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A Glimpse of the Magic: Finding Ourselves in the Disney Story
This curated collection of musings about Disney by writer and digital creator Disney Cicerone is infused with obscure history that will inspire you to see the parks you love in a new way, encouraging you to slow down, look closer, and see your own story reflected in every magical moment.
Is there anything better than that moment when you walk into the Disney parks in the morning?
The early light gives everything an optimistic glow, and the anticipation of what’s ahead makes your feet light and your heart lighter.
And seeing the castle for the first time… there are no words that adequately describe that feeling.
So what makes it so magical for us? Why does it bring us so much joy?
Because it’s personal.
It’s the story of our lives, laid out in a way where we can see it all at once.
The innocence and simple joys of childhood, the nostalgia of remembering yesterday, the hope of tomorrow, and what could be, all wound up in a two-block stroll on resilient asphalt (that is, asphalt concrete mixed with rubber to prevent tired feet.) We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this day will be a good one. We don ears and outfits to highlight the fact that on this day we choose joy above all else.
I can think of no other place on this planet that gives so many people this gift of reprieve, hope, and optimism. While there are (certainly) a few bad moments in the parks here and there (cranky kids, long waits, endless crowds, and hot summer days, to name a few), none seem to lessen that glorious stroll down Main Street U.S.A. and what it represents in the hearts of all Disney fans.
What it means for you and what it means for me may be different, but it still resonates for us all. This is why Disney people “get” each other. We have experienced the magic and the wonder that is uniquely Disney. We have all waved unabashedly like a 5-year-old at our favorite characters, savored a classic dole whip to the tune of 220 birds singing rhythmically, and breathed in the sight of a perfectly reflected castle. We remember moments with family, times when we were on that one ride when it broke down, and days splashing through puddles and making even the rainiest day the best day ever.
We remember.
We make new memories.
But mostly, we are just there—participating in the magic, being part of it all.
And when we can’t walk under that entrance plaque, we seek out those who can, following their adventures with equal parts envy and delight.
In our minds, we are always looking for a glimpse of the magic.
Is there anything better than that moment when you walk into the Disney parks in the morning?
The early light gives everything an optimistic glow, and the anticipation of what’s ahead makes your feet light and your heart lighter.
And seeing the castle for the first time… there are no words that adequately describe that feeling.
So what makes it so magical for us? Why does it bring us so much joy?
Because it’s personal.
It’s the story of our lives, laid out in a way where we can see it all at once.
The innocence and simple joys of childhood, the nostalgia of remembering yesterday, the hope of tomorrow, and what could be, all wound up in a two-block stroll on resilient asphalt (that is, asphalt concrete mixed with rubber to prevent tired feet.) We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this day will be a good one. We don ears and outfits to highlight the fact that on this day we choose joy above all else.
I can think of no other place on this planet that gives so many people this gift of reprieve, hope, and optimism. While there are (certainly) a few bad moments in the parks here and there (cranky kids, long waits, endless crowds, and hot summer days, to name a few), none seem to lessen that glorious stroll down Main Street U.S.A. and what it represents in the hearts of all Disney fans.
What it means for you and what it means for me may be different, but it still resonates for us all. This is why Disney people “get” each other. We have experienced the magic and the wonder that is uniquely Disney. We have all waved unabashedly like a 5-year-old at our favorite characters, savored a classic dole whip to the tune of 220 birds singing rhythmically, and breathed in the sight of a perfectly reflected castle. We remember moments with family, times when we were on that one ride when it broke down, and days splashing through puddles and making even the rainiest day the best day ever.
We remember.
We make new memories.
But mostly, we are just there—participating in the magic, being part of it all.
And when we can’t walk under that entrance plaque, we seek out those who can, following their adventures with equal parts envy and delight.
In our minds, we are always looking for a glimpse of the magic.
- GenresNonfiction
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2022
28 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 21, 2024
Kate Grasso has done it again with transporting her readers to the parks of Disneyland. This book is filled with relatable musings, disney history and reminders that the small things can often be the most important. I was left enchanted by the book and I cannot wait to read more by Kate.
May 30, 2023
This was a wonderful one-day read. Grasso takes the history of the Disney Parks and company and relates it to our daily life, making sense of why people connect to the Disney magic. Get personal connections to the parks and to the common human experience made this book so captivating. Only issue was just a few spelling errors.
June 18, 2025
Any fan of the Disney parks and their history will enjoy these meditations on seldom-told Disney history. I’m a huge fan of Kate’s internet content and her podcast, Distory. This doesn’t dive as deep as her other work, but you’ll still hear stories you’re unlikely to hear many other places.
What’s great about this book is the way Kate meditates on these stories and draws life lessons and hopeful, inspiring, personal reflections from them. In the best way possible, it’s like a series of sermons preached from Disney history.
What’s great about this book is the way Kate meditates on these stories and draws life lessons and hopeful, inspiring, personal reflections from them. In the best way possible, it’s like a series of sermons preached from Disney history.
December 24, 2023
Enjoyed this book. Different from other books written about Disney. There was a bit of history about rides at Disney, behind the scenes of a female costume maker that wanted to be be an animator in a time where that wasn’t possible. But it’s also about our own life reflected in those magical memories.
November 24, 2024
Some books and writers just find you at the right time. This book is a mix of Disney history and finding magic within yourself. After a rough few years, I’ve definitely been ready to be a little less cynical- not easy in today’s climate- and Kate Grasso’s writing has been so refreshing.
February 10, 2023
If you are a Disney adult- read this book!!! What a wonderful example of why it is we love Disney so much and how it relates to our everyday lives. Couldn’t recommend this book more.
June 25, 2023
if you are an adult-who-loves-disney, this is a must read!!
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January 7, 2025From mom. A sweet book about Disney history and lessons for life from Disney. Alice Davis was my favorite story.
September 6, 2025
though cringy at times, still inspiring and motivational
March 3, 2025
Thank you Kate!
I loved reading A Glimpse of the Magic. The dash of encouragement was exactly what I needed right now.
I loved reading A Glimpse of the Magic. The dash of encouragement was exactly what I needed right now.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews