The D Word

Around our house, Disneyland is referred to as the "D" word. You see, La Nina is not only obsessed with swings, but she is also obsessed with Disneyland. For those of you who think 2 year olds don't get Disneyland, I would like to introduce you to La Nina. We took her to Disneyland last year for her birthday and she has not stopped talking about it. In fact, as her birthday draws near, the chatter is increasing to a fever pitch. Every night the conversation is the same.

She innocently begins, "Mommy, where does Cinderella live?"

I answer her, "In a castle with the other princesses." (There is no need for me to use the D-word.)

She continues, "You mean, with Belle, Aurora and Snow White?"

I answer, "Yes."

Then she boldly states, "Is the castle at Disneyland?"

I answer, "Yes."

Then, she offers up, "We went there once and I like it very much. "

So, I counter, "It is a nice place."

Then the big question, "We go there again?"

And I say, "Yes sometime later."

Of course, this is followed by her asking when, and I am evasive. Now, La Nina watches TV and sometimes the Disney Channel is on for the Wiggles, but her TV viewing is restricted to mostly PBS in the morning. Therefore, I know she rarely sees a Disney commercial. She really likes Cinderella, but Dora is her favorite and Dora isn't a Disney character. Each night at bath time we do listen to Princess music, but the songs are from the movies and make no mention of Disneyland. She reads some princess books, but lately she has been more interested in library books about dogs, not princesses. So, while I search for the source of her interest, she dreams of Disneyland.

Her lack of exposure to all things Disney leads me to believe she remembers our trip on her birthday last year and is associating her upcoming birthday with Disneyland. I have to laugh. What have we started? Does this mean we are going to make a trip for Maggie too in the Fall? The funny thing is, we are going to Disneyland for her birthday and we haven't told La Nina about our trip. In fact, I don't think we are going to tell the girls until we walk into the park. To my knowledge, I haven't discussed these plans in her presence, yet somehow, she knows. I guess it is just Disney working its magic.