California Screamin’
Posted on November 9, 2007
Filed Under Personal, Adventure |
When the Mamas & the Papas recorded California Dreamin’ in 1963, I’m sure they never envisioned a heart-stopping roller coaster ride inspired by their song. Sure enough, the engineers at Walt Disney Imagineering drew inspiration from that Sixties classic when they built California Screamin’ at Disneyland, the 5th longest roller coaster ride in the world.
Talk about built for speed, this baby launches guests into hyperspace from zero to 55 miles per hour in just four seconds. Packed with hard turns and big drops, it’s one of the most popular rides for thrill seekers around the world. Did I mention the inversion which flips the rider upside-down as it twists and loops around a giant silhouette of Mickey Mouse’s head?
Last weekend I stood in the shadow of this amazing roller coaster at Disney’s California Adventure theme park with Jean and the boys. When I asked Trent if he’d like to give it a spin, he gazed up at the steel structure and, after a moment of reflection, said, “Dad, I’ve made up my mind. I don’t want to do this. Absolutely not.” I didn’t bug him. We moved on to a couple of other rides, occasionally stopping to stock up on churros–a fried cinnamon and sugar treat that’s become a family tradition.
I’m not sure what changed in him, but later that morning he faced his fears and got the courage to take the plunge. Out of the blue Trent announced, “Okay, Dad, let’s go do that ride. I’m ready!” That surprised me. I wasn’t pressuring him. Just to make sure he didn’t feel obligated to ride, I told him, “Trent, once you get into line you might get scared and change your mind. That’s okay.”
“No, Dad, I’m ready.” Having made the height requirement by two inches, he and I strapped ourselves in at the back of the car and prepared for blast-off. For the next two-and-a-half minutes we flew through the air in an adrenaline-pumping rush of speed. We screamed at the top of our lungs and hung on for dear life. As we coasted to a stop, I was sure Trent would wobble to a park bench to recover.
Boy, was I wrong. Trent was smiling so hard the corners of his mouth almost collided with his ears. He begged me to do it again . . . and again. The next time out we rode in the middle of the car. By the third trek we were ready to sit in the front seats.
Six trips later, I was the one starting to get queasy!
Not Trent. When he asked to give it “one last ride” I knew I’d reached my limit. Turning to Jean, I asked her to take him. Not a big fan of roller coasters, Jean said, “I don’t know if I can handle this.” Trent had the solution: “Mom, let’s pray you don’t throw up!”
The things we parents do for love!
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3 Responses to “California Screamin’”
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Jim Daly is the President of Focus on the Family. He has been married to his wife, Jean, since 1986. They have two sons. The Daly family resides in Colorado Springs. Finding Home represents Jim's musings on work, family and faith.
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We like to partner with outreaches involving Orphans.. We have a special elephant that raises money that we call our “El Orphan T “.. How can I help you? Di’Anna Hardel Founder.
Jim Daly,
Sounds like the California Screamin went well and that your son took the chance. Courage helps us to survive many scares in life.
My reason for e-mailing is the concern I have for a conservative President for the Nov. 2008 election. I just read an article in the Nov. 5th National Review, about John McCain, who is not my favorite, but is pro-life, is strong on National security and wants the Coalition to win in Iraq, all of which I agree about.
I e-mailed Dr. Dobson (who I support and love)about my concern, because I was afraid our base of support was splitting about who to support, which would give the liberals the chance to win in 2008.
I hope to hear from you with your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mary Thiessen
PS Please fly the American flag for Thanksgiving Holiday weekend and I hope you pass the word around, as it’s so important to make a comment, as the day has become almost done away with when it’s needed more than ever.
Speaking of roller coasters, my youngest boy would not get on any roller coaster regardless of how much abuse his older brother of 5 years would give him. I got tired of spending money on amusement parks with these types of attractions so we avoided them entirely, until last year.
Our family was visiting from Nevada and they wanted to go to Disneyland. Our then 18-year-old said that he would take them and be responsible to keep them safe. My wife wanted to give him the chance so we agreed as long as he took his younger brother with him. We both prayed that they would be safe and God would keep them from killing each other.
Later that night I had to go pick them up. While on the phone coordinating a meeting place I asked my youngest how was the visit. I could hear him beaming through the phone. “Dad, it was awesome!” he said. “Daniel ( the older brother) forced me to get on Space Mountain. He tackled me and everything. I had to get on because you weren’t there to protect me. I love my brother so much. I am so glad he forced me to get on”
I guess there is something to say for sibling pressure. Thank God they both returned in one piece.