Surrey Bikes

Did a small group for a Florida Resident Disney Fan meet. We met over at the Port Orleans Riverside resort. We had lunch in the food court and then we went out to do the Surrey Bikes. We decided on one bicycle and it was comical. We laughed a lot! 2 sat up front (one being an insistant child wanting to drive! LOL luckily, you have to be 18 or older to drive.) We should've put the 3rd person in the front there next to him or he could've been in the middle. But we were all game to let him enjoy it too I think. 3 of us were in the back and I was half off the outside! OMG! It was fun! I will recommend that one does not wear flip flops or open heeled sandals. This was the 2nd best day I have had all year with my depression.

Definitely something to do again later, when not so hot but also when we have more people. Would be fun to do something like a Chinese firedrill on them too! I would like to go back and do the Surrey Bike's there too with my mom. There are 3 sizes to these bicycles. All are based on the half hour time frame. Hours of operation may vary.

• 2 seater: $20
• 4 seater: $22
• 6 seater: $24

Race for the Cure

This event doesn't completely tie to Disney, but it use to. This is the second year that this event has been away from the WDW resort. I am disappointed in that, but am over it too. Breast cancer is something that came into my life several times. I had an Aunt that married to my mom's oldest brother who had suffered from it. Then my mom's sister survived it. And then my mom discovered a lump. She was just released from her 5 years clear (2009), and another lump was found her other breast within a couple weeks. I have had many, MANY patients who have had breast cancer and friends too. I have become friends with an AMAZING group of Disboard women because of this disease. They inspire me and am proud to know them. All the people mentioned above, even with a name, are why I want to do this or why I participate in other events (like scrapbooking for a cure).

This is something near and dear to me. I have on my bucket list to participate in a Race for the Cure. I had planned to do that this year..... but it took SO long to get this date from them, that I forgot and have other plans that weekend. Could I change them??? Not really. I have my vacation that week and am going away that first weekend (the weekend of the RFTC) to a place up north. (Sorry, no details about that). I come back and then go to WDW to see friends.

My plan was to create a small team and do the walk. There is both a walk and a run. Raise money to help fight this disease. More information can be found at the site below. Please join this fight in any way you can.

Susan B. Komen RFTC Orlando, Florida 10/17/2010

I really wanted to do this. I guess it's something to do next year...

Florida Residents Meet

There have been a few Florida Resident Disney Fan meets. They have been nice. Some have been small groups and one has started with a larger group, but then tapered down. It was really nice to meet some of the others who have shown an interest. Rebecca was brillant in starting the thread to do the meets. I think there should be one in each state, and if need find different locations to meet. I noticed that they do some of that in another thread.

Not sure when the next one is yet, but am sure it will be just as nice to meet up with whomever. The love of Disney is great, and even better when shared with others. Flexibility has made the meets nice too. Sometimes someone can't get there until later or can't be in the park because of seasonal passes and blackout dates.

Come and join in if you are in the area!

Return of Main Street Electric Light Parade

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Disney proudly presents our spectacular festival pageant of nightime magic and imagination in thousands of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sounds. The Main Street Electrical Parade!"

On Saturday, the 5th of June, the Main Street Electric Light Parade returned to Walt Disney World. I was thrilled to be there for this as it was initially suppose to return on the 6th. I surprisingly wasn't up on the curb of Main Street to watch this, but the magic was still there for me. I was able to see the flash of lights reflecting off the buildings as it headed toward us. I could hear the music and felt people bumps on my skin. Then the lights went out....


Now for me to finally get a view, the floats had to come around the hub and start to cross the bridge into Liberty Square, but there it was... the parade I have missed. Tinkerbell was leading the way in a brand new float. There were 2 other floats that were new. They were with Pinnochio. I have to say though, that I wish they had not removed any floats though... miss seeing the Blue Fairy and Dumbo with the circus.


