Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States, and while 2020 has been quite the year and it may be hard to find things to be thankful for, yet I find myself realizing that despite all that 2020 has taken from us – and for many that’s a lot – counting blessings may be more important than ever. For those of us who have had the chance to experience “Disney magic”, we know that magic provides us with far more than the chance to meet a Mouse or enjoy a Dole Whip. So, in the spirit of gratitude, I am re-running some thoughts I have shared in the past on why that Disney magic is one of the many things I am thankful for. Wishing you a a wonderful, safe, and magical Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is traditionally a day to offer thanks for the blessings that we have received, and while it might seem strange to be thankful for Walt Disney World, for me at least, it isn’t being able to visit Disney that I am thankful for, but rather it is those precious family moments, memories, and the Magic that goes along with them that I consider to be a true blessing, especially in this crazy world that we live in. So while yes, special family moments can be experienced many places, at Disney, those moments are truly magical.

People who haven’t experienced that magic often ask me:  “Why are you going to Disney World AGAIN?” And this is what I tell them:

Would you believe me if I said it’s all about the magic? Seriously!

Let me tell you about that magic…….

It’s the magic of seeing a young child completely and totally believe in dreams, and fairies, and pixie dust, and knowing, just KNOWING, that if you wish hard enough, your wish will come true. And the magic of seeing those wishes and dreams reflected in their face when they see a castle up close, and dance with a princess, and see a fairy fly.

The magic of seeing an older child or teenager forget for a few days that they are supposed to be “cool” and instead let their inner kid out, wear a Mickey Ears hat, and scream like crazy on Tower of Terror -right next to their parents, with whom they are actually enjoying spending time.

The magic of a young adult couple who are so in love that they believe that fairy tales do come true and decide that there is no better place on earth to get engaged, or married, than that place where princesses live happily ever after with their prince charmings.

The magic of families gathering, with multiple generations, to share in the joy of being together, with no worries, no cares, just love, and laughter.

The magic of tearing up when you hear a song that you heard as a child because it reminds you of a time when all was innocent, and simple, and true.

Walt Disney World does not create the magic, contrary to what many think. It just creates a place where people create the magic for themselves. Oh yes, the cynics will say (and with some justification perhaps) that it is just one big show that is set up to get people to spend lots of money.

And, yes, you can look at it that way. But to me, I don’t see Walt Disney World as a show so much as a stage – albeit an extremely elaborate one – that puts all the pieces in place, for the show to take place. The show, and the magic, happens when the players – the guests – play their parts.

We come, we play, we laugh, we share, we pretend for a few days that there are no worries, no cares, no problems that can’t be solved. In other words, we create magic.

THAT is why we go back.

Offering thanks for that magic, and wishing many magical memories for you and your family -wherever you may find them.