I went to Disneyland for my birthday. It's the ultimate place to people watch. Calene and I go now and again just to walk around and enjoy the vibe. Ride the roller coasters. It's best in February on a rainy day when all the kids are in school. But even yesterday's sticky-hot, overcrowded Sunday had its moments.
What I realized most yesterday is that the whole world loves Disneyland. I know, I know: "not me," you're thinking to yourself. Too crowded. Too expensive. Too corporate. Too many loooooong lines. Too, too, too.
Yeah, I agree to all that. I spent a small fortune on two bottles of water. The charge for the Lightning Lane that allows you to jump the line was $58 per person. Do I really need to pay $116 for Callie and I to ride the Incredi-coaster? I think not.
But I saw all walks of life at Disneyland yesterday. The diversity was striking. The United Nations of Disney. I was struck by how patient and polite everyone behaved, especially when standing next to someone their social opposite. I heard "excuse me" and "thank you." I saw more grown men wearing Monster University baseball caps than LA Dodgers caps. Men and women driving those little scooters not running people over. Got a big hug from Pluto. Heard people speaking in French, Italian, Spanish, and a whole lot of Southern accents. Small crowds of gay men. Small packs of students with their high school class. Large family reunions. The tragically dressed. The impeccably dressed. A dad calming his very tired son on Small World (yes, we rode Small World, if only to see the character choking the chicken), asking if it was time to go back to the hotel and jump in the swimming pool, then maybe come back later for the parade.
You know what I noticed most of all? People just being themselves.
And it was wonderful. I only saw one guy with a blatantly political t-shirt or form of statement. Everyone was just getting along, waving at strangers on the train because that's what you do at Disneyland (yes, we rode the train), waiting for their own hug from Pluto.
I think we're all going to be just fine.