It was my own darn fault. When I received the e-mail announcing the Disney Side @Home Celebrations I froze. I honestly didn’t think I could commit to planning (Type A here), a party, and the posts that would come with such an undertaking. Since the fall, life, career and school have been oh-so-demanding and I promised myself to just say “no” occasionally. Well I picked the wrong time to be a grown up!! When I saw the fun, the buzz, the goodies and the pixie dust flying when the magical Disney Side packages starting arriving I thought I would cry. Jiminy! I’ve been proudly flying my Disney Side flag since the 1962 New York World’s Fair, and certainly since my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1972! Disney friends to the rescue!!! Knowing I would be running the Disney Princess Half Marathon, Princess Donna Kay offered to share some of her booty with me. She sent me ESPN window decals. And runDisney wrist bands. And a work of art she created thanks to ESPN and her printer. She saved the day! I would take my “celebration” to race day, and spread the Disney luv as I ran. It seemed basic and simple and thought the impact would be insignificant. Until the morning of February 23rd…
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| “Armed” and ready; me and my bands at 4:30 am |
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| This came with me to the race, where I had made plans with another Disney pal to put it to work! |
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| There is a theme here… |
I set off to find the most deserving of folks to share my Disney Side with…
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| Candidate #1 |
This sunny runDisney volunteer was going hoarse making sure all runners were aware of the speed bumps on the approach to the Magic Kingdom. She was so taken, so grateful that I gave her a wristband that she held it up for all to see.
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| Candidate #2 |
This precious little Minnie Mouse was chEARing away for us runners as we approached the castle. Goodness, she had been there since 7 am! She and her parents were most intrigued and grateful for her “present”. Boy, she sure did deserve it.
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| Two bands left! |
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| Candidate #3 |
runDisney did a stellar job of hydrating us on this hot and humid morning. The volunteers were working overtime keeping those cups full. (This is a job I performed with Team Up! Autism Speaks at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler. I know how tiring this can get!) Thank you ma’am!
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Disney Bride Monica met runners (ALL princess, not just this Aurora), with the chEAR card. It was a huge hit! Thank you for spreading our collective Disney Side girl!!
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Though small gestures, each smile, each thank you proved that we had successfully paid our Disney Side forward. Something tells me they will do the same.
So that’s the Disney Side I’m surrounded by; folks, no good friends, willing to share and pay the magic forward. For me, there’s no better side to have. Luggage or not!
I am crying. You have had the BEST celebration to date! 🙂 You are amazing. I want to be just like you when I "grow up!"
I have to say Beth, even though I didn't have a party, this was such a FUN alternative! (And it made the miles pass more quickly! :D)
Oh my! I wish I had been paying attention. I would have sent you some booty too. What a thoughtful way to share your #DisneySide! Brava!!
Thank you, thank you Lucinda. You did! And I am so grateful you shared the magic with me. 😉
You are such an amazing Disney Princess!I love your generous and caring #DisneySide – the perfect way to share the #DisneyLove!! So proud to call you my friend!! My favorite #DisneySide Celebration yet!! XOXO
YOU are the reason and the inspiration Donna! Thank you so much for making it happen friend!! XXOO
This was such an amazing gesture and so "disney-ish". You looked beautiful in your running costume! You don't even look like you've broke a sweat! -M
That might explain my less-than-stellar times Meranda! Thanks for your kind words. 😀
I agree with Beth, this is the best way to celebrate your Disney Side. I am so happy that I get to call both you and Donna Kay friends. 🙂
Ditto Melissa; this extra spark of pixie dust was just what I needed during this race!
Perfect way to share your #DisneySide is to help bring out the #DisneySide in others. Love it! Thanks for sharing!
A smile really can make your day Sean; and your race!!
What a great day you had and what a perfect way to celebrate your #DisneySide! I swear, your posts make me actually want to take up running. 🙂
I'm hoping for just that Cindy! Let me know if I can help in any way- go for it!!
What a great idea! This is the epitome of #DisneySide
One little spark… can be a dream come true. I so appreciate that spark in my Disney friends!
Wow Didi the way you paid it forward during the race is exceptional. I got a little vaklemp reading this. The magic of Disney is everywhere, in everyone and you just proved it <3
!!! I think vaklemp describes my runDisney experience in general. Thanks Suzanne!!