My first time experiencing this drive was in August of 1990. It was my first Disney trip, and the first time I'd ever driven more than 8 hours in one stretch. With my nervous anticipation about getting to Disney, and my inexperience at long drives, that trip just seemed to stretch on forever. In the years since, I've taken that drive many times; I've become more familiar with the road, with what to expect, and with ways to get through the long, long hours between landmarks. I find it easier today than I did in 1990, but when you get right down to it, 14-1/2 hours in a car is still just a whole lotta doin' nothin' while you get from Here to There.
My 2001 Walt Disney World vacation was different from any other trip I've ever taken... in fact, it was different from any other week in my life. The significance of my date of departure, September 11, should be readily apparent; the events of that day changed more lives in an instant than any other single event in my lifetime. Our entire nation was plunged into a morass of fear, grief and uncertainty, but came out of it stronger and more determined than ever before.
In the month since my trip ended, as I've been writing this trip report, the world as a whole has changed more than I thought possible. Our nation is now at war; we live with the constant fear that opening our own mail may prove fatal; and more American flags can be seen today, on cars, houses, clothing, and offices, than at any time in the past fifty years.
Disney, too, has undergone significant changes in the past month. Park hours have been shortened, shows cut, Surprise Mornings and E-ride Nights have been eliminated, and even an entire resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, has been closed. And most significantly, 1200 Cast Members have been laid off.
The events of September 11 and it's repercussions have changed the way we live our lives, and will continue to do so for years to come. For the rest of my life, Walt Disney World will remind me of that awful day, of the people who lost their lives, of the heroism and sacrifice of those who rushed to help. But with the sadness that comes from those recollections will also come pride; pride in our nation, in our firm commitment to go on with our lives, despite the many threats to them; and pride in our countrymen, in their heroism, their sacrifice, and their unflagging determination to keep our country safe. And also comes gratitude, not only to those noble people who are working, even as I type this, to keep me and my family safe, but also to our friends in other countries, whose support and sympathy mean so much to us in our time of crisis.
I'm grateful for my time at Walt Disney World this year. In this time when so many people are afraid to travel, when so many are canceling trips and staying home, and when Disney itself is feeling the hardship that comes from economic recession, I was able to spend ten days away from my troubles, away from the stresses in my life, enjoying the simple, relaxing feeling of a vacation at the most Magical place on earth.