August 23rd, 2013 - Part 1: "Cause I'm gonna make this place your home."
Today we all woke up at seven a.m.
I decided that because it was our first official day in Disney, I would dress Duffy in his only stylish outfit. Hes gotta be rockin a nice look for such a big day full of activities and whatnot. And besides, bears dont sweat so the leather coat and goggles wouldnt kill him from hyperthermia like it would the rest of us.
We then had breakfast and hit the road.
Barely ten minutes into the last leg of our traveling adventure did we spot one of the first Disney billboards on the trip. I was through the moon already which means that this only heightened my excitement. No one else in my family (obviously including McKenna) had been on the newly redesigned attraction but me and I was SO excited to show them everything it had to offer, eventually.
McKenna and I took a good excited selfie. She was just as excited as me because honestly, who wouldnt be? It was her first time crossing over into Disney property and thats a big moment!
Look! An Expedition Everest billboard spotted in its natural habitat!
Passing by SeaWorld brought back really good memories and a tinge of sadness because we wouldnt be visiting Shamu this vacation. When I was younger I wanted to be a marine biologist, so going to SeaWorld was like a dream come true. Well eventually return but until then, SeaWorld, you will be missed.
The road signs slowly began to appear and I swear, I didnt know it was physically possible to become even more excited than I already was. I was almost crying tears of joy. Almost.
Our first stop was to be Downtown Disney and we already had a laundry list of things we had to take care of. Starting the day off with Disney merchandise is always the best way to do it!
The last roadside sign before we entered the gates of heaven.
I knew they were coming but I still wasnt prepared. Funny story, we missed the exit to Disney and had to turn around and re-enter the area. Lame.
Finally, the entrance to my real home came into sight. We saw it from just around the (river)bend. Mom was getting everything on video and I was up in the front of the R.V. documenting everything with my camera.
That moment when you pass under those gates is unlike any other, I swear. Everything fades away and you know more than anything else that your troubles with reality are on pause for only a short period of time. You know that its key to take advantage of as many opportunities as you can within those gates and everyones in sync. Its the place where dreams come true for a reason and I just cant wait (to be king) for the day I get to say I live there and not be joking. Until then, these temporary vacations will have to be enough, haha.
As we drove through the streets of the place I call home, I became more at peace.
Eventually, the entrance to Downtown Disney Marketplace came in sight and I was just ready to get out, stretch my legs, and shop.
First stop? Arribas Brothers! It was right next to the Photopass area where I needed to get my Photopass+ lanyard but we spent a reasonable amount of time browsing first.
Mom ordered our family some personalized Arribas Brothers cups. I chose a big glass cup with Figment and the Epcot logo on it with my name in script font on the other side.
I had to immediately show McKenna my favorite piece in the entire shop, the model Cinderella Castle all in Swarovski crystals. She saw it and said, This costs more than the new car my family just bought. I just laughed because its seriously worth that much money. But its so beautiful! I wonder if they could gift wrap that for me for a surprise birthday present.
I took a photo of this very large Sorcerer Mickey figurine for Abe because I missed him and Sorcerer Mickey was his favorite Mickey (if that makes sense).
Heres another figurine I took a picture of for my fellow Disnerd. Hes basically in love with Ariel (no shame) and this is no exception!
This Cheshire Cat reminded me of my dear Alex which meant that a picture was automatically needed. Its just so beautiful and zany.
When I saw this really cute watch display, I immediately delved into Evaluation Mode. I had a pre-made budget and list of everything I was on the hunt for throughout this trip and a watch was one of the biggest items. These were officially in the running for possible purchase! How trendy.
Its the Fab Five plus an extra Mickey! They were just so adorable and that Sorcerer Mickey made me think, "Abe". Not to mention the very nice display formation.
This very large glass figure of Peter Pan and his friends in flight immediately made me think of the Wonderland-Pan float in Celebrate A Dream Come True (Rest in Peace). I also thought of Alex and her crazy love for all things Neverland.
We stumbled across this huge gargoyle and I was just utterly impressed with his form and stature. So regal and very intricate.
Though my ears werent (and still arent) pierced, I was immediately attracted to these magic lamp earrings. Not only do I LOVE Aladdin, but they were just so shiny. Talk about diamonds in the rough!
Eventually, we all made our way over to the Photopass area to activate my Photopass+ card so we could start making memories as soon as possible! This was very exciting.
While waiting in a somewhat slow-moving line, I was very comforted by the little details that only Disney manages to throw in here and there. Mickey is everywhere and I honestly love that so much.
We waited in line for about thirty to forty-five minutes but I was in a more than extraordinary mood, so seeing this sign only made me happier to be home where we call all of the employees Cast Members.
After getting my Photopass+ card and everything that came with it, we were off!
We had decided that wed be back to the R.V. (where Grandma and Grandpa were peacefully napping) by twelve oclock noon. We had a solid two and a half hours to explore Downtown Disney. I often forgot that we also had an entire day off from the parks dedicated to Downtown Disney and relaxing. But oh well, why not take every minute as if it was your first and last?
We passed the World of Disney which is legitimately my favorite store in all of Downtown Disney. I love it so much. McKenna and I decided not to go in until the end of our adventure at DTD that day because we both knew I would never leave if we went in.
The delicious aromas wafting from the Ghirardelli shop and soda fountain were so enticing but we resisted (just barely). I HAD to get a picture for Abe because his soul mate is chocolate. Its fine.
Before we headed to our next destination, I made McKenna look at some of World of Disneys really adorable window displays. We also had a friend that was in love with Buzz Lightyear so this was for her.
Soon enough, it was time to keep moving on because we had an appointment with a very loveable dinosaur!
