Friday, June 14, 2019

dream bigger, princess

My dearest Caitlyn,
The Disney franchise has a slogan that is meant to encourage girls to pursue goals which may seem difficult or impossible to attain.
That slogan has been applied to a series of their movies about girls, or young women, who achieve outstanding outcomes because they dare to imagine.
"Dream Big, Princess" is what they say.
To you, I say, dream bigger, princess.
I know this is your last year before you become a teenager.
I encourage you to take advantage of exploring the wonder of the world outside the confines of your cellphone, your social media, and your home.
I encourage you to take advantage of the vacation times with family by being fully present in the moment and conversing with relatives not seen often.
I encourage you to take advantage of these golden moments for memory-making.
Just what memories might there be of our day in the Magic Kingdom?

For starters, How about the view of the castle as we were entering Main Street?
Such a beautiful late-morning blue sky, with throngs of happy people cheerfully walking all about!
That would include me, your G'Aunt Tina, in my fuchsia hat,
in the lower left.
Why was I smiling and so glad to be there?
Because I was with you, my dearest first great-niece!
I have been looking forward to this day for a while!
(smile)
Remember our first ride?
Your mom had booked the maximum number of fast passes allowed - three - so we had quick access to the more popular rides.
"Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin" was our first.
Here you are, in the VIP line, with your family, before shooting at Zurg and his space robots.
Where am I? Taking the photograph, silly!
(smile)
Next stop for all of us was "Stitch's Great Escape!"
You had been so very concerned that it would be too scary for you - lol!
It turned out to just be a photo op with the Kweltikwan alien of that show.
Our going had so pleased your Grandma Shelby -
she's a big fan of Stitch, as you know.
No doubt it's because of his transformation, through love, from fierce destroyer to sweet champion.
A bit of hilarious comedy was next as we ventured into the "Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor"!
That was at my insistence, of course, as I dearly love Sully and Mike!
I submitted my Flatman and Ribbon joke for their use, but Wazowski decided to pick on your dad instead.
Mike aid that John would be buying tacos for everyone after the show - lol!
We left Tomorrowland just in time for a show on the steps of Cinderella Castle - what magnificent timing!
It was "Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire", with characters from all over the theme park and even had fireworks -
in the daytime! - at the end!
Your mom very much liked seeing some princesses singing and dancing!
I liked that, myself!
(smile)
After doing so much in the summer sun, we needed to slow down in some shade.
"The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh: The Blustery Day" was perfect for both of those criteria.
Plus, during our 45-minute wait, we were able to paint with honey, have fun in Rabbit's garden, and explore Eeyore's house - and we did it all together.
That was the most magical part!
Fast pass ride time again!
Westward we went, to the "Haunted Mansion", for a ride on the Doom Buggy through this estate house!
But first, of course, an adventure through a black-light room for your transformation into a ghoul - bwah ha ha!
With mommy and daddy by your side, you were perfectly safe, and do you know why?
Because they ain't afraid of no ghosts! LOL!
My favorite part was watching the waltzing spirits!
Dancing is always a highlight for me.
(smile)
We were all ready for a late lunch by the time we left
the depths of the manse.
Fortunately, right across the street was the Columbia Harbour House with plenty of fried options for you
and a superb shrimp dish for me.
We even found a large table at a window to enjoy our repast and talk about the ghostly experience.
That was such an excellent way to relax!
Okay! Time for a stroll to explore Frontierland!
(See the little inside dad-joke? You're welcome!)
We thought about riding Splash Mountain, but the wait was almost two hours, as it was for the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Then a thunderstorm loomed near, so both were closed.
Not wanting any of the inside attractions, we left the old-timey place for Fantasyland - yeah!
Y'all had followed my lead to "Peter Pan's Flight", which
I had so enjoyed eleven years ago.
Good call for all of us!
We were in the line and under shelter when the rain hit.
The line was slow, but that allowed us to fully delight in the darling marvels within the Darling house.
Did you know this ride is modeled after one in 1955?
Do you wonder, as I do, whether this Shadow Bells wall was in that earlier version?

Not that it would matter, as I still liked that part.
You really liked this part of the "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train", a ride you chose!
What long wait to get in, though!
Fortunately, we had interesting folks around us for those two hours, plus gems to sort along the way, barrels to spin, and tunes to whistle while we worked.
Always an adventure around...
and alliterations are amusing!
(smile)
One thing you did not find amusing was "Space Mountain".
A swooping, twirling, rollercoaster racing around in the dark?
That concept, combined with the warning signs along the wait-walk in, were a bit too daunting for you.
Your mom was very sweet to give up her final Fast Pass and stay off to the side with you.
Meanwhile, as you can see, Shelby, your dad, and I had a great time screaming in space!
Maybe you'll want to give this one a try in another year or two.
I first rode it when I was 18 years old, back in February 1977, when the ride had only been open for two years.
Anyhow, after that experience, you wanted some ice cream, which we found right there in Tomorrowland at Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies.
Those Goofy wafers were a crisp treat in lieu of lactose-free ice cream for me.
That perked you up a bit, as can be seen here, with you clowning with your folks in front of the castle.
A trip to the store for a souvenir finished it for you.
We exited the Magic Kingdom just before 7 PM.
The monorail or the ferry to take us back to Simba 126 parking lot?
Well, as we had taken the train in, the boat seemed to be in order, so that is the transport we took.
It may have been your first time on a ferry - was it?
I very much enjoyed it's leisurely pace across the smooth lake, floating past marshes and herons.
What a peaceful and serene ending to our adventure.
You had not been interested in staying for the night parade and fireworks over the castle, nor were you wanting to return later for the spectacular event.
Your feet were worn out from so much walking!
Plus, you kept getting photos of your dog and that just made you miss cuddling with him.
Precious girl, I am so glad I had this time with you and will always treasure it.
i thank You, God.

No comments: