It’s a new year, which provokes a lot of thought and soul searching for many people, including myself. I usually don’t put too much stock into the coming year, I’m not huge on making resolutions that I can’t keep, or vow that I’m going to do *blank* differently this go around. Sure, I hope for better, strive for more, but that’s all I can do. So, what makes this year different? For me, a dreaded milestone birthday….. and the fact that yes, I’m still a Disney Princess!
Age is just a number, and nothing rings that truer than the fine folks at Disney. Whether it be through movies, merchandise, or of course the various Parks, Disney helps you check your age at the door. Numbers don’t matter. So, what should this matter to me? I was reading a few different blogs posted on Facebook recently, about certain birthday milestones and feeling your age (or not). I also saw another article of old movies and such from the 80’s, and it made me feel….. old….. for a minute. You mean to tell me Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, and Sixteen Candles aren’t current and hip movies anymore? What do you mean girls these days don’t know that Jake Ryan is the ultimate dream date? Don’t know who “The Corey’s” are? Never been to a New Kids on the Block concert?? What kind of world is this?? Then I remember…. Michele, you’re not a KID anymore. Well, according to who exactly?
That’s just it, I feel like a kid, minus the aches and pains occasionally or the fact that I can’t do cartwheels across the lawn like I used to. Maybe that’s why I’m still such a Disney nut. I really, really believe that Disney allows us to be a kid at any age. When I go into a Disney Store, I still look at the dolls and stuffed animals, and seriously want one. I will still look at Disney jewelry and shirts when I’m out and about, and yes, I buy them. When I know I’m getting ready to go on a Disney vacation, I still can NOT sleep the night before, just like when I was little. Actually, now that I’m a big girl, I can choose to leave at 3:00 in the morning if I want, no need to wait till breakfast time! Getting older has it’s perks. I just throw the kids in the car and go, and they don’t mind!
Let’s see…. what else? I keep track of what Disney Movies are coming out and when, just to make sure I (ahem, the kids) get to see them in a prompt manner. Disney is STILL the ONLY place I strive and save to go to on vacation. The ONLY place. Maybe I’m missing out on tours of wineries or seeing Broadway plays like other “grown ups” but I honestly don’t care. I’d rather go to Disney. Does this ever have to change? Just because the number of candles on your birthday cake goes up, does that mean you don’t get to still be a kid? In my opinion, it’s just a number. Walt Disney was right. His philosophy was spot on, kids are kids no matter what your age is!
Time marches on, and for this seasoned Disney Princess, it’s not a fun process. So, what do I do? Since I can’t fight it, and that birthday is coming whether I want it to or not, I have to embrace it. My kids tell me I look “young” and I feel young, so why not? Yes, I’ll still watch those Disney Movies, I’ll still buy that fun Disney jewelry, and YES, I’m still going to save for the ONLY vacation I want to take this year, and that’s Disney World. You can be a Disney Princess or Prince at ANY age, so have fun, enjoy yourself, and celebrate all year long with me! Age has no place when it comes to all things Disney!
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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Thank you all so much for the comments! It does my heart good to read your experiences and know that you can relate to mine!!! 🙂 M
Heading to Disney tomorrow!! 52 at the end of the month and can’t wait to visit the Mouse House!!
Amen to that!! I’m glad I saw your article. I’m hitting the big 3-0 next year. I still love Disney as much as I did as a kid as I do now.
As a Disney World lover, I take pride in my age. Disney World and I were both born in Florida 1971. 😀
I know that the only time I age is when I’m away from Disney. When I am at Disney I am 5 years old.
I had a milestone birthday last year a big one and family and friends took me to WDW to celebrate. I had not been looking forward to the birthday but Disney made it OK. I bought Mickey ears for the first time. We had breakfast in the castle where I got my picture taken with the princesses. I wore my birthday pin for several days. And only Disney allowed me to do this. It’s magic keeps us young at heart.
I am 52 and have spent several b-days at WDW. I still go see all the Disney movies when they come out, watch them on TV, and love anything Disney. I have gone on a few non-Disney cruises, and some other non-Disney vacations but only after my yearly WDW vacation was completed (23 years of visits). I have not been there in the last 3 years as life got in the way but my New Years resolution this year is to return home in 2014. I am otherwise a very normal sane person, but only because my Disney fix keeps me sane, positive, upbeat, and young.
I’m 59, leaving for WDW in 2 days, if Chicago airports are functioning! I may not be a ‘princess’ but I do love Disney. Even my preschool students bring me goodies after they visit, and they’ve supplied me with more Mickey mugs or Minnie clothing than I’d ever be able to buy! Looking forward to the Vera bags and the Run Disney ‘Minnie’ shoes on my visit, as well as all the parks and 5 character dines : )
I’m 44. My wife is 40. We have ZERO kids (unless you count the cats) and we still go to Disneyland or Disneyworld every year, or so. And we live in Canada so it’s not that close.
Disney is simply the best place on Earth, period.
Disney is not about kids (at least, not JUST about kids) and it’s not about age. It’s about magic, and believing. And we believe.
Well said. The world is always my first choice. There is just something transforming just walking through the gates.
I am not afraid to say that I will be 45 in March but what bothers me most about this is that I have never spent a birthday at WDW! I want to feel special and be able to wear the “Today is My Birthday” pin at WDW!! I am also a Disney Princess and that, (aside for waiting for my Prince to come) is my biggest wish!
I am so glad to read this. I am hitting the big 3-0 this year and society tells me I should be acting a certain way. But being a Disney Princess I don’t have to…. Take that society I still get to dream and live my Disney lifestyle,