While visiting Disney parks as an adult, I couldnt help but notice the smiles of anonymous children; it wasnt hard to imagine how wonderful it might be if I could introduce a child to the wonders of Disney World. Eventually, a tiny spark inside me glittered with the temptation of bringing 2 specific little girls to Disney World- J and M, the 2 girls whom I consider to be my nieces.
While such dreams would swirl inside my heart, my brain always brought me back to the reality that I am very independent- the quintessential solo traveler; spending an entire week with children would be a huge challenge, to say the least. Plus, I didnt really feel close enough to my nieces for such a trip to make any logical sense. Nevertheless, my imagination could not entirely rid itself of the tiny sliver of a dormant dream.
Its funny how life works out- as some years passed, I grew closer to the girls as they started to share my interest in ice skating. One day while catching up on the posts on my ice skating message board, I saw a message in which someone mentioned bringing her nieces and/or nephews to Disney World. Without even thinking, I found my fingers typing a response stating that Id love to take my nieces there. And the fanciful idea began once again to flicker in my head.
Flash forward just a few months to October 2008, when I was overjoyed to have a ticket to the first postseason playoff game of my Phillies. Recalling the old Disney theme park commercials in which champions fresh with victory cheerfully announced to the world Im going to Disney World!, I said to myself that if the Phillies went on to win the World Series, I would take my nieces to Disney World. Although no one was predicting that the Phillies to go the distance, I held on to the tiniest hope that it might happen. Truthfully, I would have been thrilled for them to just make it through the first playoff round.
By pure luck (or perhaps pixie dust), I was at Citizens Bank Park a few weeks later, screaming at the top of my lungs when Brad Lidge struck out Eric Hinske as the Philles defied all doubters to become the 2008 World Champions of Baseball.
In the midst of my jubilation, I knew this was my cue to sprinkle some pixie dust of my own. But, unlike those victorious athletes in the commercials, I knew this too large and important of an endeavor for me to make a commitment in the heat of the moment. So I spent a month analyzing costs and potential problems, and weighing them against my magical ideas. Whenever I had doubts, I always came back to the belief that if I were to do something good out of the purest and most loving of motives, the details would somehow work themselves out.
I was nervous about asking permission to take the girls, but I tried to chase away those insecurities by reminding myself that the Phillies winning the World Series against all odds was a sign I should go after my own ambitious dream. (of course, I know that teams dont win titles for the benefit of a single fan
but anything that gives me confidence is a good thing) Well, it turned out that it was silly to worry
and on New Years Eve 2009, I presented 2 stunned little girls with homemade, personalized invitations to be the guests of their Fairy God-Aunt for a week in Disney World.
In recent years, Ive taken one major vacation a year, usually to Europe or Asia. For the past couple years, Ive come home wondering how anything could ever top my most recent adventure. But Ive also learned that its more rewarding to pursue a personal challenge beyond just picking a wonderful destination. I truly believe that the challenges involved in sharing the magic of a Disney World adventure with 2 girls I adore has the potential to lead to rewards that are even more special than Ive experienced on previous vacations.
As time passed, I still found myself periodically getting nervous about some of the details
What if M thinks its too hot or pouts about the big rides? What if J thinks the rides are too tame? What if I cant deal with the lack of privacy? What if something goes wrong? But, ultimately, Ive calmed myself with the knowledge that I am an experienced and enthusiastic traveler- and in fact, I feel like I am most alive and vibrant when I have the freedom to explore a world away from my mundane day-to-day life. I am a Disney veteran who has been to all 5 Disney resorts worldwide, so I have a lot of knowledge that I can share. Plus, as I already said, I continue to hope that if I am doing something out of the generosity of my heart, some positive karma will return to me. So I am trying to be more positive. I try to answer any nagging doubts with another question: What if we all have a wonderful time?
The most convenient week to travel happened to be the week of Js 12th birthday, so well be able to take advantage of this years What will you celebrate? promotion. We will choose the Birthday Fastpass option because its something that we can all enjoy together. This option allows everyone in the party to obtain immediate Fastpasses to several attractions at their whim. During the busy summer, it will be nice to bypass some of the long lines.
