After All The Hype...

I'm glad that's over!

My body has gotten used to sleep.Three restless hours was not enough. I did not dare take my usual medicines for fear I would sleep too late, so instead I barely slept at all. The cat and I made it until 4 am and then we gave up pretending. One hour to go. I was beside myself. All for dinner reservations mind you!

Finally at 4:45 I went upstairs searching for Jim, who was suppose to be waking me up. He was on his way down but I was impatient.

We both got logged on and I tracked down my credit card. I knew I had taken any of the reservations that might require a credit card to hold them. Jim found a few minutes to tend his farm and check his mafia :) I reminded him that he really couldn't do that once he started making reservations. He told me he loved me :)

I sat on my air bed with my laptop, my stack of cards with the reservations I wanted on them, my credit card, a pen, and my Mickey stocking cap. The last few minutes before 5:00, I gave Jim a countdown which I think he appreciated greatly.

Finally, 5:00 hit and we both hit "Search for a Table." We both got error messages. I remembered reset happens at 5:00 and we needed to try at 5:01. Success!!!

Jim got Le Cellier and I got ... Cinderella's Royal Table! This was a biggie I needed to do first and it required a credit card. They don't actually charge your card unless you are a no-show. Making reservations and not showing up is VERY common in Disney but certain places like CRT require a hold to limit this from happening. I think more should. Why is CRT special? This is a character meal but more important than that it is one of the only ways to get inside Cinderellas Castle at Disney World. I'm not even sure how much I'll eat here but I have to go!

After that kind of start I felt confident. I ran into only two bumps along the way. Both were things that I think are not in the computer system yet so I'm hopeful. Overall I think we have 22 of our 26 reservations made. That's not bad!

For anyone who cares, here's what all my insanity has lead to(bold need reservations yet):

• 6/29- 2:00p.m. House of Blues(no reservation needed)
• 6/29- 8:40p.m. Artist Point
• 6/30- 8:00a.m. Tusker House
• 6/30- 8:30p.m. Yachtsman Steakhouse
• 7/1- 8:10a.m. Akershus Princess Storybook Dining
• 7/1- 1:50p.m. LeCellier
• 7/1- 7:00p.m. Restaurant Marrakesh
• 7/2- 7:30a.m. Cape May Cafe
• 7/2- 7:00p.m. Jiko
• 7/3- 8:05a.m. Crystal Palace
• 7/3- 5:15p.m. The Plaza
• 7/3- 9:00p.m. Wishes Dessert Party
• 7/4- 11:30a.m. Hollywood Brown Derby Dine with an Imagineer
• 7/4- 5:30 Hollywood &Vine Fantasmic
• 7/5- 7:30a.m. Ohana's 
• 7/5- 7:05p.m. Narcoossee's
• 7/6- 7:30a.m. Boma
• 7/6- 12:00p.m. Teppan Edo
• 7/6- 8:30p.m. Via Napoli
• 7/7- 8:05a.m. Cinderella's Royal Table
• 7/7- 1:00p.m. Kona Cafe
• 7/7- 7:50p.m. California Grill
• 7/8- 7:00a.m.Chef Mickey
• 7/8- 1:30p.m. LeCellier
• 7/9- 7:30a.m. Boma
• 7/9- 11:30a.m. House of Blues(no reservation needed)

If you'd like to see what we might be having to eat at any of these wonderful restaurants, I have links to all of the menu below. Just click on the restaurant name.

I'm sure there is a next step. I am far too tired to know what it is. I'll  be in touch :)

Disney Emily says...

We have a reservation number. Our down-payment  is paid in full and I can make ADRs to my little hearts content! I am finalizing my gameplan... Then I'll let you know. I'm so excited!!! (I did however on the way to my Milwaukee doctor's appt. yesterday tell Jim he could take us directly to the airport and I would try just winging it too! Don't know how I thought I'd sit on an airplane let alone a roller coaster but I'd try!)

Uh... Yeah...

I didn't make this but I could have!

Merry Christmas- I Have My Quote!

