Today, Walt Disney World turns FIFTY. Could there be a better day to reflect on my very own Disney journey? Unfortunately, I can hardly take the conjured magical nostalgia. Sigh…

Walt Disney World has helped me document some of the most important transitions of my life. Unlike many of my Disney cohorts, my journey started 12 years ago. I didn’t visit as a child or even as a teenager. My first trip was planned to celebrate an extraordinary birthday, the 10th birthday of THE girl who was my first taste of motherhood. Needless to say, we had a BLAST! When I planned our trip, I thought it would be a one and done for us, BUT I was wrong – very, very wrong.

A short time after this first trip, we were blessed with our first Mouseketeer. He was destined to be a Disney kid. His first haircut was at The Harmony Barber Shop, AND he knew where everything was located in the Magic Kingdom by the time he was three.

Eighteen months later, our princess was born, and with her, our Disney tribe was complete. Her love for hugging characters knows no bounds, while her rebel face is fierce.

We are 100% a Disney family – that includes my husband. We have celebrated numerous anniversaries at Disney. In two weeks we will celebrate our 15th anniversary there.

A month before my youngest was born, I transitioned into a small business owner. I became a travel agent. I have spent the past 8 years building and nurturing relationships with my clients, many of which have become good friends.

I can’t even begin to describe the friendships I have with my travel co-workers. I use the term “co-workers” loosely because, in reality, I love them like family.

Disney, what else do you have in store for me? What will you help me document next?

I already know! This year while we celebrate 50 magical years for Walt Disney World, I will ALSO be celebrating yet again the little girl who started it all 12 years ago. This year we will have a NEW Mouseketeer, AND I can’t wait for all of their Disney firsts.

Cheers to 50 YEARS, Disney!

Lizeth Swaim