a dream is a wish your heart makes 🌼

Hadley Eloise Berry twenty-nine. kindergarten teacher at ashford valley elementary school. big kid at heart. disney adult. momma to some furbabies. just a jessica day looking for her nick miller.

[kurtxhummels]

Kurt had already spent far more money than he cared to admit trying to win one of the oversized stuffed animals hanging from the prize booth. At this point, it wasn't even about the prize anymore—it was personal. With another ring bouncing uselessly off the bottle necks, he let out an exaggerated sigh before looking over at the next person in line. "So..." he began, gesturing dramatically toward the booth. "Are these games actually winnable, or are we all just collectively funding someone's retirement?"

[hadleyberry]

Hadley had been at the carnival for a while now and just happened to be passing by when she heard a familiar voice. Even if she wasn't exactly the person he'd been talking to, that had never really stopped her before as she sidled up beside him with a grin. "Mm, I'm pretty sure this one's based almost entirely on luck," she said, eyeing the bottles. "I've had pretty good luck over at the balloon pop before, and I think the water gun race is mostly random too. But yeah, this one? I'm pretty sure even the world's best horseshoe player would have trouble." She chuckled, before nodding toward the row of oversized prizes hanging overhead. "At this point, I think they're just counting on us getting stubborn enough to keep trying."

[mackfabray]

As far as I know, there's a very strict 30-ish minute timer on the ones in Disney Parks. Probably don't actually have any internal cooling due to the close proximity with children, but it's not impossible. I feel like too many people get caught up in the need for modernity that they lose sight of how cool older stuff can be.

[hadleyberry]

That makes sense as to why a lot of those meet & greets for them are very limited. I wonder if they can wear those neck fans inside the costumes or if the noise from those are too loud. I know they say they make ones that are practically silent, but they never really are.

[dovesylvester]

Does anyone else ever look around their house and wonder how they accumulated so much stuff? Like, I swear I don't buy that much, but somehow there are things everywhere that I don't remember purchasing, don't remember needing, and yet somehow can't convince myself to throw away. At what point does something become clutter instead of something you're "definitely going to use someday"?

[hadleyberry]

Honestly, so relatable though. Especially being a teacher, even though I only teach kindergarten, I have so many notebooks and pens and markers and pencils. I'm pretty sure at this point I have a drawer with a neverending amount of school supplies. And then there's all of my Disney merch, because Disney Adult™ of course and I don't care how childish it may seem, I will own a plushie of all my favorite characters. Though, admittedly I don't just have Disney characters, I may even have a couple of pokemons purely because I thought they were cute. And then, the amount of crafts I think I'll finish... yeah. However, I do try to keep it all neatly organized so it doesn't look like clutter! But then again, if someone looked at my attic they may say I'm in denial.

[lucyquinnfabs]

Oh man, jump right to two animals? You have too much confidence in my pet care abilities. I think a cat might be a better fit. When Beth wants to play with a dog she can go to her dads house and play with his. I know that a dog can sometimes feel like having a child and I'm happy with one of those right now. Oh man maybe I won't watch them then. I cry at everything nowadays, so I would probably be a mess.

[hadleyberry]

Totally was just a suggestion if you felt too indecisive on the subject! You know your household and child best, so honestly the cliche Disney adult in me just says follow your heart. If you think a cat is best, then go for it! They do have way more personality that people credit for. Also, I hate to break it to you, but depending on the cat they can also kind of be like another kid. Like I said before, cats and dogs aren't really as different from each other as society has made them out to be.

[lucyquinnfabs]

It's ok, I'm just focused on giving my daughter the childhood I always wanted. Maybe you're right, I do think a dog is a good option for us. Plus Beth is obsessed with her dads dogs, so I think she would love mommy to have a dog too. Whenever I think of cats I just think of all those stupid online videos of cats who are nightmares or cats who have one braincell left. I don't think I've ever seen that movie if I'm being honest. I kind of know what it's about, but I've never seen it actually.

[hadleyberry]

You can always do a cat and a dog if you can find the right pair, too! I have two dogs and three cats and they get along so well together. But that's totally up to you and what the perfect fit ends up being, of course. I think the online media really just depicts one side of things a lot of the time, because most people are going to post what they think will get them the most views, so I wouldn't fully trust that. And if you ever decide to watch the Homeward Bound movies, there's two both were really good, but if you cry easily have tissues on hand. They're the emotional rollercoaster type of movies.

[lucyquinnfabs]

I'm sure when I was a baby I was, but I learned very quickly what was and wasn't acceptable in my house. I stopped caring as much when I got to high school and I had more control, but as a little kid I always was very careful not to be messy or too loud. At least not around my parents. I think I'm pushing the pet thing because her dad and I just started doing a split arrangement with her, so she's with her dad for part of the week and I'm starting to feel a bit lonely without her in the house. So selfishly I think I want a companion for myself, but a cat or dog that would be good for Beth is also important.

