Pacey got up early, before Joey, and walked down to the food court to get
some coffee and breakfast. Even at eight in the morning the heat of the
day was staring to set in. Before Pacey reached to open the door,
something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. He turned and
peered into the bushes, and saw that it was an armadillo. Pacey smiled to
himself before his sudden movements scared it away.
He walked inside Port Royale and the cool air and Caribbean steel drum music greeted him. He grabbed little snacks along with the coffee and strode back out in to the humid air.
When he got back, he set the food on the table next to the TV and could hear the shower running. Joey got out shortly while Pacey searched the TV for something to watch.
"Jeez, do they have any channel that isn't Disney?" Joey smiled. "Good morning." She said as she leaned over and kissed him. "Uh, I got you some coffee." Pacey said as he pointed to the table. "Thanks." After desperately flipping the channels, Pacey gave in, "Ok, I'm gonna hop in the shower now."
"Ok, ready?" Pacey asked. "Yup." "Got the tickets?" Joey asked. Pacey checked his pockets and pulled them out." "Yes, let's go."
They caught the bus around nine-thirty and drove through the 47 square mile theme park. It was a beautiful day; the temperatures were expected to be in the eighties, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.
They waited in a short line to get into the Magic Kingdom. Before entering, Pacey pulled Joey aside. "Okay, we're about to go in." Joey nodded and had a big smile on her face. "Now, I want this to be the happiest moment in your life." He paused. "Well, except maybe for, uh," he paused. "What?" She asked. "Uh, nothing." He said and continued the conversation.
"This place has a guarantee." "It guarantees that every dream and wish will come true inside these golden gates." "So, it is your birthday, and I am going to make it as miraculous as possible, okay, I promise you that." He smiled, and gave her a hug and kiss. "Now, what are we standing around here for?" "Come on." He whispered. She took a deep breath, "Let's." They walked hand in hand neither knowing what would happen next.
They traveled under the overpass and the sun and magic greeted them on the other side. Lines formed in front of various characters for autographs and pictures, and they became kids again.
Pacey put his arm around Joey's shoulder and they walked around, until they reached the curve onto Main Street. "Hey, close your eyes." Pacey said. "What?" "Just close 'em." He whispered. "Here, take my hand." They walked a little further until Pacey stopped at the perfect viewing spot. "Okay, you can open them now."
Joey opened her eyes and her breath caught in her throat. It was a version of the greatest dreamland that seemed to stretch on forever. She had never seen anything more magical. Fancy stores and shops lined all the way down to the castle, which was much bigger and prettier up close and seemed to touch the sun. It was spectacular, like something out of an enchanting storybook.
Pacey was taking in the moment. He loved to see Joey happy. She never looked so beautiful to him than she did that moment. She finally turned to him. "Okay, what do we go on first?" Pacey laughed.
They walked down closer to the castle and stopped to take their first picture in front of the Walt Disney and Mickey statue. "Ok, over the bridge, into Adventure land." Pacey said as the crowds around them started to thicken.
They walked through, around the jungle cruise, next to Aladdin and finally reached where Pacey was headed. Joey smiled, "Pirates of the Caribbean." "Yeah, you've seen the movie, so let's go. "I love this ride, it's awesome." Pacey said.
"Is there a line?" Joey asked as they walked through the dim and pirate adorned passageways. Pacey bent his head as they turned the final corner. "Ha, nope, we can get right on."
They boarded and shortly after they began rocking back and forth into a black night. Something popped out in front of them and Joey jumped. "Don't tell me you're scared."
"You've come too far, you must go back." A spooky skeleton head spoke as they turned a pitch-black corner. "Beware, pirates ahead!" Joey screamed as their boat plunged down an unexpected drop in the darkness.
Joey breathed a sigh of relief while Pacey laughed. They were in the middle of a Pirate combat and water splashed in front of them. Singing echoed in the channel ahead of them and they traveled through the rundown Pirate town and couldn't help but sing along, "Yo, ho, yo, ho, a Pirate's life for me!"
Joey was beaming after they got off. "That was such a cool ride." "Yeah that's one of my favorites." Pacey said. "So, I have to ask, what's next?" "Uh, how about," he paused, "Space Mountain." He said and smiled.
"Is that a roller coaster?" "Yeah, it all in the dark, with stars and rockets all around you." "Uh, I don't know, is it completely in the dark?" She asked. "No, come on Jo, I promise It's not that scary." "You like roller coasters anyway, it'll be fun."
Pacey's word never let Joey down. She loved Space Mountain so much that they went on it twice. Next they flew through the Buzz Lightyear ride and Pacey racked up about 10,000 more points then Joey. After they took a ride on the people mover and opted for a less turbulent view of Space Mountain.
Noontime passed and Pacey treated to a fairytale lunch inside the castle. They both bought Mickey t-shirts and Pacey bought a sorcerer Mickey hat and Joey couldn't help but laugh at him when he put it on.
