Growing up, I was pretty introverted. I loved playing outside, having imaginary friends, and coming up with different stories in my head. I took pride in the imagination that I had. I clearly remember setting up a fort in my room and calling it “Neverland.”
If you can’t guess by my unoriginal fort title, one of my favorite Disney movies growing up was “Peter Pan.” Staying forever young, going on adventures with Tink and the Lost Boys? That was my dream! Besides being an actual princess of course.
It seems that everyone is so busy telling children to grow up, that they forget about all of the imagination and magic in their own heads. It took me a while to realize this, but just because you have to grow up, doesn’t mean you have to let go of the magic you once held so dear.
In December of 2017, I was halfway through my sophomore year of college and my first semester away at school. My family took a trip to Florida for the holidays because we had never seen Disney at Christmas time. Let me tell you, if you thought Walt Disney World was magical enough already, you haven’t seen anything till you see it at Christmas. To this day, I still look at pictures from our trip in 2017. It was honestly my favorite vacation.
I remember watching Disney’s firework show, “Happily Ever After,” for the first time (in person, at least, and not on YouTube) and just welling up with tears. There are no words to explain how beautifully done the projections on the castle and the fireworks were.
After that trip, I was reassured even more that, with Disney releasing new movies and introducing new princesses and stories, my love for the Walt Disney Company would only continue to flourish. From the thought put into all of the rides, the shows, the merchandise, and the cast members, Disney truly never fails to transport me back to a happy, childlike dreamland.
I’ve learned some of my most important life lessons from Disney movies. Disney is that best friend that you never get tired of because they grow with you; they stick with you throughout your worst times, they’re there during your best times, and they remind you that you can go the distance.
From learning that I can beat the odds, to falling back in love with dreaming — just as my favorite princess Rapunzel does — I’m constantly inspired and reminded of the pure happiness I feel when I watch my favorite movies, or meet characters in the Disney parks.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, or who you are, Disney can make anyone’s day. The Disney magic you felt at 5 years old is the same magic you’ll feel at 65. Just like Walt said, “adults are only kids grown up, anyway.” Never feel bad for wanting to feel like a kid again. Wishing isn’t something only children do, Disney is always there to encourage you to take hold of your dreams and make them come true.
Whether you find your way back to the magic by the parks, movies, or music, you can always count on Disney to be an escape from the real world. Just remember: you’re the key to unlocking your own magic. With a bit of imagination, you’ll discover anything is possible.