“Why, hello there Belle! You look stunning this evening!”  The young, happy man commented as he grabbed a handful of candy from the bin and dropped it in my pillowcase.

The air was wet and humid and a light breeze fell over me as I walked. The sky was black and the stars sparkled under the colorful lights. I walked along side my family in the crowded Downtown Disney where everything was covered in Halloween themed decorations and mickey faces. Families filled the streets clothed in their favorite Disney costumes and other creative garments on this magical night. Characters were dressed in Halloween costumes and were walking all around the park meeting little kids like me.

“Belle, I love you dress! It looks marvelous!” a worker pointed out as I came up to another bin of candy on the corner.

I hid behind my mom, too shy to thank the friendly woman. I looked down at my outfit and played with the hems of the skirt. I followed my younger sister to the lady and allowed her to fill by pillowcase with more sugary treats that I knew I would not be able to finish. I quietly shuffled away and grabbed my dad’s hand and continued on the festive path to the next stop. I listened to the sound that my shoes made every tiny step I took. The clacking of the small heels intrigued me and made me look down at my dainty feet wondering how I created that sound. I looked back up to see more energetic Disney workers gawking and complimenting my outfit. I looked down again in bashfulness, but only to get caught up in my own admiration of the beautiful dress I was in. I was wearing the popular bright yellow ball gown Belle wore in the movie, Beauty and the Beast, which was my favorite movie at that moment of time. The dress looked almost exactly like the movie version. The long skirt was full and landed right at my feet, fitting me perfectly. It was filled with little sparkles that made it shine like the shimmering stars in the sky. The sleeves draped off of my shoulders and came to a sweetheart neckline. There was a brooch with Belle’s face on it, but my mom covered it with a pink jewel making the costume different from all of the others. Mini silk, pink roses accented the sleeves and bottom of the skirt. I had my hair all done like Belle in the movie. It was half up, half down with the ends of my long brown hair curled to perfection. My shoes sparkled like my dress and had buckles at my ankles. To top it all off, I carried a silky red rose with me to represent the movie. I really wished I looked like the princess, because I adored her like she was the most perfect human being. I wanted to meet her so bad and see her radiant smile. I would do anything to just even glimpse her beauty and grace.

I continued walking around park filling up my pillowcase with more than enough candy. When I reached Cinderella’s castle, I saw another bright yellow dress in the distance. We came close and realized that it was the “real Belle and Beast”. I was in awe looking at them and watching them meet the kids surrounding the area. I walked over with more confidence than usual and looked up at them. They greeted me with open arms and also complimented my outfit. The Beast took my hand and we danced around the paved area like they did in the movie. Right at the end, the once dark sky was light up with a colorful firework show that ended the Halloween night. I took a picture with the two characters and ran to my parents. My dad picked me up and put me on his shoulders so I had a better view of the flashing colors in front of the lit up castle. I smiled all the way back to the hotel, knowing I met my favorite Disney characters and ended my Halloween night more confident and happy than ever. I guess Disney is the place where your dreams do come true.