What A Wonderful World (of Disney)

"I see trees of green"

Visualize if you will, the entrance to Disney's Animal Kingdom. From the time you walk through the turnstiles until the first moment you set your eyes upon the magnificent Tree of Life, all you see (with the exception of a few birds and some smaller animals) are "trees of green." If this man-made jungle of vegetation doesn't set the tone for a great day at this park, well you might want to "hop" on out of there and check out Epcot or the Magic Kingdom. This theme park's stock is climbing. Just look at what they've done in the last 2-3 years with the additions of the wonderful "Finding Nemo - The Musical," the new Yak & Yeti restaurant, and the amazingly-detailed thrill ride, Expedition Everest.

"Red roses too...I see 'em bloom...for me and you"

OK, as I write this, Lou Mongello of WDW Radio pod-casting fame has reminded me of the beautifully manicured gardens and landscapes throughout Walt Disney World (See Show #62 at WDWRadio.com -- nice job, Lou!). For me, one of my earliest memories of visiting the Magic Kingdom as a toddler in the 1970s, is seeing Mickey Mouse done in "flower form" at the entrance just in front of the Railroad Station. That has stuck with me in both memory (and Kodak pictures) for over 30 years. A more recent memory was a trip to Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival in 2006. From the character topiaries to the themed-displays, there are so many, "How do they do that," visuals. Pictures and videos do not do this annual event justice. The best word I can attribute to it? Breathtaking! And Disney does it "for me and you."

"And I think to myself...what a wonderful world."

This family-friendly destination located in central Florida has the ability to transform humanity. It doesn't do it by ending war, poverty, or hunger on a global level. Walt Disney World does it as we should all do it ... ONE PERSON AT A TIME! Just ask a cast member. You could be reading this article thousands of miles away from Walt Disney World, but if you've ever visited you have no doubt encountered the superior guest service that this Disney destination provides. Now imagine if you treated a family member, a neighbor, or dare I say, a stranger in your town the same way. It may sound a little "Pollyanna-ish," but isn't it possible to translate that goodwill and pay it forward? Let's all try and see if we can't change our "wonderful world" together.

"I see skies of blue ... clouds of white"

Has anyone seen the latest Disney promotional material attached to the "Year of a Million Dreams" campaign? It's shows most photographed building in the world, Cinderella Castle, surrounded by you guessed it ... "skies of blue and clouds of white." Is this a coincidence? I think not! What does Disney do when they make these huge structures like the castle or Spaceship Earth or the Tree of Life? They make us look up. They make us wonder. Most importantly, they make us dream.

"Bright blessed days ... dark sacred nights"

You want "bright?" Check out the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios around Christmas time...VERY COOL! You want "dark sacred nights?" Check out Epcot's Candlelight Processional at the same time of year. If that doesn't absolutely touch you as a powerful experience, regardless of your faith, well then you should probably join the Tin Man on his quest to see the Wizard.

"And I think to myself...what a wonderful world."

Although it's not my preference, I've recently spent a long weekend at Walt Disney World (4-days/ 3-nights) without even visiting a theme park! I still had an amazing time getting a massage at a spa, taking a boat ride to Downtown Disney, enjoying the incredible food at the many restaurants, watching the fireworks, and even taking a stroll on the Boardwalk. That's just some of the other things to do while you're here..."what a wonderful world."