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Becoming a Disney Geek
2008-02-24 18:27:00
I am DEFINITELY a Disney geek, and spend a fair amount of time each day reading blogs, websites, message boards, and general Disney news sites looking for bits and pieces to help me with my Disney obsession. BUT, I never knew there was a step-by-step program to becoming a Disney geek. My friends over at Imaginerding have provided a really great list of Disney-related books that will help you reach your goal.;) I must admit, I have read a lot of blogs, forums, sites, etc, but have really not gotten into the books quite yet. I like how they have it separated into three levels (one for beginners, one for moderate geeks, and one for super geeks). Check it out!--- Disney Dean
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Disney Shopping Promo Code BONUS25
2008-02-24 02:59:00
Boy, do I have a deal for you! This weekend only (2/23 - 2/24) you can get 25% off new arrivals at Disney Shopping .com BONUS25: will give you 25% off new arrivals. They have some really neat new Minnie Mouse beach towels, that are $14.50 for one - or $20 for 2. So, if you buy 2, then apply the promo code, the price for 2 is $15. Not bad for Disney beach towels. A neat girls swimsuit is normally $19.50, but is on sale for $14.62 after using the promo code. SHIPFOR5: $5 shipping on orders of $50 or more. Nuff said! There are a ton of great swim shop items that have just come in, along with toys, childrens and adult apparel, etc. If you're like me - Spring Fever is setting in pretty good. I live in the wilds of northern Minnesota, so the thought of summer right now is pretty inviting ;)One of the coolest things ever is the new Mickey ears family personalized beach towels. You have got to seem them, as they have ones for HIM, HER, GIRLS, BOYS and INFANTS. Just click on Swim Shop, ...
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Crocs at Walt Disney World
2008-02-23 04:59:00
To Croc...or not to Croc...that is the question! (sorry about that - couldn't resist) If you're a fan of "the DIS" (the term we Disney geeks use for disboards.com), you've undoubtedly heard more about Crocs shoes than you can imagine. There are a LOT of Croc fans on the DIS, to say the least. After being brainwashed for months and months (haha), I even went out and bought my own Crocs last fall. I can honestly say that I really, REALLY like them! My wife thought I was a little nuts (which is not unusual!), but now they're starting to grow on her too. My mother in law bought Crocs for our children last summer, and they used them nearly every day because they love them so much. The only thing we have noticed with the kids is that they seem to stumble a bit more than if they didn't have them on. They have gotten used to the grabbing action and the oversized design, and are not really having problems anymore. BUT - this is something to keep in mind if your kids are going to be u...
More About: World , Disney World , Walt Disney

This Week in Disney History
2008-02-22 04:57:00
THIS WEEK IN DISNEY HISTORYFebruary 23, 1927 - A young artist named Leslie James Clark reports to work at the Disney Studios. Walt warns him "it might be just a temporary job." Les will become the first of Walt's "Nine Old Men" and stay with the Disney Studio until his retirement in 1975. February 23, 1939 - Walt Disney receives a special Academy Award® for his classic 83-minute animated film "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," at the 1938 Academy Awards. Shirley Temple presents Walt with one statuette and seven miniature statuettes. February 25, 1927 - Actor and Disney Legend Dickie Jones is born in Snyder, Texas. He will go on to supply the voice of Pinocchio for Disney's 1940 classic animated film.From the Disney Insider Newsletter
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Hydrogen Shuttles at Sea World Orlando
2008-02-21 01:52:00
SeaWorld continues to lead the theme park industry along the road of environmental responsibility with the addition of two new hydrogen-fueled shuttles.  SeaWorld is working with Ford Motor Company, Chevron Technology Ventures, Progress Energy and the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Energy Office as part of a pilot program working to determine the efficiency and application of hydrogen-fueled vehicles.  “We are honored to be part of this innovative pilot program and have a role in the effort to find alternative fuel sources,” said Dan Brown, SeaWorld’s executive vice president and general manager.  “Conservation has always been part of SeaWorld’s DNA and this is one of the many initiatives we are committed to as a company.” These Ford E-450 shuttles are powered by internal combustion V-10 engines that are modified to run on hydrogen, rather than gasoline. Compared with today's gasoline engines, these deliver up to 99.7 percent re...
