Dave and Doug "Discover the Magic" at Disneyland Park
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Off we went to the King Arthur Carrousel, singing that song with the difficult, one word title. Amazingly enough, Mary Poppins herself was there, seated on a horse with golden bells, under a mural painting of Prince Phillip slaying Maleficent. (Oops!) As we watched Mary circle around the carrousel, Jamal asked us what Disney character we would like to meet that day. Dave and I were in agreement on this one: Jessica Rabbit. While Jamal agreed that would be memorable, he asked if there were any others we would like to meet. I settled on Pinocchio, and Dave said he might like to meet Timon.

Jamal also gave us a capsule history of carrousels, and the King Arthur Carrousel. He then told us his favorite land was Fantasyland, and asked us which we preferred. This was a tough question for me, as I am very fond of all of them. But I finally settled on New Orleans Square, for the following reasons: it is beautiful; it was the last land that Walt Disney personally supervised and dedicated; and it holds the two attractions that vie as my favorite, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. Dave said he liked New Orleans Square, too.

By this time, the carrousel had slowed to a stop, and Jamal suggested we join Mary Poppins for a ride. He then took us THROUGH THE EXIT! I kept looking over my shoulder, but realized that if Mary Poppins didn’t mind, it must be all right. Jamal showed Mary the book and asked if it was hers. She stated that, while it was a lovely book, and while that was, indeed, her picture and song inside, the book was not hers. “Have you looked through the entire book?�? she sensibly asked. Before we could admit we hadn’t, the carrousel began, and it was time for a ride with Mary Poppins.

I must say that Mary Poppins does everything in the most ladylike manner imaginable, even ride a carrousel horse. As we chatted about the very charming tea parties she used to give at the Paradise Pier Hotel (and which we hope to see again), our attention was suddenly drawn to two familiar figures near the exit. It was Peter Pan and Captain Hook. We booed at the villainous pirate, and cheered for Pan. Jamal showed us how to imitate a crocodile to scare Captain Hook away.

Our ride was over, but Mary did have one last piece of advice to help us find the owner of the book: “You can always tell the owner by their creation.�? As we stepped aside to let Captain Hook and Peter Pan onto the carrousel, Jamal suggested we turn to the next page. There we found a picture of Woody, Jessie, and Bullseye. On the page opposite, written over the music for “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,�? were written the words, “Good time for a mosey to Frontierland.�?

Jamal suggested that since we were in Fantasyland, we should fly to Frontierland. He assured us that this was possible by simply flapping our ears, spreading our arms wide, and singing. (After all, that’s sort of how it worked for Dumbo.) We swooped and soared through Fantasyland, singing “When I See an Elephant Fly,�? stopping at the drinking fountains near the Big Thunder Trail.