Re-Discovering Disney World

When I was about 9 years old my parents planned a surprise trip to Disney World.

I remember playing a board game with my mom, grandfather, and younger sister, when my grandfather accidentally said, "We should take this with us." I didn't catch the mistake at the moment, but I would remember this little slip up later in the day when mom finally told us what was going on. She had already packed our bags but asked us to double-check that she had packed everything we would want to wear. I thought, 'No wonder I haven't been able to find my favorite clothes lately.'

That year my dad spent all night driving us to Orlando, Florida in a black rental van. I sat in the very back seat trying to stay awake the entire ride (typical child-like behavior).

We arrived at a friend's house at about 8 in the morning. It was their second property, and while they were still in Virginia we were able to stay in the home. Our vacation fell over Thanksgiving day. I suppose the familiar timing prodded me to write about the trip now.

Today I am 16 years old. Looking back at family pictures from my first visit to Disney World I can say I have changed quite a bit. I can also say that 9-year-old me probably didn't appreciate that trip as much as I should have. I can still remember most of the details, and of course, all the fun I had, but sometimes I wish I could relive it.

My parents aren't exactly interested in visiting Disney World again, considering the price tag, but I think that I might want to when quarantine has finally ended, or when I can fund the trip myself. Sure, it would be nice to bring along a friend or two, but I think it would be an incredible solo trip as well. Sometimes, things are most appreciated when in your own company.

If I ever go back to Disney World the first thing I'll do is book a room in one of Disney's Resort Hotels. I've been told that I missed out by not staying on-site during my first visit.

Out of all the Disney Hotel options, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is, without a doubt, my number one choice. I think this decision is strongly rooted in my love of The Lion King (something that my mom passed on to me). We had the movie on VHS when I was younger and broke the tape from watching it so much. I think we might have broken two VHS tapes before it finally came out on DVD. We now have Disney Plus and don't have to worry about breaking any more copies.

To be honest, Animal Kingdom was not my favorite kingdom during my first visit to Disney World. Of course, I would still want to explore it again, but I think I would spend most of my time over in Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom boasts the best rides and most nostalgic attractions (in my opinion). The castle itself makes you feel like you're in an entirely different world. The time I spent in the Magic Kingdom didn't even feel real. Well, waiting in line did, but walking around and being on the rides was nothing but pure joy. I'm not sure I would be able to experience that again as a teenager, but I feel it's worth a try, to even get a taste of that feeling.

One of the very first rides I'll need to get on is the Mad Tea Party ride. When I first went to Disney World my dad ended up steering the entire time. He had us flying around in our little cup and spun us so hard we were all dizzy for a good 10 minutes after the ride ended. I know I won't be strong enough to spin myself that hard during my solo trip, but I still want to relive the memory.

The other place I absolutely must visit while in Magic Kingdom is the Haunted Mansion. I got so scared when I was 9 that I didn't even get to enjoy the place. Instead, I turned away and shut my eyes during most of the ride while trying to keep my dad from seeing that I was scared. (He noticed, of course, and still teases my sister and me about it to this day). Now that I'm older I'm sure I can handle a few fake ghosts, and I want to go and see what little me was so scared of. I suppose I want to prove to myself that I have grown up.

After Magic Kingdom, I want to swing by Hollywood Studios since I never went as a kid. However, since I've never been before I can't pick a specific attraction I'll want to visit. I'm not a huge Star Wars fan, so those experiences won't be on my bucket list. I think I'll want to see what Toy Story Land has to offer, and I'll definitely want to visit Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy. (Cars was one of my favorite Disney movies as a kid.)

Finally, I want to spend a day in Epcot. Some have said it's pretty boring compared to the other Kingdom's, but I want the full Disney World experience.

Each year, Disney has a "Taste of Epcot International Festival of Holidays" event. This year, the event will take place from November 27 - December 31st. Of course, I won't be able to attend this year, but it is on my agenda for the future. I want to know what the holidays are like for other cultures, and this would be an opportunity to learn without ever needing a passport.

In 2021, Disney will open a new "Guardians of the Galaxy" ride in Future World at Epcot. Guardians of the Galaxy is one of my favorite Marvel movies, so of course, this will be added to my itinerary.

Now that I know it exists I absolutely must visit the Coral Reef Restaurant during my solo vacation. I've always loved the water and eating in an under-water restaurant would be a dream come true.

Sadly, this will be the end of my nostalgi-cation. It was a splendid few days and brought back the perfect amount of childhood fun, but it's time to get back to the real world. I would imagine that spontaneous future me packed up and left for this trip without notifying anyone, so it's time I go home and let people know I'm all right.

While Covid has restricted most people from getting away and enjoying some vacation time, it is important to always make time for yourself. Perhaps, after quarantine, you're tired of your own company, but maybe when this is all over you should take a few days to find yourself again. Get away from everyone and everything and relive some childhood memories.