Here's one for you (and remember, I'm a rookie): What exactly is Disney Magic??

[suerob]

I am crying like a baby right now!! It's so hard to put into words what exactly the magic is. It's just that feeling that comes over you whenever you go to Disney or for me, just talking about WDW or seeing it on tv. Tears come to my eyes every time I see the "Welcome to Walt Disney World" sign. I know from that moment on nothing matters but my family and the time we are spending together. The whole trip is so magical, the looks on your children's faces, the music starting to let you know the parade is coming,. the characters waving at you from the floats, the way me and my husband hold hands as we walk down Main street with our 3 little princesses, and what really gets me is when they play "When You Wish Upon A Star" during Wishes. It's so emotional and the whole trip is always such a special time for us. If you're there when it's busy, don't get stressed out, trying to do and see everything. Take your time and just enjoy the atmosphere and your family. For us, the rides aren't even our favorite part, it's the parades, fireworks, characters, and just that overall feeling of magic that overcomes you as you walk through the parks. The magic is what we go there for and never gets old.

 

[wdwprncess77]

suerob - I know what you mean about the crying. I get all emotional reading everyone's posts. There aren't many things in this world that can make me that happy just by thinking about it.

Everyone has mentioned so many things that are magical. I don't have children, but I do see the looks on other children's faces and it is just precious. I am taking a disney virgin who is 28 the next time we go. I can't wait to see his face. I know it will be priceless.

I once heard the the part of the brain that processes memories is the same part that processes your sense of smell. I don't know if it's true. But I have to tell you that every time I smell freshly baked cookies, I think of the bake shop on Main Street. Or sometimes I smell things that resemble Universe of Energy or Spaceship Earth. I know that some of you know the smells I'm talking about. Or the fact that each resort lobby has a different smell. I'm still trying to capture the Yacht Club smell in my apartment.

There are so many things that make it magical but just enjoying the time spent with whoever you are with is just the best.

 

[Disney_1derland]

I wanted to give my answer before I see what it is for others.
There are two distinctly different answers for me, but yet they are the same too.

As a child, the "Magic" was at Disneyland. I grew up 45 minutes away. The magic was that it "never rained in Disneyland" (my dad told me that!) and at Disneyland that's mostly true LOL. But rain is one of those mundane things and the mundane just doesn't happen at Disney. That was the magic. It was the ability to pass through those gates and leave behind the world.

As an adult the "Magic" is still there and now, I can even help create it. Now that we live closer to WDW than to DL we visit the "World". The magic is that even though it rains in WDW, it's magic rain and it doesn't matter if it gets on you because it's full of pixie dust. The mundane doesn't matter for 14 days and we don't even stop to think before we do something childish or silly. Our dd was only 14 months the first time we took her but the magic was there, all over her tiny face and it was in the tears streaking down mine. It's the incredible feeling of giving to her that same escape from the mundane, a place where she, dh and I can all just be kids and be silly and not have to be the authority figure for just a little bit. It lets her know we are human and not just there to say NO (you say an awful lot of no between birth and age 4! Of course, I don't guess that will stop anytime soon LOL). This time we will share it with her at age 4 and dd#2 who will be just over 2 years old. And....it will still be there and I will help create it and we will all immerse ourselves into it. It will be a fabulous experience that none of us will ever forget and it will live in all of us.

And, the magic is people like those you will find on this board. Those who understand it in their own ways and help create it too. It's what makes it so great to share on these boards and realize there are others out there who understand it. Who are truly there for the Magic and not the rides or the shows, those are secondary. Fun, but secondary

Thanks for making me teary eyed....I cant wait for the next 60-some days to pass!

 

[dreamflight99]

I just wished to add something here... And take time to thank the OP for such a wonderful question, and all the DISers for such honest answers! Since I personally find LOTS of things in life to be "Magical" (ie: Snowfall...sunsets...positive medical tests...kisses from loved ones...dragonflies landing on my finger...cloud-filled skies...etc.), Disney represents memories which evoke/enhance my own personal sense of MAGIC. The "MAGIC" lives inside of me...in my heart & soul. I BRING the magic with me...everywhere I travel, ESPECIALLY WDW. I can not tell you how many times I have become FILLED with the MAGIC of DISNEY, at the mere sight of the following:

*A MICKEY MOUSE watch on the wrist of an executive (*CEO) in an elevator in NYC.

*A TIGGER Back-pack on a College Student crossing the campus at Stanford University.

*An infant on a crowded train in a City...lovingly wrapped in a POOH Blanket.

*Children ringing my doorbell on Oct. 31 each year, MAGICALLY transformed into "CINDERELLA, BUZZ LIGHTYEAR and DONALD DUCK" looking for a TREAT!

*A slightly soiled yet obviously treasured MICKEY MOUSE T-shirt on a young child in a CNN news brief, another image from IRAQ.

*The sight of my husband on the evening news...wearing his meticulously tailored suit & a WALT DISNEY WORLD Tie! (LOL).

