I took a 1 day trip to Walt Disney World this weekend - I was in the Magic Kingdom all day Sunday - I had a blast!!
It was VERY HOT - they said it was about 91 degrees. No rain.
What can you do in 1 day?? EVERYTHING YOU WANT!
My friend and his wife are cast members, and they set me up with a meet and greet with Goofy and some princesses - it was nothing short than incredible. They were all so nice, and I was literally in tears. I'm an emotional guy, and Goofy means a lot to me - there's a connection there that relates to my father, who passed away in March. So meeting Goofy is a HUGE event for me. I have wonderful photos to remember this moment.
I was provided 4 fast passes from the fast pass plus program, and they were a HUGE help throughout the day! I'm so grateful for being selected.
I rode many of my favorite rides, and some that I haven't been on since I was a kid - and I loved it all. I enjoyed the afternoon Celebrate a Dream Come True parade, and the late night Electrical Parade. I got to enjoy my first Dole whip (pineapple, for those wondering), and had a Chicago style hot dog at Casey's at midnight. I closed the park at 1:00 am, and got up at 6:30 am for my flight home. (Yes, I used the hotel room for less than 6 hours!)
Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY. I'd go every other week for 1 day if I could.
While heading to get my photo taken with Mickey and Minnie (another HUGE moment!) I saw a little girl who was part of the "Make a Wish" foundation, getting ready for a parade. It really touched my heart, I could only hope that this girl, and many like her, will have a wonderful time on this trip, and I hope they get to come back, again and again.
We are so lucky, those of us who can reasonably expect that we'll take another vacation in the future. For those kids, this trip may be their last. Why have I been to Disney World 7 times in the past 4 years? Because I can. Because I love it there, and because I never know when my most recent trip will be my last.
When my friend and I stepped off of the monorail and were walking up to the Magic Kingdom gate, he turned to me and said "Welcome Home." He was right - I was home.
Mike.