The Power of the Magic

I have been going to Walt Disney World since it opened in 1971. I’ve seen huge growth and many changes there, but it remains as magical to me as the first time I stepped onto Main Street.

The magic comes not only from the place itself, but how it affects us as individuals and families. I know that when I’m there I find myself becoming nicer, more patient and much friendlier than in my everyday life at home.

But, it’s the memories that make my time at Walt Disney World so precious.

I remember sitting with my mother in the box seat at the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon. At that time, the Diamond Horseshoe hosted a western-themed variety show. One of the performers was using a water pistol during his act and accidentally hit my mother smack in the face with a large stream of water. He realized what he had done immediately. And no, he didn’t stop the show to apologize. Instead, he completely cracked-up on stage and could barely continue his act.

And then there was the time – as a teenager – I bullied my ‘not so fond of thrill rides’ cousin into riding Space Mountain with me. She was so frightened during the ride that she couldn’t even scream. By the time it was over, she was pale and pasty. I received quite a tongue-lashing from my aunt: “If you ever do that again, you’ll never come back to Disney World!” That threat was enough to keep me in line from then on.

And now, the memory making continues with my own children. My favorite memory? On my daughter’s first visit – she was 4 – she began to cry inconsolably as we were leaving the Polynesian Resort on our last day. “Honey, what’s the matter?”, I asked her. “Mommy, we can’t leave! I want to live here!”, was her sorrowful reply.

These are the moments that surpass memory. These are the moments that connect us to everyone – the cast members and other guests we encounter at Walt Disney World, the extended family and friends that travel with us and most importantly, our loved ones – spanning the generations.

That’s the Power of the Magic.