Disney World did something it’s never done before to honor the Orlando victims
Disney World did something it’s never done before to honor the Orlando victims
Over the past week, Disney World has shown its true colors loud and proud: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
Following the events of the Orlando shooting at the Pulse nightclub, which left 49 dead and dozens more injured, the entire Orlando community has come together out of love and support. Countless memorials and vigils have taken place over the past week, and Saturday night, an incredibly touching one happened at the happiest place on earth.
Though a completely unofficial event — meaning that Disney World did not have a hand in organizing it — thousands gathered in front of Cinderella Castle just before midnight to honor the Pulse victims. They had colored glowsticks and LED candles with them, and were waiting for the end of the park’s “Kiss Goodnight.” The “Kiss Goodnight” is Magic Kingdom’s way of announcing that the park is officially closed and everyone should go home.
A photo posted by Taylor Byerly (@funkyflyswim) on Jun 18, 2016 at 9:28pm PDT
A photo posted by Angelique Feeney (@icebabyange) on Jun 18, 2016 at 9:35pm PDT
What an incredible night at Magic Kingdom #OrlandoStrong #loveislove https://t.co/rU5pALWHv7 pic.twitter.com/O14VteBPYz
— Luis (@Disney_nuts) June 19, 2016
But the Magic Kingdom didn’t close right away Saturday night. Immediately following the “Kiss Goodnight,” Magic Kingdom silenced Main Street U.S.A. for 49 seconds. One second for every life lost the following week. It is no easy feat to completely quiet the Magic Kingdom, and while moments of silence have happened before, the music never goes out (you can still faintly hear Tomorrowland off in the distance).
Though completely silent, the message was loud and clear, as rainbow colors were projected onto the walls of the castle.
Disney, remember, did not sponsor this event, but they clearly supported it 100%, from the prolonged moment of silence to the color-changing castle. They even handed out rainbow Mickey Mouse pins to guests as they exited the park, and according to Twitter, let working cast members leave their location to go participate in the vigil, too.
Wow Disney, wow. Class act tonight. They handed these out as we exited the park tonight. #OrlandoStrong pic.twitter.com/z9y1hdmBH3
— Mr. Brian in Orlando (@MrBrianORL) June 19, 2016
You can watch the full “Kiss Goodnight” below, the moment of silence starts at 5:20. Do you have some tissues handy? You probably should.
The post Disney World did something it’s never done before to honor the Orlando victims appeared first on HelloGiggles.
