Long before the debut of Walt Disney’s classic animated film Peter Pan, Disney played the role of Peter himself in a school play. It was a true family affair, with his older brother Roy in charge of handling the ropes that made Walt fly on stage. He very much enjoyed performing this title role of a boy who never wants to grow up, saying, “No actor ever identified himself with the part he was playing more than I.” If ever there was somebody who wholeheartedly embraced the idea of staying young at heart, it was Walt Disney. Starring as Peter Pan was one of many life experiences that helped shape the mantra he stood firmly by throughout his adult years:
“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.”
As my kids continue to grow older, I appreciate now more than ever the value Walt placed on keeping our inner child alive. Because that sentiment was a driving force in so much of his life’s work, he eventually had the thought to create Disneyland – a place where people of all ages could find a reprieve from the responsibilities of daily life and have fun while reconnecting with the simple joys of childhood. The success of Disneyland then paved the way for the idea of Walt Disney World – and the rest, as they say, is history. I am so thankful to have these magical playgrounds of sorts where my husband and I can take our children time and time again, and watch them delight in the wonders and innocence of their youth – and, for lack of a better description, just be little again.
I’ll never tire of listening to the laughter that ensues when they spin themselves silly on Mad Tea Party or as they compete head-to-head for the best score on Toy Story Midway Mania.
And it thrills me to no end that they still enjoy spending time with all of the characters they have grown to love over the years.
My heart melts every time I see their excitement as they tap into their childhood imaginations and enjoy the pretend play opportunities at so many of the attractions – teaming up with Buzz Lightyear to battle against Emperor Zurg, becoming astronauts and blasting off to Mars on Mission: SPACE, manning the iconic Millennium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, designing a concept car and putting it to the ultimate test at Test Track…and the list goes on!
And, lately, there is nothing I love more than to watch them slip into Disney vacation mode and relax as the pressures and challenges of being a teenager fade away.
The days and years suddenly seem to be passing quicker than ever before, and I often find myself wishing that I could somehow freeze time. But, since I have yet to discover the secret to keeping my kids young forever, I’ll at least try my very best to soak up every moment I have with them now. And, taking a page out of Walt Disney’s book, I’ll try to look for any way possible to nurture and preserve their sweet, childlike spirits. And if that just so happens to mean planning more Disney vacations for our family, then I am more than happy to oblige!
“So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned.
Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings,
forever, in Never Never Land!”
J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan: Fairy Tales
