Disney and the Art of the Remodel

I am in the process of remodeling my house with the not-so-long-term goal of selling it. My husband has been relocated for work so we know we're going to be moving. We'd just like to make our current house as appealing as possible. We're doing the work ourselves to save as much money as possible (extra for Florida, right?)

By now you're wondering if you're reading the right blog. What does this have to do with Mickey or Disney? Well, I've come to believe that remodeling is a lot like planning for a trip to Disney. Let me explain my thinking to you.

First, both are projects that require some planning up front. I don't just drive to Lowe's and decide to re-floor my house. I also am not the kind of person that is likely to just arrive at Disney World with no reservation ready to play for two weeks.This planning in both cases requires the help of knowledgeable people. Paint experts, flooring gurus, tile teachers. I've met them all and learned from them. When it comes to Disney, there are experts too. Many are online. I've read many boards and blogs and gained much wisdom from them.

After much thought, decisions are made. Materials are bought. Paints are tinted. Tiles selected. Flooring loaded onto a flatbed cart. Cashiers smile as they ring you up. For me, this time my Disney  reservation will be somewhat different than in the past when I worked with a travel agent as I will book my own reservation. Being a travel agent will make the checkout process different but the decision making process will still be the same. With Disney, I usually could tell you exactly what I want the day after our last trip ended!

In both cases changes are made. We have changed paint colors. We have changed ADRs. We have changed flooring styles. We have changed vacation dates. The order rooms will be completed. The order parks will be completed. Things change all the time.

Sometimes both can get a bit messy.I always find the mess to be fun but I prefer cleaning up double booked dinner reservations than I do spilled paint. In the end the mess can lead to something new and unexpected like a new schedule or a new favorite pair of jeans that are a little more stylish than they were before you slopped paint on them.

The sink that will be in my spare bathroom in my new house. It's waiting in storage/

I play the role of "errand girl " in both cases as well. During remodeling, my husband is our in-house expert while I run to get his every need, During Disney planning I play both the expert and the errand girl, running to get the last minute things I know we'll need for the trip. I make myself good lists so I really don't mind!

There is an anticipation in both cases for the end date to draw near. In one case you are working to get nearer the completion of the project. In the other you are working to get nearer to the start of the project.It's exciting in either case and makes the days in between keep moving.

Project completion is where these two vary. With remodeling you're done or moving on to the next project. With Disney: You Finally Get To Take You're Trip!!! Definitely a bigger celebration!

Yes, both have clean up and budgeting but if I talked too much about those I'd take away from the celebration of finishing the project. Think of it as the Disney magic that goes on behind the scenes.

So I hope you can see how this is helping me get through the remodel of one (maybe two) houses which cuts down on my Disney time immensely. I am becoming a more efficient planner this time around since I am planning as I remodel. I have less time to blog but that certainly doesn't mean I don't find time for Mickey everyday.

Why I Love Planning Trips to Disney

Let's face it. I can't spent 365 days a year at a Disney Park. If I could, I wouldn't be writing this now. What I do to get my Disney fix when I'm not at Disney is I plan Disney. And I love to do it.

I talk all the details. Resort, meal plan, best flight. But that's just to start with. Then I have to work out the details of our ADRs and our tours, all the special things. I like to be prepared. I even bore my husband with how we're going to get from one place to another on property.

Planning out the details keeps me close to Mickey all year long. And that's exactly how I like it. And that's exactly why I've chosen to help others plan their trips as well. I love it that much.

Update:Do the Fantasmic Package!

Update:Do the Fantasmic Package! -July 4

More to Come

The Perfect Time to Go

For years we've gone over the 4th of July , even though people say it's crowded and hot. We found neither to be a problem. We've also liked late October. As a kid I did the Christmas and Easter thing because my parents were teachers. Those were okay too.
This year we're trying May because I want to see the Garden and Flower Festival and we need to use our Passholders before the end of June in case we don't renew.
I guess my point is the best time to visit Disney is whenever you go. It's Disney. You'll have ha great time. If there's a special event you want to see go then but otherwise don't over think it! Call me when you decide :)

Mickey Vacations

As I continue on my regular blogging, I don't want you to forget about my career change and how it can help you. I've always been known as the one who could plan a Disney trip with my eyes shut. Well now it's my job and I promise to leave my eves open the whole time.

Let my experience benefit you. I like to deal with the things some people consider stresses and I also know some thinks that might make your trip a little nicer. And remember you don't pay anything additional for my services.But I believe you do get a great deal in return.

If you have any questions about my services please ask at mickeyonmymind@gmail.com or (920)426-8311.

Update:In a Galaxy Not So Far Away...

Update:In a Galaxy Not So Far Away... -July 4

More to Come...

Update:Checkout is so easy!

Update:Checkout is so easy! July 9

More to come...

Planning Time...

It feels like in the midst of all this remembering, it must be getting closer to planning time as well. May is 270 some days away but it seems like it's getting time to start thinking and making my plans. Should be easier with me as my own travel agent this time around (Don't forget you can contact me at mickeyonmymindgmail.com or mickeyvacations.com  for help with your trip).

