The Magic of Disney World
For Christmas this year, my husband and I surprised our kids with a week-long trip to Walt Disney World. Having never been there myself, I was almost as excited as my kids. I’m not sure why I was so excited – I hate crowds and waiting in long lines and I don’t go on any rides where I will get wet, go upside down, twist, twirl, or go faster than I can run. In other words, I am a complete bore at an amusement park. Yet, there was something very appealing to me about going to Walt Disney World. It could be the years of marketing to which I was exposed that made the trip seem like the ultimate, American family, must-do vacation. All the things that would normally frustrate me and leave me in a bad mood – massive crowds of strangers, 30-minute waits for 2-minute rides, expensive food with no taste, and cheap crap disguised as must have souvenirs –seemed perfectly reasonable, enjoyable even. At the end of each day, exhausted and with our swollen feet elevated, we would plan out the next day’s itinerary with excitement. Now that I am home and far away from “the Most Magical Place on Earth,” I can safely say that it is not a vacation destination we will frequent often, if ever again, but I am glad to have done it.
On our long drive home, I had time to reflect on some of my favorite moments from our trip. As with any vacation, those memories are less about the place and more about the people. I got to spend 7 days with the people who mean the most to me. There was no work, school, after-school activities, or housework and, for those 7 days, it was magical.
Since it is almost New Year’s Eve, I resolve to bring home some of the magic of our vacation. Walt Disney World was full of things that would normally drive me insane; yet, I enjoyed every minute of it. I had made the decision to be positive and to experience it fully. Likewise, I can let the everyday realities of work and other responsibilities leave me feeling frustrated and negative, or I can end each day with the excitement of what will come tomorrow. That sounds much more enjoyable!
Happy New Year to You and Your Family!
-Molly Talbot-Metz