No other quote could better summarize a Disney World experience. So whoever chose to greet guests entering the Magic Kingdom with that quote understands Disney World.
It is truly a magical place in and of itself.
Okay that's a strong claim to make when there are so many things to be unhappy about there. There are long lines, crowds of people, expensive food and water, heat, noise, children - the works.
But there is magic there. You just have to find it. And you can find it within yourself and within the ones you love. (Walt Disney would be proud to hear me say that!)
This year, my family will have gone to Disney World ten times. Ten. I am turning twenty this year, so that means we have literally gone half of my life.
When we are at Disney World, I connect with my family on a whole deeper level. I see light hearted dad. I see stress-free mom. I see playful Isabelle. I see us communicating more than ever, understanding why each of us likes our favorite ride. I see us laughing at the silly things - my dad's stride, my mom's silly love for the bunnies, birds, and duckies, my sister's obsession with merchandise, my want to be everywhere at once, doing anything and everything possible. I see us enjoying each other more than usual.
We leave our worries at home. We don't have to worry about this, worry about that, think about so and so, or bother with anything. It is just us and a world full of opportunities.
I cannot tell you one favorite memory I have had at Disney World. I couldn't even make a list of my favorite experiences. It would consists of things like "Dapper Dans" What about the Dapper Dans? The fact that they are a cappella, that the harmonize well, that they wear stripes, that they look like candy, that they play their cool bell instruments, that I took a picture with them, that their name is like mine - just a million things wrapped in one. I can do this with every ride, every character, every restaurant. You just have to make memories, live in the now, and be present. Disney offers everything it can give. You just have to appreciate it for what it is.
Sure, the lines are long, but it's more time to be with your family. Sure, it's hot, but that means you can get ice cream! Sure, the ice cream is expensive, but when will you ever have a Micky Mouse shaped ice cream popsicle ever again?! Uh, never!
Disney World is a place where dreams truly do come true. I can't wait to go back.
If you are wondering, I have visited in 1997, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, and soon 2014
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