Hey, hi, hello, and welcome to Magic, Noted. I’m Mackenzie, and I’ll be your ghost hos- er, I mean host. Just host (awkward laugh). Definitely nothing else, especially anything that could be grim or paranormal or haunting. No, definitely not. Uh, yea so anyway - welcome to my lil’ alcove of the internet that’s devoted to the magic, history, and thrill of all things Disney.
I, like so many others, find an immense amount of comfort, nostalgia, wonder, and belonging in the world of Disney. I’m a 90s kid who grew up rewinding VHS tapes of The Aristocats and Sleeping Beauty almost daily and enjoying grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken nuggets served on my plastic, pastel Simba and Nala plate (yes, the fine china and yes, I still eat off of it). I first visited Walt Disney World in 2000 as a shy but wide-eyed six-year-old and can vividly remember bits and pieces of memories of that trip as if it were just yesterday.
Disney has nestled its way into every milestone and celebration, filled the silence with memorable films, shows, and music, enriched my relationships with others, and led me through some of the darkest times of my life thus far. It’s always been there, ever-evolving but perpetually steadfast in all that it is and what it represents.
Like most other Disney nerds, I love to talk - often ad nauseam - about Disney. No topic is off limits, and I’m not just referring to the films, current and future plans for the parks, or recent corporate happenings.
One thing I’ve known to be true over the years is that asking questions, conducting research, and thinking critically about Disney-related or adjacent topics have deepened my understanding and appreciation for the company’s creative process and resulting products of that journey. That curiosity has continued to fuel this passion of mine and after years and years of toying with the idea, I’ve finally decided to create a space to write all about it.
With that in mind, I’ve also kind of agonized about what exactly I want for this Substack but I think it all comes down to what I value the most within this community and what I can speak on based on my personal experience.
As of right now, paid subscribers can expect to see posts hit their inbox and/or app most Wednesdays and occasional Friday mornings. Free subscribers will see occasional posts, so be on the lookout for those! There’s so many fun ideas floating around in my head but just so you can get a lil’ peek as to what I’m cookin’ up, here’s some high-level thoughts and plans:
My ideas + roadmap
Book lists, reviews, and recommendations - I’m an avid bookworm, so it’s only natural that I’d enjoy reading books that pertain to all things Disney. Most of what I read is nonfiction as there’s a wealth of knowledge out there to explore but when the mood strikes, I might throw some fiction in the mix too!
Disney and Disney-adjacent history - If there was a map of my brain that provided metrics for how much space certain topics take up, this one would assume an overwhelming majority. Yes, I am that Disney nerd.
Themed series that I’m jazzed about - Whether we’re highlighting Imagineers, doing a deep dive into specific park attractions, or exploring a smattering of niche topics, I hope to start a conversation about the fascinating details that are often overlooked but can provide so much depth and nuance that wouldn’t otherwise be known.
Trip reports - My plans, highlights, and lessons learned from trips to the Disney parks! I live in Texas and can only travel as much as my budget and work schedule allow, but I’d love to document my experiences for both my reference and anyone else who’s interested.
Visiting the parks as someone who’s chronically ill and/or disabled - This topic can vary widely depending on the illness and/or disability that you - or someone who you travel with - may live with, but I’d like to provide my insights and tips for making a Disney vacation as seamless and enjoyable as possible while still getting the support and accommodations that you deserve.
Last but not least, specific insights and coverage about the Disney parks - I’m keeping this category open-ended, but you can generally expect writings pertaining to resorts, seasonal events and festivals, historical tidbits, and the works.
To be honest, one of my biggest hesitations with starting something like this was knowing that this realm of dialogue and analysis of the Walt Disney Company and its many branches is already incredibly saturated. What would or could I even bring to that conversation that doesn’t already exist? How will I stand out from the rest? What unique insights or perspectives can I contribute that aren’t touched on as much within the community? I hope to get closer to answering those questions with each and every post but for now, I’m just happy knowing that I’m right where I need to be.
I’ve introduced myself here and here, but I’d love to get to know you and what brought you to Magic, Noted. If you’ve got a minute or two to spare, consider completing the new reader survey. This will help me get a better understanding my readers and what you’re most interested in reading and learning about.
That’s all, folks! If you’re excited (or maybe just curious) as to where this whole thing will go, I’d be honored if you followed along. So, c’mon and subscribe; there’s always room for one more (as I said before, just a host).
See ya real soon,
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