On Friday I flew down to Orlando, and 48 hours later I flew back. Most people agree that two painful flights, no sleep and living out of a backpack would be worth it to go to Disney for two days, but I would personally do it for 10 minutes.
You know the secrets: Yes, the characters are in costumes. The princesses are college students or young adults and the international students are on transfer programs here. But that’s irrelevant when you’re my age. You still feel the magic and still squeal when I see Pooh and Tigger.
Dole Whip is actual life: Until this weekend, I had spent almost 20 years without Dole Whip in my life, and now I have had my eyes opened, it is refreshing, not too sweet and incredibly creamy. Basically, I will never go to Disney without getting Dole Whip again.
The Chick-Fil-A of theme parks: Every time I visit Disney, I am reminded of the amazing service they have. Every single cast member makes sure you feel like Princesses and Princes and will go to extreme measures to help you get around the park and find the merchandise you need. Even if I am in Florida for a different reason, I visit Disney Springs (Downtown Disney) JUST because I love the service and way they make each and every guest feel.
Off season: Because I was homeschooled, I hadn’t experienced Disney in peak season until last year, and being able to fit two or three parks into one day was always one of the coolest experiences. Granted, I like to take at least one full day at each park so I can completely enjoy it, but as a kid, park hopping is magical.
Kid rides: At some amusement and theme parks, it is slightly laughable if you ride kiddie rides, but not at Disney. Everyone is a child at heart when they go to Disney. If I want to ride Dumbo, I can ride Dumbo. If I want to go hang out with Figment, I can hang out with Figment. Disney has no age limit and its refreshing to be able to do whatever tickles your fancy.
Ears: Until last year, I just stared in aw at the other kids who had Mickey ears because obviously the grass is always greener on the other side. Instead of feeling “eh” when I got my first pair, I felt like I could touch the moon. Every time I have been since I wear them all day. I don’t care what kind of headache I get, my ears become part of me. I have already decided I will buy my kids Mickey ears whenever we go because it really is worth it.
Child exhaustion: Every child falls asleep on the way home from Disney because of sheer exhaustion, and so do I. My whole family lets out a sign of exhaustion and contentment when we get in the car at 1:00 A.M. when we are finished at the park. After-Disney sleep is honestly the best sleep.
One day I will travel around the world to experience each and every Disney that is on our amazing earth, but until then, I am 100 percent content hopping down to Orlando. Disney World is my childhood and future, and I thank the Lord for giving Walt Disney the brain he gave him. It really is the most magical place where dreams do come true.