[hadleyberry]

Well that doesn't sound like a lot of fun, I'm sorry it seems like you kind of had to grow up fast. Oh, see that's where I'd definitely suggest a dog, because while cats can make great companions, I think dogs are perfect for those lonely moments. Though the right cat could be a good fit, too. I always feel like I start to favor dogs when it comes to the companionship and then I remember how sweet all of my cats are and remember that the whole cat vs dog thing isn't actually as black and white as some people make it seem. Like, I love the Homeward Bound movies, but I feel that pushed the whole cats vs dogs divide a little too hard. Even though the did always end up getting along in the end, I'm sure that whole "cats rule, dogs drool" quote got stuck in too many people's brains.

[maeveflynnabrams]

That's good. I don't think I've seen a Toy Story movie since the one with Lotso, still don't trust strawberry scented things...

[hadleyberry]

Oh yes, that was Toy Story 3! And really, not even like, a Strawberry Shortcake doll?

[lucyquinnfabs]

I was not messy or loud at all as a kid. I knew better than to be that way around my parents, and if I couldn't be that way no way could we have an animal who was loud and messy. You really are lucky you grew up with kind parents. That's true, I would just have to worry about my toddler pulling the cats tail or trying to ride them like a horse. Since you know so much about animals maybe one day you could join me at the shelter with my daughter and help us pick out a good furry friend for our house.

[hadleyberry]

Oh, really? Not even when you were at least too young to really even know better? I don't think I've ever seen a kid that wasn't messy at some point, but there's always firsts for everything or exceptions to the rules and all that. And yeah, I get that, definitely in cases where the children are really young, I think it's important to only allow supervised time between them and the animal so you can make sure that they know the right way to treat them and handle them. If you think it's better to wait until she's older, maybe just try getting a stuffed animal and teaching her that way until you think she's ready. The staff there is really great though, Owen like I mentioned who is the manager, he's really great about helping people with the adoption stuff and they have other people who that's like their job title, basically, I think it's called adoption specialists? They'd all probably do a better job helping you there, I just volunteer when I can, so I don't necessarily know all of the animals there in and out, but they would for sure.

[lucyquinnfabs]

Oh I absolutely did! I wanted a dog so badly growing up, but my dad wouldn't allow it. He thought they were too noisy and messy, so I had to settle for playing with neighborhood dogs. I've honestly debated getting a dog or cat now that we're settled in, but I'm worried it would be hard to find time to train an animal with a full time job, my writing and Beth to care for. Absolutely, we can advocate and support the places that treat animals kindly and humanely.

[hadleyberry]

Well kids are about the same, right? I know I was definitely a loud child and well, I've already told you about the animals I brought home so I think that counts as being messy. I don't get parents that are like that, I guess I should just be lucky my dads are as amazing as they are. Well, on the plus side you don't really have to train cats much. I mean they can be trained, but it's not as necessary, unless you want to harness train them or something. It'd definitely be a good pet to start with, though some dogs at the shelter are already well trained! I volunteer there still once in awhile, more in the summer since I have the time off. You can always stop in there and talk to Owen, he's really helpful with all of that stuff.

[lucyquinnfabs]

Yea I understand what you mean. I've never had a pet, but I can understand how seeing the hard days makes you want to walk away from that kind of career. Oh she is already learning to ask before petting an animal...even though she can only say 3 words right now. Also I'm making sure she knows not to approach service animals. Of course! All Zoos should be humane and with the internet nowadays more and more inhumane zoos are being called out.

[hadleyberry]

You've never had a pet, have you ever wanted one? That's good though, to start teaching her early! I've seen way too many videos or heard too many stories where parents didn't teach their kids out to treat animals and the animals were just miserable around the kids. And yes, I mean unfortunately Sea World is still in business no matter how much everyone tries to spread the awareness of how awful it is. But the best we can try to do is just keep advocating for the animals in places like that and continue to spread the word.

[maeveflynnabrams]

Did you end up going to see it, or did you just decide to wait until it hits streaming?

[hadleyberry]

Yeah, I didn't go opening weekend, but I went the weekend after. I was pleasantly surprised, it was really good!

[mackfabray]

If it's anything like fursuits and other mascot costumes, entirely too hot. Like, is it going to be the best amusement park you've ever been to? No, probably not, but it's still going to be a good time.

[hadleyberry]

It makes me wonder how bad it is in the ones at Disney parks, though I know I used to hear some rumor that some of them were built with some sort of portable air conditioning. Not sure how much truth there is to that, though. And exactly, you have to go out of your way to not have a good time there. Or be just too stuck on the more modern places with all the newest rides and stuff.

[lucyquinnfabs]

With that kind of story I'm surprised you didn't go into professional career with animals. God I can only imagine my parents reaction if I brought I wild animal into the house. My mother would've screamed and I shutter just thinking about what my dad would've done. I hope Beth loves animals like that, but I also hope she never brings a wild animal into the house. I love animals so much, but they can stay living outside, in zoos or with other people.