I recently read that :


“Christmas is the Disneyfication of Christianity”


They say that like Disneyfication is a bad thing :)


I hope you and yours enjoy the holiday. I'm using mine as prep time for next weeks ADR insanity. Emily Disney (I have to specify because I know too many Emily's now and Jim gets confused.) sent me a final quote. I was having surgery so I didn't book and then it was the holidays. She will have my $200 first thing on Sunday or Monday depending on when she works.


I'm so ready to do this. Now that I'm starting to feel better, I'm actually ready to go! We're a little ways from that but planning will keep me excited!


So Santa may not have delivered many Mickey related goodies to my stocking but to be honest... I tend to buy them on my own whenever I want. Life is good!

Merry Christmas!

The Moment We've All Been Waiting For (OK, Well Only Me)

JULY PARK TIMES ARE OUT!!!
Do you have any idea what this means?
I can actually plan my trip and make sure the ADR's I put in place six months ago are going to work! This is huge. Besides setting the ADRs and going on the trip this is the next biggest thing there is.
I have to have surgery tomorrow and now I'm so dang hyper I don't know how I'll sleep. I really need to at the very least go print the park calendars so I can look at them in the car.
Sorry for cutting this short, but I have work to do. I'll have plenty to update you on very soon!

I will try for fewer exclamation points in my next post as well. I apologize!!!

Tron

This could have been a good movie.
Tron: Legacy was not.

TMI

I am headed to surgery with all the Mickey juju I can.

• Mickey sweatshirt (with zipper- for ease)
• Mickey pajama pants
• Mickey tank top 
• Mickey underwear
• red polka dotted socks that match the pants
• good luck Mickey bracelet that Jim must keep for me
• 2011 trip agenda is in my bag (in case I have time before hand to work on it)
• copy of The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World(another time filler)

Yes , I need help. No I don't want any. Thank you :)

It's Official. I Have Been Counted

I shall henceforth bear the noble and esteemed title of Neurotic Disney Wife #59. NDW#59 for short. 

Yes, at The Disney Driven Life you may register as a Wife, Mother, Father, Daughter, Grandmother, even Pet and they will assign you a number and make you a part of their registry.

Now with membership comes privileges. I just haven't had time to explore what they all are. I know it involves Facebook, Twitter and RSS.  

I'm just excited that someone out there finally realizes I'm Neurotic about Disney!

P.S. To join go to

 http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/be-counted/

Two Hundred

200. I know where I will be 200 days from now.
IN HEAVEN
It is suddenly, quickly, becoming real I'm so excited. I'd still like it done before Tuesday. I  need to get in touch with Emily soon but I have more time now because of ADRs
This makes me anxious too because in my head a lot is riding on it.It not only has to be a great trip, it has to wipe out all bad memories from previous trips.No pressure.

The thing is I think it can be that trip :)

Closing the Loop

Great time for Disney to figure out computers- NOT! For a while not this little gap existed that if you were staying on site you could actually book your ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations each morning online starting at 190 days instead of 180 days. I have had my plans set for months as some of you know.
Well at the end of November and beginning of December, Disney did some needed upgrades to their computer system. It has however, ELIMINATED MY LOOP!

This means I am stuck making ADRs on December 31st. So is Jim.  This makes me nervous because I feel less confident that I will get everything I want, when I want it. . Between now and the 31st when pain allows, I have to come up with a plan about who asks for what on the computer and who asks for what on the phone. I will have to take Jim through some trainings on the computer so he knows what to expect. ADR boot camp if you will. It will have to be very fluid that morning because everything will depend of when we get Cinderella's Royal Table. This should be very interesting for our first attempt at this.Since 2011 is going to be our year I have no doubt it will go great!

Get It Done!

I need Pascal in my life.
He'd make me get things done.

