The magic of Disney is one that can never be recreated. Walt Disney World, or Disneyland for you west coasters, is a place that holds a special spot in everybody’s hearts, but especially mine.
Since I was little I have been obsessed with Disney, ask anyone. I bonded with my big over our mutual love of Disney Princesses (I made her a Disney-themed plaque), and one of my closest friends at school and I have been planning a trip to Disney World since the day we met.
The magic of Disney isn’t just that it creates bonds between people. When one watches a Disney movie, goes to a Disney park, or hears a Disney song, one feels like a kid again.
Recently I went to Walt Disney World and I can honestly say that the experience is one I wouldn’t trade for anything. It got me thinking about what was different this time from the time I first went when I was three. In 16 years a lot can change, but my love for Disney has only grown.
Characters
On the first day of my trip to Disney at age 3, Mickey Mouse was standing at the exit of the park waving good-bye to all of the guests. My parents say that one minute I was running to the exit and the next I was gone. I ran back to Mickey and threw my arms around him and said, “Thanks Mickey for a great day.” On my trip to Disney this year my mom, aunt and I went to a Disney Princess breakfast and because there was no other option we selfied, or as Ariel said ‘shelfied’ with every Disney princess. It became a running joke that we had to selfie with any character we could.
Rides
It’s all about Dumbo and Splash Mountain when you are little. Those are basically the only rides you can get on so you better make them count. To be honest I was too busy getting characters to sign my autograph book to worry about the rides.
This trip though I wanted to ride every single ride in every single park. I think I got pretty close. Everything from Tower of Terror, to Space Mountain, to Toy Story Mania (I won), I was on. Part of being older means being taller, which means no height restrictions to get on rides.
Recreate Memories
When I was little I made so many amazing memories that I wanted to recreate as many of them as possible on this trip to Disney. It may have something to do with my ability to speak fluent sass, but my favorite Disney character has always been Donald Duck. When I was 3 years old, I got a picture hugging Donald. Before I left for Orlando this year I made sure I had a copy of that photo on my phone. On the last day, after not seeing Donald during the whole trip, I found him! With my phone ready I showed both Donald and the photographer the photo and we recreated it, and it was by far my favorite photo of the trip.
Disney is different when you are older, but it makes it no less magical and no less fun. Thanks Mickey for a great trip and many more to come!
