Talk to Me Thursday: I Was Andy. Now I'm Andy's Mom.
There are moments in life that stop you in your tracks and make you feel the full weight of time passing — not in a sad way, but in a "wow, look how far we've come" kind of way.
This week is one of those moments for me.
Tomorrow, I am taking my daughter Lennon to see Toy Story 5. And I cannot stop thinking about the fact that I was right around her age when Toy Story 1 came out in 1995.
Let that sink in for a second.
The same little girl energy. The same wide eyes. The same wonder.
Except now I'm the mom in the equation. Like, what?!
From Andy's Room to Bonnie's Room — and Now Mine
I remember Toy Story the way you remember the things that shape you. It wasn't just a movie. It was magic. It was the kind of story that made you look at your toys differently, wonder if they had feelings, and maybe — just maybe — treat them a little better because of it.
I grew up with Woody and Buzz. I was there for every sequel. And then something really special happened.
When Toy Story 4 came out in 2019, I was pregnant with Lennon.
I sat in that theater with my whole heart full, watching a story about letting go and new beginnings, and I had absolutely no idea what was coming next for my own life. A daughter. A whole new chapter. A reason to see the world through fresh eyes all over again.
And now here we are. Toy Story 5. And Lennon is old enough to experience it. She has already fallen in love with these characters the same way I did.
I am not okay. 😭
Our Toy Story 5 Game Plan
Tomorrow night we are heading to the theater with our framily — because some experiences are just better when you share them with your people — and I am SO hyped. In fact, I saw Toy Story 4 with them, so it’s almost a full circle moment.
I plan toavoid spoilers like it is my full time job. If you see it before me, I am begging you — do not tell me a single thing. My heart is not ready and I want every moment to be a surprise.
But I do want to hear from you:
Are you going to see Toy Story 5? Have you already seen it? Drop your (spoiler free!) reaction in the comments — I want ALL the feels.
And Now I Want to Run to Hollywood Studios
Here is what this week has done to me. I am sitting here writing this post and all I can think about is Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
I want to ride Slinky Dog Dash with Lennon. I want to hear the Green Army Men drum band echoing through Andy's backyard. I want to eat totchos and drink a Grown Up Lemonade at Woody's Lunch Box and pretend that they are not the most underrated snack in all of Walt Disney World — because they absolutely are.
I want to feel small in the best possible way, the way only Disney can make you feel, surrounded by oversized toys and the music of a childhood that somehow keeps on giving.
If you feel this — if reading those words made your heart do a little thing — then friend, I think it is time we started talking about your next Disney trip.
That is literally what I am here for.
I am a travel advisor and I would love nothing more than to help you plan a trip that gives your family their own Toy Story moment. The kind your kids will remember when they are grown and sitting in a movie theater with their own children someday.
DM me, send me an email, or visit here to get started. Let's make some magic. 🤠✨
To infinity and beyond — and then some.
xoxo,
Katie
Ready to plan your Disney vacation? Reach out at katiefath@travelmation.net or DM me @thatkatiefathtravels. I can't wait to hear about your family's Disney dream.