I often dream about “The Most Magical Place on Earth”. Disney World makes me feel nostalgic, cozy, happy, and content even though I’ve only experienced the park only a handful of times. I feel a strong connection to the aura the company creates even if Cinderella’s Castle is 1,040 miles away from my home. This year Disney World is celebrating its 50th Anniversary so I thought it would be an appropriate time to share my memories.

I remember bits and pieces from my first trip back in the early 70s and certain moments are still captured in my mind. Our family of 7 visited the Magic Kingdom, which was the first and only park that opened in 1971. I recall staying in the brand new Polynesian Village Resort and being surrounded by the lush foliage and sounds of flowing water in the fountains. I was in awe of the tiki vibes because it was an environment I certainly never experienced in my small hometown in suburban Ohio.

I recall feeling excited but apprehensive when riding 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Pirates of the Caribean.  At the time I didn’t know if the experiences would be frightening, spooky, or amusing. Those early audio animatronics, no matter how stiff and rigid they looked back then, were state-of-the-art technology. With my eyes opened wide, I took an underwater journey in a lagoon and observed sea life and scuba divers in the submarine through a porthole. Then I watched the silly old pirates singing their trademark song, Yo Ho (A Pirates Life for Me) while traveling in a boat through a cool underground cavern. The scenes were intensely lifelike to a five-year-old little girl. I thought about and reimagined all the spectacular attractions we experienced months after our vacation ended.

During our trip, Mom dressed herself, my two next oldest siblings, and me in matching plastic raincoats but in our choice of color. She was always thinking ahead in anticipation of some great coordinating family photos. As you see from the above picture, my oldest brother and sister were cool teenagers and wanted no part of partaking in our family photo fun. My ensemble also included traditional Micky Mouse Ears purchased by mom and dad. I was also appreciative of my other souvenirs which included a pink autograph book for the Disney characters to sign, a classic t-shirt, and a Mickey bike license plate with my name “Judy” on it. 

During the darkest, coldest days of winter or when I’m having a stressful day, I can always count on Main Street USA, the parades, and the castle fireworks to transform my temperament. With the power of technology, I often push a button on my laptop ( or if I use my imagination, the Fairy Godmother can simply flick her magic wand) and I can experience Disney World. Many entertaining Disney vloggers take me back to a place where the magic never ends. My favorites are listed below. If you haven’t been able to plan a trip and want to feel like a kid again, grab your Mickey Ears and tune in. As “Happy” from the Seven Dwarfs says, “You’re Never Too Old to be Young”. P.S. That’s me in the purple raincoat, and in the other photo, I’m adorning the iconic Mickey Ears!

From YouTube in no particular order: 

-DIS Unplugged/Disney Dining

-Paging Mr. Morrow

-Jackie Super Enthused

-Corey Meets Word

-Resort TV1

-Fresh Baked (From Disney Land)