In short: Yes.
But this would be a very brief blog entry if I left it at that. So let me explain…
Disney announced the “One More Disney Day” promotion on New Year’s Eve. The short explanation is that Disney will keep the Magic Kingdom open for 24-hours straight on Feb. 29. My first reaction went something like this: “Meh. If I don’t plan on being there on that day – and I don’t at this point – it doesn’t really apply to me.” Besides, I’ve gotten crusty and old and I get grumpy if I’m not in bed by about 11 p.m. when I’m at Walt Disney World.
Besides, the in-room Stacey channel isn’t going to watch itself.
But I’ve kept thinking about it. And it’s started to burrow itself into the irresponsible part of my brain. Here’s how I’ve been tossing it over: We’re all here because we love Walt Disney World. Or because we’re Musejunkies and we misspelled the URL.
It’s not “Whateverjunkies” or “Junkies” (which, you know, can coincide with your love for Disney, but would likely present an issue when going through airport security.) Parts of the two “Mousejunkies” books talk about what it was that caused us to fall in love with the place. And those reasons can be varied from person to person. Over time those things change.
In my particular case, here’s how my affection for WDW evolved over time:
1. The first trip. The lightning bolt moment. It was much more than I ever expected, exceeded every expectation and left me stunned. I had very bad withdrawals when I came home, and realized I had fallen in love with Walt Disney World.
2. Over time, the newness of Walt Disney World went away, as it will after many trips, and I loved the familiarity – enjoying things that brought my family and I so much enjoyment. And I wanted to share it with whoever showed a little interest or curiosity.
3. As our relationship with Walt Disney World aged a little more, it felt like we knew secrets and special things that made the enjoyment of our favorite vacation destination that much more fun. It almost felt like we were part of an exclusive group of Crazy Disney People. We joined Disney Vacation Club, and I loved feeling like I had a constant connection there.
4. As my daughter grew from toddler to young girl, her enthusiasm grew, as well. It was a family-wide thing. We all loved it (though Amy wants to vacation someplace else some day. I don’t get her.) But it was easy, comfortable, the service was never less than great, and it was someplace we could visit with our circle of friends who were just as crazy about the place as we were.
5. More recently – over the past two years, I’d say – I’ve had the opportunity to meet new friends because of my enthusiasm about Walt Disney World. We’ve had friends move to Orlando, who greet us every single time we visit. They have water waiting in our room, they drive us home from Downtown Disney, they interrupt their already busy schedules and spend as much time as possible with us. The funny thing is, we see them more now that they live in Florida than when they lived 45 minutes away. They’ve become more than just friends who also enjoy Disney, they’ve become part of our lives. And in turn, they’ve introduced to some amazing people, who I feel lucky to consider friends.
It’s more than a part-time interest or hobby, it’s become a part of our lives. We have Disney friends, I had the opportunity to write two books about it, I’ve made professional and casual acquaintances that I value, and met and made great friends because of it.
Oh, and there’s always the resorts, parks, restaurants, taverns, cast members… It remains my favorite vacation destination without question.
I guess the reason I’ve been thinking about it is because of the “One More Day” promotion. Because now, I’ve moved on to number 6…
6. It actually feels like home when I’m there. An idealized, comfortable, happy home. I love everything about it, and I still want to be there as often as possible – even after all these trips. But for all those different reasons I listed above. Also, all the stresses of normal life are left behind – which is just temporary, but it’s fun to think about living like that.
How does this connect to “One More Disney Day?”
Suddenly, unexpectedly, I want in.
It sounds kind of funny, but spending 24 hours in the Magic Kingdom would be a bit of a challenge. Staying awake, keeping enthused and engaged, fed, rested and entertained for 24 straight hours would stretch my Disney skills to their limits. But more importantly, it would allow me to do something I can only imagine: I would get to see the sun rise from inside the Magic Kingdom.
Might not sound like much, but I can only imagine how beautiful our park would look as the sun broke over the horizon. I can only think it would be an image I’d never forget.
Of course, I could always just get a job in groundskeeping or maintenance and see it every day, probably. The commute from New Hampshire would be hell though.
So we’ll see, I guess. I’ve been thinking it over, and I keep coming back to the fact that it’d be financially irresponsible – which hasn’t kept me from a Disney trip in the past. It’s just that in a lifetime of being irresponsiBill, I reached my crowning achievement just before Christmas. That’s another story, but it means I need to tread carefully when it comes to things like this.
