Two weeks ago, I escaped to Florida with my husband and our two boys to enjoy sunshine, swimming and four days at arguably one of the most famous theme parks known around the globe. If you guessed Disney World, you’d be right.
I realize Disney is not everyone’s cup of tea. It can be expensive, there’s a lot of walking involved, and the weather can be hot and sticky. Then there’s the fact the company has faced controversy over the years regarding the portrayal of some of its characters. So what continues to draw millions of people to Disney World each year?
I can’t speak for others, but I can share my feelings on the subject. Until this most recent visit, I’d visited Disney World only twice. Every time I take those few steps into the Magic Kingdom and find myself standing on what is known as Main Street, I find my eyes are always drawn to the breathtaking view at the end of the road. That’s where Cinderella’s castle sits.
The street is lined with gift shops, the Harmony Barber Shop and loads of places to grab a bite to eat. The sights, combined with the smell of fresh popcorn, the performers, and the crowd of people, all feel like stepping into a Disney bubble of sorts. Being in Disney World doesn’t feel real. Staring up at that castle made me feel as if for a brief amount of time magic could exist.
What I like most about Disney World’s four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot—is that many of the rides are fun and enjoyable for all ages.
Every member of my family could help Buzz Lightyear fight his nemesis, the evil Emperor Zurg, join in the laughter on the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, take a boat ride on the Na’vi River into Pandora’s glowing rainforest, and ride on the iconic Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
There’s also an endless list of shows to enjoy while taking some time to escape from the Florida sun and cool down. Admittedly, I picked many favourites from my own childhood, such as Beauty and the Beast live on stage and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Hollywood Studios, and the Festival of the Lion King, which is shown at the Animal Kingdom.
There’s also multiple opportunities to get up close and hug your favourite characters such as Woody and Buzz Lightyear from the film Toy Story, Disney princesses, and, of course, the famous mouse in big red overalls, Mickey himself.
With two 30-somethings and two kids six and under, there was honestly something for everyone to enjoy. I’ve been back in Canada for a few days, and I am already planning the next trip to Disney in my head. Here are a few things I’ve learned during my time at Disney.
The fireworks displays that Disney puts on are like nothing I have ever seen anywhere else. If you can manage to make it until 8 p.m. after a long day of fun and excitement, an astounding fireworks display featuring lights, lasers, music and special effects light up Cinderella’s castle.
Disney World is also one of the most accessible-friendly places I have ever been to. My youngest child is limited in terms of his mobility, so trekking all over the park takes a toll. Thankfully, I learned about Disney World’s Disability Access Service. Better known as the DAS pass, theme park guests that have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue due to a disability can register in advance online, or in person at guest relations. Individuals with a wide range of disabilities qualify for the free service, including those that have autism, a physical disability, and ADHD among other disabilities.
Using the Disney app, I could request a ride time for my family, which meant that instead of standing in a long line, we could grab a bite to eat, or sit and take a break before getting on the ride of our choosing.
If traveling to Disney with younger family members, Animal Kingdom is not to be missed. It’s not just a theme park, it’s also an actual zoo. The Kilimanjaro Safaris ride gave us a chance to ride in an open-air vehicle on a guided tour of Disney’s reserve and spot animals including giraffes, elephants, and lions roaming free.
Another fun thing to do at Disney is stop into the Harmony Barber shop for a haircut. If you have a little one in need of his or her first hair cut, this is the most magical place to do it. Customers who get their first haircut ever will enjoy as a cast member blows bubbles, and sings songs. Afterward, a cast member will give a youngster a special set of Mickey Ears, and a certificate with a lock of hair as a special keepsake. We did this with our son last year and it’s a memory I will always cherish.
It’s also important to bring a really good pair of shoes because there will be a lot of walking involved. According to my fitbit, I averaged about 25,000 to 30,000 steps a day. After visiting all four parks in five days, I have come to understand the term “Disney feet.” After walking more than eight hours a day during each visit, I have felt sore feet and joint pains.
I think the best part of the trip was the people who work at the parks. Called cast members, it genuinely felt as if each employee wanted to make sure guests feel real magic. In a moment of grumpiness, my son cried out that he wanted ice cream. A cast member heard my little guy’s plea and quietly “pixie dusted” us with a certificate for free Mickey Mouse ice cream bars.
It’s those small acts of kindness from others, and those moments, where I caught my kids smiling at the music, the performances that caused them to let out little giggles, and the chance to enjoy some of the movies and characters that I enjoyed as a kid that made visiting Disney World worthwhile. However, I am left wondering if I will ever regain feeling in my toes again.
