Happy New Year, everyone! I’ve been off for a few weeks with my family traveling for the holiday and haven’t had the opportunity to check in with you all on a more personal level. I hope everyone had an enjoyable and safe start to the new year. 2023 may be over, but the fun has only just begun, and I’ve already started some of my detailed planning for 2024 Disney adventures. In the first few days of the year, Disney Parks released the following commercial, which absolutely captivated my attention, reminding me that Disney magic is what each of us makes it. Before we get into what I mean by that, I’ll add the clip here so you can see it for yourselves.
Did you feel it? That nibbling at your heartstrings? That tingling sensation on your skin that reminds you that the most magical moments can happen anywhere, at any time? Despite common belief, Disney doesn’t make the magic. We do. While they might do a wonderful job of setting the immersive scene and lining up all the elements, it’s the guests who visit the parks each year that bring with them their own willingness to create those moments. Have you ever heard of the power of suggestion? It’s similar to that in what I like to think of as the power of possibility. An assurance that anything can happen while you visit encourages guests to be open to all the possibilities. Sure enough, when you are open to finding that warmth and beauty in a situation, you can usually see it.
For those of you planning a Disney vacation in 2024 like I am, I know that you are hoping to feel all of that charismatic energy during your time there. With the rising costs of travel in general and the eagerness to get as much value for money as possible, we have this tendency to place so much pressure on ourselves and our vacations. High expectations that are already strained can make finding those special moments almost impossible. That, coupled with an assumption that the ‘Disney Magic‘ will be provided for you, is sure to lead to disappointment. In my experience, if possible, it’s best to go into your vacation with an open heart. Try to replace that pressure with a willingness to enjoy whatever comes and a sense of gratitude to have this time in such an incredible place, hopefully with people you love.
I can’t wait for my first Disney trip this year, and even more so, I’m committed to striving for that same openness to possibilities that I feel in the parks in my home life as well. After all, those beautiful moments can pop up anywhere if you are ready to see and appreciate them. We are the magic that Disney vacation dreams are made of. Our love, our families, our friends; it’s us. Just like Walt’s initial dream, to create a place where families can enjoy each other and connect. It was always us.
I can’t wait to see what Disney has in store for us this year, and on a personal note, I hope you all find those pixie-dusted glimmers of the good stuff everywhere you go.
