It’s not called “the Most Magical Place on Earth” for nothing. Disney has had me captivated since I was a child. Their television shows, films, and music engulfed me, transported me to fantastic places. I dreamt of becoming an animator for Disney Studios and getting married in Cinderella’s castle. Visiting Disneyland was a joy: meeting favorite characters in person, escaping pirates of the Caribbean, and taking star tours to the forest moon of Endor. Waiting in line was never a bore; we always had churros and great conversation. Even as an adult, I dream of my next visit to Disneyland. Every year they add new attractions and improve on our favorites, but the true beauty is that Disneyland exists as a place for imagination and fun.

photo by Dave Woodruff

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”

There are few single buildings that can draw visitors from every corner of the world. Musée du Louvre began as a palace, but has since been converted into the most visited museum on Earth. Inside its beautifully structured exterior lives the greatest collection of artwork ever seen, spanning from prehistory to the late 19th century. Historical timelines are kept in surprising quality as you travel through the Egyptian, Eastern, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, and sculptural collections. But nothing drops jaws or makes me feel warmer than the paintings that span the Richelieu and Denon wings of the museum. Delacroix, David, Vermeer, and Caravaggio are among favorites, but truly nothing compares to the Mona Lisa. While many who see it in person scoff at its surprisingly small size and its ever-present crowd of camera-flashing tourists, the tiny portrait’s draw is what makes it incredible. For a man to have created a single work of art that is recognized by all and is the most visited piece in the most visited collection of nearly 35,000 pieces, well, that’s magic. I love I. M. Pei’s glass pyramid, the distinct parquet floor of the Grand Gallery, wall after wall of masterpieces, and how I still have to pronounce it Loo-vrah.

Spider-Man is one of my least favorite comic book films. I never really fell for Tobey Maguire as Peter and I definitely did not love Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane. With that said, everything I’ve heard so far about the Spiderman reboot makes me excited. Andrew Garfield is a major upgrade. I hope it’s amazing!