With six days until my surgery I am beginning (who am I kidding-I'm there!) to freak out because this trip is not booked yet. I have a few unanswered questions and every time Jim and I try to find time to get them answered something else pops up. Yesterday is was this crazy mess with my long-term disability paper work.
I'd really like to get this taken care of SOON. I don't want to deal with this next week when I have the trial in. I'm sure I could, I'd just prefer not to.
This weekend we have 10 dozen cookies to make because Jim knows I usually like to participate in his cookie swap at work. This time its crazy timing but I'm sure the two of us will have fun and it will take our minds off the upcoming stress of next week. Plus you know our Christmas cookies are going to be Mickey in some way.
So back to trip planning (see I'm scattered) as I think about things, I start to doubt my plans. Do I have too many character meals planned? Should we eat breakfast early or late? The best laid plans of men when visiting mice...
But before I can make reservations I really need to book a trip!!! We need to decide about insurance, the Keys to the Kingdom tour, and if we're booking our trip as a package or as Annual Passholders. I think I may have just discovered why I have a headache :)
We're close. As much as I would have liked to saved money by moving the trip back, job uncertainties didn't allow it and I am glad that means I get to go visit my Orlando friends sooner. It seems like its been so long since I've seen them. I can't wait!

Happy 109th Birthday Walt!

Walt, what would I do with my time if there
hadn't been you? Thank you.

Black Friday Disney-Related Purchases

Okay, had I had more money, this could have gone into seriously dangerous territory. But I was good.
I found these awesome clearance folders, notebooks and  composition books called Cover Creators.

They come with blank white covers and large printable stickers. There is a website where you design the cover and then print it on the sticker, which then goes on the notebook or folder. This will be perfect for all my Disney planning. (Lord knows I don't already have 100 notebooks started, but these will be cute!) They were only $1.50 a piece and they retail for $4.99 so I'm happy with my purchase.

I made it out of the rest of the stores Disney-free because Jim said no to the $50 inflatable Santa Mickey for the yard at Menards :(

I got home and checked my e-mail. DisneyStore.com was having a Black Friday sale too. Now my tree is only allowed to have hedgehog ornaments and Disney ornaments on it so I'm always looking for either of them. DisneyStore kind of had both! They had a ton of $5 ornaments which with the extra 20% off were only $4. I tried to stay realistic and limited myself to 3 items. Two are ornaments and one is a hedgie for my collection, Mr. Pricklepants!

Mickey & Minnie

Fantasmic

Finally, a Mr. Pricklepants for my collection!

Not too bad. Tree skirt is re-made. Looks much better this time. Hoping to decorate the tree today and maybe work on some other crafts this weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

His best friend is a duck, does he really eat turkey?

To all my friends who take the time to stop by and check my little ramblings out, Happy Thanksgiving! It has been quite a year but I have not for a moment forgotten all I have to be thankful for. A husband who loves me when I'm unlovable, doctors who are able to help me no matter how long it may take, friends (some of whom I've never met face-to-face) who care about my well-being, and even though I may often want, I have more than I really need. Being graced by all of this and so much more is something to truly be thankful for.

I would not be me if I did not mention that I am also quite thankful that I get to visit Mickey every day!

Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Sometimes Blogging is a Job

I've mentioned here before that I am also writing Disney blog entries for Mouse for Less Travel. I enjoy it a lot. Anything that lets me spend time talking about my obsession is great in my book. Plus the fringe benefits are super. I am eight posts away from a free Photopass CD for our next vacation. That's an amazing deal.
The thing is when my head gets funky it's more difficult to write about specific topics. I tend to wander. My head has been funky but I really need to crank these entries out. They have to be done by the end of December but when you take in to account the fact that much of my December will be spent having wires, paddles and batteries placed in my body, I should probably kick it into gear right NOW.
I'm working on this great 4-piece idea right now where I talk about my favorite things in the World using the ABC framework. I know what I'm doing for each letter of the alphabet but the writing is coming painfully slow. I need to just do it.

With a Thanksgiving car ride coming up that won't be altogether pleasant, I'm thinking it's time to haul out my Mickey notebook and try it longhand. Sometimes I do my best work that way. I'm a bit old-fashioned I guess.
Procrastination has always been my middle name but, in the end, I always pull it out.
The good news is with this weeks dilemma about trip dates I probably have another blog entry in the making! I'm glad my craziness is good for something.

My Countdown Clock May Be Moving In Reverse

Well if moving back 56 days sounded unappealing moving back 70 days sounds worse. But there may be a method to my madness.
As I explored the idea that an August trip would be more economical, I realized it is also when Disney World does their annual Pin Celebration. Being a huge pin freak, this sounded like an opportunity. We've never been there at that time. I'm usually headed back to school at that time.
My work situation is currently a little up in the air, which makes the planning of this difficult.

