The park...oh sweet yes. It was day one in Magic Kingdom and I was giddy with excitement for that moment I have been waiting for for what feels like my whole life. The moment my children turn the corner on Main Street USA and see Cinderella's castle for the first time. I had a hard time getting enough ahead of them to get "the shot" since it was crowded. As soon as I put any space between me and them someone would step in and fill it. I caught some shots with the camera but my eyes got the really good shots. Sorry folks, those were evidently meant just for our hearts to see.
First glimpse
The realization setting in...
Seriously, best ever!
We walked down Main street straight towards the castle like bugs to a light. We happened to reach the castle right as a parade was starting.
This was our first test of Natalie's ability to cope in a situation that 4 months ago would have sent her into a complete sensory meltdown. (more on this later) We held our breaths ready to run for a quiet place. Instead we were rewarded with this. This wonderful, laugh inducing, soul bursting relief.
Instead of screaming and covering her ears she laughed... LAUGHED! Pointing to the floats we heard "IT'S WOODY! IT'S Mr. INCREDIBLE!" Cliff and I exchanged that look filled with a million words. Amazed and relieved we realized in that millisecond that this was going to happen. We were going to be able to do Disney as a family not divided between a hotel room and the parks with whichever kids could handle it at the moment. This was truly going to be the family vacation that we had only dared to dream about. Bring. it. on!
Alyssa and I had to leave the parade so she could make her appointment at the Bibbity Boppity Boutique...in the castle. RIGHT?! It's the stuff that freaking
The face protector so she didn't get pixie dust in her eyes of course.
Pixie dust came out of that wand...her face kind of says it all.
Officially a princess!
Now that Alyssa was all gorgeoused up it was time to do a few things before our dinner with the princesses at the castle. I KNOW RIGHT?!
First up? Belle's cottage.
This was while waiting in line for Belle's show. N waited in line. Didn't mess with anyone else or try to run away....she just waited, and smiled, and took it in. Thank you essential oils...thank you.
BOOM! Belle's cottage! This, this wall....here. He monked his way all over the park ;)
Belle's cottage. Oh drool with all of the cuteness that happened at this fun place. We got in line and the line winds through her cottage, which they had decorated as such. The kids didn't even notice they were in line, all they saw was the real deal.
Belle's fireplace
She met another Belle and the two girls were temporary bff's as we waited for the show.
We got in and Alyssa was chosen to be Chip in the show. This kid thought life could never get any better....little did she know.
Through the magic mirror we went (if you look really close you can see Cliff and the girl's reflection) and on into the show room, the Beast's library.
Belle entered and I am pretty sure that Alyssa's heart stopped. :)
Then it was her turn for her role in the story... Oh my, the stars in her eyes....
There are times as a parent where time feels like it freezes for a second. Like your brain needs a chance to slow life down in order to take a proper snapshot to remember forever. This was one of those moments for me. I wonder if it was for her too.
My big girl sitting calmly, clapping and enjoying the show. Sweetness...
After Belle's show we headed out to her village.
I could not love this new section of Fantasyland more. LOVE! I can't wait to see it all finished one day. It looked like they were working on some kind of Snow White and the seven dwarfs ride and we caught a glimpse of Repunzel's tower off the distance at one point.
While waiting for dinner we decided that it was very responsible to have some ice cream. haha! VACATION ROCKS!
By this point Cliff and I were exhausted and the kids looked ready to pass out. We had just gotten in the evening before, they got to bed 2.5 hours late and woke up at 4:30...for the day. We trudged on though. We had a reservation with Cinderella afterall.
I seriously cannot love Disney more if I tried. They are so accommodating and understanding! Natalie is very impulsive and was so tired by this point. She google eyed Cinderella then promptly sat on her bench...behind her. C had stood for every other photo we had seen taken so far. Upon Natalie doing this she immediately sat down facing Natalie, pulled her onto her lap and got some pictures taken. She got my girls to pose and smile for the "real" photo. Amazing....and so appreciated by this mama.
Notice the view...
I have to preface these next few photos by saying that Alyssa was DYING to meet Ariel. She is her favorite and when she got the first look at her, Ariel was all she could see. <3 font="" nbsp="">3>
Here she was saying "You are my favorite princess" with this awe filled voice.
Casting a spell with her wand and the "wishing star" that they gave to every child.
When she opened her eyes the ceiling was lit up with sparkling lights...and her jaw hit the floor. Remember me talking about "the window" in a child where this place is real? Yep, this was it.
The evening ended with dessert (yes it was gluten free for Natalie....and was the exact same thing that Alyssa had.
Our chef had celiac and said he would take good care of our girl. Oh swoon...stressless dining. I haven't felt that since before N was diagnosed. I am going to live in Disney. Is that inappropriate? hee hee
On that note, our wonderful first day ended. We hopped back on the bus back to the resort and promptly passed out. It was amazing and I was still whirling from all of the amazing that had happened in just that one day. I fell asleep to visions of 3 more days in the parks....
OMG, I have tears of happiness streaming down my face reading and looking at these pictures! I'm SO happy that you guys were able to have your dream vacation!
ReplyDeleteHelen
Oh Lori! I am so happy for all of you! What an amazing blessing to have had this awesome experience. I am so proud of Miss Natalie!!
ReplyDeleteLori, what a wonderful experience. I am crying tears of joy as I read this. Disney is truly the most magical place on earth and seeing it through your girls makes it so special. I can't wait to take the kids back!
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