From Rock Bottom to the Magic Kingdom: How Disney Gave Me Hope Again

A long time ago, I only dreamed of far-off places. I’d imagine beaches, castles, and theme parks — a Disney vacation was the pinnacle of my imagination. But for a long stretch of my life, dreams like that felt completely out of reach.

I had a crash landing with my mental health. Life felt like it was unraveling, and I remember thinking, Is this it? Is life really almost over — before I’ve even seen the world?

Then one day, I came across a simple tip: Make plans. When you're struggling, having something to look forward to — even a small goal — can bring hope. It can anchor you. That tiny piece of advice planted a seed.

So I decided: I’m going to Disney.

Whether I went alone or with others didn’t matter. I just knew I needed something beautiful to look forward to. I’d never even seen the ocean before, so I planned to stop by the beach on my way. The thought of the sand between my toes and the sound of waves crashing was enough to spark a flicker of light inside me.

And then... it happened.

I stood there, on the beach, watching the palm trees sway. The day was cold, but the water was warm — and with every wave that lapped at my feet, I felt a part of me waking back up. Pinch me... I must be dreaming. But no — I made it. I was alive, and I was there.

The next day, we drove for hours until we reached our destination: Disney World.

Seeing the sign as we pulled through the gates was surreal. We parked in the farthest spot imaginable — and I didn’t care one bit. Hope was in the air.

I scanned my card at the gates of Magic Kingdom, and suddenly, I was in. The moment I saw the castle, I think I forgot how to breathe. Maybe Disney magic hits harder when you've longed for it for so long.

We had bags full of premade hot dogs and water bottles, but I never noticed the hunger. My eyes were too full of wonder. Everyone was kind. The stress, the anxiety, the depression — it all faded into the background. For the first time in a long time, I felt like me again.

Wonder. Magic. Hope.

I screamed with joy on roller coasters. I laughed and cried. I lost my mind (and maybe my stomach) on the Tower of Terror. I bought my first pair of Mickey ears. I was among the first to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. I ate popcorn, I took pictures, and I lived every second like it was a dream.

Travel, vacations, Disney — they’re more than just destinations. They are reminders that life can be worth holding onto. They create memories that last lifetimes. They show us that moments of desperation can lead to the most beautiful experiences.

Could all of this have felt so magical if I hadn't first struggled? If I hadn’t cried or doubted or nearly given up — would that first glimpse of the castle have moved me to tears? Would scanning my card into Epcot have felt like a miracle?

Probably not.

There are silver linings in the pit of sadness. There is hope in planning a destination. There is opportunity on the horizon.

You just have to take that first step. Make a plan. Dream again. Dive in headfirst.

Magic might just be waiting for you on the other side. If you are ready to book your next magical getaway reach out to Brittany !