My Kind Of Disney Rope Drop: Sitting Still In The Parks
Back in the day, meaning 10 years ago — when I was in my thirties, without children — I remember watching a Walt Disney World planning video and seeing a dude in a Hawaiian shirt extolling the virtue of sitting in the Magic Kingdom.
“A good bench; they’re not just decorations,” said “Dave” – Disney R&R ambassador. “They’re for relaxation.
“When you see a bench, sit down. Enjoy it. It comes with the price of admission…” added Dave.
Fast Forward
Fast forward to my recent trip to Disneyland, when I found myself at a Disney rope drop with all of its possibilities, calculating like trigonometry in my brain.
Suddenly, I didn’t want to do ANYTHING. So, I didn’t.
I walked up Main Street USA and plopped myself down on a bench.
Listen to Dave
So, when I was last in @DisneyParks @Disneyland, I took Dave's advice. I enjoyed a relaxing sunrise at #CaliforniaAdventure, a quiet coffee @Starbucks in DL and DCA, and a solitary moment on a porch bench on Main Street USA. Ahhhhh. pic.twitter.com/jeVF5dlI44
— John Bishop (@jmbishopjr) May 29, 2019
When I was on one of the benches, I think from the picture with the trash can, I had sat down nodding to two Disneyland vets. Bespeckled with pins and paraphernalia, they sat quietly watching the crowd, silently wondering why everyone was in a hurry.
However, when I got up, they seemed disturbed. Even though my hair isn’t yet gray, I think the porch-sitters were amused by my taking the time to sit and join them, while everyone was heading elsewhere.
“Don’t do it!” they said and repeated. “You’ll regret it.”
Slow Down
But I bade farewell and headed off to, I don’t know, “Star Tours” or something, which I obviously enjoyed and didn’t regret. However, the next couple of times I was able. I actually slowed down. I enjoyed my coffee; took a picture of the sunrise and visited lonely statues.
Looking back, those moments on Main Street and in Starbucks — quiet moments — were more important to my overall enjoyment of the trip than anything else I did within the park.
Sure, I enjoy rides and reporting and eating and what have you. However, I do not think I’ve found an equal moment’s peace, since.
Advice: Sitting Still
So, here’s my hope for everyone who DOESN’T get into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in the first few days.
Remember where you are.
Remember what that means.
And remember to take a load off.
How about you? What’s your favorite way to relax in the parks? Let us know in the comments…
That’s one awesome advice ,may try that