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The anticipation for the 50th Anniversary of Walt has been somewhat clouded by uncertainty, scaled-back plans, and, oh yeah- a global pandemic. It hasn’t been the easiest time to be a . The negativity around getting rid of FastPass, debates over whether staying on site is still worth it, and the feeling that many families are getting priced out of the experience are all very present concerns. But for so many Fanatics like us, there’s still an unwavering loyalty and . Call us “ Adults”– we’ll embrace it! Whether on trips to the parks or in enjoying cozy nights at home watching +, we still feel the . Every. Single. Time.
In celebration of Walt ‘s 50th Anniversary, I wanted to reflect on what makes truly special to me on an emotional level. Some of these may seem silly, while some are serious- but they all mean something. In no particular order, here are some of the reasons why I , why I will always be a , and why it has a permanent place in my heart. I hope you’ll reflect on what makes it your happy place, too.
1. The Taste of a Mickey Bar
You can buy them in the store, but they’re just not the same. That thick, delicious chocolate coating just can’t be replicated! And maybe, just maybe, it has more to do with the people and the place around you, and not the ice cream itself.
2. + Brings All the Magic Home
+ could have half the content and cost twice as much, and people wouldn’t bat an eye. has given us so much value in that platform, and the future looks bright indeed.
3. New Movies that Continue to Inspire
I each new that comes out, like Raya and the Last Dragon and Soul. They continue to surprise me, and have rightful places alongside my all time favorite : The Little Mermaid.
4. Popcorn
It seems pretty insignificant, but the smell and taste of popcorn at is just magical to me. The fact that the refillable popcorn buckets are not only super cute but affordable to replenish is just a bonus!
5. People Watching
As a frequent Guest, I seeing experience pieces of for the first time. Sometimes that means watching my own people, like when I got to see my mom and son experience together for the first time. Pure magic!
6. Cast Members
Credit: Disney
The Cast Members ( employees) truly bring the magic to the parks. Without them, something would truly be missing. We can’t wait for the return of all of the International Cast Members!
7.
Even recently, our continue to spread magic in the parks, whether walking buy, posing for a picture at a distance, or waving from the train station. I miss their hugs, but they still make a connection.
8. Fireworks & Tinker Bell’s Flight
Each new nighttime show gets better and better, but the piece that will always tug at my heart are the fireworks. There’s nothing like them! I dare you not to cry when you see Tinker Bell take to the skies at night in the .
9. The Dapper Dans
Is it possible to hear the Dapper Dans on Main Street U.S.A. and not smile? They capture the essence of a bygone era and do so with such humor. I them!
10.
A favorite can always bring on the inspiration, but let’s talk about the ambient music , too. Without that ever-present soundtrack, the immersion just wouldn’t be there. Whether you’re in a queue or strolling ‘s Boardwalk or Springs, there’s always a perfect soundtrack setting the stage.
11. Seeing Cinderella’s Castle
Credit: Meredith Smisek
Admit it: Who else cries when they see the Cinderella’s Castle for the first time on a trip? Whether glowing in the sun, lit up with projections at night, or sparkling for the holidays, the sight of the castle gets me every time!
12. Being in “the Bubble”
Escape from the real and its stressors is a really critical benefit of a . If you try, you can really shut out reality for a few days and just focus on loving your family and having fun.
13. Quality Family Time
The rides and attractions are amazing, but the real magic is in sharing them with your loved ones. Big Thunder Mountain is a great , but the reason it has permanent spot in my heart and memories is because of the sound of my son’s squeals of joy on the .
14. How Makes Us Observe the Passage of Time
Every time I go to Walt , we’re all just a little bit older. The time that’s passed since the last trip becomes apparent in the little things- how we just barely squeeze into a row on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or . The new rides my son can enjoy because he’s tall enough. The fewer rides I can tolerate because I’m getting older. It’s a bittersweet thing, really, but every time I notice these little changes, it reminds me to pause and breathe it all in.
15. The Skyliner
One of the most recent new updates at Walt , the Skyliner, is an attraction in itself. I really think Walt would have loved it, too, and that makes it a bit more special to me.
16. Mickey Pretzels (with Cheese, Please!)
It was a proud moment for me when my son decided that he was in the “it’s better with cheese” camp with me, and not in the “eat it plain” camp with my husband (sorry, Honey).
17. Unexpected Surprises
There’s always a surprise to find if you keep your eyes open. My favorite in recent memory has been seeing custodial Cast Members create awesome water drawings on the pavement in the .
18. The Real Efforts Makes to be More Inclusive
I applaud ‘s efforts to be more inclusive of all people, whether in park policies or in media. Every minor tweak brings us closer to a reality that represents everyone. also helps Guests with differing abilities use the Disability Access Service (DAS) so that everyone has a chance to enjoy the magic.
Related: Big changes coming to Disney’s Disability Access Services (DAS) Program
19. The Attractions
The attractions at are simply incredible, and each Imagineer who works on them is a creative genius. The attention to detail poured into everything at the parks is unparalleled, from the overall immersion and design of a park like ‘s , to the painstaking details placed in the attraction queues.
20. So Many Interesting Food Choices
Walt is SO much more than food! that we can eat unique foods in the that we don’t have locally. On the flip side, it’s equally important to me that we can still find chicken tenders or an Uncrustables sandwich if we need to!
21. “Welcome Home”
As a DVC ( Club) member, I will never get tired of hearing cast members greet me with a “Welcome Home!” I do truly consider the parks in as my second home, and seeing that purple ring light up when I tap my Magic Band makes me feel like a VIP (Very Important ) returning home to her kingdom.
Related: Dreaming of DVC: A Comparison of Disney Vacation Club Properties
22. Unique Merchandise
I’ve been to Walt many, many times, and somehow I still find “must have” souvenirs on each trip. From puzzles and ornaments to housewares and handbags, there’s so much to find beyond sweatshirts and hats.
23. The People Mover
Yes, I’m giving the People Mover it’s own spot on this list. It’s one of the best spots to sit and just take it all in. I always find myself thinking about how grateful I am to be there, in that exact moment, with the people in that car with me.
24. Joffrey’s Coffee
Credit: Joffrey’s
I enjoy fun coffee concoctions, and Joffrey’s is a treat that I just can’t find at home. Sorry, Starbucks! You may be headed for a Grand Marnier slush at , but I’ll take a Shakin’ Jamaican every time.Related: Signature Coffee Concoctions You Simply Must Try At Parks
25.
I’ve been to with my own family many times as an adult, but no matter how many times I walk through Fantasyland, I always think of the time that my late father took me on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and the boat was dripping water on us. “It’s leaking!” He made such a fuss about it, and I’ll never forget the hysterics. The isn’t there anymore, but the memory always will be.
Do any of these points speak to you? When someone asks, “Why do you so much?” what is your answer? I have 25 more reflections to share in “Part Two”, so stay tuned!
