Miriam's Magical Yet Eye-Opening Disney World Adventure
Episode Overview
Miriam's childhood fascination with Disney princesses shaped her early years. A cultural exchange program allowed her to work at Disney World, Florida. Her experience highlighted the contrast between Disney's magic and real-world issues. Facing racism and corporate culture at Disney reshaped her perspective. Miriam decided to pursue acting to tell authentic stories beyond stereotypes.
Seeing that kind of magic that people create for others to have wonderful experiences at Disney was really lovely to see and be a part of
Miriam's journey from a Disney-loving child in Cairns to a young adult working at Disney World is a fascinating tale of dreams, reality, and self-discovery. This episode of Days Like These — True Stories takes you through Miriam's childhood, filled with VHS tapes of Disney princesses and backyard reenactments of The Little Mermaid. As she grows up, life proves to be more complex than the fairy tales she adored.
In her 20s, amid a quarter-life crisis and a psychology degree, Miriam seizes an opportunity to work at Disney World, Florida, through a cultural exchange program. The magic she once believed in as a child is both rekindled and challenged as she navigates the realities of working in the 'happiest place on earth'. From donning themed costumes in Frontierland to dealing with the harsh truths of racism and corporate culture, Miriam's experience is eye-opening.
Her reflections on Disney's portrayal of history and her own identity as a First Nations woman offer deep insights into the clash between fantasy and reality. The episode culminates in Miriam's decision to pursue acting, driven by a desire to tell authentic stories that go beyond stereotypes. This heartfelt narrative is a blend of humour, nostalgia, and poignant moments that will leave you reflecting on your own childhood dreams and the paths they lead you down.