Magic, Meltdowns, and Mickey: A Nana’s Disney Adventure II
Our first stop was the Beauty and the Beast live show. This one was especially dear to me, as it’s a favorite shared between my daughter and me. I sent her pictures throughout the performance so she could enjoy it with me from afar. The show was spectacular, Broadway-level production quality. I’m not sure who enjoyed it more, the kids or me. The elaborate costumes, endearing characters, and those unforgettable songs transported me back in time. I remembered singing those very songs decades ago with my little girl, shedding a tear or two when I thought the Beast had died, and the joy we shared when he lived.
Next, we moseyed over to Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land for lunch. We feasted on western-themed dishes with playful names like “There’s a Sausage in My Boot” grilled sausage and “Buttercup’s Beef Brisket.” Andy’s toys were placed around the restaurant—Jessie, Buzz, Bo Peep, and even Forky made an appearance.
Fueled up, we danced our way to the Disney Jr. Play and Dance Party and then paid a visit to Olaf, who, true to form, had plenty of warm hugs to go around. From there, we met even more characters. That’s when I realized I was traveling a little too light, my backpack, which contained my wallet and basically everything was missing.
Panic. Pure, sheer panic.
I retraced my steps with little hope, remembering that in the chaos of a backward-lunging stroller and a dash toward characters, I had set my bag down. Turning a corner, I spotted it,sitting peacefully against the wall, exactly where I’d left it. Relief flooded in. Crisis averted. Magic resumed.
We returned to the hotel tired but happy, ready for our final day—EPCOT.
Our last day at Disney took us to EPCOT, where we were lucky enough to be there during the International Flower and Garden Festival. Throughout the park, stunning topiaries of beloved Disney characters were in bloom—Winnie the Pooh and friends, Peter Pan and Captain Hook, Bambi, Elsa and Anna, Snow White, and the seven dwarfs, to name just a few.
The heat and humidity kicked in, so we made our way to the Journey of Water, which is an interactive garden trail inspired by Moana. With a wave of your hand, water would rise and dance through the air. The kids thoroughly enjoyed dodging splashes from overhead fountains. At the center of the garden stood an enormous and majestic topiary of the goddess Te Fiti herself.
From there, we took a trip around the world at EPCOT’s World Showcase. Each country transported us with its architecture, food, and atmosphere. We had tacos in Mexico, waited 45 minutes in Norway to meet Elsa and Anna, wandered through China, and tasted bratwurst and sauerkraut in Germany. We admired the art in Italy, the Zen beauty of Japan, and the tilework in Morocco. We also explored France, the United Kingdom, Canada, where we clapped along with a Canadian folk band, and of course, the United States.
By the end of the night, we were utterly spent, happily exhausted, and ready to turn in for one last night of rest before our early morning flight.
Our four-day Disney adventure was filled with laughter, surprises, tiny meltdowns, and big moments of joy. From Broadway-worthy shows to stroller tumbles, character hugs to backpack rescues, it was everything a magical family trip should be. Though our feet were sore and our suitcases fuller than when we arrived, our hearts were the most packed of all—with memories we’ll treasure forever.
Rhonda S. Kelley, Executive Director
Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce