Spring is beginning to creep into northeast Ohio and I am feeling the need to clean, re-decorate and even freshen up my blog. I checked and it has been since JANUARY since I have had anything interesting to say. That is just ridiculous. LOL
Actually, I have been very busy fulfilling my duties for TOS Review Crew testing and writing about loads of wonderful curriculum for the homeschool. Check out my other blog here.
Being a part of the TOS Review Crew has been an amazing, God-directed experience this year. I have met so many wonderful people, been privy to so many wonderful new homeschool curricula and had a hoot writing all about it on my blog. TOS Crew is comprised of some seasoned bloggers who have taught me a great deal. Most recently, April E taught us about the fun of "memes". I discovered that my mentor, Heidi Strawser has a meme called Destination Disney and was too excited to jump on board and participate. You can find Heidi's blog at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ReviewsbyHeidi/
So...to honor Thursday as Disney Day you are all getting my first contribution to that. Enjoy!
Sunset Blvd.: Hollywood Studios
My family and I have been going to Disney World for 15 years. We try to take a family trip about every three years depending on impending births, etc. We just celebrated our 6th trip and for the first time traveled in January. Lucky for us most of the Christmas decorations were still up, but most of the crowds had left. We traveled from January 1-8th; an ideal time for weather, crowd and price issues, by the way.
Having never experienced the splendor of Disney Christmas I felt like a kid visiting for the first time as I looked at all the decor which in true Disney style was truly amazing. My favorite, favorite, favorite thing of the whole trip took place in Hollywood Studios, however, on New York Street. I know this was supposed to be about Sunset Blvd, but you will understand why I have to write about New York Street in just a minute.
We had just finished dinner at The Sci Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant which is an experience in itself. There seemed to be a huge crowd walking towards "The Osborne Family Light Show" which was around the corner and down the street (New York St.) We decided a small walk after dinner would be a great way to end the day and followed the crowd to check it out.
Oh my! "Light Show" was such an understatement. The entire street was wrapped in Christmas lights! I read a sign that said 5,000,000 lights had been used and I think that might have been a conservative estimate. If the color weren't enough some of the lights blinked on and off in time to Christmas songs which were being broadcast from a magical location. I literally stood in the midst of a giant crowd in the middle of the street with my mouth hanging open, speechless and enraptured. It must be what heaven will be like.....beautiful beyond imagination!
Frozen by the beauty, captivated by the music and celebration, I certainly wasn't expecting more, but oh yes! there is always more at Disney! Standing in 70 degree weather with my family, enjoying the beautiful splendor it began to "snow". I am from bitter cold northeast Ohio and snow in January is not beautiful beyond measure here, but to be warm, and feasting on a visual and auditory Christmas treat only to have it snow was perfection. I felt like I was playing a part in a beautifully scripted Christmas movie about a Mom who's Christmas wish came true. Surrounded by her dear family, some of whom I had been separated from all Fall, captivated by Disney magic.....well, it is a moment that I thanked God for immediately and I will never forget.
Below is photo which doesn't do justice to being in the midst of the lights. I hope the story inspires you however, to go ahead and splurge on a family vacation to Disney. It is worth the investment.
Comments
Mar. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Tammy
We just took a trip in December and that was the first time we had ever seen the Osborne Lights, I agree they are beautiful!
Check out my post at http://threedifferentdirections.blogspot.com/2009/03/destination-disney-dhs-sunset-boulevard.html