While at Mouse fest this year my husband Ron and I decide to take the Yuletide Fantasy Tour.
This tour is offered Monday through Saturday late November until December 30. Advance reservation must be made, they do not do walk up or same day reservations. Cost was $69.00 per person but there are discounts available, AAA, DVC, AP and Disney Visa. Theme park admission is not required. You must be over 16 and have a photo id. Tour is wheelchair accessible. We had a gentleman in a wheel chair and he was loaded on and off the bus via the rear door, with so many people entering and exiting the bus nobody had to wait either he or the other guest. This tour ran from 8.45 until just after noon, so just a little over 3 hours. No cameras or cell phones are allowed to be used back stage.
We meet up with the group outside Epcot guest relations area. This was the meeting place for a few groups but the cast member made quick work of getting everyone registered and in the correct group. Next name tags and ear pieces were handed out. The air piece is so that you can hear the tour guide with out his having to shout. We were a large group of forty so we were split up into two groups. Once on the bus we were told the story of mistletoe, while we drove to the back stage area of Epcot’s World Show Case on our nice Disney Cruise line bus. We enter from the backstage area of Morocco and worked our way around world show case to Mexico. As we went through the different countries we were told stories of their holiday traditions and customs. I will be putting to good use the German tradition of giving a newlywed couple twelve Christmas ornaments to ensure a happy marriage, as my nephew will be getting married in Germany next year. Back on the bus and off to Disney’s Hollywood Studio’s to see Residences Street all decked out with the Osborn’s lights. We were told the story of how when the Osborn family came to see the lights lit the first time they were surprised to see one of their Halloween decorations incorporated into the display. Their purple cat was shipped by mistake but has now become a part of the display, he is moved around each year, and this year he was an ally cat. Our guides shared some of their holiday stories and memories with us and they even had us do some singing of carols. Our next stop was the Grand Floridian for a very short stop to see the gingerbread house. It is huge and has lots of hidden Mickey’s. Each of the deluxe resorts has a gingerbread themed lobby and they all smell incredible. Not part of the tour but if you are planning on stopping by the Grand Floridian during the holidays you may want to wait for the evening as outside by the front door the have a cast member roasting chestnuts by an open fire, Hmm sounds like a song, it is very cool. Back on the bus and off to the Holiday Service warehouse back stage at the Magic Kingdom. While the warehouse is fairly empty it was still cool to see just how big it is , how many extra’s they have and the sign that said “355 days to next set up day” now that is some long term planning. Next stop was the Magic Kingdom. We entered back stage and went to the tree, each park has a different themed tree and the Magic Kingdom’s is a kids tree with lots of toys .We next wander up main street to see the castle and the Partners statue. We were loaded back on the bus and brought back to Epcot to end our tour. As we were getting off the bus we were each awarded a Yuletide Fantasy pin. This tour is held no matter the weather, we had very cold and windy weather but I had a client do the tour a few days before and it poured the whole time so be prepared and dress accordingly. When entering the back stage area’s security will come on board the bus and do either a bag check or ask to see your photo id. You will not be allowed to go on the tour without your photo id. I really enjoyed this tour and found it to be very informational and fun. Our guide was telling us that they may change the tour to a night time tour and include a dinner package with it. Now that would be awesome because you are doing a tour to see the holiday decorations but you can’t see the lights lit up. Brenda Verrico
While at Mouse fest this year my husband Ron and I decide to take the Yuletide Fantasy Tour.
This tour is offered Monday through Saturday late November until December 30. Advance reservation must be made, they do not do walk up or same day reservations. Cost was $69.
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Well another Mousefest has gone by in a blur! It always goes by so fast with so much packed into those crazy days! Here is a quick recap of a few of the highlights for me. While some of you were getting ready to board the Wonder for the Mousefest cruise I was in Downtown Disney waiting to meet Jim Shore. In case you don’t know who he is he is an artist that does some adorable folk art. I just love the Tinkerbells that he does so that is my new collection. He too was headed to the Wonder. I was starting to feel like I was the only one not cruising this year.
