At the beginning of the summer Victoria and I decided we wanted to watch every Disney animated movie we hadn't seen yet. One of those was "The Princess and the Frog." Today, while babysitting the kids wanted to watch it, and though my sister wasn't there, I agreed.
When the movie started and the Disney theme began to play (as it does before every Disney movie begins) I couldn't help but feel excited. It's the same feeling I get when I'm sitting in the audience of a Broadway show; when the overture begins, I get butterflies in anticipation of what I'm about to be a part of, almost the same as when I'm about the go onstage myself.
Written by the wonderful Randy Newman, the first song, "Down in New Orleans" sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Here is a clip if you haven't heard it:
In the very beginning of the story, Tiana is helping her father cook dinner and it is revealed that James, her dad (voiced by Terrence Howard) has always wanted to own a restaurant. They live in a small home on the poor side of town but it is made very clear that they are incredibly happy and content because they have such love in their family.
Little Tiana says she will wish on a star to help her father's dream come true. He replies "Yes, you wish and you dream with all your little heart. But you remember, Tiana, that old star can only take you part of the way. You got to help him with some hard work of your own. And then... Yeah, you can do anything you set you mind to. Just promise your Daddy one thing? That you'll never, ever lose sign what is really important."
Of course, at this point I'm already crying because of all the love in this animated little family, but it reminded me of a conversation my sister and I had just a few days ago about what we've learned from our parents, and as silly as it seems what we've learned from the Walt Disney company.
One thing our parents did really well was constantly remind us that we could do anything we wanted to do, whatever our dreams were, they would give us the tools that we needed to accomplish them. But the second part of the equation, which some parents don't emphasize nearly enough, is that you have to WORK. They told us that it will almost NEVER be easy. We learned we had to put in the time if we wanted to succeed and to never give up because part of the reward is what is experienced on the journey. We learned this lesson well not only because my parents told us over and over again that we could accomplish anything we set out to do, but they LIVED IT. We watched both of them day after day work so incredibly hard to give us a good life and we are so incredibly grateful and blessed for that. There was simply no such thing as "I did the best I could," it was either you accomplished it or you didn't; as much as that seems harsh, it was important to learn that sometimes you don't accomplish what you set out to do and that's okay, you learn and you work even harder next time. We love them for these lessons, and they're the reason I could pull off this semester (22 credits, 2 gym classes, working 25 hours a week, and a senior project - I didn't sleep, but I did it!)
The second half of our life lessons in inspiration and dreams was as I said due to the Disney corporation. Walt Disney World itself is a place to be inspired. Walt Disney himself was an extremely hard worker and constantly pushed himself and his employees to accomplish great things, a to dream big. That's the main reason he was a pioneer in the film industry. Disney accomplished things other filmmakers didn't attempt because they didn't believe it was possible, and at the time it wasn't. So Disney invented what was needed.
When Disney created Disneyland he wanted it to be a place of inspiration. It's incredible to me that though Disney past away before WDW was even open, he had so immersed himself in the company that everyone knew what he wanted and the parks are still run that way today.
He was an incredible man. If anyone is interested to know all of his unique accomplishments there is a great documentary on his life. It's called "Walt: The Man Behind the Myth." It's a tear-jerker (at least for my family - which doesn't say much!)
One thing so many people want to know is what we'll be doing while we're working in Walt Disney World. While we aren't sure which building we will be working in, or even which park, we know that we will be helping inspire the families and children that are there. One thing that always struck me as different when I've been in the parks is that it always seems like each cast member is working just for you, which of course would make anyone feel special and important. The focus is on the guest experience and I am so so excited to be a part of that. I feel so blessed that I will be able to help someone to have a "magical day." I think about the families who are there with the 'Make-a-Wish' foundation, or the single parent who saved up for years to take their family vacation. Victoria and I are so excited to help make it the best memory for each of those children and adults, because that's what it was for us.
The last night Nate and I were in Disney in '10, we saw the "Wishes" fireworks at Magic Kingdom. It is so inspiring, it sounds so corny but you leave there feeling like you can do anything. Here is a video of the display, the beginning and the end are wonderful - the middle is too but it is just fireworks to music so if you don't have a lot of time skip ahead :)
"All the adversity I've had in my life, all the trouble and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." - W.E.D.
51 days until we leave! 54 days until we're officially Disney employees!
