The Most Magical Water on Earth

Water connects our entire planet, our entire world. Rivers flow to other rivers and out into massive oceans, covering about 70% of Earth. We can use this water to travel, to help our lives function, and to simply connect to one another.

There's another world that uses water for essentially the same reason, though this world is much smaller than our planet. Walt Disney World is like a little planet all to itself, and, like our Spaceship Earth, is shaped around water.

The shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon house probably the most recognizable part of Walt Disney World: the Magic Kingdom and its surrounding resorts. The picturesque castle hovers on the northern horizon of the lagoon like a beacon. To the east, the Contemporary Resort stands as a reminder of the progress of humanity, of how far we've come and how far we can still take ourselves. Buried in the trees off the lagoon is the Wilderness Lodge Resort and Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, both ways of connecting to nature and getting oneself closer to the central Florida landscape. To the south of the lagoon is the Polynesian Resort, a Pacific Island-themed resort that shows exactly what can be created in a community that thrives around water. Finally, to the west is that Grand Floridian resort, a tribute to Victorian style and culture.

The Magic Kingdom and each resort interacts with the Seven Seas Lagoon in different ways. Ferries carry passengers methodically across the lagoon from parking lots to the southeast, as well as from the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, to the docks of the Magic Kingdom. Boats can be rented from the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian for guests to drive along the water, soaking in an afternoon of majestic tranquility. The monorail system runs in a circle above and around the lagoon, allowing for amazing views as guests travel throughout the area. At night, a parade of electric water features glides along the lagoon, allowing guests to sit on the sandy shores, observe, and relax after a day of fun and Florida sun.

Other bodies of water help to connect the various areas of Walt Disney World. One body of water allows for boats to travel from Disney's Hollywood Studios to Epcot, with stops at five different resorts along the way, as well as for scenic walks along pathways skirting the water's shores. Within Epcot itself, the World Showcase Lagoon unites the countries of the World Showcase around one body of water, much like our own globe does. Another body of water shapes the formation of Downtown Disney (soon to be Disney Springs) while also connecting the shopping district to the Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside resorts.

Water is also used for entertainment in the most magical place on earth. Each Walt Disney World resort features its own unique pools, each equipped with some sort of fascinating feature. For instance, the main pool at the new resort, Disney's Art of Animation, is based off of the hit animated movie Finding Nemo and has music blaring under the water. Walt Disney World also contains two top-notch water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, both well-themed and full of various water attractions. There are water-based rides also located inside the main theme parks, such as Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom, Kali River Rapids in the Animal Kingdom, and the Maelstrom in Epcot (Rest in Peace, as it will soon become a Frozen-themed ride).

Water completely shapes the Walt Disney World experience, something I had never really given much thought to until I visited this past weekend. Now, Walt Disney World is easily my favorite vacation destination, a place I have frequented in excess of twenty times. This most recent time, though, I found myself looking at it in a different light. I thought about the water I was traveling on. I thought about the water I was walking next to. I thought about the water that I was swimming in. I even found myself looking at the gallon counts in the various restrooms I found within the parks, restaurants, and hotel.

Charles Fishman stressed water consciousness, water awareness in The Big Thirst. Well, I don't know if water consciousness starts with staring at public restroom toilet gallon counts, but I believe I'm becoming more water aware. What I do know is that if Walt Disney World can effectively and efficiently connect its [a] Small World with water, then our bigger world can, too. Maybe we can steal a little magic from the most magical water on earth.