I was a wannabe princess who one day briefly escaped the beautiful castles of Fantasyland and wandered into a truly magical place called Fort Wilderness.
Like many of you, I discovered an uncommon peace interrupted only by the songs of forest animals, the sounds of families laughing, the intoxication of a summer breeze, and the smells of an old west barbecue. I learned quickly that stars shone more brightly than gold, that a happy princess often gets muddy, and that wooden spoons are far more efficient than silver ones.
Maybe you love Splash Mountain, the Mad Tea Party, Living with the Land favorite), the Tusker House and sometimes even the Tower of Terror with all your heart.
I do.
I just usually love Fort Wilderness more – it’s more about simply being in the now and less about rushing to another line. And it’s about connecting to the innocent beauty of nature and feeling an indie kind of magic in all that lives and blooms around us – Disney style.
Yeah, it’s kind of been my happy place for about three decades or so now.
Since my first trip to Disney World and to Fort Wilderness, long, long, long ago, I’ve gathered four degrees, with a smathering of emphases along the way, including journalism, education, and environmental policy. I’ve also amassed a collection of offspring over the years, and have consciously cultivated in them both a passion of Disney and a love of the land (i.e., lots of trips to the Fort). It is one thing I think I’ve done right as a mother and a wanna be princess.
By the way, I cook very well and I sing most terribly.
