Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is a magical place, at least that’s how my family and I regard it. For decades, Greek-letter organizations have had conventions in or near the Disney Parks. Sometimes the organizations spend a “day at the park” as part of the convention; a sea of people wearing the same Greek-letter shirts might be a clue that there might be a convention going on nearby. Two of my favorite Pi Phi conventions took place in Orlando. The 2011 Pi Phi convention was adjacent to Downtown Disney and I loved taking early morning walks through it when plants were being watered, deliveries were being made, and the quiet hustle and bustle of a well orchestrated group of workers readied the area for a busy day.
Angels from the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Of course I like to think they are Pi Phi angels!
Walt Disney’s two daughters, Sharon Disney Lund and Diane Disney Miller are Kappa Alpha Thetas. Sharon was initiated into the Beta Delta Chapter at the University of Arizona and Diane is a member of the Omicron Chapter at the University of Southern California. Some say that the song “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” was written to honor Sharon and Diane. That is only a rumor and not based in fact according to Jane Shepherd Dick in an article, “Kappa Alpha Theta Myths,” that appeared in the organization’s Summer 2011 magazine. Walt Disney’s daughters were initiated in the early 1950s. The song from Mary Poppins, a movie based on an earlier novel by P.L. Travers, was written by the songwriting team of brothers Richard and Robert Sherman. The inspiration for the song seems to have been their father. He was a “fantastic kite maker,” according to his sons.
Visiting WDW can also be a terrific opportunity to people watch and see fraternity letters on shirts, tote bags and sweatshirts. Others like to locate the symbols of fraternities and sororities. Although they are likely random occurrences, it’s fun to make a connection. Wine carnations, Pi Beta Phi’s flower, greeted me as I checked in for our recent visit (Coincidence? I think not!). Pansies are rampant this time of year and can be found throughout the park. Dolphins, penguins, keys, kites, lions, elephants, pandas and other symbols of Greek-letter socieities can be found throughout the park. Finding “Hidden Mickeys” is a game we often play when we walk through the park. Finding fraternity and sorority symbols is a game that I find just as fun!
© Fran Becque, www.fraternityhistory.com, 2013. All Rights Reserved.
