So after all our fun in Adventureland, we wandered on through Frontierland in search of more areas to trick or treat. Although we didn't have definitive plans. We were going with the flow, even though I subconciously realized the flow lead me to all the event specific things. More on that as we continue, savvy?
So there we are, strolling pleasantly along, when who do we happen by?
Jesse.
Doing meet and greets right out there on the street for all to see, in the beautiful weather that was so far, so good.
And as soon as DS saw her, he pointed from his stroller and said something to the effect of, "Jesse! I meet Jesse!" I swear, you could have picked my jaw up off the floor. Now the boy was volunteering to meet characters? And as a matter of fact, was picking to meet Jesse? Which is so funny, considering that I don't remember the last time we watched Toy Story 2, but apparently something just stuck, and he wanted to meet her. I asked him again to make sure, and he said yes.
Well, we weren't saying no! Her line was fairly short, and I was just tickled that he asked. We waited a bit, and since I had been in all the last photos, I told DH, aka Jack Sparrow, to head up with him. My two boys with a rootin' tootin' cowgirl. Which is funny, considering that they were pirates. I love those pictures. As we were meeting Jesse, apparently it was time for changing of the guard. Again. As in, we were just having all sorts of character luck this evening, so as Jesse was getting ready to leave, out came Woody! I asked the CM if we could have a picture with him, too, and since they're weren't a lot of people, she said yes. This night was shaping up so well.
We headed towards Liberty Square and I noticed people starting to line up for the parade. Now, I don't know if you're aware, but pirates really don't pay attention to the time. At least on this night, we weren't. There wasn't an ADR in sight, nothing that HAD to be done (despite my subconscious wanderings), and we were totally going with the flow.
I looked at DH and suggested we find a good spot and park it. There wasn't much time before the parade started, and Liberty Square looked like a good spot to watch it.
Now let's just stop right there. Talk about going against the grain. We always watch the Boo to You Parade from Main Street. Always. And DH told me that. Very adamantly. For him, anyway. And I said, but this year is different. I don't want to walk to Main Street, let's be rebels (pirates) and watch it here.
Well, I convinced him. Perhaps it was the batting of the eyelashes and all. Or the dress. Who can say? At any rate, we'd done some trick or treating, so DH settled down with DS at our spot, which was actually right by the popcorn cart. How opportune. Candy and popcorn. What's better than that to my three year old? Now since DS had no concept of this parade really, he said he didn't want to watch. I said, no no, honey, you'll like it. I think this is one of the few times I overrode the toddler angst and made him stay somewhere. But he wasn't fussy or anything. Because we got him popcorn, and let him have pretty much whatever candy he wanted. Yup. Because I knew a couple of things. One, it was a special occasion, and two, DS would be fading fast. A little sugar rush wouldn't be uncalled for so he could enjoy the festivities.
On a side note, as I was waiting in line for popcorn, I chatted up someone next to me who had bought DVC resale at the Wilderness Lodge. I was tempted. And also thought of LL.
Now, the anticipation began. DH and I at the very front of our area, plenty of room, although there were people around us, I didn't feel claustrophobic, and it seemed like we had a good crowd near us. I love that karma, those good vibes you can just feel emanating from everyone around you.
And the anticipation. That tingling feeling, my favorite time of year in the World, the prospect of the Headless Horseman. And let me tell you something, folks. I've seen him before, but I'd never SEEN him until I saw him in Liberty Square. He totally belongs, there, you know what I mean? And I don't remember exactly what they say right before he rides, but wow.
Just wow. I'm having a hard time putting it in to words, that amazing feeling of the beautiful horse riding through, the rider without a head, just pounding their way through Liberty Square on their way to Main Street.
Wow. Thunder, thunder.
Wow. Hoofprints on the street.
Wow. Wow. Wow.
It never fails to thrill me. Every. Single. Time.
Picture does not even begin to convey what that feeling is like, the charge in the air, the excitment of the people around you.
When he rode through, the crowd cheered! I told you, we were good people.
And what a spot to watch the parade from! I mean, we were right in front. There was us, there was the rope, there was the parade. I don't remember the last time I was that close to a parade; it was awesome! And I love that music. It so puts me in the spirit.
Although I had my sights set for a particular float, and it did not disappoint.
In. Any. Way.
Oh, Captain Jack Sparrow. One on a float above us, one right next to me. Does it get any better? I mean, does it???
When the good captain spotted my DH, he stared and stared. Then he held up two fingers as if to say, there's two of us. He then pointed to his eyes, and then to DH's eyes, like, I'm on to you, savvy? And then he smiled.
And he bowed.
To my husband.
Who immediately reciprocated with his own Jack Sparrow bow. It was a moment that I'll never forget, and even though there were no meet and greets with Jack that night, that was good enough for me.
My Captain Jack and the Captain Jack bowing to each other out of mutual respect.
The funny thing is, this has happened before. About two years ago, when we went to
MNSSHP and it wasn't raining. We didn't have the crazy accurate costumes like we do now, but DH still dressed as Jack Sparrow, and I was a pirate. And during the parade, Captain Jack did that whole thing. Same. Exact. Thing.
Now I know I talk a lot about my husband looking like Jack Sparrow. But what's really amazing to me, is when someone like that thinks so too. Then I know I'm not just some pirate-crazed girl. Well, I am, but you get the idea.
Up next - Who hits the proverbial wall first?