Somehow, I had made it 19 years without ever visiting Disney World. That all changed over Christmas break when I spontaneously joined my friend and her family for a little trip to the famous park. Here are some of the things that I felt made up my own personal experience.
1. The ride there
For me, the drive took about 8 hours and it's safe to say that the anticipation just near killed me. After many pitstops and traffic delays, finally driving under the famous Walt Disney World sign was like a dream come true.
2. Realizing just how big Disney World is
Okay so maybe I was just ignorant, but I came to Disney totally unaware of how much there was to it like the different parks, resorts, restaurants, shops, and more! Spending all day in one park and not even coming close to doing everything there is just the norm.
3. Learning how long the lines are
Our first day there, we went to Magic Kingdom and started the day off by waiting for an hour and a half for the Jungle Cruise. Granted, it was New Year's Eve and all, but my very small amount of patience just couldn't take it.
4. Discovering the Fast Pass
Ah, the Fast Pass. A magical way to skip in front of all the poor unfortunate souls in the stand-by line. We may have cheated the system just a bit to get more fast passes, but I feel no guilt.
5. Getting nervous before every ride
Everest, Space Mountain, Rock 'n Rollercoaster...you name it and I was a total baby about it. Actually scratch that, the babies had less fear in their eyes than me. (Yes, I skipped out on Tower of Terror.)
6. But after every ride...
Admittedly, as much as the thought of drops and twists made my stomach churn, I got off each ride feeling a huge rush of adrenaline and a desire to do it all over again.
7. Wearing your Mickey ears everywhere
Buying your first pair of ears is monumental and they will not leave your head throughout the duration of the trip. They become a (to some people, excessive) staple to your vacation.
8. Everyone calls you "Princess"
Sure, Disney worker, call that 9-year-old waiting behind me in line for her turkey leg "Princess", but I hope you get my title right next time.
9. Taking pictures of EVERYTHING
Guilty. From the moment I first saw Cinderella's Castle, it was all over. I was constantly snapping pictures throughout the whole trip and I'm so thankful I did. I can look back on those to help me cope with the tough realization that not everyone outside of Disney is that cheerful.
10. Meeting the characters
It just goes to show that you're never too old to hug your favorite Disney characters (even if you have to wait for 45 minutes in a line dominated by 5-year-olds).
11. Seeing more strollers than you ever have before
And if you look away for even a fraction of a second, you're bound to trip over one of said strollers. Just glance at the stroller drop off and you'll wonder how it's even possible for this many small children to exist.
12. Singing along to the shows
"Part of Your World" started and it really was uncontrollable. I had to sing along.
13. Finally laying down at night
Disney requires a lot of walking. Comfy shoes or not, your feet will be feeling it and nothing is better after a jam-packed day than returning to your hotel bed.
14. Saying goodbye
So after it was confirmed "happiest place on earth", saying goodbye wasn't the easiest thing to do.
15. Planning another trip
Before I ever visited Disney, I didn't really understand why people wanted to come back more than once. Now, though, I'm sitting here listing off reasons I should save up to go again.
