Find a Happy Place!

Disclaimer: This post makes references to The Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo. If you are not familiar with those films, you should go watch them immediately and then return!

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Let's be honest here, life isn't always the bubbles. The human world-- it's a mess. Sebastian sure got that one right! 

Now, not to get all deep and turn an animated movie into a metaphorical lesson for our lives, or at least my life, but this is what I thought about last night...

If you are reading this post in your Email, the video doesn't appear, 

but click on the link here to watch!

At times, I feel like somebody is madly tapping away at my life trying to knock me off, like Darla does to the glass on the fish tank--pushing me past my limits, and seeing how long before I crack and break. I know what you're thinking... "woah Lauren, this is a 10 second clip that you MIGHT be, completely reading too much into!" 

Well, I can appreciate your sense of logic and direct approach to life, but I am a Disney fan that likes to find comfort in animated characters and relate their fictional stories to my nonfictional situations.

As I have mentioned in practically every post on this blog (redundant much?), anything related to Disney, specifically Disney parks, is my happy place. Sometimes you have to seek out a happy place for the time-being to get through hard times. As somebody who suffers from depressive episodes, I don't feel this is childish, but I'd argue that this is actually a very realistic coping method for the everyday struggle.

Since I can't always drop what I'm doing and go to a Disney park, I have to find other happy places, if you will, to get by! Last night, that happy place, was hanging out by myself with my Seven Dwarfs blanket, Dumbo pillow, and Mickey Mouse plush, watching Gilmore Girls on my laptop via Netflix. If it wasn't so dang hot out, I might have even made some hot chocolate. Call me crazy!

So my question for you is, what is your happy place? What/where/who makes you smile when times aren't so bubbly?

I am sending you all positive vibes and happy thoughts this week!

x Lauren

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My Disney Instagram: @thefantasticaldream

I haven't posted on the blog in awhile, but it's for a good reason! (or at least that is what I am telling myself to feel better about that fact).

I've been quite busy working on a project that I can't wait to show you when it is finished!

Seeing as May is almost over, I wanted to get one more quick post out there in the world. Eight weeks ago, I started an Instagram account for my Disney photography! I take a lot of pictures when I visit the parks, you would think it was my first time there, and not like I've been going all my life AND ahem.. worked there... haha.

If you've been a follower of my blog for a bit, you'll know that I share photos here from my trips upon returning home, but those are just a fraction of the pictures I've taken!

I follow accounts on Instagram that post Disney pictures because it makes me very happy! I wanted another way to share my photos that would hopefully bring a little bit of Disney magic to people's feeds. 

Why not, right? A little dose of Disney on a regular basis? Sign me up!

The account is @thefantasticaldream. The name is taken from Dream Along with Mickey! I would LOVE it if you went and followed that account, and if you do, I hope it adds a little positivity to your life (because pictures of Disney characters can do that, for the record :D)

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I hope you've had a great month! I cannot believe how fast this year is flying by! Make the most of every moment you can :)

x Lauren

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Big Hero 6, WDW, Nemo, & Cinderella | Disney Happiness Project

Welcome back to another post of weeks from my Disney Happiness Project! I had some catching up to do on this blog, but look, guys! We are almost halfway through the year-long project! That. Is. Exciting! If you have any suggestions of Disney "artifacts" I can focus on in this second half, please send them my way! But for now...


Week 20:

Another thing that took me way too long to do was see Big Hero 6. I actually watched it on an airplane, which made the flight much more enjoyable! I felt out of the loop for a long time with all the references people made, so I'm glad to be in on the jokes and special fist-bumps now :) 

I knew Baymax would be awesome, and it's true... now that I've seen the film, I want a Baymax of my own! If for nothing else, just to give me a daily hug! I do appreciate his comforting words of wisdom as well. Too lovable!

I found the story really interesting and entertaining! I managed to avoid spoilers before seeing it, which is always a score, especially when you're later to the game like I was. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor, and go watch it- and then, let me know that you've seen it! Baymax brings happiness into life, and the film in general, but especially Tadashi's storyline, teaches us that no matter how many tries it may take, our dreams can be achieved. That, my friends is motivating. 

Week 21:

My days are always happy when I can spend them in the place where dreams come true! Walt Disney World is like home to me, I explained that more in this post recapping my recent trip to the resort! I won't reexplain it all for the sake of not being super redundant, but look at that post if you haven't seen it, because I loved writing about my Disney side, and why Disney visits never get old. Trips to Disney property make me happy for the time I'm there, but it lasts far beyond that week or so!

To see more pictures from my trip, click here for:

The Boardwalk

Magic Kingdom

Animal Kingdom & Epcot 

Week 22: 

I've considered making this post for a long time because Finding Nemo: The Musical really is something that makes me happy every time I see it. It is one of my absolute favorite shows on Disney property, and I cannot say enough good things about it. I can't even estimate how many times I've seen it, from years before my program, to the months I lived down in FL on my program, to now my visits since then! 

