What a way to kick off my first day at Disney. There was so much to see, eat and explore that I had to share the adventure.
There was really only one place to start: Magic Kingdom, here I come.
After taking the Monorail over and walking through the front gates, my first stop was Guest Relations. Since this was officially my first Disney visit, I had to get a “First Visit” button. Cast Members and other parkgoers kept welcoming me everywhere I went.
First things first: because you can’t walk around Disney without those ears
From there, I headed into the Emporium with one mission: Mickey ears.
You can’t walk around Disney without ears. It just doesn’t feel right. Plus, I figured Mickey might feel a little safer seeing more of his own kind around.
There were plenty to choose from, but I went classic: black Mickey ears. First Visit button displayed. Ears secured. Now I was ready.
Starting the day with 999 Happy Haunts
My first ride HAD to be Haunted Mansion.
The mansion, the stretching room, the ghosts, the music. By the time I walked outside, “Grim Grinning Ghosts” was stuck in my head, and honestly, it still is.
Watch the Haunted Mansion ride-through →A Bug has to eat
One thing I learned quickly: sometimes the best plan is simply to notice what is nearby and go for it. Especially when lunch is involved.
I made my way to Pecos Bill and ordered a Nacho Bowl, Chips and Cheese, Pinto Beans and a Strawberry Limeade Slush. And yes, I saw the Churro Loops. I wanted them. Unfortunately, lunch won.
Sometimes the best Disney moments aren’t planned
Walking out of Pecos Bill, I happened to run straight into the Festival of Fantasy Parade. Perfect timing.
Suddenly the street was filled with characters. Rapunzel, Tiana, Mickey and so many others made their way by. This became one of my favorite parts of the day, mostly because I had not planned it.
Having a plan helps, but leaving a little room to stumble into things is not a bad strategy either.
Watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade →One more stop before a much-needed break
My next stop was the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. Disney songs performed by bears? Obviously I needed to investigate.
From there, I headed back to the room for a much-needed nap. I had covered so much, but barely scratched the surface. Magic Kingdom definitely is not finished with me yet.
Episode One is officially in the books
I got the ears, survived the Haunted Mansion, may or may not have brought one of the 999 Happy Haunts home with me, stumbled into a parade, discovered singing bears and somehow still never got those Churro Loops.
Ears on. Adventure continues. See you at Hollywood Studios. 🐛✈️