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Magic Kingdom

Multi-Generational Memories

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It’s a moment I don’t want to forget.

The rain clouds began to dissipate, revealing a bright sunny day with a promise of the perfect weather Orlando is known for. As we made our way into Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Ryder, my sweet, sensitive 7-year old, beckoned me with his hand.

“I want to look at the castle,” he said.

This is our tradition. Skirting over to the nearest curb to avoid the crowds, I let him drink in the sight of Cinderella’s castle. It didn’t matter that we were too far for an unobstructed view. It didn’t matter that we were pushed together as a steady throng of guests shuffled past us. My entire world was reduced to a little boy, staring in helpless wonder at a fairy tale come to life.
DSC_0064aWhat is he thinking? What does he see? I wondered. Was he imagining himself as the brave prince who fights for the maiden’s honour? Was he envisioning the colourful burst of fireworks that adorn the sky at night? Or did he simply see the castle for what it was – an iconic representation of a place where dreams come true? I had to know. …

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WDW: Dare You to Find a More Magical Sight.

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No matter how old I am… no matter how many times I’ve visited Walt Disney World… there’s something truly, truly special about Cinderella’s castle.
12446017_856563911122838_550749723_nIt’s no secret that January is my favourite time to visit Walt Disney World. Perfect park weather, reduced wait times due to lighter crowds, and the piece de resistance: most parks are still outfitted in holiday decor, such as the stunning icicle lights on Cinderella’s castle at Magic Kingdom.

It’s not too late to plan an incredible Walt Disney World vacation! Have a magical day!

Inside the Magic: Disney World’s New Fantasyland

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It’s been just over a week since my family returned from Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida… and we still have the magical afterglow. Oh, it’s all Disney-this and Disney-that from the boys non-stop… but you know what? It’s all good! Because I can’t stop talking about it either. #LOVEDisneyWorld

Now I know I teased you last week with a small peek into our experience – and, of course, the many misty-eyed moments I encountered – but I also promised that I would follow up with more details about the New Fantasyland. So here we go! Read on for The Facts (what you need to know) and The Fantasy (our experience and thoughts).

The Facts

The New Fantasyland is the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring attractions, dining, shopping, character interactions, recreation and more, the new grounds are laid out fairy tale-style amid waterfalls, grottoes, arched bridges, forests and circus big tops.

“Walt Disney once promised that Disneyland, and by extension all of our parks, would never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world,” said Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “New Fantasyland is a spectacular addition to the Magic Kingdom that delivers on Walt’s promise. We’re thrilled to take guests beyond the walls of Cinderella Castle to discover new worlds featuring iconic Disney characters and stories in ways that are more imaginative, more interactive and more immersive than ever before.”

The Fantasy

Every inch of the New Fantasyland is perfect for young children. EVERY INCH. Reid, who is an average two-year-old at 35″ tall, was able to go on all the rides with us! (Often more than once – we had to do Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid six times just for him. OMG.) From Dumbo, the Flying Elephant to the elegant Be Our Guest Restaurant, the New Fantasyland is the perfect destination for toddlers and young families. During our 5-day stay, we spent 50% of our time at Magic Kingdom, including the Fantasyland expansion. So, for every reader who has commented “My kids are too young!” or “I have a whiny 2-year-old” – guess what? So do I… and he LOVED it.

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The Most Magical Place on Earth…

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… had me mostly misty-eyed.

It’s true; I officially cried at least five times while visiting the New Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Now considering that it was MY first time at a Disney resort, I expected that my emotions would run high. And while I experienced everything from euphoria and nostalgia to simple child-like wonder, I couldn’t deny the lump in my throat on several occasions. With a casual dab at the corners of my eyes, I always smiled through the happy tears.

Want to hear more about the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history? Oh, I’ll get to that another day. Today I’d love to share with you my Top Five Misty-Eyed Moments at Magic Kingdom.

1. That Humble Little Abode Known as Cinderella’s Castle

Perhaps this one is a given; setting eyes on Cinderella’s Castle for the very first time is enough to make any girl teary with joy. How I dreamed of this castle as a young girl! Whenever life was difficult, I could always escape to this magical place; dreaming of my Prince Charming waiting high up in the fortress. The iconic castle comes alive during the Christmas season with 200,000 Castle Dream Lights and Celebrate the Magic – a new nighttime spectacular featuring projection mappings, pyrotechnics and lighting. And then, it’s finished with a luminous fireworks display. Yes, I was crying – but so was everybody else. It truly is magical.

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