I saw Goofy in his train and remembered the commercials showing that it was coming back during its last run. They made it look like it was really parading across the US in the commercials. There was Alice and others from Wonderland, the snail, the turtle and my FAVORITE lightning bug! I remember when it left again too. I know at the end of summer, this favorite will once again be gone. I still have the poster that they gave to AP holders (maybe SP too, but I don't remember) when it left. I have pins that light up from it in a shadow box with a postcard of Goofy in the train in front of the castle. I may add the 2 new pins to that.


I will miss it when it is gone, but in the meantime, I welcome it back like I would an old friend who has been away. Thanking in my heart for the time we get to enjoy memories that Disney has brought to us.

Fairy God Mail

There is a nice and simple way to spread some pixie dust for children and occassionally some adults. It's called Fairy God Mail. I came across a thread awhile back, and even though I have not done it lately, I think its fun and its inexpensive. You can do one or more, depending on how much you want to share. The cost per person, a post card and a stamp.


Sometimes people are asking for a post card for their child or children (just one or you can do individually), saying "Can't wait to see you" or "Heard you are coming to Disney World, Hope to see you" and sign it with a favorite character.


Now it doesnt have to be exact for the characters writing. Sometimes people get the character to sign the card. I have done both and the magic is there either way from what I have been told by the parents. The only thing I ever ask for when I do this, is for the parent to tell me the reaction. It is magical on both sides.


On the thread below, you find someone who is asking for a post card, you contact them either with private message or on the thread, they send you the information you need and all that is left is for you to send the post card.


****Fairy Godmailer List  Part II*****


****Fairy Godmailer List***** (closed thread but you can see more about how it works)


Another thing I have done, is gone with a card, whether it is a get well card or a sympathy card... I have gotten characters to sign the card and sent it to a friend that loves Disney. Sometimes, little things like that they treasure and sometimes they don't. The magic can be something this simple though and is worth to share and pay forward.

Happy Thoughts

A friend asked me today "What is your Disney Happy Thought?" What make you happiest at Disney?


I wasn't that sure at first whether that meant at Disney or in general. Hence the repeat of the statement. That was easy. The Castle. Wishes. But then I started thinking about it more. There are many, many happy thoughts that I have when I go to Disney. But the Castle is something I look for when I come over the overpass on 429. Now I could see it better before BLT was built but I still can find it. One happy thought I haven't had yet, is sharing it with that someone special. We are trying, but it's just not in the cards yet.


Some others that come to mind: the cast members that I have become friends with, driving under the gate when coming onto property, the music that makes part of streetmosphere, Main Street Electric Light Parade, the lightning bug from this parade, Cinderella's wishing well, sharing the magic with friends, rides that make me smile like POTC, HM, BTMRR (especially at night), RnR, Soarin', Illuminations, the exit song to Epcot, the Goodnight Kiss from the Castle, Cinderella's carrousel, dole whips, pink mickey mouse balloons... the little details in places where you don't quite expect them, people waving back when you wave and some of the resorts.

Florida Residents

There was a new thread a friend started on the Disboards that I had thought about doing. She did a wider range for who of Florida vs. the Central and North Florida are I would've picked. I am glad she did. I began thinking about the thread and tying it into a Facebook page and I did. It's public and open to others and has updates for when there are meets or meets that others are doing like Lou Mongelo or All Ears, not just the Florida ressies.
 The first meet is currently being voted for, but unofficial meets will be happening too. All are welcome!!! Some meets may be inside a park and others at DTD or other non park activities. There will also be times with a combination of both.

Pulling things together

I am in the middle of some planning for an upcoming trip. A few things are starting to be pulled together. I have the pleasure of sharing time and space with some close friends and family. Looks like a large pajama party at the moment. I want to do some things for gifts or surprises for my roomies. Need time to get things done, but also need a couple trips to WDW. I need to see if I can find some glasses that I had seen there once. Another idea might be a little more costly, but worth it I think. That one I need to include a couple others that aren't staying with me for.


