Jazz And Ella

Jazz and Ella by Jeff Lovell

Fourteen year old Jazz O’Neill meets Ella Butler on an airplane ride from their homes in the Chicago area. They become friends at once, and as they chat, a magical being greets them and gives them each a magic amulet. When they get to Disney, they find themselves transported to another world. Here they view several unhappy moments from their respective pasts: first, they meet and have to deal with two beings, one of which seems to be Ella’s deceased mother and the other who seems to be Jazz’ father. The two teenagers are able to dismiss the two visions as falsehoods, but they immediately have to relive two dreadful situations. Jazz has to confront three school bullies who tormented and terrified him. Ella relives a situation where other girls’ jealousy of her keeps her from making the cheerleading squad.

Returning to Disney, they learn that their parents intend to marry and that the wedding will take place in a few days at one of the resort hotels. Again Jazz and Ella go to ride on Space Mountain and are transformed into another world. Here they are shown several visions which depict the Seven Deadly Sins, and they learn to confront their deepest fears. Ella and Jazz even jump off a cliff, certain that they need to do it to overcome fear of heights; then Jazz has to climb the cliff. He learns a life lesson about persistence, bravery and self-reliance.

Once the wedding is over, Jazz and Ella go to Epcot Center and ride the Spaceship Earth Ride. Instead of tableaus about the past, however, they see tableaus depicting their future: their high school years, then college decisions, then marriage, and death.

Jazz and Ella learn the value of confronting fears, of being strong and brave, and of dismissing fears. They find themselves in a lifetime friendship and resolve to face the future with courage and determination and loyalty.