My Favorite Walt Disney World Park (Hers)

When I met another person like me, by that I mean another person with Disney in the veins and on the brains, the conversation always leads to a very important question.  What is your favorite park? You can tell what kind of person you are speaking to with such a question. Are they a hopeful and playful optimistic with a nostalgia streak? Do they prefer culture and cuisine as oppose to a fast paced life? Is this person an adventurer? Do you enjoy wildlife and love animals? Will they enjoy the fast-paced nature of break neck speed attractions and the beauty of film? There is something at Walt Disney World for everyone. However, as soon as you tell me what park you want to visit, I know a little something about who you are.

Of course I love all the parks. They are all near and dear to my heart. I love the trilling attractions at Hollywood Studios. Tower of Terror, Rockin' Roller coaster, and the Great Movie Ride are some of my favorites.  And I can't get enough of the For the First Time in Forever Frozen Sing Along! No matter if you're young or old, have seen the movie once or a thousand times, by the end of the show you are singing at the top of your lungs. The Animal Kingdom is so detailed and beautiful. The sights and sounds make you feel like you are in a real jungle observing the wildlife. My appetite loves Epcot the best for more than just the food. An appetite for possibilities and world travel can be feed there as well. The whole park encourages a smooth and easy pace of discovering new cultures and exploring a future as one peaceful world. As wonderful as these parks are, none are my favorite.


I am a kid at heart.  As I climb onto the Monorail and hear, “¡Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas!”, there is a jolt in heart.  Along the ride I catch the hint of Cinderella's castle and my breath catches in my throat. Its like seeing a friend you haven't seen in years and have missed so much.  It is your grandmother's cookies.  It is your warm bed after months away. It is your childhood realized! Here you can play with the old imaginary friend you thought was lost forever. Caught in the 'age of not believing' never to be seen again, but here they are! When you no longer need them, those childhood hopes and dreams travel home to the Magic Kingdom and you can visit them anytime you want. That's why it feels like home to me.  That's why it is so awe-striking and whimsical to me. In no other word it is, magic.  


As the Citizen of Main Street USA greet you to the "Happiest Place on Earth" you are magically transported to another realm. A point in time that has never truly existed but is all that more wonderful because of it.  The twirling skirts, the Daper Dans serenading you, and the quaint shoppes of main street create a home town feel without the added subtle details of  red brick representing the red carpet of a movie premiere. Or the optical illusion in detail given to the buildings to make the castle seem more predominate and majestic. Or that the name in the windows above shoppes are honored former cast members and loved ones of Disney himself.  Or that there is a trash can every 30 feet, a distance that was painstakingly researched by Walt Disney by following around patrons of other theme parks making Walt Disney World the cleanest of its kind. Your senses take all this in with out even knowing it.  The subtly of every detail allows for you to discover something new each time.  Then you reach the hub in front of the castle.  From there its a pick your own adventure. 
Do I want to walk through the Swiss Family Tree House and imagine I live there? Which room would be mine? Or maybe a pirate scavenger hunt where my nephews can learn how to read an actual map that we get to keep? Perhaps the Wild West is calling me and I'm inchin' to follow ol' Briar Rabbit into his Laughin' place? I could visit Master Gracey and pick up a hitch hiking ghost. Maybe a flight with Peter Pan followed by some Lefou's Brew. Maybe I'll eat at Cosmic Ray's and rock out to his amazing space angels. You can be anything and go anywhere in the magic kingdom. Its timelessness and creative qualities is what makes it my favorite place on Earth. 

My Favorite Walt Disney World Resort (His)

During my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1987 there were only 2 of the four parks open; Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Center. The Magic Kingdom had a lot of excitement for me at 8 years old, but my first love was EPCOT. It boils down to several reasons that were as true for me in '87 as they are now:

1. Wide Open Spaces
Epcot, in comparison to the other parks at WDW, has open air spaces throughout the park. The fountain at the center of FutureWorld is a prime example, as is the International Gateway bridge.
As a young child I had difficulty navigating the crowds of people at the parks. On more than one occasion I would lose sight of my family or get bumped away by fast moving (and sometimes rude) guests. When you are eight most of the people you encounter are taller and bigger than you, and that can make things feel claustrophobic. That feeling stayed with me since youth. While I enjoy the Magic Kingdom and enjoying going there on every visit; I always have to fight the feeling of being closed in. Epcot has never had that feeling of crowds for me. In most areas of the park I feel the opposite--open and free. With that freedom I feel like I can totally relax.

