A Magical Evening in the Magic Kingdom

Photo Jan 19, 9 40 39 PMRecently I went to the Magic Kingdom to meet up with my friend Laura from elementary school. She and her family were in town to visit family along with a friend of hers I had met on a previous trip. We didn’t really have any set plans, just to meet up at some point during the weekend. I made my way to the park a little after 4pm, and stumbled on my first bit of magic.

For those of you who know me, I can be a bit of a sap. Show me a commercial with a veteran coming home to surprise their family and I’m a mess. Put me in the Magic Kingdom for flag retreat with a group of active duty soldiers home on leave together, and there is no hiding the tears. My respect for the military and their service to our country runs deep. Both my brother and my dad served, and many generations in our family preceded them.

So, on this particular Saturday, I found myself at Town Square facing the flag retreat unprepared and unknowing what time it was. As the Dapper Dans started singing as the flag was lowered, the tears started flowing freely with pride, awe and respect for the men on the other side of the square. God Bless America just about killed me, but in a good way. As the retreat came to an end, I spotted my friends Kendra and Mark across the way. I composed myself, said hi to them and chatted for a few minutes before heading to meet Laura and company in Liberty Square.Photo Jan 19, 9 37 41 PM

Laura and her family were taking a break in Columbia Harbour House, so we just sat and caught up for an hour or so while they finished resting. As their fastpass window for Space Mountain rolled around, I split off to say goodbye, but couldn’t resist a quick ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover. Any evening I can spend on the Peoplemover, especially around sunset, is a magic one.

Photo Jan 19, 9 39 43 PMWhen I finished my ride, I ambled toward Main Street and the front of the park, finding it especially beautifully lit this evening. There’s just something about the simple white lights that line the street that is just gorgeous. Assuming my nice evening was over, I took my time taking in the sights and  sounds around me. To my surprise, one of the most magical things I have ever heard caught me on the way towards the train station. A boy of about eight years old was walking with someone who I assumed was his grandmother. As they walked a few paces ahead of me, the grandmother said to the boy, “you’ve had a nice day at Disney.” The boy replied, “this really is a magic kingdom.” Instantly, my heart melted on the spot. You just don’t expect that, but when you hear it you know he is exactly right.

To top it off, I saw another one of my favorite things, the custodial artists creating magic with water and a broom. These cast members get to make magic by “painting” with water some of our favorite characters on the streets of the Disney parks. This often occurs when guests are waiting for parades, as was the case here. It is just one of those magic moments that is so simple, yet such a perfect way to cap off an evening in the park.

Photo Jan 19, 9 38 00 PM

This is what Disney magic is all about to me: bringing together friends, enjoying a ride or two, the beauty of the parks (especially at night), seeing unexpected moments of magic appear before your eyes. I will never stop believing in magic. Thank you Disney for reminding me of that.

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Author: Betsy

Scorpio. Passionate about movies, music, sports, Disney and my friends who are more like my family. Fiercely loyal and competitive. My thoughts are my own.

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