Earlier, we were moved to tears when we saw Magic Kingdom was still raising and lowering the American flag each day to inspire our country.

Disneyland Fire Department

And at Disneyland today, a light still shines brightly in the window above the Main Street, U.S.A.’s fire station in remembrance of Walt Disney himself.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story, Walt Disney used to keep an apartment above Disneyland’s firehouse which is located right near its main entrance. He enjoyed watching guests enter his park and he lit an old Victorian-era lamp in the window to let the people know when he was around. When Walt passed away, the light was kept on as a permanent reminder that his presence was still there, and it’s become a symbol of Walt Disney ever since.

Walt’s light in the Fire Station window

What we’re all experiencing together is something that we haven’t faced before and a lot of us are feeling a little lost in the dark. Since we can’t see Walt Disney’s guiding light up above the fire station right now, here are some words that were spoken by late Walt Disney back in his time.

Walt and Lillian Disney

It’s true Walt Disney faced a lot of challenges and failures before he ever knew what success was. In fact, Walt Disney lost all his money and had to file for bankruptcy before he ever became rich. Since he was very open about his personal experiences with loss, even to this day we can feel the profound impact and somewhat prophetic meaning behind some of his most famous quotes.

“Everyone falls down. Getting back up is how you learn how to walk.”

Partners Statue at Disneyland

But Walt Disney was not a quitter. He believed perseverance and working hard would always pay off. In many ways, the only thing that equaled Walt Disney’s creativity and passion “to do the impossible” was his sheer determination.

“The difference between winning and losing is most often not quitting.”

Walt and Lillian Disney

And while Walt Disney was also known to be a perfectionist, he also knew nothing good ever came out of dwelling on anxious feelings. Some things are just always going to be outside of our control.

“Why worry? If you’ve done the very best you can, worrying won’t make it any better.” 

Walt Statue in World Celebration

When speaking about the many setbacks he experienced in his lifetime, Walt Disney was brutally honest. He spoke so frankly about his experiences, it was almost shocking to hear from such a prestigious leader. But Walt Disney wasn’t afraid to share his thoughts and how hard times had helped him pave the way to his good times ahead.

“You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland

Now that so many of us are stuck at home trying to come up with ways to keep ourselves and our families entertained, try tapping into some of Walt Disney’s patented curiosity.

“When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do. And one thing it takes to accomplish something is courage.”

Mad Tea Party

As for the matter of parenting, Walt Disney was also quite outspoken. He and his wife Lillian raised two daughters and he always had an affinity for children. Maybe it was because Walt Disney’s possessed a child-like sense of wonder which he never lost with age, but he didn’t believe in talking down to children. Instead, he always seemed to meet them halfway.

“I don’t believe in playing down to children, either in life or in motion pictures. I didn’t treat my own youngsters like fragile flowers, and I think no parent should.”

it’s a small world in Disneyland

And since many of us are trying to juggle working from home while having our children around us, here are more words of wisdom on the subject of raising kids.

“It’s a mistake not to give people a chance to learn to depend on themselves while they are young.”

Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Disneyland

“I have long felt that the way to keep children out of trouble is to keep them interested in things.”

Walt Disney and Lillian on their travels

If we had to guess what Walt Disney would say right now if he was still alive, we think it might be something like this:

“Life is composed of lights and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows.”

Retro Popcorn Box

And ultimately, Walt Disney would most likely tell us we all needed to come together — and that if we could remain united and dedicated to one another through all of this, we could really affect some positive changes in each others lives.

“There is great comfort and inspiration in the feeling of close human relationships and its bearing on our mutual fortunes – a powerful force, to overcome the “tough breaks” which are certain to come to most of us from time to time.”

Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland

So when you rest your head on your pillow tonight and maybe have a little difficulty falling asleep at first, think of Walt Disney’s light still shining brightly over in Disneyland. He’s still with us in so many ways.

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