When You Wish Upon A Star

My childhood was spent mostly as the daughter of a single parent who did everything she could to make sure I never felt that I was getting less or doing less than any other child.

For the the ups and down of my childhood, I have really good memories all thanks to my mom.

One of the major things that we could do together was see movies.  We faithfully saw every single Disney movie  as it hit the screens in Scotland.

I also grew up watching all the Disney shows on TV back in the ’70’s, from nature shows (those poor lemmings) to things like Escape to Witch Mountain.

I loved all things Disney.

Disney and Disneyland represented a magical world of fairies, pirates, and princesses.   Disneyland was far far away in that mystical land of California that I only ever saw on television and film.

Needless to say, when mom and I finally made it to Disneyland when I was 19, it was quite the emotional experience.  We were both like children all over again.

I managed a couple of more trips to Disneyland after that…just one day trips….but it wasn’t until 2008 when my dear friend bought us the tickets, did we manage to take our children there and experience the place as a family.

Seeing Disneyland through my kids eyes was so much fun.   It was a week of fun and laughter and total exhaustion.   It was a total escape from reality and just living the life that Walt Disney wanted people to experience.  Magic.

My daughter Caitlyn lives and breathes princesses.  She has countless Barbie Princesses, books, video games, colouring books….you name it..if it is about princesses…she has it.

I don’t think the kids have missed ONE Disney movie either at the theatre or on dvd.  We have QUITE the collection.

She asks all the time when are we going to Disneyland again or can we see Disneyworld…..it never ends.

Both the kids watch the Family Channel which is pretty much ALL Disney productions.

You get the picture.

So, you can imagine my total disbelief when a lovely lady called Angela asked if the Crunchy Carpets family would want to join her on the inaugural sailing of the Disney Wonder from Vancouver to Alaska!

I thought she was yanking my chain if you get my drift.

I have harassed this poor woman to confirm that yes indeed, this was real.  And it is!

We sail away on May 3rd!

I can’t even describe how excited I am.

The children are hysterical.   I couldn’t NOT tell them.  YES waiting till they were getting ON the boat would have been fun…but I have been doing a happy dance for the last two days now.

I truly do not have the words to thank Angela and Disney Cruise Lines and the world of Walt Disney.

It is a dream come true and a real gift to my family.

I cannot wait to share with you all our experiences on board the Disney Wonder.  Prepare for much images and stories on Crunchy Carpets!

Also….I have NEVER ‘cruised.’  Ever.  This is a totally new experience for me.  The closest I have gotten to a cruise is the BC Ferries and a wee jaunt around Loch Lomond on a paddle steamer when I was a kid.

Now I must go shopping for ‘cruise wear’..and get my hair done…and and and….

Photos are courtesy of the Disney Cruise News.