10 Things At Walt Disney World That Choke Me Up Every Time

Since Walt Disney World is known as the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” it is no surprise that every guest imagines how much fun a trip there can be. From blasting off into the unknown on Space Mountain and playing midway games with the Toy Story characters, there is plenty of fun to be found. In addition to the good times, there are also moments on a Walt Disney World vacation that choke guests up: some because they are so magical, some because they signal the end of the vacation, and some because they are such great performances. While these moments make guests emotional, they are still part of the fun and happiness that cannot be missed. Here are ten things at Walt Disney World that choke guests up every time!

10. Spaceship Earth’s Reveal

Spaceship Earth in Epcot’s Future World might not seem like an attraction that normally makes guests choke up, but there is one moment that is so dramatic that it definitely gets them emotional. After passing through the room with the massive computer and seeing a man hard at work in his garage creating the first personal computer, guests are treated to one of the most spectacular views in all of Walt Disney World. The ride vehicle rounds the corner and a sweeping view of the stars and planet Earth is waiting there to choke everyone up.

9. Beast’s Wound

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to the awesome Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage show where actors tell the tale from the beloved movie. In the epic fight scene at the end where the Beast and Gaston face off, the beast becomes wounded and Belle tearfully rushes to his side. Watching the moment play out live on stage is sure to make everyone in the audience choke up.

8. Walt Disney Presents

Also found in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Walt Disney: Walt Disney Presents, a combination of walk through exhibit, current and future models, and film sharing the legacy of Walt Disney’s life. There are artifacts from his childhood, early props and models of the theme parks, and sketches from early cartoons and films. After walking through the exhibit, there is a film narrated by Julie Andrews that shares the story of Walt Disney and is both informative and touching. Guests will definitely find themselves choked up as they watch Walt Disney go from young artist to the creator of all they are enjoying on their vacation.

7. Finding Nemo – The Musical

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to one of the best live performances throughout Walt Disney World. Finding Nemo – The Musical tells the story from the Pixar film and follows along on the adventures of Nemo, Marlin, and Dory as they try to find each other. The ending of the show where the reunion takes place will most definitely leave every guest in the audience choked up.

6. Hearing “Welcome Home”

Guests who stay on property at a Disney Resort are treated to hearing this magical phrase several times throughout their stay. When checking in, a friendly Cast Member welcomes guests home and often guests will hear this phrase multiple other times when returning to the resort after a day in the parks. Hearing “welcome home” is one of the small things that makes Walt Disney World so special and it is sure to choke guests up every time.

5. Soarin’s Takeoff

Soarin’ in Epcot’s Future World is one of the most immersive and stunning attractions that guests can experience on a Disney vacation. Offering up unique and sweeping views of the globe’s landscapes while making guests feel as though they are really hang gliding, it is no wonder why Soarin’ is so popular and has such high wait times. The most magical moment of experiencing Soarin’ comes when the lights dim, and suddenly guests are airborne as they take to the skies for a wonderful adventure. As soon as guests hear “Soarin’ to tower, we are ready for takeoff” and the lights dim, they are sure to choke up.

4. Watching Happily Ever After

High in the sky above Cinderella Castle, Happily Ever After occurs nightly and combines beautiful fireworks, projections onto Cinderella Castle, and amazing music. With such perfectly paired music and fireworks guests are always enamored and love watching this show. While the entirety of Happily Ever After can make guests choke up, the most emotional moment comes during the final minute as the massive finale kicks off and lights up the sky.

3. Meeting Mickey

No Walt Disney World vacation is complete without meeting the Mouse himself. Mickey Mouse can be found in a number of places ranging from his own meet and greet areas to character breakfasts. One of the best places to meet Mickey is in the Magic Kingdom on Main Street at the Town Square Theater. Guests will definitely choke up as they first walk over to Mickey and give him a hug.

2. Seeing Cinderella Castle for the First and Last Time

Nothing signifies that a Disney vacation has begun so much as that first glimpse of Cinderella Castle at the end of Main Street. When guests emerge from the tunnel under the Walt Disney World Railroad Station and round the bend, Cinderella Castle is waiting for them and beckoning them to kick off their trip! On the opposite end of vacations, seeing Cinderella Castle for the last time before heading home always chokes guests up as well. That last glimpse of the beautiful castle is what will have to get them by until the next vacation, so it is always a little emotional.

1. Boarding the Magical Express Bus Home

The one moment in a Walt Disney World vacation guaranteed to make every single guest choke up is the moment they have to head back to real life and the vacation ends. Boarding a Magic Express bus to head back to the airport is a moment that every guest dreads and one that makes them all choke up as they realize the vacation is over.