It had been 36 years since I had been to Disney World. If my memory is correct, I was in 3rd grade when I went with a good friend from elementary school and her family. I remember the very first ride that we got in line for was Space Mountain. I got off that ride exhilarated. Of course back then there was no skip-the-line app. You just had to read guide books to know when to go to which rides — and wait.
During this past Spring Break we took our son to Disney World. We paid extra for Genie+ that allows you to reserve 3 rides during the day and cut the line. I was ecstatic to take my son on Space Mountain. When we arrived, Space Mountain was temporarily closed. Partway through the day it opened and we were finally able to reserve a time — at 8:30 pm.
My gut was telling me my son and niece were definitely not going to make it to the fireworks, and most likely not make it to an 8:30 pm Space Mountain time slot. The line was 2 hours long. It was 4:30 pm. Do we wait in line then head to our lodging or try to wait it out until 8:30 pm?
I randomly told the kids that if they want to ride Space Mountain to tell the universe how much they want to and we can see what happens the rest of the day. We moved on to other rides. We then met up with my brother-in-law who had just left Space Mountain and the kids told him how much they wanted to go. He said, "Well did you go up and ask if you can just ride it earlier? If you don't ask then it is a No."
So he goes and asks for us, and "THEY SAID YES."
The kids proudly walked past 2 hours of people waiting in line and right onto the ride.
Space Mountain was a hit.
It was not until we were on the tram that takes you back to the parking lot that I realized that they told the universe how much they wanted to ride Space Mountain that day and an uncle came through for them. Not in a way we would have thought or expected.
Little reminders are in front of you all the time. Signs. Voices. Books. Just waiting for you to listen. The universe is ready to bring what you want, but first you have to be clear on what it is you want. Then you have to believe it will happen, then the rest is letting go of the attachment to the "how."
What a cool first Disney World experience for my son and niece. Hopefully it is also a good reminder to ask for what you want.
