Have you ever found yourself wishing that you could be a little kid again? Because I know I definitely have.
No worries. No serious responsibilities. Just the enviable ability to embrace the present moment and really live life to the fullest. It’s no secret that we lose a little bit of that as we grow older. With age comes expectation, with expectation comes responsibility, and somewhere along the way, life loses some of its magic to the regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow. Thankfully, there are places we can go to find that magic again…
Do you remember the first time you visited a Disney park? It’s probably a silly question since I’m pretty sure it’s an experience that no one can forget. The excitement. The enchantment. The adventure… Disney just has that magical ability to make us forget how old we are and let loose; to leave our worries and responsibilities behind and hand the reins over to our inner child; to live life to the fullest once more.
Now that all the excitement of the holidays is over and the winter blues are threatening to settle in, I’ve found myself regularly browsing travel sites, looking at places I can go to escape both the cold and the feeling of blah that tends to hit around this time of the year. Beaches and tropical destinations are an obvious choice, but I find myself thinking about taking another trip to Disneyland. I last visited in the fall of 2012, and while it wasn’t my first trip to the Magic Kingdom, it was the first one I took as an adult, which definitely made it a memorable experience.
Before going, I remember wondering whether or not I’d enjoy it now that I was older — I was actually worried that it wouldn’t be as wonderful as I remembered it; that I was too old to experience the magic I had felt as a child. Turns out I had nothing to worry about — I fit right in.
Disneyland doesn’t have an age limit. It appeals to us throughout the years because it always has something to offer. As children – a sense of wonder and magic. As adults – a chance to awaken our inner child and let loose. As parents – the opportunity to introduce our little ones to the magic and see the joy on their faces (or so I’m told… I’ll update you once I have little ones of my own 😉 ).
Disney has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, from watching The Lion King so often that I can recite it by heart, to having to turn down a proposal from Goofy on my last visit to Disneyland…
It’s safe to say that life wouldn’t be quite as magical without the Disney Side of it.
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Let loose, come play and bring out the fun in your family at Disney Parks! What’s your Disney Side? It’s the side of you that laughs more, screams more, and just plain lives life to the fullest. It’s the side of you that comes out to play the moment your family steps into a Disney theme park. Discover your Disney Side at disneyside.ca.
Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Disney Parks via Glam Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Disney Parks.
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What’s your favourite Disney movie? The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin.
Have you been to a Disney park before?
I Love Disneyland! I’m lucky enough to live about 2 hours away and I’ve made a little tradition the past few years of going every year on my birthday. Softens the blow of getting older- haha. I feel like once you walk through the Disney gates all of your cares and worries go away, it truly is magical!
I was a strange child, I did not like animation or fairy tales so my favorite Disney movie would be one of the live action films. Maybe the original Freaky Friday with Jodie Foster. Is that Disney?
That being said, I do love Disneyland. When I was six, my parents took all five of us kids there for Christmas. It was a huge deal! That was the first vacation we took other than driving for hours to visit family in Montana. This involved a plane and a hotel with a swimming pool. Such a treat. I was ecstatic! A few years ago I took my younger brother to Disneyland. He is on the autism spectrum and loves, loves, loves movies so it was wonderful to be able to make him smile.
Now that I live in Southern California not too far from Anaheim I have yet to make the trek. I need a fun traveling companion to accompany me.
I have memories like that of my first trip to Disneyland as a kid as well — it was like the most epic thing ever. Especially because, like you, most of the trips I took before that involved taking the car.
I adore Disney! I never was in the Disneyland and I am afraid to get there for the first time the already adult a little… Suddenly it will be at all what I expect? Suddenly it will be boring or will begin to seem silly. I hope that isn’t present. Also I hope, I will visit the Disneyland for the first time at least till thirty years 😀
Oh yes!! And Disney World is still one of my favorite places to visit 🙂 Joe has never been (or if he has it was a long time ago…can’t remember), so I told him we are definitely going in the next few years in the off season. They do a half marathon during the food and wine festival, so I think we’re going to try and do that…something for each of us in the happiest place on earth 😉
I’ve told wished I was a kid again – no stress or responsibilities or pretty much anything else definitely seems appealing sometimes!