September 9th-11th, 2011

as I looked into this I couldn't find dates for a pin event. and then I found The Florida Project. September 9-11 at Epcot. It is a trading celebration that will be extra special because this is Disney World's 40th Anniversary. I think it would be amazing to be at. And with the money we saved on the trip, we could easily afford to attend the celebration.
Of course this is hurricane season in Florida but that's a minor detail :)

Big Decision to Make

222 days sounds closer every day, but I was trying to think of some ways to cut costs without cutting the fabulousness of our trip. I came up with a possible solution and all it would change is those countdown clocks at the bottom of my blog.
Here's what I looked at:

• 10 days at Pop Century
• Deluxe dining
• 10 day Magic Your Way tickets with park hopper

The cost for this for two adults end of June/ beginning of July, when we are currently planning on going is $3763.70 when priced at Disney's website.

The same trip end of August/ beginning of September $2549.74.

Wow! We're paying $1200 to be there at the 4th of July? It would mean pushing things back but we may seriously be considering moving things back 56 days. I've become really good at waiting.

I Found a New Project

Being on a ton of Disney e-mail lists has its advantages. One of them is I am constantly being inspired by other really creative and equally obsessed Mickey-lovers. Today I found my next project. It will be an ongoing one and one you'll see the fruits of right here.
A smart and talented guy named Bruce records every detail of his trip in a travel diary. He takes notes, photos, and videos and then combines them into a great remembrance of his trip. You can check it out here. http://www.magicalthemeparks.com/disneyworld/2010trip/
I now know what I need to collect to be able to do my own amazing trip diary. I can't think of a better way to make your trip last a lifetime! Plus it will keep me busy next year during that down time between trips :)

I've Got My Friends in on the Action

My friend from high school, Tara, sent me this great picture:

Brewers Mickey

(Thanks again Tara!!!)

She said she thought of me when she saw it. I wonder why?

I think I have a new life goal. I will spread my insane love of Mickey with everyone I meet. This will be my new full time job. I believe it can be done. 

Hey, my husband's a convert!

Our Adventure at the Fabric Store

Yesterday I saw this amazing fabric online and I had to have it.

BUT... It's no longer available online. So after bribing my husband with breakfast, I got him to drive me to the nearest Joanne's, the only store that carries it.

We looked around at a few things. There were a ton of people there. Finally we muscled our way over to the fabric. I was amazed that I actually found some of the fabric. I though maybe no one had it anymore. I had to get it cut then. Uhhh...

Remember I said there were a lot of people. I pushed through and got a number. I looked at it. I had number 08. They were working on number 82. It was going to be forever. And it was.

Jim didn't complain once.In fact when I told him I thought I'd only get a yard, he told me to take what was left on the bolt. It ended up being just over 4 yards. Good thing it was 40% off! I even snuck in a yard on Disney Halloween fabric that was 60% off.

I have big plans for my purchase. A mantel cover. A tree skirt. Maybe some cute apparel.

I'm trying to keep myself busy until I can do some trip planning and until surgery. I think I almost have enough projects now!

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

I am SO ready to plan our trip. I know your thinking, "Kristin, it seems to me you already have things planned. You know the dates, the hotel, you even know where you're eating every meal."
But I'm eager to start making our daily touring plans; where we go as we enter the park in the morning and the order we do things in. Now I've never done this before but 1) it sounds like tons of fun and 2) I think it will help us be more efficient in the parks. We're awfully good at wandering around going "What should we do next?" and it wastes time. We always end up missing something I really want to do.
I don't plan on being so strict that my husband will hate me- this is still Disney and we want to have fun. Seven months out he's open to the idea so I don't want to press my luck.
So what's stopping me from starting? I need park times. I can't plan my days if I don't know what park will have Magic Hours what days and what time the shows are. I can't get those until six months out. I also don't want to plan our days until our ADRs are made the last week of December. As always, when talking Disney, everything revolves around eating.
So I impatiently wait. I research and tweak what I can of my plan. I'm sending out holiday cards this week so they'll be out of my way (and yes, they are heavily Mickey-themed would you expect anything less?) I am making shrinky dinks ornaments for my all-Disney Christmas tree. If I finish those I think I'll buy some fabric and make a mantle cover like the one I saw on Disneyshopping.com. I don't have a mantle but it would look great on my TV stand. 
Read the blog title. I visit Mickey Every Day!