More About: Hydrogen , Orlando

Animal Kingdom Villas First Phase Construction Complete
2008-02-19 02:37:00
There are bound to be a lot of happy Disney Vacation Club members - as the first phase of the Animal Kingdom Villas is now complete. The villas (109 in all) were constructed from the upper levels of the Animal Kingdom Lodge. According to the Orlando Sentinel: "Construction is continuing on the project's much-larger second phase: A 340-unit annex next to the lodge that has been dubbed "Kidani Village." Disney says the expansion will include a 120-seat sit-down restaurant, a 4,700-square-foot swimming pool with a water slide and two spas, plus tennis, shuffleboard and half-court basketball, among other amenities."This phase should be completed in Spring of 2009. The Animal Kingdom Villas are the 8th timeshare property, and the 6th one at Walt Disney World. Disney is also building one at the Contemporary Resort (not confirmed yet by Disney - but discovered via building construction records), some at Disneyland and one in Hawaii. I just despise all you Disney Vacation Club (DVC) me...
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Bud and BBQ at Sea World and Busch Gardens
2008-02-18 04:27:00
Well, I'm not the biggest country music fan, but if you are - this sounds like a great thing! Hard to beat some good ole' country music, barbeque and ice-cold beer, right? Country music, classic rock and good cookin’ come together during Bud & BBQ, Feb. 16 – March 9 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando. For the first time, Central Florida’s sizzling music and barbecue festival rocks all the way to Tampa Bay with eight days of live music, savory barbeque, ice-cold Anheuser-Busch products and a heaping helping of thrilling rides and attractions. Two separate line-ups feature country’s hottest stars and classic rock bands that will have fans on their feet. Barbecue lovers will want to bring their appetites for Bud & BBQ’s succulent menu, featuring Budweiser-inspired dishes like Budweiser Pork Rib Tomahawks, Bud Light chili pepper baby back ribs, Michelob Ultra Amber Bock chili and Pulled Chicken with Amber Bock sauce. At Busch Gardens , Bud &...

Disney CMO Finalists Starting to Be Revealed
2008-02-17 05:18:00
The Los Angeles Times has a really awesome piece on the whittling down of the 1300 entrants for the Dismey Dream Chief Magic Official (CMO). Supposedly, they are down to the top 20, which will be down to 10 by the 3 week voting window opens on March 2nd. The LATimes article has some interesting information on some of the finalists, and even has links to the videos of some of them. So far, 10 finalists have shown up in popular online sites, yet Disney has yet to make an official announcement as of this time. So, head on over to the LATimes blog and check out some of the finalists for the Disney Dream CMO position! Photo from LATimes.com--- Disney Dean
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Indiana Jones Trailer Released
2008-02-16 05:12:00
If you're a regular reader of MyDisneyBlog, you undoubtedly know that I am the self-proclaimed BIGGEST Indiana Jones fan in the world. I am in absolute and utter joy that Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is going to be released in May. Could there be anything better to look forward to than this movie!!! I can't even believe it - after waiting so long - it is almost here! I hope you enjoy the just-released movie trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull! I just loved the trailer. I kept expecting to hear the voice of my friend Don Lafontaine, but it doesn't sound like they went with a voiceover artist for this trailer. --- Disney Dean
More About: Trailer , Released

Disney World Gardening Tips
2008-02-15 05:19:00
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Hundreds of acres of lovingly tended displays brighten the Vacation Kingdom throughout the year, with the pinnacle of petals bursting forth in an unmatched color show each spring at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. How do the Disney gardeners do it? Better yet, how can home gardeners obtain successful results from their landscape efforts? Where to begin? Roses, grass, flowers, trees . . . the list goes on and on. Here are some ideas from Walt Disney World specialists on what to tackle first this spring. Walt Disney World Spring 'How-To' Tips For Home Gardeners Vegetable gardening tips Choose the site for your vegetable garden making sure that: it is well drained. it gets about eight hours of sunshine a day. a water source is close by. Add organic matter to the soil, pull weeds and till the plot. Some more veggie tips: Start your transplants indoors about a month and a half before the last fro...
