How I Visit Mickey Every Day

Disney and the Art of the Remodel

2011-08-26T21:15:00.000-05:00

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

2011-08-19T13:52:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-08-16T14:41:00.002-05:00

Update:Do the Fantasmic Package! -July 4

More to Come

The Perfect Time to Go

2011-08-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

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

2011-08-15T13:44:00.000-05:00

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...

2011-08-13T19:46:00.000-05:00

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

More to Come...

Update:Checkout is so easy!

2011-08-12T17:49:00.001-05:00

Update:Checkout is so easy! July 9

More to come...

Planning Time...

2011-08-10T10:45:00.000-05:00

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

2011-08-06T12:59:00.000-05:00

Update:Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party- June 30

More to come...

How to make THIS trip your favorite

2011-08-04T14:21:00.000-05:00

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

2011-08-02T15:34:00.004-05:00

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

2011-07-31T19:49:00.003-05:00

Update:How to Open Hollywood Studios - July 4

More to Come...

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

2011-07-31T07:13:00.004-05:00

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

More to Come....

Where I've Been

2011-07-31T06:57:00.000-05:00

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

2011-07-25T18:49:00.000-05:00

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

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.
Well-cushioned socks- They absorb some of the shock from walking and keep your feet comfortable in those perfect shoes.
Foot powder- Amazingly in Florida you sweat everywhere. A little powder in your socks can help control a lot of problems.
Band-aids- Band-aids help out with the little problems that might develop on your toes and heals.
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

2011-07-25T17:19:00.002-05:00

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

More to Come...

Update: Dine With An Imagineer

2011-07-25T15:50:00.000-05:00

Update: Dine With An Imagineer - July 6

More to Come...

Update: Mad World

2011-07-25T14:12:00.000-05:00

Update: Mad World - July 3

More to Come....

Already Thinking...

2011-07-24T22:50:00.000-05:00

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?

2011-07-22T13:51:00.001-05:00

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

2011-07-22T12:19:00.002-05:00

Update: The Best Safari EVER --June 30

More to come...

Update:Off Kilter

2011-07-21T11:50:00.002-05:00

Update: Off Kilter --July 1

More to Come...

Finally...

2011-07-20T00:48:00.000-05:00

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

2011-07-17T18:38:00.000-05:00

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.

No matter how it flushes, flush the toilet before you leave the stall. No one wants to after you.
Please wash your hands in the restrooms. There are a lot of us there and it's plain gross if you don't.
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.
Let people take their pictures. By the same token, don't take forever to do so.
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.)
No matter what language you speak, use these three phrases often: "Thank you", "I'm sorry", and "Excuse me."
Please get your party together before getting in line. Line jumpers are annoying.
Please don't smoke outside of smoking areas. There are some of us it makes ill and we avoid those areas.
Once the attraction begins, end cellphone communication so those around you can hear the show.
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

2011-07-17T11:29:00.002-05:00

Update: Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride --July 8

More to Come...