38 Wishes

I'm dividing my wishes evenly this year:
14 for early and safe surgeries
14 for early and extra visits to Mickey!!!

Here's to 38 being better than 37 and our 2011 trip being better than 2010!

Told You So

It's official. My surgeries have been scheduled and we have overlap!


Surgery #1 is December 14th. No problem.

Surgery #2 is December 21st- the first day I have to do my computer ADRs at 190 days. That means every morning between the 21st and the 31st I have to be up at 6am to make reservations. Should be fun :)

Luckily my first day isn't a huge priority and can wait until the 22nd. My husband seems willing to help out on making this work. Being at the hospital isn't the problem. Feeling good enough to do this at 6 in the morning for 10 day is.

Anything for Mickey.

Dear Santa, Part 2

Event Information

DATES
May 12-13.

LOCATION
Walt Disney World Resort
Orlando, Florida

TICKETS
Ticket purchasing information will be published at D23 website later this year.
D23's Great Disney Scavenger Hunt: Walt Disney World. The race is on… again! Following the first Great Disney Scavenger Hunt, which took place at Disneyland on September 26 and drawing 2,000 people and 575 teams, D23 is inviting guests to the Walt Disney World Resort for a fun-filled, two-day hunt around the World. In spring 2011, for the first time in the 40-year history of Walt Disney World, guests will have the chance to scour all four theme parks to win incredible Disney prizes in this official Disney scavenger hunt. Each team will consist of between 2-4 participants, and additional rules and registration information will be announced here soon.

 DATES

May 12-13. 

LOCATION
Walt Disney World Resort
Orlando, Florida

TICKETS
Ticket purchasing information will be published at D23 website later this year.

Following the rave reviews of Destination D: Disneyland '55, D23 has announced Destination D: Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary, to be held in spring 2011. The event will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Orlando resort, its history and heritage. Panels will include all-new presentations that echo the successful panels at Destination D: Disneyland '55, including "Walt Disney World: The Way We Were," hosted by Disney Legend Dave Smith, "Weird Disney" with Walt Disney Archives director Becky Cline, "From Quirky to Collectible: The Wonderful World of Walt Disney World Merchandise," "Walt Disney World Through the Eye of Television" and "Walt Disney World in Pop Culture," as well as a special evening event featuring musical memories from throughout the history of Walt Disney World. Other panels, featured speakers and details will be announced soon

Yes Santa, I know I've got a trip planned in June and July, but wouldn't these few days in May be the ultimate COOLEST!!!

Now I'm getting nervous...

I try not to be a negative thinker but I'll admit I do a lot better with that when I'm in Orlando! Here's my current concern: I think I find out when my much needed stimulator surgeries are tomorrow.That's great for me!!! But they can't get in the way of trip planning either.
We have to make our hotel reservation with Emily at Mouse for Less by the 2nd week of December. This is important or I won't be able to make my ADRs starting December 21st. I also have to be healthy enough to make ADRs December 21st through 31st at the crack of dawn. Because I'm doing them online 10 days early, I have to get up each day. When I get my perfect plan, it will be worth it!
Finally, I am concerned that I better start cranking out my Mouse for Less blog entries in case I'm not up to it after surgery. I'm counting on getting a Photopass CD by blogging so I can't get behind!
It's funny because Mickey has gotten me through some of the worse moments of my illness. Now in facing my illness, I am concerned than Mickey get treated well too
P.S. Wouldn't this shower curtain make a great birthday present for a Mickey freak? (11/10 if you're wondering LOL!)

Adding another day?!?

