SCAN MAGAZINE SPRING 2023
PrOtect the Magic The secret life of a Disney World Princess Written by Victoria Radnothy Illustrated by Leah Grace Craig
Long ago in a faraway land, there’s a magic kingdom. In this kingdom, there’s a large blue and white castle that towers over the neighboring stores, restaurants and non-threatening indoor roller coaster rides. It’s the showstopper of Fantasyland. And yet, nobody lives in this castle. It’s a tourist destination, surrounded by perfectly manicured grass and shrubbery in the shapes of beloved characters, with flowers that never seem to fall out of bloom. This kingdom is quite prosperous. Rich in fairy tales where the heroes always win, the villains fall to their deaths and there’s always a happily ever after. It’s where magic is packaged and sold to the masses on a daily basis to adoring children and their parents, desperate to appease. Dole-whipped pineapple treats are sold during the sweltering hot summer day at $7.49 and parking is $50 per car. But the visiting patrons don’t mind, at least not the little ones, wearing their sensible walking shoes and mouse ears. It’s their favorite storybook come to life. Our story begins with Melody, a young woman who sells the little fib that the big blue and white castle is hers and her Prince Charming’s. Although, it’s not her preferred Prince Charming. She’s working with Clayton today, her least favorite of the princes, as she looks at the shift breakdown pinned to the dressing room wall. A Jasmine is standing beside her, giddy about working with the hot Aladdin today. Lucky.
Clayton is insufferable, and a constant know-it-all. Constantly quizzing her on the mouse-eared lore, as if he forgot she too went through the grueling audition process and six week Cinderella intensive to be prepared for absolutely anything the guests have to throw at her. Least favorite being the creepy dads who make comments about Cinderella’s dress disappearing after midnight. And what does the handsome Prince Charming Clayton do— nothing. Just smiles to the camera, anything but charming. The dressing room is utter chaos, as it usually is. There’s no sense of organization, it’s a frenzy, a free-for-all. A collection of wigs, bobby pins, company approved lip liner, fake eyelashes, iced nonfat skinny lattes and glitter everywhere. No one can step foot in this place and escape without a thin layer of glitter stuck to their skin. It’s just a part of the magic. Melody pushes her way through the flurry of girls. All in various stages of their transformation from employee, to princess. It’s what the fairy godmother herself would be proud of. Watching these 20-something actresses barely make rent with their four roommates and on calorie deficient diets purely because they can’t afford groceries, become a real life Princess Ariel. Or Princess Tiana. Snow White or Mulan, savior of China. Pocahontas or Merida. Or Elsa, Queen of fictional Arendelle. All with their grand castles in faraway places, talking animal companions and handsome princes. Once they’re fitted with their perfectly blown out and primped wigs, blushing pink cheeks, and expertly masked facial blemishes and free of discoloration—they might actually be the real thing. Sleeping Beauty sits down next to Melody, announcing to the room that after taking some time off, she finally got that nose