Question for all the UK DISer's

[UncleKyle]

I've been meaning to post this question to you guys for a while. I was a CM at Disney last fall. I was there during the terroist attacks and about 3 weeks the parks were pretty much empty except for UK guests. We all noticed that most of our guests around the beginning of October were from the UK and it lasted that way for a few weeks. I got to talking to a lot of people from your area. And the one thing I got most often was how all of the British citizens were so supportive of the US. In fact I had more than one family tell me that Great Britain will always stand by the US. So do all of you feel that way? Do you think you'll always stand by the US, since the history of our "special relationship" runs so deep? Just always been curious if that was the majority over there. Thanks

 

[UKDEB]

Hi UncleKyle,

When we (me, dh and our 2 daughters - now 17 & 14) started visiting WDW 10 years ago we embarked upon a growing love affair with America and its people. The only other place we've visited in the US so far is New York, but there are so many other places we would love to visit, and one day we will.

A lot of us Brits visit during October. Our kids have half-term holidays in each of the three terms in the school year, one of which falls in October. The other half-term holidays fall in February and May. I think more people choose to visit in October because you are almost guaranteed good weather <i>and</i> low crowds. We shall be there for 3 weeks this October!

We were last at WDW in December and lots of CMs and American visitors wanted to stop and shake us by the hand and thank us for our support - I was really touched.

As I watched the events of September 11 unfold on my TV, I felt such a huge range of emotions - shock, disbelief, sorrow, fear, grief and an overwhelming compassion for those with friends and relatives inside the Twin Towers. I can remember thinking that this was the most monumental world event that had happened in my lifetime (40 years). The Greatest Bar on Earth on the 106th floor was one of the places we visited during our trip to New York and that somehow brought it home even more.

I think Tony Blair echoed the thoughts of many UK citizens when he said that we were in it with you. At no time did I think it was something which was just happening to America and Americans, it was happening to 'us'. And not just because there were British Citizens involved - I would have felt the same way whatever.

As you say, the history of our special relationship runs deep, and, for me at least, our shared language and culture also play a part. I never tire of reading of American history - the early settlers in New York and the events which led to the Declaration of Independence. Dh is a Bourbon man, by the way, and I've also read quite a bit about the history of your home town - I'm sure a trip there will be on the cards at some time in the future!

Thanks for posting.

 

[KarenUK]

I agree totally with what Deb said - when I heard of the events of September I could not have been more devistated if the events had taken place in this country. Everyone that I spoke to felt the same. I don't think there was ever any doubt that we were in this together - after all it was an assault on all that both countries hold dear.

Will we always stand together? Yes I think so - the special relationship is strong and long lasting. That is not to say that there will never be things that we do not agree on totally (not refering to anything specific-just speculating about the possibility in the future) but I think that we are like 'family' and when the chips are down we will stick together.

I know that I wanted reach out to each and every one of you after September 11th and cried many many tears during the following weeks and months.

KarenUK

 

[Hamther]

I doubt few here would disagree with any of the above comments.

I think it is fair to say that the UK has stronger links with the US than with virtually all our (far closer) European neighbours. There has, in fact, always been a certain antipathy between the UK and some of our closer neighbours and I think that the reasons are probably due to the differences in our language, culture and, our unwillingness to "join in" completely with the rest of Europe.

I think as a nation, the UK is able to have a much more harmonious relationship with the US than possibly with other countries simply because of our similarities.

I think too that many in the UK have ties with the US in terms of having friends or relatives there. Our own culture is becoming more and more influenced by the US - particularly TV, cinema, shopping, eating, and our language - which incorporates more and more of what we call "Americanisms" as years go by. (Many argue that this isn't a good thing and that we should be embracing more European culture and language).

