With a five year old that dresses like a Disney princess daily, it should come as no surprise that we love going to Disneyland. This summer, Disney is celebrating the summer of heroes with a new attractions, shows, character encounters, and food inspired by some of your favorite super heroes. We grabbed our super friends, and first-timers to Disneyland, and hit the parks for a day of hero fun but with princess style.
Athena and I are regulars at Disneyland but when we found out that our friends, June (Athena’s friend) and Amanda (June’s mom and my friend), hadn’t been to Disneyland yet, we were beaming with joy at the chance to show them the Disneyland we love.
Since Disneyland is celebrating a summer of heroes, Athena arrived at the park wearing her cape. We also had her mask packed in the bag in case she needed to get in disguise during the day. We were prepared, but our friends had another plan in mind. Since it was June’s first time to Disneyland, Amanda offered to take us to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to find matching princess dresses for the girls. We might think of Black Widow or Captain America when we think of Super Heroes, but Athena and June think of Princess Elena of Avalor.
Once in their dresses, we were given a tip that Princess Elena could be found in a gazebo near Goofy’s Sky School at Disney California Adventure. Athena was literally dancing in the street on her way to see Princess Elena. (It helped that there was a parade in front of us and great music playing all the way to the gate.
Both girls were so excited that they peered in the window of the gazebo to catch a glimpse of Princess Elena. When they saw her, they were overjoyed that she was wearing the same dress as them. It was the magical moment that you dream of having at Disneyland.
The dancing continued when the girls met Princess Elena and they were greeted in royal style. After a warm welcome and a delightful conversation about Avalor, the girls posed with Princess Elena.
We would have felt completely fulfilled if we had drove home after meeting Princess Elena, but there was more to come.
Next, Athena got to put her heroism to the test when she trained with Black Widow and Hawkeye during the Avenger Training Initiative. She faced off against the evil HYDRA organization and she did it like a true princess – in a dress. June cheered wildly for Athena from her seat and when the training ended, June told Athena that she was proud of her. They were so encouraging toward each other throughout the day that I was one proud mom.
The day was about heroes and princesses but we found time for our favorite rides as well. Athena and June are still at the age where A Bug’s Land is whimsical and filled with wonder. They freely put their arms in the air on Flik’s Flyers and spun with delight on Francis’ Ladybug Boogie.
Action, style, wonder, and laughter filled our super hero day at Disneyland. I started out with a narrow-minded view of what makes a super hero but Athena and June reminded me of what it really takes to make a super hero and it involves a lot of princess style.
Disclaimer: Thank you to Disneyland for providing us with passes to visit Disney for the day. As always, all opinions are my own.
Hi Lesley,
The world of princesses and castles fascinates me. In particular, because I have children who love stories, magic, colors, clothes. A beautiful imagery that makes you dream, and nowadays it is necessary more than ever.
Disney then is FANTASTIC. The kingdom of girls and children, where to cultivate their dreams and your post can hit the heart.
Even the photos so real and not done in the studio, highlight the facial expressions, real smiles, emotions.
Thanks so much
Mike M
Hi Lesley,
The world of princesses and castles fascinates me. In particular, because I have children who love stories, magic, colors, clothes. A beautiful imagery that makes you dream, and nowadays it is necessary more than ever.
Disney then is FANTASTIC. The kingdom of girls and children, where to cultivate their dreams and your post can hit the heart.
Even the photos so real and not done in the studio, highlight the facial expressions, real smiles, emotions.
Thanks so much
Mike M