Justin and I went to Disney about 5 years ago and we loved it! I’ve always wanted to go back. It’s such a great place and definitely brings out that inner child.
My favorite Disney movies are Beauty and the Beast, Lady and the Tramp and Pinnochio!
My favorite Disney movies are The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. I’ve gone to Disneyland twice – June 2013 and January of this year. I love it there. It really is a magical place! 🙂
Disney will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart because my fiance proposed to me in front of Snow White’s wishing well at Disneyland <3 it was magical and the best proposal I could have ever imagined!
Un.real. Alright… the bar just got raised for my Prince Charming…
Ive been to Disney world but Ive lived in LA for over a year now and STILL havent visited Disney Land! I need to step up my game.
Cinderella was my girl back in the day but I love The Little Mermaid and Beauty and The Beast as well 🙂
I’m going to Disney tomorrow and you’ve gotten me even more excited!
Eee! Have the most awesome time! 😀
LOVE LOVE LOVE Disney World and Disneyland, though I think Disneyland is more special because Walt Disney actually stepped foot in that park.
Favorite Disney movie = Sleeping Beauty.
Well that makes me feel slightly better. I’ve never been to Disney World — too far away!
I totally agree with Liz. Disneyland is special because Mr. Walt Disney walked thru the park. I live about 20 miles from the park and my husband works for the animation department, so we get to visit the park often. I was actually there yesterday and discovered so many new things about the park and Mr. Disney. Such a wonderful man.
My favorite Disney movie is The Little Mermaid. Anyone who knows me …. can figure that out 🙂 I have been to Disney World more this year than I have ever been in my entire life — the perks of living an hour away from the park! It’s always a magical experience when I go… not matter how many times I’ve been!
I don’t remember when I went to disney world because I was so young, ouch?? I have always wanted to go back because of just that disney mentality you describe. going back, be more carefree – all things i wish I could have
Aladdin, but it’s a tough choice.
I haven’t been to a Disney park since my trip to Disney World in grade 2…so I would have been…8? My family and I roadtripped to Floria, and it was amazing. I’d love to go as an adult, and will definitely be taking my future kids there.
Favourite Disney movie? Beauty and the Beast. So good.
We should make a road trip out of it 😉
Disney World is the best! I haven’t been in years, but Riley and I are actually planning our vacation for May and think we want to spend a few days down there. I can’t wait!
I’ve been to Disney World twice, and I think I’ll go back again eventually. I have to get to the Beauty and the Beast castle for the restaurant there. Fave Disney movie turned into a restaurant = mandatory trip. My mom’s best friend and her family are obsessed with Disney and literally go at least four times per year. The only ride I can’t handle: It’s A Small World. The song… it gets to me haha!,
I couldn’t agree more! We DO lose a little of that innocent joy and I miss it. I’ve personally never been to Disney World but I have friends who have loved it (I mean, their moms even love it) and all I’ve heard were glowing praises. Thanks for the reminder that it is okay, heaven forbid, even good, to enjoy life like a little kid. It would make our world a lot more fun! 🙂
I love Disney World! I haven’t been since I was 13 or so, but would love to go again!
I have never been to Disney World. I have a feeling I am missing out on something for “magical”. Which is better? Disneyland in CA or Disney World in Florida??
I’ve never been to Disney World, but I think it’s the bigger one. Disneyland is the one that Walt actually set foot in, though, so that makes it kind of special 🙂 At the end of the day, Disney is still Disney.
YAY Disneyland!! Pretty much my favorite place ever…unless its a gazillion degrees out, then Disneyland = one giant mosh pit of sweat. Gross. But so not the point. I couldn’t even tell you my favorite Disney movie…too many! Although I did watch The Little Mermaid everyday for a year when I was like 4, or so Im told by my daddy 🙂
This post brought tears in my eyes. I’ve been to Disney World twice with my family, and every time I get the shivers because it’s just such a beautiful, magical, HAPPY place. And now you’re making me want to go back…sigh. I have never actually been to Disneyland, but living on the east side of the U.S. tends to do that to you…
Yeahhh I live on the west, so I don’t see much of the east. I keep meaning to make it out there but… planes! Gah!
