People often wonder why a grown woman loves Mickey Mouse and Disney as much as I do. Some people ask me, so it makes me think some others might wonder but feel rude asking. Seeing as I have a lot of "life" worries going on right now, I think this is a good time to share my love for The Mouse and the joy Disney has added to both my personal and my family's lives over the years.
When I was little, Walt Disney (including the actual man) would air every Sunday night at 7:00 pm. It was the rare time that my sister and I would actually get our jammies on and sit together on the floor without fighting. There was something very special about that.
Mr. Disney would come on and talk a little bit, giving a quick story or give a little introduction of the movie he was presenting that night. Tinkerbell would sprinkle her pixie dust over the castle and the show would begin.
Disney movies have always contained a virtuous message. Good conquers evil, honesty prevails, be true to yourself, be loving to others, be kind to animals and so on. Being a child who had a vivid imagination, loving animals, and wanting the world to just be a happy place, I ate this up. For that one hour every week the world was perfect.
When I was 13, Gram and Grandpa flew me to Florida for a visit and took me to Walt Disney world. It was truly magical. The artistry that goes into anything Disney is beyond words. Attention to detail, with an emphasis of turning fantasy into reality. All the cast members (this is what a Disney employee is called) are wonderful and friendly. The parks are clean and authentic beyond description. Walt Disney has stated "I don't want the public to see the world they live in while they're in the park. I want them to feel they're in another world."
Today, Walt Disney World in Florida has four completely different themed amusement parks, and two amazing water parks. Then there is the music, entertainment, Broadway class shows, and world class shopping at Downtown Disney. I absolutely adore the street performers Disney hires that are located throughout the Downtown Disney area. You can't imagine how much of a total escape it is. From the celebrity inspired Planet Hollywood to a Cuban night life scene charged with Latin music and food, there really is absolutely something for everyone.
Did I mention the all new bowling alley, movie theatre, House of Blues, Cirque Du Soleil or Disney Quest that features every variety of video game from the 1980's through today's virtual reality games? Not to mention Disney Quest's build your own roller coaster!
The resorts on Walt Disney World each have a theme. There are value resorts, moderate resorts and deluxe resorts. You can stay in budget rooms that feature Animal King and Nemo, or try the Pop Century Resort for an all American experience. Love sports? All Stars resort is a complete indulgence for these folks. Moderate resorts vary from beach themes to sprawling mansions set in the old south. To experience a completely elegant amazing resort, the Deluxe rooms might be for you. Imagine having your own private balcony that backs to a African Safari or a Polynesian luau complete with amazing dancers from all over the world. I guess I should mention the amazing Tree houses, too. All of the above mentioned resorts (and this is only the tip of the iceberg of the amazing selection) have heated pools. Most resorts have multiple pools to ensure a close proximity to your room and prevention of overcrowding.
The food at Walt Disney World is unbelievable. Every cuisine you can imagine and some you never knew existed. Epcot is a foodies Utopia. One of my personal favorites is Morocco. Not only is it 100% authentic in decor (Disney flies in experts from each of the countries for both architecture and cultural adherence) they feature belly dancers throughout the day. You can select from Italy, France, Canada, United States, Japan, Mexico and England just to name a few. Around the world in a day or two!
Epcot is also home to my favorite attraction experience, Soarin'.
Imagine standing in line for an attraction and being entertained while you wait ( I don't want to give it away for those who are looking forward to trying this for the first time but want to share in the Disney difference). Your pre-attraction experience involves music, graphics and movement. As you approach your final wait time, you are ushered to your appropriate line for your "flight instructions". You watch a short, very entertaining, clip prior to boarding. With Disney, it's not just a ride, it's an experience!
After you board your hang glider, you are safely buckled in and then whisked up in the air. You hear squeals of delight all around you. The clouds suddenly appear and you are flying over oceans, orange groves, and aircraft carriers just to name a few of your views. Smell-o-vision? Oh yeah, Disney's got it! When the ride ends, you will want to experience it again and again.
What about a trip into space? Mission Mars will shoot you right up there, either with full G-force or with the mild version, your choice. Again, you are fully trained prior to your blast-off in a fun filled, star laden mission brief that creates a total submersion in the experience. You are even assigned a role to play while "in space". It's a real thrill hearing families yelling to each other and bonding while using their imagination. Everyone exits with excitement in their voice!
For a milder ride, but equally engaging for both children and adults, hop on a giant clam that takes you under the sea with Nemo and friends. Dora will also accompany you with computerized graphics custom designed for each rider and is fun for kids and adults alike. Kids are amazed when they see Nemo and his friends appear in life like form just for them.
As you can see, I love Disney and the amazing family fun it offers. My family has visited Walt Disney World multiple times and each trip has been amazing and built wonderful memories to treasure and we consider it an investment in our family together time.
As many of you know, I signed on to become a travel planner that is dedicated to Walt Disney vacations. Hopefully now you'll understand why I love it so much and want to share my knowledge and love of Disney with anyone who will listen. Treasured memories keep me going back and spur me to plan trips that other families will treasure for a lifetime. Call it fate, it you will, but I sure love that Mouse and would feel privileged to answer any questions you have or to assist you in planning your trip to Walt Disney World.
I plan to write more later about Walt Disney World and all it has to offer, but if you would like more information on how to take advantage of my Disney experience, please feel free to contact me for further information regarding "The Happiest Place on Earth"!
amy.mcvaugh@mymickeyvacation.com
My parents took my brothers and I to Disney when we were younger. I was too young to remember it well unfortunately. However this past summer we went to Orlando again, this time we went to Orlando Studios and Islands of Adventure. It was so amazing. It was probably the most fun I have ever had. Especially with the addition of the Harry Potter world. I actually felt like I was in Hogwarts and Diagon Alley (except for the blistering heat of course). Walt Disney was a true visionary.
ReplyDeleteI love Universal Studios, too! Walt didn't have any hand in building Universal, BUT if it weren't for Disney World, it wouldn't exist there. Walt's building of Disney World impacted the Orlando area in a serious way!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed yourself...but you really have to try Disney World one day, too! :)
I grew up on Disney as well, As a matter of fact, when I was young I used to want to marry Mickey Mouse. I wish they still had the Sunday night Disney movies like they used to. I miss the good ole' days of Walt Disney cartoons and movies. I am disappointed in what Disney has become to be. I wish we could go back into time, or at least Disney could go back in time to when it used to be Walt Disney.
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