Disneyland on Beltane. Well, in theory.

The trip almost didn't happen. Actually, looking back on it now almost two weeks ago, it probably shouldn't have. My hubby had the flu, was still recuperating when our plane took off at stupid o'clock on May 1st. Then, en route, I started feeling off. Which, of course, only meant one thing: I picked up the same upper respiratory crud he had. And so I did. And we walked around Disneyland, our Mother Ship, the source for so much magic and purpose for my work, like stuffy-headed zombies, until our hotel room was ready. At which point, I collapsed in a heap on the bed and didn't move much at all until the next day. So, to cut to the chase, my plans for a magical Beltane at Disneyland were dashed.

Well, sorta. Because you push through things like this.

May 2nd, the next day. I figured the fae at the park (and, boy oh boy, there are a few), wouldn't be exactly flipping calendar pages if I did my magical work there the next day. And so I did. Because it was our wedding anniversary, the main reason for our visit, and I was not about to let a blooming upper respiratory disaster squelch our fun or my work.

I had purchased a small specimen of fairy amethyst the previous week at Crystal Life Technologies, a wonderful crystal shop about 40 minutes from my house. I muscle tested and found the exact right one. No, this is not a photo of my crystal. But THIS is. If you look closely, you can see it:

See that little whitish jobbie that's slightly conical? Yep, that's my fairy crystal, given as a little gift* to the Little Man of Disneyland. I wrote about his legend in my book, "The Mystical Mouse", but a quick summary: this plucky little leprechaun is the protagonist of a children's book that was written as Disneyland was being built and he shows up a little frustrated and cranky because Disney is plowing down the orange tree groves to build the park. But he is assured that he will always have a home and that the past will always be respected at the park. His home can be found to this day by a special tree in Adventureland, pictured above.

I felt it was particularly important to honor The Little Man at this time, on Beltane, but also because the park is in the midst of a shake-up of sorts. Star Wars Land is opening very soon and with its opening will come a whole new slew of guests who are there specifically to enter that brilliant new land. I'm afraid some of the quieter, sweeter, more magical elements and areas of the park might be glossed over. Certain things might be considered "quaint" and of an older time and might not be respected as much as the glamour of touring the Millenium Falcon or quaffing a sapphire blue cocktail at the Star Wars Cantina.

Our anniversary visit continued, with dinner in New Orleans Square, with a visit to Tinkerbell, to Snow White's Grotto (big magic therein) - and some quick shopping and even quicker ride visiting. Then I took to our hotel room, sleeping through the next day, and making it through the airport the next day as weak as a newborn kitten. A sickly, newborn kitten.

Was our experience still magical? Yes. Did I do the work I had set out to do? Just barely, but yes. Would we push through such a trip in the future? No way, Jose Carioca. But was it important to do the little bit of ceremony I did do and do I feel it added to the spirit of place and left good will, honoring What Really Matters? Yes. Yes, indeed.

Blessed be, Disneyland. May your new chapter be happy and filled with light and The Force.


* I did a speedy little ceremony with the crystal, thanked The Little Man, assured him he mattered, then snatched up the crystal; Disney does not endorse guests leaving things in the park and I respect that.