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| Even across the lake that separates World Showcase from the rest of EPCOT, Spaceship Earth is an imposing sight. |
I’m a great admirer of quality and excellence, whether in
technology, the creative and performing arts, retail and professional services,
manufacturing, or any other endeavor. Individuals, businesses or products that
“exceed expectations” always capture my attention.
So our recent family vacation to Walt Disney World in
Orlando, Fla. registered high on my personal admiration meter. We visited four
of the entertainment complex’s theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT
and Animal Kingdom. Each in its own unique way boasted exceptional quality.
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| Cinderella's Castle becoming a visual spectacle during evening fireworks shows. |
This was our fourth time to visit either Disney World or
Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., so I wasn’t surprised. But it was heartening that
the Disney commitment to providing guests with an unforgettable, even “magical”
experience remains as strong as ever. Walt Disney died in 1966, but his vision for
providing a place for visitors to “relive fond memories of the past…and savor
the challenge and promise of the future” hasn’t dimmed.
Whether it was the first glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle
walking down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom; Spaceship Earth, like a gigantic
golf ball looming over guests entering EPCOT; enjoying one of the entertaining
and colorful stage shows; or meeting famous Disney characters while dining,
each day’s “menu” provided the stuff of enduring family memories.
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| Minnie Mouse - and Minnie admirers - pause during a tasty evening meal. |
Each of the “cast members,” ranging from performers and ride
operators to individuals promptly scooping up abandoned trash, excelled
at carrying out his or her respective role. Customer service was paramount
wherever we went.
And rightly so. Even a single day at Disney World is pricey.
So the priority must be to create fond, memorable experiences, not reasons for
grumbling over the dent in the family budget.
The term create is an interesting one itself as applied to the Disney enterprise. Its legendary
founder, the late Walt Disney, made a striking comment about that:
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| "it's a small world" is a favorite of Disney World guests of all ages. |
A longtime friend of mine, Bob Foster, operated Lost Valley
Ranch, a popular guest ranch near Colorado Springs, Colo. for many years. Mr.
Disney, just months before his passing, was one of Bob’s guests. According to
Bob, one afternoon they were sitting on the front porch of the ranch house,
surveying the facility’s magnificent natural setting.
Mr. Disney observed, “That which man has made can produce
recreation, but only God’s handiwork will produce re-creation.”
Re-creation.
An intriguing term, especially coming from such an astoundingly creative
and innovative individual. But he was right. The Creator has provided the raw
material, along with the skills, talent, wisdom and expertise needed to engage
in wonderful feats of re-creation. Most amazing of all, He trusts us to be
stewards of it all He has placed at our disposal.
I don’t write this simply as a testimonial to the sights,
sounds and servant spirit that comprise the various venues of Disney World. Although
it certainly lives up to its reputation. I write because that’s as it should be
– even more so for those of us that profess to serve the Creator God.
In Colossians 3:17, 23 we’re told, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of
the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him…. Whatever you do,
work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
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| Members of the extended Tamasy clan strike a Goofy pose. |
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