Welcome to those of you joining me from Disney with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 4th stop on our Magical Blogorail.
I'm thrilled to be participating in the Magical Blogorail for the very first time on the Orange Loop, and I can't think of a better way to introduce myself to all of you then this week's theme: "Your Disney Side."
In case you're wondering what your "Disney Side" is..."It’s the side you simply can’t wait to share. It’s the side of you that laughs more, screams more, and just plain lives life to the fullest. It’s the side of you that comes out to play the moment you and your family step through the gates of a Disney theme park." - Disney Parks Website
Now, I think that's a good example of a "Disney Side", but I think that you'll find that Disney Sides vary from person to person. Disney knows this as well, and goes further by having a quiz you can take to figure out your Disney Side.
I got the "Timeless" Disney Side.
I guess that makes sense since I've been going to Disney all my life. My family starting going when I was just a little kid, I even worked there one semester on the College Program, and now, as Disney Vacation Club members, I take my family there nearly every year.
But there's nothing that says you only have one Disney Side. I'm pretty sure I have multiple Disney Sides, and they're not just parts of me that come out at a Disney theme park. The reason many of us blog about Disney is because we have Disney Sides we want to express while we're NOT in a Disney theme park. I think Disney has touched and shaped my life in so many ways that it would be difficult to find a side of me that doesn't have some Disney in it.
So How would I describe my own Disney Side?
I think I'm like the the Great Goofini!
Though, with the kids in tow, I probably look more like this...
Like the Great Goofini, I'm an adventurous, thrill seeking, gadget-toting, "goofy" dad who's not ashamed to embarrass himself (or his family) in the name of fun! I like to think of myself as a life-long learner, not being afraid to make mistakes. I've grown up with Disney and hope to continue to do so, and watch my kids do so as well.
Walt Disney World is where I experienced my first thrill rides, once I was tall enough... I love all the mountains, coasters, and unique thrills that Disney offers... and I can't wait for them to add more!
and of course, I've got my camera out to record the experience...
I've also discovered that I'm more adventurous in other ways at Disney. I love to try new things, especially food.
I also love getting pictures with characters, and not just being one. This started as a kid, and I went through a teenage phase where I was too cool for it, but thankfully as an adult, I've rediscovered that side.
I especially love the hard-to-find characters. So much so, that on one of my new Disney adventures, my first Half Marathon, I risked being swept to get every character picture I could manage!
And when I'm not getting my picture taken... I'm taking pictures. Thousands and thousands of pictures....
When not at a theme park, you can find me watching Disney Junior even when the kids aren't home, or enjoying classic and new Disney animated features. I torture my wife and kids by singing Disney songs... even "princess" songs.
I'm also a collector. My baseball side and Disney sides have merged to create a collection that will eventually threaten to need its own room.
And these are just the balls... I've got jerseys, hats, gloves, ties, watches, bobble heads...
My Disney side also comes out for almost every holiday. I take inspiration from the way Disney decks out the parks for the holidays. My dream is that one day my Christmas display will look like this:
and don't get me started on Halloween....
and of course, Halloween is a great excuse to get dressed up and be more of a character at home!!
So there you have it. I feel like I've covered most of my Disney Side... but I'm sure like my children's toys, there are bits and pieces everywhere that I just overlooked.
I'll leave you with one last image... here's me doing a cartwheel outside the International Gateway. I did it because... well, why not!
Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Ashley Aspires.
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:
4th Stop ~ Home is Where the Mouse Is (You are Here)
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