“Please put your seatbelts on, your luggage under the seat in front of you, and your seat up straight. We are beginning our descent momentarily.”

When we exit the plane, and venture into the magical portal into paradise we are greeted with a warm gush of wind. “Ahhh!” I exclaim, my shoulders relaxing and my excitement building with every step I take. “It’s over there!” “No! It’s this way!” “Calm down! I see it. It’s to the right” That’s all it took. The whole family broke into huge smiles spreading from ear to ear and with a spring in our step, we made our way to the Disney World greeting area in the Orlando International Airport. Disney’s Magical Express complete with plush seats, and a welcome video from Walt Disney World, was our one way ticket to the most Magical week ever!

Every little detail that may seem ordinary to the locals, felt absolutely amazing to us. From the air smelling like a bouquet of magnolias and of Michelia trees, to the always smiling workers waving at us when we would pass by; it was simply magnificent. Although the biggest welcome was feeling the beautifully humid air caressing our body like a warm, and fuzzy blanket.

Our eyes were glued to the windows of the motor coach wanting to capture every little detail they could pick up. We could see the palm trees lined up along the sides of the road, hula dancers welcoming us to the land where dreams come true.

“If you look to your right, ladies and gentlemen, you will see that we are now entering the Walt Disney World property. Welcome!”

“Eeeek! We’re here!” After a little bit of driving, we could see the signs for some resorts, and even a park.  At this point, I was so excited, that I could hear my heartbeat in my ears, and it sounded like a stampede of hundreds of horses. How could I possibly get any more excited than what I feel right this moment? Well, let me tell you, I wasn’t even at the peak of my excitement yet.

“Gasp” The Pop Century Resort; A beautiful resort that will take you on a ride through the magic of the 50s to the 90s. I could spot huge bowling pins, gigantic rubix cubes, an enormous Walkman, and much more waiting to greet us. The whole resort was a big painting with splashes of colours everywhere your eyes landed, waiting to be admired.

“Here we are folks. Welcome to Disney’s Pop Century Resort! We hope you enjoy your stay and have a magical vacation!”

As soon as we step out of the motor coach, we are greeted with the laughs of families ringing in our ears, and yes, even more smiling and waving staff. Once in the building, our senses spike up immediately, as everything was intensified to create an overwhelming feeling of happiness and belonging. The walls are covered in enormous wall decorations, the aroma of the appetizing breakfast served earlier that day tickling our noses. Automatically, our mouths water while imagining the taste of the buttery and syrup-soaked pancake gliding along our taste buds.

“Click!” We’re in. When the door to our room opens, we are greeted by our luggage that is quickly tossed open, and emptied. Once changed into our warm weather clothes, we quickly make our way to the Disney bus system at the front of the resort. Now where to go? The magical Magic Kingdom, the exotic, oversized zoo also known as Animal Kingdom, the exciting and entertaining Hollywood Studios, or the flower filled and cultural Epcot?
“I vote Magic Kingdom.” “I second that.” “Alright! To Magic Kingdom it is!”

As we wait in line for the bus, we start talking about all of the things we want to do when we get there. “Pssshhhh.”  Suddenly, our ride is here, and when we get on, the excitement builds even more! We continue dreaming about what we are going to do, so that we can head here right away. But, when we do arrive, all plans are forgotten. All we can do is stare at the breathtaking sight of the Cinderella castle. Then, the four of us look at one another and it is now that we all feel it. The peak of our excitement! If we would ever get the tiniest bit more excited, I know that at least I would explode! With the doors of the bus closing behind us, we leave behind everything we know of the real world, and start walking towards part two of the magical and surreal world of Walt Disney World.

“I’m a total Disney freak. I want to live in Disney World.”
R. L. Stine