoholism. It’s not obscene or anything like that, but I want to give you a head’s up on it.
Mostly off topic, but I first saw Mary Poppins at the drive-in with the fam when I was just a sprout. It was pouring rain all night, and when I saw it again years later I expected it to be raining in several of the scenes that I remembered. Like the chimney sweeps dancing on the roofs. I thought it was raining in the movie.
Thanks for the heads up. Went to focus on the family’s review, Sue and I will still watch it but maybe less some of the kids.
I still love Disneyland! I haven’t in there since 2014. I would love to go for our 25th anniversary. It’s magical. My favorite ride is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I’m sad the ranch isn’t there anymore. It had the best food. All you can eat corn on the cob, ribs, steak, baked beans, etc. Unapologetic American food!
For some reason this reminds me of the one ride I do NOT like! We went on Space Mountain shortly after it opened, I did not realize it was a roller coaster in the dark until we were seated and it was moving. (I really dislike roller coasters!)
Well, @shaunahunt, does he read Ricochet? If not, give us a way to message him and there’s probably a few of us that would be glad to give him a hint as to what to do on your anniversary.
Marci, since this is on main feed I won’t go into detail. But I agree with you. A parent can be dysfunctional, do awful things to a child, and still the child will love him. Even though you do not understand why, even as an adult, you still love him. And hate him. All at the same time.