In 2006, my family of five visited "The Happiest Place On Earth": Disney World. Ten years later, we found ourselves back.
This time our first stop was Magic Kingdom. We got up early hoping to beat the massive crowds that would pour in at opening time, but if you know my family, you know we were running just a tad behind schedule. Once in the park, we began to map out our day—what rides we would see, what attractions we would visit, etc.
Before we left for Orlando, Mom had pulled out old photos from our visit 10 years ago. After cracking up at several photos, we made it our mission to reenact our favorites.
The first reenactment photo we took was in front of Cinderella's Castle. As we were goofing off and laughing all the while trying to reenact a particular old photo, a man by the name of Brick Bell (I remember it well because he later remarked, "Brick like a house, Bell like a ding-a-ling"...how could you forget that?) approached us. While we were still taking pictures he began asking us questions. We would answer and then quickly get back into picture formation.
After we were done with the mini photoshoot (so it seemed), he pulled us to the side and what happened next confirmed that Magic Kingdom is The Most Magical Place On Earth.
"Twice a week my boss sends me out on a mission to find a family," Brick began. "Today I found you guys." Our ears began to itch with anticipation as he asked, "How would you guys like to be in a parade today as our honorary Grand Marshall family?"
Well, I would like to say I was filled to the max with enthusiasm, but I think my mom's jumping up and down and squeaky OH MY GOODNESS, YES YES YES! beat me by just a hair. Nonetheless, we were all so excited and shocked to be a part of something so special and rare at Disney World.
After we calmed down enough to understand his next instructions, he collected some basic information and told us where we needed to meet him and at what time.
Finally the time came for the parade, and for once in Stotts family history, we showed up early to our meeting place! (Granted, I'm usually the one causing the tardiness, oops...) He greeted us, gave us further instructions, gifted us with the special Grand Marshal Mickey Mouse ears, introduced us to our own personal paparazzi, Miss Connie, and showed us to our very own carriage.
We were told, "Smile and wave the entire time because you're excited and having fun! And if one arm starts to hurt from waving, that's why you have the other one." We laughed, but they weren't kidding!
The parade began and we all smiled bigger than we had ever smiled and waved until we forgot how to wave. It was such an exhilarating moment. No one knew us, but we waved to one another and smiled as if we had some sort of connection. That feeling was indescribable.
After our carriage made it to the end of the route, we were given a roped off area from which to watch the following parade. We saw all the Disney princesses and other characters float by and the magic of Disney felt so tangible. I think we were still coming off our Grand Marshal high.
After the parade was over, we stood around and laughed as a family because it felt as if our cheeks were stuck in a smile. In that moment, I realized that Disney is noted as The Happiest Place On Earth because it brings family and friends together in such a special way.
So thank you Disney World, thank you Magic Kingdom, and thank you Brick Bell for helping my family truly experience the happiness and magic of Disney.
