18 More Sleeps
“18 more sleeps until Disney!”, the kids shouted with glee. That’s how early the countdown began. That’s how soon the magic starts to flow through your veins. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling it too, even though I worked hard at containing my excitement. At 35 years old, 18 days of uncontrolled excitement can cause burnout.
The trip didn’t get off to the magical start we had anticipated but a stranger on a plane helped restore our faith that all would be fine. Upon landing in Disney, because explaining the difference between Disney and Florida to a three year old is almost impossible, the kids loaded up on pixie dust while the grown ups focused on grown up things. Magical bags needed to be collected from the magical conveyor belt and children needed to be reigned in so they wouldn’t fly away in the busy airport.
The planning for this trip had been meticulously drawn out by the missus, down to the very last ride. Rain, however, was not on the agenda. In any other place on earth, rain would be a deal breaker. But not at Disney World. Not on this trip. Our smiles were as bright as ever as we crossed through the gates and into paradise, ponchos and all. The kids gripped their autograph books tight as the first character, Jake the Pirate, approached our breakfast table. Overwhelmed with excitement, my normally reserved young boy leaped from his seat and hugged Jake as tightly as he had ever hugged one of us. That was the magic of Disney.
There were many more hugs and smiles throughout the weekend. Some for us, but the most enthusiastic ones reserved for the characters they have grown up watching, which was more than fine by me. The magic was there for me too, just in a different place. Instead of the exhilaration of meeting the characters, my joy came in the form of watching the excitement on my children’s faces as they discovered a world they had only dreamed about. They were my Disney and I cherished every excited squeal they belted out.
There were more magical moments than I could count, from tears during Fantasmic to our emotional meeting with Mickey Mouse. The one that stands out to me, though, is when my three year old daughter snuggled up to me on our last day and said, “I love you more than Disney”. Impossible, but I’ll take it.
“I love you more than Disney” is why we get into the parenting business to begin with. You just won your trip. Enjoy the rest of your time in FLA.
100% agree. I don’t know why he said it but I’m taking it to the bank!
A few short paragraphs and I am already bawling. The magic of Disney indeed <3 That first photo of your son hugging Mickey started it Chris. That is believing and that is why I love Disney so much. I am glad you got to have this experience with your kiddos. It will carry you, and them, for a life time…
Thanks! The memory of watching him running towards Mickey is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Aww! I am so glad you guys had a great time.
I have never been to Disney as we never had the money growing up. Can’t wait to see my kids faces when we take them!
It’ll happen someday and it will be worth every penny to see the joy in their faces.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Disney. We have been there 8 times with the kids… and it never gets old. I’m so happy you were able to share this magic with your family…. it really is the happiest place on earth! 🙂
Such an amazing experience!
Awwww sweet! “Magical moments” is what Disney is all about. That and memories for you AND the kids 🙂
These memories will last forever. It was such a great trip.