It is a production that I could easily and proudly recreate for you in its entirety! I listen to the soundtrack all the time in my car, and it makes every drive fun!

"Just Keep Swimming" is a message that is good for everybody to hear, and one of my favorite themes from the show, that I now wear as a reminder in necklace-form. My phone case for those you haven't seen is green with "P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sydney, NSW" printed the same way it is written in both the film and the musical (pictured below). I am a proud fan of Nemo. There are so many good takeaways from the story, that I could talk about it for awhile!

On my recent trip to WDW, I finally met the cast of the show following the best performance of the musical I have seen, and I've seen it a lot so that means something, haha! I used to work at Animal Kingdom, the Disney park that hosts this musical, and over a year ago, I met Tom, a performer in the show! I had been invited to come meet the cast after a show anytime during my program! Unfortunately, I never made it happen because Tom's and my days off overlapped! I've stayed in contact with him though, and on my trip, a dream of mine finally came true!

The show means so much to me, and this moment with the cast was incredible! I loved getting to chat with a few of the cast members before leaving them to do another phenomenal performance! The mom and son pictured with us were sitting in front of us in the theater, and it was their very first visit to Disney, and first time seeing the show! When they accepted my invitation to come meet some cast members after, I was excited to share the magical moment with them!

The show makes me smile. The cast members create such a positive environment, and I couldn't be more thrilled to support them all! "Sometimes things look bad, then poof! The moment is gone! And what do we do? We just keep swimming on!" It has taken awhile for the "poof" moment to happen for me, but any chance I get a glimpse of that is encouraging, and makes me grateful for the story.

This picture shows more of the shimmer on the paper!

To see the pictures with the cast on their own, look at the bottom of this post here (You may have already seen it, and if that is the case, kudos to you!) 

AND if you want to see pictures of the musical itself, I posted a few from my trip in December, which you can see here :)

Week 23:

I'm just going to start off by saying that I have never been a huge fan of the animated film, Cinderella. I know, GASP! I call myself a Disney fan?? (well yes, haha, I do!) I appreciate the film, and the context within which it was made. I have always found the story inspiring and the poster-child for "Dreams Come True." I love the lyric, "Have faith in your dreams and someday your rainbow will come smiling through!" because it doesn't hide the fact that some lives have dark moments where light seems out of reach and impossible, but it isn't. I remember and mentioned in a blog post from 2013 that I cried during that line in Dream Along with Mickey. 

I loved watching Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella growing up, and now love the musical that was on Broadway (albeit not Disney). I've always loved the idea of a live-action Cinderella, so when Disney announced, and then released Cinderella this March, I was so excited. Leading up to it, I was so looking forward to it, and I was not disappointed when I saw it in theaters. I will be buying it the day it comes out in stores! It is a magical, inspirational, spectacle of joy. PLEASE see it if you haven't already, and are able! Even just the trailer makes me happy! The music is gorgeous! 

It is one of my favorite films now- so beautiful!

This page has sparkle all over it, and I love it!

I hope you are having a week filled with happy moments!
x Lauren

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Tarzan, Dumbo, Broadway, and a Nanny | Disney Happiness Project

If you aren't familiar with my Disney Happiness Project, or even if you are, you might be stumbled by the title of this post! It does seem quite random!

It is time to catch-up the weeks from February and March! (and now that we're through with April, add that to the list!) So let's get started!



Week 16:

I don't use Spotify for much, but one of my playlists that I love listening to is one of music from Tarzan the Broadway Musical. The musical wasn't long-lived on Broadway, and in fact, I haven't even seen it, but I do appreciate the music!

I've always loved music from the film, but the expanded soundtrack from the musical is quite fun! When making the page for my book, I ended up writing so many song lyrics that I loved. Some are quite familiar, but others are unique to the stage show. Here are just a few of them:

Put your faith in what you most believe in.

With every ending comes a new beginning.

You've got to hold on.

Oh, I've been waiting for this moment. Oh, it seems like all my life. Here I am- my head is spinning because I'm finally living the life that I dreamed. it seems I've been waiting forever.

Struggling along for years and years... now it's all coming together.

For once I'm happy to be me.

Week 17:

I love Dumbo! I have a Dumbo pillow-pet, and a Tsum Tsum! Haha! If that does not show I'm a fan, I don't know what does :)

There was a day not too long ago where I found myself with some time to kill. Netflix was in front of me, and a moment later, I was watching Dumbo! I had just over 90 minutes to watch something, which was perfect for this movie! 

