Mickey's bib

So, I was making these tshirts for our trip in December and thought I'd make a bib for C-man. I had some Mickey fabric in the closet and left over felt from the tshirts, so I made a bib! I don't know if he'll even wear it, but we have it just in case!

Sorry this is sideways... I didn't have time to rotate it, but you get the idea!

Tshirts are done!

Several months ago I posted about a tshirt idea that I wanted to do for our upcoming trip. Well, I finally did it! I took the idea from Erin at Living a Dram when she posted about her Pirate Mickey tshirt for her son. Since we'll be attending the MVMCP, we'll ALL wear these to the party! I thought my husband would baulk at the idea, but he went along! I did do his and JAG's shirt with a smaller Mickey head than I did on mine and C-mans. Mine is green, C-man's is white and the older boys are gray.

iphone apps for WDW

I can't wait to use these apps on our next trip!! Do you have any good WDW apps for your iphone you can share with me!?!

Mouse Memo

Going to Walt Disney World? Mouse Memo lets you leave that bulky binder with all of your dining reservations and trip information in the hotel room!

Transportation Wizard

You whip out your iPhone and the WDW Transportation Wizard comes to your rescue; promptly suggesting several routes involving cars, boats, buses, or monorails to get you from one point to another on WDW property. He even tells you how long it’s likely to take so you won’t be late for dinner!

WDW Wait Times, Dining and Maps from Undiscovered Tourist

Detailed Maps and GPS Locator - Enjoy accurate wait times, integrated in real-time, with park maps for Walt Disney World. Also includes ride information, Disney dining, schedules and plans, ticket info, and a traffic light system to show which park to visit on which day.

Happy Thanks-A-Bunch Day (after)!!!

"Happy Thanksgiving!" I hope all of my readers had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! I pray that the next year will bring as many fabulous things to be thankful for! If I'm lucky, it will hold another trip to Walt Disney World in March! :)

I got this pin when my mom and I went to WDW in November of 2006. It wasn't actually Thanksgiving when we were there, but it was just weeks before, so it was Thanksgiving season!

The Incredibles

I met Mr. and Mrs. Incredible during my trip to WDW in November of 2006 with my mother. This was the trip where we were supposed to be at a youth conference, but the conference wasn't very good so we skipped out and played in the parks! We were in the then, MGM Studios at the Magic of Disney Animation. They were both very fun, but I'm still not a fan of the stamped autographs. I can understand some characters, like Beast, who have hands too large to hold a pen, but these guys are just wearing gloves... Why can't they hold a pen and actually write "Mr. Incredible?"

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!

"The first Mickey Mouse cartoon released, and the first cartoon with synchronized sound. As a mischievous deckhand on a riverboat, Mickey, to Minnie's delight, plays "Turkey in the Straw" utilizing an animal menagerie as his instruments. However, the tyrannical Captain Pete is not amused, and Mickey ends up peeling potatoes in the galley.

After unsuccessfully trying to make a deal to record through RCA or Western Electric, Walt contracted with the bootleg Powers Cinephone process and, after a disastrous initial recording session, finally recorded the soundtrack with a 15-piece band and his own squeaks for Mickey.

Directed by Walt Disney. Released at the Colony Theater in New York on November 18, 1928, the date used for the birth of Mickey Mouse."

Taken from the Disney Archives.

The Grand Floridian's Gingerbread House

The gingerbread house at Disney's Grand Floridian is now open to the public! I can't wait to see it next month! They use 1,050 pounds of honey to build this 16 foot tall creation! Here is a great time lapse video of the building process.

Disney Vacation Journal

Many parents often ask the question, "Should I take my child out of school to go to Walt Disney World?" My answer is yes. They will get more out of a trip to WDW than they would sitting in the classroom and it's cheaper to go when school is in session. We always have the teacher send any classwork JAG will miss and we pack plenty of books to read on the way down. When I was teaching first grade, I gave a vacation journal to all my students to complete while they were away. I thought it was better than the classwork and it gave the parents a great souvenir keepsake to have! I touched on this topic of missing school to go to WDW a while back and now I'll show you the journal I had Jackson do while we were visiting. (Sorry this post is so long. I don't know how to post photos without them being one per line yet.) I have this journal saved in a word document if you would like me to send it to you. You can customize it to fit your child and vacation!

