My mother and I had traveled together to Walt Disney World on a few occasions. A Mother’s Day Trip in 2015, a family trip in 2009 and multiple one day trips in my youth. We’d also taken a mother/daughter trip way back in 1995. This past September we took a second mother/daughter trip and had the Best Day Ever!
I always try to have at least a day or two of matching shirts with my family, and of course this would be no exception. I worked with Magical Creations by Mz Disnee for the design of our shirts and was not disappointed. Rapunzel and Mother Gothel would make the perfect mother/daughter theme. I got a little creative and made us each hair clips too, mine with the Rapunzel braid theme and my mother’s with the magic golden flower Mother Gothel needed to keep her youth.
We started our trip off with a visit to Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park on Saturday, September 17th. We watched the Welcome Show (insert tears, as it is no longer), took in a few rides and while walking to lunch at Pinocchio Village Haus, we were approached by Cast Member Mindi. She started chatting with us and admired our shirts and hair bows. As she went on she asked if we’d seen the Festival of Fantasy Parade, we both had watched it in the past and we said as much, but she asked if we’d like to watch it again but in the shade. Shade! Shade was the key word. It was hot. September in Florida is like the surface of the sun. It’s toasty warm. You can read my tips to staying cool in the heat here. The idea of watching in the shade was wonderful. But she wasn’t finished! She asked if we’d like to be the Grand Marshals of the parade at 3pm. What? Grand Marshals? Of the parade? Why yes! Oh, yes, yes, yes! Cast Member Mindi pulled out a map, circled where we were to meet her at 2pm and wished us a good rest of the morning.
Can you say EXCITED?!? I think I almost cried! So did my mother!
Needless to say, the plans we had were thrown out the window and we were totally ok with that. We piddled, rode some rides and had fun but the anticipation was killing us! We called home to tell our family. I called friends and posted in several of my “Disney Friend” groups too.
Finally, 2pm was upon us. So nervous!
We met Cast Member Mindi at the designated spot and had an impromptu photo session with our fabulous Photopass Photographer Brian. He was going to be with us for the entire parade route.
We were given our own Grand Marshal Mickey Ears to wear. So much fun and a great souvenir!
We were loaded in the fancy white Disney car with Mickey tread and all. When the parade started it was just amazing. The “voice from beyond” announced our names several times along the parade route. People were waving. I was waving. I kept thinking they must think we are celebrities! I admittedly got a little teary here and there.
After we made it to the end of the parade route we exited the car and were given prime viewing spots right beside the Fire Station on Main Street. Cast Member Mindi also presented us with certificates and a coupon to get a free printed photo from all of the photos that were taken of us before and during the parade.
We were pretty far in front of the parade so it was just then coming down Main Street. We had a few minutes to relax before the parade was going to be passing right in front of us. Brian stayed with us throughout the parade and took some amazing photos of us watching the parade, the characters interacting with us and our reactions.
The experience was amazing. It was truly the Best Day Ever, and I was so glad I got to experience it with my mother. She’s the best.
Remember, people are chosen at random for this experience. It was pure “pixie dust” for us. Nothing more than being in the right place, at the right time. I will say I think our shirts had a lot to do with it.
Always,
Betsy
Betsy Walker Travels 