When it comes to back-to-school season, most parents’ “Happiest Place on Earth” is their local nail salon, bed or a spa. Disney World may be the last place you’d think a parent would go to decompress after a long summer, but not for Lisa DiNoto. This mom decided to go — and to go there alone.
Shortly after dropping her sons off at their first day of school, DiNoto celebrated with a child-free visit. Apparently, the family lives only 1.2 miles from Cinderella’s Castle and they are Disney regulars. But this time she went alone, and her blog, “The Castle Run,” outlines how she spent her day with Snow White and The Fairy Godmother.
DiNoto wrote, “This, my friends. This is what you do after you drop your kids off on the first day of school. You get yourself a pin and you walk it around the Magic Kingdom like some garden gnome on a world adventure.”
Disney pins are used to celebrate just about anything and DiNoto’s read: “Celebrating the 1st Day of School!” She liked seeing people’s reactions as she made her way through Main Street U.S.A. Characters and cast members laughed as they held it and posed for photos.
DiNoto explained her favorite part of the day was the Fairy Godmother’s reaction. “She was cry-laughing with me and threw her arms around me. I love her so much!”
Despite some not-so-friendly reactions, DiNoto enjoyed her day. DiNoto explained, “If they tell you you’re mean, just assure them you live 10 minutes away and your kids get over there plenty often.”
DiNoto told Good Morning America she saw one memorable reaction from a mother on a trip with her family. DiNoto said, “This sweet mom who was clearly very tired and in the midst of a lovely family trip was watching at one point and as she read the pin I saw this amazing expression come over her face.” She described, “It was like a light came on. She said, ‘You. You are my life goal. Have the most amazing day you’ve ever had and do it for all of us.'”
Mom Goes to Disney Alone — Sources
Good Morning America: Mom takes epic photos alone
The Castle Run: Disney Mom 101
Mirror: Mum celebrates sons’ first day back at school