2. History, Science and Imagination
I have always been into History. It was my favorite subject in school and later my college major. Spaceship Earth quickly became one of my favorite rides at WDW (the other being Carousel of Progress, which is also history based). I still remember Ricardo Montalban's (now Dame Judy Dench) voice as he narrated our way through history. I remember my first visit was full of images and scenes from history I didn't fully understand. Each time I would return, as I aged, I would understand more and more of the ride. I thought it was so cool as a college student studying world history to see the Phoneicians (the traders that sailed the Mediterranean Sea several thousand years ago (and yes I am a history Nerd). It made it so real. Even today as I ride Spaceship Earth, which has changed very little since the early days (except for a little interactive computer program they added about 5 years ago). The end of the ride brings it full circle for me. The future is unknown and all things are possible.

3. World Showcase
As a lover of Social studies the World Showcase of Countries was a dream come true. We were not able to travel much when I was young. In a very small way I was able to experience different cultures while still here in the US. It seems silly, but to a young child this was a great experience. Each country has different smells, sounds and music to fit you right into the culture. When I was young we didn't have a lot of money. Disney was a huge treat and we were certainly traveling on a budget. I don't remember sampling any food or buying any souvenirs. I recall walking from country to country to see all the sights. When I came back as a teenager I had some of my own money to spend. My mother and I picked out a lion tee shirt at the outpost (near Mexico). I wore that shirt until it nearly fell off my body. As I have traveled back I have been able to experience more and more of what Epcot has to offer.

4. Dancing Water and the best Fountain on Earth
When I was young I was mystified by the dancing water across the Epcot hedgerows. I remember coming out of Imagination and taking a break in the shade as a family. As kids we were totally entertained for 30 minutes trying to catch the dancing water.
The other thing that still gets me to this day is the FutureWorld Fountain. I can't really explain my fascination with it, but on every visit I just enjoy sitting and watching the water dance along to a recognize classical music piece. I just love it! It held so much wonder for me as a child.






5. Illuminations
As you might imagine this had a profound impact on me as a youngster. It was the first laser show I had seen, and it left quite an impression. Illuminations used the whole lagoon to showcase lights, fireworks, laser lights and fire effects. The real selling point for me was the music. Illuminations had a whole new music score than I had heard before. It was inspiration, compelling and downright enjoyable. Since its conception they have edited and improved Illuminations several times; even composing new music to go with the new technology. Each and every time I am inspired by Illuminations. It summarizes the International Showcase to a tee. It is every nation. It is people all over the world existing as one. For a young kid from New England it was the greatest thing I had ever seen.

My love of Epcot does not take away from my fondness for the other parks. Each of the parks has several attractions and experiences that I just love. Epcot has always stood above the rest for me. In some ways I think Epcot encompasses Walt Disney's true spirit. He was known for innovation and imagination. Mr. Disney wanted to express himself with animation in ways that had never been done, so he invented new ways. He revolutionized the world of the possible, and in doing so the world of imagination. Without his steps in science and robotics the Magic Kingdom would not be the same. Epcot is Walt--through and through.

My First Trip to Walt Disney World (Hers)

Like all good American kids I love the classics.  Disney classics to be precise. I was raised on them. I know every word to “Someday my Prince will come” and “When you Wish upon a Star.” Who wants to be ‘Part of your World’? I do! ‘Can you paint with all the colors of the Wind’? Yes I can! Who had the Mickey Unrapped cassette tape and Mousercised? This gal !As much as I loved all things Disney and soaked up as much of Walt’s wisdom as I could, I had never been to Walt Disney World.

It was a childhood dream that had evaded me my whole life

When my then boyfriend, now husband asked me to join his family on their trip to see the Mouse, I lept at the chance.  They had been several times over the decades and Disney was old news to them as a family.  I played it cool as we gathered with thousands of others at the front gates before the opening ceremony.

“Isn't it crowded?” I feigned in an adult tone trying to appear more mature than the college sophomore I was.

I soared out of my skin when the music chimed up 10 minutes to the park hours.

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS. WELCOME TO THE MAGIC KINGDOM!”

I knew it was just a recording but I was so startled and caught off guard that a strange lump found its way to my throat. Then out of nowhere an old man in a sash welcomed us to the most magical place on Earth.

Mr. Christopher George Weaver is the Mayor of the Magic Kingdom and he invited all his friends, the citizens of Main Street USA to welcome us. Suddenly a troupe of Americana, turn of the century attire clad dancers were proclaiming, “Good Morning!” From Singin in the Rain.

I was bombarded with sound and dazzled by song. My feet moved without permission as I was compelled forward into the crowd.  What was that? A whistle? The dancers heard it too as they started a rendition of “Casey Junior”. I could feel the surge of energy and anticipation knowing the just around the bend of Walt Disney’s Pride and Joy, his train Lilly Belle. And she was carrying something that would change my life.  She was carrying Mickey Mouse.