So I want to ask you guys…
1. How and when did you fall in love with Disney?
2. Has it evolved over time?
3. Are you tempted or interested by the One More Disney Day promotion?
Discussion
The moment I knew I was hopelessly addicted was in my 6th grade science class a week after getting back from my first Disney trip. I found myself absent-mindedly using a disney magazine I had in my book bag to trace a picture of Aladdin’s head onto what should have been my science notes. In the middle of doing this, lightning struck me: I desperately wanted to be standing in the line for Space Mountain. Not riding the ride mind you, or just generally being at the parks. I mean I specifically wanted to be in the line queue for Space Mountain. That must be where the patented Disney opiates worked their way into my brain. At that moment I knew I had a problem. At $5 a week for my allowance, I had no control over when I’d be going back and it was the most depressing thing. Thankfully we went back two years later, and no amount of teenage angst could dull my excitement. I had an even better time and since that age I’ve been trying to get back anytime I can.
My fandom has definitely evolved as I’ve aged though, and I go for much different reasons at 30 than I did at 13. As a kid I loved it there because there were no bullys, the rides were fun, and my parents and sister and I were all in great moods for an entire week. The next stage came was when I got there on my Honeymoon as a 23 year old. I was working at the time as an emergency alarm dispatcher on the night shift and it was the most stressful work I’ve ever had. On my honeymoon, I realized what a great escape Disney is from the stress of the real world. Since then I’ve had a more stable job with human hours and now when I go back, it’s for the service, the quality, the landscaping and the showmanship. Disney is on another level when it comes to their service and shows. In my limited travels I’ve been to L.A., New York, Busch Gardens, Yankee Stadium, Great Adventure, Indianapolis, Boston, Maine, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, and I have stories of feeling ripped off at some point from all of them. Disney makes sure my hard earned money is used for something great. So yeah, a burger and fries will be twelve bucks, and that cool little Splash Mountain pin will be grossly over-priced for a piece of metal you stick to a lanyard… but just remember that the fireworks show, fantasmic and illuminations alone have to be millions spent every single night, for the sole purpose of the guest’s entertainment. So at least I feel like my over-priced burger contributed to something amazing. Where else can you feel that?
I’m a teenaged mousejunkie (though not for much longer, I turn 20 this year!) My parents have taken me to Disney at least once a year since I was 3. I always loved going, and I always had so much fun there, but only when I got a little bit older did I realize the hold Disney had on me that other people I knew didn’t share. I still remember crying on the Magical Express when it was time to leave the magic. Now I cry on the Magical Express on the way to the magic. When I first had this realization, I would plan out every hour of my family’s vacation, make all the ADR’s and scheduling our park-hopping itinerary. I would make sure we hit every single ride we loved at least once to get my Disney fill. Now, my Disney fix is just being there. I could miss every single one of my favorite rides and still be satisfied just walking around the parks and soaking it all up. I still plan, and make ADR’s (on our trip this May, we are going to Raglan Road because of your high regard towards it!) of course! And if I were financially responsible for Disney trips, I’d be highly tempted to spend 24 hours in the Magic Kingdom. As it is, my parents would not condone :p
Simplest (and best) way to see the sun rise in the Magic Kingdom at least twice a year: go cheer on runners during the marathon and half-marathon events during WDW Marathon and Disney Princess Half-Marathon weekends. Or even better- volunteer. For every 16 hours of “sports enthusiast” volunteer time over the calendar year, you will receive a one day/one park ticket. The Magic Kingdom opens at 5:30 AM for spectators during races and you don’t even need a ticket to enter! I didn’t make it to the Magic Kingdom before sunrise, but I did watch the sun rise over World Drive as I ran toward the gates. I wish I was going to see that again this year, but I’ve got to wait until 2013.
I fell in love with Disney in 1976 on my very first trip. But I suspect I was in love with Disney as a concept before I ever went. I was born in 1971 and I think I was born obsessed with the place.I would say it has definitely evolved over time. I’m very tempted by the One More Disney Day promotion, but I just don’t have the money to travel. If I did, I wouldn’t be canceling my trip (which coincidentally would have ended the day before Leap Day).