So far all I know is May, seven days, Deluxe Dining, and a couple of tours. The rest is up in the air. I wouldn't mind The Art of Animation Resort but I don't think it will be open when we're there yet.

I have about 90 days to decide because I need to book before my 180 days. Lots to think about . I'll keep you in the loop!

Update:Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party

Update:Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party- June 30

More to come...

How to make THIS trip your favorite

I can honestly say that our past trip was my favorite trip to Walt Disney World ever. I have a few things that I think made it so perfect.

• When your spending that much time with the people you love, give everyone a little wiggle room to be themselves. For Jim that just meant letting him have some time reading his books after a day at the parks.
• Try something new. If you've been there before you know what you love. Find something new to love. If you want to know what I found, explore my blog.
• Don't force a schedule. With Deluxe Dining we were tied to our ADRs so we tried to let everything else kind of flow.
• On longer trips don't be afraid of taking days off. We found after two days in the park we needed a bit of a breather to do nothing.
• Plan ahead (or if you work with me at Academy Travel let me plan) so that once you are on vacation, you are really on vacation and don't have to stress the details because they're already planned.
• Know that the things you don't get to this time, will be there next time. Next May, Keys to the Kingdom already has two people ready to tour.
• Do the things you like more than once if you want. We did Toy Story four times and Star Tours three. There are things we didn't get to but we love those two rides.

These are just some hints I have. Keep in mind there is no such thing as a perfect trip other than the one you're planning!

Update:Our First Character Experience

Update: Shopping!!! - July 9

Update:Some Less Magical Express - July 9

Update : Canada Day - July 1

Update:Our First Character Experience- June 30

More to Come...

Update:How to Open Hollywood Studios

Update:How to Open Hollywood Studios - July 4

More to Come...

Update:Transformers 3: Good Time for a Nice Long Nap

Update:Transformers 3: Good Time for a Nice Long Nap- July 2

More to Come....

Where I've Been

I'm not all done with my travel blog! I just took a break for a few days to get my Picaboo book done. A Picacaboo is similar to a Photopass book but a lot more cost effective if you use a lot of pictures and you have a $35 for $100 Groupon like I did. Right now my book is almost complete and it is 101 pages. I could never afford that in Photopass .

It does however have Photopass photos in it because I earned a photopass CD doing blogs so the pictures are mine. Best of both worlds. It's been a TON of work but also fun too. I believe we will have a great keepsake of our trip to remind us of everything and actually use those photos you sometimes take and never look at again.

I promise to return to the Disney blogs soon. Getting a house ready to sell has me bogged down to but this is my stress relief!

Keeping Your Feet Happy at the Happiest Place on Earth

You walk a lot in the parks. You want to keep you feet happy. These are the things you need to do it.

1. A good pair of walking shoes- I recommend a pair of tennis shoes you've worn often for at least 3 months prior to going so you are sure they are a great fit. Don't buy new shoes and find out they aren't. I also shake my head at the whole flip-flop thing. I wore them in the airport once and ended up with a chronic foot problem. How people put several miles a day on in them is beyond me.
2. Well-cushioned socks- They absorb some of the shock from walking and keep your feet comfortable in those perfect shoes.
3. Foot powder- Amazingly in Florida you sweat everywhere. A little powder in your socks can help control a lot of problems.
4. Band-aids- Band-aids help out with the little problems that might develop on your toes and heals.
5. Moleskin (and scissors)- This stuff works wonders both in the area  of prevention and when a problem develops. This time around, I made a poor choice in shoes and ended up with blisters on both heals. Without moleskin, I don't know how I would have walked each day. Take enough of this. It's not cheap at your hotel gift shop.

I hope this helps to keep your feet happy and healthy (and that I remember this list next May!)

Update:Dinosaur- Just Say No

Update: Artist's Point - June 29
Update:Dinosaur- Just Say No- June 30

More to Come...

Update: Dine With An Imagineer

Update: Dine With An Imagineer - July 6

More to Come...

Update: Mad World

Update: Mad World - July 3

More to Come....

Already Thinking...

Just so you know as I plug away, finishing up with 2011's trip, I am seriously already thing about 2012. I think I have the dates in May narrowed down and there have been some exciting things mentioned (and not by me) as far as plans. The trip may be a bit shorter but I'm not giving up the better part! I'll let you know more when I do. 180 days is around my birthday in November!

My Mousekeeping Staffs Answer to Towel Animals?

I love towel animals. I wanted them badly. I was prepared to tip well in the hopes that it would help.

It was not meant to be.

In 10 days at the Pop Century hotel, room 3151 was never gifted with one while I was there. Maybe my window decorations scared them away. I don't know.

What I did get was soap and shampoo. It has Mickey on it. It is cute. I have A LOT.

My basket, once returning home

How much you ask?

• 28 facial soap
• 26 shampoo
• 29 body soap

This does not include this soap and shampoo we actually used while there.

This is why my luggage was just at the weight limit.

Thank you Mousekeeping but I still wanted a towel animal!

