An Enchanted Walk

The faint humming of familiar tunes chimed through my ears. I resisted the urge to begin singing aloud. As I stood waiting for my bags to be checked, I looked attentively at the path before me. Soon I’d be at the main gate, and then all the magic would begin. I think back to all those times I’ve been standing at that gate, the many years of this same feeling bursting through me. It was January and the air was frigid. The harsh wind chafed my skin. My family has had a tradition every other year we go to Disneyland. We have always followed through with this. It is the happiest place on Earth. It’s the place where we’re all filled with felicity. The murmur of instrumentals rang through the air and still whispered in my ear. I walked at a fast pace, acting solicitous. I reached the front gate, looking in on the Main Street Train Station that was before me. It was New Year’s and the holiday decorations were still everywhere. The tips of the gate had massive snowflakes at the front. An icy blue, the snowflakes were illuminated just like the magic in this land. Finally, the workers opened the gates and we were off. The rush of people was like organized chaos. The workers were trying to lead, but no one was listening. Everyone was pushing their way down Main Street. I felt strangers’ arms brushing against me, the sound of pounding feet against the pavement, laughter and chaos rang through the air. This may have aggravated lots of people, but to me it couldn’t have been more perfect. I looked to the side and saw two little girls dressed as Elsa and Anna. A smile spread across my face, like the sun over the horizon. The memories of my little sister and I coming here dressed as our favorite characters brought warmth to my heart, so I gave Emily an embrace. We approached the substantive castle, the majestic colors of pink, blue and gold amazed me still. The crystal windows shined like silver. The snow at the tops of the castle made it feel like a winter wonderland. I walked through the castle, and quickly approached my favorite ride, Peter Pan’s Flight. I flew away to Neverland and heard Peter’s voice say, “Here we go!” The twinkling lights were like stars in a dark blue sky. Soon I found the best treat Disneyland has to offer, their phenomenal churros. The feeling of the sugar on my lips was rough and sweet, and I savored every bite. The spicy flavor of the cinnamon was delightful. I walked in front of the castle again and to my right I saw Snow White’s wishing well, my favorite Disneyland spot. I got out my grey wallet and felt the rattling change as I dug through. I slowly put my hands upon the edge of the well, and the edge felt abrasive. I looked into the well and saw the clear water filled with coins from the dreamers before me. I saw the reflection of myself, the red and black mickey ears I was wearing appeared in the vision. Snow White’s voice was nebulous at first, but then I heard, “I’m wishing, for the one I love to find me today.” With the faint smell of the rushing water behind me, I made my wish. Snow White appeared walking across the bridge, wearing her yellow dress with the blue and red sleeves, and lips red as a rose. Her voice was high-pitched, as sweet as candy, and made me smile. “Should we pose like princesses?” she asked. Then I underwent metamorphosis and turned into a Disney princess for a moment. The sun went down, and I headed to see the nighttime show Fantasmic. On the way, I noticed the greasy scent of a turkey leg. It’s unmissable and I must get one. The taste was delicious and heat burned my lips. The crispy skin was crunchy and golden. The show began with the strobing of the lights that was almost blinding, and just then Mickey popped up and began his magic. Water burst from the river, scenes flashed before my eyes, and a duel between Captain Hook and Peter launched on the ship before me. The flames shot up and I felt the fire against my skin. Mickey ended his show with the glittering characters of my childhood. “Some imagination, huh!” says Mickey, and my day came to a halt.