And holy cats, that just gave me a stupendous/horrible idea…
Where to start. I went to Disneyland back in 1982. Was not impressed thought it was expensive and I could have just as good of a time at Canobie lake park back home in Salem NH. After being stationed In Jacksonville,Keywest FL. I had no intersest in going to WDW. It wasn’t till my honeymoon in 2001 I fell for Disney. Now has it has become part of our Lifes everyday. My wife and I moved here after loosing our Jobs back home. Beliving in the magic we found jobs here if FL.Now for the one more day. I think we should get as many people together to have a ears and pajamas party. Bring your favorite PJ.S and Ears. We can meet up at the hub around 10pm (Make sure you get your nap in!!!!) Then it can be an all night slumber party!!!!
I hold my parents responsible for my Disney addiction: I first visited Magic Kingdom in 1971. That’s right, I’m old. My parents were (and still are) mousejunkies, I’ve turned my husband into one, and our children are just as bad. At this point in my life, it’s not really about the rides and shows … it’s more about the atmosphere and imagination and details. What can be better than watching your 80 year old father dance with the suffragette ladies on Main Street? And it’s pretty. Who wants to vacation where it’s not pretty?
I love the idea of 24 hours in the parks, wearing pajamas and watching the sun come up. I won’t be there on the 29th, though, because we’ve had a trip planned for early February that I refuse to change — I’m celebrating my 50th birthday with the Mouse!
I love DisneyWorld – I went the first time in 1982 didn’t want to go but humored a friend & went – I loved loved it – But didn’t find my way back until 2000 when I had a family wedding in California – my husband stayed home & a friend & her 6 year old daughter came with me – We went to Disney Land & now I was hooked – I forgot what I was missing. In 2001 we began our nearly yearly – sometimes more often , sometimes stretching that year To Walt Disney World for several years until her daughter entered middle school & my partner in all things Disney was forced to visit during school vacations & I refuse to go during school vacations. I then became known as the the Disney Slut – I didn’t care who I went with as long as I went. Now, after years of going with random people – the 3 of us & 2 newbies are heading down on March 1 – The then 6 year old ,now a college freshman is spending her first spring break with 4 Middle aged never grown up kids.
Now my thing about this One More Disney Day – I couldn;t believe I was going to miss it by 24 hours – not one of the others can get more time off work ( we’re scheduled from 3/1-11) so as an annual pass holder I was told about the special “mouse ears” they are giving to the first 1000 registered people – I figured if I am one of the chosen ten cubed then I’ll decide. Well, I did it – I’m getting special ears & it looks like I’m going solo to the World – I plan on being there for the opening on the 29th to watch the opening – I thought it might be “extra” special then I’ll go in the park for several hours – I’ll plan to go back to the hotel at some point late afternoon & try to get a nap – then go back before fireworks time & stay through the closing at 6 the next morning – go back to the hotel to sleep & wait for the rest of my party to show up that night.
I plan on getting a scooter because I’ll be way too tired to walk during the closing hours.
So all you Mouse Junkies out there, if you see a 50+ year old woman with coveted special ears in a scooter – Say Hi.
Bill , I fly from Manchester NH airport – maybe we’ll be on the same plane –
I think I’ve answered your 3 questions!! See ya later
Hey Bill. I’ll be there from the 28th. Now I’m wondering if I should get up early and sneek out before my kids 7, 2 and 2 wake up so I can take in the opening of the MK that morning. I’d stay and hour or two, grab breakfast at Main Street Bakery and then grab a cab back to AKV before we head to the Studios as a family that day. What to you think?
My wife and I are also arriving on 2-28 and having dinner at Ohana at 7pm to see MK fireworks. Then Wed. morning Instead of going to opening of MK we thought it a better idea to take advantage of the EMH at Hollywood Studios at 8am. (since I hope, that most people will be at MK opening) we think the other parks will be desolate in the am. Then after hitting all the big rides at DHS and a nice lunch at Mama Melroses we’ll return to Colorado Springs for a 2 hour nap. Dinner at Les Chefs De France at 6pm., Epcot fireworks at 9pm. THEN to Magic Kingdom from approx. 10pm. til 6am. After that marathon the next 7 days we will be there will be relaxing(?). we have 17 ADR’s for the 8 days we will be there, so the relaxing will actually be (digesting) time….good thing we rented a Corvette for the week so we can race from restauant to restaurant! if you spot a vette in a hurry, get out of the way, i drive crazy (but very experienced) and we are probably running late for dinner somewhere! P.S. Don’t forget to wave as we fly by you!
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