The early after noon flew by as they went on, the Haunted Mansion, The Jungle Cruise and Big Thunder Mountain.
"That is my new favorite ride." Joey said a she tucked her loose and windswept hair behind her ear. "That was great." "Yeah I always like going on that ride, too bad there was a long line though."
"Hey Pace?" Joey said as she laced her hand through his, "What is your favorite ride?" He smiled at her, "I haven't told you?" He questioned. She smiled back at him, "No." "Hm, would you be willing to go on my favorite ride?" "Sure." "Okay, it's right here, the songs of the south." "The best ride there is."
They stopped at the gate, "Splash Mountain." Pacey said as he grabbed Joey's hand and began to jog through to the beginning of the line.
Joey ended up in front of Pacey and he was tickling her to go faster. She shrieked and ran faster. She was laughing so hard she could barely speak.
They finally got to the line, which was virtually nonexistent and got right on. "Uh, yes we would like a seat in the front." Pacey said, practically pushing Joey into the seat. She was laughing, "Uh, no we'd like a seat in the back." "Oh, man the seats are soaked!" Joey shouted. "Jo, this is like, one of the most popular rides in the country, there is no backing out now."
"Are you sure we're not gonna get wet?" She asked, still laughing. "Oh, yeah, the back gets wet." "We'll be hose-free." The boat started to move forward and the ride started. "Or is it the front that gets wet, I can never remember." Pacey laughed. Joey threw her head back and laughed.
The ride was cool and calm in the beginning as they rode through the briar patch and all of the songs of the south. They traveled outside before the dreaded drop and Joey got her first glimpse at how high the drop actually was.
"Hey Pace, how high is that?" "Five stories." "Do really get wet?" She asked. "No, just a little splash, nothing much." He answered as the boat splashed back inside and they turned a corner and started to rise up a giant, windy hill.
Pacey smiled, "Here it comes!" "Hold on Jo!"
They reached the top and could see the whole park for a split-second. Then the camera flashed and the boat plunged. Joey screamed at the top of her lungs, Pacey just laughed. He laughed even more as a huge tidal wave crashed over the boat and drenched them. They were both laughing as the boat floated under the bridge.
"Ha! I love this ride." Pacey chuckled and turned to Joey with a big smile on his face. "Want to do it again?" Joey wiped the water off her face. "Uh, no are you crazy?" She splashed water on him. "Hey!"
As the end of the day drew near, they went on some other rides and ate hotdogs out by Pecos Bill's. The crowds thinned and Joey and Pacey made their way back to the castle.
Joey yawned. "Tired already?" Pacey asked. She nodded. Want to watch the fireworks." He asked. "The fireworks?" "Yeah, you haven't seen a fireworks show until you've seen the one here." "Okay." She rested her head on his shoulder and he put his arm around her. "Pace, in case I didn't say thank you enough, thank you." "This so amazing and is beyond what I ever expected for a birthday gift." She paused. "It may even be the best birthday I've ever had." "Oh, really only the best huh?" Pacey said. "Hm, well I'm glad I could make it the best birthday you've ever had." He whispered into her hair.
By the time they reached the castle again, swarms of people had gathered and had taken good seats. There were no more seats left on the curb so they stood in the middle of the street. They watched in silence as bright colors and dazzling lights flashed before them. The fireworks, along with the Disney themed music, made for a spectacular show.
Towards the end, before the finale, Pacey let go of Joey's hand and knelt down. Joey didn't notice right away but then she turned around. She didn't know what he was doing at first, but then the heart-stopping reality occurred to her. Pacey took her left hand. Joey took a deep breath and started to get teary-eyed. She brought her other hand to her mouth. He let go and reached to take something out of his pocket. The entire time he had a huge smile on his face. Pacey opened his hand and revealed a black velvet case. He opened it and took a deep breath, knowing that they both would remember these words for the rest of their lives. "Joey, you changed my life the day I first saw you." "You came with me on an enchanting sailboat ride for three months. "We shared treasured times and you proved to me that my love for you would always last." "So after fifteen years I ask you now, Josephine Potter," he paused and took a shaky breath and smiled, "will you marry me?"
Joey was silent for a minute, but then she gave him her answer. "Yes" she whispered. "Yes, yes, I will." She had tears running down her face. Pacey stood up and took the ring out and carefully slid it on her finger. He flashed the biggest smile he had. She finally jumped into his arms and kissed him for a long time. Pacey pulled away for a minute chuckled, then whispered, "Well, this is the place where dreams come true right?" I love you Joey." With tears streaming down her face, she whispered, "I love you too Pacey."
The finale was spectacular, as the colors reflected off of the castle; bursts of purple and white grazed the starlit sky. After the finale, their eyes met and the feeling of the moment couldn't be matched.