Update: The Best Safari EVER

Update: The Best Safari EVER --June 30

More to come...

Update:Off Kilter

Update: Off Kilter --July 1

More to Come...

Finally...

I'm finally getting all of my pictures  (some were on cell phones, others were downloaded on to the wrong computer ... So I can finally write and include the pictures I want to include. The only ones I can't include yet will be the PhotoPass pictures as I don't have my disc yet. I am however hoping to send for it by the end of the weekend. I need those pictures to do a photo book I'm doing of the trip. We did a pretty good job taking pictures thins time, although there are a lot of food pictures. Of course we did eat a lot!

My Top 10 Rules When Visiting Disney

I needed a break from updates and I had made this list as the trip went along. I'm sure there are more than ten but I think this is a good start.

1. No matter how it flushes, flush the toilet before you leave the stall. No one wants to after you.
2. Please wash your hands in the restrooms. There are a lot of us there and it's plain gross if you don't.
3. When entering an attraction, please go all the way to the end of the row (as directed) so people don't have to climb over you.
4. Let people take their pictures. By the same token, don't take forever to do so.
5. Umbrella use should be kept to a minimum and not infringe on others. (And yes, when I am hit by umbrellas more than 10 times in a day, they are infringing on my rights.)
6. No matter what language you speak, use these three phrases often: "Thank you", "I'm sorry", and "Excuse me."
7. Please get your party together before getting in line. Line jumpers are annoying.
8. Please don't smoke outside of smoking areas. There are some of us it makes ill and we avoid those areas.
9. Once the attraction begins, end cellphone communication so those around you can hear the show.
10. Remember for me this really is the Happiest Place on Earth and any distraction from that notion is not allowed. Have a Magical Day!

Update:Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Update: Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride --July 8

More to Come...

Update: Great Movie Ride

Update: Great Movie Ride-- July 4

More to come...

Update: Why It Pays to Overpack

Update: Why It Pays to Overpack

More to Come....

Update:Short Note about Window Decorating

Update :Short Note About Window Decorating-- June 29

More to Come...

Update:Marceline to Magic Kingdom

Update: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour-- July 8

More to Come...

Update:Tom Sawyer Island Looking For A Paintbrush

Update:Tom Sawyer Island Looking For A Paintbrush Losing  a Husband --July 3

More to Follow...

Update:I Don't Do Ponchos

Update: I don't Do Ponchos

More to Come...

Update:Back in Wisconsin

Update: Back in Wisconsin on July 9

More to come...

Update: Chef Mickey

Chef Mickey is updated on July 6.

More to come...

PhotoPass Work

No time for updates today- I worked on PhotoPass pictures most of the day. I have almost a month but want them done sooner so I can get the disc back and use the pictures in a Picaboo book I've pre-purchased. I started with around 91 shots. I currently have 415 shots and have several more to do yet. I add most backgrounds to most pictures and I like black and white too. It should give me a lot to work with along with my personal shots. I wish there were more but that's something I will be recommending to Disney World that they could improve upon. More photographers in more areas would be great!

Back to the entries tomorrow...

Update:CRT

Cinderella's Royal Table update is now done on July 7.

There is also an update about sleeping in on July 9.

More to come...

We're Home!

After 10 days we are home and we had the most amazing time. I can easily say this was my best trip ever for so many reason but mostly because I got to spend a lot of quality, romantic time with my husband for our 12th anniversary. It really was close to perfect and over the next few weeks I'll share the details on the daily pages with you.

Today, as much as I miss Disney, I'm glad to be back and away from the people, buses, and all the rest that start to get to you after 10 days. I love it there but will love it again next May even more because we've taken a break. Yes, you heard me right, I said next May. As much as I love July, I want to go to Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival and we have Annual Passholders that to make good use of we need to use earlier than when we went this year. A little change should be good.

So as I make changes to the other pages, I will post a brief note here, so all are aware of the updates. A lot happened in 10 days so it may take me a while to get all the updates done. Thanks for your patience.

Blogging on Vacation

I have so much I want to tell you! But being on vacation and blogging are a tough mix. I would love to be up-to-date on telling you about things but I haven't had the time. When we're not in the parks, I'm getting some desperately needed sleep. The only reason I have time to write this is we changed our schedule and took a day off to rest.
I have kept a notebook to remind me about each day so I'll be able to go back and do some great blogs on all we did. It just has to wait until I get home and have some time!

The Final Countdown

My Countdown Clock says 1. I look at my watch and know that I will be landing this time tomorrow. My excitement level has long surpassed high. I am worse than most children I know.

This is why I do so much of my packing so early. I am kind of worthless today. I have a few jobs that need to get done and those will be a struggle. I have a very precise list so that nothing gets overlooked in my glee.

Jim just told me he printed boarding passes so that makes me happy (but can't be crossed off the list until I have them.) The dog has been transferred to my brother's care. She is thrilled to have kids to play with.

All that's left are the minor details and getting some sleep before waking at 3am to head to the airport. I need some sleep but not too much. I love getting to Orlando early but to get there by 11 means changing our sleep pattern completely. Oh well, just a warm up for the 10 days ahead.

