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.



Friday, August 26, 2011

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.

Friday, August 19, 2011

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.


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

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 :)

Monday, August 15, 2011

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.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

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

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

More to Come...

Friday, August 12, 2011

Update:Checkout is so easy!

Update:Checkout is so easy! July 9

More to come...

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

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!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Update:Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party

Update:Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party- June 30

More to come...

Thursday, August 4, 2011

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!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

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...