Woke this morning to find Daddy & Bella's countdown to Disney drawn on the family chalkboard. One week from today we'll head off to sunny Florida for the adventure we have been planning for what seems like years. Numerous phone calls to my incredibly helpful cousin (whose husband works at the park) for hotel recommendations, park tips, travel arrangements; hours and hours of searching online for the list of attractions we don't want to miss; and day after day, night after night of daydreaming with a 7 year old on how much fun we are going to have...and it is now a mere 7 days away.
My mom, sister and I - Disney World 1972Disney World has changed a LOT since 1972. The park had been open less than a year on my first visit. Some of the attractions were not even finished yet. There was no Epcot, no Hollywood studios, construction of the famous Space Mountain had not even begun yet. But the magic of Disney was still there. Right from the start Walt Disney had a dream of creating a magical world and right from the start it did not disappoint. I was 3 years old. I don't remember one thing about it. But I am assured now by my parents that my sister and I were as excited about the trip then as kids are today. They also tell me that I was terrified of the Disney characters in costume and did a lot of crying (sounds about right, I was a very shy child...believe it or not). Nonetheless, we had a great time (thankfully, with photos to prove I wasn't crying the entire time! ).
So as I plan the trip next week with my own daughter, I hope to fill our scrapbook with photos of fun and adventure. Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Toy Story, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kindom, Mickey's fireworks, Tea Cups, It's a Small World, and more (and lucky for Mommy, Daddy & Abuela, it's Food & Wine Festival at Epcot while we are there too!) When I suggested lunch at the castle with Cinderella I was informed that "Princesses are for little girls Mommy", so we are having breakfast with the Mad Hatter instead. I can't wait to see the look on her face as we enter the park. That alone will make the trip worth it. A little girls dream coming to reality in just 7 days. Let the adventures begin!