Cman is READY TO GO!

See, I'm not the only one excited about our trip to Walt Disney World next month! :)

Monday's Memories- "do you have any aspirin?"

Last May our family, minus Cman, went to Disneyland in California for the first time. Being a seasoned traveler to Walt Disney World, I carried some of my "traditional items" with me across the country. While packing, I made sure I had my backpack with all the necessities. We were in line for Toy Story Mania at California Adventure when I thought I noticed some guys in their mid twenties coming towards me in the line looking at me and whispering. The closer we got to them, I realized they actually were talking about me because one of they guys said, "that girl?" I was just about to say something to Jonathan when one of they guys said, "Excuse me. You look like a mom that comes to the parks prepared. Do you happen to have any aspirin in your backpack?" I was laughing on the inside while I pulled out my mini medicine cabinet from the front pocket of my backpack. I asked if he would rather have Advil, Tylenol or Aleve! He chose the Advil, thanked me and went on his way! I like being prepared and I like the fact that others notice! :)

December plans at the World (and WAR EAGLE!)

I think we have a plan. On Tuesday when we arrive, we will check into the Coronado Springs Resort and head to the Boardwalk via car. Once there, we will take the bus to the Magic Kingdom to hop on the monorail to see the lobby decorations at the Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian. Then we'll take the bus back to the Boardwalk to do the same at those resorts: Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, Yacht and Beach. We'll eat dinner at Beaches and Cream at the Yacht Club. After a stroll around the Boardwalk, we'll take the car over to Fort Wilderness to see the lights on the camp sites. Depending on time, moods and temperatures, we may do the outdoor movie (once the December movie schedule is released) or the sleigh ride.

Wednesday we will spend the day at Magic Kingdom. We have breakfast reservations at Crystal Palace at 8:10. We'll bring snacks for lunch and eat dinner at either Terrace Noodle or Pirata y Perico. Some of the "to dos" for MK are: get Cman's haircut at Harmony Barbershop, get silhouette's of the boys and get Cmans first pair of ears! I also want to see the Flag Retreat ceremony and get a photo with Santa!

Thursday will be spent at Epcot. We'll eat breakfast in the room, lunch at Tangierine Cafe and dinner reservations are at Rose and Crown at 6:10. This is the day I will do the YES program at Epcot while the boys "play." When I'm not with the YES we will tour the park. We want to do the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, Holidays Around the World and the Candlelight Processional.

On Friday we will spend our day at Animal Kingdom and our evening at the Magic Kingdom for the Very Merry Christmas Party!! We'll eat breakfast in the room and lunch at Anadapur Local Food. Dinner will be at the Magic Kingdom at The Liberty Tree Tavern. I want to make sure I see the Jammin Jungle Parade at AK and let Cman see all the animals!

On Saturday we will visit Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney. Breakfast is in the room, lunch at House of Blues in DTD and dinner at Hollywood and Vine. While at DHS we want to ride Toy Story Midway Mania (to compare it to California Adventure's version) and see the Osborne Family Lights. At Downtown Disney, I want to see Santa, shop for my traditional Christmas ornament and ride the Characters in Flight balloon ride!

The fun part will be having a 22 month old with us... will he cooperate with my "plan!?!" Should be interesting. Stay tuned next month for additional details, photos, memories, and tips!

And, remember when I told you my pin came in?? Well, the game is now over and I can proudly wear my pin because AUBURN IS STILL UNDEFEATED!!! 11-0! :)

more characters- Nemo and Little Pig

These characters have no autographs to go along with the photos.

My brother and I met one of the Three Little Pigs during our first trip to WDW in 1983 while we were on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom. At that time I wasn't collecting autographs... in fact, I'm not sure any one was. I met Nemo at Epcot outside of The Living Seas in February of 2005. Obviously a fish can't sign an autograph because he has no hands. He can't even do the stamp autographs- which is actually fine, because I'm not a fan.

Question: Christmas Parade taping- to do or not to do?

If you were going to be at Walt Disney World in early December during the Christmas Day parade taping, would you want to be a part of all the excitement?

Here are some details from active.com:

Fees: Registration is Free

You Are Invited!: Lights! Camera! Action! The cameras are ready to roll on the “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” television show at Magic Kingdom and you are invited to be part of the audience on Friday, December 3, or Saturday, December 4, 2010. Space is limited so sign up now to watch your favorite Disney characters and guest stars perform on Main Street U.S.A. and on Cinderella’s Castle Stage in the Magic Kingdom.

