Walt Disney World® is such a spectacular place to so many people. For me, WDW holds a special place in my heart where some of my fondest memories have taken place. My name is Alex Larson, and I am excited to say that I will be contributing to the WDW Radio Blog! I am a 22-year-old college student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a huge Disney fan. Disney Parks were first introduced into my life at the age of three when my Disney loving mom took me on my first voyage to Central Florida.
Walt Disney World® is almost a second home to my family and me. Growing up, my fondest memories are the ones that were spent at Walt Disney World® with my family. Although we typically only went once a year, sometimes twice, it almost feels as though I grew up there. I firmly believe not many places in the world can offer memories that the Disney Parks do, and I am fortunate enough to be able to have parents who gladly took me down to Orlando every year to experience something so magical.
One thing that I love about the Walt Disney World Resort® is the details that go into the attractions, shows, and restaurants. As I start to get older, I am more amazed by what the Imagineers can create to fully engulfthe guest’s imagination. Some of my personal favorite details at WDW are the ones that can only be found by exploring throughout the parks and are often unnoticed by other guests. Disney’s ability to tell stories that fully immerse the guest is undoubtedly one of the most magical experiences.
Details such as the new rockwork on The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or the hairy leg in Pirates of the Caribbean® are the reasons why Disney is able to spark guest’s imaginations. Imagineers go above and beyond to make an experience as real as possible. This attention to detail and the stories that play out across the resort is what my column will be all about.
One of my first great memories of the parks was when I was seven years old while riding Peter Pan’s Flight®. Even at that young age, I had a wow moment in the show scene flying over London. This was such a special moment for me because, at that age, I had no clue that our ship was hanging from a track on the ceiling, and I believed we were actually flying. The belief of thinking I could fly and peaking over the edge of my ship to see the city of London below me was astonishing, and it very quickly became my favorite attraction at the parks. Now that I am older, this attraction has stood up against the test of time and still remains one of my favorites.
In my blog I will be looking at attractions throughout the parks to examine and discuss the intricate details and why the attractions at Walt Disney World® are so special. I am very excited to share my love of Disney and hopefully will be able to learn even more through this experience.
Interesting Facts:
- In Peter Pan’s Flight®, the cars driving on the city streets are actually glow in the dark paint that has been put on bike chains that are revolving.
- When you enter the nursery look for the building blocks stacked on the floor. You will find that the blocks spell out P Pan and DISNEY.
- When flying over London, look closely at the moon and you will notice three craters that are in the form of a hidden mickey.
(Photos used with permission from Kelly Huemmer.)
Alex Larson is currently a college student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, he has loved Disney since he was born. Making annual trips to Walt Disney World since the age of three, the parks have become a very special place to him. His love for the parks is due to the memories he has had, attractions, the endless things to explore, the food and the sense of happiness every Disney fan feels while there.
