As fireworks light up the night sky, another explosive situation unfolded at a local Fourth of July BBQ, where one family’s casual mention of an upcoming Disney vacation sparked a barrage of unsolicited advice from self proclaimed Disney experts.
“The moment we uttered the word ‘Disney’, it was like we’d shouted ‘Free beer!'” said Bradley Thompson, who found himself suddenly flanked by the neighborhood’s finest ‘unofficial’ Disney experts.
Ethan Patel, who has proud to share that he has visited every Disney theme park 5 times, is quick to offer the first piece of advice. With a gleam in his eye, like a kid spotting Goofy at a parade, Ethan suggests that shouting ‘Andy’s coming!’ in Toy Story Land will make the characters drop. “I saw it on YouTube!,” he said.
Like a princess beckoning woodland creatures, Lydia Jameson from across the street darted over brandishing a spreadsheet that she claimed was the Rosetta Stone of Disney vacation planning. “You simply must follow this exact order for rides. It’s how Walt Disney intended the parks to be experienced.”
From the depths of the hedges bordering the yard, a voice whispered the advice to wear a princess costume for preferential treatment. “And don’t forget to visit City Hall on Main Street for a Happy Birthday button,” the voice added. “They’re free!”
Jackson Murphy, the neighborhood mail carrier, lamented about the theme park’s high prices and encouraged the Thompson family to instead spend the money on a European vacation or a trip to Hawaii, but was silenced by the self-appointed Disney aficionados. A bystander wearing a Dole Whip t-shirt chimed in to say that despite the price tag, “the memories you make are priceless.” This brought forth a chorus of sighs and nods from the line of Disney experts who all agreed that you can’t put a price on pixie dust and happiness.
As word spread of the Thompson family’s upcoming trip, a line began to form in front of the house and down the street with enthusiastic Disney fans who were eager to share their expert vacation planning tips. Christine, the youngest of the Thompson family children, began to issue Fastpasses to help organize the growing crowd.