Even after 40 visits to the Walt Disney World Resort, I still believe it’s one of the most magical places on Earth. From the big attractions to the little details, every visit to Disney World is filled to the brim with magic. What makes Disney extra special is the celebration of some of the best movies and shows of all time, attractions that capture the imaginations of people from ages zero to 100, and the training of cast members to be thoughtful and recognize guests celebrating special occasions. It’s a timeless theme park that manages to stay fresh and exciting.
Think of your favorite Disney movie. Either you had one come to mind immediately or you thought of so many, you couldn’t choose just one. That’s because Disney makes fantastic entertainment and has so much to offer that there’s something for everyone. My personal favorites are The Princess Diaries and Wreck It Ralph. Both movies have characters I relate to deeply. I might not have been a kid when Wreck It Ralph was released but it makes me happy that young girls can see Vanellope Von Shweets being her unique self and be inspired to be themselves too. They also have super fun soundtracks! While neither of my favorites have their own rides, plenty of their other brilliant properties have been turned into immersive experiences. There isn’t much that tops being able to meet your favorite characters in person!
A big part of why I love Wreck It Ralph is also why I love visiting Disney World with first-timers - the nostalgia. Wreck It Ralph makes me especially nostalgic for the video games I played growing up. This nostalgia truly comes to life every time I find myself in Hollywood Studios, competing for the highest score in Toy Story Midway Mania. No matter your age, Disney can make you feel like a kid again. There’s a sense of wonder on every ride and during every show because they’re so immersive and full of magical little details. The attractions that I’ve been able to revisit again and again bring back amazing memories. For instance, my mom and I got to check out Animal Kingdom before it was even open to the public, where we were shown the very first version of the Festival of the Lion King! The show remains my favorite Animal Kingdom attraction. Disney World manages to have the perfect combination of new and classic attractions. The classic attractions have so much charm and they are so intricately created that I notice something new every time. I think Haunted Mansion is a great example of this. From the delicious smells pumped into Soarin’ to the immersive story-driven experience of Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, Disney is always spreading a little extra pixie dust onto their creations.
Each park is its own little world but all have the uniquely Disney atmosphere. Part of that has to do with the cast members. Cast members are always trying to make sure you’re having the best time possible. I have especially great memories of cast members on visits when I was celebrating something. On our honeymoon, hubby and I got to skip the wait for riding Expedition Everest! We were in the single rider line and were happy to ride separately but once the cast member learned we had just gotten married, he insisted we ride together. It was a super sweet gesture I will never forget. Outside of special occasions, I’ve seen cast members go above and beyond. Another unforgettable experience was when my friend Katie and I got to help open Dinoland. We couldn’t believe we got to start our day radioing the rest of the park to say Dinoland was open and eating free Mickey bars!
No matter when you go to Disney World, you’re bound to make memories that last a lifetime. Ready to start planning your next magical getaway? Now is the perfect time for us to start planning a summer vacation!