What you need to know...
As I stated earlier, I am a mom of two boys. Ashton is my oldest son. He is not your "normal" 10 year old. He has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, also called Asperger's disorder, which is a type of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). PDDs are a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize with others,and to communicate. He also suffers from ADHD and anxiety. However he loves all things Disney and is quite the Disney researcher. Ashton loves to wow people with his Disney facts.
Then the story begins...
We went to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party for the 2013 season. We are at the Magic Kingdom wandering around in our costumes, riding rides and enjoying the party. We wondered back to the new Fantasyland. We noticed that Enchanted Tales with Belle wait was only 10 minutes. This is an unheard of wait time, as the wait time is usually hours and is recommend to get a fast pass. I though this is the perfect time to check it out because wait time was minimal, and I have two boys they are not really going to be impressed. What I didn't know at that moment was that this attraction would forever hold a place in my heart.
So we jumped online and read Disney's description which says:
Be magically transported from
Maurice’s cottage to the Beast’s library for a delightful storytelling
experience. You’ll meet and spend time with Belle, and you may even be invited
to play a part in the story. Will you be an enchanted object, or perhaps fill
the role of the Beast with a heart of gold?
The boys moaned and said no. After bribery we got in line. The first part of the wait is in Marcie's workshop, where the boys were entwined with all the gadgets. Then it was our turn and we go in front of Madame De La Grande Bouche, which is the tall dresser. She explains that it is the anniversary of Belle and the Beast. Belle wants to reenact the telling of their story and that all Lumiere and his friends need help to pull this task off. Then the Cast Members ask the kids for volunteers, or have them act out a role and they pick which one they like the best. My youngest son became Belle's trusty steed. However, my oldest got picked to the be the Beast and he was over the moon.
We go into the theater and have a seat. Oh course being the mom I am I sit on the end to take pictures, as I am excited. Luminere lights up and starts telling the story. The Cast Members direct the kids into their parts and show them where to stand. Ashton was in his glory acting his parts out. He was speaking loud and making eye contact. He was transformed into another kid. My heart melted as I saw him come alive. As part of being the Beast you get to dance with Belle. As he danced with her and talked to her the smile on his face and the tears in my eyes were aplenty that night. He got many pictures taken with her at the end, as each child will. The Cast Member came to me and said . "Mom, maybe acting class." I just shook my head yes, as the tears hadn't stopped. To this day when he sees Belle he waves and says, "She remembers me, I danced with her."
So while you may read or hear that is overrated, just give it a try. If it is awful at least your kids got to be a part of something magical and you get awesome pictures from the photo pass photographer who snaps a million. However, it may turn into one of those Disney magical moments that you will never forget. It may show you that no matter how many labels are thrown at you, there is a passion inside of each one of us.
Amanda Hansel is a self proclaimed Disney nerd. She keeps with her 2 pirates in training. When she isn't doing that she loves to help people plan Disney trips. Amanda is also a destination specialist for Snapshot Getaways. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter where she would love to chat with you.
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