Going to Disney World? Again?

I interrupt my typical online marketing post …

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a fascination with Walt Disney World. My daughter, 6, has been to Disney World 4 times. That seems like a lot for those who fall into the “don’t get it” category. But for the others, you understand.

Each of her my daughter’s visits were a different experience because of the stages in her life. From Mickey to Princess to High School Musical, each trip has a highlight that represents her latest fascination.

For example, meeting Cinderella was a tear-jerking moment for her mother and me. At a certain age, most girls have an ultra fascination with being a princess. Our experience meeting the Princesses, was the highlight of one particular trip. We waited in a short line to meet Cinderella. As my daughter approached her, she became nervous. It was not something we were expecting, because shyness is not one of her main traits. However, this was different.

This is Cinderella. This is a rock star. Who is bigger than Cinderella for a 4 year old?

“Our’ Cinderella was very good (as I am sure they all are). She talked to my daughter with ease and a comforting voice. Cinderella noticed her Disney Princess necklace and told my daughter, “she must be a Princess too”, because she’s wearing a Princess necklace. My daughter? A Princess? Who knew? I was living with Royalty.

Now, as much as I try to blame my love for Disney on my daughter, the truth is I have been a fan long before her.

I grew up going to Disney World. However, those experiences were not quite the same as they are now. My childhood vacations, like many of you, consisted of sleeping on couches and “cots”. (I use that term cot loosely; it was actually a sleeping back on my Grandmother’s hard floor.)

Since Granny Ellis lives within an hour’s drive of Disney World, it made sense to stay with her and drive to Disney World for the day. Of course, this was always during the summer breaks. The August heat was unbearable. The lines were, and still are, over an hour long. And we were all irritable from both the heat and the crowds.

It is important to note, that I am not complaining. (Although, I am sure in my youth ignorance, I did complain at the time). I now understand that type of vacation was the best available. That was the most affordable way, and frankly the only way, a family of 6 children was going to take a Disney World vacation. We had to take what we could get.

As much as those family trips should have pushed me away from Disney World, they did just the opposite. They gave me an appreciation to this magical place. Although, I appreciate every dollar that was spent on our family vacations as a child, I am now lucky enough to be able to provide my family a richer Disney World experience.

Now for those who don’t seem to get it, I can understand the hesitation.
• It is expensive.
• Orlando in the summer is unbearable.
• It is full of Disney Stores and merchandise.
• They do try to nickel and dime you.
• It is touristy.

It’s hard to argue with those points.

But for me and "my ilk" we see past those things. Plus, we know our way around those things. We do not go in July and August. We do not go when the lines are very long. And yes, if needed, we would take our children out of school to go. (That hasn’t been required for us yet, but I am sure it will happen.)

It may be true that my daughter may not remember her first Cinderella conversation when she’s an adult. She may not remember her and Daddy smiling down at Mommy from a Flying Elephant. She may not recall playing in the sand as the sun set on the beaches of Disney’s Boardwalk. But they are moments that a parent can not forget. And maybe that IS what the Disney magic is about. Maybe it is not about the children after all.

Tags: Travel