Then they followed the crowds out of the park, leaving the best souvenir where it should be left, in a place where memories are generated and miraculous wishes are granted.
He walked inside Port Royale and the cool air and Caribbean steel drum music greeted him. He grabbed little snacks along with the coffee and strode back out in to the humid air.
When he got back, he set the food on the table next to the TV and could hear the shower running. Joey got out shortly while Pacey searched the TV for something to watch.
"Jeez, do they have any channel that isn't Disney?" Joey smiled. "Good morning." She said as she leaned over and kissed him. "Uh, I got you some coffee." Pacey said as he pointed to the table. "Thanks." After desperately flipping the channels, Pacey gave in, "Ok, I'm gonna hop in the shower now."
"Ok, ready?" Pacey asked. "Yup." "Got the tickets?" Joey asked. Pacey checked his pockets and pulled them out." "Yes, let's go."
They caught the bus around nine-thirty and drove through the 47 square mile theme park. It was a beautiful day; the temperatures were expected to be in the eighties, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.
They waited in a short line to get into the Magic Kingdom. Before entering, Pacey pulled Joey aside. "Okay, we're about to go in." Joey nodded and had a big smile on her face. "Now, I want this to be the happiest moment in your life." He paused. "Well, except maybe for, uh," he paused. "What?" She asked. "Uh, nothing." He said and continued the conversation.
"This place has a guarantee." "It guarantees that every dream and wish will come true inside these golden gates." "So, it is your birthday, and I am going to make it as miraculous as possible, okay, I promise you that." He smiled, and gave her a hug and kiss. "Now, what are we standing around here for?" "Come on." He whispered. She took a deep breath, "Let's." They walked hand in hand neither knowing what would happen next.
They traveled under the overpass and the sun and magic greeted them on the other side. Lines formed in front of various characters for autographs and pictures, and they became kids again.
Pacey put his arm around Joey's shoulder and they walked around, until they reached the curve onto Main Street. "Hey, close your eyes." Pacey said. "What?" "Just close 'em." He whispered. "Here, take my hand." They walked a little further until Pacey stopped at the perfect viewing spot. "Okay, you can open them now."
Joey opened her eyes and her breath caught in her throat. It was a version of the greatest dreamland that seemed to stretch on forever. She had never seen anything more magical. Fancy stores and shops lined all the way down to the castle, which was much bigger and prettier up close and seemed to touch the sun. It was spectacular, like something out of an enchanting storybook.
Pacey was taking in the moment. He loved to see Joey happy. She never looked so beautiful to him than she did that moment. She finally turned to him. "Okay, what do we go on first?" Pacey laughed.
They walked down closer to the castle and stopped to take their first picture in front of the Walt Disney and Mickey statue. "Ok, over the bridge, into Adventure land." Pacey said as the crowds around them started to thicken.
They walked through, around the jungle cruise, next to Aladdin and finally reached where Pacey was headed. Joey smiled, "Pirates of the Caribbean." "Yeah, you've seen the movie, so let's go. "I love this ride, it's awesome." Pacey said.
"Is there a line?" Joey asked as they walked through the dim and pirate adorned passageways. Pacey bent his head as they turned the final corner. "Ha, nope, we can get right on."
They boarded and shortly after they began rocking back and forth into a black night. Something popped out in front of them and Joey jumped. "Don't tell me you're scared."
"You've come too far, you must go back." A spooky skeleton head spoke as they turned a pitch-black corner. "Beware, pirates ahead!" Joey screamed as their boat plunged down an unexpected drop in the darkness.
Joey breathed a sigh of relief while Pacey laughed. They were in the middle of a Pirate combat and water splashed in front of them. Singing echoed in the channel ahead of them and they traveled through the rundown Pirate town and couldn't help but sing along, "Yo, ho, yo, ho, a Pirate's life for me!"
Joey was beaming after they got off. "That was such a cool ride." "Yeah that's one of my favorites." Pacey said. "So, I have to ask, what's next?" "Uh, how about," he paused, "Space Mountain." He said and smiled.
"Is that a roller coaster?" "Yeah, it all in the dark, with stars and rockets all around you." "Uh, I don't know, is it completely in the dark?" She asked. "No, come on Jo, I promise It's not that scary." "You like roller coasters anyway, it'll be fun."
Pacey's word never let Joey down. She loved Space Mountain so much that they went on it twice. Next they flew through the Buzz Lightyear ride and Pacey racked up about 10,000 more points then Joey. After they took a ride on the people mover and opted for a less turbulent view of Space Mountain.
Noontime passed and Pacey treated to a fairytale lunch inside the castle. They both bought Mickey t-shirts and Pacey bought a sorcerer Mickey hat and Joey couldn't help but laugh at him when he put it on.
