At a mere five-months-old, my parents took me on my first-ever trip to Disney World. I don't remember much of it, but that one trip was the start of a passion (and ok, fine, an obsession) I still have today.
Growing up, I was always known as the Disney-girl. After my first trip, my family returned to Disney every year after that. Looking forward to the trip each year made my heart so excited, and eventually I began to help my mom plan each trip. Nothing made me happier than knowing I was going to my home away from home.
I loved the magic of Disney. I loved being able to step into the movies and live the fairytales. I loved the fireworks and the shows and the parades. As I got older, however, Disney became more than just magic. It became a safe haven for me. Just like all pre-teens and teens, I went through some not so fun years. These Disney trips became a time where I could forget all the troubles and problems I had back home. Once I drove through those arch ways, I knew I could leave everything behind, and live in a fantasy world. It was one of the best feelings in the world.
Now, Disney means even more to me, as I've started a career with the company that helped changed my life growing up. I am apart of the magic, which I still have trouble wrapping my head around. Disney helped me to believe that anything is possible, and now, I am pursuing a dream I've had for the longest time.
Throughout the years, I've learned a very important thing, one that I find so useful now that I am a Cast Member. I've learned that the magic is not in Fairy Godmother's wand, or in Tinkerbell's pixie dust. It is, however, in the memories that the guests create with their loved ones as soon as they enter our world. I look back at the some of the memories I've made with my family, and my heart gets full every time I think about the laughter and love that we've shared there together. I think about all the amazing experiences we've had with Cast Members and characters. I think about all the celebrations and milestones we've celebrated on our trips. It's amazing to me that one place can create such a great happiness for millions of different people from different cultures and lands. It never ceases to make me smile.
Disney means more to me than anyone could ever know. It has given me a passion, a determination, and a dream. It has brought my family together through a shared bond and created countless memories for us to remember throughout the years. I truly hope I am able to share that happiness with the guests I encounter and I can't wait to see what comes out of this amazing journey I am on with the Disney Company.
