Walt Disney World means more to me than just a vacation to us!

Walt Disney World means more to me than just a vacation for us. I grew up going to Walt Disney World after living in Florida when I was little, and then spending a lot of time there visiting my grandma, aunt, and cousins. My husband also spent time going with his family as a kid and throughout his siblings’ high school years on marching band trips—though he was the only one who didn’t play in band. 

Over the years, we’ve both seen Walt Disney World change: new resorts being built, old rides retiring, and new attractions being added. We even went on our honeymoon during a global pandemic and celebrated our anniversary during a hurricane. Even when times are tough financially, we still find a way to make it happen. Walt Disney World is our special place, and I truly believe it will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Why is it so special? Well, here are some reasons why.

The parks, resorts, and even Disney Springs have always felt magical. There is something so wonderful about the moment we step foot on Disney property—no, scratch that—the moment we step onto that green carpet at Orlando International Airport. If you’ve flown into MCO on your way to Disney (or even Universal), you know that feeling. That is the moment the magic starts to come to life, and all worries from reality fade away.

There is a reason Disney says, “Welcome home” when you arrive. It truly is a home away from home.

The moment I knew my husband and I were meant to be was when he told me he loved going to Disney parks. Within our first few months of dating, his family was about to head to Walt Disney World for his brother’s marching band trip. I was so close to hopping in the van with them and figuring out clothes when I got there.

The following year, we went together—and our love for Disney memories grew even more. We experienced so many “firsts” together, including my first time at Hollywood Studios. Growing up, my cousins never wanted to go when it was still MGM Studios, so this was a completely new experience for me. Those moments became so special to us, and we continue to build on them. 

Over the next few years, our love grew, and another Disney trip was on the horizon. I knew this one would be special because we had already started talking about marriage before the trip even happened.

Here we are—our trip had finally begun. We started at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. My husband had never been, so I wanted to take him there first—another first for us! We were taking in the sights and sounds, enjoying the safari, when the clouds started rolling in. Yes, it rains almost every day in Florida—and no, Disney does not control the weather.

As the skies got darker, my husband started getting anxious, repeatedly saying, “It can’t rain, please don’t rain,” and was eager to get to Magic Kingdom. That’s when I knew he was up to something.

It started to drizzle as we got on the bus, then turned into heavier rain as we arrived. As we walked down Main Street U.S.A., a castle show had just begun, and the sun started to peek through. Perfect timing, right?

I started heading toward Space Mountain—one of our favorites—but he redirected me toward the wishing well next to the castle, one of my favorite spots growing up. He told me to grab the coins he had asked me to bring and make a few wishes.

Then he walked away.

I heard someone behind us that he had asked to take photos say, “Oooooh…” and I slowly turned around.

There was Josh, down on one knee. 

Shaking with excitement, I said yes—and as we kissed, the castle show fireworks began in the background. Not planned, not timed—just pure magic. As he put the ring on my finger, someone walking by shouted, “Oh my gosh, they just got engaged!”

It was one of the funniest and most special moments I’ve ever experienced at Magic Kingdom. We got our celebration buttons and wore them the rest of the day, receiving countless “congratulations” from cast members and guests alike. And of course—it poured the entire day. But with ponchos on and hearts full, we didn’t mind at all. We were too happy.

Now happily engaged, with a wedding date set and church and venue secured, we began planning our wedding. But who would have thought a global pandemic would come and shut everything down?

Luckily for us, it didn’t change our wedding plans, and Disney had reopened just in time for us to plan our honeymoon. Even though our budget was still tight, we managed to get tickets to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. At that time, only one park per day was allowed due to social distancing.

We went a few days before Christmas—something we had never experienced at Disney before. My husband’s birthday is at the beginning of December, the same day as Walt Disney’s birthday, so we decided to celebrate his birthday and our honeymoon all in one trip.

We wore celebration buttons for both of us, plus a birthday button for him. They are free and available throughout the parks—definitely wear them, because you never know what kind of magic might happen.

Josh, wearing his birthday pin, was stopped by a lovely older Cast Member who sang him a birthday song—not the traditional one, but one she made up just for him. I wish I had recorded it, but it’s a memory we will both cherish forever.

Not only did he receive a special birthday song, but we also received free desserts and champagne at our meals. It honestly felt like we had the parks to ourselves. With limited capacity and social distancing, Disney was incredibly peaceful. We were able to ride almost everything at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and enjoy a smaller version of the Festival of the Holidays. We felt so celebrated.

Yes, COVID was a difficult time—but we still had one of the most magical Disney experiences we’ve ever had.

Even to this day, when we wear our anniversary pins or special shirts, we still see little moments of magic happen—free treats, surprise perks, and even special greetings on our Disney resort TV. It reminds us why celebrating at Disney feels so special.

Walt Disney World isn’t just a place we visit—it’s a place that holds our story. It has been part of our childhoods, our relationship, our engagement, our wedding season, and so many milestones in between.

It’s where we’ve laughed, cried, dreamed, and grown together. And no matter how life changes, Disney will always be more than a vacation to us.

It will always be a place where our memories live… and where a little bit of our hearts will always come home. ✨🏰