Disney World - Orlando, Florida

 

Many years ago, before Covid scorched the world and kept us all from exploring new countries, I had the chance to travel to different areas of the world. In the year 2014, to celebrate my older sister finishing sixth form, and to carry on her educational journey on musical theatre at university, my family travelled to America. Visiting the south, with our first stop in Orlando, Florida. 

During the same time of our visit, my Dutch cousins, and uncle and aunt were in Orlando, Florida as well. Staying in a bungalow that had a pool, for two weeks. It was the perfect place for us to bunk together. To celebrate my cousin turning seven we decided to visit Disney World. 

No matter your age, the moment your eyes lay on the Magical Kingdom Castle it sparks the childhood within you. Even if you were fifteen, like I was then, or twenty-one, like I am now, entering the world of Disney ignites the memories of your youth, ones that you wish you could experience once again. And I know when I am older, in my 90s, the kid in me will always feel the magic that Disney gives. 

To arrive at the Magical Kingdom, the first step of this journey was for a ferry to travel across the waters. The castle was in our sight, and peaking up into the sky was the turret. As the ferry swam closer and closer, the castle became clearer, it did help as it was the summer and there were no clouds blocking our view. 

When stepping into this magical world, it is easy to find yourself distracted by the shops on each side of the road, it was like we had stepped into the past and also somehow found our way into a production created by Disney. But as we would all look down, there it was, the grand pink castle with blue tips. To see the castle where Cinderella danced the night, set up the tone of this magical place. 

The classical music of Disney played ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’, and on the stage in front of the castle was a play. Minnie and Mickey Mouse, and the gang were on an adventure, where Peter Pan, and Wendy were fighting off the villainous Captain Hook; sadly not the attractive one from Once Upon A Time. 

And then it was off to the rides, going on as many as we could throughout the day. The first one we went on was the Haunted House. While waiting in the line there were activities that we could distract ourselves from waiting for this ride. Shapes of instruments embedded on the wall, where we could touch them and the melodic sound would play. 

Before the ride started, we all stood in this room, as the story of this haunted house was told. And then… the darkness seized the light away, pure dark that we couldn’t even see the puff of air as we breathed — I must admit, there were a few screams. 

As much as I loved the Winnie the Pooh and The Little Mermaid ride, due to my childhood love, my favourite ride must have been the water ride. Where I sat at the front, with my hands shooting up in the air as the big drop happened, and the water splashed over us five: me, my sister, my cousin, my mum and my aunt. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, with the quick twist and turns, where we could scream and shout out our excitement. 

As night flooded over, the rides shut down for the end of the day. And the Electrical Parade began, with sparkly lights filling up the sky of stars. They all gleamed and flashed as if they were gems. The characters of Disney walked or rode the floats, waving to us all with a smile plastered on their faces. If I recall, it was TinkerBell who took the lead, as the main fairy of the gang, she can be the only one to light up the evening with colours of life. 

Although that trip was seven years ago during the summer days, I do hope that one day I can come back. Not only would I visit the Magical Kingdom, but the other parks in Disney World, and see even more of the magic that Disney holds. Who knows when this will be, but no matter what, I will always know the child will always be within me, no matter how hidden it is. 

P.S

If you are questioning: How does she remember something that was from seven years ago? My sister’s YouTube helped me remember, if you want to watch it, here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAaNfUtJL2U&t=626s