It’s a moment I don’t want to forget.
The rain clouds began to dissipate, revealing a bright sunny day with a promise of the perfect weather Orlando is known for. As we made our way into Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Ryder, my sweet, sensitive 7-year old, beckoned me with his hand.
“I want to look at the castle,” he said.
This is our tradition. Skirting over to the nearest curb to avoid the crowds, I let him drink in the sight of Cinderella’s castle. It didn’t matter that we were too far for an unobstructed view. It didn’t matter that we were pushed together as a steady throng of guests shuffled past us. My entire world was reduced to a little boy, staring in helpless wonder at a fairy tale come to life.
What is he thinking? What does he see? I wondered. Was he imagining himself as the brave prince who fights for the maiden’s honour? Was he envisioning the colourful burst of fireworks that adorn the sky at night? Or did he simply see the castle for what it was – an iconic representation of a place where dreams come true? I had to know.
“What are you thinking?” I asked quietly.
Ryder smiled as a look of pure, innocent love washed over his face.
“I wish Grandma was here. I wish Grandma could see this,” he replied.
Blinking back tears, I held my phone in the air and took a photo to capture the moment I didn’t want to forget. And I made a promise to myself: as soon as I returned home, I would tell my mom that she and my father would be joining us on a Walt Disney World vacation. This year. Without exception. Because this is something we could give Ryder. This is something he would cherish. Together, we could make it happen.
Later, when we returned to Canada, I recounted the moment and shared Ryder’s wishes with his favourite person in the entire world.
“I’m in,” my mom said. “Let’s do it.”
We’re currently in planning mode. Making multi-generational memories? Now THAT’s magical.
Aww, this is so sweet! We went with our DD and my parents on a WDW vacation when she was 4 and it was one of our best vacations.
Cute! We never had enough money to take our daughters to Disney but when they grew up they took us with our grandkids. There was 9 of us in total! We had such a great time and didn’t even mind all the walking.
Got the shivers reading your post. My son is very much like yours. Two years ago, we spent two days at Disney with my mom (her first time ever at Disney). It was AMAZING. We made a promise to do it again. Reading your post made me realize that I should start planning too. Thanks for sharing your story. :-)
That is so sweet. I’m glad you’re making it happen.
That’s awesome! We did Disney with my parents one year and my kids still talk about it. You’ll never regret it.
Love love love! Hope you get to make that dream come true!
This post made me tear up :)
I’m so glad that you’re taking his favourite person along! We took my parents in April and we all loved it. It was definitely magical.
That’s the sweetest thing in the world!
Aww…..that is so sweet! I hope Ryder’s dream comes true!
This got me: “I wish Grandma was here. I wish Grandma could see this.” And now I sit here with tears welling up in my eyes because I am reminded how fortunate my kids are to have all four grandparents — and all four of them very much in their lives. What a wonderful moment the two of you shared that day.
Love! Making memories are so important!
Those are the sweetest words a little boy could say, I bet grandma would remember that for years to come
I just came back from taking my grandchildren & their parents to Disney World, it was wonderful, spending time with little & big alike will treasure it forever
I think this is really great!
That is so sweet I am sure the memories will carry through his whole life.The grandparents will really enjoy it too! My youngest daughter was able to experience Disney Florida with her dad and great aunt,I am still going through the photos! They attended my mother in laws wedding and moms sister had connections at Disney. They had an incredible time together.
You are making such beautiful family memories !
What a great story! :)
Have you planned your trip yet? Would love to plan a multi-generational trip to Disney someday.
Disney World is a great place for all ages.
Awesome , looks like an amazing place , i hope to get away on day , dreaming !
I am a single mom with two kids that are seven years apart. I planned a trip to disneyland and thought… how am I going to do this by myself? My son can’t go on all the big rides and my daughter won’t want to go on them by herself!!!!??? Solution… I invited my mom to come. Nana to the Rescue!!!!! It was PERFECT :)
I totally agree because when my niece was old enough to remember the trip we all went because we were really close to her. So mom & dad, grandparents and this auntie all went so we could experience it through a 7 year olds mind and amazement.
One of my best trips ever.
Nice share, always great to make memories.. different experiences at different ages, disney is for all ages!