Lion King is a classic for every child! I’m also a fan of Ariel 😀 I’ve been to Disney World, but not Disneyland in California! However, Disney is Disney no matter its location! 😀
I used to live in LA, so Disney Land was a fairly regular occurrence for our family. I remember absolutely LOVING the ride “It’s a Small World,” but then again, what toddler doesn’t love that ride?
My only other Disney experience was Disney World in Orlando, Florida in 2012 also, and my dad and I went to Animal Kingdom. The safari was definitely my favorite!
Favorite Disney movies: Mulan and Up!
I’d LOVE to visit a Disney park someday – you’re so lucky. I adore The Little Mermaid. I still want to be Ariel.
… but I’m having trouble imagining you as anything but a beachy blonde…
I love Disney <3
We went when I was in 5th grade because my cousins were visiting from Japan! It was a lot of fun I agree 🙂
Wanna go to Disneyland together??? Pretty sure the last time I was there I rode Dumbo all day long…and I was 16.
I have been busy googling pricing for a quick weekend down to Disney with my son. We were last there in 2012 and we are due for a quick visit with Magic Kingdom. I honestly love going for the giant chocolate chip cookies on Main Street and the chocolate covered apples. I am totally serious when I say these are driving factors.
No judgment at all
The first time I visited Disney World (Florida), I was an adult – I took my then munchkin and I am not sure which one of us had the most fun! It was one of the bestest, most funnest, vacations we have had!
It’s hard for me to pick a fav – but the Fox and the Hound, Mulan, Lilo & Stitch (Stitch reminds me of my dog and Lilo my daughter), Up, ALL Winnie the Pooh movies…gah – I could go on forever, but, that might not leave room for other comments 😉
Hope you can shake off the blahs, decide on a vacation destination (Disney in Florida is fun but funner if you fly through Atlanta and visit ME), and enjoy your week, Amanda!
Love Love LOVE Disney! Such a magical place 😉
I LOVE Lion King!! My favorite.
I’ve never been to Disneyland….sad face. Definitely on my list!
The Lion King and Aladdin are up there! I went to Disney World when I was 10, so I do remember some of it, but I’d love to go again. So cheesy but it really is magical!
I’m pretty sure cheese doesn’t apply when it comes to Disney. That place is just… yeah 😀
I’m dying to visit Disney Park..I know I’d love it! Aahh one day… You are kitted out so appropiately there – totes adorbs 😉 . Lion King, ohmyword yes! I also love Bambi and ‘The fox and the hound’
Sadly I’ve never been to a Disney park 🙁 It is most definitely on my list but I plan on waiting until kids… Seems silly to go now even though I’m sure I’d have a total blast! As for my favorite movie, it has to be The Little Mermaid for sure!
This causes me to gleam! 🙂 I love Disney way too much, myself. The innocent happiness. I have NEVER been to Disneyland or World. ONE day 🙂 (bringmewithyou?)
We used to go to Disney World every year in high school for cheerleading because the National Championship was hosted at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports. It was so much fun being able to experience it with some of my closest girlfriends. We always had a blast! Peter Pan is definitely my favorite Disney Movie.
I kind of find the Disney Side campaign kind of funny because I am a HUGE Disney freak, therefore I don’t have a non-Disney side if you know what I mean! haha And my favorite Disney movie is now Frozen, hands down, it’s amazing. I’ve seen it 8 times so far! 🙂
I -definitely- want to be your best friend
I grew up in Southern California so I had a disneyland pass for a large majority of my life. I love it! Having a pass made it nice cause you didn’t feel like you had to fit it in all in one day. I just saw Frozen this weekend and loved it!!! I also LOVE Lion King. I especially love watching Disney movies as an adult now and seeing the deeper life lessons I missed as a kid.
That must have been -amazing- as a kid! I can’t even imagine what it would be like to just say “Hey, wanna go to Disneyland?” — “Sure, let’s go.” For me, it was one of those things that had to be planned months in advance 😆
Lion King! The last time I went, I was 13 and I still thought I might be too old because I only remembered the kid rides like Dumbo but now they just have so much that teens or adults can enjoy like tower of terror or animal kingdom or whatnot. I’d love to go with my niece and nephews though, they would just go nuts and they’ve never been.