I kept myself busy while most of you were enjoying the cruise. Finally came time for Mousefest 101 at the Comtemporary! The weather didn’t want to cooperate but the event seemed to be very well attended anyway. Luckily the weather cleared, and even though a little cooler than I prefer, Friday was a beautiful day. I had been looking forward to the WDW Today 500th episode for a long time and then was mad at myself becasue I forgot my camera. Luckily Michelle had hers and was nice enough to send me a photo to inlcude, even though I think Annette would prefer she hadn’t. It was very cool to be a live studio audience for the show and even add in the "ding" sound effect. Plus we had one of the best cakes I ever had in Disney! Good choice Annette!
Friday night was our first dessert party for Illuminations. It was great to meet our clients face to face. There was an amzing full moon and clear sky that night. Agian wish I had my camera but oh well. On to Saturday and the Mega Meet. This year it was held in the Yacht Club convention center which was super! Everything seemed to go smoothly and before I knew it the mega meet was over and it was time to get ready for another dessert party! Sunday morning I got up and headed to the Studios for the AP tour of American Idol. Ok I have to admit I have never wathed that show and it really threw me off when Disney announced they were adding it to the park since it isn’t on a Disney owned channel. From the outside it does seem to fit very well in the park though.
Supposedly AP holders are the first to get to tour this new attraction, they said even media havent seen it yet. Therefore no photos inside, which made me feel better since I forgot my camera anyway. The tour was cool and took us through the area where guests will go to audition - I will never see that area again since I can’t sing to save my life. Supposedly it all looks just like it does on the show but I will have to take thier word on that. Then we went into the theater where the grand finale will be. There are 3 hidden mickeys in the stage but I only found one in the short time we were in there. So each day there will be about 7 guest chosen to sing in the grand finale and the audience will get to vote for the winner. The winner then gets a sort of fastpass to take to the actual show auditions. They wont automatically get on the show but they do get to the front of the audition line. While Disney is letting anyone age 14 and up do the show in the park the real Amercian Idol has specific age range so if a winner doesnt fit that they can give thier ticket to someone else. Even though I am not a fan of the TV show I am looking forward to seeing at least one of the shows in the park.
It was great meeting old friends and making new ones at another wonderful Mousefest. I hope you are all recovering and now getting ready for the crazy holidays. Can’t wait to see you all and do it all again next year!
Well another Mousefest has gone by in a blur! It always goes by so fast with so much packed into those crazy days! Here is a quick recap of a few of the highlights for me. While some of you were getting ready to board the Wonder for the Mousefest cruise I was in Downtown Disney waiting to meet Jim Shore.
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So today is the start of MouseFest 2008. People got on a cruise ship and have sailed off to ports unknown well known. And I’m not on the ship. I won’t get to sit in either of my standard seats at the Castaway Air Bar or the Heads Up Bar. I won’t get to share a cheese plate with my friends in the Cadillac lounge. I’ll miss Deb effortlessly finding some new personal “hot button” of mine that I don’t even know exists and then pushing it to her hearts content for the entire cruise (I swear it’s like having a sister from a previous life when she’s around). And I’ll miss all of those things.
Nor will I be at Disney World in four days when that kicks off. I’ll miss the Dessert parties, my standard beer at the Rose and Crown. The rides. The characters. The friends. Oh the friends we’ve made, mostly thru Beci, that we get to see at Mouse Fest. Matt, Mike, Mike, and Len – the WDW Today guys. Deb and the rest gang from AllEars.net. LouMongello (clever how I got both URLs in there for Lou ). Not to mention Linda, Amy, Mark, Steve, and the rest – too many to list here. And of course the entire MouseFan.Travel team (Yes, that’s a valid URL). And I’ll miss all of those people.
But mostly I miss my wife. 11 years ago, on the 6th of December we got married in Las Vegas and then headed directly to Walt Disney World. By chance, MouseFest almost always disrupts out anniversary. We’ve talked about getting divorced and remarried at a less busy time of the year just so we could have a chance to be together on our anniversary. This year it doesn’t matter, as I’m half a world away from MouseFest, across the international date line, in Singapore. I think I’d rather just have a refresher wedding at Disney World (or perhaps Disneyland Paris, which I’ve developed an odd affinity for…).
