Monday, March 3, 2008

Disney Dreams and Nightmares

While sitting at the resort bus stop waiting for a bus to Downtown Disney, I witnessed a classic family meltdown. The players were the parents, three 'tween children, and one set of grandparents. I'm not sure how the fracas started, but it included the grandparents stalking off, fussing about "all because of one kid"; at least two of the children in tears; the husband standing off to the side in self-imposed blissful ignorance; and the mother who was at her wit's end, but still trying to salvage the evening.

By the time the bus arrived, enough ground had been regained so that the family boarded the bus with the rest of us, I think planning to have dinner somewhere. During the bus ride, the mom looked as if Disney World was the last place she wanted to be, which was sad since she probably had looked forward to this trip for some time.

Disney is one of the best places to watch reality and fantasy hit head-on. The most magical place on earth can become hell on earth for families. And yet, we all start out with the best intentions and unbridled hope. We believe that because it's magical, it will also be perfect. We just sometimes forget that life is anything but perfect.

I hope the family got past whatever transpired at the bus stop. I hope they patched things up and got back to enjoying each other. Most of all, I hope Mom got a break and got what she really wanted - her family together enjoying the company of each other, and having the time of their lives.

1 comment:

Sam Davidson said...

I agree that things can be magical and not perfect. Nice work.