You don’t need to brave Maleficent or navigate through the burning town in Pirates of the Caribbean to experience the excitement of fire at Walt Disney World. While it’s not possible (at least yet) to visit the Firetown district featured in one of our household’s favorite Pixar films, Elemental, you can find plenty of tame — and picturesque — spots where you can cozy up to a warm and inviting fire on Walt Disney World Property.

I was working for Disney Vacation Club when Disney Files Editor Ryan March asked, “Want to join me for a special assignment on purple martins?” The answer, of course, was a resounding yes — as it always was when I had the opportunity to tag along with my favorite Disney writer.

At almost 9 years old during her inaugural visit to Walt Disney World, my mother’s first memory of her now-favorite place was sheer confusion. Where in the world is the park, she thought as her dad (my papa) navigated the overwhelming parking lot she now knows as the Transportation & Ticket Center. She boarded a vessel familiar from her trips to Disneyland — a monorail — and the magic came finally into view. First, she was captivated by the masterful topiaries that once adorned the monorail track, but then her eyes were drawn to the most magnificent sight she had ever seen: Cinderella Castle.

Lush greenery. Birds chirping. The sounds of the nearby waterway. Driving into the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a retreat from reality into a woodland oasis.

There’s something magical about the laughter of a child. And at Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, there’s also something powerful about it—making this Monsters, Inc.-inspired attraction a must-do for littles who love to laugh.

Located near the entrance to DinoLand U.S.A. is every aspiring paleontologist’s dream: a dig site made just for kids. My dinosaur-loving 4-year-old and I recently adventured to this DinoLand discovery called The Boneyard, and we absolutely dug this prehistoric play area.

Most little girls dream of becoming a princess, but few actually have a Fairy Godmother to bibbidi-bobbidi-boo their dreams into reality. But at Walt Disney World, anyone can become a princess, and it doesn’t have to cost a royal fortune.

Sharing in the “oohs” and “aahs” of Disney’s world-famous nighttime spectaculars is the perfect way to end your day at Disney World. But, like with all things Disney, it takes a little preparation to achieve that picture-perfect fairy-tale ending— particularly when children are involved.

Looking for an extra magical Disney experience to splurge on? You’ll just need a shimmering blue gown, a twinkling tiara, a dash of makeup—and a reservation at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

This article summarizes the lineup of future Membership Magic events for Disney Vacation Club Members.

This article introduces a new spa offering for Disney Vacation Club Members.

With exciting changes happening at Disney Springs, this article outlines the key information Disney Vacation Club Members might want to know.

Outlining the 2015 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, this article prepares Members for what's to come.

This article features a Texas therapeutic riding center and the miracles it inspires.

This cover story, written and designed by me, features a photographer with an unconventional beginning.

This article, designed and written by me, follows the Gentle Carousel horses' story as they head to Athens, Greece.

As the first magazine journalist to speak to Claire Davis' parents, I am proud to author this article, which features Claire, a young equestrian whose life was taken far too soon.

This feature profiles Betty Ann Kolba - a woman who has inspired many by her personal journey and her dedication to the equestrian sport.

This article, designed and written by me, explores the aftermath of Sandy Hook and the community's struggle to find peace.

This article, designed and written by me, features an artist who had a shaky start.