The Happiest Place On Earth
I have traveled to Walt Disney World Resort five times in my life. Every trip I have taken to this wondrous place, even as I have gotten older, has been, as cliché as it is, magical. It is the only word I find appropriate to describe that which most people only thought could exist in imagination.
Disney. Think about that word for a minute. It encompasses so much, from feelings of joy and wonder, to thoughts of fairytales and the ability to capture and play upon a child-like innocence that seemingly exists somewhere in everyone of all ages. What makes Walt Disney World Resort, or Disney World, as it’s commonly known, a must-visit travel destination is that it can evoke those feelings, entertain those thoughts, and make your wildest dreams come true while pulling it off with more magnificence than any other entertainment resort on the planet. After all, there must be a reason why it is the most visited one in the world.
Disney World is a massive complex of theme parks, water parks, and other amazing attractions. The four theme parks consist of EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and of course Magic Kingdom. These are what most people envision when they hear the words “Disney World”. They are simply brilliant, each with their own unique take on the magical Disney experience.
First you have EPCOT’s fantastic World Showcase. It is a chance to experience a multitude of different countries and cultures and just what they have to offer. One of the great sensuous experiences, the World Showcase gives countries a chance to represent themselves, from offering restaurants with authentic cuisine, to employing people actually native to that country to give as immersive an experience as possible. The smell of the food will draw you in, but the people, the embodiment of their respective cultures through music, art, and trinkets are equally as captivating.
If world culture is not really your thing, you are most likely sure to enjoy Disney’s Hollywood Studios. From action-packed shows filled with fast cars and fiery explosions, to terrifying stomach-dropper that is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and even the awesome Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Anyone who loves the feel of excitement is going to adore this park. There is even something for you movie buffs out there too, as Hollywood Studios lives up to it’s name basing many of the rides and attractions off of famous Hollywood television shows and movies. All in all, this one certainly packs a punch for those who want to see and experience excitement.
Although animals may not be the first thing that pop into your head when you think of Disney, their Animal Kingdom is one awe-inspiring sight to behold. As the single largest of Disney theme park in the world, it has seven different themed areas, all under the branch of a main philosophy of animal conservation. In my personal opinion, it definitely contains the most breathtaking sights and sounds Walt Disney World Resort has to offer. A safari ride takes you through animal exhibits including elephants, lions, giraffes, and other exotic wild animals all the while being driven around and given interesting facts by a fun driver. There are also jungle-esque areas full of the most colorful birds, reptiles, and all sorts of other creatures you can imagine. That being said, just like the other parks, it does have rides including an awesome roller coaster, Expedition Everest. I just think that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is astounding in it’s ability to maintain the Disney standard while delivering an incredible up-close experience with some of the most incredible animals in the world. Days can and will easily be lost in this one-of-a-kind facility.
Last, but most certainly not least, we have Magic Kingdom. This is the centerpiece of Disney World, it is home to Cinderella’s castle and is the epitome of all that is Disney, and it only exceeds expectations. As soon as you pass through the entrance, your eyes are tunneled down Main Street, U.S.A. and up toward the breathtaking Cinderella Castle. Walking through that corridor of shops and restaurants, you enter into an open area whose sweeping expanse engulfs you in an air of belief. What I mean is, it is at this point that you’re able to take in Disney in all of it’s glory, you’re flooded with a giddy excitement you haven’t felt since you were a child. It is at this moment you realize, but most importantly believe that truly anything is possible. You really become swept up in all those thoughts, feelings, and everything that the Disney name stands for. Before you know it you’re skipping off to Tomorrowland, Mickey ears in hand, wondering what the future may hold for you. It is after that you wander back, and realize you can actually go inside the castle, meeting princes and princesses making you feel, even if for a moment, it is all real. Then, feeling as if your feet are gliding on air, you make your way to the classic, if cheesy, “It’s a Small World”, the animatronics transporting you into another world. After that, it’s Pirates of the Caribbean, then Splash Mountain leaving you with Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah ringing in your ears the rest of the night. You don’t care though, because it’s all part of the experience, because that’s what Disney is all about and it makes you feel good. It makes you feel happy, and it makes you feel like a kid again. I have done my best to try and describe what it’s likes to go take part in this adventure, but those who have experienced it first hand know that only living it does it justice, since the true feeling of happiness it’s able to bring is indescribable.
I have done my best to try and highlight some of my favorite things about each park and why I think they are just so incredible, but the reality of the matter is, you have to have somewhere to stay right? Walt Disney World Resort owns 23 themed resort hotels which are on site and all of extremely high quality.
All in all, I would just like to say that if you have not been to Disney World, you need to go. Reality is tough, hard, depressing, and stressful. The fact that Disney World can create such a unique atmosphere which allows everyone to forget about harsh realities and believe in fairytales creating feelings of near-euphoria truly is magic. A magic that everyone deserves to experience.
I will think about the word Disney. I like that you mention that. The one thing I see is that the park is so vast, but you only skim the surface. I'd like to see a little more you. Where do you like to go in all those places? Why should we go there too based on your recommendations?
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