How Walt Disney’s Magic Saved My Life.

Last updated on September 21st, 2023 at 11:51 am

Hi! I’m Michael, and I’m excited to share with you how Disney changed the course of my life forever

A guest post by mousepiration

How it all began

That Monday, as I stepped back into the familiar halls of my school, a glimmer of hope shone upon me in the form of joining the soccer team, albeit my fourth choice.

However, my elation was short-lived. After a mere two scrimmages, the newly appointed athletic director made the disheartening announcement that the soccer program would be disbanded due to a supposed lack of interest.

Panic welled up inside me as I imagined facing my father empty-handed, without a sports team to call my own. Desperate to find a solution, I found myself lingering in the school lobby, grappling with my predicament.

Disney Audition

It was then that I spotted a familiar face, a fellow teammate from the soccer team, donned in his complete uniform. Curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn’t help but inquire, “Why are you still here?”

Without missing a beat, he responded, “I’m auditioning for Disney.” I couldn’t help but chuckle at the notion of singing and dancing on stage, poking fun at his unexpected choice.

But he soon enlightened me to an intriguing fact: the male-to-female ratio was a staggering 1:10, and they were slated to embark on an adventure to Disney World with limited supervision.

As a young, curious male, my interest was undoubtedly piqued. So, driven by both curiosity and the allure of discovering other talents, I made the decision to attend the audition.

In the blink of an eye, I found myself standing before a panel of four judges and teachers, eagerly awaiting my performance.

As a confident and self-assured young lad, I made a deliberate choice not to serenade them with show tunes, but instead, I opted for the smooth R&B vibes of Craig David’s “Fill Me In”. The room was filled with anticipation as I prepared to unleash my vocal prowess.

But the challenge didn’t stop at singing alone; they wanted to see our moves, our ability to groove. Some might call it dancing.

Without hesitation, I embraced the moment. With every ounce of determination, I gave it my all, shaking my body to the rhythm and letting loose with all my moves.

Getting chosen

A few days after that nerve-wracking audition, sheer elation washed over me as I scanned the cast list and spotted my name.

I couldn’t contain my excitement; I was overjoyed to be part of something that embraced my unique identity, where I found solace as a popular outcast.

But more than that, it meant I no longer had to linger aimlessly around school, pretending to be engaged in soccer scrimmages just to appease my father and keep him off my back.

The unexpected nature of my decision left many people astounded, for I had built a hardened exterior that seemed not in keeping with this new endeavor.

Showcasing my talent

After weeks and weeks of dedicated rehearsals, immersing myself in the enchanting world of Disney songs and captivating show tunes, the moment arrived to showcase our talents live before our local school audience.

Time seemed to slip away in the blink of an eye as the exhilarating performance unfolded, leaving me breathless.

And just like that, I found myself hastily boarding a plane bound for Orlando alongside my high school drama club, poised to take the stage not only at Universal Studios but also at the magical realm of Disney World.

This one-week journey held promises of young romance, forging new friendships that would endure, and, above all, steering me onto a better path.

As the music swelled and the spotlight embraced me, I sang and danced with an intensity that belied my limited experience. In that moment, it felt as though I had been born to be on that stage, pouring my heart and soul into every note and movement.

Admittedly, my skills were far from perfect, and even after two decades, I remain humble about my readiness for the grandeur of Broadway.

But the transformative power of that experience remains etched in my heart, forever shaping the person I have become.

As the time came for us to bid farewell to the enchanting realm of Orlando and make our journey back home to New York, we gathered in the lobby of the hotel just outside the main gates of Disney.

However, fate had a different plan in store for us. A blizzard of snow had swept across New York, leaving us stranded in our temporary haven.

Yet, in the face of this unexpected predicament, fortune smiled upon us. Both the hotel and Disney graciously opened their doors and extended our stay at a fraction of the cost.

The hotel, understanding our situation, offered us an extended deal that made our stay affordable, while Disney, in a delightful twist, agreed to grant us access to the parks for an additional performance.

Our collective spirits soared as we realized we could continue our magical adventure for another six days.

The Disney Magic started to appear

With gratitude in our hearts, we embraced the extraordinary opportunity to immerse ourselves in the wonders of Disney once more.

The snowstorm that had threatened to disrupt our plans became a catalyst for an extended journey of joy and discovery. Together, we savored those extra days, cherishing the moments of laughter, friendship, and the chance to showcase our talents in an additional performance to a captivated audience.

It was a chapter of our lives that would forever hold a special place in our memories, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enchantment of unexpected blessings.

Upon returning home, I carried the spirit of that transformative journey with me. I fully immersed myself in my junior and senior years with the Drama Club, finding solace and purpose in the world of performance arts.

It was during this time that I discovered my high school sweetheart, who happened to be a fellow drama club member. Our shared passion for the stage further strengthened our bond, and through her family, I began to embark on Disney vacations.

I must admit, her father had always seemed intimidating, as any girlfriend’s father would be. However, as we drove through the gates of Walt Disney World together, I witnessed a remarkable transformation. The hardened exterior that had once defined him melted away, revealing the childlike happiness that resides within all of us.

As the years unfolded, I came to a profound realization that my love for Disney ran deep, tracing its roots back to my childhood.

It was a tender age of 8 when my parents went through a separation, and in those uncertain times, it was Disney VHS tapes that became my solace.

Those timeless stories and vibrant characters provided a comforting escape, filling my young heart with hope and joy.

One of the most extraordinary chapters of my Disney journey unfolded when I turned 13. It was during that transformative age that I embarked on a truly unforgettable vacation with my father to the magical realm of Walt Disney World.

The memories we created together were etched in my heart forever. The sheer wonder and enchantment that permeated the parks, the shared laughter and joy as we explored every corner, forged a bond between us that would transcend time.

In those precious moments, Disney became the catalyst for a cherished father-child connection, a beacon of happiness in a world that was often fraught with uncertainty.

Disney has always held a special place in my heart, and it continued to be an integral part of my life as I ventured into the realms of acting and filmmaking.

The allure of the stage and the magic of the silver screen beckoned me forward, leading me to pursue acting professionally for nearly 15 years.

Throughout those years, I honed my skills, gaining invaluable experience and the confidence I needed to take on new challenges.

A new beginning

However, as fate would have it, the world was shaken by the pandemic, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the entertainment industry. Yet, in the face of adversity, I discovered a new way to express my love for Disney and fill the void that the pandemic had created.

I embarked on an exciting endeavor, starting a Disney podcast that allowed me to share my passion and connect with fellow Disney enthusiasts during those challenging times.

Little did I know that this new venture would open the door to a vibrant community of Disney vloggers. Through the introduction of my now-fiancée, I found myself immersed in a world of Disney vlogging, where I could not only perform but also edit and create content that showcased my unwavering love for Disney.

It became a platform for me to share my experiences, insights, and the profound impact that Walt Disney and his creation had on my life.

In this newfound role as a Disney vlogger, I have the privilege of weaving together my passion for acting, filmmaking, and the enchantment of Disney.

Through my videos, I aim to capture the essence of Disney magic and convey how it has been a guiding light for me, a beacon of hope and inspiration.

It is a testament to the transformative power of Walt Disney’s vision and the impact it can have on individuals, including myself.

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that acting and filmmaking have provided me, as well as the resilience and adaptability that the pandemic inspired.

Through Disney vlogging, I have found a way to intertwine my creative pursuits with my deep love for Disney, paying homage to the man who, in many ways, saved my life by instilling in me a sense of wonder, imagination, and boundless possibilities.

Check out my Youtube channel below

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