Growing up, Disney was an essential part of my childhood. I loved all of the princesses, sang along to all the catchy tunes and dreamt about having my own happily ever after. My family was even fortunate enough to go to Disney World a couple of times. As a child, Disney was a way to wish upon stars and get lost in faraway places. However, now that I’m older, I’ve learned that while there are things about these Disney films that are unrealistic, Disney still has so much to offer to everyone, regardless of background or personality.
One of the reasons I love Disney is because of the happiness it brings. If you don’t think this is true, you only have to look so far as Disney World, where millions of people visit every year. Their motto for the park is even “the Happiest Place on Earth” and I think this holds true. Disney has an incredible ability to bring happiness and joy to all its customers, whether it’s through their theme parks or through their films. After watching one of their movies or meeting one of the characters at the park, it’s almost impossible to not crack a smile. Disney’s ability to brighten the days of both children and adults alike is one that I will always appreciate and love.
Another amazing thing about Disney is their ability to make you escape reality. Watching their films, it is so easy to get caught up in the characters and their worlds. I’ll admit more than once I’ve been a victim of this. There’s something so captivating about watching the hero or heroine on their journey in a fantastical made-up world. You can’t help but root for them as they battle various obstacles along the way. If you’ve had a difficult week, there’s truly nothing greater than getting together a couple of friends and watching a Disney movie.
Lastly, Disney, as everyone knows, is a very influential company. Their movies have the ability to unite people around the world. When "Frozen" came out, people in countries around the globe started singing "Let It Go," children wanted to be Elsa and Anna for Halloween and people were quoting from the lovable Olaf. It is truly an amazing thing that a single company has the ability to unite so many people. Regardless of whether you’re from the United States, or Italy, Brazil, or Australia, Disney allows people everywhere to bond over a common cause. This is a such a powerful tool, one that I think Disney utilizes to the fullest extent.
While Disney has grown into an empire, it all began with one man and an idea. If it weren’t for Walt Disney and his creation of Mickey Mouse, the Disney franchise wouldn’t exist today. There would be no Disney World, no Elsa, no Buzz Lightyear. My childhood, and even life today, wouldn’t be what it is. Even though Disney movies are unrealistic tales set in faraway lands, the messages they send are real. They have the ability to unite millions and spread happiness worldwide. And that’s where the magic truly lies.
