Leaving Disney's Magic Kingdom is a heart wrenching experience. You don't want to let go of all the fun and the magic. Here are some of the memories you especially cherish as you take those final steps outside of Disney's front gates.
1. Getting Grand Entrance Jitters
You planned this Disney trip just weeks in advance but had been waiting for this moment for what felt like eternity. You peeked around the folks in front of you and found you were trapped behind the largest family you had ever seen. When it was finally your turn you heard the cast member say, "Mickey to Mickey!" You quickly flashed your MagicBand and pressed your pointer finger onto the scanner. The cast member thanked you but you had already leapt into the park filled with anticipation.
The smile on your face grew as you looked up to see that the train has just pulled into the station. With a deep breath you made your way toward Main Street with some pep in your step because you knew your day was about to be truly magical.
2. Eating Sweet Treats
How it took you a full 30 minutes to decide on a snack is beyond you but there were simply too many lip smacking options. You went with cotton candy from The Confectionery, knowing that a Mickey ice cream bar was most definitely in your future. You devoured the cotton candy and felt the sugar rush through you.
When you stepped back onto Main Street, the castle was in full view. You had to stop twice to get the perfect photo of it. That snapshot quickly turned into your phone screen before you pocketed your cell and made a b-line for your favorite land.
3. Experiencing Fairy-tale Magic
Upon entering Fantasyland, you realized just how many fairytales you would experience that day. The line for Mickey's PhilharMagic read "15 minutes," so you darted for the entrance. When you were welcomed into the theater you threw on your 3-D glasses before being instructed to do so and picked the perfect seat.
By the end of the show you had belted out all your favorite Disney classics. You were a guest in Beast's castle, swam with Ariel, flew on the magic carpet with Jasmine and Aladdin, and then some. Being immersed in all this Disney magic hit home and made you that much more excited for what was next.
4. Dancing Through Parades
You had spent most of your day on rides or watching shows but you found yourself back in front of the castle when you heard Disney's loud speakers erupt with music. "The Move It, Shake It Parade!" someone yelled. You hurried over to see what the fuss was all about and boy, Disney did not disappoint.
Suddenly, everyone was surrounded by floats and a variety of characters. Music flowed through the air as everyone joined in the party. You felt your heart overflow with the joy you saw in the people around you. It was then you had to take a moment to soak in all of the happiness you both saw and felt.
5. Meeting Mickey
You knew you wanted to meet the mouse himself but had cringed with the thought of how long that line must be. Regardless, you weathered that storm of a line and were ushered into a dim hall toward Mickey's room. The cast member welcomed you and gestured toward Mickey.
There he was. He stood right in front of you. He hugged you. He spoke to you. Your hands had been shaking the entire visit and you nervously laughed more than necessary. The number of photos you took were far past the limit Mickey's cast members desired of guests but you needed this moment on record. Meeting Mickey was something you would never forget.
6. Celebrating Magic
The sun went down and you knew what was in store for you, Disney's Celebrate The Magic and Wishes Nighttime Spectacular. You whipped out a mini pack of tissues and stuff them in your front pocket because you knew you would need them soon enough. Finding space in front of Cinderella's castle was a struggle but Main Street cast members walked you to the perfect spot and wished you well. You were hugging the Stitch plush you picked up in Tomorrowland and waited rather impatiently for the lights to go down.
Before you knew it, you were watching Cinderella's castle light up with all sorts of animation. Fix it Felix fixed the castle from Wreck It Ralph's destruction, Mickey and friends swirled all around the castle, Queen Elsa sang about the cold never bothering her anyway. Then, you finally used those tissues when you watched the lanterns from Tangled drifted across the face of the castle. You had a few minutes to get yourself together before the fireworks began and took advantage of every moment. There was a photo opportunity with the castle lit up behind you so again, your phone screen changed.
But the announcer eventually prepped everyone for Wishes and all you could think about was how amazing your day had been. The show started and you felt each boom and crackle of the fireworks deep within your heart. Tinkerbell took off as you watched everyone's faces light up as they fell in love with the night sky.
These are memories that will play over and over again. Yes, walking away from the most magical place on earth is a challenge. But you manage it knowing that you'll be back again to experience it all over again someday.
