I am 18 and I still go to Walt Disney World.
A few things might run through your mind as you read it. A lot of people hate Disney World for various reasons: the food might be too expensive, the entire theme park is “Americanized,” or a number of other reasons. Many people also are under the impression that it’s only for children.
Disney World has been such a huge part of my childhood. Every year since I was three years old, my parents would load up our van and drive the 16+ hours down to the Happiest Place on Earth. We would spend all day in the parks, riding rides, meeting princesses, and spending time together as a family. As I grew up, my brother joined the fun and the tradition continued.
Disney World has taught me so much. There’s been little things, such as how to entertain myself in an hour long line and how to constantly be surrounded by large crowds, but there have been other big ones as well.
I’ve seen people from all walks of life come to Disney World, something that still strikes me to this day. As my dad always has said, “Walt Disney World is the great equalizer.” I didn’t understand what that meant until I was older, and now it really resonates. I have seen children in wheelchairs proudly wearing their “Make-A-Wish” shirts, fulfilling their dreams of finally getting to meet Mickey Mouse. I have seen elderly couples holding hands, with a “First Visit” button pinned on to their shirts. I’ve stood in line with people from all parts of the world, whether it be Europe, Asia, Australia, or anywhere else. As Americanized as people may say Disney World is, it draws people from all over the world and offers an opportunity to see people from many countries come together.
I’ve learned humbleness as I’ve announced I go to Disney World every year while being met with responses of “I’d really love to go there one day.” Each time I see a “First Time” button or a “Make-A-Wish” shirt, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to visit my favorite place every single year, a place that many people only hope to visit one day.
I’ve learned the importance of imagination and working hard. Walt Disney was able to create one of the most successful companies in the world by following his dreams of creating art. His imagination brought us Steamboat Willie, later known to us as Mickey Mouse. He created entire amusement parks, blending the magic of Fantasyland with the Main Street found in his hometown. His creations have inspired entire generations, and his hard work has brought so much happiness to families across the world.
Lastly, I’ve learned the importance of family. Walt Disney wanted to create “a family park where parents and children could have fun together,” and he definitely achieved that goal. Some of my best memories are of the long drives to Florida and our yearly family picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Being at Disney each year brings my family closer. We all stand in line together, ride rides together, eat together, and everything in between. Walt Disney managed to create a theme park where kids and adults can have fun side by side, something that is difficult to do, especially today with technology. I’m so thankful for my memories, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
I am 18 years old and I still go to Walt Disney World, a fact some might find odd. But as Walt Disney himself says, “Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.”
