We were the grand marshalls

[PamNC]

In case any of you were there, I have to share that me and my DH (Uncle Albert on these boards) were the Grand Marshalls of the Dreams Come True Parade in the MK on Monday, 11/20. It was very cool. We actually got to ride iin an electric car owned by Walt Disney himself. Only 4 of them exist. Very exciting. They kept saying our names over and over - which was really weird hearing your name over the loudspeaker at the MK. My husband "felt the spirit" and started singing along with the band. There was a band behind us and another family in a bigger, antique car.

Very exciting. It's weird to think that our faces will be in people's picture albumns..the cameras were clicking all over the place.

It was an amazing experience. I wish I had done my hair and make-up that day. Little did I know I would be on display. LOL!

They gave us a complimentary 5 x 7 photograph - apparently a photographer followed us along the way and snapped pictures. I finally figured that out about 1/2 way through. They also gave us a certificate and Mickey Mouse ears complete with our names embroidered.

What a treat this was. I hope my face isn't in any of ya'lls photograph books.

PamNC

 

[Big V]

Lucky you! How cool is that!

 

[matt&jakesmom]

That is so awesome!!! It's like an early christmas present.

 

[PamNC]

it sure was like an early Christmas Present - very special. The CM who "recruited" us, his name was Dean and he was wonderful. So enthusiastic about his job and you could tell it was genuine.

PamNC

 

[disney's daughter]

I know how youu feel...My sister and I were chosen a couple of years ago, too...It was a complete surprise!

 

[MissDisneyTeach]

That is so cool! How and where were you chosen?

 

[Philadisney]

how wonderful!!! are you able to scan your pic? would love to see it. you must have had so much fun.

 

[Stitchfans]

That is so awesome. I love hearing stories like that.

 

[pooh2001]

Congratulations for the wonderful magical memories !

 

[Cass]

That's great Pam! How did they choose you/tell you?

and if you were the grand marshalls what were the other family?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . and if you were the grand marshalls what were the other family? . . .

The "not so grand" marshalls.

 

[PamNC]

Well - here is how we were chosen. We simply walked into the MK that morning and this CM walked up to us and said, "How are you kids doing today?" We were very friendly and bubbly with him. He asked us where we were from and we said NC. He said, "I heard Miss North Carolina was going to be in town but I didn't know she was going to be at the Magic Kingdom." Of course, I loved that. He had maps and schedules in his hands so we thought he was just another friendly CM giving out information. He said, "Listen, would you guys like to be a part of the parade this afternoon? I'd love for you to be the grand marshalls." So, he told us what time to be where. We met him at 2:30 right beside Splash where the parade "steps off." (that's some lingo I learned). My DH and I concluded that what they probably do is find two people (only 2 fit in Walt's car) and if after they speak to them they are shy and don't seem like the type who could handle being on display, they simply give them a map and schedule and send them on their way. Sort of a little "audition" if you will. We're definitely not shy.

The other family was a DH, DW and to DD's. Very sweet family - from Chicago. I felt sorry for them because they weren't called Grand Marshalls...sort of made me feel bad. They announced our first and last names and then said, "and also the Grohn family from Chicago." I don't remember if that was their name, something like that. Bless their hearts, they didn't get to ride in Walt's electric car but they seemed to have a good time anyway. It was the husband's birthday. They got all the goodies, like the photo, the certificate and the Mickey ears.

This was truly a treat. And a total surprise. It's not the first time we've been asked to be in a parade. Last year we were asked to ride with Mickey in the Jammin' Jingle Jungle parade. We must fit some profile or look real happy and outgoing. Like waving and smiling wouldn't bother us.

PamNC

 

[TigerKat]

How exciting for you. Can you scan the picture for us to see?? We saw the parade there on Wednesday of that week and were so excited for the grand marshall family, although the Dad didn't look like he was into it at all.