Posted by Theresa Farrage on June 11, 2010 12:34 p.m.
As a child, Disney World seemed like a far off place where princesses flourished with their handsome princes by their side, where happiness filled everyone’s heart with joy, and dreams actually came true. The sights, sounds and smells of Disney World were enough to make you feel like you were in a magical place unlike anywhere you’ve ever been or seen. As a twenty-something, I still feel that childish wonderment every time I visit the “Happiest Place on Earth”!
My family and I recently visited Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and let me tell you, we had more fun than half the children that were there. I was really surprised by the amount of adults that were reliving their youth. Older couples dawned their Mickey ears and T-shirts, while flying high on the Dumbo ride. I got a kick out of my parents who were having the time of their lives on various childish rides like Winnie the Pooh. There’s just something about Disney World that makes you forget your cares and worries. You are immediately transplanted to a world where status and money don’t matter, but happiness certainly does.
As an adult, I thought that Disney World was aimed at pleasing children, but after my latest visit, there are so many fun activities geared towards adults that it makes me want to revisit every single year. With four theme parks, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and of course the Magic Kingdom, there’s something for everyone’s taste. Disney World also boasts two fabulous water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. I personally love EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom.
EPCOT offers a glimpse into the future as well as a trip around the world. You can go from one country to another in the World Showcase. My family and I enjoyed authentic Moroccan meals and entertainment; I enjoyed traditional sushi from Japan. We ate our way around the world as we visited Mexico, France, Norway, Canada, England, Italy, Morocco, Germany, China, and Japan. Each country is staffed by its natives, which makes it truly a unique cultural experience.
The Magic Kingdom is the epitome of childhood awe as you visit Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, and of course the iconic Main Street, USA. I’m still enthralled by Cinderella’s Castle, which stands at the center of the park. I guess I’m a child at heart because I still get giddy each time I catch a glimpse of the mouse that made all of this magic happen. I hope I never lose this childhood enthusiasm.
If you think Disney is just for kids, then you are mistaken. It’s so much more than a theme park; it’s a city within itself. It’s truly a magical destination that will amaze you, entice you, captivate you and bring out your childhood innocence. I don’t know very many places that can accomplish all of this in just one trip. For me, I truly enjoyed spending some quality time with my family. We had a blast enjoying the rides, the delicious food, and of course the world-class accommodations. If you want to relax, you can certainly do that. If you want to be where the action is, there are plenty of things going on at all hours of the day and night.
Disney World will always have a special place in my heart no matter my age. In fact, I’ll probably be the 90-year-old grandma with my Minnie Mouse ears, who still loves the enchantment of Disney World.