This post originally appeared on Best Western’s YouMustBeTrippin.com’s blog, where I regularly contribute stories. I was compensated for this post but the opinions are mine.
With the launch of the Disney Channel’s “Teen Beach 2” over the weekend, and Best Western’s partnership with the brand to bring the stars to life and give one lucky winner the chance to meet the cast, I’ve been thinking a lot about my favorite memories involving Disney.
Having been to Walt Disney World more than 70 times after my first visit to the park in 1975, at the ripe age of six, I’m constantly surprised how, after all these years, the Magic Kingdom continues to be one of my favorite places on earth. A few years ago, my family and I even got to officially open the park!
Not convinced? Here are five reasons why, dollar for dollar, Walt Disney World stands out as my #1 family vacation place on earth:
- The Magic Kingdom is a Place to Make Memories for a Lifetime:
It may sound hokey, but Disney World is a magical place with many important memories for me. For example, by my estimate, it is possibly the only place on the planet that I have visited with almost all of my beloved family and friends, many of which have since passed away. I have so many fond memories from Disney World that I even have some filed under specific rides like the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain, amongst others.
- No Theme Park is More Kid and Family Friendly:
As the father of four children ranging from age three to 15, and someone who has been to all of the major theme parks, I can’t think of one theme park with a more complete and satisfying full-range of rides, parades and activities than Disney World.
- The Magic Kingdom is Always Evolving and Expanding:
As a boy, and even on through my early 20s, I remember I could do the entire Magic Kingdom in one day. It required some work but it was very doable. Today? Forget about it! Disney World is evolving so quickly with expanded areas like New Fantasyland that even an experienced Magic Kingdom guy like me can’t possibly make it all in one day.
I’ve seen a lot of magnificent fireworks displays in my lifetime, but none even remotely approach the nightly spectacular of the Magic Kingdom. Like many other Disney spectacles, you can’t pay anyone, anywhere, any amount of money to see a more inspirational fireworks display than this one.
I’ve gone to Disney World since before Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Disney Hollywood Studios even existed, but today you simply can’t go to the Magic Kingdom and avoid the fact that all these theme parks are right next door to each other and all are easily linked. If you have a 12-hour or more day at your disposal, you should consider what I do: get a one day Park Hopper Pass and do several parks in one day.
When it comes to Disney World, I could seriously go on and on about what makes it great, but suffice it to say that these five reasons are at the heart of why the Magic Kingdom is now, and probably will forever be, my favorite place on earth for a family vacation.
If you’re looking for your own Disney experience via a chance to meet the cast of Teen Beach Movie 2, make sure you enter the Best Western sweepstakes here.