Next Post
Today we all woke up at seven a.m.
I decided that because it was our first official day in Disney, I would dress Duffy in his only stylish outfit. Hes gotta be rockin a nice look for such a big day full of activities and whatnot. And besides, bears dont sweat so the leather coat and goggles wouldnt kill him from hyperthermia like it would the rest of us.
We then had breakfast and hit the road.
Barely ten minutes into the last leg of our traveling adventure did we spot one of the first Disney billboards on the trip. I was through the moon already which means that this only heightened my excitement. No one else in my family (obviously including McKenna) had been on the newly redesigned attraction but me and I was SO excited to show them everything it had to offer, eventually.
McKenna and I took a good excited selfie. She was just as excited as me because honestly, who wouldnt be? It was her first time crossing over into Disney property and thats a big moment!
Look! An Expedition Everest billboard spotted in its natural habitat!
Passing by SeaWorld brought back really good memories and a tinge of sadness because we wouldnt be visiting Shamu this vacation. When I was younger I wanted to be a marine biologist, so going to SeaWorld was like a dream come true. Well eventually return but until then, SeaWorld, you will be missed.
The road signs slowly began to appear and I swear, I didnt know it was physically possible to become even more excited than I already was. I was almost crying tears of joy. Almost.
Our first stop was to be Downtown Disney and we already had a laundry list of things we had to take care of. Starting the day off with Disney merchandise is always the best way to do it!
The last roadside sign before we entered the gates of heaven.
I knew they were coming but I still wasnt prepared. Funny story, we missed the exit to Disney and had to turn around and re-enter the area. Lame.
Finally, the entrance to my real home came into sight. We saw it from just around the (river)bend. Mom was getting everything on video and I was up in the front of the R.V. documenting everything with my camera.
That moment when you pass under those gates is unlike any other, I swear. Everything fades away and you know more than anything else that your troubles with reality are on pause for only a short period of time. You know that its key to take advantage of as many opportunities as you can within those gates and everyones in sync. Its the place where dreams come true for a reason and I just cant wait (to be king) for the day I get to say I live there and not be joking. Until then, these temporary vacations will have to be enough, haha.
As we drove through the streets of the place I call home, I became more at peace.
Eventually, the entrance to Downtown Disney Marketplace came in sight and I was just ready to get out, stretch my legs, and shop.
First stop? Arribas Brothers! It was right next to the Photopass area where I needed to get my Photopass+ lanyard but we spent a reasonable amount of time browsing first.
Mom ordered our family some personalized Arribas Brothers cups. I chose a big glass cup with Figment and the Epcot logo on it with my name in script font on the other side.
I had to immediately show McKenna my favorite piece in the entire shop, the model Cinderella Castle all in Swarovski crystals. She saw it and said, This costs more than the new car my family just bought. I just laughed because its seriously worth that much money. But its so beautiful! I wonder if they could gift wrap that for me for a surprise birthday present.
I took a photo of this very large Sorcerer Mickey figurine for Abe because I missed him and Sorcerer Mickey was his favorite Mickey (if that makes sense).
Heres another figurine I took a picture of for my fellow Disnerd. Hes basically in love with Ariel (no shame) and this is no exception!
This Cheshire Cat reminded me of my dear Alex which meant that a picture was automatically needed. Its just so beautiful and zany.
When I saw this really cute watch display, I immediately delved into Evaluation Mode. I had a pre-made budget and list of everything I was on the hunt for throughout this trip and a watch was one of the biggest items. These were officially in the running for possible purchase! How trendy.
Its the Fab Five plus an extra Mickey! They were just so adorable and that Sorcerer Mickey made me think, "Abe". Not to mention the very nice display formation.
This very large glass figure of Peter Pan and his friends in flight immediately made me think of the Wonderland-Pan float in Celebrate A Dream Come True (Rest in Peace). I also thought of Alex and her crazy love for all things Neverland.
We stumbled across this huge gargoyle and I was just utterly impressed with his form and stature. So regal and very intricate.
Though my ears werent (and still arent) pierced, I was immediately attracted to these magic lamp earrings. Not only do I LOVE Aladdin, but they were just so shiny. Talk about diamonds in the rough!
Eventually, we all made our way over to the Photopass area to activate my Photopass+ card so we could start making memories as soon as possible! This was very exciting.
While waiting in a somewhat slow-moving line, I was very comforted by the little details that only Disney manages to throw in here and there. Mickey is everywhere and I honestly love that so much.
We waited in line for about thirty to forty-five minutes but I was in a more than extraordinary mood, so seeing this sign only made me happier to be home where we call all of the employees Cast Members.
After getting my Photopass+ card and everything that came with it, we were off!
We had decided that wed be back to the R.V. (where Grandma and Grandpa were peacefully napping) by twelve oclock noon. We had a solid two and a half hours to explore Downtown Disney. I often forgot that we also had an entire day off from the parks dedicated to Downtown Disney and relaxing. But oh well, why not take every minute as if it was your first and last?
We passed the World of Disney which is legitimately my favorite store in all of Downtown Disney. I love it so much. McKenna and I decided not to go in until the end of our adventure at DTD that day because we both knew I would never leave if we went in.
The delicious aromas wafting from the Ghirardelli shop and soda fountain were so enticing but we resisted (just barely). I HAD to get a picture for Abe because his soul mate is chocolate. Its fine.
Before we headed to our next destination, I made McKenna look at some of World of Disneys really adorable window displays. We also had a friend that was in love with Buzz Lightyear so this was for her.
Soon enough, it was time to keep moving on because we had an appointment with a very loveable dinosaur!
Next Post