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Disney World on Valentine's Day
2008-02-13 05:13:00
The storybook setting and amorous ambiance of Walt Disney World Resort has lovebirds flocking to the Vacation Kingdom for a romantic getaway. Moonlit strolls, luxurious spas and intimate dining make it feel like Valentine's Day every day at the Vacation Kingdom. Couples who've been bitten by the love bug don't need a fairy godmother to find romance at Walt Disney World Resort. This is, after all, home to some of the world's most famous romances: Cinderella and Prince Charming, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast -- and don't forget America's sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Throughout the 25,000-acre playground, love is in the air at the Vacation Kingdom. During a couples spa experience. In the middle of a romantic dinner. Or on one of the "love boats" that cruise Walt Disney World waterways. Honeymooners thrive in the romantic allure of Walt Disney World Resort -- a top-rated honeymoon destination, according to industry experts. And for couples who...

Kilimanjaro Safari Fire at Animal Kingdom
2008-02-12 02:00:00
Quite a day of excitement at Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom on Sunday, as one of the safari trucks caught on fire! According to the Orlando Sentinel, the attraction reopened on time this morning after a truck engine fire closed the ride Sunday afternoon. Yikes! The fire was caused by a damaged engine hose. The visitors were evacuated and one 8-year-old girl reportedly injured a knee while exiting the safari vehicle. Three others were treated for minor injuries at the scene. The fire caused the truck to break down in an area that did not have any animals. Good thing it didn't head off course and get stuck with the lions :)Read more on the Orlando Sentinel - also check out the AWESOME video of the ride on the same page.--- Disney Dean
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Marty Sklar Birthday
2008-02-10 16:55:00
My friend Ryan, over at Main Street Gazette, has a really nice piece regarding Marty Sklar's birthday this past week (February 6th, 2008). I think the world of Marty Sklar, a Disney Legend and amazine Imagineer. I really believe he has his finger on the pulse of what Walt would want. He knew want, and worked with him very closely, so who better to help his dream become reality and carry on his traditions. Ryan provides this quote in his article, and I think this is so cool:  “Today, every time I’m in Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom Park, I make sure to watch the faces of our guests as they exit Space Mountain.”Man, what I wouldn't give to be able to chat with that man for an hour! --- Disney Dean
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Lillian Disney Obituary
2008-02-09 16:59:00
I posted Walt Disney 's obituary a few months back, and just ran across his wife Lillian's as well. I thought it was so nicely done, so I thought I would post it. From the December 18, 1997 New York Times: Lillian Disney, the widow of Walt Disney and a prominent patron of the arts, died on Tuesday at her home in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles after suffering a stroke on Monday. She was 98. Mrs. Disney, who met Mr. Disney in the 1920's while working at a low-level job at his fledgling studio, was married to the mogul for 41 years. ''This really is the end of an era for Disney,'' said Roy E. Disney, a nephew of Mrs. Disney's and vice chairman of the Walt Disney Company. He added: ''She was a great lady, full of laughter and fun and always prepared to speak the truth, tough and loving at the same time.'' A publicity-shy figure, Mrs. Disney became highly active in a number of charities after her husband's death in 1966 and emerged as a leading patron of t...
