"To all that come to this happy place: welcome."

     Last week, while on vacation with my Mom, we paid a visit to Disneyland.  I was so excited to see where the magic (that I'll soon be a part of!) all began.  While getting ready in the morning, I read on facebook, that it was the 58th anniversary of Disneyland opening day!  It was total coincidence that we would get to be there for such a special occasion, and really upped my excitement.
     We gave our tickets, and walked through the gate.  As we turned onto main street, and the castle came into view, I donned my ears, and let the Disney magic take over.  Right as we got on to Main Street, Mickey walked out!  We were just standing there, and wound up second in line to meet The Mouse himself, we'd barely been there 10 minutes!  After snagging our photo op,  we walked right into Pluto walking out, second in line again!  After some hugs, photos, and laughs about our amazing luck, Goofy showed up!  First in line this time!

 (click photos to enlarge)

 

 
    As we eventually proceeded down the walkway, it had become pretty clear that my mom had (however temporarily she may claim!) had been bitten by the Disney bug.  She wanted her own pair of ears, after saying over and over prior to the trip, that she wouldn't be wearing them!  It's impossible to walk down Main Street, towards the castle, with Minnie ears on your head, and not have a big smile, physically impossible!

 

     Disneyland is much smaller than Disneyworld.  So, even though we only had one day, and the crowds were large, we were still able to see all of the park and participate in a majority of the attractions.  
     We ate Disney food.  We watched Disney shows.  We rode Disney rides.  We may or may not have taken 3 spins in giant teacups.  We (I) defeated the Evil Emperor Zurg.  

 

 

 

 

 

     The day was beyond amazing, and before we knew it, it was dark, and the fireworks were going to start.  We grabbed some ice cream, and a primo spot back on Main Street.
     As the lights dimmed, and the music swelled, I suddenly felt very overwhelmed.  Being where it all began, where one man's dream had turned into all of this magic, a place I had only ever read about, was very surreal.  Standing there, surrounded by thousands, in the happiest place on earth watching the fireworks show, I was so moved, that I began to cry.  I cried out of excitement for my upcoming adventure, out of joy, and the magnitude of what I about to be involved in.  It really hit me in that moment how very lucky I am.

    
     I couldn't have asked for a better day with my Mama.  It was truly a special day, and one I'll never forget.  I'm now more excited than ever to get up to Disney World, and to play like this every day!
    With only 19 days until check in, time is really flying by.  I have so much to do still, and haven't packed a single thing.  I really need to get moving, so stressful!

We're in the home stretch here!

xoxo

Orlando: Outside of "The World"

     By my last post, it should come as no surprise that there is a ton of things for me to keep busy with during my program.  However, the majority of my bucket list is focused on all things Disney.  While this definitely isn't something I'm going to complain about, I'd be lying if I said I don't expect to want to come up for air once in a while. 
     Lucky for me (and my fellow DCP-ers and visitors),  Orlando has plenty of things to do!  Some of these are on my must-do list, others, I'm just keeping in mind.