Walt Disney World... even the name brings a smile to your face! What a great place to celebrate those special moments in your life. It has become a tradition in my life to go every 8-10 years.
The first time I went I was 13. Space Mountain was about the fastest Roller Coaster around and it was the first big coaster I ever road. My family got 4-day passes and we tried to pack every ride, every exhibit, into that trip. I was amazed at how every corner of Disney World had a surprise. Ducking into a cafe for a short break, would turn out to be a show. Characters roamed, and as time progressed I had thrown off my new found Teen Angst to enjoy even the "little kid" rides. It was the most memorable vacation of my youth.
Almost exactly 8-years later I went to Disney World for my Honeymoon. Dan had never been there. Now I was the tour guide, and it was fun rediscovering the Haunted Mansion and Tiki Room with a new visitor. Another Amazing visit to the best place in the world. Our Wedding Song was the theme from "Aladdin", and we were especially tickled every time we saw a reference to our favorite Disney Movie. "Aladdin" was the movie we saw on our first date.
We went home with some great memories and funny pictures.
It took another 10 years to get back, and now I had new guests to chaperone. My son's Luke and Brendan, were 5 and 7. Some people said they were too young to go, and would be cranky, but that was the farthest thing from the truth!
They spent the whole time with their eyes bugging out at all their favorite characters. As special as Mickey and Goofy were to my generation, my boys also enjoyed their Nickelodeon Characters in three dimensions. One of my favorite moments was Luke dancing along with Bear in the Big Blue House, and as Luna ended the show saying goodbye, Luke whispered in the cutest, soul-filled child's voice: "Goodbye Luna" and a solitairy tear slid down his cheek.
It doesn't get more precious than that. We left the park with 2 worn out Kids, decked out in Mickey Mouse Ears and balloons, sleeping in the back of the car. What a great picture that made.
Brendan and Luke are 11 and 8 now and that itch to go back to Disney World is starting again. I am saving now, and in a few summers we will be on our way again. Then they will be older and they can ride Space Mountain!