Our First Disney Trip
The Disney Vacation that Captured our Hearts and started a lifetime of magical Countdowns
First Magic Kingdom Day
March 2021
It was our first bus ride to Magic Kingdom. Early in the morning, before the sun had even come up, we climbed aboard the bus. We were tired but filled with excitement. We only had one Disney park day planned, and Harper was just two years old.
As we settled into our seats, I noticed the music playing. It was from Peter Pan—my favorite Disney movie. Maybe it has always been my favorite because it captures the idea of holding on to a childlike heart and imagination. Of never completely growing up. I’m not sure if that’s why the tears first began to prick my eyes.
Then I looked over at Harper. She was all dolled up in her Cinderella princess dress and matching Cinderella ears, kicking her little feet excitedly. Tears started rolling down my face, and I remember thinking, What in the world is wrong with me? Why am I crying?
As the anticipation of seeing the castle continued to build, more tears slipped down my cheeks. I think it was a combination of nostalgia, childhood memories and the excitement of bringing my own daughter somewhere filled with so many childhood favorites. I was about to experience them through her eyes.
And then we saw it—the castle. My heart nearly burst as I took in the breathtaking view. She really is stunning.
Harper began to squeal, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, looooook! It’s Cinderelli’s castle!” That’s how she used to say Cinderella. My heart swelled, and I knew this trip was going to be special.
Our first trip was during COVID, so the parks were very different. They weren’t crowded, but I had no idea just how much we were missing. There were no traditional character interactions. The castle was walled off, so we couldn’t walk through it. Instead of full parades, there were small pop-up cavalcades—and somehow, the one we happened to see featured Peter Pan! There were no fireworks, either.
Even without all those things, Disney captured my heart. Can you imagine how much it burst when we were finally able to return and experience everything?
The first time Harper twirled with Cinderella. The first time meeting Minnie Mouse. The first time we watched the beloved characters from my childhood—and the characters from Harper’s favorite movies—wave to us during the Festival of Fantasy Parade. With every new experience, I knew there wouldn’t be only one or two trips to this place.
As if all of that wasn’t already heartwarming enough, then came the first time we watched Happily Ever After. Tinker Bell flew directly over our heads. As each song played, tears of happiness streamed down my face—and I wasn’t the only one crying.
When I looked around, I saw other adults wiping their cheeks, too. Children’s faces lit up as they tilted their heads toward the sky. Parents were drowning in nostalgia and in the joy of watching the magic unfold through their children’s eyes.
Standing beneath that fireworks-lit sky, I knew there couldn’t be just one trip to this magical place. Disney would capture our hearts again and again and again—for as long as I could make it happen.
More than six years later, I’m still completely enamored with the magic. I still sing Happily Ever After at the top of my lungs while doing chores around the house. But now, I get to help other families experience the magic, too.
Our latest Trip Spring Break 2026
So here I am: scrub tech in the operating room by day and coffee-fueled mom, wife and magic coordinator every other moment.
There are two things my heart is always looking forward to: Heaven—and our next trip to Disney.
Because life is simply more magical with a Disney countdown.
If your family is ready to begin its own magical countdown, I’d love to help you plan it.