Another month is flying by and the end of the year is quickly approaching. It also means a time to spend with family (either biological or chosen) over good food, good times, and good conversation. For me that'll mean spending time with my good friends at an Orphan's Thanksgiving (a term I used to use when I cooked and invited people over that weren't able to be with their families during Turkey Day). Much as I like to cook I also love to hand over the reins to someone else as well and just sit back and enjoy the day off from it all.
I'm very curious to all of you readers out there with the blog. What makes you thankful? What Disney movie or park or experience has made you thankful?
Here's my Disney Thankful Post:
In 1966 two newlyweds traveled to Disneyland to celebrate their honeymoon with the bride's parents also attending. The two would later have a couple of children, one of whom is the publisher of this blog. Thus starts the beginning of a Disney fan in training and the perfect situation for raising a Disney Kid.
In 1985 a family would travel down from Ontario, Oregon to Anaheim in two motorhomes and the family would stay in the Disneyland RV Park *now I believe it's the Anaheim RV Park* and spend what seemed like forever exploring the park on multiple days, as well as going to Universal Studios, and shopping. The best part of the RV park was being able to see the fireworks from the motorhome. This was the first visit for me and the start of a Disney fanatic life!
Two years later in 1987, the same family would travel to Florida for a business trip and yes you guessed it ... a visit to Walt Disney World resort. At that time there were only two parks, Magic Kingdom and my favorite Epcot Center; Downtown Disney was called the Disney Village and the only water park was Disney's River Country.
Nine years later in 1996, the youngest in the family, now a freshman in high school, is given a chance to travel with his high school choir and band to perform in the Magical Musical Days at Disney (how many of you are alum of that program??). The band proudly walked down Main Street while the choir sang on the Carnation Stage ... What fond memories that brings back.
The next year in 1997, back to Florida for another business trip with the family, but this time with a high school buddy coming as well. By this time, Disney had built Disney/MGM studios and opened up what would become another favorite ride, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It was in the middle of October and waits never exceeded 5 minutes!! Fast Pass was barely introduced but, at that time not needed.
Flash forward to 1999, Senior year of high school and the final experience of Magical, Musical Days in Disneyland. The high school choir would go back to the Carnation Stage and a final spring break trip with high school friends to Disney.
As time passed and the real world took hold, the next trip would happen until 2006. The parent's decide to go back to Disneyland to celebrate 40 years together!! This time the oldest sibling brings his family as well. Grandpa, Grandma, Brother, Sister-in-Law, and Nephew all in once place together sharing an experience at the Happiest Place on Earth.
More time passes and it was time for a return trip to Florida and Walt Disney World taking place in 2013. This time with parent's and a partner in tow. The week is spent reliving childhood fun and experiencing new and wonderful sites since the last trip (and that's a lot considering it was 16 years since the last trip!!). This also creates a new resolve to move to Florida and pursue a career with Disney World.
I'm sure by now you've guessed all these travels are my trips to the Disney parks. I'm thankful for every trip as I have experienced the magic with family and friends. I'm thankful that Disney has taught us to keep believing in magic. And I'm thankful for the opportunity to explore more options into not only visiting *again the next trip in 2017* but also thankful for reawakening a passion in me to strive for something career-wise. I'm thankful to be able to share this passion for Disney with all of you as well.
Next month I will be traveling out west to Las Vegas and I hope I will be able to spend a couple of days in Anaheim and take pictures of Disneyland to share with you all. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you my Disney Friends and as always.
Make It A Magical and Thankful Day
Patrick A
