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10 Reasons Disney World Will Always Make Me Feel Like A Kid

It truly is the happiest place on Earth.

Payton Brown

Jul 21, 2019

Mississippi State University

10 Reasons Disney World Will Always Make Me Feel Like A Kid

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Throughout my childhood, Walt Disney World has been a common vacation spot for my family. Every nook and cranny within the park has been embedded in my brain while every twist and turn from each ride has been memorized. However, my heart still swells with excitement each time we drive through the entrance gate and catch a quick glimpse at the towering Walt Disney World archway. Here are some ways that Disney will always bring me back to my childhood and remind me that I am a kid at heart.

Mickey Mouse Themed Treats

Payton Brown

Typically, I wouldn't chow down on sweets as I might back in my younger years, but when it comes to Mickey-shaped treats at Disney... I can't resist. Between the Mickey-shaped ice cream to the Mickey-shaped waffles, I can never get enough of this mouse. The marshmallow treats, orange-flavored macarons, candy apples, and churros all remind me of a time in my childhood where Kid's Cuisine was considered to be a gourmet meal. So, excuse me while I stuff my face with a Mickey pretzel and reminisce on a time where I enjoyed Fruit by the Foot.

Pin Trading

Pin Trading

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Remember collecting baseball cards or charms for your bracelet or, in my case, Silly Bands? Pin collecting reminds me of both my old Webkinz collection and of my favorite Disney characters (Remy from Ratatouille). It's such an adventure running around all four parks looking for special edition pins and trading with cast members for those super-duper, cool "Cast Member Only" pins. Before you feel embarrassed for asking your Photo-Pass photographer to trade pins, keep in mind that it's totally normal and A LOT of cool adults are into pin collecting. Including me.

Costumed Character Performers

Payton Brown

Back in 2009, seeing characters at Disney World was the equivalent of seeing Lady Gaga in the streets for me. It's safe to say that this is still true in 2019. These characters have been in my life for as long as I have been able to put a VHS tape in a VCR (and truly longer than that). Seeing them in person reminds me of that giddy feeling I had as an 8-year-old and of my never-ending love for animated characters. So, if you see me freaking out over meeting Remy and Emile in the Magic Kingdom, just look the other way.

Rides in Fantasyland

Peter Pan's Flight

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Fantasyland is the center for all classic Disney rides. From Peter Pan's Flight to It's A Small World, there's no way you can escape that small feeling of nostalgia in the back of your mind. Being in the atmosphere makes you feel like you've step foot into your favorite 20th century Disney film. It is the epitome of growing up vacationing in Disney World. While Splash and Space Mountain might make my stomach drop, the aesthetically pleasing rides on the streets of Fantasyland always bring a small smile to my face.

The Muppet Attractions in Hollywood Studios

Muppet

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I think we can all agree on having Kermit and Ms. Piggy around throughout the years. Whether seeing them through The Muppets movie or the T.V. show, we all have memories of these iconic characters. In Hollywood Studios, there is an entire section dedicated to these characters along with a restaurant to follow (R.I.P. Pizza Planet though). MuppetVision 3D is a ride to make you want to dive back into your early Muppet phase and purchase a stuffed animal of your favorite character. I remember walking out of the ride wanting to find an Animal to take home with me while simultaneously wanting a box set of Muppet compilations. This section isn't just nostalgic for those in my generation, but also for those in my mom's generation. It's an all-around TBT fest for everyone.

Character Themed Restaurants

Be Our Guest

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One of my earliest memories in Disney World is eating at the Crystal Palace and getting to meet all of the Winnie the Pooh characters. Being able to experience this time and time again is something that always takes me back. Having your dinner themed around meeting specific movie characters and eating better-than-food-service food is more than enough to get me excited. We can't forget about the over-the-top desserts served. While they're not Mickey-shaped, they're still delectable. Try the grey stuff, it's delicious.

Coca-Cola Samples in Epcot

Club Cool

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If you've ever been to the World of Coke museum in Atlanta, GA, this exhibit is somewhat of a mini version. It's a store dedicated to Coke products and even those from around the globe. Coke has always been my preference for soda and having an entire store filled with different flavors from different nations is fantastic. At my age, it's a perfect excuse to use for wandering off of your anti-soda diet. Not to mention, it's free so that somewhat means unlimited soda. My family and I always crowd around the machines and wait for someone to try the Beverly soda. It's probably the worst drink ever, so it's more than entertaining to watch other individuals unknowingly taste it.

The Long, Long Lines

Disney

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You're probably wondering why lines might be on this list. It is truly because Disney World lines remind me of a not-so-great trait of an adolescent me. My impatience. Standing in lines is HORRIBLE, but it really does make me feel like I'm a young one again because of my inability to stand still and be quiet as I wait. Disney World, please allow me to get more than three FastPasses for each park. Thanks.

Pandora in Animal Kingdom

Pandora

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While Pandora is new and has only been in the Animal Kingdom for the past year or so, Avatar is a movie that shined throughout my generation's childhood. I'm sure we all saw this flick in 3D at the movies. Seeing Pandora in person is an absolute blast from the past. It is such a surreal setting and seeing it LITERALLY brought tears to my eyes. The rides are just as amazing, but I specifically favor the Flight of Passage. The Flight of Passage ride might be a 2 hour-long wait, but it emerges you into the Avatar movie and makes you feel as though you've turned into a giant, blue creature.

The Infamous Magic Kingdom Fireworks Show

Magic Kingdom

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Imagine reliving every entire Disney movie under an hour in the most spectacular way. Except you don't have to imagine it because every single night in Magic Kingdom, you can see it live. I can only vaguely describe the feeling you might obtain when watching this firework show, but it's almost like you're stepping a foot through the door of your past. It is truly the most heart-wrenching performance you might ever see in your lifetime. Not to mention, you get to see Tinker Bell fly and that, in itself, is brilliant.

Walt Disney World is a place for dreams to come true and true happiness to appear in everyone. My age will never determine how old I am at heart and Disney reminds me of this time and time again. No matter if I'm old and grey, Disney will still make me feel free and youthful.

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

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For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

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Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

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Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

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Recommended for you

10 Reasons Disney World Will Always Make Me Feel Like A Kid

It truly is the happiest place on Earth.

Mickey Mouse Themed Treats

Pin Trading

Costumed Character Performers

Rides in Fantasyland

The Muppet Attractions in Hollywood Studios

Character Themed Restaurants

Coca-Cola Samples in Epcot

The Long, Long Lines

Pandora in Animal Kingdom

The Infamous Magic Kingdom Fireworks Show

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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