#Disneyland – Rooting to Rise

“Why We Need a Blowdown” with ~ Faith in the Magic Kingdom

Posted on April 26, 2015May 1, 2016 by twomomsadmin

Today with Faith and the Magic Kingdom by Randy Crane, I am reading about, ‘Why We Need a Blowdown’ ~ and I couldn’t agree more!

**photo credit to www.mikerails.com

*photo credit www.startedbyamouse

In this segment the author Randy compares the blowdown of a #Disneyland train to the importance of a blowdown for us as people. What is a blowdown? Sludge from the sediment of minerals in the water used to fill and refill the steam train engine, along with other chemicals that build up inside the boiler of the train, can create an explosion if a blowdown is not down regularly throughout the day. When the train operator is doing a blowdown you will see a large amount of white steam coming from the trains engine along with a loud hissing noise – the train is blowingdown .. and out all the sediment, getting rid of the built up impurities.

Randy describes how we need a ‘blowdown’ as well – he says, “Think about the pressure in our lives. We are always under pressure. From work. From home. From friends. From other organizations we may be a part of. Even from ourselves. When that happens, we may want to just push through and keep going. We don’t have time to stop and do anything else.”

BUT- as the daily pressures of life build within us, so does the “sediment in our hearts”. If we don’t “blowdown” we can become, “passive-aggressive, resentful – avoid church and other believers…… risk an explosion!”

How do we prevent this and use this blowdown method? By taking some time away from these stresses. Randy tells us that, “Scripture repeatedly reminds us of the dangers of not taking time to “blow down” the boiler of our hearts and clean out the sediment.” He quotes, Hebrews 10:25, which tells us the importance of continually meeting with other Christians. This gives us encouragement, strength, and help with the littlest and the biggest pressures in life. He also uses the example of Jesus taking the apostles to a quiet place away from everyone for a much needed rest in Mark 6:31-32. We may not be able to run off to our happy place of rest, #WaltDisneyWorld or Disneyland every time we need to “blow down”, but maybe a quiet hour in the morning before everyone awakes, or a walk around the neighborhood or even meeting with a friend for a cup of coffee and a bit of laughter. Take that time to “blow down” the “impurities” that build up daily from day to day living. Set aside some quiet moments with our Lord and ask him to help “blow down” and blow out all the sediment settling in your heart ~ Psalm 23:3 “He restores my soul” ~ Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Dining with Disney’s Finest

Posted on September 18, 2014April 24, 2016 by twomomsadmin

I just love this photograph taken in the employee cafeteria at Disneyland in 1961. I am not sure if this was staged or if it was a candid photograph, but regardless I would have loved to be present at the time this was taken.

Their smiles all seem so genuine and are just the kind of smiles we have come to know and expect from a Disney Cast Member. Do you ever wonder how they are able to maintain such authentically bright smiles? Take a look at a portion of this Disneyland Employee Handbook printed in 1962, it may help to explain the authenticity of their cheerful expressions. Maybe this world would become a little more magical if we all learned this artistry 🙂

AN HONEST SMILE...

     At Disneyland a pleasant smile is a personality
trademark which we use all the time in greeting and directing
people.

     Unfortunately, a smile cannot be painted on, like
lipstick. You can't turn it on and off like a water faucet.
And, in fact, a "forced smile"...the "grin and bear it" type
may be worse than none at all.

     You've got to have an honest smile. It's got to come
from within. And...to accomplish this...you've got to develop
a sense of humor and a genuine interest in people.

     There are a few tricks which will help you develop an
honest smile, and here they are - -

     Don't take Yourself too seriously

        One reason people can't smile
        with others is because they
        can't smile at themselves. The
        first lesson in smiling...have
        a good laugh at yourself.
        You're a bit funny (or dumb)
        yourself sometimes.

     A frown won't help

        Maybe if you are a judge or the
        villain in a play, a frown or
        grimace will help you in your
        work. But generally it won't do
        anything but harm, and
        particularly at Disneyland.....
        the Happiest Kingdom in the
        World.

     You get paid for smiling

        If nothing else helps...
        remember that you get paid for
        smiling. You don't have to
        laugh -- just smile.

     Another way you can develop your smile is to use smiling
phrases.......

~Maureen

America on Parade ~ Looking back at the Bicentennial Year

Posted on July 4, 2014April 29, 2016 by twomomsadmin

On this happy July 4^th of two thousand and fourteen, I would like to look back about 39 years or so to 1975/1976 when Disney introduced America on Parade in honor of the United States Bicentennial, celebrating the 200^th year anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of independence. It temporarily replaced the Main Street Electrical Parade making its debut in Magic Kingdom on June 6^th, 1975 and Disneyland on June 12, with both parks grand finale held on September 6, 1976.

As I was going through my vintage Disney vacation photographs I found some pictures of this very parade. I was around the age of five at the time these were taken and though I was there I sadly do not recall this parade, but I am more than pleased to have a piece of this significant historical event.

Notice the lamp posts dressed in their Bicentennial decor down Main Street USA and it’s side streets~

This prideful patriotic parade, that I feel Walt would have been so proud of (being a man of great American pride), kicked off with our favorite pal Mickey and his pals Goofy and Donald dressed in their bicentennial best.

The story of our American History was told beginning with early pioneer days to current history (what was current at that time). This parade “spoke” of our achievements and our customs and featured influential figures throughout American history.

Rounding out the ½ hour procession was more of our favorite Disney friends and for the grand finale on September 6^th, 1976 the parade finished with a 1000 piece marching band, an amazing sight to see! Here is a short 7 minute narrated video of this amazing parade, a must see! America on Parade Walt Disney World 1976

This bicentennial parade was created for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort and was the first time both parks worked together on a “production that would appear simultaneously in both parks.” (disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog)

Disney’s celebrations are second to none from their inauguration into the world to this very era; it is just another layer of Disney that draws me in and grasps my heart and holds me tight and why I love my Disney so very much ♥

~Maureen

To read more about Walt and his American pride see Liberty Square a Nod to Walt’s American Pride