Weekly Newsletter

Hey Reader!

I'll be honest with you — I'm a little emotional even writing this.

There's a ride at EPCOT that gets me every single time. Not because it's the most thrilling. Not because it has the longest history or the best theming. But because of what happened the first time I really watched someone else experience it.

Soarin' Over California. (Now Soarin' Around the World)

If you've been on it, you know. You're lifted up into this giant wraparound screen, your feet are dangling, the smell of orange blossoms fills the air, and suddenly you're flying over California. The Golden Gate Bridge. The redwoods. The coastline. It's breathtaking in the most literal way.

But here's the thing — it's something my sister would never be able to experience outside of a ride.

I remember sitting beside her the first time she rode it. And I wasn't watching the screen.

I was watching her.

The moment her seat lifted off the ground, her whole face changed. Eyes wide. That little sharp intake of breath. And when the orange grove scene hit and the scent drifted through the theater, she had this little laugh that I genuinely cannot describe — somewhere between wonder and "are you kidding me right now."

I full-on cried. I'm not even a little embarrassed about it.

That's the thing about Disney that I don't think gets talked about enough — it's not just a theme park. It's the place where people who've been told "that's not for you" get to prove the world wrong. And when you're there for the moment someone you love flies for the first time?

Yeah. There's nothing like it.

Soarin' Over California is back at Disney California Adventure right now for a limited time, and if I got the chance to ride it again, I'd probably definitely cry again.

Have you had a moment like this at Disney — a ride or experience that hit you completely differently than you expected? I'd love to hear about it. Just reply and tell me, I genuinely read every single one.

That wraps up this newsletter. Have a great week!

P.S. Accessibility planning is something I care deeply about, and it's a big part of how I help families prepare for their Disney trips. If you're planning a trip and want to make sure everyone in your group gets their Soarin' moment, I'd love to help.

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