On Vacation in the Premier Tourist Trap of the World

This week finds me in Orlando, the premier tourist trap in all the known galaxy. We're here courtesy of family, taking advantage of a timeshare reservation that allows us to minimize our costs and to enjoy time with extended family.

While it is no secret that I long for other destinations to experience inner refreshment, I have to admit that there is much to appreciate about Disney. Attention to detail, for example. Walt Disney the man was a dreamer, and despite failures, never stopped dreaming. Frankly, there aren't enough people taught to dream. Those that do are quickly doused by the cynical logic of realists in our frontier-less western society. As a parent, it is difficult to encourage dreams in my children while at the same time trying to prepare them to survive in "the real world."

Indeed, as much as I would love to find a way to let my inner child out in a place like this, people tend to get in the way. The masses of humanity are drawn to places like this, and they bring with them their culture, their manners (or lack thereof), and the remarkable ability to look everywhere but where they are going. Indeed, we all walk around these places as if the crowd doesn't exist, and we stop right in the middle of the pedestrian traffic lanes without regard to others around us. We experience life in our own little bubbles, and often only acknowledge others when they impede our progress or invade our personal spaces.

To be certain, it is fascinating how often you find yourself standing in line next to visitors who don't speak your language. You want to experience multiculturalism, this is definitely the place. Ironically, it can also be rather isolating.

Disney speaks to those things that may well be universal to the lighter side of the human condition. But aside from the global influences that have impacted our worldview (everything from environmentalism to political correctness), one thing you can say about Disney (the man and the enterprise) is that at its core, it is most certainly all about free enterprise. My wallet can attest to that. And for this fact, I am actually very thankful.