I just returned from a trip to Disney World with my son, his wife, and two of my grandchildren — Sloan and Oliver. It had been decades since my last visit, and to say things have changed is a gross understatement. I tried to prepare myself both mentally and physically for the trip, but nothing could have fully prepared me for what was ahead.

I had my nails painted in Disney colors and shapes, my brand-new Mickey Mouse backpack was packed, and my Mickey pajamas and T-shirt, along with my warm-weather clothes, were neatly tucked into my carry-on. I was ready for adventure.

The first shock came as soon as we stepped out of the airport into the sweltering Florida sun. That same morning, I’d scraped ice off my windshield back home. Now I was greeted by palm trees swaying in a humid, 90-degree breeze.

By afternoon, I wasn’t just lounging– I was laughing and splashing with the grandkids in the hotel pool, basking in the warmth of both the sun and their joy.

Then it was time for Disney itself. Our ambitious plan: four parks in four days — Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. I quickly learned this was quite the undertaking, especially with a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old in tow.

Day one took us to Animal Kingdom, and I was completely blown away. The shows were mesmerizing — especially The Lion King, a riot of color, light, and music. But what moved me most was watching the kids’ faces, wide-eyed with wonder. Experiencing that with my son and his family was one of the most beautiful moments of my life.

The Tree of Life stopped me in my tracks. Towering 145 feet tall, it was breathtaking. As we walked closer, we marveled at the 300+ animals carved into its massive trunk and roots. It was a stunning tribute to diversity and the beauty of nature.

We rafted through river rapids, soaked to the skin — pure joy in the Florida heat. For dinner, we stepped into a tropical paradise at the Rainforest Café, complete with animatronic elephants, waterfalls, and lush jungle greenery. The only hiccup? My son realized his wallet was missing. After a panicked scramble, we found it safely beneath our table — crisis averted.

By the end of day one and after eight miles of walking, zero breaks or naps, and crowds thick enough to test anyone’s patience, we were all completely spent. That night, back at our hotel, The Grand Floridian, we just made it in time to watch the 9 p.m. fireworks across the water at Magic Kingdom just over Cinderella’s Castle. Beautiful, yes. But bedtime was… very late.

Despite the exhaustion, we were up early the next morning for a trip to Magic Kingdom and breakfast with Cinderella in her castle at 9 a.m. Sloan arrived in full princess regalia, and Oliver wore a dashing prince outfit complete with gold braiding and a sash. Their excitement was

contagious. Meeting the princesses was magical — and yes, maybe overpriced — but worth every penny to see that sparkle in their eyes.

The morning ended with an unforgettable (and slightly traumatic) encounter. Outside the castle, one of Cinderella’s evil stepsisters asked Sloan if she could marry her brother, the prince. After Sloan agreed, Oliver promptly burst into tears, horrified at the possibility. Later, when we saw her again, he ran crying, completely inconsolable.

Speaking of extravagant experiences, next came the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Here, Sloan and Oliver were pampered like royalty — choosing gowns and costumes, getting glittery hairstyles, shimmering makeup, and even receiving royal accessories. It may have been another splurge, but the smiles (and photos) made it priceless.

Since they were all dressed up, we headed to the Crystal Palace for dinner with beloved friends from the Hundred Acre Wood — Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, and Rabbit. I’m not sure who was more excited: the kids or me. We owned every Pooh VHS in the late 1990s, and those characters still hold a special place in our hearts.

We ended our day at Magic Kingdom with a front-row view of the spectacular fireworks and light show at Cinderella’s Castle. Tired but absolutely thrilled, we made our way back to the hotel — though not quite as lightly packed as when we arrived. Our magical haul included two bubble wands, two water-spraying fans, two Beauty and the Beast playsets, and two oversized Disney-themed balloons, making the journey back as entertaining as it was challenging.

I realize this only brings us to the end of day two — and we still have two more parks to go — but I’ve already written more than I planned. So, I invite you to stay tuned for part two of our magical, chaotic, unforgettable Disney World adventure.

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Rhonda Kelley is the executive director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.