We had the privilege of being guests of Magic Kingdom this week. This is not our first trip, and, as always, our children enjoyed every minute of it. They advertise as being “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Most of the employees we talked with told us to have a “magical” day.
Two questions: What makes all the magic? and How does the magic work?
What makes all the magic?
Simply put, lots of hard work. Long ago I was introduced to DisneyU, the employee training experience for their cast members. I had the privilege of going through the material as part of a training experience that I had as well. It is incredible. They are taught some of the best customer service material available. Plus, the atmosphere is second to none. From the park entrance to the landscaping to the themed sections, every detail is covered. For the person who enjoys observing details, it is a mesmerizing day.
How does the magic work?
It begins with expectations. They tell you it is a magical place, they plan for it to be a magical experience, and they follow through on their end of the deal. If you say it long enough and plan it well enough, do not be surprised when people believe you.
Do people still get annoyed at the long lines? Lack of fast passes available? Over-priced food? Cost of parking? Masses of people? Merchandise at the end of almost every ride? Not really – or at least momentarily. As multiple-time guests, we know all these things before we arrive, yet we choose to make it part of our time in Florida.
Consider the average day. People arrive at the park with excitement. They hurriedly unpack the car, make final preparations, and make their way to the opening ceremony (if they are up that early). After walking or riding to the transportation center, going through security, and riding the monorail or the ferry, they are ushered into a tight spot outside the front gate where they await Mickey and company to arrive by train. The park is officially opened for the day. As a giant group, they move under the tracks and walk right on to Main Street. It is gorgeous. The Main Street Transportation Company is there and ready to drive you down the street, or you can walk the short distance to the various lands and fun that awaits you. Of course, some (mostly kids) are running – gotta get in line before the wait gets astronomical, others are looking (plenty of shops), and many families are just trying to take the first picture of their magical day. The adventure begins.
Why? Because the Walt Disney Company does their part in making fantasy and magic come alive throughout the various themed areas. The story of Walt Disney and the success are noteworthy. The pleasure of seeing it in person is fascinating – each time.
Then what’s up with all the crying kids, angry teenagers, and frustrated parents?
As hard as it is to believe – there are still grumpy people. Family life is not perfect. Children still cry, disobey, and backtalk their parents. Parents still raise their voices, sinfully respond to the stimuli around them, and become very grumpy. When told no, children and teenagers do not all happily and submissively respond to their parents.
It’s incredible if you think about it. For the parents…All the cost! All the sacrifice! All the preparation! All the expectation! For Disney…Everything is ready! Cast Members in place! Shows and rides open! In spite of all this, there are still people who go through struggle.
Consider just this trip…I sat next to a sobbing unknown adult as she told her story. I saw a parent chasing a run-away child who apparently was not listening to what I was listening to from his parent. I heard more than one or two lectures passionately given to children. I watched and listened to children disobey. I listened to a boy get bullied by a group of peers from a near-by middle school.
**Not talking about my family or children here, I will not mention anything specific related to them! Their level of obedience or disobedience, happiness or sadness is not the issue for this post. It’s tough if your dad is a blogger and then you get called out for something major or minor online.
It is simple really.
As much preparation that goes into the customer’s part in getting there and the company’s part of the deal to help you experience magic for the day, the preparation does not cover the heart. The Disney magic cannot fix what ultimately creates the problems in the day. In fact, nothing can fix it outside of the particular parent, child, or person.
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren” (James 1:14-16).
Here’s the problem – and it’s a problem over which Disney has no control – the heart. Whenever we want something and do not get it, it creates an opportunity to either honor God or sin. If we do not deal with our wants/desires in that moment in a God-honoring way, the result will be sin. Always.
Disney makes the promise and provides the atmosphere for a fun-filled, magical day. They do their part. They create an expectation and an atmosphere.
Whenever the expectation is not met because desires are not achieved, there’s going to be one of two outcomes – all fueled by the same spark. Either, you will honor God because the spark of discontentment lands on a heart that is prepared for this moment and there’s no fuel for the fires of sin to burn or there will be a fire – an angry outburst, mean look, or you name it – since the kindling was set, the atmospheric conditions perfect, and all that was needed was the occasion for the spark.
Right Here, Right Now
Speaking for our family, we had a delightful time. Our time was good. Disney did their part. We tried to prepare hearts each day to make sure we were ready as well. The living illustration is too good to miss though. You are promised a magical day and a magic kingdom. The reality – your day will only be as good and God-honoring as you prepare in your heart to make it. What you ultimately need, Disney nor Magic Kingdom can provide. Thankfully, each and every day through Christ, we have the resources to honor Him regardless of our circumstances. That’s true at the Magic Kingdom; it is also true wherever you are as you read these words. To God receive the glory throughout our days!
Pastor Kevin’s Blog | Walking together through life as friends in Christ sharing wisdom along the journey