So, we just returned from Disneyworld yesterday, where all our dreams came true (at least temporarily, as someone pointed out). Of course we had the time of our life, and our little girl was almost overcome with excitement meeting all her favorite characters, especially the princesses.
I myself can't get enough of the rides. They thrill, entertain, and delight me. What's so amazing about Disney rides is how they pull you into a story, even while you're still in line. In Pirates of the Caribbean, you walk through a dark, cool cave to get to the boats; the Dinosaur ride debriefs you on your mission to travel back into time to retrieve a live specimen for research; and Stitch's Great Adventure is a training operation for new guards in its alien incarceration facility.
The best rides are those that not only tell a story from beginning to end, but incorporate the guests into the story. We believe, just for a moment, that we really are pirates, princesses, scientists, space rangers, even bugs, and that maybe, just maybe, we really can fly.
Stories are powerful; this is ancient knowledge. What excites me, though, is finding new ways to tell the stories, exciting ways to include more and more people into the stories. If Disney can convince little girls that they are princesses, and moms and dads that they are heroes, there must be a way that we can tell the story in a way that everyone can truly believe, know, and experience, that we are all precious, powerful, beautiful creations of an amazing God.
And this ride never ends.
2 comments:
this was so good, dagney. thank you. yes, how can we tell the story in such a way that lets everyone know that we are part of the royal family and destined for great things...after all, it is true.
Dagney - Thanks for your thoughts on story. I had no idea that you went to Disneyworld - way fun! Great to find your blog too :)
Andrew Conard
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