Could I really be this lucky? My husband Jim brought up the idea of flying late the night before we planned on arriving so as not to waste a day. Unfortunately, they don't have an overnight flight anymore. But he may be open to adding an extra day at Pop Century and flying in as early as we can on Wednesday (arriving around 11:00) and staying 10 days, flying out late Saturday (arriving around 11:00).
An entire extra day would be ideal! Can you even imagine what I can do with that? Well, I can! That gives me more meal credits to play with as well.
I'm beginning to feel like decisions should be made. My concern is now that I will have my surgery and not have things in place. I've been working on non-trip projects and I need to get my head back in the game. Those countdown clocks below are starting to make me nervous.
It was a lot of fun this week helping a friend who just left to take her daughter to Disney World for the first time. Answering her questions almost made me feel like I was right there. It also reminded me of all the things I want do do on our next trip. I hope they're having a fabulous time!
Ten days would hardly be enough but it would certainly be better than nine! I'll let you know what we decide!

Dear Santa, (part 1)

Found this today. MSRP $70 (!!!)  Cute but not likely.

\
Sad thing is it looks like Mickey is a better dancer than I am. Tempting. Maybe I can pick one up on clearance after Christmas :)-

Bummer-Maybe next year!

This was at the top of an e-mail I got today.

It was not an e-mail telling me I had moved on to the next round of the 2011 Walt Disney World Moms Panel.

I am a loser. Well, maybe next year- I'll be much better prepared. Here's part of what they had to say:

On behalf of all of us at Disney Destinations, LLC, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to apply for the 2011 Walt Disney World® Moms Panel.

We realize how hectic it can be to keep a family going day-to-day, so we truly appreciate the effort you put into your application. It was clear just how much you do for those you love and the inspiring role Disney plays in your life. We were incredibly delighted by the heartfelt response and very humbled by the special stories you shared in your application.
Having received thousands of entries, you can imagine how difficult it was narrowing the field to the next round.
While you were not among those selected, we are very grateful that you took the time to enter and share your love of Walt Disney World® Resort with us.
When we searched that first year for the inaugural Walt Disney World Moms Panel, we never anticipated the overwhelming response we would receive. And because of the breadth of entries we received, we created a special online club, the Mickey Moms Club, for the moms and dads who took the time to apply and share their passion for Disney with us.  To which, you are currently a member.
Thank you sincerely for your application.
Truly,
Laura

Although I am not a mom, that isn't suppose to matter. It is unclear as to exactly what  they are looking for. I believe I only had to write answers to four questions. Clearly a love of Disney and the Mouse isn't enough or I'd be on to round 2 but I understand that I am not alone in those sentiments. I hope to expand my knowledge but Moms Club may always be a dream.

Of course it was Walt who said " If you can dream it, you can achieve it.!"

I finally did it and I went big...

After weeks of speculation I finally took the plunge and emailed Emily W. my travel agent at Magic for Less for quotes. My original plan had been to give her two scenarios: one that was what I wanted and one that was an acceptable but lesser and cheaper plan.

I changed my mind. I only sent Emily my ideal plan. This trip should be exactly what I want and for that to happen it has to start that way from the get-go. Last year's trip was less than perfect and this year's trip has such great potential that I want to give it every advantage.

So here's what I proposed: I still am having her run it two different ways one using Magic Your Way Packages and the other using room only and an Annual Passholder discount.

• 10 days/ 9 nights at Pop Century Resort at the end of June/ beginning of July with a King size bed in the 70's B building
• Deluxe Dining Plan
• no ground transportation
• Magical Express
• travel insurance- especially because of where I am medically
• Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party (when available) on July 3rd
• a way to celebrate our good fortune this time around: PAIN -FREE!!!

So I guess you could say I know what I want! Now I need those quotes so I can get Jim to decide which way he wants to go. Then we'll be $200 away from being locked into HEAVEN! And I can start my planning in earnest.

With surgery (in theory) getting closer, I am getting anxious to get some planning nailed down. This is one step in the right direction.

Now I just have to stop harassing friends who are going to Disney soon because I'd gladly plan their trips for them as well! 

Mickey Every Day... OH REALLY!?!

Where has time gone? Where have I been? Am I really devoted to the idea of Mickey Every Day?

I don't know. At home. More so than ever.