There are so many more of these...too many to list.

This summer, while we are here visiting and enjoying all things Disney, Once again...I've witnessed the faces reflecting confusion/disappointment. The "hard-to-please, non-believers" of the summer vacation crowd. I've dined at the same table (Teppanyaki in Japan) with four VERY unhappy/miserable human beings. I've noticed similar frustration and resentment discernable on some other guests I've encountered. I'm forever bewildered by these folks. They MUST come to WDW with unreasonably HIGH expectations, which Disney can NEVER meet. They EXPECT WDW to provide them with MAGIC and a sense of utopia-like happiness...which is not possible. They actually BELIEVE...money can buy all of this, and more.

As most of us know, happiness or Magic can not be acquired through payment, or the mere services/company of others. YOU, and YOU alone must possess the characteristics synonymous with these emotions. You...must first BE happy. Then, and only then...can such people/places/experiences "ENHANCE" your own personal sense of "happiness & Magic." Since everyone of us is different, and all the dynamics involved in creating each one of us is incredibly diverse...each one of us will have a different interpretation of these FEELINGS. Yet, we can not escape the face that each one of us is solely responsible for our OWN happiness and Magic.

What a terrible BURDEN to place on WDW or a loved one, to expect such places/people to MAKE us happy...or PROVIDE us with Magic. It's all about choices...either you are HAPPY, or not. Very simply, it is inherent, intrinsic. Yes, there are definitely people whom travel to WDW, fully expecting the MAGIC to instantaneously FILL their hearts and lives...making everything whole/wonderful! These people leave unfulfulled, and disappointed & disatisfied. They begrudge and blame Disney for failing to live up to the IMAGE/EXPECTATIONS set in advance (in stone).

The majority of us...as is evident by these posts...truly GET IT. We know the joy and wonderment Disney always delivers BEGINS within ourselves. We have MEMORIES...from which to recall past moments shared. We have DREAMS...which flow from Black and white, to FULL COLOR when the MAGIC hits. We all have HOPES and DESIRES...each new visit, journey and adventure will lead us to the same place: MAGIC.
WE...are NEVER DISAPPOINTED.

May all of you continue to nurture the child within, and protect the priceless MAGIC within your life.

TTFN...DF99

 

[soccer mom]

Everything everyone has said and the look on my hard to please teenagers faces when we walked into our castle view room at the Poly and they all stopped dead in their tracks and said "Oh, wow!)

 

[Lou-Ann]

I faced two surgeries last year and was cared for daily by my hubby of 26 yrs. We had to cancel our 25th anniversary trip the day we were to leave as I went into the hospital. This man never complained. He brought my WL snow globe to the hospital to encourage me to try and get up and walk again. We were able to get back to Disney for a few days in May. I told the folks at the desk why we had to cancel and that this was my hubby's 60th birthday celebration. When we opened the door I cried like a baby. There was a brother bear from our housekeeper with baloons in his hand. there was a chocolate totempole with baloons and an autographed picture of Goofy to my hubby. I was speechless. Granted the staff knows us well as we have stayed there often over the years, but to me this was Disney magic at its finest. My hubby was so thrilled. He is my biggest child even though we have 6 Grandchildren.........

 

[WDWHound]

Its about experiencing...
The excitment of the future
The childhood wonder of fantasy
The adventure of exotic lands
The majesty of nature and its wildlife
The glitz and fun of Hollywood
The calm serenity of a tropical isle

Its fun, adventure, laughter, suspence, drama, nostalgia and so much more.

But mostly its about living in the joy and hopefulness of a world that will always be just a little bit better than real life, the world of your imagination.

 

[4 Princess Morganne]

Others have mentioned how much of an escape WDW is. I'd like to share our story. We had long planned for a WDW trip to begin Septemer 16, 2001. Then September 11, 2001 happened. My husband frequently works in the Pentegon. Through a miracle - he was not there that terrible day- but many of his friends and co workers were there. I will never forget the horror of that day - wondering if my DH was alright. He was - but our long planned trip seemed like such a bad idea. We debated endlessly about going ahead with our plans when my husband finally stated angerly - "I will not give MY VACATION to the Terrorists - they WILL NOT WIN!!!" So we loaded up the car and drove to Disney - as was our original plan.

As we arrived a tropical storm was just clearing off - there had been lots of rain - but no serious damage. Everything at Disney seemed so clean and fresh. Those first few days will live in my memory as the most magical days of my life. We left the horror and pain that was Sept 11th and we were a family, enjoying each other as never before. The parks were empty - we often rode rides over and over again without ever getting off. We made a point to not even turn the TV on except a few short minutes each day to insure nothing else terrible had happened. We truly used WDW as an escape from reality. I will always remember that trip for the healing it brought to all of us. And most importantly the terrorists DIDN'T WIN our vacation - we triumphed - thanks to Disney Magic.