My surprise is not a surprise...to Jim

I've talked about a romantic surprise our last night at Walt Disney World to celebrate our 12th anniversary. I should have known better. My husband the snoop had never heard of the place we were going so he Googled it and found out. I shouldn't be surprised , in 12 years I have NEVER surprised him. Oh well he says it sounds nice. I'm still keeping you in the dark until the 8th.

I'm determined to surprise someone and this is something not many people do at Disney.

This luggage would be more fun to pack!!!

Five days to go and packing is going well. Yes, it is that big of a production for me. Besides the basics I need window decorations, pennies and quarters to press, my agenda folder, my stimulator and charger, pins to trade, and even now I feel I'm leaving something off the list. Oh, all the wires to run multiple electronic devices.

Two grown people. Two suitcases. Two carry-ons each. Ten days. It is amazingly well organized. Plus we do need room to bring things we buy home in!

Collectormania

Getting ready to travel means lots of preparation and packing. When you are a collector this moves to a whole new level!

This year for the first time we will be collecting pressed pennies. I have printed the maps and checklists so we know where the machines that press the pennies can be found. I have also eaten lots of mini-M&M's. The tubes they come in are perfect for carrying the coins we'll need to take. I stack them penny, quarter, quarter, penny, quarter, quarter, and so on until the tube is full (32 sets). To press a penny costs fifty cents so you need the quarter to pay for the process. We have four tubes full right now. I'm hoping for maybe a fifth before we leave. It's a great price on collectibles. We will have to buy a book to put the pressed coins in once we're there.

Some of 2011 Hidden Mickey pins we'll be looking for!

Our bigger project is pin trading. We purchased 200 pins online to trade. Some we'll keep, but most we will trade with Cast Members. We have traded for several years now and had to get our pins organized enough so we know what we have and what we need. We can't possibly take them all with us so we use photo checklists. I have a hard copy and Jim is working on a digital copy for his phone. We only trade WDW and Disneyland Cast Lanyards and Hidden Mickeys. It's one of our favorite parts of the trip.

We've worked so hard this week , we'll be really ready for that vacation!

Now I WILL be spending Every Day With Mickey!

Look for this ad in my blog!

Another reason that  I've been so busy lately is I've taken a big step that I've been plotting for a while. I began my career as a Disney Travel Consultant! I became an Independent Contractor for Academy Travel (www.mickeysvacation.com). The are the second largest Independent Booking Agency for Disney and I feel lucky to have their knowledge and support behind me.

This means I'll be able to help you and anyone else you know plan that perfect Disney vacation you've been dreaming of to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Lines, and Adventures by Disney. I'm currently working on my College of Disney Knowledge online classes, which is the first step.

I plan on using my trip as an information gathering time, so I'll be better prepared to handle your questions about Walt Disney World Resort. There's a lot to do but if you know me, you know that I've been excited about Disney for a long time. I'm just thrilled to be getting the chance to share my love of Mickey with others. So while I may not have a business card yet, if you're reading this and want to plan a Disney trip or cruise, e-mail me at mickeyonmymind@gmail.com and I will work with you to plan a magical trip of a lifetime!

Last Minute Rush

You know how life always manages to get craziest right before something big? I haven't written in two weeks because that is the case. I have been trying to tie up loose ends and take on so pretty big new ones as well so I just haven't written. I've worked on the blog. I've been trying to get it ready so I'll be able to make entries from the road (I've decided not to sleep.) I think they will be generalized entries and then my more detailed reports will come when I get home.
This week the real packing begins. I have been throwing stuff on a loveseat for a month now but now it's crunch time.I have my clothes almost taken care of. Jim's is still a mystery. Although, he's easy. He wears the same outfit in different colors all  week long.
Still with 9 days to go will we get done? Well I'm not staying home!!!

Back Where I Belong...

Four weeks from tomorrow morning I will be boarding a plane and making my way back to see him. It has been a long journey this year and I look forward to the reunion!

As I have been getting things ready, including working on the daily pages for this webpage (check the tabs above) I have been realizing that we are in for some very long days. We are not used to very long days right now. 6:30 bus rides to breakfast scare me. I tends to drag my lazy butt out of bud between 8 and 9. And then our nights go late too. With transportation we often won't be back until midnight. Theses are long hours for me.
But I do most certainly have proper motivation. My 10 Disney Days are something I look forward to (and obsess about) all year.
I can be exhausted when I get home!

What a Difference a DROID Makes???

I have made a lot of changes to the other Mickey pages attached to this site in preparation for our upcoming trip.  I've thought of it as a scrapbook online.
But now, it might be more than that. It might actually be kind of useful!
Today in the mail I got my Droid. Jim got his earlier this week. It is possible that using my blog might be possible on my phone and that the information I've spent hours putting into these sites will be available to us in the parks.
Note I say possible because I only have about a month to master the technology.
I still think if I'm going to attempt full entries while on vacation, I'll do it on the laptop. I'm not sold on those little keypad options yet.
But this does have possibilities!

