My love for Disney began in the late 90s when Disney was entering its prime, in my opinion. I miss so many things from that era, but that’s for a different article; right now, I want o focus on things that still give me that nostalgic feeling at Walt Disney World.
This attraction always brings me back to my childhood. This was always a must-do for my parents, so we dedicated time to this attraction on every trip. When we weren’t at Disney, my parents would play the Disney Greatest CDs, and we’d always sing our hearts out when the theme song would come on. When I visit the attraction, it brings me back to when I was younger and how many times I’ve dragged friends here. They might have complained about going into it, but they always ended up dancing in their seats.
This was the CD we used to listen to. Looking at this brings back so many memories. I’m sure my mom still has these. I will have to check next time I visit her.
#2 – Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Animal Kingdom fills me with nostalgia every time I step foot in the area. This area of the park isn’t what it used to be; its experienced some changes over the years. The animation experience at the center of the building makes it hard to get close to Grandmother Willow and almost impossible to see what used to be in that area. I am so glad they still have the Affection Section, where guests can pet goats and see other animals. They used to have fun meet and greets back here like Tarzan, Jane, Pocahontas, Meeko, and Rafiki.
Walking through this area always reminds me of Camp Minnie – Mickey, which Pandora took over. They had the most amazing Pocahunats show in that area, where she sang and live animals were in the show; it was terrific. This is also where the Festival of the Lion King was. You could meet Chip ‘n’ Dale, Baloo, King Louie, or Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. They also had the best chocolate chip cookies in this area.
#3 Living with the Land
Living with the Land in EPCOT always gets me in my feelings because it reminds me of what EPCOT was when I was growing up. It reminds me of when next door they had Food Rocks! which was one of my all-time favorite shows at EPCOT when I was a kid. This attraction also brings up memories of the Nestles Toll House Baking experience next to Sunshine Seasons; I loved that baking experience so much.
EPCOT is a very nostalgic place for me, and many areas of the park bring up those memories and fill me with joy. Some of those places have been demolished, but some spots remain. Living with the Land is one of those spots, and I hope it never goes away.
#4 Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Blvd is the part of Hollywood Studios that gets me emotional. I could sit there for hours listening to the loop music, watching guests pass by, and hearing the distant screams of guests on the Tower of Terror. I sit and reminisce about the days when performers filled the streets, making guests laugh and adding a fun atmosphere to the street.
Sunset Blvd weirdly feels like home and makes me feel at peace. I don’t know if it’s the music, the memories, or the views. This street is home to two of my favorite shows that have been my favorites since I was about five years old. The Beauty and the Beast stage show and Fantasmic!. Those two shows meant the world to me growing up, and they still do. This area reminds me of the good old days when life was simple. You know, before adulting became a thing.
#5 Main Street, U.S.A.
Last but not least, Main Street, U.S.A., where the smells, the music loop, and the shops bring me immense joy and flood my brain with memories. I am a people watcher; it’s my favorite sport. The best place to people-watch is on Main Street with either a hot dog from Casey’s Corner or ice cream from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in hand. I could sit out there and watch for hours. Right now, this area is missing one thing, the Trolley Show. If the show came back, then Main Street, U.S.A., would be perfect again.
Walking down that street never gets old. I always get chills, I get the biggest smile on my face, and I can feel the joy take over. I have so many different memories in this area; sometimes, the smells can remind me of them, or even a song from the music loop can trigger a memory.
Now I’m curious about what parts of Disney make you feel nostalgic. Let us know in the comment section below.