My Disney Obsession

I grew up going to Walt Disney World. We were there when it opened in 1971. I saw the opening of Epcot and the other parks. I have pictures of the old Epcot globe.  My brother and I marched in the Magic Kingdom bi-centennial parade (from start to finish). Where else on earth could your parents leave you at ages 7 and 8 to go with “strangers” and walk in front of thousands of people??

I’ve been to Disney with extended family, friends, my husband (before he was my husband) and now of course with my own family. My 8 year old has been there 10 times already. She even danced on the Disney stage. My 2 year old made his first visit at just 3 months old.  I could probably write my own blog just about Disney (or at least be a Disney travel agent). It’s one of my favorite things to talk about. But every time I say we’re going back to see the Mouse, someone inadvertently asks why! Why the obsession? And I’ve come to realize it’s because most of the time, said person has NEVER BEEN TO WALT DISNEY WORLD!!

So in my best attempt, I will give you the Top 10 reasons why I think you should at least give it a chance:

1. It really is the “Happiest Place on Earth”. 99% of the people that work at Disney are genuinely happy to be there. Try talking to a cast member just for fun. Nothing can cure a bad day like a walk down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.
2. You can channel your inner child.  No one looks at you strangely if you skip down the street, wear a funny hat with ears on it, or want your picture taken with Cinderella.
3. There is something for everyone and every age group to participate in. Even if you’re not a “ride” person, Disney has amazing shows, restaurants, and shopping.
4. Disney makes everything about traveling with children easier.  Magical Express takes your luggage from your hometown airport and delivers it TO YOUR ROOM. The baby care centers throughout the parks offer a cool place to rest, feed your baby, get a bandaid or just watch cartoons for a few minutes. (And trust me on this, I have visited every single baby care center at every single park – breastfeeding a 3 month old is practically easy on this vacation!)
5. Distance to travel.  Just over 2 hours to get there on a direct flight right from our own Quad City Airport.
6. The weather. Although I have been there at all different times of year, my most favorite time to visit is in the fall. Still gorgeous 80 degree temps and a lot less crowded.
7. The entertainment. As I eluded to in #3, Disney has some of the best Broadway quality shows around. I love La Nouba (Circ de Soleil) in downtown Disney, but we never miss The Lion King, Finding Nemo or Beauty and the Beast inside the parks.
8. The food. Three words for you. Dole Pineapple Whip. In all seriousness, the food throughout Disney is great, but what makes it even more fun is the atmosphere. Some of my favorites: The Coral Reef, Chef Mickey, Ohana and The Crystal Palace.  If you like different kinds of food, Epcot has amazing authentic restaurants from all countries in the World Showcase.
9. Mickey Mouse. Do I really need to explain this one?
10. It is the place where dreams come true.  There is nothing more magical then watching the face of a child light up when they meet their favorite princess or wave to Goofy during a parade; or watching fireworks like you’ve never seen before light up Cinderella’s castle. Tinkerbell can really fly, Nemo can swim, and magic really exists.