Mickey vs. The Airplane

Looking back, that poor mouse never had a chance.


It was March of 1993 and I was seven years old. In a few short hours I would be in Disney World with the family, having the time of my life. With bags packed and guide books in tow, my family and I headed off for the most magical place a seven year old can imagine.


The airport!


Yes, that’s right. The journey to Florida also happened to be my first time on a major trip, and hence, my first experience with The Airplane. Up until that point, my knowledge of aircraft had mainly consisted of the toy variety. Trains, trucks, and cars gathered dust in forgotten corners while I zoomed and swooshed around the house and yard, making airplane noises and having way too much fun. But this time it was different. Here was a real airplane.


I didn’t know how to react or what to do. So, I did nothing. Instead, I clammed up, sat down and looked around in wonder at the beauty and size of it all. During the cruise portion of the flight, a stewardess came to my seat and asked if I would like to see the flight deck. WOULD I? Yes-please-and-thank-you! She escorted me up the aisle, past the first class seats and knocked gently on the closed door. Bright sunlight spilled through as it was opened, and I was invited to step inside.


I stood there with a huge smile on my face and looked around at the large number of dials, gadgets and lights in front of me. The view out of the front windows caught my eye, and I stood on my toes in order to see it. Unbelievable! My next thought was to look at the two men dressed in white shirts and black pants who were able to fly this thing, day after day. Yup, I thought, this is not bad at all. I could get used to this.


The rest of the flight seemed incredibly short and before I knew it, we had arrived. My mother had to practically drag me off the airplane. My last thought as I left the plane was that if I could just get through the next six days, I could see it all again. I ended up having a great time at Disney World as well, but I never forgot that first flight. Sorry Mickey.