Time really has gotten away from me. Since mid-September I have been home from work on medical leave and you would think that would give me lots of time to update my blog. That has not however, been the case. This situation does however put my Mickey Mess in to a tailspin once again. I believe last time I wrote I was concerned that it put our Summer 2011 trip in jeopardy because of financial reasons. Well, a strange twist of fate has resulted in me getting to have a much needed operation in the relatively near future meaning I will have a return date for work. Work means I can keep my date with Mickey!

Now I am especially excited about planning this trip to Florida because if my surgery goes as expected this could be my first pain free (or almost) trip that I've ever taken with my husband! This is going to be one BIG celebration! Suddenly, the 2011 Disney theme "Let the Memories Begin" has much more meaning to me. Yes, I have high hopes, but what I have always loved about Disney is that they usually find a way to exceed them.

So I'm currently in limbo waiting to hear when my surgery will be, but my goal over the next few days is to write Emily W. my fabulous Magic for Less travel agent and get some quotes. I think I'll come up with at least two options for her to price although I already know what I'd prefer. I'm still feeling like I'd better hedge my bets, just in case. I keep telling Jim all it takes is $200 down now to book the trip. Plane tickets are even reasonable right now- under $400 for both of us round-trip.

So hopefully it is apparent to you that I am obsessed as ever. I am buying pumpkins this week to decorate with Mickey and friends and as a parting gift today, I share the link for decorating them with you. Disney Character Pumpkins

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Guest Blogs on the right. I should have four a month through at least December at Mouse for Less. I'll tell you more about that one of these days.

Tomorrow is the day... I mean it!

I've been putting off updates here. I'm not sure why. It's great, exciting news. Sunday will be the day I take the time to get thought to keystroke and share it all with you.

A little clarity (but only a little)

     Last time I posted it was with a bit of mystery that I said my trip may be in jeopardy. Well, I still don't know exactly where my trip stands and I guess it shouldn't be my number one priority right now(but if you know me you know it is!)  As I have mentioned before I have a health condition called Occipital Neuralgia. I am sure in Latin this means "railroad spike driven in the back of your head repeatedly." Along with this I have a laundry list of other pain problems that up until now I was able to continue to work through and  then receive my 10 days of Disney therapy each summer. Unfortunately, my body no longer agrees with this plan an starting tomorrow I am home on medical leave for an undetermined amount of time.
     You can probably see my problem. Although I will continue to receive a paycheck, it is not the same size as the one I got while teaching. That will put a cramp on day-to-day living, forget about me and the Mouse.
     I have not giving up my plans as of yet. I'm hoping to find a way to cut back and still make it happen. I really think I should be able to use my Flex Spending since Orlando is the only thing that makes me feel better :)
     I think a lot will depend on what direction we have to go for my treatment. If we have to travel for that that may make a difference.
     Sorry for getting away from where I intended this to go. I'll try to get us back on track. Please read the Mouse for Less Guest Blogs (links are on this page) where I am now a "permanent" guest blogger.  I try to share a lot of our fun Disney stories there as well.
P.S. I am not changing any of my countdown clocks at this time. Wishful thinking I guess!!!

Too much change lately!

This will be short and sweet today. I just wanted to say that it is still my intention to be making a trip to Disney next June/July but sometimes life gets in the way. Until I know for sure where life is leading me, I can't plan a full-blown 10 day trip the Mecca. I'll do what I can but some things have to take priority.  Don't give up on me, I am obsessed you know! (Mysteries will be revealed as soon as I can!)

How Did That Happen?

     It has been quite a week. A lot has been going on in my life. So much so that I missed a very momentous occasion. We went under 300 this week. That's right- as of today we are 297 days away from hanging with the Fab Five in Orlando. I still can't believe I missed it.

    As I said I've been quite busy and haven't had nearly enough Mickey time this week. I did receive two new books I'm excited about using in my planning. One is PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2010: The Unique Travel Guide, Planner, Organizer, Journal, and Keepsake. It's going to come in really handy as I organize things along the way. It has these great pockets for each day of the trip. It was a great find on Swap.com.

