Frozen. This single word has infiltrated our everyday vernacular to mean much more than the simple act of freezing something. It has become a word that is powerful enough to quickly catch the attention of little girls (and boys!) and build excitement like no other. Frozen, of course, is the title of one of Disney’s most popular animated films. It continues to be the only movie Miss N will watch from start to finish with characters Anna and Elsa two she seeks to role play whenever she has the chance. Imagine our excitement when we recently attended the Disney Frozen Garden Party at Curzon Hall in Marsfield, a special event for Disney competition winners.
On the morning of the event, Miss N was out of bed earlier than normal. She has laid out her special Elsa dress that she had received at our Bippity Boppity Boutique experience at Disneyland and asked for her hair to be braided just like Elsa. With the day scorching past 40 degrees celsius at lunchtime, I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to put her hair up!
Arriving at Curzon Hall we immediately felt the excitement electrifying the air. Almost every child was either dressed as Anna or Elsa (summer is usually too hot for Olaf). Not one could stand still, eager to discover what lay behind the entrance. Parasols were provided to shade us while we waited to be shown inside. Oh the buzz!
We were greeted by our wonderful hostess who walked us through the garden to our very own table. Mind blown! Disney always has an eye for detail, every little thing had been thought out. The setup was spectacular with french chic wooden trestle tables and chairs in white set out for every group of two. Frozen blue bows and a flower arrangement perfected the look. Around the border of the garden, outdoor board games were set up ready to go: chess, connect four, naughts and crosses and our favourite, jenga. There was even a gelato stand (I think there were six options to choose from!).
Within minutes of taking our seat, our hostess returned with a giant picnic hamper for the two of us. It was filled with so much goodness: a mini chicken roll, a smoked salmon and caper bagel, chocolate brownies, frozen cupcakes, fairy bread, frozen themed sweets, mini quiches, bananas, apples, two choices of juice, bubble jars, and a fan (much needed in the summer heat). Oh my goodness! Where to start.
I love a well organised event and Disney had it down pat. A schedule of activities was provided with the opportunity for us to enjoy face painting, a princess carriage ride and a photo opportunity with Elsa, Anna and Kristoff. We made a beeline for the carriage ride – our very first in an open carriage. Oh my – this is one way to experience a grand entrance! We then headed to the face painting where Miss N chose to have her arm decorated in a stunning Frozen themed pattern. Gelato next – chocolate for her, raspberry for me, then…..Elsa time!
Disney characters are always perfect in real life. They have the bizarre ability to always sound and look just like the animated characters. It must be some weird Disney magic because even us adults had that feeling that we were in the presence of the real thing. This was made even more real by the fact that not one looked hot or flustered despite their layered clothes in the 40+ degree day! My gosh – only the real Elsa could have pulled that off.
The biggest surprise of the day was the special appearance of Australian singer Ricki-Lee who, like all Disney princesses, was able to draw in all the kids with her charisma alone. In no time they were singing along with her to some of Disney’s most popular tunes. Miss N was overcome with delight when Ricki-Lee sat down beside her and sang. What a magical moment. I had to giggle later on when Miss N asked what Ricki-Lee’s princess name was – she truly possesses all the qualities of one when she’s around children.
We filled the rest of the afternoon with jenga and naughts and crosses. Just before we were due to leave, our hostess approached us with another surprise: a special Disney gift bag. Oh my goodness! Inside, a stunning Disney snowflake which Miss N immediately asked to wear. It glistened in the sun and was an immediate hit (she still hasn’t taken it off!).