In January, I was fortunate enough to receive an email with a 40% off PIN code for a hotel room at a Disney resort- definitely a blessing as Id already had my heart set on a deluxe resort. Id originally planned to make just a few dining reservations for just a couple special sit down meals, but as my 90 day reservation window drew nearer, my ambitions expanded as I thought of more and more restaurants that might be fun; fortunately, I was able to obtain reservations for all of them when I called Disney reservations at 7am on May 25, 90 days before my arrival. (eventually, I tweaked some times when Disney launched their online dining reservations system in June)
When embarking on a vacation, I feel that I am about to encounter some wonderful new experiences and I am excited by the infinite possibilities as to what they might be. No matter how much one plans (and I love to plan), only a close minded person could be able to completely anticipate the highlights of an upcoming journey. I keep my eyes and heart open to detect moments of beauty and joy, like colorful little jewels buried in the sand, sometimes in unexpected places. I want to gather as many unique and cherished gems as I can uncover so that I can pattern them into a bright, sparkly mosaic of memories inside my heart. And if sometimes I stumble upon the inevitable broken glass of difficulties or disappointments, I try to remember to simply toss it aside so that it will neither taint my collection of treasures nor impede me from moving forward.
This vacation, I hope that some of my most vivid memories will include laughing and smiling with 2 girls who are more special to me than they may know. Most of all, I hope it is a week that they will cherish as much as I will... and that they, too, will return with a collection of priceless, magical jewels that no one can ever take away from them.
Children are always learning from their experiences; while I am not planning to spoil the whimsy of Disney with heavy-handed educational overtones, these are the lessons that I hope will come through:
1. Whenever you have a chance to share with others and make them smile
seize it. Your own smile will be even wider when you know that you are bringing joy to others.
2. Dream big
I know it sounds corny, but even seemingly impossible dreams can come true if you put your heart into them.
3. Always remember that you are 2 very special, intelligent and beautiful girls- I chose to share my vacation with you, and I will always be there for you, because I want to. Never, ever lose sight of the wonderful and unique spirit that makes each of you the girls you are today.
Once upon a Disney vacation, Fairy God Aunt Princess BelleBway invited Princess J and Princess M to join her on a special adventure; On Aug 23, the story will continue
Until then, I dream
(7/6)
Enthusiastic Disney veteran of all 5 worldwide resorts, and lover of travel, ice-skating, theatre, photography and known for my fondness for all things purple. I've been told I'm crazy/brave to be taking 2 girls to Disney by myself... but that's never stopped me. I've been totally excited about this trip ever since I started planning, and knowing I can tackle the financial and personal challenges inherent in this trip has actually given me a lot of confidence that has carried over into my real life. 
turning 12 during the trip - is getting to the age where she can be a moody pre-teen. She sometimes seems to lack in self confidence, and reminds me a lot of myself when she gets that way. She is very sensitive to others and has the sweetest heart, and can be very introspective at times. In the gifted program at school, she often prefers the company of adults to her peers and she loves reading and writing. She was on an airplane once, to take a short trip with her grandmother to visit relatives in R.I. She's very excited to spend her birthday in WDW.
age 8 - is usually bubbly and happy, although she can pout when she doesn't get her way. She's very girly and often dresses in skirts (or skorts). She's great at making friends with other kids, and often has friends over when I visit. M is definitely a princess fan, and was about silent with awe when I first mentioned that we could eat with the princesses (this was when the girls were still in shock the day I first told them about WDW) Any time I have to leave her house to come home, she hugs me tight and tells me "No!" 
She's never been on an airplane, but she's been away from home on a wknd and will be spending another week away from home this summer visiting and out of state friend. I'm hoping she makes it to 48'' tall by the time we try to ride RnRC... 
Also so I'll have notes for my trip report. (my twitter name is the same as my login here)
I've done it every day for the past 2 weeks. Except the morning my power went out. Anyone who knows how much I loathe getting out of bed in the morning would understand just exactly how motivated I must be. 
I hope you get well soon!
(although I am slightly concerned because vacuuming without procrastination is not exactly normal for me 
