I have been to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida six times, going on seven this Christmas. Let me tell you something. It NEVER gets old. It never gets boring. I never feel "too old" to be there, and if anything, it helps me feel like a child again with absolutely no responsibilities (besides having fun, of course). Plus, would I really get THREE Disney tattoos if I wasn't in love?
Here are some of my favorite things about my family's top vacation spot.
1. That feeling you get when you see the main sign after traveling for what felt like ~forever~.
GiphyFor our first few trips, we drove. From Ohio. Not a grand idea. For someone who gets carsick after being in a vehicle for 10 minutes, I'm surprised I made it that far. Flying is so much more convenient for us, and with the transportation that Disney provides if you stay on property, we never have the need for a car. Once we get off the plane in Orlando, a bus takes us right to the resort, and on the way in you see hope in the form of a sign: "Walt Disney World" displayed in large letters with Mickey and Minnie on either side. How magical.
2. Everyone, I mean everyone, tells you to "Have a magical day!" and you DO.
GiphyI'm pretty sure that you could slap a Disney World employee and they would tell you to have a magical day. I am not going to test it. The employees are always so on top of everything, whether it be at a food stand or Human Resources. The customer service is phenomenal.
3. Two words: THE FOOD.
GiphyWhen I say that the Mickey waffles are to DIE for, I am not messing around. Don't even get me started on the decadent desserts you can find in the Magic Kingdom, the exotic foods found in Epcot's world showcase or the spectacular chain restaurants such as Raglan Road, the Boathouse and Wolfgang Puck's bar and grill found inside Disney Springs. My mouth is watering just thinking about our exquisite dinners.
4. Character Pictures!
I probably sound like I am 9 years old right now, but taking pictures with Disney characters is a ton of fun. Especially with fun characters such as Stitch, Eeyore and Olaf because they love to interact with everyone. Also, character pictures get all of the likes on social media. Score.
5. Each park is so, so different
My favorite park of the four is Epcot, which seems to be an unpopular opinion. I am truly fascinated by Disney's ability to put that many cultures in one area. From eating a baguette in the France pavilion to enjoying a show in the Canada pavilion to hopping on a Mexican mariachi boat ride, the cultural immersion is ideal for people of all ages. However, if you aren't into the whole culture thing, there really is a place for everyone at Disney. Hollywood Studios, a film-based park, features the Hollywood Tower of Terror, a thrill-based drop ride, the Rock'n'Rollercoaster, a fast-paced coaster featuring Aerosmith, and the all-new Toy Story Land. Animal Kingdom has, well, animals. Also in this eco-friendly park, they have the relatively new Avatar Land. Of course, there is also the Magic Kingdom with its iconic Cinderella's castle.
In addition to the four parks, there is also my other preferred location at Disney World: Disney Springs, the premier location for shopping, dining and entertainment at Walt Disney World.
6. Speaking of Disney Springs: the shopping! (My poor wallet)
The shopping scene at Disney Springs is nothing less than impressive. Brands such as Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade New York, Sperry, Ugg, Curl, Anthropologie, Basin, Free People and many, many more come together to form my happy place. At the end of a long, successful day of shopping, I always head over to Ghirardelli for the best cookie dough ice cream.
At the end of the day, there is no place I would rather be than Walt Disney World (and no place I would rather eat).