My First Impression of Walt Disney World
Working in the world of DVC rentals means answering a lot of Disney related questions. From providing resort and park recommendations, to explaining the ins and outs of owning a DVC membership, in my first year working for a DVC company, I quickly became a go-to resource for all things DVC.
But I had a confession: I had personally never been to a Disney park.
Sure, I grew up on an impressive collection of Disney classics on VHS, and I can hold my own in any Disney trivia showdown (ask me about obscure side characters, I dare you). But Disney parks had never been part of my story, and if I’m honest, after the age of ten I never really saw the appeal.
So when I started working for a DVC rental company, everything was new. And I mean, everything. With lots of research, questions, and learning on the go, I had to quickly become an expert in all things DVC Memberships, DVC resorts, and Disney parks.
While I factually knew many important details about booking a Disney vacation, and heard many heart-felt stories of Disney vacation experiences, I still didn’t fully understand what was so compelling about Disney parks specifically. So many people I talked to spoke with an admiration and affection that I couldn’t connect to. I’ve never been much of a theme-park person, and I had always thought of Disneyworld as simply – a Disney-movie-themed theme park. I mean what else could it be?
After nearly two years undercover as a Disney expert, I was finally able to join our team on a company retreat to Walt Disney World.
And we visited all four parks.
My First Park – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
We started at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and I kicked things off with Avatar Flight of Passage, an absolutely insane way to be introduced to Disney rides. I had never experienced anything like it. The way it blends motion, visuals, and storytelling to make you feel like you’re flying through Pandora on a banshee immediately redefined my understanding of theme park rides.
Part zoo, part adventure land, Animal Kingdom had an other-worldly feel that was immersive in a way I didn’t expect.
Next Stop – Hollywood Studios
The next park we visited was Hollywood Studios, which brought a totally different vibe – more old-Hollywood charm with a modern cinematic twist. One minute you’re walking past vintage neon signs, then piloting the Millennium Falcon the next. The classy, cinematic energy made me feel like I was walking through decades of movie history.
Falling for the Details at EPCOT
Then came EPCOT! The attention to detail in each country’s pavilion, the walkability of World Showcase, and the delicious food everywhere quickly made it my favorite stop. Giving you the ability to travel the globe in an afternoon, it felt like a slower way to experience a Disney vacation, centered more around experiencing and absorbing a new feeling in each country, with rides thrown in here and there.
Magic Kingdom – Where It All Comes Together
Finally, Magic Kingdom. Every corner was infused with the nostalgia of the stories that shaped my childhood. From Cinderella Castle to Pirates of the Caribbean, I felt like I was finally stepping into the movies that had accompanied me in my formative years.
Not only that, but it connected the dots of all my Disney training. When I experienced the Haunted Mansion ride for the first time, I heard the music and thought, “I’ve heard this before… It’s part of the Disney hold music.”
What Sets Disney Parks Apart
In reflecting on that very first trip, coming from someone who went into the experience knowing a lot of facts about the parks, but still not necessarily understanding what makes the Disney experience so unique and compelling for people, the theme that stuck out to me was: storytelling.
Unlike traditional amusement parks that focus on fun and thrills, Disney uses stories as the foundation of nearly every experience. The rides don’t just spin or drop, they make you part of the narrative. The shows, the fireworks, the food, the resorts – each element holds a sense of purpose and immersion.
Final Thoughts
I still consider myself a bit of an outsider to the Disney Parks community. I’m not someone who went every summer growing up, nor have I converted to an avid twice a year park goer.
But working with families planning their very first visits and longtime DVC Members who’ve created decades of memories, I had heard the testimonials. And after visiting myself, I finally got to experience it too.
Disney is not just a theme park. It’s not just about rides or castles or characters. To many, it’s a place that keeps magic alive, where people of all ages can step into stories and embrace a spirit of wonder, sharing those moments with those they love most.
The best of Disney has always been about storytelling, and the parks allow you to become a part of those stories.
Walt Disney once dreamed of a place where parents and children could play together. Decades later, I’ve come to believe the true magic lies in how these parks invite all of us, at every age, to reconnect with the wonder and joy and stories of childhood.
Stay at a DVC resort for your next Disney World vacation, and save up to 65% compared to booking directly through Disney! Check out the confirmed reservations, or request a free quote.