     Another excellent Swap.com find was The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2010. This is one of the most detailed books I've ever seen. I've only begun to look at this very thorough book but I'm learning a great deal. One of my favorite bonuses of this book is that with it you get a 50% discount at TouringPlans.com. At this site, you can print out plans for touring the parks plus you can have wait times for the rides sent to your phone.

    

Even though I didn't get much Mickey time this week, I do have my new class of kids convinced that I am in love with the mouse! Every time he makes an appearance in our room, someone will say " You really do like Mickey Mouse!"

I'm glad they caught on so quickly!

Disney on my mind... and in my notebook

     This week I headed back to school. And trust me some teachers look forward to it as much as the kids do. I was in day after day of meetings. Now being someone who suffers from excessive daytime sleepiness I do anything I can that is appropriate to stay awake. I find the perfect answer to be make lists and write non-stop in my notebook . Well this comes in very handy when you are Mickey-obsessed.
     I have a draft for my travel agent, Emily, explaining the possible options I'd like her to price. I even came up with a way I might be able to do a more expensive option (it means giving a little but I think I can budge a bit.)
     My Mickey obsession has spread to my classroom. My classroom will officially be known as "The 2nd Happiest Place on Earth." Everything will be Mickey themes from our folders to our calendar, job chart, and pencils. I think it should be fun. I love my Cricut machine for making it all possible!
     Okay, by my next post my husband is going to make a decision and I will have sent Emily our quote requests.I have things narrowed down. We just need to make some choices. That will start to get us on our way.
     Finally, I am really excited by the rumor that there will be a 5th Orlando park based on the Disney Villains by 2020. That is really amazing news!

Ready to Go/

     Well, I'm doing my second post and no one but Jim, my husband, has seen my first post so far. I have to share this blog and I think it's time. Things are certainly not done and no where near perfect but if I wait for that this will never be ready.
     I am trying to get an answer from my husband right now. I'm probably (OK, I am,) driving him a little mad. I need to know our resort situation for next summer. It may seem a long way away to some of you but I need to contact the fabulous Emily at Magic for Less Travel and get a quote.
     There are so many options: ten days at  Pop Century, ten day at Animal Kingdom Lodge (ha!), a split stay between the two resorts, going the traditional Magic Your Way route, going with an Annual Passholder, even renting Disney Vacation Club points to stay at AKL. Choices, choices, choices!
     Do I have an opinion? I have choices I'd prefer not to do. But lots of the options are appealing as well. How do I know? I have created a detailed spreadsheet that breaks down each scenario. I told you I was obsessed.
     But this has to be Jim's decision so that he's satisfied next summer. Once he tells me, I can e-mail Emily and get the ball rolling. And a quote puts me one step closer to a payment. Which puts me one step closer to having a reservation number. And oh, the things I can do with that...

Here we go...

     Just what the world needs: another Disney blog. The other day I was reading a blog on Disney blogs and its very unofficial count was 208. Yet here I am. You may be asking yourself "Why? What does she think she has to offer?" My answer: Maybe nothing, but I hope that in sharing my journey(some say obsession) that you may learn a thing or two that will make your own Disney journey more magical.
     My husband and I are not your typical yearly visitors to Orlando in that we have no children. I guess a couple in their thirties with nothing to tie them to a theme park driven economy are expected to travel the world. That's just not us. We've found something we love and don't see any reason to change things right now. I get a lot of "Didn't you just go there?" and "Oh, I didn't know you had kids." when people find out about my next trip. I just smile and say that for me it really is the Happiest Place on Earth. And it is.
     I use to be like many of my friends, enjoying just the occasional visit with Mickey. But then something changed in my life. I am person who suffers from many kinds of headaches including an extremely debilitating type called Occipital Neuralgia. Although this blog isn't about my headaches, they are part of why I so love Disney. My headache pain is constant. I look forward to my ten days in Orlando because they are the only ten days of the year that my pain is completely tolerable. The Magic of the Mouse.
     So think of this blog, and my over-the-top planning here at home as and attempt to continue the placebo effect of those four fabulous parks. So far the results have been mixed but I've been having a lot of fun and with 316 days until we leave for our next go-round, I think I'll keep giving it a try.
     As for the page, please remember it's both a work in progress and my first attempt at a blog so be patient with me!