Click Your Heels 3 Times and say "There's No Place Like a #DisneySide Celebration"

The Madrone School Wizard of Oz Cast Gets the #DisneySide Surprise of their Lives!

The name Disney and Magic often go hand in hand and are often interchangeable but at no time was this more evident than at last week’s surprise #DisneySide @ Home Celebration thrown for the Madrone Elementary School Cast of “They Wizard of Oz”.  The 60 cast members thought they were being summoned to an unheard of last minute Friday rehearsal.  After being sequestered in the band room and given ears to put on-to make a Friday rehearsal “just a little more bearable”, the cast was ushered to the cafeteria where the booming “Soundsational Parade Music” could be heard through the cafeteria walls.  Once gathered at the doors, it was explained to them that Walt Disney said it best when he said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”  The play, which only a few short months before was just a dream, was about to become a reality but in the meantime, it was time for some fun Disney style. 

To cheers, shrieks and even a few tears of joy, the doors opened to the big reveal-a party to end all parties. Complete with Disney treats aplenty, music from the Parks, their own

Disney photo booth to capture the moment and non stop fun, to be able to see each of these hard working, amazing and talented young people see what the magic of Disney was all about first hand is a snapshot in my mind that I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life. One of the highlights of the party was our Wizard of Oz choreographer, who just happened to be one of forty participants chosen last summer for the DisneyPerforming Arts Conservatory teaching the entire cast actual dances from the Disney Parks!  

To see the entire cast singing, dancing, laughing and living that magic first hand-pure joy. To see them burst into spontaneous singing when “Let It Go” came on the playlist-priceless! 

                                      

To the incredible parents who worked so tirelessly to bring this party to life along with the wonderful folks at Disney who made their dreams come true,  I think I can safely say on behalf of everyone involved that the smiles and the knowledge that for each of these students, the unconditional belief that magic can and does exist created memories that will stay with each one of us over the years to come.

For me personally, this was so much more than “just a surprise party” Each one of us has their own special interpretation of just what Disney has meant to us so just what does #DisneySide mean to me? Quite simply, Disney has allowed me to always live in the moment and to believe in the magic unconditionally. It is my way to stay connected to the child that lives within and has been my constant connection between the generations because with Disney, time literally stands still. It has given me a way to teach my own children, grandchildren and students to never lose track of the child that lies within themselves.. How does one begin to find the words to adequately define something so indescribable from every stage of life, from all walks of life and has the power to embrace the diversity that the world has to offer? Disney has brought to every moment in my life a joy that multiplies in ways that I could have never

imagined. It's literally the foundation I have built my life on, and the lives of my children and now their children. The Disney magic has given me the greatest gift of all to pass on to my children both my own and my students. -It’s not just about making a memory but it's about leaving them a legacy.  To be able to help each of these students discover their own #DisneySide, may the memories they make stay with them a lifetime.  Special thanks once again to Disney Parks, Mom Select, American Tourister, HP and Craisins for their generous donations to our @Home Party Kit! For more information about planning your own #DisneySide @ Home Celebration visit http://www.disneysidecelebrations.com/ 

Always remember the words of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz “And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true”  To be a part of the Madrone School  journey over the rainbow to Oz, be sure to check out our official cast photos at Paulepics.com and to see more #DisneySide Party ideas, visit Wizard of Oz Production Manager Kerry Redemer for all your crafting and party needs!

Last week Disney Gals Judy and Kelly hosted their #DisneySide DCL themed party. You can check out their adventures on the high sea by clicking Here

I received free products, including the celebration kit, from Disney Parks and Mom Select in order to host the #DisneySide @Home Celebration. The opinions expressed here are our own.

Gayle is a Disney Gal that loves churros for breakfast, still gets giddy with delight at the first sight of the “Disneyland next exit sign”, loves the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with each and every return to the Happiest Place on Earth and dreams of one day being the Captain of the Jungle Boat. To learn more about Gayle, click here