A Wonderful World

 

So maybe I like to work backwards. It is true that I am a magazine fanatic and cannot read a single issue without starting at the back cover and working my way to the front page. When I started planning our wedding I focused on the grand finale first – the honeymoon! After all, what’s better motivation than knowing that after the hard work I’ll be going on a first-class vacation with my best friend and drumroll, please… husband?

The hardest part about planning the honeymoon was deciding where to go. I love all kinds of travel so picture any destination and I’d love to be there. Markus is just as easy going, eliminating any swing vote! So in today’s times I asked myself, “Where do I want this honeymoon money going?” After meditating on this idea for a few moments I knew what I was looking for: an exciting/relaxing vacation combo for my husband and I that would help stimulate the American economy and maybe even, in turn, help out a less fortunate individual. 

When I imagine Disney World, I see heart-stopping rides, knee-slapping musical revues and lovable characters around every corner. Some of the unexpected perks of being Disney guests, though, come through the resort’s unseen but impeccable customer service. Did you know that when staying at a Disney resort your transportation to and from the airport is included? So is your skyhop service! Disney’s Magical Express takes care of all your checked bags so there is no waiting at the baggage claim before kick-starting your Disney adventure. It’s little things like this that makes a Disney experience stand out from the rest. 

The biggest impact Disney makes though, is on the local community. According to Wikipedia, Walt Disney World Resort “employs more than 66,000, spending more than $1.2 billion on payroll and $474 million on benefits each year. The largest single-site employer in the United States, Walt Disney World Resort has more than 3,700 job classifications.” That’s a lot of paychecks for a lot of people! Knowing that my vacation money is helping to keep fellow Americans in work makes me feel good about spending a little extra on my vacation. 

You don’t have to be a Disney “castmember” to benefit from corporation’s local influence. In Fall 2008 alone Disney donated money and services to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Great Oaks Village and Sunnyside Group Home and Tree People. There were also the Hispanic Heritage Fund of Metro Orlando scholarships funded by the Walt Disney World Minority Business Development, which totaled $100,000. To read more about these Disney do-gooding adventures, take a look at the November 2008 edition of Mouse Mail. 

I can’t wait to explore every inch of Disney World’s resorts and parks before jumping on the Disney Wonder cruise ship for a four-day jaunt to the Bahamas. Learning how my Dinsey dollars stretch far into the local area makes me feel like it’s a Small World, and I’m helping to make it a better place.

With honeymoon plans tucked away, it’s on to the second most important detail: CAKE! Tasting’s tomorrow, talk to you then! 

- Miss Lilly