Little Thoughts, Big Ideas: Isabel in Disneyland- An Adventure Story

This is actually about a trip to Disney WORLD, but I did not want to ruin the Alice in Wonderland theme.

Disney is probably one of my favorite things ever. Whether it's the movies, the music, or the places, I'm beyond myself with joy and love. I have seen almost every Disney movie multiple times (and I mean multiple. Say 50 times each? No joke). I know all the lyrics to practically every song. I've been to Disney land and World multiple times. I have a collection of souvenirs and photographs from my travels. There is just something about Disney that fills me with so much excitement. Not only does each movie teach a valuable lesson, but it comes along with PRINCESSES, PRINCES, AND CUTE ANIMALS. What else does a person need? Almost every Disney movie is a love story in some form, and I love love stories. Don't you? Disney has, and always will know the way to my heart.
Here is a special edition of the Adventure Stories. This one here is about none other then my trip to Disney World, since it was the most recent. I've learned lots of lessons from Disney, and I hope after reading this you do, too. Enjoy part two of Adventure Stories. I present to you, Isabel in Disneyland...

(er... Isabel in Disney World)....

Another trip to Disney! Only this time it was World, and I had only been to Land. World just sounds better than Land to me. I mean would you rather be Queen of the World or Queen of the Land?

Exactly. World. So, naturally, I was thrilled. There was a layover in the Houston airport, and as I sat there eating my Subway sandwich, I watched cowboys hurry to catch their flights. Things were exciting already.

When we landed at the Orlando airport, I was hit with a wave of humidity. In it's own way, it was refreshing. We took a town car to the resort, and I was bubbling over with excitement as I watched palm trees and swamps fly past the car windows.

We stayed in the Dolphin side of the Swan and Dolphin hotel. It was beautiful, with water all around it. Ferries were available to take guests to either Hollywood Studios or Epcot. From our room we could see the Boardwalk. It was in walking distance! (In theory, so were Epcot and Hollywood Studios, if you had enough energy).

The afternoon of our arrival, my family changed into shorts and t-shirts to suit the Florida weather, and we caught a Disney bus to Downtown Disney. It was absolutely enchanting, and so much larger than Disneyland's Downtown area.

Twinkly lights lit up the trees, reminding me of Tinker Bell and the overall magic of the place. We ate at a speciality sandwich shop,and explored the different shops. I was full of joy.

There were so many parks to explore over the next week, our schedule was jammed! We explored Magic Kingdom, which houses many of the same rides as Disneyland. I got chills on Splash Mountains, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion as always. I cruised on Thunder Mountain Railroad. We ate pineapple floats in the shade of a palm tree (It was excruciatingly hot).

Before enjoying the classic fireworks show at Magic Kingdom, my family was exploring the new Fantasy Land. I went in the Beast's castle and explored Prince Eric's palace, too. As we were leaving The Little Mermaid ride, a man stopped us, told me I had "the walk" and that he was filming a commercial for the new Fantasy Land. He had this huge camera crew with lights and the whole mess. We filmed it over five times, and then we went and watched the parade and fireworks. It was magical.

We dined at Shula's, a fine steak house that was in our hotel. We watched fireworks every night and ate ice cream all the time.

Animal Kingdom was the greatest adventure. Expedition Everest was the best roller coaster I've ever been on. My dad and I screamed our heads off as we went on it over seven times!

The Kali River Rapids was great on a hot day, because my little brother got soaked three times in a row (he bawled each time).

Hollywood Studios is a grand old time because on one side you have Star Tours (if you're a Star Wars geek like me) and on the other you have Tower of Terror (the love of my life). It's such an exhilarating ride that you can just scream your head off in.

My dad and I stayed in Hollywood Studios until 1 am once (perks to staying on resort) and we took the boat back to the hotel (after eating more ice cream, of course).

Epcot was also one of my favorites because there are so many countries in one park! France (my favorite) along with Germany, Mexico, Japan, Italy, and countless more. We were there during the Food & Wine Festival, so we were able to snack on small foods from each country for a low price (super exciting). The fireworks show over the water was beautiful and energetic.

There is also Soarin' in Epcot, and that is another one of my favorites. I love flying over my old home, California, and breathing in all the scents and taking in all the sites.

On our last morning in Disney, we spent it on the boardwalk, eating pizza and enjoying the quiet. Everyone else was at the parks, but I just ate my pizza and looked out over the water in utter silence. It was a perfect ending.

Here are some life lessons I learned in Disney World. From Epcot, I learned that each country is different. I want to travel to all of them one day just to see all the good things they have to offer for myself. I also learned to try new things like frog legs and Japanese shaved ice.

From Hollywood Studios I learned that screaming when you're scared is okay. But that typically things we're scared of are all pretend.

From Animal Kingdom I learned that animals are an important part of our world, and their habitats are some of the most beautiful and fragile. I also learned that the best way to cool down on a hot day is by drinking lemonade and getting drenched.

From Magic Kingdom I learned to walk with confidence (because a filmer may notice you). I also learned that dreams come true and magic is real. All you have to do is believe.

Finally, from the Boardwalk, I learned that peace and quiet can be memorable and special. Pizza tastes even better by the water.

I love Disney with all my heart, and it was a trip no one could ever forget.