I, for one, truly do believe Disney World is the happiest place on earth. I believed that dreams do come true there, and I have so many feelings associated with that wonderful place. Whenever I’m around fellow Disney World lovers I know just by the look on their face when talking about the parks, the movies, what’s new, what’s old, the rides and the characters. There are so many feelings that I could associate with Disney World, but I filed down my list to 12 feelings that only Disney World lovers will understand. Whether you’ve been to Disney World once, 15 times or just watched park documentaries and videos until it felt like you’ve been, you’ll know if you’re a Disney World Lover when relating to these feelings.
1. The anticipation to ride Space Mountain
Once you walk through the gates of Tomorrowland and head for the back to Space Mountain, you’re already smiling like a fool. But once you get inside and it gets dark, and all you hear is the murmur of other excited voices it gets even better. Suddenly you’re under that familiar blue glow of the black/blue lights above you. The closer you get to the take-off point, the more your heart starts to race. You hear the click of the safety harness and people whispering to their friends about how nervous they are. Finally, it’s your turn and the anticipation is over. That is a feeling I live for.
2. The excitement of a new ride
If you’re a multiple-time Disney World goer, like myself, you get that new rides are exciting. New rides at Disney World are almost like secrets. Everyone has been on the Small World ride. Everyone knows what the carrosel looks like. Everyone has heard the screams from the Tower of Terror, but not everyone has ridden a new ride. The wait for the newer rides are sometimes hours long. To be able to walk into a whole new setting, a setting that you’ve never seen and to hear sounds you’ve never heard is well worth the wait. It creates a whole new experience.
3. The joy of watching a fireworks show
You haven’t really experienced a fireworks show until you’ve watched fireworks in Disney World. You may have seen pictures of Disney fireworks shows, but until you’ve crowded around Cinderella’s castle 2 hours before a fireworks show, you’ve not experienced the fireworks show. Most people don’t know what kind of emotions the Magic Kingdom fireworks show envoke.
4. The warmth in your heart from meeting your favorite Disney princess
Meeting Disney characters at the parks is always fun, but nothing compares to meeting your favorite princess. Whether you’re a “man’s man” or a little girl, meeting a Disney princess always makes a person feel special. Waiting in line as she talks to all the people in front of you, your heart starts to glow. Once you get to her and she smiles, embracing you in a hug, you just know the moment is good. It’s such a special feeling.
5. Taking a walk around the world
In only a few hours, in Disney’s Epcot, you can take a walk around the entire world. There is music filling the streets of all the countries. There are gift shops and people from these countries, there is food and authentic dress. “Hey, where do you want to go first?” “Oh, I was thinking Morocco.” It’s so easy to just engulf yourself in another country when at this park. It’s a great feeling for a person who loves adventure.
6. The search for “Hidden Mickeys”
Throughout the parks are little hidden treasures on the side of buildings or in shrubs or on rides called “hidden mickeys.” You just look around the park and find little hidden Mickey Mouse heads and it’s just a fun thing to do. I have a few friends who get so excited when they find a hidden Mickey and those are the good moments. The feeling of genuine excitement in the park is constant, but little Mickeys are different. It’s, in a way, reminding you where it started and where you are.
7. The awe of being so close to the safari animals
Going on the Disney Safari in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a feeling that matches no other. The “expedition” only lasts around 20-25 minutes, but it feelings like a lifetime. When on the ride you are yards away from wild animals. The setting is perfect. You feel like you’re genuinely riding alongside zebras–because you are. This is a thrill that matches no other. It’s a different feeling. A feeling of awe.
8. Never being bored
If anyone ever told me that they were bored at Disney World, I probably wouldn’t take it so well. One of the best feelings is always being tired, but never being bored while there. The days are long, but full of joy. There are shows and attractions for all ages. Don’t like rides? Okay. There are plenty of interactive shows, comedy skits and other attractions for you. You do like rides? Well, boy this place is perfect for you. There are options for food, there are options for movies, there are options for rides and it’s always fun.
9. The perfection of each themed attraction
When walking into a ride, you notice that this ride is your only worry. Disney does a great job of themes on every ride, show and interaction. The closer you get to the ride, the more enveloped you become. When waiting for Splash Mountain you get to read all the stories of the animals, it feels musty, you’re in a cave setting and it just feels right. The trek to this waterfall of a ride immediately becomes worth it when you hear the screams and see the water shoot out. The lobby in the Tower of Terror shoots a feeling of worry through you that you didn’t have before walking through the hotel doors. The staff of the Hotel are also part of the décor and everything is so perfect.
10. Your stomach dropping with the first Tower of Terror drop
Speaking of Tower of Terror, to me, there is no other feeling like the first drop in the Tower of Terror. After waiting in a lobby, then in a scary little dark room, then a dank basement and finally the elevator itself, you've had all the time in the world to build up so much anticipation. Some people around you are freaking out, and some people are you are just ready to do it so they can get back in line and go again. After being loaded onto an elevator and strapped in, you hear narration and the elevator moves through a series of hallways. Once the elevator stops, everything gets quiet and all you can hear is the breathing of the person next to you, and then suddenly you drop. That’s the feeling I live for.
11. Looking down Main Street
Looking down Disney’s Main Street is honestly such an emotional provoking feeling. Once you pass through the castle and enter onto that street, you know you’re finally there. You know that the long drive was worth it. You see hundreds of people in front of you, hear music, see bright colors and smiles. So many smiles are around you. That’s when you know that you’re in Disney World. That’s how you know that you’re going to have a great day.
12. The general feeling of contentment
The only world that exists is Disney World. Sure you may post pictures on social media or text your best friend back at home, but the worries outside the gates of Disney World don’t exist. It’s as simple as that. A calming feeling comes over every Disney World lover once they step inside the Happiest Place on Earth.
