hen one is small, Disneyland must look very different than it does to you and me. If your head doesn’t reach past the Main Street U.S.A. wainscoting, you can miss a great deal of the splendor and beauty that gets blocked by other people’s best buckles and back pockets. Talk about "Forced Perspective!"

lso when one is small, Disneyland feels very big, especially when little legs try hard to traverse many different lands in a day – legs that are too big for a stroller, but have a difficult time “keeping–up.”

Enter the tradition of so many children and their Daddies: The Disneyland Carry.

ou see it at Disneyland more than any other place, the little child, perched high atop Daddy’s shoulders so that no part of the magic will be missed by those eyes wide with wonder. I have heard a little girl say, “Daddy, you do the Disneyland carry because you love me!”

ust look around you at the beginning of the fireworks or at the beginning of a parade, and almost in unison you will see Daddies to right and left of you hoisting their children high for a better view. You might be one of those Dad’s yourself.

ou also see the Disneyland carry a lot at the end of the day, when tired feet and weary legs can barely take another step. “Who needs a Disneyland Carry?” asks a tuckered Dad. “I do!” perks up a four year old who musters enough energy to climb up to his perch. Minutes later, the little head is slumped over the large one and fast asleep.

he Disneyland Carry is a tradition that is a bit different than the others we celebrate. Our other Disneyland traditions stay with us over the years and become part of us and part of each and every visit. This tradition however gets passed from one child to another, and from one generation to another as little ones grow from their strollers to the Disneyland Carry and then out of the Disneyland Carry when they become too big for poor Dad’s shoulders. My husband is teaching our daughter the importance of this tradition and passing it down.

“You make sure, when you grow up, that your Prince Charming does the Disneyland Carry for your little prince or princess.”

“Ok, Daddy,” she replies. “I will!”

I would love to hear your family's Disney traditions, please drop me a line at either:

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— Allison