The early after noon flew by as they went on, the Haunted Mansion, The Jungle Cruise and Big Thunder Mountain.
"That is my new favorite ride." Joey said a she tucked her loose and windswept hair behind her ear. "That was great." "Yeah I always like going on that ride, too bad there was a long line though."
"Hey Pace?" Joey said as she laced her hand through his, "What is your favorite ride?" He smiled at her, "I haven't told you?" He questioned. She smiled back at him, "No." "Hm, would you be willing to go on my favorite ride?" "Sure." "Okay, it's right here, the songs of the south." "The best ride there is."
They stopped at the gate, "Splash Mountain." Pacey said as he grabbed Joey's hand and began to jog through to the beginning of the line.
Joey ended up in front of Pacey and he was tickling her to go faster. She shrieked and ran faster. She was laughing so hard she could barely speak.
They finally got to the line, which was virtually nonexistent and got right on. "Uh, yes we would like a seat in the front." Pacey said, practically pushing Joey into the seat. She was laughing, "Uh, no we'd like a seat in the back." "Oh, man the seats are soaked!" Joey shouted. "Jo, this is like, one of the most popular rides in the country, there is no backing out now."
"Are you sure we're not gonna get wet?" She asked, still laughing. "Oh, yeah, the back gets wet." "We'll be hose-free." The boat started to move forward and the ride started. "Or is it the front that gets wet, I can never remember." Pacey laughed. Joey threw her head back and laughed.
The ride was cool and calm in the beginning as they rode through the briar patch and all of the songs of the south. They traveled outside before the dreaded drop and Joey got her first glimpse at how high the drop actually was.
"Hey Pace, how high is that?" "Five stories." "Do really get wet?" She asked. "No, just a little splash, nothing much." He answered as the boat splashed back inside and they turned a corner and started to rise up a giant, windy hill.
Pacey smiled, "Here it comes!" "Hold on Jo!"
They reached the top and could see the whole park for a split-second. Then the camera flashed and the boat plunged. Joey screamed at the top of her lungs, Pacey just laughed. He laughed even more as a huge tidal wave crashed over the boat and drenched them. They were both laughing as the boat floated under the bridge.
"Ha! I love this ride." Pacey chuckled and turned to Joey with a big smile on his face. "Want to do it again?" Joey wiped the water off her face. "Uh, no are you crazy?" She splashed water on him. "Hey!"
As the end of the day drew near, they went on some other rides and ate hotdogs out by Pecos Bill's. The crowds thinned and Joey and Pacey made their way back to the castle.
Joey yawned. "Tired already?" Pacey asked. She nodded. Want to watch the fireworks." He asked. "The fireworks?" "Yeah, you haven't seen a fireworks show until you've seen the one here." "Okay." She rested her head on his shoulder and he put his arm around her. "Pace, in case I didn't say thank you enough, thank you." "This so amazing and is beyond what I ever expected for a birthday gift." She paused. "It may even be the best birthday I've ever had." "Oh, really only the best huh?" Pacey said. "Hm, well I'm glad I could make it the best birthday you've ever had." He whispered into her hair.
By the time they reached the castle again, swarms of people had gathered and had taken good seats. There were no more seats left on the curb so they stood in the middle of the street. They watched in silence as bright colors and dazzling lights flashed before them. The fireworks, along with the Disney themed music, made for a spectacular show.
Towards the end, before the finale, Pacey let go of Joey's hand and knelt down. Joey didn't notice right away but then she turned around. She didn't know what he was doing at first, but then the heart-stopping reality occurred to her. Pacey took her left hand. Joey took a deep breath and started to get teary-eyed. She brought her other hand to her mouth. He let go and reached to take something out of his pocket. The entire time he had a huge smile on his face. Pacey opened his hand and revealed a black velvet case. He opened it and took a deep breath, knowing that they both would remember these words for the rest of their lives. "Joey, you changed my life the day I first saw you." "You came with me on an enchanting sailboat ride for three months. "We shared treasured times and you proved to me that my love for you would always last." "So after fifteen years I ask you now, Josephine Potter," he paused and took a shaky breath and smiled, "will you marry me?"
Joey was silent for a minute, but then she gave him her answer. "Yes" she whispered. "Yes, yes, I will." She had tears running down her face. Pacey stood up and took the ring out and carefully slid it on her finger. He flashed the biggest smile he had. She finally jumped into his arms and kissed him for a long time. Pacey pulled away for a minute chuckled, then whispered, "Well, this is the place where dreams come true right?" I love you Joey." With tears streaming down her face, she whispered, "I love you too Pacey."
The finale was spectacular, as the colors reflected off of the castle; bursts of purple and white grazed the starlit sky. After the finale, their eyes met and the feeling of the moment couldn't be matched.
Then they followed the crowds out of the park, leaving the best souvenir where it should be left, in a place where memories are generated and miraculous wishes are granted.