Friday, April 13, 2012

The Top 10 Disney Countdown

So today while I was applying hot pads to my swollen cheeks, contemplating the meaning of life, and playing Sims on Facebook, I happened to glance at my computer clock. Upon glancing, I noticed that today was Friday the 13th.
Now, many of you may think that I grew excited or nervous at this fact, and I did, but for completely different reasons.


In 10 days, I turn 21.


In 10 days, I'm flying to Orlando to go to DISNEY WORLD!


Yes! The Magical Kingdom itself! The happiest place on Earth! And it will be made just that little bit more happy thanks to my BIRTHDAY PRESENCE! 
So as a way to procrastinate effectively and get really excited about my upcoming trip, I decided to detail the TOP 10 REASONS why I'm excited to be going to Disney World in 10 days!


#10 - Visiting New Parks (Epcot, The Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios)
I've been to Disneyland twice - once as a 7 year old for March Break and once in Grade 11 for a band and choir trip - but I've never been to Disneyworld, so I'm really excited to see the huge differences between the two parks! I didn't mention the Magic Kingdom on this list because I've basically seen it before. But Epcot! Animal Kingdom! Hollywood Studios! I CAN'T WAIT!




#9 - Exploring Downtown Disney
I love shopping. But even more than I love shopping, I love browsing, and Downtown Disney is perfect for that. So many awesome Disney themed stores, a T-Rex store that not only has Dinosaur things, but also a dinosaur themed Build-a-Bear workshop, and some wonderful restaurants! I'll probably walk around one evening and just enjoy the sights.


Oh, I'll probably buy something.


#8 - Taking Pictures in the Parks
I am a casual photography nut. That means that I love taking pictures, but I'm not so obsessed with it that it takes over my entire life. I have two cameras that I rely on, my heavy duty one and my hand held one (both Canon) and they suit my needs perfectly, and will for the trip as well. Will I be on my feet and moving all day? HAND HELD! Am I going on a safari and want to take awesome, steady photos? HEAVY DUTY! See? It all depends on the situation.


I should also note that all the photos on this post were taken during my last trip to Disneyland (using a hand held Sony)!




#7 - Getting to Meet Characters and Get Autographs
Disney Nut. That's me! And meeting face characters is probably one of the things that I'm MOST excited about! The way that they embody the characters just makes me so happy, and if I could have one dream come true, I'd get to do that too! Too bad I have a wrist tattoo...
Helloooooo 17 year old Cat!
#6 - La Nouba
La Nouba is a Disney World EXCLUSIVE Cirque du Soleil show, and it's been a dream of the entire family to see it for a while now! We're all HUGE Cirque du Soleil fans in my family, and after having seen a good handful (Varekai, Corteo, Saltimbanco, Kooza) I'm ready to see this site-specific show! We've only seen it on TV and DVD a bunch of times already...


#5 - Disneybounding EVERYDAY!
For those of you that do not know what Disneybound is, shame on you! Disneybound is a wonderful tumblr run by Leslie Kalbfleisch that she started when trying to figure out outfits to wear on her ow Disney trip! Since then, she has created hundreds of outfits based on Disney characters! (and even some non-Disney ones) I'm really going to try to wear a different Disney inspired outfit for every day of the trip! We'll see how that goes!

Princess Couture (not)
#4 - Eating Delicious (if not overpriced) Food in the World Showcase
World Showcase in EPCOT is probably the thing that I'm most excited for within the Disney parks. It features Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan, Morocco, France, UK, and Canada all placed strategically around a lagoon that has, from what I've read, the best fireworks in all the parks. But the foods available! Just think of the variety! My mouth is watering just thinking about it...
My dad and I have also decided to do a mini World Showcase Beer Tour, choosing 3 or 4 countries that we want to try the beers from. SO. EXCITED.


#3 - Spending (the day after) My Birthday in the Magic Kingdom
Words can not express my excitement. We're staying at a resort on location for the first couple of nights, so I'll wake up READY TO SPEND MY POST-BIRTHDAY IN THE PARKS! The best part? I'm starting the day with my mom (whom I share a birthday with) by going to a Disney Princess breakfast in Cinderella's castle. Yup. Disney Princess breakfast. Then the rest of the day will be enjoying my favourite rides within the park, taking pictures, getting autographs, and enjoying a parade and fireworks show before the day is out. Best day ever? Maybe... But let's see how it compares with...

#2 - WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
Seriously, you guys. Oh man. I am going to dedicate a solid 2 days (at least) to this place. At least, that's what I've booked off in my own personal schedule. Dragon Challenge, Forbidden Journey, Hogsmeade, Hogwarts, wand selection, sending people postcards from the Owlery, Dervish and Banges, Honeydukes, Zonkos... the list goes on. I also can't wait to try the OFFICIAL Butterbeer! (although, I must say, I'm disappointed that they don't have an alcoholic version for COMPLETELY LEGAL ME to try!)

And finally...
#1 - Getting to Share the Magic with my Family Again
I love my family. I really, really do. And getting to go to another Disney park with them again is the best birthday gift I could have received. Even my dad is getting excited! (my mom and I are obviously the most pumped about the trip... We've been planning this for AGES) The only person I have to win over yet is my too-cool-for-fun, 19 year old brother... Well, I have 10 days. Let's make some magic happen!