A Reel Opinion: Disney and Cinema

The ongoing discussion in the movie-world for the last three-plus years has been streaming vs. theatrical; the benefits, advantages, and disadvantages of watching new movies at home as opposed to going to the theatre. Long-time readers of Reel Speak know well-enough where this Blogger stands (the big screen rules), and on a recent trip to the ever-magical Walt Disney World, there was an affirmation to be had. 

 

Opened in 1971, and built to supplement Disneyland which was built in 1955, Disney World in Florida covers over 25,000 acres across four theme parks. Founder and creator Walt Disney was often quoted as saying that his parks and eventual empire of entertainment all started with a mouse (Mickey), and that mouse got his start in the movies; the 1928 short film STEAMBOAT WILLIE which is considered to be Mickey’s debut. And that little short film would be the cornerstone for Disney parks that would be built on the back of the movies. 

 

The centerpiece of Disney World is Cinderella’s Castle from the classic CINDERELLA. From there, we can take flight with Peter Pan, journey under the sea with Ariel from THE LITTLE MERMAID, have dinner in the great hall of the castle from BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ride a magic carpet from ALADDIN, have a few laughs with Sully and Mike from MONSTERS, INC, dive into the mines with the Seven Dwarves, or take on an adventure down a jungle river or sail with pirates. 

 

And that is just the beginning. Disney’s Hollywood Studios lets us fly the Millennium Falcon, go on adventures with Woody and Buzz, see movie magic with Indiana Jones, and hit the track with Lightning McQueen. The Animal Kingdom Park takes us underground to hang out with Pixar’s bugs, and soaring into the skies of Pandora. Elsewhere, we can take a FROZEN journey, or take in one of many live shows with re-creations of our favorite characters and films. 

 

What all this means is, we cannot throw a stick across these 25,000 acres without hitting something that has had a presence on the big screen. For this Blogger and his wife, visiting a Disney park and reliving movie memories is a huge part of every trip, and we believe that it is a part of every attendee’s visit. Films like STAR WARS, PETER PAN, and CINDERELLA were first experienced for most of us on the big screen, and for decades the big screen funneled us all into the theatre, where its majesty and power saturated our very souls. Streaming may have convenience and ease-of-access on its side for releasing movies, but it will never tap into the magic that can be felt for real. Film has always been one of the best and powerful triggers of emotion, and when we can experience or re-live those films in real-life, somehow that barrier between the big screen and ourselves vanishes. That is true magic. 

 

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Read about this Blogger’s first flight aboard the Millennium Falcon in 2020 HERE