The last time I was in Disney World was January of 2016. I had just finished a year working at Pizza Planet as part of Disney’s International College Program. Almost 2 years later, in December 2017, I was making the pilgrimage back to my former home.
The journey began in the Atlanta Airport. While sitting, waiting to board the plane, I felt an urgent tap on my shoulder. I turned around expecting to be told I’d dropped something or was accidentally treading on part of someone’s luggage. Instead, I was greeted by a baby girl’s beaming, yoghurt covered smile. We exchanged smiles and waves, I said a few hellos, then I turned back around only to be tapped on the shoulder again. The whole adorable exchange happened several times.
Getting from the airport to my Disney resort was as easy as catching the free Magical Express. And by easy I mean difficult. Calling Disney to book my spot on the bus wasn’t the difficult part. The hard part was finding the magical express. Without a magic spell or a keen sense of direction I was left getting my steps wandering around an airport with separate buildings, which meant going up and down, and back up lifts. Eventually I boarded the bus.
I arrived at All Star Movies.
Upon check in I was informed I could opt out of housekeeping for the entire length of my stay in exchange for a $50 Disney gift card. As someone who usually leaves the “Do Not Disturb” sign hanging on their hotel room door, I agreed to the offer. I would still be able to request towels and toiletries if required. I spent part of the gift card on food, like bread, milk and jam at the resort store. Sure, it was Disney expensive, but not as expensive as buying meals in the parks.
The room was a comfortable place for a little rest and relaxation.
Since Hollywood Studios was my home park back when I worked for the mouse, so it made sense for me to visit first.
I felt a little like parts of my home had been demolished and the renovation was taking way longer than expected. I only felt that way because they’ve removed a tonne of attractions and are yet to open Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land.
I strolled through the streets of nostalgia to find a seat on the ground at the front of the Chinese Theatre.
Here I found a cast member sharing stories of special guests he’d encountered while working for Disney.
Then came the “Movie Magic” projections on the screen. It was a lovely tribute to live action Disney films. While watching I couldn’t help but miss the old Great Movie Ride.
I waited a little longer for the next projection show called “Jingle Bell Jingle Bam”.
Aside from the unnecessary and odd storyline that centred around a few elves, it was the high standard of Disney magic you would expect.
There was a small window of time between that show finishing and Fantasmic, arguably Disney’s best night time show, starting. I hurriedly weaves through the sea of slow guests taking their time to soak in the park. I then slowed down little when I spotted part of Sunset Seasons Greetings. This is another show with projections. The Tower of Terror displays images along with screens lining the street.
All the projections are almost like Disney saying, “Hey, so I know the bathroom renovation is taking forever and you don’t have a toilet or shower anymore, but here you go, take some towels.”
They are plush, pretty towels, but it’s not the same as having a whole bathroom.
I eventually made it to a seat at the edge of the theatre to watch Mickey’s imagination take shape.
I meandered through the stores on my way to the bus. This one was much easier to find than the Magical Express.
Walt Disney World
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