The train arrived and Mickey and the family of the day stepped up to the balcony. I was swept up into the countdown. Overwhelmed by this feeling of pure joy. Three, two, one! There was an explosion. Confetti and Pixie dust flew everywhere and I sobbed. I had found my way to the middle of a group of young children who were delighted to see Mickey and his gang.  I can only image how odd it must have been to stand next to a full grown woman while she wept over simple fireworks and songs but couldn’t help myself.

It is so difficult to describe what happened to me in that moment.  I was elated. I was overwhelmed. But I think what hit me the most was a feeling of home.  Its as I’d spent my entire life away at camp. As if I were a nomad. I had found my home finally.  I felt a surge of completion that I had never known before.  We walked thru the gates and I feasted my eyes on the castle for the first time and knew I belonged here. This whimsical wonderful place belonged to me.

 We walked down Main Street with the crowd but I might as well have been alone.  Nothing could hold me back as I rushed forward to soak up every part of my surroundings. Our group reached the middle of the hub where Mickey and Walt stood hand in hand. I said a small prayer and thanked them both for this beautiful gift.

Ascending the stairs to pass under Cinderella’s Palace and chanced to glance at the water.  I watched the ducks paddle along. My future Father-in-law leaned forward and conspiratorially whispered, “They look real don’t they?”

“Hmmm?” I responded, not entirely sure I knew what he meant.

“The birds. They’re animatronics. They really do look real, though.”

My eyes were as big a saucers“Oh my God! They’re fake? They look so real!”

“Well, that’s Disney” was his sly explanation.  And I believed him, every word until I saw one of the duck fly away.  That’s the magic of Disney World  because it could have been true.

My First Trip to Walt Disney World (His)

In the Fall of 1986 my uncle Zayne succumbed to skin Cancer and passed away. He was an amazing man; love able and kind to all that crossed his path. I was only 7 or 8 when he died, but I remember it was the first time I saw my father cry. We had a family get together with Zayne shortly before he passed away and my father was sick and couldn't attend. He loved Zayne and he didn't get a chance to say goodbye.  My maternal Grandmother, to help the family heal our wounds, organized a family wife trip (all 14 of us) to Disney World.  In the Spring of 1987 we boarded a plane at the Bradley International Airport outside of Hartford, Connecticut and flew to Orlando. For my sister and I this was our first plane ride, and really our first trip outside of New England. We were excited to say the least.
I remember seeing the Palm Tress along the runway in Orlando and thinking I had landed in paradise.

In 1987 there was limited accommodations on Disney property so we stayed in Kissimmee at a hotel called, 'Wilson World'. As an 8 year old I remember thinking this was the coolest Hotel I had ever seen (quite frankly it may have been my first hotel ever). To the adults they were excited because there was a free shuttle to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT (the only two theme parks open at that time). I vaguely remember being shuttled from place to place to board the shuttle and prepare to enter the Magic Kingdom. As an eight year old I don't think I truly understood the significance of the Opening Ceremony and the welcome music as it greeted us. There were 14 of us there and I remembered we all tried to do everything together. You can imagine there was a lot of standing around and waiting for so and so to get out of the gift shop; or for so and so to use the restroom. It allowed me to really take it in and appreciate what I saw. I saw writing on the windows of Main Street and careful and decorative bricks laid on the sidewalk. My 8 year old self saw finite detail and care into everything that was there.

At the time I didn't understand what I was seeing; or even the impact it would have on me. As a 37 year old I don't remember the experiences of that trip. I remember how it felt to see these sights for the first time. I remember seeing the Epcot ball (Spaceship Earth) for the first time and being absolutely amazed. I vividly recall my father's reaction as well; one of wonder and fantasy. He taught me in those moments to appreciate the wonderful and magical things we see. Disney was that for me.

The trip was born out of a sad time for my family. It was meant to heal us; to help us move on in any way we could. Perhaps that is why I have found a profound love of Disney World to this day? Perhaps Disney World provided a welcome magical distraction during a rough moment? Or perhaps Disney is just a special place for me. I recall my Father on the car ride home from the airport talking about how we would return as just our immediate family. He was in love too. And return we did---5 more times before I graduated college. Each time a more special time for our family.

Since 1987 I have been back to Disney dozens and dozens of times. I have enjoyed sharing them with my family. I had the great experience of introducing Disney to my wife; who immediately fell in love with Walt's vision. I was also blessed to be able to bring my little girl (just one year old) to Walt Disney World. She met Winnie the Pooh and screeched  in laughter and delight. In that moment, holding her in my arms, I thought of my uncle Zayne and of my father.