Kalamazoo Re-cap

I know. I said I write from Kalamazoo and I didn't. I did do Disney things though. I just never got to blogging!

I had a great, relaxing trip. I think it was a trial run for Orlando (which is only 33 days away!!!) I got to see how my new stim does on the road and I have no complaints. It is also very happily pool and hot tub proof :)

So what did I do in Kalamazoo?

I worked on the autograph book, which has undergone some changes. This means the pages I have done need to be tweaked. I think it will be worth the time, if I can find it!

I also got most of the fabric cut for a cute little Mickey top with ruffles on it. I cut it from an old twin bedsheet. I think I'll make Jim a t-shirt that matches by fusing one of the Mickeys on a shirt for him. We'll be quite the pair.

I also sent an e-mail about my bill because strange things are going on with that but I think it will work itself out.

I did an awful lot of hot tubbing and when Jim wasn't working we explored Kalamazoo. That was my mini-adventure.

Now I need to get back to pre-planning our mega-adventure!

Taking the Show on the Road

Tomorrow, How I Visit Mickey Every Day goes Mobil. No it's not trip time yet. I get to go on on of Jim's business trips and I'll be in the hotel for 2 or 3 days. Perfect Mickey time.
We'll be in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I'll be swimming and working on web pages and autograph book pages.If that gets old I brought fabric to cut my next Disney project. Mickey can help me stay busy anywhere!
I'm hoping for an outing along the way for a great Disney find but that may have to wait for next weekends rummage sales!
Next time I write, it will be from Kalamazoo!

Something New Around Here...

If you look and click to the right on "Disney Crafts" you'll find a new feature I've started and hope to share with you on a regular basis. As much as I love Disney, I love to be creative and craft, so I thought why not combine the two here on my blog.

This week's entry is a skirt I made for my trip and it was really easy. I took a jean skirt I already had and just embellished it with ribbon that I bought a ton of on clearance.

I have also updated several of the trip sites though they are still under construction. Thanks for your patience on those. They are more work than I ever imagined but a lot of fun too.

I'd love to hear your feedback on the craft section so I know if I should put time into it or not.

Progress Report

I can hear the clock ticking constantly. For some reason I even hear the music from Jeopardy as if to stress that I am under a time crunch. 44 days now. As much as I'd like to leave tomorrow, you know there is still much to do.
But I have been busy since I last wrote here. Allergy eyes have kept me from posting but I have stayed busy.
First I am happy to report that after some confusion, our trip is paid in full. For me, the worry-wort, that is a big relief. Our room and meals are paid for. I still have to buy our Annual Passes but need to quickly decide if I'm having them mailed to me or if we will pick them up at the window down in Orlando. They have to be activated once we get there anyway so I may just have us pick them up there and not worry about losing them ahead of time!
Another thing I did with my time is started this year's folder. This folder contains any information we would need along the way such as flight info, restaurant menus and reservation numbers, park times, and anything else I think of along the way. I like to make it look cute with Mickey labels and stickers. Because I'm picky I like the menus ahead of time and this time there are a lot of them. I still don't know what our internet situation will be there because Disney charges $10 a day and I may not even take a laptop (the horror!). If I did I could just access my blog for the menus. My phone is too ridiculously backwards to access my blog on. My folder is a good back-up solution for now.
I have also started working on some of my Disney outfit. Yes, I need special clothing for the trip. Last year I was into tie-dye. Some of that will make the trip again but because we are doing five nicer restaurants, I need some nicer outfits. Nothing too fancy- just skirts and tops, but I want them to have a Disney theme to them. Once I get something done I'll post some pictures on here. Today was my first sewing day and I'm in the middle of three projects (sounds like me!) Jim is happy to be escaping the matching tie-dye look of last year. He was a very good sport about that one.
My last undertaking this week was to get a really good start on my window decorations for Pop Century. I decided to go with the restaurant theme and print signs for each restaurant we're eating at with our names on them. Food seems to be the big theme this time so I went with it. It's not done but it's close.
This is starting to feel real. I think that's why I hear that Jeopardy song again.

Window Decor?

Window 2010

I'm feeling a bit stuck, I must admit.

I decorate my Pop Century window but I can't come up with a theme for my decor. I have a few cute things to put up but nothing to pull it all together.Random usually isn't my thing.

Last year I did Fourth of July. I may have to repeat but I'd like to be fresh. I need something that is a big idea.I'm leaning towards dining since we're doing Deluxe Dining this time. Maybe a show of what we're doing while we're there.

I want fun and unique.

I'll let you know when I decide. This actually gave me some ideas!

Seven insane weeks

Seven weeks until we leave and time is rushing away from me! As excited as I am to go and be in the House of the Mouse, I have too much to get done in too little time. I am putting myself on a schedule to be sure I finish the important things by June 29th,

Autograph book, web site, clothing design, and window decoration are the big ones. I need to be more diligent about my Mickey time!

My other concern is being in park shape by then. Since my December surgery I've been way out of shape. We do lots of long days with longs of walking. I need to pick up the physical pace as well as put myself (and Jim) in basic training) I'd rather be sore now than in Orlando. We can walk here and just moving will help more.

