Fairyland Captain's Report
Hello Explorers!
Over the years we’ve made various adjustments to our guild and something that has become more known to us is that there is an ever increasing set of Explorers who are now also in charge of little Explorers. Last weekend we had our first Explorers Guild expedition to Fairyland, an outing intended to focus on the smaller explorers in our group. In a twist of fate, our newest explorer (at just 12 days old) joined the world just in time for her first expedition too.
Captain’s Report
Oakland Children's Fairyland is such a notably whimsical locale that it probably would have been among the very first Explorers Guild adventures were it not for the theme park’s own rule that adults can only attend in the company of children. This first-of-its-kind theme park is a true delight, and it offers many insights into the craft of storytelling, immersive experiences, and designing for a specific audience. Fortunately, over the past several years many Explorers have chosen to venture into parenthood. We can now easily make quorum for an Explorers Guild outing to Fairyland.
We convened merrily on September 14th, crossing the line in the sand and passing through the hole in the boot to begin our park exploration. With our children taking the lead we were soon scattered in every direction. We were off to discover the potent joy of bringing stories to life. Some kids were delighted to find they had fallen into Wonderland's rabbit hole, while others were drawn into the mouth of a whale, and still others frolicked in a field of bubbles.
Having let loose some of our excitement and curiosity, we soon gathered together to enjoy the aptly named Jolly Trolly, a charming, tiny train that affords its riders a peek around the park as well as some hidden treasures, such as a crystal-lined tunnel. Because the Trolly completes two laps of its route per ride Explorers got to enjoy both the thrill of discovery and the excitement of anticipation. Our youngest Explorers were dedicated observers of the many wonders on view. There were so many colors! So many creatures! So many characters! All waiting to be discovered in the artful set pieces. Riders were happy to wave at passersby too. Noting that the Jolly Trolly has an excellent color scheme, a playfully retro design, and is the only ride at Fairyland that permits adult riders, some Explorers even went so far as to declare the Jolly Trolly as their favorite Fairyland attraction.
Another star attraction for the Guild was the Flecto Carousel. Two explorers completed their own mini Steeplechase by riding this carousel as many times in a row as they could get away with. Like the Jolly Trolly the Flecto carousel also has a fantastic color scheme, befitting of a carousel donated by the Flecto Paint Company. The bold colors of the steeds makes them look extra speedy. The carousel also boasts a helpful guide to mythical horses, a guide which is surely of interest to Explorers everywhere. Truly, the only downside of this jaunty carousel is that it has both a minimum height and a maximum height - no babies can ride and neither can grown ups. Alas. The adults stood on the sidelines and enjoyed the carousel vicariously through Wiggle and Phoenix’s excitement.
Throughout the afternoon Explorers noted the warmth and happiness they felt seeing the sets depicting familiar stories and nursery rhymes, as well as the curiosity they felt seeing interactive depictions of unfamiliar stories. We also took a moment to marvel at ourselves and each other, growing a new generation of Explorers as we navigate the primeval - but new to us - terrains of parenthood and childhood. Through stories new and old we learn about the world, express our feelings, and discover new ways to bend our perspective just so we can see things in a new light. Exploring and telling stories go hand in hand. Children's Fairyland excelled at both. We hope to visit again sometime.
Big thanks to Belle Cunningham who led this expedition, provided the captain’s report, and who is now officially earned her captainship. Welcome Captain Belle!
More adventures are around the corner so do be on the lookout for future dispatches. Until then, Semper Explorandum Explorers!