There are many business and industrial links between here and the US too. I work for a large financial organisation and when the September attacks were happening, we were watching as it happened on Sky News or CNN on our office machines - with absolute disbelief and horror. Many financial companies in the UK have very strong ties with other companies in the US and one of them was the company that lost its entire staff. Many staff in our company lost good friends and colleagues in the attacks and the grief was deeply felt.

So, in answer to your question, I think that their are many factors that bring our two nations together and I don't think that special relationship will ever change or the support and empathy that the British people have for our US friends particularly when such dreadful events occur.

Jackie

 

[BevS97]

Just to add a slightly different view point.

I think that the main reason you saw so many guests in the park in the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11, is because of the different nature of our holiday bookings. Most people will have booked that holiday 6 months to a year in advance, and paid for it up front. Other than a very few days when flights were cancelled, those holiday makers would have lost all their money if they had chosen not to travel. I know there were a number of UK Dis'ers who were very nervous and uncomfortable about travelling, but were not willing to lose a vacation they had paid good money for so they went ahead anyway.

I do think we have a good relationship between the countries, and long may that continue, but I also think that in the UK you are more likely to hear people criticise the government (both ours and yours) in a time of crisis, whereas in the USA people tend to come together behind the President (at least that is my impression) - This can sometimes create a negative impression, which can be mis-interpreted from the outside. (I know this sounds vague, but I am wary of criticsing anyone by accident.)

Bev

 

[Bwalker]

There are few things that actually bring me to tears - I tend to be rather stoic - but my eyes filled with tears as I read these comments. Even though I'm American, I just had to respond and thank you once again for your friendship and support.

My husband and I long planned on celebrating our 25th Anniversary in WDW before the 9-11 attack. We planned an end of September trip and after my husband dutifully listened to all of my concerns, he reassured me and we made the decision to still go - and we flew

We also noticed that the parks were full of UKers. Of course being on the UK boards, I knew about holiday arrangements like Bev pointed out, but what really touched me so deeply was the fact that most everyone we saw from the UK sported US flag pins on their shirts or even wore clothing that had some sort of support for the USA, whether it be a flag or a phrase of support or whatever.

Words cannot express how deeply I was moved. It's one thing to gather round your fellow countrymen in time of need, but to see our UK visitors as deeply involved emotionally as we were is indescribable. And the children too! People also bought their kids shirts so we saw entire families with the same US Shirt!!!!!! Tom and I were beyond words.

Well, I hope you guys are happy ...... I now have to go and reapply my mascara

Aloha,
Lorraine

 

[floridamum]

It hasn't put me or my family off of returning to the US, in fact we're returning in November 2002. We fully support the USA, in fact we'd prefer to be one of your states rather than classed as European.

We watched the events on CNN and were not detered for one moment, in fact it's made us more determined to return and show our support for your great country.

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Well you couldn't have kept me away!

There was no way I was going to be "threatened" into not travelling to the county that is by far (to date) my most favourite holiday destination in the whole wide world.

If anything I felt that it was important to show the people of America that we supported them at a most difficult time in their history.

What is it we all said after "09/11 " - "Together We Stand United".

 

[SimonV]

I was in Boston on business in January and stopped to ask directions one evening of a traffic policeman outside Foxboro Stadium (home of the New England Patriots - and it was snowing at the time!). When he heard my accent, he asked me where I was from; when I said London (well, it was easier than trying to explain where Sevenoaks is!) he just said: 'God bless you.' It really took me back and made me realise how much people in America value our friendship, for want of a better word. I know the events of 9/11 weren't going to stop me flying and visiting my favourite country (other than the UK!), but it was still a valuable leson to see how our support was appreciated in the US. And, for what it's worth, I think we still have more in common with America than most of Europe (not least with the language), but those people who would try to make a big issue out of it and insist we should be more pro-European (or pro-American) are really missing the mark. There is no long-term value in being allied either one way or the other; these days, we have to be able to appreciate both points of view and get along with people from all different cultures. Insularity and isolationism are dangerous thing....(oops, didn't mean to turn it into a soapbox session...back to our normal programming ).

