Disney: Where Dreams Come True

“Where Dreams Come True”. This has been the slogan of all Disney parks and worlds since 2006 and is definitely accurate. I visited Disney World’s Florida location back in 2015 and can still remember my experience clear as day. It was incredible, from princesses and every classic Disney movie, to a park solely dedicated to Harry Potter, I was instantly transferred to another world. It was as if everything I had ever read on seen on DVD had instantly come to life. Everything was extremely lifelike and accurate.

   One thing I remember specifically was playing Quidditch and traveling the Hogwarts campus on my broomstick. This experience was insanely lifelike. The wind was blowing in my hair and the machine was constructed to move as if you were dodging people or gliding smoothly underneath bridges. The park even sold things that you watched your favourite characters eat, drink or use in their movie. No matter how overpriced...you wanted it.

   Even though I was blown away by the Harry Potter section of Universal I had so much more to see. My family and I all took part in a ride based on The Simpsons. Just like the Harry Potter ride you had a large screen placed in front of you displaying a clip that matched the movements, smells and feelings all around you. If Homer sneezed, you got wet. Disgusting, but amazing.

   After touring Universal (which takes a whole day or more) my mum, brother and I decided to change the pace a little. We entered the busy park of Animal Kingdom. To my surprise, there were real animals in the park, not just animated or programmed ones. It was also filled with rides that acted like time machines. You could go see the dinosaurs of Jurrasic Park and escape a scary situation in round clear Rovers. It was truly something you could not experience anywhere else. I also watched a live performance of The Lion King. Even though they did not use real lions the show was performed by acrobats and dancers who jumped off platforms and interacted with the crowd. The park even included The Rainforest Cafe as an option for guests to have lunch or dinner. The Cafe was just like the park, including animals. Very fake animals. Noise effects, mist, fog, and amazing surrounding scenery.

The last theme park I attended was Mgic Kindo, this, of course, acts as the crown jewel of the whole “Disney World”. Although the castle was amazing and was showcased with fireworks and music, the rides were nothing to the previous ones I had experienced. They were slow. Not as lifelike and not to be harsh, a little boring. This was a let down to me because I had grown up watching all the princess movies and expecting to feel that same joy on the rides. In saying all this, I was still very impressed with the environment that Disney had created. When you weren't on the rides you were watching Disney parades filled with your favorite characters, buying the cutest stuffed animals and keychains, or eating Disney themed snacks.

In conclusion, my experience at Disney World was something I will never get anywhere else. It is something I would do again in a second and definitely recommend to others. The environments were astonishing and could really transport you into your favourite era’s movies or shows. You're really never too old for Disney!

Written by Sophia Baker