I had not seen the film since I was much younger, so it was nice to see it for the first time in a long time, and remember its themes that I love a lot! (Cue the Timothy Mouse quote on the page in the picture below) 

Week 18: 

I have always loved Broadway musicals, and I've been blessed to see a good number of productions! I've seen 4 Disney musicals on Broadway, and loved every minute of each of them. ABC aired their special, Backstage with Disney on Broadway: Celebrating 20 Years, back in December, but I didn't get to see it when it originally aired!

Live theater has always interested me. The TV special, reignited my love for it all! Disney on Broadway productions have that extra dose of magic that makes them stand out. They have that special something that I love and is part of the reason why I love Disney so much. The ABC special let me experience the magic of Disney on Broadway from the comfort of my own home. Whether in the theater, or at home, it makes me happy! 

Week 19:

Speaking of Disney musicals I've seen, one of them that I've seen twice is Mary Poppins. Talk about a good example of a feel-good musical that celebrates the everyday magic in possibilities. It reminds you to spend your time in things that matter, and never lose sight of hopes and dreams. Things may seem messy at times, in fact, they may BE extremely messy, trust me when I say that I relate to this idea, but they can be turned around the next moment without warning. Anything can happen if you let it.

When I was in High School, I participated in the Fine Arts program quite a bit throughout my 4 years, and now I go back to celebrate the work of current students and teachers. It makes me so proud to witness a production that impacts people in a great number of ways. Mary Poppins means so much to me and I walked away after seeing my former school's performances with a different appreciation for it. New themes and lessons applicable to my life now emerged and were presented in such a relative fashion. 

You couldn't wipe the smile off my face while watching the musical if you tried. Seriously, I wish I could go frolicking in the park, fly a kite, and tap dance on rooftops! Okay, that sounds like the best day ever!

Life is out there waiting so go and get it.

Go and chase your dreams, you won't regret it.

What has made you happy this week? Disney or not, I want to know!

x Lauren

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Resort Day and Reflection | WDW March Trip Day 5

After some very full, and long days in the parks, it was nice to take a day to just enjoy the Florida weather and take it easy.

We stayed at Disney's Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter for this trip, and loved it! The cobblestone streets, street-lamps, and brick and wrought iron everywhere were lovely! I enjoyed swimming in the pool and eating beignets for the first time! It was quiet and that made it very easy to relax. 

This relaxing day included going to Downtown Disney to get our shopping done and enjoy Earl of Sandwich, a must-have every time we visit! One nice thing was that boats ran from our resort to the Marketplace at Downtown Disney, and with the amazing weather we were blessed with the entire time, a breezy boat ride was very pleasant!

That night we went to the Polynesian for dinner at Kona Cafe, and to then watch Wishes! from the beach! This night required a bit of running around on our part, but once we were watching the fireworks from a swing on the beach, all was right with the world. 

The next day we spent more time at Downtown Disney before flying out later in the evening!

The fact that I was able to go on another trip to Walt Disney World is amazing, and I'm grateful for the opportunity. I work hard, and have chosen to spend my money on trips to Disney because it means a lot to me. It makes me so happy to be back there.

I've said this to a few people, but no, Disney doesn't get old. I never outgrow my curiosity of what Disney is up to! I don't feel like I'm going to a theme park when I go to the parks or plan a trip. I don't go there for the rides anymore. I've been on the attractions, and I've seen the shows, and those are still part of my experiences when I go, and I love that, but that's not all. It truly feels like a place where I meet up with friends, or even coincidentally run into friends I've made! I don't feel the pressure to run around and do everything!

I am completely happy just sitting on the grass around the castle for awhile, or grabbing a drink and talking with friends! It isn't chaotic to me. I am content doing whatever, and just wandering around. A spontaneous dance party? Sure! A short line to meet a character? Sign me up! Ride the railroad around the park? Why not? It doesn't feel rushed at all. Other people go to coffee shops, or wherever, to meet up with their friends. That is what Disney parks feel like to me! That is the only way I can best explain it!

So yes, as long as I can make it work financially, I will continue to go to the parks because it is important to me that I do things that will better my emotional health! I think it is better to spend money on experiences anyway. I continue to gain from the trip, even long after returning home. Looking through pictures of time frozen where I was genuinely and unapologetically happy, laughing and enjoying myself, brings such positivity to my life, and I wouldn't trade that for anything!

x Lauren

For those who care to see how we customized our MagicBands on this trip, here is a picture for you! We jumped at the opportunity to show our Disney Sides! How would you choose to decorate your MagicBand?

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Epcot and DAK Adventures | WDW March Trip Days 3 & 4

We spent two days at Epcot and DAK (Disney's Animal Kingdom). Interestingly enough, we park-hopped between the two both days, and even though they could have felt like the same day repeated, we did very different things each day!

