Magical

My family just returned from a visit to Orlando Florida’s theme parks.  My son’s high school marching band performed at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom over Spring Break.  I should know from past experience there are certain times you should avoid Disney World.  The week after Christmas is one, and I can now add Spring Break to the list.  The countless hours of standing in lines are definitely a lesson in patience.  Unfortunately, it’s a virtue that I lack.  I sometimes switched lanes and tried to calculate which was moving the fastest.  I learned it’s not important who finishes first, but how you run the race.  Although at times I admit I really wanted to be in the lead.  There were people who pushed their way through slamming myself and friends in the heel with their baby strollers.  The majority of guests were dignified and waited their turn like everyone else.  Is it really that important to get on a ride one minute earlier than everyone else?  There were moments I would have answered yes after waiting in line for 80 minutes, but I would rather be in the dignified group.

The magic of Disney is looking around and seeing: topiaries carved into Mickey Mouse, Peter Pan and Captain Hook, adults wearing mouse ears and feeling like a kid again, and the glimmer and excitement in a child eyes upon seeing their favorite character.  Sometimes it’s the magic of riding next to a ghost hologram and seeing the walls around you raise up in the Haunted Mansion.  You forget about your worries for the 3-4 minutes while your taken to another place.  I’ve never actually timed a ride so I’m guessing here.

Disney World really is a magical place especially when you think of the time, energy and organization it must take to keep things looking pristine and people happy.  For some it is the happiest place on earth, for me it’s magical and the perfect testament to what one mans imagination can create.  Thank you Walt!