Under 50-- I'm excited...but the pressure is on!!!

Sign right here please...

So along with designing the web pages for all the days of the trip I have lots of other Disney projects to complete before going. Some involve printing and cutting (getting the pages ready for our pin and penny books), others involve tie-dyeing Mickey heads onto t-shirts, yet others will require me to haul out my sewing machine and de-construct some clothing into some new, cooler clothing. I am one busy lady.
But my big non-web related project is finishing my autograph book.
No, no one wants my autograph. I'm getting ready to collect the autographs of almost 150 Disney characters. Now I know I won't get them all but we'll have fun trying!
The pages I'm designing are 8 1/2 x11 landscape and have the character's name, a color image, a small information box that tells a few facts about them, room for a signature, and room for a 4 x 6 photograph. I'm doing this for each character on my list.(Some of the information I'm using on the page I've taken out of books so I'm not showing you a page here, sorry!)
So far I have A- E done.
M scares me because there are 19 M's.
There are no I's, O's, V's, X's or Y's.
I plan to put the pages in a binder so they can be removed to sign. We're printing it on a color laser so it won't run. I'm excited to see the end  project.
Even if collecting all the signatures and photos is a multi-trip effort!!!

FYI

Just an update: my links for June 29th, June 30th, and July 1st are updated. You can always click there from here or subscribe to each one separately. They have pre-trip details now and will have post-trip updates later.

People in Neenah Need More Mickey Stuff

Today as I rummage-saled, I was a true treasure hunter. Searching almost 30 garages Disney was hard to come by unless I wanted baby clothes and I was not that desperate (OK, I looked for a minute!)

Mine is not in this good of condition but they are from 2003.

When I did find something I took it. Rarely did I leave it behind. I found 2 large stuffed Mickeys to add to my growing collection. Jim said one looked like our cat Amante had already slept on it but it will clean up fine. I got a couple of goofy Goofy items (could have gotten more but those were over-priced). Found an old Mickey calculator that still works, an older Mickey bank and 2 girls tops that I can re-purpose.

I think that's it. Bought a lot of other non-Disney stuff but that's not as exciting for this blog.

Monday I will book our last tour. Plus a special surprise I can't mention because Jim reads this. It will kill me to stay quiet until it happens. I stink at surprises. Never pull them of so this will be a first.

We Have a Plan

It took a few days with Easter weekend in there, but we have finally settled on the best plan for us for our trip and amazingly enough, it's not the cheapest option, at least not right now.
Last week I mentioned we got an e-mail saying our trip had dropped $300. We are staying with that. Doing a Magic Your Way package (where your room and tickets are packaged together) would save us another $222. We aren't doing that because our tickets are Annual Passes. If we use them again in the next 12 months, we save much, much more because we'd already have tickets for the next trip.
We've talked and would like to go in May next year so this works great for us. It would be like getting into Disney for 10 days for free(or at most the extra $111/person which is like free for 10 days)!!!
It feels great to have this worked out.
Now we need the $1063 for the passes. We order them now but then activate them when we get there so you get your full year's worth. We need them active to check into Pop Century and get out room discount. That's why we'll take a trip to Downtown Disney first.

Complicated? Only a little but worth the savings and we're eating Downtown anyway!

Hollywood Studios Called Me!!!

Wednesday I got an email from a woman named Sonia. It said she had called the week before (a week earlier our lovely cable company did this neat trick where they allowed us to make but not receive calls...we didn't know until two days later...grrr...). She needed to change our reservation to Dine with an Imagineer. We had scheduled this for the Fourth of July at The Brown Derby. I had thought it was odd they were offering it on a holiday but signed up since it was available and I knew we would be there. Well, it wasn't suppose to be.

I returned Sonia's call (to Hollywood Studios) and left a message for her to call me. She did and she explained that the date never should have been booked. They were re-booking those of us that had scheduled for the 4th.

The problem for me was this is only offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Those were not the most flexible days in my already planned schedule.

I thought quickly, consulting my 11 x 17  full-color draft of our schedule and I told Sonia what we'd take. She assured me if this didn't work I could let her know. She had that Disney Magic "niceness".

Then my real work began. This involved making six changes to our dining plan to accommodate the change to the Dine with the Imagineeer. It was crazy figuring out what changes needed yo be made and my heart stopped for a second each time I cancelled an old reservation. I think it will be worth it. I am getting faster at those ressies.

I still think the phone looks impressive. The readout says "Hollywood Studios". It's for me!

Changes....Leading to $$$

Changes happened today! AP discounts came out and we saved $302 on our trip!!!

Great isn't it?

Maybe.

We may be changing plans in a way that will give us what we've got but in an even CHEAPER way. I'll let you know after I talk to Emily, my travel guru.

I also have to tell you about a great website next time for planning and budgeting.

Disney Every July- Travel Consultant

If you know me at all you know a dream of mine is to become a Disney Travel Consultant at some point.

