A Real-life Disney Princess

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live your childhood fantasy?

Support worker, Heather Simon has always longed to be a Disney princess for as long as she can remember. On the 22nd December Heathers dream finally came true as she boarded the flight to Disney Land Florida, to live out her childhood fantasy. This was one of the first strides, to becoming her favorite Disney princess, Princess Aurora, also known as sleeping beauty.

The moment Heather stepped out of the Disney changing rooms in her flowing pink dress and sparkling tiara, dressed as princess Aurora with her prince beside her was the moment she finally realised she had made her lifelong dream come true. Wondering around the park, bringing children’s dreams to life and fulfilling her own. Heather would take part in parades, photos signings and talk to children every day.

Thinking about her great Disney moment, Heather laughed and said with a hint of smugness in her voice, “I was told at the age of nine by one of my teachers that becoming a Disney princess was nothing but a fairy tale and that I should set realistic goals. I guess I proved her wrong.”

Children dream of growing up to become many things, including racecar drivers, astronauts or even of becoming a princess. Many hold onto their childhood dreams until they are adults, whereas many let go of these dreams, as they believe that they are unachievable or just plain crazy. Heather at the age of 23 never let go of her Disney dream and was determined from the age of five that she would make her dream become a reality.

“Not everyone gets to actually live their dream but I am more than grateful that I got the opportunity to do so,” says Heather. She looks around the room and beams a giant smile as she reminisces about her achievement.

Disney has affected Heather’s life just as it has many other lives. Disney is the front-runner for many childhood films that are out now. Disney has molded her from a young age teaching her important values such as compassion, friendship, and forgiveness. It also taught Heather one of the most important things she has ever learned, to always keep dreaming no matter what.

Heather has always loved Disney films especially Princess related films and Toy Story. While Heather waited to see if she had the job she spent hours wearing out her Disney DVD collection. Heather’s parents have always supported her decisions to live out her dream, as they know how passionate she is about working for Disney. Originally Heather just applied to work at Disney, she never realised that she would have the opportunity to become a real-life princess.

“According to my mum, watching Disney films would be the only time when I would shut up and watch TV so she could get some peace and quiet! Disney films mean a lot to me. Toy Story used to be my favorite film, I never let my mum throw away any of my old toys because I honestly believed they would be upset.” Heather laughed as she realised how unrealistic toys coming to life would be.

As Heather began to tell the story of what it was like to work at Disneyland she sat up with such grace, clearly portraying the princess she once was. Her back was straight, legs crossed and chin held high proudly.

“Me and my friends would be there from curtain drop, the first people being let in – watch the videos of this it’s amazing- but yeah we would be there from first thing in a morning till the kiss goodnight, they have a little light show on the castle which signals it’s time to leave the park without ever actually saying now please leave.”

Fulfilling her wildest dreams allowed Heather to fulfill the dreams of many young children. Each day Heather would wake up knowing that she was going to put a smile on thousands of children’s faces. Knowing this put the cherry on the cake when it came to her job. Heather was getting paid to do something that she truly loved.

“Working as Aurora was already amazing but knowing that it made people smile, that is the greatest feeling ever, knowing that you have made a child’s day and made a memory that will last a life time”

Like a once upon a time story, Heather would be able to release her inner fairytale princess from sunrise to sunset. She wasn’t just part of a workplace she was part of the Disney family and truly believes she always will be, regardless of her princess status.

After living her fairy tale fantasy, Heather returned to reality as a child support worker, not being able to tell the children of her secret magical life.

Since working at Disneyland Heather has taken a new outlook on life and believes that if you work hard and never stop dreaming that you can make your dreams come true, no matter how crazy they may seem. Although she is unable to tell the children she works with that she has been a Disney princess, due to Disney laws, she does teach them that they can do anything if they just believe. She uses the skills and wisdom she picked up at Disney land and through watching Disney films to help guide and help the children she works with a smile.

Heather is currently waiting in anticipation, refreshing emails and wearing out her favorite Disney DVD’s, to see if she will be living her happy ever after once again.

Heather proved that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. As Walt Disney once said. “All you need is a little faith, trust, and pixie dust.”