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February 2008 Printable Disney Calendar
2008-02-08 22:49:00
Looking for a great printable calendar for 2008 .html">February 2008 ? I kind of did an ooops - and should have posted this BEFORE the month started, but kind of forgot about it. Barrie at AllEarsNet is putting a month at a time online, for everyone to print and enjoy. She's a wonderful photographer, and I know you're going to love her online printable calendars. So, head on over to AllEarsNet and print out the February 2008 calendar! For those of you that want the previous month of January 2008, click here. I will try to be more timely in posting the upcoming month :)--- Disney Dean
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Disney Shopping Promo Code - HEART50
2008-02-08 17:46:00
A couple promo codes to tell you about for Disney Shopping .com! HEART50: A whopping 50% discount on Valentines merchandise. Lots of great things to choose from! This promo code expires at the end of the day on 2/14/08 (pacific time). You do have to search around for the Valentine's merchandise, but it is there - so happy hunting.SHIP60: FREE shipping on orders of $60 or more. Expires a few days before, on 2/10/08. Just a couple days to take advantage of this offer, but they usually offer some kind of shipping discount after these expire. This one isn't a promo code, but you can get up to 70% off Disney's AWESOME snow globes right now. Choose from many terrific designs. If you're a snow globe collector, you can find a few great deals right now.NOW for something REALLY cool - order personalized roses for $69.95 (half dozen) to $89.95 (full dozen). You must order by the 12th for delivery on the 14th (barring inclement weather). Choose from Mickey, Tinker Bell, Cinderella, and Snow...
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SeaWorld Dolphins are Bubblicious
2008-02-03 06:49:00
I received this press release from SeaWorld Orlando a few days ago, and thought it was SO interesting. Sea World is a wonderful place to spend the day, and I am looking forward to going again in August. Should be good and hot for this northern Minnesotan - and I may just end up jumping in with the dolphins :) You absolutely have to see this video of the dolphins creating bubbles and playing with them - it may be enough to get you over to SeaWorld Orlando! --- Disney Dean If you think the best requirement for creating a great bubble is a piece of gum… SeaWorld Orlando’s dolphins are about to burst your bubble.  Young dolphins at SeaWorld have taken bubble-making to the extreme. Two young juveniles have been observed creating underwater bubbles with their blowhole, then using their rostrum to manipulate and play with the bubbles – spinning them, making them smaller and larger, swimming through them and popping them. This is a phenomenon that has intrigued scientists watch...
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Disney History For This Week
2008-02-01 05:29:00
THIS WEEK IN DISNEY HISTORYJanuary 29, 1959 - Disney 's 16th feature film, "Sleeping Beauty," premieres at the Fox Wilshire Theater in Los Angeles. February 4, 1966 - Disney's animated short "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree" is released along with the live-action feature "The Ugly Dachshund." From the wonderful DisneyInsider Newsletter
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Donald Duck for CMO
2008-01-31 05:07:00
Donald Duck 's Submission for the CMO (Chief Magic Official) position at Disney Parks. They are no longer taking applications, but you can check out contestant video resumes at DreamCMO.com. Finalists will be announced on March 2nd! Did you submit a video resume? Know someone who has? I would love to hear about it in the comments section of this post. I got a real kick out of this video, and hope you do too! --- Disney Dean
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Disney Magic Connection
2008-01-29 05:29:00
My son is a huge Nintendo DS fan, and when I told him the news that a field test with Nintendo DS units was being done at the Magic Kingdom, he just about jumped through the roof. We were generally fans of My Pal Mickey, the talking, and interactive plush toy that has been fairly popular in the parks. We've had a few problems with it, but the level of interactivity would likely be much greater with the Nintendo DS units - a wireless hand-held unit. Per Several Sites - the devices would be able to:   Tell you in real time what the current wait time at your favorite attraction was    Also let you know whether there were any FastPasses left for that particular attraction    And when these FastPasses were available for   Provide Show schedules   Show Parade routes   Provide Interactive maps which reveal the location of rides, shows and attractions,    restaurants, restrooms, etc.   and More!If all goes well...