Well yesterday I got to pretend a bit. My brother and his family are headed to Disney World next week. They don't do things the way I do but probably more normally!!! I have chatted with him briefly a few times about things but yesterday we got together for some birthday celebrations and to make sure Jim and I knew what to do with their 5 pets. (He does our 8 while we're gone as well.) This was big Mickey talk day- at least on my part!

He just got a Motorola Zoom so we used that to go park by park deciding what they would do and what they will skip. Even with 10 people, they aren't ride people. He took notes on what to do first and what to Fastpass. My niece is excited about Kidcot. My nephew thinks he wants to try the shooting rang at Magic Kingdom.

I was able to come up with some restaurant ideas too. It was a good afternoon.

I know as a travel agent you have much more to do but knowing the parks is important. I promise to spend ten days working hard on that very soon!

Three Quarters or Seven Dimes and a Nickel

75 Days. Wow I have a lot to get done! I can hardly list everything that needs to be done in that much time!

This is the fun time though (other than actually being there, of course!) I get to plan the details and share them with you. This is my first time with the website so that's a great deal of fun and labor as well. I have a big favor to ask of you as well. If you enjoy the site at all, share it with your friends and ask them to follow me as well. It's so easy to do now.There is a Follow button if you have a gmail account but if you don't you can follow by e-mail. I'd love to have a ton of followers plus the advertisers like it as well. I started with just my friends so if my friends could help that would be wonderful! Feel free to give this link to anyone you know!

Back to the Mickey!!! I may have mentioned a new tour we may take. It's a walking tour and it's called Walt Disney-Marceline to Magic Kingdom. Because it's new there isn't a lot of information out there . For Jim and I to do it it would be $61.12 tax included unless we get  AP discount. It is offered M,W, F at 8:15 and takes 2 1/2- 3 hours. Ages 12 and older may participate.
Here is what I  found written up in WDW Magic about it:

Explore how events in Walt Disney's life helped shape the Walt Disney World Resort and the attractions within it. As one of Walt’s final visions, the Magic Kingdom Park shares many similarities and likenesses to the storyline of his life. By using the park as a walking timeline, guests will discover how the events in Walt's life helped develop his understanding and view of the world around him, and inspired him to create some of the most wonderful and cherished stories and attractions in our theme parks. During this 2.5 to 3 hour walking tour, guests will also get an insider look into the operation and design of some of the most beloved attractions in the Magic Kingdom Park. 
http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/Walt-Disney-Marceline-to-Magic-Kingdom-Tour/News/31Mar2011-New-Magic-Kingdom-tour-now-being-offered---'Walt-Disney---Marceline-to-Magic-Kingdom'.htm

See you next time. Remember. Share!!! 

Presto Chango

The schedule is under attack! The schedule is under attack! The schedule is under attack!

By me.... I'm doing some rearranging and who knows...It may not stay this way!

I was getting nervous about Wishes Dessert Party not showing up in July. So I nabbed it for June 30th. I can always book July 3rd like I want and cancel the 30th, but at least this way we don't go without.

Well this led to a domino effect of changes. Plus I added a meal (how can we eat more?). But now I'm concerned about morning transportation to our 2 Boma breakfasts. I don't really want to pay cab fare twice. This too might work out though...

If I give up a Boma, the extra meal I added falls under our plan and we don't pay for it. Also it makes us available to do a great Walt Disney tour at Magic Kingdom that is brand new. ( I decided against the costlier Keys to the Kingdom this time around.)

That's been my morning and it's only 10:00. Five reservation changes and a call to Disney about their new tour. Soon you'll see updates on the pages here. I just need more certainty before I put it on the webpage. It's too much work to change!

Candle on the Water

Pete's Dragon was the 1st Disney Movie I ever saw and this song is so beautiful. (If you don't know it, listen to it below on the Playlist). Jim is my Candle and lately we've talked about things we'd like to shop for at Disney to make our house feel special and safe. We both love Japan and China at Epcot  so much of our focuss there.
It could be interesting how things turn out but we do have similar likes and dislikes for the most parts.
The most interesting challenge will be staying on budged!

A Whole New World

A new fantastic point of view....it's crystal clear...don't you dare close your eyes. That's exactly how I feel right now. After being haunted by some medical issues that made it like swimming through tar to get things done around here and at my house, I am finally making some headway. What a relief.
Of course now I have too many projects but I'll get them done. My latest are a really amazing autograph/ photo book for all  the characters that I'm working on and some new projects for The Mouse for Less including a weekly blog about doing Disney without the kids. I'm so excited about working more with them.
Plus of  course my planning and building here continues. If you don't see work it means I'm working in my physical house which we are remodeling top to bottom.

It really is a whole new world!

Mickey....

SEND ME A PIN....

BUT KRISTEN I LOVE YOU FOR TRYING SO HARD TO GIVE ME YOURS!!!

Tabs are done! WOOHOO!

This may be a bigger deal to me than it is to you but all of my pages have working tabs now. Those are the dated    boxes at the top that take you to the page that I am designing for each day of our upcoming trip. It will give a preview of our day now and serve as a travel log when we return. I'm not sure if I'll manage to add to them while we're there.
Anyway, you can go from any of the pages, including this one, and get to any of the others now.
I still can't promise there is a lot of content on the pages yet. Designing the pages and tabs took some time. But as I do my planning I'll put more on. 6/29/11 has quite a bit on it already.
I'd love some feedback on what you see so far!

