I am in the summer of my sixteenth year.
My days are filled with designer clothes and makeup, creating and re-creating outfits to suit my mood.
With kittens and heartbreak, Taylor Swift and a good book.
But today is different.
Today is filled with Disney, everywhere I look.
I jump out of the car like an excited child and run, my feet transforming into Aladdin’s magic carpet as I soar through the air. I stop in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle and close my eyes. I spin in a slow circle, smelling the magic in the air. “I’m home,” I say in a voice so quiet Jimminy Cricket might not even be able to hear.
I waltz down Main Street. I am Alice in Wonderland, my curious mind begging me to stop at each shop and take a peek. I see a white speck and follow it. I realize what I’m doing and smile to myself.
The white rabbit takes me back to the land of my childhood. I squeal with delight as I go on rides, visiting the friends of my youth. I fly on a magic elephant and race up a snowy mountain with the Yeti. My mom nearly passes out on the teacups.
Suddenly, I am a space explorer. I battle the Evil Emperor Zurg and whiz through outer space, before transforming into a mermaid. I frolic through the water with my tail and visit Nemo, Dory, and an undersea volcano before resurfacing. My time as a mermaid has come to an end.
I am now Pocahontas, exploring the wide open frontier. I shoot laser targets and ride the run-away train. I visit the animatronic critters and splash down the mountain, getting soaked but laughing all the while.
I get transported down south and I’m in New Orleans, visiting ghostly spirits and pirates. I stop at the door to Club 33. I look up at the windows in wonder. “One day,” I sigh.
I turn around and I freeze: there she is. Princess Tiana. I grab frantically for my autograph book and run up to meet her, knowing that I will now have every Disney Princess’ autograph. My dad snaps a picture, a moment frozen in time forever. I thank her and know with certainty that one day I will be here in a gown, joining the princess elite and making kids’ dreams come true.
I am Charlotte La Bouf, waiting in anticipation for my favorite story, Fantastmic, to begin. It’s wonderful, everything I could dream of and more. I see Tinkerbell fly, and brilliant bright lights light up the night sky.
Alas, it is time to go. Back in my Cinderella carriage, I nod off, dreaming magical dreams, still wearing my mouse ears, and clutching my Princess book close to my heart.