Not every trip has had that same magic - but there is always something that makes the each trip special - and that can only be magic when you have been as many times as we have been.

Morganne's Mommy

 

[lisajl]

I must say I am get teary eyed and missing my second home.

All of those memories are wonderful, and saying what the magic is..fantastic.

One of my magic moments is knowing my dear sister in law that passed away 2 1/2 years ago loved DisneyWorld as much as I do.

She always said Cinderellas castle was actually her house.
We had a lot of fun arguing whose castle is really was, hers, mine or Cinderellas.

When I see that castle I think of her walking through the same path I am taking. Thinking this is the most bittersweet moment in my life. Then I smile and know that I have brought her with me with spirit.

We are going again in Dec. and she and I will smile when we see our house!

Lisajl

 

[Raggedy]

Well said everyone. . I wish my sister would read these boards. SHe was going to come with us and changed her mind last minute. . She doesn't get it. She thinks it is a waste of money for a trip like this. . Instead she spends thousands on QVC a month. She thinks that the materials last longer. I disagree. She loves to buy stuff and then keeps them for a short time either throws them away or gives it away. .
. I try to tell her how exciting this trip is and i will never ever forget it.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Disney magic to me is:

*Driving there with DH and sharing with him all the cool and new places we're going to eat

*Arriving at the Allstars and standing in line to check in while DH waits patiently in the car

*Having dinner that first nite at one of the resorts and just soaking in the atmosphere

*Arriving in the World Showcases in EPCOT on our anniversary and spending it in 11 different countries all in one day!

*Riding the monorail...in the front car with DH and getting some great pix of the castle and/or Spaceship Earth!

and finally....

*Just being there, walking around, looking at the people CMs and guests and realizing how BLESSED DH and I are to be able to afford a trip to Disney!

I have sooooooo many more, but those are the most important reasons on what makes Disney magic for me.

 

[TEK224]

As others have said, I love that first moment on Main Street seeing the castle. It always brings a tear to my eye.

Disney Magic was also taking my 79 yr. old Mother and opening our WL room and having a birthday card for her signed by Mickey himself! The look on her face was priceless.

But even more is the Disney Magic I feel right now, 1000 miles from WDW, with tears running down my face, reading everyone's responses. It's the feeling of knowing I can relate to what everyone else wrote and having a smile on my face just anticipating my upcoming trip.

Terri

 

[momtoPrincessA]

I surprised DD with a short trip for her 6th birthday. The entire trip was filled with Disney Magic that helped create memories that my daughter and I will share forever.

* Upon check-in at GF, CM asked DD who her favorite character was. DD replied Cinderella. After returning to our room after a swim, a CM arrived at our door with a personalized birthday card signed by Cinderella with a picture of Cinderella in front of the castle. DD was speechless!

** That night, dinner at 1900 Parke Fare, Prince Charming brings out the birthday cake I had ordered and he sings "Happy birthday" to DD. Again, I almost had tears in my eyes watching her!

***Following morning (her actual birthday), after a message from Mickey and Minnie singing her happy birthday, we had breakfast at CRT....table was decorated with Mickey confetti and ribbon. Every Princess (5!) wished her a happy birthday. The server then brought out a cupcake and everyone sang to her.

****Later that day, a CM in a shop noticed her "It's my birthday" button. He said Goofy had told him it was her birthday, he then picked up the phone, dialed an extension and Goofy sang happy birthday!


*****That night, we sat outside at the GF, watched the fireworks, called DH back at home. She said to DH, "Daddy I'm just sitting here at the GF watching the castle change colors." It was precious. Those 3 days with my daughter

Disney to me is all about enjoying family and creating great memories. It's a place where I love to watch my parents ride the Dumbo Ride with my children, where my father insists on every trip that the entire family eat at 50's Prime Time., where we all just laugh and laugh!

Where else would you find grown men walking around wearing mouse ears and being proud of it?

Sorry for the long post, I just had to share my Disney Magic!

 

[john2u]

Disney Magic to me is when we enter the MK and look at the expression on my daughters face. That is priceless!!!

Also when my daughter tells me that I am the BEST dad in the whole world!!!

 

[Chicago526]

Disney Magic!

For me, time stops. The outside world no longer exists. This is a place where I become 7 again, just like my first vist there 21 years ago. This is why I HAVE to stay on property. Leaving WDW and beaking the spell, and coming back everyday would NOT be the same. Every few years I get to come back to this Magical place and become a child again.

I'd pay twice the price and call it a bargin.

This place, this special place, where little girls become princesses, and little boys become pirates. This wonderful place where parents can relive childhood memories while helping make memories for their own children. This fantastic place where grandparents can indulge and spoil their grandkids in a place that accomidates people of all ages and physical abilities. An amazing place that helps grant kids and their families their final wishes. This place that is Walt's legacy and gift to us all. It is a privilage to be able to walk through and experiance this man's dream.

This is what Disney Magic is to me!