Last night, I watched the Happily Ever After fireworks for the first time. I’ve listened to the entirety of the show twice. Both times were on our last trip to Disney World, one at Wilderness Lodge and the other during Villain’s After Hours. But I’ve never been able to actually see more than the fireworks above the castle. Both times I listened to the show I teared up; however, tonight, I bawled my eyes out. Who would’ve thought seeing projections on a castle while sitting on your bedroom floor would be so poignant? That’s the power of Disney magic for you.

Disney has been a part of my life ever since I can remember. When I was a toddler, I wanted to dress up as Buzz Lightyear. Toy Story is still one of my favorite movies. When I was a teen, I fell in love with the Cars and Planes movies. They were inspiring, uplifting, and funny. Then I watched Frozen and found my favorite Disney princess (or should I say queen): Elsa. I have never connected with a character so deeply in my life. She understood it all: my introversion, my fears, my love for my family. After watching Frozen 2, I love her even more.

Now, during this terrifying time, Disney is working their magic again. They closed their parks early and saved lives. Every day they post a recipe, drawing tutorial, or behind the scenes video on My Disney Experience or YouTube. Then, a few weeks ago, they sent me an email thanking me for sticking with them. Good old Disney, always making me cry.

Disney isn’t perfect. They are a big, greedy corporation who has to make money. When this chaotic time is in the past, I’ll go back to lovingly cursing them for their exorbitant pricing. I’ll laugh at the amount of merchandise in their parks (then go and buy out the pin section). I’ll wonder why they are so eager to ruin their classic movies with horrible live action remakes. Disney will always have flaws, and I’ll always be able to point them out. But when push came to shove, Disney did the right thing.

So, I just want to say thank you to the company who, for all their flaws, has gotten me through so much. We need a little bit of magic in our lives, even during good times. Right now, we need it more than ever. Whether it be through giving out recipes for our favorite Disney treats or posting Olaf shorts, Disney has brightened every day for me and my family. For that, and for all the times before, I am thankful.

I don’t know when I’ll feel comfortable stepping back into the parks, even with the mandatory masks and social distancing. I don’t even know if a resort stay is applicable right now. But I know one thing: when my family and I are ready, Disney will be there waiting for us. After all, they wouldn’t want to reject their loyal customers. That and I can always be counted on to purchase unnecessary amounts of merch.