A 106-year-old woman who’d never been to a Disney park in her life finally discovered the magic of Disney–and decided to celebrate her birthday at Magic Kingdom!
Is there anything more magical than enjoying a celebration at Disney World? Whether it’s a holiday, an anniversary, a special achievement, or a birthday, there’s just something about celebrating at a Disney park that takes the celebration to the next level–and it makes for some unforgettable memories and some spectacular photographs, both of which can be cherished forever.
Now imagine that celebratory visit being the first visit you’ve ever had to Disney World! Magic plus magic plus magic!
At 105 years young, Ms. Magnolia Jackson enjoyed watching her beloved Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats play football in the annual Florida Classic game, which was held in Orlando last fall. During the game, Drum Major Mickey performed, bringing the magic of Disney to audience members of all ages.
And suddenly, Magnolia was smitten. Mickey’s performance “ignited a newfound passion for Disney” in the centenarian, and she knew then that she wanted to celebrate her 106th birthday at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
On Wednesday morning, her wish came true! Ms. Magnolia, who had never been through the gates at a Disney park in her life, arrived at the gates of Magic Kingdom, ready to celebrate her 106th birthday in style. She was excited to be there, and she was taken back by the splendor of Cinderella Castle and immediately felt the magic in the sights and sounds all around her at Magic Kingdom.
She was also greeted by several cheering Disney cast members, as well as the Walt Disney World Ambassadors. There was even a cake, balloons–and Mickey and Minnie too!
Ms. Magnolia is the oldest living graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, and she was moved to happy tears as cast members sang “Happy Birthday” to her.
Per Disney Parks Blog:
Creating some extra pixie dust for this milestone birthday, after a personal visit with Princess Tiana, Mrs. Magnolia and her family celebrated her love of gardening with a visit to EPCOT’s international Flower & Garden Festival. A passionate gardener, she didn’t want to miss the chance to experience the festival and its alluring gardens, Disney-themed topiaries, lively music and tasty cuisine.
Gardening, along with education, particularly at Bethune-Cookman, have deep roots in her life. Spending 40 notable years as an educator, Mrs. Magnolia was an elementary school principal who is credited with inspiring countless other teachers and fueling the career ambitions of scores of children, particularly those in underserved communities. At Bethune-Cookman, she even met the school’s founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the former national advisor to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt and noted civil rights activist.
It marked the 106th anniversary of Ms. Magnolia’s birth–and the birth of a new Disney fan!