25 years ago today, Disneyland didn’t open its gates. There were no parades, and the Disneyland Band didn’t perform. Instead, the park remained strangely silent as the world faced a new reality. 1,000 miles away, a young Mr. Daps found himself with one of the few TVs in a dorm room. Eyes were glued to this TV as the world seemed to be falling apart on the screen.
As towers fell and planes crashed, the innocent reality we once thought we knew was shattered in front of us. The hope that many of us had when entering college turned into horror as we realized that the tomorrow we now faced was a lot more dangerous than what we had faced the day before. After the initial wave of attacks happened, the skies were closed and became strangely quiet… until the local Air Force base sent planes into the sky… causing more fear and anxiety as fellow students wondered what was happening next.
September 11th was a day of horror. It was a day of heartbreak. It also was a day of heroism. Stories of acts of heroism began to trickle out on the news. Some of these were dramatic and lifesaving acts, like on Flight 93 or in the towers. Others were smaller acts of heroism that helped people who were grieving the events that took place thousands of miles away. It seemed like everyone knew someone who was personally impacted one way or another. When it came down to it, everyone was impacted.
In Anaheim, California, Disneyland remained closed on 9/11 after the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This was done because of safety and security concerns. However, it was also very appropriate. September 11th was not a day of joy and happiness. It was a day of shock and a day of loss. This was a day that changed the world, in ways we couldn’t even comprehend on that day.
Ten years later, there was a beautiful flag retreat at Disneyland on September 11, 2011. Cast members and guests came together to remember the horrific events that took place a decade earlier. Stories were shared, and tears were shed. Here is a video of that flag retreat.
25 years ago today, Disneyland didn’t open its gates. This is something that should never be forgotten. On this day, when Disneyland’s gates didn’t open, we saw the worst of humanity. We also saw the best.
Mr. Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” This was a day when the helpers could be found. They could be found going in to rescue people from the towers in New York City. They could be found in local communities supporting those who were heartbroken, fearful, and grieving. They could be found in good and decent acts by people around the world who stepped forward to help in one way or another in the face of tragedy.
The impacts of 9/11 remain to be felt a quarter of a century after this terrible day, even at Disneyland. It changed how we enter airports to go on a flight. It also changed the arrival experience at the Disneyland Resort, as security perimeters were erected. Disneyland continues to be a source of joy and happiness for all the world. But on this day, take a moment to stop and think of what a gift this is. The Disney magic that is shared every day by Cast Members around the world combats the darkness that was so apparent on this day 25 years ago today. It adds light to a world that was made darker by the events of the day.
We must never forget the horrific events of September 11th. A big part of that isn’t just focusing on the day’s horrors, but on the many ways hope was found. We must never forget why Disneyland was closed. We also mustn’t forget to look for the good and to look for the helpers. The simple acts of kindness or the making of magic that happens in homes, offices, or Disney parks continue to help heal the deep wound that was made on 9/11. Let’s take a moment to stop, to reflect, and to remember this day and the legacy that lives on because of it.
Never forget.
