“THE END -- And They Lived Happily Ever After”

That’s the big finale of most Disney movies and so it was for us. Our Disney journey came to an end last night, and of course we will live happily ever after….well, once we cross over to heaven, that is. But for now, we’ll carry so many precious memories from 10 years ago (yesterday morning we watched those photos and “remembered” together).

Then we made our way to the water park for a relaxing, fun, and “wet” morning. Then off to our final Disney adventure at Hollywood Studios again. It was my favorite day because we were able to get to do “do-overs” or our favorite rides with Fast Passes, watched several shows -- Indiana Jones movie set and stunt actors performing, Beauty and the Beast and the grand finale was Fantasmic. Waiting for Fantasmic to begin, I had just said to Staci “I need inspiration for my post for tomorrow”, and then the show began. My inspiration came immediately. A mountain-set surrounded by a water lagoon was a great backdrop for Mickey Mouse and his magical laser light show where the forces of good and evil were battling it out in Mickey’s dream. We saw Disney heroes, princesses and lots of villains from many of Disney’s best: Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Lion King, 101 Dalmatians and many others. But when the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with Cruella de Vil, and a larger-than-life Maleficent turned Mickey's dreams into a nightmare, Mickey and his ability to overcome evil with his good saved the day again. The add on of pyrotechnics, laser lights and lots of dancing water made the dream come to life. Lots of Disney tunes were heard.

While Disney has taken a lot of hits because of what people see as underlying hidden messages and controversial storylines in their films, we still can see their efforts to make us become better people who believe that good always wins over evil. Kids today still love watching the Disney movies that we all loved when we were kids. I even found myself getting goosebumps when the Beast turned back into the prince as we watched the show yesterday. The Beast learned to love instead of being the conceited, hateful monster that he once was. How's that for a love story?

Here’s my take-aways from our Disney adventures:
~ Family time equals special and intentional “I love you so much that I want to spend time with you and celebrate you.”
~ Always remember that you are absolutely unique.
~ Never lose that childlike spirit, no matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be.
~ Always learn and discover new things, new horizons, be open and ready for new adventures and new experiences.
~ Never let others’ negative thoughts affect your life.
~ Never give up on your goals. Do your best and work hard to achieve your dreams and potentials.
~ Life can be hard sometimes. We all know that. However, the message Disney sends us is not about despair, it’s that there’s a light at the end of every tunnel. It often appears when we least expect it. And, in those of us who believe in THE LIGHT -- we can ALWAYS expect Him to show up for us!
~ Never stop dreaming and give your best to everything you set your heart and mind to do!

In the “Mickey/Disney” world it’s “Never stop believing in magic.” But, I like to say it this way “Never stop believing in a God in Whom ALL things are possible. And in His grand scheme of things…. “Good not only overcomes evil, but it is so good, that we will get to live happily ever after with the Prince of Peace who was willing to give His ALL for you and me.” That's a true LOVE story that never says THE END!