(and you can too!)
I plopped down on the couch in front of the tv, the usual routine, and began to devour my dinosaur egg oatmeal before I headed out to the bus stop for yet another day of 1st grade. “Full House” was on, as per usual on weekday mornings, but today something was different. It was THE episode, the one that changed my little life, the episode that made me a dreamer.
(The House Meets the Mouse Part 1 & 2)
I watched in awe as the Tanner family traveled to Disney World and Michelle became the “Princess of the Day”, practically owning Magic Kingdom for an entire day. Already loving Disney, this became the unattainable dream, to become Princess for a day. I silently vowed that one day, that would be me.
It was one of those dreams you wish would happen but you doubt ever will.
I carried that dream in my heart and eventually made an entire list dedicated to my Disney dreams (being that they were beginning to pile up).
(Click here if you want to see my Disney Bucket list)
FAST FORWARD 20 YEARS
I was focused on a completely different Disney dream, to get engaged in front of Cinderella’s Castle. I had been dating this guy Brandon (my now husband!) for a while and we wanted to take a little trip to Florida together. We had discussed getting married and I knew that he had asked both of my parents for their blessing to marry me.
Brandon had known from the beginning that I was obsessed with Disney and I’m not gonna lie, I definitely hinted that I had to get engaged on Main Street in front of Cinderella’s Castle. So, needless to say, I knew that the proposal was coming on the one day we chose to go to Magic Kingdom.
I made sure to do my hair and makeup pristinely, and it’s a good thing I did, because little did I know that two of my dreams would come true that day. As soon as we got through the gates and the castle was in view, I anxiously awaited.
Anxiously awaiting, every five minutes I would ask myself, “Is he gonna do it now?” We stood and marveled in front of the castle. I inched closer, as he is about to open his mouth…and a dance party parade started jamming, heading in our direction, right in front of the castle.
We awkwardly walked away and tried to pass some time walking around in Liberty Square.
Hearing the music die down, we made our way back to the front of the castle, seeing another couple take engagement pictures. It felt like it was constantly the worst timing. We walked away, yet again, and this time we tried to keep ourselves busy by going on Haunted Mansion.
By now, this was Brandon’s third attempt at walking back toward the castle. I could see that his courage was waning and he just wanted to get it over with. I knew it was coming but I was still dying inside. I had waited my whole life for this moment, for my prince charming.
We stood there, directly in front of the castle and he got down on one knee. Time stood still as he asked me to marry him. It was a moment of pure magic.
I jumped up and down and screamed, “Yes!” As the cheering crowd dissipated, a woman with a Disney name tag approached us. She said she noticed our engagement and that we seemed like a cute couple who was really in love (and that she sees couples get engaged all the time). She then asked us if we had ever heard of “The Grand Marshal”…
“YES!” I shouted a little too loud and then got very quiet because I could feel the Disney magic swirling around me. She laughed and asked if we would like to be the Grand Marshals for the day.
I answered for both Brandon and I, “Yes, yes and yes!”
She gave us a time and place to meet her in the afternoon to ride in the parade.
As she walked away, I jumped up and down, kissed Brandon and thanked God because I had two of my biggest dreams come true at once!
Perks of Being The Grand Marshal
A few hours later, we met her in a secret spot where she gave us some special gifts.
She gave us a special certificate stating that we were the Grand Marshals, special Grand Marshall Mickey Ears, a free photo pass for the day (with a free print at the Photo Pass+), free fast passes for the day, and a special float to ride on in the afternoon parade.
We were supposed to ride in the parade with our own personal photographer during that time, but due to a heavy storm, it just didn’t work out, but we got a free engagement shoot instead!
(Now, the title of “Princess for the Day” has been changed to Grand Marshal, but I assure you, you still feel like a princess.) They even made a little call for us and we got in right away at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, so we could celebrate our engagement.
There was no lack of Disney magic that day. It was one of the best days of my life. The little girl inside me had her dream come true. And if this is your dream, it can happen for you too. All you need is just a little faith, trust and pixie dust!
IF IT’S YOUR DREAM TO BECOME THE GRAND MARSHAL…
It can happen for you! But, it is extremely rare to be chosen because only one family is chosen per day.
Be genuine. Be real. You need something that sets you apart from the heaps of people in the park. You never know who is watching. Whether its an engagement, helping somebody else, or celebrating your birthday, think about what sets you apart. The key is to have genuine joy and not to expect it, because it’s a one in a million chance to become Grand Marshal in Magic Kingdom.
If this is your absolute dream, it CAN happen for you! I’m rooting for ya!
See you in the parade!
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