“ The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing .” - Walt Disney
WALT ’ S WORLD : The most Magical of Kingdoms is 50 .
Newer , bigger , better . Instead , let ’ s take a moment to connect to the attractions that Walt built .
Whether we ’ re talking about those sidesplitting creatures over at the Country Bear Jamboree , the nostalgia of Dumbo the Flying Elephant , the historical drama of The Hall of Presidents ( or just the glorious air conditioning on a hot park day ), or the 999 Happy Haunts over at Haunted Mansion , we can feel a direct link to what Walt Disney dreamed .
Not enough for you ?
What about the creativity and diversity ( and that repetitive music ) as you float through “ it ’ s a small world ,” the backside of water as you chuckle your way through Jungle Cruise , the twirling teacups of the Mad Tea Party ( making us regret that Cheshire Cat Tail we just scarfed down ), or the pixie dust feeling as you fly over Neverland on Peter Pan ’ s Flight ?
And no , we ’ re not done ...
When you ride your valiant steed at Prince Charming ’ s Regal Carrousel , climb through the trees at the Swiss Family Treehouse , drive ( quite slowly ) on the Tomorrowland Speedway , board the train on Main Street , U . S . A ., or sing along with Jose in the Enchanted Tiki Room , you are connected to the opening of the Magic Kingdom and Walt himself .
OUR WORLD : The idea of someone having a dream that turned into reality is a story that plays out over and over .
WDW Magazine , for example — this is our 100th issue ! Cue the confetti . Also , cue the guy who ’ s supposed to clean up the confetti .
I ’ ve not been around for all 100 , but that ’ s exciting . Knowing Stephanie and Danny ( and Carl before them ), I can assure you that this magazine operates with the same mentality that Walt did .
Sometimes you have to stop talking and start doing .
So many magazines went from print to digital in recent years . WDW Magazine did the opposite — we started printing . It ’ s all about dreaming and doing , folks .
I ’ m a small part in this whole operation . I write a few words and send them to my editors ( shout-out to Rain and Tim !), but I ’ m proud to work with people who dream and do . People who walk in the ways of Walt .
Let ’ s all take a moment and dream together . It ’ s January , after all . We can all agree to spend this year moving things forward . Talking doesn ’ t really make the world better . Let ’ s get to work . Together , we ’ ll make Walt proud .
BY BRIAN MCCUMSEY
Cinderella Castle received a new color scheme and additional décor as part of the 50th celebration at Walt Disney World . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG