… however, not just any invitation.
It was an ornate invitation, embossed with bronze and gold. It was heavy; but then I noticed the binding of a book, just peeking out from the side. And on the front – the most glorious words I’ve ever read. Words that made my hands shake with excitement. Words that have awakened the little girl inside me.
An invitation to join in celebrating the biggest story in Magic Kingdom history. An invitation to witness the Grand Opening of the NEW Fantasyland at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Ladies and gentlemen, at 34½ years old… I can finally say: I’M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!
This Wednesday, my family and I will head off to the land where “Once Upon a Time” always leads to “Happily Ever After”. With new attractions, two new castles, circus fun (the boys will adore this!) and more, the New Fantasyland will be unveiled before our eyes.
For Ryder and Reid, it will be a chance to get up close and personal with their favourite Disney characters. My husband, who had been to Disney years ago with an ex-girlfriend (and therefore, claims he remembers nothing) is looking forward to reconnecting with the magic and excitement – and seeing the wonder on our boys’ faces.
And me? Well, I’m fairly certain I will have a lump in my throat the size of an apple the minute I lay eyes on Cinderella’s Castle. As a child, I fantasized about visiting Cinderella in her majestic abode. It was a symbol of virtue, strength and perseverance; a promise to always believe in happy endings. This is more than just a press trip for me – it’s the wish I made as a child… coming true in technicolour. (And sprinkled with a little magic pixie dust, of course.)
If you’re on Twitter, be sure to follow #NEWFantasylandCA to see all the Canadian media tweets. And in the meantime, here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store…
Want to start planning your vacation? Visit www.disneyworld.ca. Bon voyage friends! I’m off to live out my dreams.
That’s exciting. Have a great time!
Thank you Shirley! Taking a break from packing at the moment :)
That’s an awesome invitation :) I love Disney, you’ll have so much fun!! Enjoy :)
Oh, the photo does not do it justice! Can’t wait, I know we’ll have a blast!
I was just there! Wait till you see the castle all done up for Christmas. Brought tears to my eyes!!! They have done an amazing job of everything! Where are you staying?
That is so awesome Meghan! Oooh, goosebumps thinking about the castle all done up :) We’re staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!
That’s where we stayed too! We were in the Little Mermaid rooms.. Very nice resort! What part are you staying?
How crazy!!! Then for sure you’ll be looking at my pictures and saying “Yes, yes, it all looks familiar!” We will have to swap stories when I return. I’m not sure which part I’m staying in – guess it’ll be a surprise when we arrive :)
I’m looking forward to it!! You’re going to love it.
OMG, I’m so excited for you and your family! Can’t wait to follow your adventures on Twitter!
Thank you Sophia! We’re pretty pumped ourselves!
Wow! What an amazing trip – your family will have so much fun! Can’t wait to hear all about it :)
Thanks Nicole! I’m starting to panic a little about all the packing, but then, I always do at about this time :)
As a little girl I too dreamed of Disney. We made my dreams a reality on my honeymoom 9 years ago. Looking to return for our 10th anniversary! Have a fantastic trip Lena!
That sounds absolutely wonderful RubyRed! LOVE that you’ll be doing it all over again next year. Congrats!
Sounds like its going to be an awesome trip. Enjoy and have fun!!
Thank you Marissa! We’re all very excited :)
Have a great time! You will definitely enjoy it. Was there last year and had a blast!
Oh, I don’t doubt it! I think our only concern is how to see as much as possible in 5 days!
That is so exciting! We are planning a trip for April 2013 so I can’t wait to hear your recap. Love the pictures, you’ll already got me excited!
So exciting Carlee! I’ll be sure to report back with details!
I love that invitation! T-3 days — have a blast :)
Thank you Victoria. Eeek! I only have 3 days to get everything ready. No pressure, LOL!
That’s super Lena! Have a great trip. Can’t wait to see the photos.
Thank you Tricha! I will likely take way too many photos, but I promise to post the best of the best!
You are going to have such an amazing time! I look forward to hearing about it and seeing pictures.
Thank you Cheryl! I can’t wait – the boys are really getting excited now!
Jealous! How’d you manage to snag that invite? Bribe (or threaten) a few cartoon characters? lol!
LOL! Almost – but being part of the Canadian media has its privileges, and trust me – we know how lucky we are!
LUCKY YOU! I have never been either but have fun and safe travels!
Thank you Jenny! It’s the first time for me too (can’t you tell from my gushing above? LOL) so I’m shaking with excitement!
Awesome! I’ve been to Disneyland in Anaheim, and it was incredible!!! You’ll have a wonderful time for sure!
So awesome! Once I’ve conquered Disney World, I’m sure Disneyland will be next on my list! xx
Oh wow!! What awesome news, Lena! I am so happy (and jealous :) ) for you and your family!!
My folks took my sister and I took Disney when we were kids and I remember it being such a magical place! One of the best trips ever taken for me!
Have a blast & Im looking forward to all the photos!! :-D
Thank you Suzie :) I’m so happy for me and my family too, LOL!
I know the boys are a bit young but that’s why it’s up to me to write about our adventure – and take lots of pictures, of course!
nice congrats. bring me back a pair Mouse Ears.
No bacon? What if I can find Disney bacon? :)
Wow! You and your family will have a wonderful time. There is somthing about Disney Magic. You’re a lucky girl.
Thank you :) I know, we’ve been counting our blessings. It’s a dream come true for me!
Hope you have an amazing time!
Thank you Joanna – just need to start packing now, ha! :)
so so jealous, I’ve never been to the mouse house either!
Oooh – hopefully soon Jen! I’m crazy excited :)
I love Disney and reading this makes me want to go back again. Enjoy; you’re gonna love it!
Thank you Deb; we’ll treasure every moment, I’m sure!
Oh. My. Gosh. You lucky girl!!! I’d be over the moon, too… so happy for you!! Can’t wait to hear all about it. Have fun! xo
Thank you so much Lisa! We’re ready to go and beyond excited!
WOW!! You are so fortunate! Disney World is such a magical place and I’m sure you’ll make lasting memories there. Have fun!!!
Thank you Yash :) We’re here now and I’m already feeling the magic!
I have never been to any Disney Theme parks, some day maybe
I enthusiastically recommend them, Debbie! We’ve been here less than 24 hours and I’ve never seen the boys so excited!
I can’t wait to read your follow up post, was it all that you hoped it would be?
And more Sabrina!!! And much, much more!