Mickey Mania!!!

Yes, I know- it's been a while since I've posted here. The site is under-construction and my house is being deconstructed during a major remodeling project so things are crazy here! Don't worry, It's still been me and Mickey every day.

There was the early March pin episode where after checking every email address Jim or I have, I finally called Disney and had a very nice CM tell me that no, I did not have a pin. I am holding out hope for a public code. Feel free to cross your fingers for me!

Then there was a simple trip to a local St Vincent de Paul. They had a 1/2 price sale. I found some great Disney fabric and a Halloween candy dish.

Last week my favorite Disney travel group and web group The Magic for Less Travel/ The Mouse for Less were having a celebration. They had several contests. There were photo contests, blog contests, scavenger hunt trivia, cruise contests, and more. I got the fabulous new that I was a winner of the blog contest and the trivia. I will post my Blog on my MFL blog page here. I am getting some amazing prizes that I'll show off when they arrive. Thanks everyone at MFL/MFLT!

Today was great too. I was able to trade enough old books on Amazon to pay for my Annual Pass. That's $475(about)! I was excited. I also got a great new Mickey notebook. I love my notebooks and this one is perfect.

Oh, I almost forgot. My camera is here too. We got a great deal on it and I LOVE it. Hopefully by the end of June I'll have it all figured out.

Hope that catches you up some. I'll try to be back soon.

Aaron Rodgers Was MVP of Super Bowl 35.... Guess Where He Went Today!!!

Last night I watched an amazing football game. Yes, that's right. I am a Cheesehead. I believed Lombardi would return to the Frozen Tundra. I am a Packer Fan.
It was a great night to be a Packer Fan (if you had some Tums to pop after every injury) and as we reached the final minutes of the 4th quarter there was just one thing I was waiting to hear.

Today it was a little rainy but in the high 70's when Aaron dropped by Magic Kingdom. I wasn't there. Twitter and YouTube helped me feel like I was. Now you too can enjoy:

Nice wheels...

Two mice bring the cheese...

This is too cool. Wish I had been there!!!

Yet another milestone...

That's what my countdown marker says today! One hundred and fifty days until I get to hang with Mickey. That's big news around here (okay maybe only with me.) It did inspire Jim to put an extra chunk of money in our Smarty Pig account when I told him we had 107 days until our trip needed to be paid in full.

I have loads of planning to do. I still am working on MFL blogs right now but you should also see some work that I've done here on the sight. I promise to try and get more caught up soon.

Go read this OTHER blog...

http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/2011/01/28/everything-i-need-to-know-in-life-i-learned-from-disney/

Please go read this blog. It really is that good. It's called "Everything I Need to Know in Life I Learned From Disney"

I'll be back really soon!

Lots Going on Here

The site is kind of a work in progress right now. I am adding a page for each day of our trip. That way I can add details about each day before we go. also be able to write about each day in detail when we get back. I wasn't sure how I was going to do it but I think I finally figured this out. It's a bit labor intensive but I'll get it done. I just wanted you to know it's a mess right now but feel free to look around. You get to the different pages by using the date tabs at the top of the pages. I don't have them all put in yet.


I also made an exciting change to our dining plans on July 4th. When we eat lunch at the Brown Derby we will be dining with a Disney Imagineer! Up to 10 Guests join in stimulating discussion with one of the incredibly creative artists who bring the magic of Disney to Walt Disney World Resort attractions and entertainment. Feast on a 4-course meal and will receive a souvenir plate designed exclusively for this experience that can be personalized by the Imagineer! (That last part is from the Disney website!) It sounded unique to me and it's part of our dining plan :)


OK I have lots to do so I have to get back at it!

Moving Forward

Since my big day on New Year's Eve I've kind of been spinning my wheels.  I have a lot of loose ends I'm trying to keep an eye on. .The reservations that haven't been made are too early for Disney's system but that doesn't mean they aren't haunting me a bit. I'll be happier once they are all made, so I keep checking the computer.

I cleaned up the site a bit. it still may be a little excessive but I like it and I guess it's my blog. I just tried to streamline some things and organize things in a way that made sense.

As I continue to heal I have some plans going on behind the scenes that could be VERY Disney related in my future. I have to keep looking into those possibilities but it should be very positive news!

As for trip planning my next step is to flesh out each day now that our dinner reservations are set. It won't be so strict that we have to be at such and such a place at this exact time but it will provide a touring plan to make sure we're efficient and don't miss anything. I really want to take it all in this trip! It's the most fun working I ever have.

I'm also still blogging for the Mouse for Less. I have a series planned where I am going to do the ABCs of each of the four parks. I know what I'm writing about. Now I just need to get going and get it done! Typing is still a struggle so I do everything longhand then type in small spurts.

Well, that's about it for now. I have lots to share in my head but until it's confirmed, I'll keep you guessing!