As I've mentioned, I really enjoy reading trip reports from people who have visited Disney recently. I'm even open to reading a Pre-Trip report now and then.
A quiet Sunday afternoon in February had me clicking on PTR which would change my life.
OK, maybe that's a little dramatic. But it was pretty amazing.
I have this bag thing. I am always on the search for the perfect bag for the perfect purpose. Camera bag = rose jo tote. Daily handbag = Vera Bradley. Luggage = rolling duffle.
Park Bag? Well, I had a mini messenger bag that I loved at Disneyland in 2009, but it was really going to be too small for what I wanted this summer. What I wanted was something close to a Vera Bradley Hipster... but not quite.
So I clicked on a pre-trip report written by someone who started out to sew her way to Disney by creating American Girl clothing. And then she decided to make herself a park bag.
And it really was perfect. If you want to read her qualifications, she's got a great explanation here.
I read. And I knew.
I must have.
Not Donald. While I love Disney, I'm not a huge "character" person. I've always loved the classic Mickey head the best.
So I had an idea in my head of what I love. Classic Disney colors -- red, white, black, yellow. The patterns I love -- damask, damask and more damask. And the Mickey Head.
I didn't even finish reading the trip report, I just went over to Etsy and found this seller and started a conversation with her. Can I get one? I asked.
She told me she could put me on her list. It would be two months before she could start work on it (she had her own Disney trip planned in there, but she also had a list of already ordered bags). Put me down I said.
One day a few weeks ago, I got a message from the artist on the DISboards. Did I still want a bag?
Did I? Heck yes.
So we exchanged a few messages about what I was seeing in my head.
She kept me updated on the progress.
Then, on Saturday, she posted pictures.
And Monday it was in my hands.
Tuesday, we did a little photo shoot.
And close ups of the bag:
I got to choose how I wanted the inside of the bag configured (did I mention this bag was custom made for me?). I chose a row of pockets to fit my iphone, a sharpie for autographs, and one extra pocket. On the other side, I had her put a zippered pocket. I like zippered pockets. It's nice to be able to put keys in them and then they're not lost in the bottom of the bag when it comes time to grab them. Or worse, lost when I go to pull out ponchos and they go flying.
In addition to the bag, I got a little zipper wallet and a lanyard. The lanyard is mostly for the Universal portion of our trip. And next year at work. I'm going to be so stinking cute... forever.
And a couple of fun ones of me with the bag.
I really cannot wait to use this bag at the parks. It's exactly what I need, and more than I could have wanted. A bit pricey, but the quality is well worth it. And remember, I custom tailored it to me, my tastes, and my uses. Dorine has gotten a lot busier since I ordered, and she's now booked about six months out. However, if you're interested, it's worth it to email her. You can check out her Etsy shop here.
