Sacre Bleu! Invaders!

The Beast's castle is underway and looking mah-vehlous for the 2012 opening. Can't wait!

Darth Vader does Disney

Guess what?

Disney's Star Tours is now up and running. Did they alert the public with an ad showing kids playing in the ride, or demonstrate how fun the new refurbishments are now that they are (completely?) changed?

That would be nice, except this is Disney.

The result? Darth Vader goes and spends a day at Disneyland!

Irish SPF

It's finally summer. To many, this means soaking up the sun, walking outdoors without worry of massive amounts of sunscreen, or spending time outdoors without consequences. To those of us that have skin that will resemble a lobster without proper protection, it means the time has come to smell like a cheap coconut tree.

The battle between Mother Nature continues...

Sun: 2
Meg: 0

I think the only step to take would be those Banana Boat butlers with the umbrellas. Think I can craigslist them?

Harry Freakin' Potter

Orlando has many different attractions to offer tourists: Sea World, Busch Gardens, Universal, Disney, and countless others. It's a challenge to check everything off the "must see" list, whether the Orlando vacation is six days or (in my case) six months.

I didn't have a chance to see Universal when I was part of the College Program. I have wanted to go to Orlando's Universal Studios for a few years now, having only been there once as a child. Since it has been more than a decade between visits, I really can't remember anything about Universal except for the Jaws ride (and no one wants that as their only theme park memory!)

When the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened, I thought it was high time, and my duty as an Orlando civilian, to pay Harry and his gang a visit.

Was it worth the wait?
Yes.

Was it everything I could have wanted and more?
Yes (though I wish there was actually room in the shops to move around let alone breathe!)

Was the butterbeer wonderfully amazing?
Ohhhh yes.

Harry Potter is the new reason to visit Universal. As soon as the park opened at 8 a.m. we bolted in the direction of Hogwarts' magical spires, along with the countless others with the same idea in mind. We visited the ride inside Hogwarts first, where the wait time jumped from 40 minutes to 80 minutes. The interior of the castle was absolutely incredible, with an attention to detail that would make J.K. Rowling smile with pride.

We attempted to walk through the Hogsmeade shops, but between the frowning cast members and swarms of tour groups with color coded shirts, the shops were stifling and overcrowded at best. Despite this, it was still a magical experience to feel transported to Hogwarts. I would recommend going straight to the Harry Potter castle ride first, followed by the Flight of the Hippogriff, and topped off with a glass of Butterbeer while strolling the shops. If there is sweltering heat (as we experienced) or rain, don't expect to find shelter inside.

If you have a chance, grab an ice-cold Butterbeer, climb aboard Platform Nine and Three Quarters and pay a visit to Harry Freakin' Potter!

I Would Walk 500 Miles

Or maybe I would just drive the 1, 200 miles to Orlando.

Still, 20 hours, six states, and many cramped muscles later, we made it! My mom and I drove in record time with the help of Belle (the car) and Gaston (the GPS). We were greeted late Sunday afternoon with a bristling temperature of 101.

Welcome to Florida!

Goodbye until Tomorrow

It's hard to say goodbye to family.

A goodbye feels like forever.

On Thursday, the Regina girls had one last "HYEA-zzah" before heading to Orlando. These girls have been my family and my support system through the years, and I am so blessed to have them in my life. They are so talented and I cannot wait to see what their futures bring.

I can't write more without feeling lost without them, but I will say this: it's not goodbye. As Mickey says, "See you real soon! Why? Because we love ya!"

How the 100 Acre Woods Roll...

Confessions of a Former Fairy Godmother

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was a magical place, whether the white rabbit was hopping by for a visit, or pirates had once again stolen Cinderella's crown from the display. It was a place full of memories and infectious joy, where smiles were seen on princesses and queens alike.

Over my time as a Fairy Godmother-in-Training, here are a few of the most memorable stories told to princesses:

Who had a crown taken by pirates?

1. Don't ever look in the mirror before your hair is done. Why? Tinkerbell will turn your hair green. She doesn't like peekers!
2. That cold slimy liquid in your hair is not "gel." It's Stitch's spit. And yes, there is a story behind that.
3. As your fairy godmother, we never use regular makeup. Only crushed rosepetals for rosy cheeks, and sugarplums for your lips. Eat your heart out, cosmetic industry.
4. That knocking on the door isn't just anyone trying to get in. It's Prince Charming. But since he has forgotten his house keys once again, he should be renamed Prince Forgetful.
5. Yes, I can name all seven dwarves. And tell you what each one had for breakfast.
6. Where do we fairy godmothers live? Well, you may have seen that nice lovely castle in the center of the Magic Kingdom...We live on the third floor in pink matching bunk beds, of course.
7. There is no such thing as "glitter." There is, and will only be, pixie dust.
8. If a dress or crown is missing in the castle, it's due to curious pirates. Make sure all your jewels and watches are still with you when exiting the boutique!
9. We don't have cars in the Magic Kingdom. We have Magic Carpets.
10. When your fairy godmother says you are beautiful, it is the absolute truth.

Let the Memories Begin

"Good bye may seem forever. Farewell is like the end, but in my heart is the memory and there you will always be." -Walt Disney Company

Disney Spring Vacation '11

In May 2010, a tearful farewell was said to the place I had called home for five wonderful months. The place where wishes and dreams came true. The place where anything was possible. Goodbye to the castle, the laughter, the magic. Where else in the world do you have the opportunity to change lives in just a smile, transform a day with just a word? Being a fairy godmother-in-training had been an opportunity of a lifetime, with so many tales of beautiful little princesses and their fantastic families.

Even before my recent May graduation from the University of Missouri, I was sure that I was set for whatever "the real world" would bring. So I began to plan, to organize my life, all the while secretly pining for Mickey to take me back.

And then, that fateful day in April. The phone call that commenced in a sputtering blur (in my part) but ended with a "And you have a magical day!" The phone call that told me to grab my Mouseketeer hat and celebration button. The call that told me there was still magic to be found.

And here I am. One week left in Chicago before the great adventure happens once more.

Let the memories begin!