Top 10 Things I Miss Most About Disney

Hi Companions,

I don’t know about you, but I miss Disney, like a lot! Don’t get me wrong, I know there are more serious matters going on right now and I hate that. But I wanted to talk about some of the reasons I miss Disney because it brings me some joy just to think and talk about Disney during this hard time in our lives. Because of that, I wanted to share the top ten things I miss most about Disney.

10. Merchandise

I miss the shopping and I’m not even a big shopper! I know that sounds a little crazy considering you can go online and shop but there is park exclusive merchandise that you can’t get online. There’s the souvenir popcorn buckets, pins, art work and so much more that you can only get in the parks. Personally, I really miss the Disney Park puzzles. With all this time at home right now, I could use a new puzzle. It’s fun just to walk around each store in the park and look at all they have to offer. I will be very happy when I can go wander through them again.

9. Disney Springs

Walking around Disney Springs is so relaxing for me and right now, I would love a relaxing walk around the shops. From restaurants, to shops, there is something for everyone at Disney Springs. I miss walking into Fossil to see their Disney exclusive items, and the LEGO store and seeing the millions of colors and designs they have. There are also fun places to grab snacks as well as top restaurants. There’s also the massive World of Disney store where you can find almost anything you could possibly dream of. It’s so fun to just walk around and see everything Disney in all the brands you love. The next time I’m there I will definitely be going to Disney Springs once if not multiple times. 

8. Characters 

What’s better than seeing your favorite character in real life? There’s a reason the lines are sometimes an hour long to see the characters, because there is something magical about it that you can only experience at Disney. Seeing your favorite character outside of Disney... not the same. In fact, sometimes creepy. But at Disney, you know they’re legit, and they always bring a smile to your face. I can’t wait to walk around Galaxy’s Edge and see the Storm Troopers and Chewbacca walk by!

7. Special events

Disney is full of events! There’s the Halloween Party, Christmas Party, Food and Wine Festival, Art Festival, Flower and Garden Festival, and something for every occasion. There are a ton of special events and Disney goes above and beyond to make sure each one is amazing. Each one has their own specialities, but I wish I could go and experience any of them right now. The hot chocolate and cookies are the Christmas party, painting on the wall at the Art Festival, Trick or Treating at the Halloween Party, each one has something fun and interactive to do. Disney does an outstanding job of making every special event above and beyond anything you have done before!

6. Snacks

Let’s be honest, Disney is known for its snacks and when I can’t be there, I dream of some of my favorite Disney snacks. Not every snack at Disney is rated the same (best and worst snacks coming soon) but when you can’t have any, you aren’t picky. I want to see everything Mickey shaped! From pretzels and ice cream bars, to beignets and special treats at special events, Disney has a snack for everyone. In this time of working from home and having to cook a lot more (that’s probably good for me), I wish I could walk down Main Street and buy a candy coated apple! I can smell the popcorn, see the dole whip, and taste the totchos. I so wish I could go get a churro right now!

5. Resorts

Disney resorts are my favorite. Yes, they may be pricey, but they are worth it! I miss staying in the middle of the magic. I miss staying in a top notch hotel that also has fine dining, entertainment for all ages, and places to walk around and see for miles. I miss waking up to giraffes outside my window. I miss seeing my favorite Pixar characters 3 stories tall. I miss seeing hidden mickeys in my room. Last year I went to Disneyland and stayed at the Grand Californian and would hear the park opening announcement in my room. I loved hearing that as I was getting ready. There are also so many things to see and do just around the resorts without ever having to go in the park. I miss the beauty of those resorts and wish I was staying in one of those rooms tonight!

4. Animation class

Now I get that this might not be on everyone’s list but I LOVE the animation class that is offered at Disneyland. There are also classes at Disney World but I haven’t been able to go to their newest one at Animal Kingdom. I’m sure I will love that one too. Disney is about a lot of things, but it started with animation and I love seeing how they create characters and following along with the animators. You get to keep your drawing at the end and you also get a keepsake to take home with you. Every time I go to Disney (world or land) I take the class and bring home my drawing. Everyone can do it and it’s one of my favorite things! Luckily, Disney has been releasing some how to draw videos online so I don’t have to totally miss it. 

3. Shows

Yes, shows and parades at Disney are amazing. If you haven’t taken the time to go to one while there, I encourage you to do so! The production of all of their shows is so good! I think I especially miss Fantasmic at Disney World. It has all the popular characters as well as special effects and surprises. I love this show and wish I could go see it! The parades and fireworks show are also ones to see. You just don’t see a firework show quite like you do at Disney. With projection on the castle, music, and fireworks, it’s so energetic and makes you want to stay and party all night long. I need some excitement like that right now.

2. Rides

This one is obvious. The rides are just so much fun! I want to ride Slinky Dog Dash and be the size of a toy. I want to scream as the elevator falls on Tower of Terror. I want to take a boat ride through Pandora and soar around the world. Each ride brings its own joy and for those few minutes you are totally immersed in that adventure. Disney is a master at making you feel like you are in the world of that ride. It’s not just a ride, but a whole experience. I miss getting to experience those rides and the joy it brings me.

1.The Magic

Out of all of these things, what I miss the most is the magic of Disney. When I’m at Disney, I know that everything’s taken care of and everything I could possibly need is just a few steps away. When I’m at Disney, I truly am in a new world. I get to be a kid again. I don’t have to worry about work, school, or anything else. I can see the magic on the kids faces, and I have permission to be just as excited as the kids. At Disney your imagination comes to life. I miss the joy that comes as soon as I get to the resort. I get to see Disney in my room, in my food, in the rides, everywhere I look there’s one of my favorite characters, a quote from Walt, history, or something to learn. Disney never gets old and that’s because of the magic they put into everything there.

I can’t wait to be back at Disney and I hope this post brought you a little joy in this season of life. I was supposed to be there a few weeks ago and now I have to wait until September and it’s killing me because I miss it so much. Disney brings me so much fun, joy, laughter, and kid-like excitement. 

Comment below and let us know what you are missing most about Disney

Your Castle Companion,

Natalie

“In bad times and good, I have never lost my sense of zest for life.” - Walt Disney

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