I realized something else about all of this today too. Jen and I had planned a trip in October last year for some group activities. This was noted in the thread she had started. We were going to use DVC points and have a 2 or 3 bedroom and get the gang together. She wanted to do a tour or two and also go out on a fireworks cruise. Now, she was thinking smaller scale (or price?) with the pontoon boat vs the Grand 1. She was hoping for a stay at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge.... and that is where we currently are. Though she also hoped for Bay Lake Tower. I am hoping for a change of view at DAK or else trying for BLT lake view or non view.


I need to make some lists. Lists are good. Hmmm I see another blog to write about!!! See you again soon with that one!!!

Jen's Brick

I got a text message today from a Disfriend who just happened to be at Disneyland today. She wanted to look and see if Jen's brick was in placed because she was with me for a bit in December and we looked for the planned spot for it. She asked me if I had the info with me and luckily, I did have it on my Facebook notes. I was able to text her the location, her name and where she was from and the brick number. It was bittersweet seeing the brick.

The brick looks good and brought some tears to my eyes. I was thinking about the brick and Jen yesterday, so to get this text was not a surprise. It's been just over 6 months that I lost a great friend and confidant. I wish she was able to talk back to me about some things that I have on my mind.

I really am looking forward to a trip back to Disneyland to see this myself. I hope one day her family will go and see it too. As you can see in the picture, it's near the edge because of the plain bricks. It is on the far left right in front of Disneyland gates, and I think it was the second section to the right.

Thanks to everyone who chipped in for the brick. I know you all loved Jen too!

I'm Going to Disneyland!

For those who know me... they know what a big deal this is. I am not a fan of flying. I will fly when I have to, how else would I have gotten to England and Germany??? I would rather not fly alone... BUT I know this is no big deal and I can do this. I WANT to do this!

Over a year ago, the trip planning was started. Dates were set. More planning. Jen died. I had some decisions to make. I'm going. Jen had wanted to go on this trip SO bad, so if I don't go, I think she will kick me in the ass somehow. Unfortunately, the others who were going have backed out... well, not all of them. There are a few I will see and thankful for that!

I plan to take my computer and do some updates. I know I will be posting pics to facebook (for my friends only) and then move some another place. I may add some here too. Just limit pics because of the limit that this site has overall.

OMG! I'm going to Disneyland!!! I am planning to be in 2 parks in 1 day. Not just any 2 parks either! Not Disneyland and California Adventure! Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and then to the original Disneyland. I can hardly wait!!!! Heather has sent me a book to read on the plane... I have to do some iTunes work on my iPod. I need to get all my packing out of piles and into my suitcase (carryon style so I can get right from the plane to park). Try not to overpack!!!!

Come along with me on my adventure...

The Grand 1 Yacht

I have always wanted to take a cruise on the Grand 1 yacht. The yacht has changed a couple of times over the years and the current one allows you to have 18 people on board. It is incredible and expensive.

I still want to do this for a date, and I will one day... but I have been on it for another wonderful reason. I rented it to celebrate a friend's birthday and her wedding. She and her husband have been married for 9 months at the time, and because she gave up her Disney wedding (for the right reason), I wanted her to have something special. She and I worked together in getting the cake picked, and discussing some of the details.

We had assistance through the Grand Floridian in getting everything together. Pat was wonderful. We decided not to have a butler, which it is optional. The Captain was great. He made sure that we had great view of the fireworks (Hallowishes) and we cruised around the 7 Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

The Grand 1 has been used for parties, romantic dinners, engagements, celebrations like anniversaries, a private taxi to go to and from different places around the Seas. Now, I do not recommend the private taxi myself, but if you have the money to blow on that, that is your choice.

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup

I was just getting my pedicure and talking Disney with my friend and a coworker of hers. He is supposedly big into WDW too, but Casey said I put him to shame. We talked some about Le Cellier and the soup. I told Casey I had the recipe and they both wanted it. Made me think, why not blog about it.

