Throughout the years, Disney has been constantly evolving, creating new advancements in technology and animations. However, from the very beginning Disney has been held close to many hearts. Disney has been able to create a soothing atmosphere that carries with you from childhood all the way into adulthood.
The feeling of Disney nostalgia comes from the familiar surroundings like the classical music in movies being played in your living room, or the delicious smells of foods from the amusement parks. Disney has the power of tying in the most memorable moments with the security and comfort you once felt as a kid.
Every movie being presented to young children tells a story, that builds an emotional attachment to the meaning and characters. When watching these animations, feeling a spark is the magic Disney has been creating all along. These timeless themes and visual representations of life told through stories allows connections to be made.
“I have been able to take my daughter there and we have a lot of memories in her life from Disneyland. She looked just like Boo from Monster’s Inc when she was a child and it was fun. I have a picture of her the moment she first saw Mickey Mouse and her joy in her face is timeless,” Social Science teacher Anna Driver said.
Iconic Disney classics like Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and Disney princess tales are movies children have been surrounded by since they were little. Growing up, children have the tendency of replaying movies over and over again, which directly explains the familiarity and attachment to these films that we see.
Along with harmonies, music soundtracks aren’t just background noise, they’re a key element that tells the story being seen. Disney has shown society that music can be used to reveal a person’s feelings. Serving as a childhood language, singing along to lyrics known by heart.
Disney can make children feel like a princess, a hero, a fighter, all inspiring a sense of hope in the world. Movies such as The Jungle Book, Bambi, and Peter Pan all are films that have timeless themes. The possibility of dreams coming true motivate children to have big aspirations and goals of becoming more than the ordinary.
Characters seen in movies have become role models that are looked up to, and believed in. We not only see the good, but we see how to overcome struggles and conflicts consistently shown throughout the films. Each film carries immense layers of meaning, being told in an optimistic and light hearted way, which keeps adults drawn to seeing more.
From the movies, to being transported into the parks, Disneyland creates an immersive experience that turns imagination into reality. Entering an atmosphere that becomes visually addicting and appealing to be around.
However, even though it’s so far from the reality of life, that is what people love the most about it. As a child, living in a safe nurtured environment, that feeling is longing to adults, wanting to be felt again. Emotional resonance is sparked, and memories that never faded come back.
“I’ve been going to Disneyland with my family since I was little, so it brings back a lot of childhood memories, especially the Ariel ride,” junior Natalie Jorczack said.
Walt Disney envisioned the future of tomorrow, and the endless possibilities of what life can look like. Even though Disney is constantly evolving with new technologies and advancements, it all originates from the classics many loved growing up.
While this is a new privilege that took many years to achieve, Disney imagineers now have the opportunity to elevate the experience.
“I think that the timeless memories are the idea of magic that exists the moment you enter the park. It is a different feeling. A world where you can escape from the stress outside and just enjoy yourself,” Driver emphasized.