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Giving Thanks: Disney Style

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and before you know it the whirlwind of the holiday season will be upon us.  For some, it has already begun I’m sure!  While we may not be able to gather around the same table to share turkey, dressing or pumpkin pie, I’m glad that we can still come together here on the world wide web to share something else — our love of Disney!  And so, I would like to present you with my list of things for which I am grateful, Walt Disney World edition.  I hope you will add to the list in our comments section below!

1.   I am grateful that Walt Disney World gives me an escape from reality.  While I do (occasionally) enjoy vacations at other destinations, I find myself still tethered to “normal life” elsewhere.  When I’m in Disney World, however, the only thing I’m worried about is what time does the parade start and when can I get my next FastPass.  From the time you step onto the Magical Express until you drive under the Walt Disney World arch on the way home you are in the Disney bubble and I find that so refreshing!

2.  I am grateful that Walt Disney World can bring out the silly in all of us.  I mean, where else is it perfectly normal for Grandpa to wear mouse ears and Aunt Jill to hug a mouse?  The squeals and laughter coming from people of all ages in the spinning teacups at the Mad Tea Party is one of my favorite noises.  And by all means, let’s all skip down Main Street, U.S.A! 
 
3.  I am grateful that Walt Disney World has something for everyone.  When you ask others what their favorite part of Walt Disney World is, the answers are so varied:  dropping 13 stories in an elevator, watching Tigger dance in a parade, seeing fireworks light up Cinderella Castle, people watching from the PeopleMover, flying over Neverland, dining around the World Showcase or swimming at the resort pool.  And as we go back, our favorite parts may change.  I love that!

4.  I am grateful that Walt Disney World inspires guests to be curious and imaginative.  There are specific attractions that focus on these qualities, but inspiration to be inquisitive and to make believe is woven into all aspects of a Disney vacation.  Every time I go to Walt Disney World there is something new that makes me wonder, “How did they do that?!” 


5.  I am grateful for Walt Disney World’s attention to detail.  It never ceases to amaze me.  The New Fantasyland is a prime example of how far imagineers can go to make sure that every single thing makes sense within the theme.  But it goes beyond the aesthetic details.  The cast members pay attention to the guests' details as well.  I’ll never forget our last big family trip when we were watching the afternoon parade at Hollywood Studios.  Jasmine noticed that my youngest niece was wearing a birthday pin, looked her in the eye as she waved and mouthed “Happy Birthday, Princess!”  I thought my niece’s eyes were going to bug out she was so in awe.  It is stories like this that keep us coming back.



 
What would you add to the list?  What makes you thankful for Walt Disney World?


Aubrey

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