Few of my friends know that the only animated movies I enjoy watching are Disney movies. Ironically, I find almost every other one childish and immature. I’m not saying that is a bad thing, but there is a limit to how much one can take. For some reason, however, Disney has always amazed me with their constant creativity and originality. It may be because I grew up watching Disney Channel almost every day while in the kitchen eating breakfast, lunch and dinner. Who knows? And what will never grow old is their movie business. From "Cinderella" all the way to "Moana," Disney has retained a sense of humor that I doubt will ever fade. So here is a toast to Disney for always showing the best in what they do. Keep up the good work! A part of my toast comes from a story that took place about six years ago. Now, this would not make a good Disney movie, but it sure entertains me every time I think of it.
It was Halloween. I distinctly remember the costume I wore and how proud I was when I bought it. "This costume will be better than everyone else’s!" I exclaimed to my mother, twirling around. She would not stop taking pictures of me, but I didn’t care. In fact, I was posing for her.
We ended up running late to the neighborhood gathering. Luckily, I made it just in time to ride the trailer down to each and every home. When I sat down on the hay, I struggled to make myself comfortable in my big, poofy dress.
“What is that?” My neighbor sneered at me.
“What is what?” I asked, confused.
“That,” he said, pointing at my ruffles.
“It’s Gabriella’s prom dress. From 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year.' Duh,” I laughed, searching for someone laughing with me.
But they were laughing at me.
“Nobody is going to know who you are!” another boy said, wearing his Hulk costume.
“I don’t know about you, but everyone else here is too old for Disney movies,” said Spiderman.
“You won’t get any candy,” snickered Luigi.
Of course, I still got candy. But for a majority of the night, I worried about how everyone’s costume was better than mine. I was embarrassed to be running around in a dress nobody recognized. My eyes watered every time parents asked me who I was before they handed me the candy that everyone else got to take themselves. It made me feel as if I were someone who didn’t wear a costume good enough to pick her own candy.
Towards the middle of the night, I rang the doorbell of a big brown house with a glass front door. A middle-aged woman appeared, shuffling towards the entrance. She opened the door.
“Well, hello! Who do we have here?” She asked in a high-pitched voice.
I sighed pretty dramatically before opening my mouth to respond. She cut me off.
“Wait a second. I think I know that dress.”
“Really?” I asked, surprised.
“Yes! Isn’t that Gabriella’s graduation dress? From 'High School Musical'?”
Close enough. “Yeah!” I exclaimed, "You are the first one who guessed it right.”
"Really? Wow." I think she noticed how my blue face changed to a bright smile in an instant.
"Take as much candy as you’d like, Gabriella."
I thanked her after taking the biggest thing I could find, a king-sized Hershey’s bar.
"Also, if anyone else gives you trouble about your costume, just remember that yours is 10 times more original than theirs."
"Really?"
"Of course. I’m sure there are at least five policemen here, four kitty cats, three zombies and two mermaids, but there is only one Gabriella."
After that, the rest of my night was wonderful. I showed up to the rest of the houses with a bright smile on my face, and I got to pick all the candy I wanted. I could tell everyone else was fascinated with my costume. I sure was. And somehow, the costume managed to still fit me the next Halloween.
So to finish off my toast, I would like to thank Disney for teaching me two valuable things: stay original and never stop liking it. I still have the prom dress hanging in my closet, even though it is smaller than every other dress that I own. That does not bother me, though. It stands out, and I love it.