Who Can Participate?: We are looking for people of all ages to join this year’s production audience. We do not have any age restriction on who can join. Please let us know how many people (up to 8 per family) may join you who are 3 years of age or older. (Children 2 and under will not need a ticket and do not need to be included in the count)

When Will It Happen?: Friday, December 3rd & Saturday, December 4th: The production company will be shooting various Parade Elements and Guest Star Performances on Cinderella’s Castle Stage and Main Street USA. Production is subject to change and Guest Performance may be cancelled or changed at the last minute.

What Time Will It Happen?: Shifts may start as early as 7:30 AM, however, due to the ever changing world of production, we do not have any specific shift times as of this moment. You will be expected to commit to a 4-hour time slot for each shift. We ask that you stay for the entire time (even during the occasional, brief production breaks). If for some reason you leave the area during the shift, we cannot guarantee or hold your place. Participants are welcome to remain in the Magic Kingdom following the production.

How Do I Register?: The first step is to complete the form on this site. That will indicate your interest in participating. In the near future a specific number of those interested registrants will receive an email with instructions on completing further registration to receive tickets to the event. Registering on this site does not guarantee you will be selected to participate. A limited number of tickets will be available on a first-come basis.

What Do I Do If I Am Selected?: You will receive specific instructions to visit a web site to complete further registration. Each person (3 and older) will then need to print out a COMPLIMENTARY E-Ticket that will be valid for complimentary parking and for entry into the Magic Kingdom for the Production. Space is available on a first-come basis. If you arrive late on the day of the taping, you will not be guaranteed admission into the park.

What Should I Wear?: Wardrobe Tips: • Dress in casual, comfortable clothing. • Wear bright colors – especially holiday colors. All are encouraged to wear holiday clothing and hats. • Children under 10 are encouraged to wear their favorite Disney character costumes. • Please no logos or advertising on clothing unless it’s Disney related.

What If I Have Questions?: If you have any questions please e-mail: WDW.Christmas.Production@disney.com Please identify yourself as a Sports Enthusiast on the email.

Lilo and Stitch

Honestly, Lilo and Stitch was not one of my favorite movies. Stitch's antics make me giggle, but I wasn't a huge fan of the movie. I know I'm not a fan of Stitch's Great Escape at the Magic Kingdom. I actually avoid this attraction. But, being a Disney fan and having an obsession with collecting autographs, I included these two in my book! :)

This photo above with Lilo and Stitch was at Animal Kingdom on the trail to Camp Minnie Mickey. Deb, Karen and I were enjoying the parks during the days prior to our Marathon adventure! That in itself is a whole different post for another day! On the day we had this photo made, we had already ridden Kaili River Rapids, which is why we are soaked from head to toe! My hair even had to make it to ponytail status after that ride! The autographs were right before the photo was made!

Times Square Disney Store

If I'm going to go on a vacation and can't be in Orlando at the Walt Disney World Resort, my second choice is New York City! Today two of my loves joined once again. The Disney Store moved from 5th Avenue and opened in Times Square. One more reason I need to get back to NYC soon!!

Associated Press

NEW YORK — With fireworks, fanfare and fairy dust, The Walt Disney Co. officially opened its largest store in North America in Manhattan's Times Square Tuesday, touting it as the crown jewel among approximately 360 worldwide.

Disney joins a string of retailers like Aeropostale Inc., Forever 21 and American Eagle Outfitters that recently opened flashy outlets in the tourism hotspot, hoping to cash in as an estimated 1.5 million people pass through Times Square daily.

"This is family shopping at its finest," Faith Hope Consolo, chairman of retail leasing and marketing at Prudential Douglas Elliman, said.

Celebrities and a complement of top Disney executives were on hand for an event that included speeches and an appearance by Brooke Shields, who plays Hannah Montana's mother in Disney's movies featuring the high-school-age pop star.

In the two years since it regained ownership of the chain, Disney has done major renovations; 18 stores already offer what the company calls "the best 30 minutes of child's play" from a personalized theater experience to magical mirrors. The rest — 105 in Europe, 40 in Japan and 220 across North America — are to be converted in five to seven years.

