What happens when you go the happiest place on earth at the most wonderful time of the year? Magic. The kind of magic that’s like unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning every single day.
When I was invited to Orlando to “unwrap the magic” of Walt Disney World at Christmas time I didn’t know what to expect. I’d only been to Disney World once when I was 12 years old and my biggest memory of the vacation was miraculously surviving the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios. I didn’t want to test my luck again. But as soon as I stepped foot in the Magic Kingdom it was like I was a kid again. Everywhere I looked there were Christmas lights, trees, ornaments, and families of people who were indeed having the happiest time of their lives. Within minutes I was in line buying a pair of Minnie Mouse ears, which I proudly wore all weekend.
My first night began watching the “Frozen” Holiday wish stage show which transformed Cinderella’s castle from the typical fairytale palace into an icy masterpiece thanks to Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and a little bit of magic. It was the moment work emails stopped mattering and I let my inner child — the one scared of roller coasters and any simulating ride that even goes close to upside down — free.
Following in the footsteps of a brave new media friend, I hit the Tomorrowland Speedway before she convinced me Space Mountain was a good idea. It was, even though I shed a solitary tear and my blowout turned into an afro — the ultimate sign of a time well had.
After a delicious dinner of falafel, fried chicken, and chocolate kungaloosh at the new Jungle Skipper Canteen, I passed out on an amazingly comfortable bed at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel to get some shuteye before a busy second day.
