"If you can dream it, you can do it.  Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse."   Walt Disney

Walt Disney’s theme parks are so beloved because they give us a reason to dream and allow us to experience those dreams.  Whether our dream is to be an astronaut (Mission: Space), or to fly like a bird (Peter Pan’s Flight and Soarin’), the Disney theme parks fulfill those dreams we have as children.  In the short time we’re there, we can live the life of a prince or princess, a pirate or a cowboy (just to name a few).  We are transformed and become a part of the adventures.  We go back in time to find a dinosaur (Dinosaur) or we are VIPs at a rock and roll concert (Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster), or we’re off to climb a mountain just because it is there (Expedition Everest).  Disney theme parks also create dreams on another level.  Creating long lasting memories with our families is a dream that comes to fruition every time we are at a Disney theme park.  Beginning in October, the Disney theme parks around the world will top themselves.  The Year of a Million Dreams will begin and cast members are going to create a whole new type of magic!

As an avid fan of the Magic Kingdom, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have the park all to myself - just my family and me.  Come on, admit it; you’ve thought about it too!  Well obviously, someone told the folks at Disney or they’ve read our minds or something because that is exactly what they’re going to do!  At the beginning of this year-long celebration, four lucky guests will literally have the red carpet rolled out for them on Main Street USA.  They will then tour the Magic Kingdom, one land at a time on a special VIP tour, riding their favorite attractions and having one-on-one time with their favorite characters.  As they depart each land, park guests will pour in behind them.  I just hope if my family and I aren’t the chosen guests that a camera crew will be following those who are so I can live vicariously!  This dream will come to pass if you enter and win the aptly named Keys to the Magic Kingdom Sweepstakes.  (And I thought the regular Keys to the Kingdom tour was the coolest!)

It looks like there are many more surprises in store for us too: imagine a "Golden Fastpass" (Are they channeling Willy Wonka here?) or a night in Cinderella Castle!!  I swear, the Disney company has been reading our minds (or our message boards).  A different lucky guest each night will be staying overnight at the newly constructed "Cinderella’s royal bedchamber" inside Cinderella Castle.  This was originally the space that the Disney family had designed as an apartment for their own use.  Talk about a dream come true!

Over at the Disneyland resort, a different lucky guest will be staying each night at the Mickey Mouse penthouse.  This penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel boasts great views of Disneyland park and California Adventure.  The decor is all about Mickey.  Think of all that Mickey stuff you love so much from the home section of the World of Disney store and much more!  This one is a Mouse Fan’s fantasy stay!

Other Disney dreams will come true as the year progresses, such as traveling around the world to each Disney resort as the grand marshal of a Disney parade (That one is a personal favorite!),  or a private meeting with your favorite Disney character, or special parties.  Other dreams will be revealed as good dreams always are, a little at a time.

On top of all of that, there are new attractions becoming a reality all year long.  At Disney World, The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot, Finding Nemo, The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and The Laugh Floor Comedy Club at the Magic Kingdom will showcase the Disney/Pixar characters.  On the left coast at Disneyland, a new e-ticket ride called Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and an enhancement to Space Mountain…..rock ‘n’ roll style…..Rockin’ Space Mountain will be making their debuts.  No need to pinch me because all of this is reality!

How’s that for some added excitement for your upcoming Disney trip….as if you weren’t excited enough already?!  If you haven’t planned one yet, don’t just daydream (get it? ha!) about a Disney vacation.  Make those dreams a reality.  You never know, while you’re there, you may "wake with the morning sunlight to find fortune is smiling on you; don’t let you heart be filled with sorrow, for all you know, tomorrow, the dream that you wish will come true"

Joanne - Joanne@MouseFanTravel.com

"If you can dream it, you can do it.  Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse."   Walt Disney

Walt Disney’s theme parks are so beloved because they give us a reason to dream and allow us to experience those dreams. < more... >