A woman from New York City has embarked on an ambitious mission to visit Disney World every month this year, bringing a sense of joy to her otherwise fast-paced life. Sydney, known by her TikTok handle @syd_sends_you, has documented these monthly solo day trips to the Florida theme park, where she finds solace and happiness amid her busy work life in the tech industry.
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Since the beginning of 2023, Sydney has taken to the skies, making the approximately two-hour flight from New York City to Orlando to spend a full day at Disney. Her journey began last year when she decided to take a solo trip, quickly realising how easy and rewarding it was to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
In an interview, Sydney explained her motivation for establishing this ritual. “Working and living in New York, everything can be fast-paced and stressful,” she shared. “It’s really important to do things that make me really happy.” Her monthly visits have become a beacon of joy for her, providing a much-needed break from her everyday routine.
Disney World has long been described as her “happy place,” and Sydney, originally from Pennsylvania, now looks forward to these monthly excursions as a form of self-care. “When life is hard and there’s a lot going on, it’s nice to know that once a month, I’m going to have that little time for me to make me really happy,” she expressed.
However, the trips do come with their challenges. To maximise her time in the park, Sydney typically wakes up around 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. to catch the earliest flight out, aiming to be in the park by 9 a.m. She generally returns on the last flight from Orlando, arriving back in New York close to midnight. “When I come home, I just feel like I’m the happiest version of myself after,” she noted.
To make her quick trips feasible, Sydney relies on efficiency. She arrives at the airport just as boarding begins, utilising TSA PreCheck to minimise waiting times. So far, she has managed to avoid any flight cancellations, although she does admit to cutting it close on occasion. “I want to spend every minute I can in the parks versus sitting around the airport waiting,” she explained.
Despite a few smooth outings, her January trip presented an unexpected hurdle due to a snowstorm in New York City. Although she had planned her Saturday visit around the forecasted snowfall, she received news that her return flight had been cancelled just an hour after arriving in Orlando. In a scramble, Sydney booked an alternative flight, resulting in a two-hour Disney spree where she managed to enjoy just one ride and a lunch.
Undeterred by the setback, Sydney remains enthusiastic about her future plans, including her upcoming trip in May. With each visit, she learns to optimise her experience, often finding that an annual pass and cost-effective flights contribute significantly to her enjoyment. The ease of making a day trip has also connected her with a community of like-minded Disney enthusiasts on social media.
“I just want to emphasise how easy it really is, and worthwhile, to go for a day,” Sydney concluded. Her journey highlights not only the joy of Disney but also the importance of taking time for oneself in the midst of a busy lifestyle, a sentiment that resonates with many who seek moments of happiness in their lives.