My friend Kate and I have said every year since Freshman year that we would go somewhere over spring break. Freshman year went by without a trip, followed by sophomore year, and here we are in our third year as Juniors at Jefferson. But this year we made it happen. After a little bit of planning and a whole lot of counting down, spring break came and we spent it at the happiest place on earth- Disney World.
I hadn’t been to Disney World since first grade and to be honest I barely remembered it. My friends, Kate and Cailin, and I arrived in Orlando early Monday morning and we maxed our day out in Animal Kingdom. It always amazes me how it takes two hours for me to drive home from Philadelphia and yet it takes the same amount of time to fly to Florida from Pennsylvania. Anyway, we spent the morning fighting off the rain by dodging into indoor cafes, and stores. By the afternoon, the sun was out and ready to stay for the rest of our trip. If I had to choose a favorite park, I would choose Animal Kingdom because it was so nice to see all of the palm trees, flowers, and greenery that wasn’t covered in snow. We went on Kilimanjaro Safaris, rode Expedition Everest as the sun was setting (definitely a highlight of the trip), and explored the glowing world of Pandora at night. Day one was great.
We spent the next day in Epcot eating food from all around the world and riding some of the best rides. Test Track, Spaceship Earth, and Soarin’ were by far my favorites. Epcot was hosting an international flower show while we were there the park was blooming with flowers and Disney characters made out of landscaping materials. The theme of flowers was even in some of the foods that they had to offer. In Japan I tried frushi (yes that is fruit sushi) and I have to say that I’m a fan.
We saved Disney’s most famous park for last- Magic Kingdom. We started the morning eating hot cinnamon rolls for breakfast in Gaston’s tavern. But it wasn’t until we rode the Haunted Mansion that I was wide awake. Now, the only ride that I vividly remember going on when I was at Disney World years ago was It’s a Small World. Let me tell you, that ride didn’t change a bit. It’s exactly how I had remembered it. We spent the afternoon riding other rides and soon night time approached and it was time for the most magical part of the whole trip- the fireworks at the castle. If you have never been to Disney World, this is the reason why you need to go. The powerful music, the projections on the castle, and the incredible light show moved me so much. It was a wonderful end to a magical trip.