Disney Land: Kathryn's Coronation

One of the main things you wanted to do at Disney Land, Katie, was to go to the castle.

Unfortunately, the castle at Disney Land is quite a disappointment, as all you can do is walk through a short little tunnel under what looks to be an awesome castle.

There is a shop there now where you and Maddie got your Tinkerbell shirts.

The second day we were at Disney, while our daring older kids rode the big rides, you and I snuck away to the Princess Faire which is a pink and purple, bejeweled and festooned spot nestled between Toon Town and Fantasy Land: it's where you go to visit the Disney Princesses. (And, not coincidentally, all the princess goods are for sale. And I say FOR Sale, not ON Sale.)

We went early to what the brochure called the "Coronation Ceremony."

We found a nearly empty amphitheater, a very long line where girls and their parents were waiting to have their pictures taken with a princess, and Once Upon a Time ... the Disney Princess Shoppe.

We wandered through the shoppe. It was fantastic! You could buy all kinds of princess things there: every princess outfit, complete with shoes, tiarra, and jewelry, all the Princess Dolls in all sizes, and of course, magic wands, swords and shields (every princess needs a knight in shining armor) in every variety. We had a lot of fun looking and picking out our favorite things; yours was Ariel's wedding dress.

There was also a salon of sorts where you could get your hair and makeup done! (A note of trivia: Packages including dresses, shoes, hair and make up started at $130.)

We decided a floor length dress and plastic high heels were not what we wanted for a full day of Disney, but that a little face paint would dress you up just right to meet the princesses.

You looked through the whole book of face paint possibilities and picked the prettiest option. When it was your turn, you sat so seriously in the chair.

(Look, there's a girl becomming Belle behind you in the picture.)

Your efforts paid off; look at this perfect makeup:


After makeup, we went and made a crown for you to wear to the coronation ceremony.

First, you learned how to curtsy and wave as royalty.


Then the Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Snow White came and taught you how to dance.

You were an excellent study.



At the end, they set up May poles, and Sleeping Beauty danced with your group, around and around the pole.



Remember when all the streamers came down from the ceiling?

That was awesome, and we almost carried those streamers with us all day!


What a fun time!

When we had time for pictures, you were excited to sit here.

Then I moved in for a closer shot, and you showed me what you are really made of.

(I promise, I did not pose you at all for this!)


Look at the folded hands! Look at the pointed toes! That's my princess!