COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS….
Three hundred and seventy two days. That’s exactly how many days until our family’s next trip to the wonderfully magical Disney World!!! While 372 days is DEFINITELY worthy of a “Countdown App” on my phone… it STILL, nonetheless, seems AGES away. We are a “Disney Family” at heart. Florida-natives, recently relocated (and by “recently” I mean a decade ago) to northern Maine. So far north, that you might as well call us Canadians (we can literally see Canada from our back deck). But, part of our hearts are still in Florida, and every time we make that trip down the East Coast, we always make time for a day or two at Disney World. It’s one of the most magical places I’ve ever been. I’ve spent many summers walking down Disney’s Main Street, smelling the popcorn and cotton candy as it wafts through the streets, looking in all the shop windows, trying to decide which store will be the one that I would purchase my next souvenir from. And all it takes is the MENTION of Cinderella’s Castle, and my mind is immediately transported to that wonderful, happy and carefree place.
So it’s only natural, that with a child of my own, I want HIM to experience all of the wonder and excitement that I did when I was growing up. And of course, with each Disney vacation we take, whether it’s one day, or seven, mommy and daddy get to relive some of their best childhood memories, too.
The HARDEST part, for me, and for others, I’m sure, is leaving. Walking back through Mickey’s gates, riding the ferry boat back to the parking lot, with the castle becoming smaller and smaller as you float away with tears in your eyes. Back to reality. Back to work… school… bills… appointments. And then “Disney Depression” sets in. You’ve just spent the last 3 months or more, planning every hour of every day, reserving restaurants, making lists upon lists, memorizing park maps, packing and repacking, checking weather apps, customizing your Magic Bands. And now… you have nothing. No more planning. No more lists. No more “Hidden Mickey’s” around the house. No more searching the Travel Channel for Disney Resort episodes, or Food Network for Disney Treats and Sweets. No more Mickey pancakes for breakfast. And for SOME (like ME), the dreaded Disney Depression can even cause you to (GASP!) UNLIKE and UNFOLLOW some of the Fan Pages you’ve spent the last year on. They seem to serve as a painful reminder of the fact that there IS no time machine that will transport you back to the happiest place on earth. Which is why, for the sanity of yourself AND your family… it’s almost a 100% NECESSITY that you at least start PLANNING, for your NEXT trip. Whether it’s a month away, or 4 years away, the planning process is one thing that WILL help with that Disney Depression!!
That being said…. What on EARTH can I do for 372 days?? Well, the possibilities are endless! Crafting, baking, researching, reading, online shopping, planning, and family dinner and movie nights…. all things DISNEY, of course!!! So get out there, and start planning YOUR next Disney Vacation!!!
About our Guest Blogger~
Lianne and her family live in northern Maine, where Disney is just as much a part of their lives as ever. Most of their family vacations include a trip to the Disney Parks, where they love reliving their own childhood memories, as well as watching their son’s love of Disney grow with each visit.
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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I love it. Makes me remember my childhood trips to Disney. Only been able to take my kids 1 time because of finances, but hope to visit again some day. Until then I will just wait and dream.