Just out of curiosity—have you ever been to Cinderella’s Royal Table at Disney’s Magic Kingdom?
If not, you definitely should consider it!
I was born and raised in Cuba, a vibrant yet complex small island in the Caribbean still governed by a communist system. Growing up, the concept of Disney World was completely foreign to me—an enchanting world beyond my imagination. When I moved to America at 24, visiting Disney didn’t even make it onto my bucket list; perhaps I would have considered a water park, but not the dazzling realms of Disney.
However, fate had other plans, and I found myself stepping into the magic of Disney before my daughter was born. I can sincerely say that it is a place where dreams take flight. Now, as a parent, I've had the incredible opportunity to take my child to experience the majestic royal castle, a wish she has held close to her heart. As she turns 10 this year, the royal castle is her chosen destination. Experiencing Disney through her wide, sparkling eyes has made each moment even more profound and magical.
Let me take you back to the day my husband, my daughter, and I gathered around a table together in that enchanting kingdom. With a reservation secured for 10:00 am, we arrived promptly, anticipation bubbling in the air. My daughter strolled through the restaurant's entrance, gliding down a luxurious red carpet, the wonder lighting up her face as she prepared for her photo with Cinderella.
The magic truly began as we settled into a quaint little table nestled in the corner of the restaurant, a perfect vantage point to watch the vibrant parade of visitors and the graceful birds soaring above us. Normally, I would reach for a simple American coffee, but in that whimsical moment, I decided to indulge and ordered a cappuccino instead. The waiter’s surprised glance seemed to say, “You’re not French!”—and I chuckled to myself. It was a delightful snapshot of the moment's exuberance.
For those brief seconds, I felt as though I had stepped into a fairytale, as though we were a legitimate royal family, enveloped in a joyous narrative. Although the day centered around my daughter's sheer happiness—she was radiant and fully immersed in the enchantment of it all—I wanted to express how deeply I felt in that experience. As I've mentioned, this was never a dream I had imagined pursuing; I had never even known of Cinderella’s Royal Table or the magic of dining alongside princesses.
All I know is that true magic exists, even if it graces us with its presence for only a fleeting moment in our lives. I sincerely hope that one day you can sip a cup of coffee at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Most importantly, I hope that you, too, come to believe that Disney is indeed a magical place—if you open your heart to it.
Thank you and happy reading.
Mory Carballo
