“It all started with a mouse” is what Walt Disney said about the Disney Empire. I saw that quote recently at Disney World in Orlando, Florida and was struck by the irony of that simple statement with the magnitude of what I experienced there.

Mary and I were recent visitors at Disney World on the invitation to join our son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, 3 ½ and 6 years, respectively. We would have certainly never considered Disney World as our ideal sun vacation on our own.

I, in particular, was skeptical of a destination claiming to be the happiest place in the world. I was having some difficulty with the image of being photographed with Mickey or perhaps having to wear those silly mouse ears.

We accepted the invitation, thinking that it was an opportunity to spend time with our young grandchildren, Disney World notwithstanding. We quickly came to appreciate the complex, elaborate and efficient operation it is. From the get-go we were transported from the airport to our lodgings and our luggage was delivered to us.

We were certainly happy about that. Not to mention the warm temperatures and green grass as a radical departure from what we left behind in Edmonton.

There were no perceivable gaps in the services that were provided by the staff at our accommodation or in the various theme parks that make up the happiest place in the world. Literally thousands of people moved smoothly through the various rides and venues as we did in trailing after excited grandchildren.

We saw virtually no crabbiness among the adults and children in the crowds (or any obvious trap doors, or hooks, for anyone who insisted on being unhappy). The long lines moved steadily as rides were short but exciting in order to avoid any possibility of impatience.

All shows are technologically impressive for people of any age and keep the audience engaged with many special effects. In every way, the environment is designed to avoid complaint and unhappiness and promote a sense of magic and imagination.

We quickly surrendered our skepticism and thoroughly enjoyed our experience, and yes, even had our picture taken with the famous founding mouse. I, however, halted abruptly at wearing mouse ears, although they were certainly featured on the heads of many faces in the crowd.

A tour guide at one of the venues said jokingly that Disney World is the largest human trap invented by a mouse. I think there is truth in that humour. Once he gets you there, Mickey has got you.

© C O P Y R I G H T   2 0 0 9.  Gary Holdgrafer ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.