 

[UKDEB]

Insularity and isolationism are dangerous thing

Now, Simon, if only I had the slightest clue what you are talking about Whatever, I'm sure it's profound

 

[Mowgli]

I broadly agree with the above posts - in that most rational and educated Britons are generally supportive of the US. The awful events of Sept 11th provided proof of that support. This support is cemented by our common language and probably also because we share a number of common values (democratic principles, freedom of speech, independent & impartial judiciary etc etc).

However, there are areas of differences too eg
- the US gun laws are quite intimidating to us Brits,
- some areas of your trade policies
- some aspects of your foreign policy
- you drive on the wrong side of the road!

So like any mature relationship we are like minded in the basic principles but as we are different countries we agree to disagree on some others.

Hope this makes sense.....

 

[BONZO]

Hi,

I just wanted to agree with everything that's already been posted as I'm nodding my head furiously.

I can't think of anything, except for lack of funds, that would keep us away from the US at any time.

So, I can't get over as often as I'd like, but I'm always certain of a BIG warm welcome when I do.

Looking forward to the next trip in 2004!

 

[mmouse37]

I also was just brought to tears after reading these posts. I have always felt a kinship with the UK even though I have never had the pleasure of visiting....yet....as a New Yorker and the wife of a Port Authority Police Officer who is stationed at the George Washington Bridge, who lost 37 of his fellow officers and friends on 9/11....It brings me great joy to know that people on the other side of the "pond" support us. My husband survived both attacks on the WTC. Back in '93 Mike was supposed be at work at the WTC but we coaxed him into another day at, where else but WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!! As we got back to our hotel room and saw the events unfolding we immediately drove back to New York. We made it back in 16 hours (normally a 22 hour drive).

On 9/11 Mike was working again and sent down to the WTC with about 5 other policemen. At the last minute they pulled him back and asked him to stay at the bridge and secure the area. A few of those who he was supposed go with did not come home. That day affects us so much.....we hardly see Mike anymore since he is working six days a week for 12 hours a day....but at least he came home to us that day.

My ancestors are from the UK and I have always wanted to visit. Hopefully soon. I just want to thank you all for your continued support of the US and I for one feel the same way about supporting the UK. Thanks for hearing me out.

MJ

 

[jue]

I support the US fully. I have friends over in the States, and can't wait to visit again no terrorists will stop our family from flying.

 

[Claire44]

We visited last October and to be honest the thought of cancelling never crossed our minds.
We fully support the USA and have booked again for this October.

 

[UncleKyle]

Thanks everyone for you replies. It's very heart warming to know that my country has such great friends. Thanks

 

[Pixie Power!]

I agree with everything that has been wrote before this & i couldnt of put it any better.

My story....A little of the track but im sure you get my point.

I got married in Las Vegas Sept 17th 2001 - just 6 days after the

most monumental world event that had happened in my lifetime

(Ive pinched that off you Deb ) The first I heard about it was in the hairdressers when my mobile phone started going mad with test messages. I left the hair salon with wet hair and raced home to CNN, i sat there motionless for at least 3 hours, staring in disbelief. I then just wanted to check in on the DIS, make sure my friends whom I had only 'met' one month before were all ok. But the stories were already coming in via the boards of peoples heartbreak and tears. It was at this point that my 'relationship' with the US got stronger than I ever dreamed possible.

When we were in Vegas and then Orlando, we got nothing but well wishes on our recent wedding, these people were hurting so badly, worse then anyone could ever imagin, yet they still had warm wishes for us. Stopping us on our walk back through the hotel in our wedding outfits, wishing us well and then when they realised we were from England, hugging us and thanking us for travelling and not giving up on the US.

I will always support the US as I believe that they will always be there for us also.

Nothing will keep me away from America, even if i dont get to visit every year, it will still hold a very specail place in my heart.

Emma