For those who haven't tried it, if you are in Epcot during Food and Wine try it. If you get a reservation at Le Cellier try it. If you can't have it because of some of the ingredients... don't have it.

1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
4 tablespoons of BUTTER
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock
4 cups of milk
1 pound white cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Course salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 cup warm beer
Chopped scallions or chives for garnish

serves 10

1. In a 4- or 5- quart Dutch oven, cook the bacon, stirring, over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until lightly brown.

2. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes over medium heat. Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes over medium heat. Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the milk and continue to simmer for 15minutes. Do not boil after you add the milk.

5. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth. Stir in warm beer. If the soup is too thick, thin with some warm milk.

6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives.

Bon Appetit!

Art the Greeter

Today I got the official news that Art, the Greeter at the Beach Club Resort and Beach Club Villas is retiring. I am sure there are many reasons for that final decision, but the main one I can say, as it was confirmed, is that it will allow him more time with family, especially with the upcoming holidays.

Art had talked about it before he was out a few months ago. He had to take time here and there off because when you start taking social security, you can only work so many hours in a month and a year. He had talked about some things he would like to do, "when the time is right".

I saw Art this past weekend, and now knowing that this is official, it make sense on something made in passing. I knew it was coming, just not when. One of the things I have loved when I see Art, is his visiting for moments with families who want to stop and take a picture with him. I have taken MANY of those pictures when I stop to visit over the past several years. I just took one picture of him off the refrigerator and replaced it with another. He will soon have a more special spot, as I am planning to get a photo of him with my mom, sister and niece. It's a 3 generation shot. That one will get framed and treasured, for many reasons.

Art is a huge inspiration and also motivator. I went back to school in 2007-2008, and Art would tell me whenever I was at WDW, "Mediocrity is unacceptable." He is so right. Bring yourself up a level and strive harder. Be better at what you can do and be. Don't do things halfway because it's easier or because someone else can come along later and fix it. Do it right the first time.

I've noticed with conversations I have had with him and some others, that he doesn't judge people, he doesn't take sides. He is the most humble human being I have come to know. He is generous with his time, which is evident when he is at work. If someone asks to see him on his break... he has insisted that staff get him. Only once have I ever interrupted a break, and I was just going to wait for him. Management went to get him instead.

If you can get to WDW before 17th October, I hope you can get by to see Art. I am not sure if he is going to continue to take Sundays and Mondays off, but would think that he will be taking them off. I feel truly blessed to call him a friend... and to have been in the presence of someone like him. He truly is a living icon of all things Disney, and will missed by thousands.

I wish you well Art! May God bless you many, many times over. And thank you for the joy, happiness and peace you have given me.


About the photo: Art was talking with a guest. I had moved around out of the way by one of the pillars closer to the back door. Art had looked up and looked up again when he realized I was there. I had my camera ready, as I wanted a candid shot and got this picture. 24th January 2009.

My Last Kungaloosh

Last night I went to one of the last Adventurer's Club private events. It was very bittersweet. Saw some of the "box people", Lou Mongello and Ryan, author of the Main Street Gazette blog. I brought my friend Rebecca who was with me there a year ago (almost to the day).  She was my backup because someone wasn't able to be home from a trip. (I remember my first time was with an ex BF when we went to PI years ago. AC intrigued me.)


We were escorted in and walked down the stairs. We had a buffet set up with salad, beans, mashed potatoes, couscous, chicken, roast beef and bread. No alcohol.... sadly... was looking for a Kungaloosh. Disney did not keep up the license for that building. The library was full, so Rebecca and I went into the treasure room to eat.


As we finished dinner the show began. We came into the rotunda and had the official greeting and induction... you know the greeting, the creed and the song. You do know the secret greeting?? How about the creed?

We climb the highest mountain,
just to get a better view.
We plumb the deepest oceans, cause
we're daring through and through.
We cross the scorching desert, martini in our hand.
We ski the polar icecaps, in tuxedo looking grand.
We are reckless, brave and loyal, and valiant to the end.
If you come in here a stranger, you will exit as a friend.

