When some people have a bad day, they go cheer themselves up.
For most, it’s ice cream or froyo, a sweet scoop of a thousand calories topped with as many things as you could think of (or see in that moment). For others, it’s a comfort food; mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, bacon. Others have more unique tastes, choosing to hit up the local mall and do some retail therapy. Some have an eclectic taste that leads them antique-hunting down some dirt roads that only go one way in and out.
For me, after a bad day, I like to go to Disney. As an annual pass holder, and someone who lives only 45 minutes away, it’s a pretty easy task, too.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: You’re in your 20’s and you want to go to Disney after a rough day? Isn’t that for kids? Why not go get a drink, drown your sorrows, or do some of the other normal things people like to do, and be an adult about this ordeal?
Well, you’re wrong. I don’t want to be an adult, and that’s OK. When I go to Disney, it’s less about the rides, and more about the feeling. It’s this magical zeal you get when you stare up at that castle. It’s that rush, that thrill that fills your veins, making you wish you could fly. And there’s only one place in the world where that’s possible for me.
Sure, the tourists can shove. Sure, the heat will get to you. Even worse, the food is expensive and the lines can be long. But I soak it in with a smile and move on. Being at Disney as a pass-holder means that I’ll be coming back, probably next weekend, so if today isn’t my day, well, there will be more.
I never wanted to grow up. Even now, my friends say I’m still like a child, and in some ways, I guess it’s true. But is it such a bad thing? I mean, there are a ton of worse ways to get that type of thrill. Dangerous ways that lead to wrong roads. Is that supposed to be more adult, doing things that would end up with me miserable? If it is, then I kindly say I don’t want to be an adult. Not at Disney, at least.
During fireworks, I can lift my eyes to the sky, gasping in delight at the wonder, and get that same feeling of satisfaction. It’s crazy how something so simple can be so wonderful. Just walking around the different parks is fun. Window shopping through the various gift shops is a pleasure. An untied shoelace suddenly turns into a funny story, and for a moment, just this moment, the world is standing still.
All my stresses, all my worries, all my doubts, fears, and anxieties, it’s all gone. When I’m at Disney, I’m at peace with myself, and with the world around me. And I know it’s not very adult, but it’s how I derive comfort, and for me, it’s just nice.
