We spent the day at Epcot this week. Some of the rides were hair-raising and so well designed. We didn’t know what to expect on the Guardians of the Galaxy ride, but it certainly wasn’t to be whipped around in the dark, going up, down, and around sideways. Honestly, Bernard and I were scared; Kate, Mike, and the girls loved it. A retired couple rode in the elevator with us afterward. They were smiling at the kids’ excitement, and they told us that the ride gets better and better each time. Bernard looked at me and muttered, “never again.” Disney takes photos of the riders. Ours shows me gripping the bar for dear life and Bernard closing his eyes and looking down—he was just enduring!
The Disney universe encompasses the theme parks, Downtown Disney, and a host of other resort services with a heavy emphasis on consumption…food, experiences, shopping. Everywhere you go, you are encouraged to spend, spend, spend. These days, the prices for a day pass, parking, snacks and dining at the park are really high. They also have all kinds of Disney-themed merchandise—nothing is cheap. I wonder how a working class family of 4 or 5 can afford the experience. For multiple theme parks, the prices of admissions alone can be thousands of dollars. Once you buy the entry ticket, you have the option of purchasing a lightening pass. This enables you to fast track on some of the rides, jumping ahead of others who wait in line. Those who can afford it can go on more rides, while those who can’t have longer waits and get on fewer rides as a result. That seems unfair to me.
I marveled at the incredibly efficient ways that Disney moves people from one place to another. Their logistical support in the parking lots, between and within the theme parks are among the best in the world. It is wonderful to see so many families, couples of all ages, and people from all over the world suspending reality temporarily and having a fun time. The fireworks and laser show each night are also beautiful. It really is a shared experience.
We spent time at the different countries represented at Epcot, including Japan, Canada, France, and many others. For Americans who will never travel to these places, these are small snippets of the history, food and culture. Perhaps it will encourage them to travel and experience the culture for themselves. I have been fortunate to have traveled widely. The Japan exhibit, for example, features a tall pagoda, a small Japanese garden with koi pond, bamboo bridge, and the features that are typical of the Japanese approach to gardening—serene, peaceful, and aesthetically pleasing. There are numerous eateries where visitors can taste sushi and other Japanese delicacies. My visit there brought back many happy memories; but ultimately, I found it to be a poor imitation of the real thing. I guess it can’t be helped.
Thanks for tuning in. Hope to see you next time.
Best wishes,
Margaret
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