I am about to venture to a magical place. I am about to see something I have never seen before. I am about to meet the most mystic characters and stand in front of a massive castle that sparkles over the entire land. A castle that stands tall, painted with a light blue that matches the clear sky. This is a place I never visited as a child. None of my memories were ever filled with this magical place. Finally, I am visiting this place where dreams surely come true.
A family vacation is an American tradition. Whether it’s a camping trip in the Poconos or swimming with dolphins in Atlantis, it’s a timeless tradition. For years I’ve seen this Disney World on TV, closing my eyes in hopes of suddenly appearing there. I never got to experience the magic of Disney as a little girl. Now for the first time, I am being given the opportunity to leave my footprints in this enchanted land.
Sometimes, I wonder about this place. I wonder if the magic is just a facade. Behind every show, every ride, I imagine little tiny magical mice working hard all day to keep the machines running as pleased. No one is ever upset in Disney; they make sure you always have a smile on your face. This can be a good thing, or maybe not. The minute some whiny mom or bossy dad has the slightest complaint about their service, Disney silences them with complimentary benefits or monetary rewards
I wonder what the true meaning of Disney is. Different movies, toys, games, TV shows and even meals are trademarked with the word ‘Disney’ all over them. Disney has taken over every market known to man. This is why I see Disney as some omniscient and omnipotent God that is a part of everything I do. I also think that Disney lives within each of our souls. Even the grumpiest adult can remember a time when Disney caused them to smile, or even believe in something.
When one thinks about their first trip to Disney, they envision a magical atmosphere with smiling princesses and characters that wave, or maybe thrilling rides and sparkling gift shops. One fails to think of all the long lines, overpriced food, and sweaty bodies that crowd the park. This is because that’s not what Disney wants you to think of or remember after your trip. Disney forces you to remember the smiles from your kids or the magical memories it revives from your soul.
So yes, I am about to venture to this creation called Disney World. Who knows what my experience will be. Maybe I’ll greet Cinderella with a fake smile or have tea with someone dying of heat inside a Minnie Mouse costume. However what I do know is that I don’t want to waste my time here thinking about that. I want to close my eyes and believe for a second; believe that the princesses are straight out of the movies and that the Tinkerbell girl in the corner really can fly. This is what I want to do because this is what Disney wants me to do…to believe in the magic.
