We are living in a time that none of us expected just a few weeks ago. Schools are closed, people are working from home, and our definition of “essential” has changed. The Disney Parks are closed, and we don’t know when we’ll be able to complain about a 240 minute wait for Flight of Passage again. Even though we can only virtually ride Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney still can put a smile on our faces. Here is a lighthearted look at some Disney songs that seem to be designed to help us through this crisis. When one gets stuck in your head, go ahead and sing out loud. If you’re following the CDC guidelines, the only people who will hear you are those who already know that you’re going a bit stir crazy.
Thanks to DisDining.com for this list:
1. “Bare Necessities” from “The Jungle Book”
This one is obvious. Some people have been hoarding, which has made it hard to find essential items such as toilet paper. Baloo had it right. When you head out, “forget about your worries and your strife”, and just purchase “the bare necessities”. Plan your trip to the store ahead of time, and make a list of what you will need until your next trip. You won’t need 24 pounds of pasta. Leave some on the shelf for others, who might be running low. If you have extra, consider donating to a local food bank.
2. “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid”
Everyone needs to stay at home until the current crisis has passed. That has many people dreaming about the world outside. We are spending most of our time within our own four walls at the moment. We can relate to Ariel when she sings “I want to be where the people are”. But unlike Ariel, we know better at the moment. We can’t be where people are, because groups of ten or more are considered unsafe.
3. “Mother Knows Best” from “Tangled”
Kids, this one is for you. Staying home from school and learning from home is not always easy. But just remember, your mother knows what is best for you. She is trying her hardest to make sure that you get your work done, and even though you may not see it, she is on edge as well. Forget about the fact that in “Tangled” Mother Gothel was really a kidnapper who only had her own looks in mind. Stick with the title, and give poor Mom (and Dad) a break. That will make everything easier on everyone, including yourself.
4. “Let It Go” from “Frozen”
Okay, moms, now it’s your turn. You’ve probably heard that you need to count to ten when something bothers you. Elsa has her own idea, she thinks that you should “let it go”. Is the thing that is bothering you at the moment going to be a big deal in a week, or even in an hour? If it isn’t really important, take Elsa’s advice. If it is going to be a problem down the road, remind the kids that mother knows best.
5. “When You Wish Upon a Star” from “Pinocchio”
Going out is something that none of us are supposed to do right now. That said, that does not mean (in most cases) that we can’t go outside. Fresh air can make you feel better and lift your spirits. Walk through the front or back door first thing in the evening, and look up. If you can’t go outside, look out the window. Stare at the first star that you see, and make a wish. It “makes no difference who you are”, we could all use a dream coming true right about now.
6. “You’re Welcome” from “Moana”
People are finally starting to appreciate cashiers, restaurant staff members, health care workers, and emergency personnel. These and all other essential workers have always deserved our thanks, but often they have not received it. Because of the crisis, many of us are finally starting to thank the people who put their health and safety on the line in order to keep things going. Volunteers should be included with this as well. Since we’re thanking them, their proper response is “you’re welcome”. They may not be demigods like Maui, but they are truly heroes.
7. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from “Mary Poppins”
The whole idea behind “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is that it’s a word to say when you don’t know what else to say. There are no words to describe what is going on at the moment. At least “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is a word that sounds upbeat. Saying it just might put a smile on your face. If you sing it, you just might end up laughing. That could lead to another song from “Mary Poppins”, namely “I Love to Laugh”. A little bit of laughter can help to make things easier during any crisis.
8. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from “Toy Story”
The rules of social distancing state that we can’t get closer than six feet to those who do not live in our homes. That does not mean that we need to stay away from our friends, at least not virtually. Call, text, or video chat with your friends. Check up on them, and make sure that they do not feel alone. The “Toy Story” movies have taught us the importance of friendship. Don’t forget your friends and family who you can’t see at the moment.
9. “Hakuna Matata” from “The Lion King”
“What a wonderful phrase”! It is hard to not worry right now, since things are so much up in the air. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and we don’t know when life will return to some semblance of normal. In the midst of all of this, we have seen people who could be the definition of “hakuna matata”. Birthdays are being celebrated by drive-by parades. Children and grandchildren are connecting with their elderly relatives through windows and cell phones. Restaurants that are struggling to remain open with curbside service are receiving tips that will take off some of the financial strain. Neighbors are taking care of their neighbors, even from across the street. Masks are being made and donated by the thousands. We all have chances to say “hakuna matata” in one way or another. Timon and Pumbaa have it right, we need a “problem-free philosophy” right about now.