[hadleyberry]

Well, see I had started to volunteer with wildlife places and the vet's office and animal shelter during my summers and seeing the sad side of that kind of work made me realize I wouldn't be able to handle the bad days. Oh I totally get where you're coming from, I mean I was lucky that opossums actually rarely can carry rabies, their natural temperature is too low for rabies to usually exist in their system, so I'd definitely advocate for her learning not to just pick up random animals like I did, even stray cats or dogs can be tricky if you don't approach it the right way. I'm okay with zoos, so long as they're humane. Unfortunately there are some that are more about pulling in money than taking proper care of their animals.

[mackfabray]

I think I did Hershey as a little kid, but I don't really remember it. Haven't gone back, though I really should. Ooh, Knoebels can be fun, especially when you consider it's less expensive.

[hadleyberry]

Yes, I love how there's sometimes people dressed in the candy bar costumes too, though I can only imagine how hot it can get in those. And exactly, Knoebels is free parking, free to get in, you just have to buy the ticket books to go on the rides and pay for food or games! How much better can it get than that?

[andersonjones]

I don't think you're turning it into a deep philosophical event. I think you're identifying the reason movie theaters still exist. Because if it were only about watching the movie, we'd all stay home. The screen is bigger, the snacks are cheaper, and nobody has to sit next to the person who chose that exact moment to unwrap seventeen candies. But there's something weirdly fun about experiencing a story with a room full of strangers. The collective gasp. The laughter that spreads across the theater in waves. That one person who starts crying and suddenly everybody else realizes they're emotional too. It's the same reason opening weekends feel different. For one night, everyone in that room showed up because they cared enough about the same thing to buy a ticket.

Honestly, now I think nostalgia is only doing half the work. The other half is wanting to be part of the event. Because let's be real: if Toy Story 5 dropped on streaming tomorrow, I'd probably watch it eventually. If Toy Story 5 drops in theaters and everyone is talking about it opening weekend? Suddenly, it's become a social obligation. At this point, I've accepted that I'm not buying a ticket because I think every sequel is necessary. I'm buying a ticket because I want to sit in a dark room full of fellow enablers and collectively make poor financial decisions in the name of childhood memories.

[hadleyberry]

Okay, well I saw the movie, not opening weekend but the weekend after and I have my fully formed opinion of it. It was super cute! Honestly so much better than the 4th one, there's a few minor complaints I have, but honestly I think the story was much needed to be told and they did a really great job with it. That being said, would I like them to finally stop and not make another one? Yes. Because honestly at this point there's not much else I don't think that they could do, other than maybe having the toys somehow return to Andy. But even then, I still don't think it's needed or necessary. Now the next movie I'll likely be going to see is the live action Moana, again not needed, but honestly the trailers don't look too bad, so I'm definitely going to check it out.

[lucyquinnfabs]

Nope definitely wasn't just one of your students. Oh of course! Every kid has something crazy that they always believed was true because they don't understand how the world works yet. Wait really? Why did you think you were the animal whisperer? Oh my god what? You really tried to bring home an opossum? Why on earth did you do that?

[hadleyberry]

Oh, I've just always loved animals, even the ones most people aren't the biggest fan of. And when I was younger, I always felt the need to give all the animals i found a home, which led to five year old me thinking the baby opossum I found in the yard wanted me to take care of it. Granted, taking it in was the right thing to do since it wouldn't have survived without it's mom and opossom moms don't usually go back for their young if one happens to fall off her back while she's carrying them. But my dads had this nice long talk with me about how I couldn't just be picking up random animals and how even dogs and cats had to be approached more cautiously. I actually had considered either veterinary work or work with wild life rehabilitation before I ended up landing on becoming an elementary school teacher.

[andersonjones]

Hadley, that's because the complaining is part of the ritual. We all gather in a circle and say, "This is unnecessary. They should have stopped three movies ago. I'm absolutely not giving them my money." And then opening weekend arrives and somehow we're already holding popcorn.

Honestly, Disney and Pixar have spent decades conditioning us for this. They don't even need a plot anymore. They could release a thirty-second teaser that's just Woody looking thoughtfully into the middle distance while a piano version of You've Got a Friend in Me plays and I'd be texting people, "Okay but what if it's actually good?"

Also, do your best not to judge me too hard, but I have to admit something: live-action remakes are kind of my guilty pleasure. Are most of them unnecessary? Absolutely. Are some of them objectively terrible? Probably. But they're terrible in a fun way. Half the time I walk out of the theater fully aware I've been manipulated by nostalgia and corporate marketing, and somehow I'm still like, "Well, that was a nice afternoon." At this point I'm not even pretending I'm stronger than nostalgia. Nostalgia remains undefeated.

[hadleyberry]

I think what gets me most though is actually the whole experience around it, not even just the movie itself. Like going opening weekend, hearing how packed the theater is, watching everyone react at the same time, all of that makes it feel bigger than just sitting down and watching something at home. Even if the movie is only okay, that part still makes it worth it to me in a weird way. Kind of like it's a sense of community, really. Anyway, I probably need to stop turning it into some deep philosophical event and just accept I’m going to end up in a theater with popcorn either way.