Guest Column - Oct 28, 2003

Guest Column
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by Glynn Noles (archives)
October 28, 2003
Glynn answers the question "Why on earth do you go to Disneyland so often?"

Guest Column
Glynn Noles

Today I was again asked that interminable question, “Why on earth do you go to Disneyland so often?�? As an Annual Passholder and very frequent quest of Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure I find there are people who simply do not understand my fervor for the parks. And, while they will ask the question regarding why I go so often, I find they rarely look for any kind of lengthy dissertation explaining my love of the theme parks. If I simply say it is the “Pixie Dust�? that keeps me going again and again I invite even more questions along with some very puzzled looks.

How does one explain “Pixie Dust?�? The mystical “dust,�? that is the magical spark in all of us that excites us so when we are able to make others happy. Anyone looking to do serendipitous acts of kindness can always find something to do for someone else on any given day at Disneyland. From answering questions from out-of-towers as to where the best place to grab a bite to eat is; to retrieving and returning a dropped baby bottle, or even more valuable item. With so many people visiting each day it would be impossible not to spread some form of kindness to at least one person on any given day. All of the Annual Passholders I know just love to spread the magic around. But, it is even more wonderful when someone has done something very special for you and you have the opportunity to repay the kindness in the exact same manner. I was fortunate enough to have this kind of chance just this past weekend.

I, admittedly, am a scaredy cat. I have been one all my life. I love the carousel and hate the coaster. I now joyfully ride attractions such as the Matterhorn and Space Mountain due to the patience of family and friends who took the time to talk me through a visual tour of each ride that I deemed too scary. They did this in order to lessen the fear of my first time ride. Without this loving attention I would have been content to sit on the sidelines and let everyone else ride the attractions. Soarin’ Over California is now one of my favorite attractions. This is due, in part, to a wonderful woman who took the time to make my first time ride on Soarin’ such a fantastic experience. Here is how it happened.

The first time I rode Soarin’ Over California at Disney’s California Adventure I did so at the insistence of my daughter. My daughter was adamant I should ride Soarin’ and we discussed the fact that there was nothing to be afraid of even though I have a fear of heights. Unfortunately, I had to ride alone as a single rider since we had two children in our party under the 40�? height requirement. So, I bravely entered the queue determined not be afraid. After all, how does one disappoint one’s daughter? The disclaimer poster displayed above the waiting line added to my trepidation as I read the warning to those of us who have a fear of dramatic drops, heights, and who knows what else, since by then my adrenaline was pumping and I could read no further. I courageously entered the seating area and gingerly buckled my seat belt. I took a deep breath and noticed to my right a woman older in age than I. This, in and of itself, is a feat worth noting. She took one look at my face and immediately came to my rescue. She introduced herself and explained that this was her second Soarin’ Over California trip. She too had a fear of heights, dramatic drops, flying, etc. And, she too rode Soarin’ the first time at the insistence of her family. She went on to reassure me that I was going to love the ride; there was nothing to fear; and wasn’t it great we were riding it together! The ride started, and while I admit to closing my eyes a couple of times, I also have to admit that I thoroughly loved the whole experience. My newfound friend would gleefully tell me what was to come next, point out things I might miss and laugh with me as we swooped over the river and soared over the tops of mountains. At the end of the ride I thanked this gracious lady for making my first ride on Soarin’ so memorable and fear free.

I have ridden Soarin’ many times since that thrilling day, always grateful to the special person who made my first ride on Soarin’ so extraordinary. I never expected to have the opportunity to do the same for someone else.

This past weekend a friend and I arrived at Disney’s California Adventure looking forward to another journey soarin’ over California. As we were buckling our safety belts our attention was diverted to the next set of seats where we could see a frantic father trying to get his two sons seated with one son totally determined to escape what he thought was a terror too horrible to face. No amount of persuading from the CM, or the father, was going to calm the hysterical cries of the child. We watched as the decision was made for all three to exit the ride in spite of the fact that the younger child was still buckled in and wanting to ride. As the embarrassed father was attempting to calm his older son and unbuckle the younger one I remembered the kind woman who rode with me on my first ride and thought, ah ha “Pixie Dust.�? I leaned over and asked the father if he would like the younger child to stay and ride with me as, serendipitously, there was an extra seat to my left. The father looked at the CM who nodded yes, it would be safe, and then asked his younger child if he would like to stay and ride with me. The child gave me the once over and decided it might be okay to stay without his family and get to do the ride. The father and older child hurriedly left as the CM and I settled the younger brother in the seat to my left and securely buckled him in. I introduced myself and told the child how much fun we were going to have. I also said that if, at any time, he felt scared he could hold my hand if he wanted and I proceeded to rest my hand palm up on the hand grip between the seats. And then we were off.

Once we were “airborne�? I felt a little hand grip mine and hold on tightly throughout the whole ride. He asked a million questions such as, “Are we going to get wet?�? And, “We aren’t going to fall are we?�? I held back a laugh as he quickly ducked when the golf ball was hit our way. And, when he pulled his feet up not to get them wet as we soared over the water, I too tried to pull my feet up. I leaned my head his way to tell him to smell the orange trees, and with each new scene I tried to point out something of interest to him. Toward the end I prepared him for the loud boom of the fireworks. Then we were once again back at the starting point. The doors to the theatre opened and my friend and I directed the youngster to where is father and brother were anxiously waiting for him just outside the door. With a smile on his face he was off to other adventures.

While I could narrate for hours about the many things that intrigue me about the parks, the thing that always has the most meaning is the “Pixie Dust.�? The sprinkling of magic and caring for each other that never fails to make the world a better place.

Oh, by the way, I did I mention? I'm off to ride Screamin’ next!

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-- Glynn Noles
-- Posted October 28, 2003