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Disney Resorts on a Budget
2008-01-28 05:59:00
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Value-resort accommodations may be the least expensive Walt Disney World Resort has to offer, but they feature a ton of Disney amenities and advantages, still offering guests the same magical experience as the moderate and deluxe accommodations. Disney's Pop Century Resort The newest value-priced resort, the 2,880-room Disney's Pop Century Resort, takes Walt Disney World guests on a nostalgic journey through the fads and crazes of 20th century pop culture. Four-stories-high Rubik's Cubes, 65-foot-tall bowling pins and a Big Wheel "big enough" to seat an 877-pound "child" are just a few larger-than-life icons that can be found across the resort's property. In contrast to the enormity of the icons at Disney's Pop Century Resort is the hotel's price structure: It is one of the lowest on Disney property. Room rates as low as $82 per night make "living large" quite affordable. Disney's All Star Resorts Walt Disney World Resort first intro...
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Disney Parks CMO Search Is On
2008-01-26 06:14:00
Burbank, Ca., January 8, 2008 – Do you wish your M.D. really stood for “Magic Director?” Or perhaps that your Ph.D. had something to do with Pixie Dust? As millions of Americans resolve to search for a new job this New Year, Disney Parks may have just the position they’ve been waiting for! To prove that making dreams come true is no longer reserved for fairy godmothers, CareerBuilder.com today launched the search for the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official (CMO) who will spread magic during The Year of a Million Dreams. The search for the CMO is part of The Year of a Million Dreams, where this year more than one million more dreams will be granted to guests at Disney Parks. This celebration includes incredible new attractions, parades, interactive entertainment and much more! “We’re looking for that perfect someone to serve alongside our talented Cast of dream makers,” said Craig Dezern, Vice President, Global Public Relations, Disney Parks. “The CMO w...
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Before the Monorail, there was...The Viewliner!
2008-01-24 19:08:00
One of the lesser known attractions from Disneyland’s past is The Viewliner, hailed as the train of tomorrow and “the fastest miniature train in the world.” It was a narrow gauge (same size track as Casey Jr.) miniature train that operated alongside parts of the Disneyland Railroad’s track. Two separate trains traveled along a figure-eight track through Tomorrowland & Fantasyland. Conceived as a way to take up the space vacated by the Mickey Mouse Club Circus, Bob Gurr was tasked with designing this train of the future. He sketched an engine design “inspired by” General Motors’ 1955 Aerotrain (now available as HO & N Scale train models by Con-Cor). Gurr changed the front end slightly by intersecting two ovals to house the headlights (The Aerotrain had all its lights in one oval) and streamlined the sides of the passenger cars with channeled chrome that ran the length of the train. The engine and top of the passenger cars were painted in matching colors; the Tomorrowlan...

Disneyland Paris Great News
2008-01-24 16:51:00
Great news out of Europe this morning, as theme park operator Euro Disney reports a 20 percent jump in first quarter revenue. New attractions to mark Disneyland Paris ' 15th anniversary had helped to create another level of emotional connections with their guests, according to chairman and CEO Kark Holz. New attractions, such as Crush's Coaster and Car Race Ralley have been very popular. The growth included strong increases in visitor numbers, guest spend and hotel occupancy. The company (owned 40% by Walt Disney) has not made a profit since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. But, in the first quarter, revenue was lifted by €341 million. In addition to Disneyland and Disney Village, the company runs a Walt Disney Studios park, seven themed hotels with about 5,800 rooms, two convention centres and a golf course. Half of the 2,000-acre site has yet to be developed. During the coming year it will open further attractions, such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Te...
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More Investment in Hong Kong Disneyland?
