Welcome to my refuge :)

Disney has become a daily retreat for me. We may only spend 10 days there a year (more if I'm truly blessed), but I have found that making Mickey a part of my daily life makes me feel much better. So I'm running with it! Luckily I have a patient husband and a laptop computer that allows me to do endless searching and planning. This blog is developing out of that. You are welcome to come along for the ride and offer your advice. I don't claim to be an expert, just a lover of the experience!

Right now whenever a post says "Update" that means it is a 2011 trip update and if you click on the tab with that date on it you can read that update.



Sunday, October 24, 2010

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!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

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 :)-

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Bummer-Maybe next year!

Mickey Moms Club

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.!"

Thursday, October 7, 2010

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! 

Monday, October 4, 2010

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.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

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.