KUNGALOOSH!

We moved into the Library as the show carried on. The other group behind us ate. The show was way too short! After the show we came back out, had dessert in the back and then re-entered. The show continued in the Rotunda, then the Mask and Treasure rooms. It ended too soon. We were able to take pictures... live for the last time in 1937.
The cast members made comments throughout the show about the club being closed a year and about things being shipped to Hong Kong. I am glad to know I can still see a couple in few places around the parks. I will miss them and this place that made me smile so much... and let me escape my reality. I am glad that I did decide to take my camera at the last moment. Though I think that this is one of WDW largest mistakes, I pray that the magic carries on however it is used (even as props) in Hong Kong.
Thanks you Lou Mongello and MEI/Mouse Fan Travel for hosting this!

Disneyland's Walk of Magical Memories

Disneyland is doing a walkway similar to the bricks that are at the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. The one at DL will be between MK and California Adventure. The bricks are still being sold at this time. They run $150.00 for 3 lines. Each line is up to 16 letters, spaces and punctuation. You may have names, a place (like city and state) and a date. You also get to pick a little picture from a choice of 6 designs (wedding bells, a castle with a banner under it that I don't remember, Mickey icon shape with a year in it, and Mickey's hands that make a heart. One for California AP holders only and one for CM only.). You may not put "in memory of, in honor of, wedding, anniversary, birthday etc.). For an extra $35 each you may get either an acrylic or wooden replica of the brick. After the information is received by DL, they send a confirmation out in approximately 3 weeks. After another 10 weeks, you get the replicas.

I recently purchased a brick with contributions from awesome friends who wanted to be a part of remember a friend we lost suddenly. I spoke about her in a past blog. We have all contributed enough money to not only get the brick, but also 2 wooden replicas for her children, AND over $250.00 is going to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund in her name. Her brick has the Mickey hands picture, her name and where she lived. I am amazed by their generosity and friendship. They have been a great help as I have dealt with the loss of a friend and I hope that I was equally as generous with compassion for them as they went through this loss too.

Jen's brick will be placed in February 2010. I hope I can get out there one day to see it. I do have a couple friends in California who would take a picture for me. I think it's a wonderful way to remember someone who loves Disney.

Disdates

When I first started being on the Disboards on a regular basis, I ventured in the adult and solo travelers section. There are a lot of threads there (some a bit of a duplication of the another) but the people there were welcoming and invited me to join them in for chat on Dismates.


Now, Dismates is gone, and has been for about a year. There was another chat forum that a friend created, but never had the bells and whistles we loved in chat. Chat can help increase the chance of meeting that prince, pirate or princess that one may be looking for. Well, DisneyDadNY has recreated Dismates in the form of Disdates.com! It really looks the same, with a different but nicer chat forum. He is still working on the bugs and kinks, but it looks good.

I recommend it for anyone who loves Disney and wants to meet someone who shares in that love. I also recommend that if you do sign up, fill out your profile, check the settings so you don't get emails you don't want for when someone winks or adds you to their buddy list IF you do not want these emails. You don't need to do it all in one sitting, but go through each section and modify it to fit your needs in your profile etc. I have to admit, I haven't updated my profile other than to say, I am looking for friends who love Disney (but there is a reason for that & <3 I'm spoken for). I have seen a couple friends on there already... I recognize their IDs. They just need to finish the rest to meet the needs of why they are there.

Now, there are people who will say the singles threads are not there for meeting your mate... or that chat wasn't it either. I hate to tell them that they are so wrong! I know of 5 couples right off who met there... and yes, there were some who dated others, that didn't work out... and then there are some just looking to get some. I was told that the ones who think they are going to get a guy because they sleep with them are a bit mistaken (not the exact words a guy told me) but if I used the exact word, it would be obvious who was involved. Also, it's easy to lose the respect of others for being the easy girl (or guy!). I know many of us could tell you who the players were (or trolls) of the original chat.