Right now, Flower and Garden Festival is happening at Epcot. This was one of my favorite things during my college program last year, so I looked forward to seeing it again this year (and getting another Violet Lemonade!) Epcot is ridiculously beautiful this time of year with the topiaries and colorful flowerbeds. I wish the park always looked like this! 

I always love the Butterfly Garden :)

I'll take a fairy home in my size, please and thank you!

I love these guys! Even in topiary form, they are adorable, and I want to hug them all!

Beauty and the Beast... and Cogsworth... and a bunch of guests in France :)

I got the Yeti note, but apparently we were supposed to go for "cute Yeti"

Just Keep Swimming and Go with the Flow! I adore these photos with the cast, and they make me oh so happy! I'll be talking about my love for Finding Nemo: The Musical in a post soon :)

I love park days so much! No matter how many times I go, there is always something new to be discovered or experienced! I absolutely love it! 

If you haven't seen the pictures from my trip that I posted from the Boardwalk and Magic Kingdom, I've linked them for you so you can go see them! Stay tuned for one last post from this trip recapping it all, and then it is back to our regularly scheduled posts for the Disney Happiness Project :)

I hope you're having a good week!

x Lauren

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Fantastical Day at Magic Kingdom | WDW March Trip Day 2

The second day of our trip was perfect. That's right, I dare say it. We went to Magic Kingdom all day, and by all day I mean, 17 hours of magic, and joy, and pinch-me is this real pixie dust sprinkled atop everything! 

It was one of my favorite days for a number of reasons. One of those reasons being that Lane, my best friend, who lives and works in Florida, joined us for basically the entire day! (What a trooper, seriously!) If you saw the posts from my December trip to WDW, you might recognize him! He spent the day with me at all four parks then--you can see pictures from that day by clicking here :)

We started the day by watching the welcome show and enjoying breakfast in Cinderella's castle. We then spent the rest of the day doing things like watching Dream Along with Mickey, Festival of Fantasy and the Main Street Electrical Parade, witnessing the Frontierland Hoedown, relaxing in the new expanded Hub area, and of course, riding some rides. It's nice to not have a rushed agenda, and get to truly enjoy things we choose!

All of the pictures that I post from my trip are taken by me unless I note otherwise! I am quite proud of my pictures, and want to share them with others so I've posted them (obviously, haha), but do me a favor! If you want to use them for any reason or share them yourself, let me know and give me proper credit. You can do that? Sweet, that would be awesome AND greatly appreciated- Please do! Thank you :)

But now.... away we gooo! 

A spin on the classic castle photo :) @nicolettebemann and I LIVING for this lovely day!

A video posted by Lauren Spitler (@laurenspitler) on Mar 14, 2015 at 7:45am PDT

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*Photos taken by Christine

*I wanted to go see Pluto for a bit because my friend, Jarred, 

is good friends with the pup, and told me Pluto would love to see us!

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*I know Lane isn't looking, but Pluto was rocking it!

"Dreams that Glow, Wondrous Dazzling Brilliantly

So Away we Go, It's a Festival of Fantasy"

This one is for Pascal :) 

I want to be a Lost Boy. Where do I sign up? Seriously, let me know!

Love my homegirl's hair! She likes to chase the wind, but I think the wind was chasing her!

Even though he's grumpy, he makes me smile! I love the Dwarfs, we all know that!

Enjoyed watching Katlyn, Christine's former roommate, do her thing in the flash-mob style of the Frontierland Hoedown, and then later in the Electrical Parade!

"Get ready for the magic, a spectacle beyond compare. There’s romance and adventure, there’s laughter and much more with our imagination. Imagine what’s in store!"

Dream Along with Mickey

"There's enchantment to be found in every fairytale."

"It’s time to set sail for adventure. An adventure that begins with PIRATES!"

Do you SEE Goofy's dance skills? I mean, Gwarsh! Haha!

"Any dream is possible, wishes do come true. You can reach the stars if you just believe. Share the magic in your heart, there’s nothing you can’t do. Anything is possible, so find a dream inside of you."

"Seize the Moment! Let your fantasies and dreams set sail!"

"Take the dream with you, wherever you may go!"

The hub expansion is gorgeous! (like, I'm in love with it)

Thanks to Lane for this photo, and the patience with us all :)

*Okay, THIS is why I love Disney and continue to go to the parks after all this time. I was eating a Mickey pretzel in Tomorrowland (important detail, I know!) and my friend, JD, recognized me and came up to say hello! JD and I were in class together during our College Programs, and he has stayed down there since then. I seriously loved running into him and getting to catch up, and had to get a picture with him later when I saw him around the Hub!

A picture from Tomorrowland for good measure, and...

to finish off the day, we thought a visit to the mines at midnight would be fun!

Seriously, this was such a great day filled with moments I will cherish forever! I will always be grateful for the people and places that make me happy :)

Pictures from our time at Epcot at DAK will be posted soon!

x Lauren

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