Two Teaching Sisters = One Magical Week

Back in 2010, my sister eagerly invited me to join her at a teaching conference held at the magical Disney World, a chance that promised not only professional development but also a touch of enchantment. Recognizing the incredible value of the experience, I decided to approach our department head, Shelley Erikson, to request funding for the trip despite knowing that Omaha Public Schools had imposed a moratorium on conference attendance for teachers that year. I carefully crafted a persuasive request, emphasizing how participating in the conference would enhance my teaching abilities and enable me to introduce innovative practices to Omaha South High School. I also mentioned that I only needed funding for the airfare and conference fees, as my sister’s school was covering our accommodation. While the school itself could not fund the trip, Shelley recognized the unique opportunity to attend alongside my sister and kindly offered to explore potential sponsorship.

A few days afterward, Shelley delivered wonderful news: she had spoken with Susan Buffett, and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation generously agreed to cover my expenses. This remarkable support made it possible for me to join my sister at the conference and highlighted the profound impact that community investment in education can have. Because of Shelley’s advocacy and the foundation’s generosity, I returned with new ideas, resources, and renewed enthusiasm for my classroom, along with the memorable experience of sharing Walt Disney World with my sister.

For a bit of fun during the conference, Pam and I chose to wear matching outfits, which sparked priceless reactions as numerous attendees genuinely believed we were twins. Given our similar looks, our coordinated daily attire made the “twin theory” highly convincing. It was amusing to witness how strangers did double takes and lightheartedly joked about our “twin telepathy.” Beyond the humor and surprise, dressing alike opened the door to many conversations, making it easier to connect and network with other participants. This playful twist brought some levity to the formal event and strengthened our sisterly bond, demonstrating how a dose of creativity and humor can transform ordinary occasions into lasting memories.

Pam and I at the entrance to the World Showcase in Epcot

This was Pam’s very first trip to Disney World, so after wrapping up the last of our conference sessions, she couldn’t wait to dive into the magic of the parks. Our first destination was Epcot, a place I had described to her in glowing terms after my own trip there in July 2005, highlighting its distinctive fusion of cutting-edge technology and global cultures. As we settled into our bus seats en route to Epcot, the festive spirit in the air was unmistakable. Disney had already adorned the park with dazzling Christmas decorations, sparkling lights, and joyful holiday melodies, which was a vivid departure from the summery ambiance I had witnessed during my initial visit. Approaching Epcot felt like a sleigh ride through a winter wonderland, despite the balmy Florida weather. Towering trees festooned with oversized ornaments and meticulously crafted holiday displays filled us with excitement and nostalgia. This early glimpse of holiday cheer heightened our anticipation, and we eagerly disembarked to enter the park.

In Epcot's central plaza, a towering Christmas tree majestically stood amid a bed of red poinsettias. Wearing our matching shirts, Pam and I posed for a quick photograph, surrounded by the park’s jubilant festive atmosphere, infused with the aromas of holiday treats and the lively voices of visitors. After capturing the memory, we leisurely ambled around the tree, admiring the delicate glass baubles, vibrant ribbons, and tiny figurines, each narrating holiday traditions from across the globe. The pine scent mingled with soft holiday tunes nearby, crafting a mesmerizing ambiance that made the experience truly unforgettable. It was an ideal introduction to embracing the season’s magic in one of the world’s most iconic settings.

As we continued down the World Showcase promenade, every country’s pavilion was uniquely decorated to reflect its cultural traditions. The American Adventure featured twinkling lights and rustic wreaths; Japan showcased finely detailed ornaments; and Mexico brightened the scene with colorful poinsettias. The air was filled with the irresistible aromas of seasonal treats, so as we strolled, we also indulged in warm German gingerbread cookies, sampled rich French hot chocolate, and savored rich Italian panettone, each bite telling its own festive story. Live music and joyful performances added to the enchanting atmosphere, making our exploration not just a feast for the taste buds, but a heartwarming celebration of global unity and holiday cheer. Since Christmas is Pam's favorite time of the year, this blend of visual wonder and culinary delight made her first visit to the park beyond anything she had ever imagined.

Pam and I in front of the Sorcerer's Hat at Disney's Hollywood Studios

The following evening, Pam and I fully embraced the holiday spirit by donning matching Disney World t-shirts while making our way to Hollywood Studios. The park had been transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland, sparkling with radiant lights and holiday-themed decorations that seemed to have come straight out of a festive film. Lampposts were wrapped in glittering garlands, and twinkling lights adorned the classic movie-themed buildings, crafting an atmosphere that could only be described as magical. As we meandered through the lively streets, festive music filled the surroundings, and we eagerly participated in seasonal performances starring cherished Disney characters clad in their Christmas finest. Hearing enthusiastic chatter about an impressive light show in the Streets of America section, we promptly headed there to experience it ourselves.

Turning the corner, a sudden silence enveloped us as we caught sight of the awe-inspiring Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Tens of thousands of sparkling bulbs adorned every tree, rooftop, and lamppost, their glow pulsating and shimmering in perfect harmony with the jubilant holiday tunes resonating around us. The vast scale and detailed synchronization of the display overwhelmed our senses, conjuring a magical realm where lights danced like living entities beneath the night sky. Tears welled up in Pam’s eyes, overwhelmed by emotion; the scene’s beauty and nostalgic charm awakened a deep warmth and joy within her that epitomizes the holiday spirit. Amused by her sentimental reaction, I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos of her teary-eyed expression to share with our brothers, as my own heart was far less tender.

Pam & I enjoying our first time seeing the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

While attending our conference at Disney World, we had enthusiastically planned to visit multiple parks, imagining a series of enchanting adventures throughout the entire resort. However, despite our sincere efforts, none of the other parks captured the excitement and allure quite like Hollywood Studios did. Consequently, we devoted the following two evenings to immersing ourselves in the captivating Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Yet, our experience extended beyond just the lights; in between returning to marvel at the display, we also enjoyed numerous live shows and performances spread across the area. From the breathtaking Fantasmic! with its spectacular effects, vibrant fireworks, and stirring music, to the energetic "Block Party Bash" parade featuring beloved Pixar characters dancing to well-known theme tunes. Each performance brought its own distinctive charm to our nights, filling every moment with the delight shared by two sisters reveling in Disney’s magic. Therefore, despite visiting the same park repeatedly, the harmonious combination of shimmering lights and varied entertainment made our visit genuinely memorable, as we basked in the enchanting fusion of music, color, and festive holiday spirit.

As our last evening at Hollywood Studios came to an end, Pam and I sat together on a bench, waiting for the bus. The memories of the conference, the laughter over our matching outfits, and the shared wonder of the holiday magic had woven together into an unforgettable tapestry of sisterly connection and joy. I glanced at Pam, seeing the same bright excitement reflected in her eyes that I felt within myself, and it became clear that this trip was not merely a work-related event or a vacation; it was a celebration of family bonds, new experiences, and the simple magic of exploring the world side by side. On our way back to the hotel, I realized these moments would continue to warm our hearts for many years, just like the glowing lights that had guided us throughout our adventure.