2008-01-23 12:59:00
Bloomberg is reporting that new investment may be coming for Hong Kong Disneyland in the near future. Hong Kong Disneyland's Managing Director Bill Earnest, reported that they are anticipating additional investment in the park. After dropping from 5 million visitors in the first 12 months of operation, the park is now seeing about 4 million visitors a year. Earnest said they are fully focused on the Hong Kong Park, adding that they are NOT currently negotiating a Shanghai park. I don't know about you, but I am dying to visit the Asian parks! Have you been to one of these parks? Would love to hear about it - just post some information in the comments section of this post.See the full article on Bloomberg.com--- Disney Dean
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High School Musical 3 Coming To The Big Screen
2008-01-21 02:20:00
All principal cast members from Disney's "High School Musical " – Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman – will be reunited on the big screen for Walt Disney Pictures’ upcoming feature film, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” it was announced today by Oren Aviv, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production. This highly anticipated feature film is set to begin production in spring 2008 with DGA Award-winning director and choreographer Kenny Ortega returning to direct from a screenplay by Peter Barsocchini, who wrote the scripts for the smash hit Disney Channel Original Movies “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2.” The musical film’s producers are Bill Borden, Barry Rosenbush and Don Schain. Commenting on the announcement, Aviv said, “We’re thrilled to have all of the talented cast members who helped to make ‘High School Musical’ such an incredible phenomenon joining us ...
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Disney Magic
2008-01-19 17:21:00
Imagine my surprise when one of my bosses came up to me and said "we're going to Disney World". What would normally be a very happy occasion (actually a euphoric occasion for Disney Freaks!) was quite obviously a miserable occasion (met with a grimacing face). She had a look of shear horror on her face, and then said "I SWORE I would never go to that horrible place again - it was one of the most miserable experiences of my life". I knew she felt this way (and she knew that I was a Disney freak), but I had no idea the extent of her hatred for all things Disney. So, I tried to get her into it. I asked her the following questions:DISNEY DEAN: Are you staying on the property!BOSS: Heck no - I wouldn't want to be immersed in all that Disney stuff for any longer than I HAVE to. The princesses alone are enough to make me sick.{Oh boy, can you believe she just said that?}DISNEY DEAN: If you aren't staying on property - where are you staying?BOSS: All the places are th...
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Disney History For This Week
2008-01-18 05:33:00
January 20, 1936 - Eighteen-year-old Adriana Caselotti records her first tracks as the voice of Snow White. January 21, 1933 - Disney 's Mickey Mouse cartoon "The Mad Doctor" is released. January 21, 1935 - Animator Ollie Johnston is hired at $17 a week by the Disney Studio. He will go on to become one of Walt's "Nine Old Men." From the wonderful DisneyInsider Newsletter
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Disney World Moms
2008-01-17 03:46:00
Alright, I'm kind of hooked on the new Disney World Mom's Panel. I think it's a terrific idea, and the questions that they are answering are very realistic and seem to be very honest. The only problem I see is that I'm not the Mr. Mom on the panel ;) Oh well, at least I still have MyDisneyBlog! Here is some additional information on the Disney World Mom's Panel:--- Disney DeanFor the millions of families planning to visit Walt Disney World Resort this year, Disney Parks has a new resource -- a mom at your fingertips! As part of "The Year of a Million Dreams," Disney Parks announced the first-ever Walt Disney World Moms Panel, www.disneyworldmoms.com, an online forum led by real, park-savvy parents to assist with the vacation planning process. Guests looking to get a jump start on their family vacation planning can log on to www.disneyworldmoms.com for information on "anything and everything" Walt Disney World. The Moms Panel is composed of 12 parents -- well, 11 moms and on...

Just booked our next Disney World Trip!
2008-01-16 02:11:00
I could not be more excited, and I knew the readers of this blog would know how I feel right now. As you may recall, we could not afford to go to Disney World in 2007. I can definitely say that I have gone through just about every withdrawal symptom. If you haven't been through Disney withdrawal, here are some of the symptoms:SYMPTOMS OF DISNEY WITHDRAWAL1)   Lethargy2)   Visiting more Disney blogs, and blowing off chores around the house3)   Chills and shakes4)   Hanging around message boards like the DIS, living vicariously through other people's trip reports5)   Suddenly feeling disdain for the people who create trip reports ;)6)   Running around your house throwing salt (imagining that it is pixie dust!)7)   Starting a blog called MyDisneyBlog.com8)   Calling your kids Lilo and Stitch (by accident, of course)9)   Booking "imaginary" trips through the WDW website, and pretending ...
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