Let’s have some imaginary fun! I was daydreaming (just your usual Disney fantasizing) about what it would be like if Walt Disney World had created a small area for one family to stay on property for a sleepover. We know Cinderella Castle has that capability, only not to us regular, plain old folks, but what if…what if we could have a night in a boutique, intimate setting in one of the parks? What would that look like to you? Where would you settle in for the night?

I’ve been feeling this shift in our family dynamics for a while. With a few children, my husband and I spent our vacations surrounded by all things Disney. We spent wonderful years creating lifetime childhood memories for them in the parks, on Disney cruises and at Aulani Resort and Spa. I loved it, and I remember every single stroller fold up on the bus, every Disney cold virus, every temper tantrum on the hot Animal Kingdom pavement, as well as the magical surprises and tears of joy with happiness when Tinker Bell flew over the castle. And then, slowly, the shift begins.

Walt Disney World is doing a great job of opening things up. Fireworks are happening, marathons are on the docket, and there’s the chance that the kiosks might open soon for FastPasses. While these big things are great, Piglet was so right; in life, it’s the little things that are most meaningful and make amazing memories. On my recent visit, there was a Disney towel animal in my resort room on my arrival! There was complimentary fruit water in the lobby on a hot day! And there were towels waiting for us in a basket when it rained! Wow!

Let’s talk over a cup of coffee. Recently in Walt Disney World, my family and I stood in the parks and waited right in front (at “the rope”) to enter. Early bird catches the worm, and our goal in the Magic Kingdom that morning was to head for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. We got up early, went through all of the security, turnstiles, first bus out on transport, and stood at our hold line by Cinderella Castle for what seemed like forever with throngs of people all doing the same thing. 

New York City and Disney often come together to create events for Disney fans who live in the Northeast, and the fun begins in just a few weeks!

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It has just been announced that Live at The New Am will be a soft opening concert welcoming back Disney to Broadway that’ll run from July 22nd-25th. Featuring veteran Disney Broadway performers, including Ashley Brown and Michael James Scott, this series at the New Amsterdam Theatre will welcome audiences back to Broadway with songs from The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Frozen, just to name a few. The concert will benefit the Actor’s Fund.

The Muppets and Disney have me confused. There is a disconnect between the two, and there has been since the early 2000’s. The Muppets suffer an identity crisis within The Walt Disney Company and it shows in their confusing presence in the parks and on Disney+. Will we find the connection between them? Maybe someday, because The Muppets could be Disney’s beautiful rainbow if they just gave them a home.