The 20,000-square-foot Times Square emporium is about five times bigger than most Disney stores. Divided by franchise, from Mickey Mouse — still the global entertainment company's most popular character — to an assortment of princesses, it offers similar merchandise to other stores, only more and on a grander scale, said Andy Mooney, chairman of Disney Consumer Products.

Highlights at the new store include a "Cars" display where kids can build their own miniature vehicles — $50 for a freewheel version, $75 for a remote control. In a two-story, 20-foot-tall princess castle, there's a talking mirror that produces an image of Cinderella or another princess with a wave of a wand. And on a 12-foot screen nestled in a small theater area, guests can choose exactly which Disney film clips, videos and classic animation to watch.

Robert Iger, Disney's president and CEO, said in an interview with The Associated Press that he and other top executives consulted two years ago with Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs, who recommended developing a message for the stores. That's where "the best 30 minutes" idea came from.

"This gave us a focus," Iger said.

Iger said Disney merchandise has intrinsic value because its characters resonate with children, even though consumers are still cautious about spending.

"There's no question that consumers are shopping harder, and later," he said. "They're looking for value."

In response, Disney is bundling some items. A 10-pack doll set for $99.50 is popular, for example, company officials said.

But Disney has invested in new theme parks and new entertainment businesses as other companies have pulled back during the down economy. Iger said he's still scrutinizing each investment, looking for a solid return.

The Times Square store, two years in the making, is expected to produce 5 percent of the chain's North American revenue. Disney's first Manhattan store opened in 1997 on Fifth Avenue and closed in January.

The new store debuted informally on Thursday and was to be open from 9 a.m. to midnight daily. But managers are testing a 1 a.m. store closing to accommodate the crowds showing up.

—Copyright 2010 Associated Press

Tuesday's Tip- little ones tickets and such

I had a friend ask me this week about ticket prices for children. Children ages newborn- third birthday are admitted into the park for free. Once a child turns 3, they are considered a child and will pay children's prices until they are 9. Once a child is 9, they are considered an adult in Disney's eyes and will pay adult ticket prices. I have heard that if you start your vacation while your child is 2 and they turn 3 during the vacation, they are still free for the trip.

Other things to know when traveling to WDW with little ones:

• Use the Rider Swap option! Adult guests can take turns riding the rides with little ones who are too small to ride. One adult rides while the other adult waits with the little one. Once the ride is over, the adults swap places and the other adult rides while the first adult stays with the little one. See a cast member at the attraction for more information.


• Use FASTPASS. This will reduce your time spent waiting in lines for select attractions. These are the "little ones" rides that have FASTPASS. Magic Kingdom: Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Peter Pan's Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Hollywood Studios: Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Toy Story Mania. Animal Kingdom: Kilimanjaro Safaris


• Be familiar with and use the baby care stations at the parks! If you child is lost, a Cast Member will most likely take them to the baby care stations until you are located.


• Bring your own stroller from home (umbrella, light weight, to easily carry on transportation) or rent one from the parks. You can visit Guest Services to rent a stroller. You can get single day or multi day stroller rental. Save your receipt! If you park hop, you can take your receipt to the other parks and get one there too!


• Have a plan for each day you are at WDW. Make plans for trips back to the room for naps, relaxing or swimming. You can also play on playgrounds or play areas designed for little ones at the resorts.


• Resorts have pack n play cribs available on request for little ones.


• If you want, you can have Disney provide in room child care for kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Some locations provide child activity centers for ages 4-12.


• I've heard that kids under age 3 can eat for free... but I've also heard they can only eat off their parent's plates for free or eat from a buffet for free! Either way, one less meal to buy! There are kids menus available at most restaurants and there are plenty of Character Dining experiences available with advanced reservations.


• Make reservations at the Harmony Barber Shop or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for hair cuts and "up dos" for your little ones!


• Sign up for free maps prior to your trip so your kids can become familiar with the parks!

Happy Holidays!

It's officially "Christmas Time" at Walt Disney World!! Today several of the Christmas events at WDW began: Cinderella's Holiday Wish Stage Show at MK, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at MK, and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at DHS. Other Holiday events (parades, shows, Candlelight Processional, etc) will begin later this month. I CAN'T WAIT TO BE THERE!!!

In honor of this special day at Walt Disney World, I'll share a video I took in 2006 of the Osborne Family lights at Hollywood Studios!