Moana, Girl Power, and Hong Kong Disneyland

Many years ago, I started collecting Disney DVD’s for my (would be) children.

I was only nineteen years old at the time.

I knew I wanted to be a teacher.

I also knew I wanted to be a mom.

As a mom, I also knew I would be eventually taking my kids to Disneyland. And now, as Gelli’s mom, I can’t wait to take her to see Moana, up close and personal only in Hong Kong Disneyland.

I had the foresight to know that it would be expensive to outfit my classroom with the books and supplies I would need as a new teacher.

I also had the foresight to know that I would want original Disney DVD movies for my children when God would gift them to me. (But first I had to graduate college, find a job, and then find a husband.)

That first movie that I purchased for what would grow into a collection that all four of my kids would enjoy was the original Beauty and the Beast. 

 

G: Belle Where did Beast go? B: I think he went back to the castle. G: Why’d he go there? B: I’m not quite sure. G: Is he coming back? B: Yes, he will be back tomorrow.

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on May 15, 2017 at 11:02pm PDT

Since then, I have seen how Walt Disney Princesses have evolved from damsels in distress to empowered girls who kick butt, rock the screen, and don’t need a man to find their happiness.

And I couldn’t be happier with the shift to nurturing the idea that girls can be independent, assertive, and curious.

There are so many reasons to love Moana.

• She is courageous.
• She is strong.
• She is determined.
• Her family is important to her.
• She has strong women in her life, including her grandmother that inspires and encourages her.
• She picks herself up when she falls.
• She follows her heart.

I also love Moana because this was the very first movie that we were able to bring Gelli to as a toddler.

So, that means that it’s extra special to us.

Gelli took a little longer to be able master sitting still, than the three big kids, so once we thought she was ready, we knew Moana was the first princess Gelli would meet on the big screen.

In fact, even though Gelli was not as verbal as her classmates at the time, she was sure to share with her teachers how she went to the movies with her whole family and her yaya over that particular weekend.

 

#Gellibean said she wanted to see #Goofy. So here we are. Complete. #familyfirst #TeamGellibean #jbirdicusprime #miggymange #giamynina

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Jun 30, 2016 at 8:22pm PDT

In June of 2016, we were able to treat the whole family for quick getaway that included visiting Hong Kong Disneyland for the first time for Gelli. It was a wonderful time for Team Gellibean.

We moved around for the first time in a long time, truly as a TEAM. It was a wonderful bonding experience for us as a family because not only did we have a great time exploring new places, things, and food, but we bonded like we have never bonded before.

Gelli will be turning 7 years old very soon, and we are really praying that we will be able to return to Hong Kong and celebrate this milestone in the happiest place on Earth!

Here are some of the things we can look forward to seeing and experiencing through the NEW Carnivale of Stars expansion:

Moana: A Homecoming Celebration was launched on May 25th and in an entirely new venue called Jungle Junction in Adventureland. This 20 minute live stage production will bring the audience through a story recounted by Moana and end with photo opportunities and hugs from the heroine we love most.

I can only imagine how Gelli will love seeing Moana in person. I’m remembering when she visited with all of the princesses in Disneyland, California. She had such questions for each of them!

Kaibuni Marketplace will launch guest into the colors, sights, and sounds of Africa providing unique experiences which include fun and fast paced games like The Wheel of Fortune, Blongo Balls, and Plinko.

I think I am most excited about the food!! Gosh. Is it terrible that I am thinking about food already?

Pixar Water Play Street Party opened on June 21st and it will be the first time that visitors will be able to soak up the summer fun, on Main Street, and meet The Incredibles! Surely, all of kids of all ages will enjoy cooling off in this Disney Pixar celebration where they can meet the characters from Toy Story AND The Incredibles together!

I am positive that Gelli will NOT be able to contain her excitement when she meets Mrs Incredible, especially since we just saw the movie the other day!

And of course, before turning in for the night, we know that we can end the evening on Main Street, USA with the all new, We love Mickey projection show. This light show transforms all the buildings on Main Street, to a canvas for a vibrant and fun light show paying tribute to all of Mickey’s major milestones. 

And y’all know we love Mickey most of all!

Especially this girl.

Visiting Disney with all the kids is always a wonderful treat filled with bonding experiences for all of us.

From the food, to the rides, to the keepsakes we get to go home with, all of these things cannot beat the memories we create together in the Happiest Place on Earth.

I can just imagine Gelli’s face if we are able to visit with Moana soon.

She loves her new Pua and Baby Moana stuffed toys, and couldn’t wait to dress up in her costume as soon as she received her new babies!

Of course, in true Disney form, they have thought of everything for the little girl who loves Moana.

Having a Moana themed snack while taking a break from making some memories with her family will be made even more special for my girl with treats like these.

I can’t wait to celebrate this little’s 7th birthday with her favorite princesses in our favorite place on Earth.

So, here’s the deal:

If you are Pinoy and traveling from the Philippines to Hong Kong any time soon, there are a ton of things you should know about the deals and steals that are running from now and til November 30th. (2018)

Check out this link for all the SPECIAL OFFERS you can avail of.

And if you want to get excited about Moana like we are?

Make sure you show the kiddos this: