No Disneyland

You don't know what you've got until it's gone. An adage many are thinking these days as we roll into week three of our quarantine from the Corona Virus (Covid-19).

All theme parks are closed, concerts canceled, sporting events canceled or postponed. Movie theaters shut down, city parks, bars and restaurants all closed.

One question that we've been asked is how we're dealing without being able to go to Disneyland?

This is our third consecutive year as Annual Pass-holder's. We have visited less times per year this year than the previous two, mainly due to changes in each of our jobs and being much busier outside of work than previous years. All of that combined, we are doing fine. We miss going to the parks, walking down Main Street U.S.A., smelling the churros and baked goods. We miss the music playing and characters romping around. All of these things make us pine for our return.

We have been filling our time with Disney+ online streaming service. Watching classic films such as Alice in Wonderland (1951) and Pinocchio (1940) and cartoon's from my childhood, like Darkwing Duck and X-Men.

In addition to Disney+ we have been watching YouTube videos of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea. We would very much like to visit there some day. If you are unfamiliar with those parks, I encourage you to go on YouTube and watch some videos. Each park is amazing in their own ways and offers some unique twists to some classic attractions in other parks.

Disneyland has a special place in our hearts and always will. Like many others, we are anxiously awaiting its return. As a precaution, President Trump has encouraged another 30 days of "social distancing" but as more data comes in, that could shorten or lengthen. The President is taking the cautious approach, being overly cautious rather than under. It is a risky move and brings with it controversy. But let's face it, during uncertain times such as these, any move he or his cabinet make will be controversial by someone and that is okay. I believe the transparency this administration has been is more than any before it and that is something to be proud of and hopefully that will be a new precedent for future administrations. I wish for all our citizens to be safe and well. I encourage folks to listen to Dr. Fauci and his team and the President. Please don't be caught up in the panic-driven main stream media; there is no need for it.

Sorry for a bit of a ramble there, not my intention but these are strange times and I felt it was worth noting.

I'd like to end this blog back on topic, Disneyland. I believe Disneyland will re-open soon and by summer be back to the happiest place on Earth. People need it as an escape, they want it for their children and themselves. People look to Disneyland as a means of entertainment that has magic to it, something few other places can offer. Walt Disney said it all when he said: "Disneyland is your land..." during his dedication speech; and the people have taken it to heart. I believe many love Disneyland more than their own homes and would live there if they could. Disneyland has rooted itself into our hearts, minds and souls in the best of ways. It is easy to take a cynical look at it, but I think it does far more good for people than bad. We hope those turn styles open again soon and we can return to our park. I can't wait to have some fresh popcorn and ride Big Thunder Mountain and walk through Galaxy's Edge.

Hang in there a bit longer everyone, we'll get through this together and get back to a sense of normalcy soon.

Best wishes,

Nate and Marzz