So if you’re at MouseFest this year, land or sea, and you read this and then see Beci, tell her Chris says happy anniversary.
So today is the start of MouseFest 2008. People got on a cruise ship and have sailed off to ports unknown well known. And I’m not on the ship. I won’t get to sit in either of my standard seats at the Castaway Air Bar or the Heads Up Bar.
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Better late than never, eh? Well, now that the craziness of the holidays are behind us, I have a few moments to share some photos I took at MouseFest. But before I do, let me say, that I wish all of you a happy, healthy and magical 2007!
Here was our first meet of MouseFest on land, Mike Scopa’s Dole Whip Meet. Here Chris, Beci, Annette and Vickie wait for MouseFest attendees.
Now, I have no idea who was wearing this shirt, but I thought it was fun!
Steve Barrett, the author of Hidden Mickeys leads us through Mickey’s Toontown Fair to search for Hidden Mickeys. Somehow I don’t think the one behind his head counts!
My fellow MouseFesters head into Minnie’s house to look for the much sought after "Concealed Big Cheese"!
Deb Wills of AllEarsNet.com gives away fun stuff at the Tonga Toast Meet at the Polynesian! Also standing are Steve Barrett, Beci Mahnken (Mouse Fan Travel) and sitting in front of Beci is Mike Scopa (MousePlanet.com).
Then Vickie called over to Steve Barrett to ask if he would verify this hidden Mickey created by her Tonga Toast. I say YES!!
Finally, Amy and "her boys" look very happy after finishing their Tonga Toast. Hey, who wouldn’t? I was channeling Homer all morning. Mmmmm….Tonga Toast!
Well, those are a few of the highlights I have on my memory card. Hope you all enjoyed MouseFest! If you’ve never been and are thinking, "wow, that looks like fun" check out www.MouseFest.org and contact your Mouse Fan Travel vacation planner for more details!
Better late than never, eh? Well, now that the craziness of the holidays are behind us, I have a few moments to share some photos I took at MouseFest. But before I do, let me say, that I wish all of you a happy, healthy and magical 2007!
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As some of you know, after MouseFest Beci and I went on a 4 day cruise. This post isn’t about that. After the cruise we flew home, that’s where the adventure begins. You see, we live in Seattle, and we flew home one week ago, on Thursday.
Thursday the night of the big storm. Our approach to about 1500 feet was quite normal, then we started slowing and putting out the flaps and all that stuff you normally do. That’s when the tossing and dipping started. We came in late at night, when the storm was at its peak, but I’m sure we looked a bit like this plain that came in earlier that day .
We arrived home to no power, checked Beci into a hotel for the internet access, and I stayed home with the animals. 7 nights later, we have power again, and I’m sick as a dog from camping in near freezing weather in our living room. Needless to say, my posting has been a bit light. Once I recover from this gunk I’ve got I’ll start posting again.
Thanks, and to all those who attended MouseFest, welcome home!
As some of you know, after MouseFest Beci and I went on a 4 day cruise. This post isn’t about that. After the cruise we flew home, that’s where the adventure begins. You see, we live in Seattle, and we flew home one week ago, on Thursday.
Thursday the night of the big storm. Our approach to about 1500 feet was quite normal, then we started slowing and putting out the flaps and all that stuff you normally do. That’s when the tossing and dipping started. We came in late at night, when the storm was at its peak, but I’m sure we looked a bit like this plain that came in earlier that day .
MouseFest on land began with the bang of fireworks at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party last night! There was a special holiday version of Wishes with all of us "MouseFesters" meeting at the Rose Garden near the base of Cinderella Castle.
I began my day at MouseFest meeting Mike Scopa and other MouseFesters at the Dole Whip meet at the Magic Kingdom. I’ve never had pineapple soft serve before and found it to be…well….interesting. However, it wasn’t nearly as interesting as watching and chatting with everyone. I knew that a lot of the attendees are HUGE Disney fans and it was fun to see everyone dressed in their Disney best! There were pin collections and fun Christmas hats and a lot of not-so-hidden Mickeys.
In between the Dole Whip meet and the Hidden Mickey meet I attended next, my family and I jumped on Pirates of the Caribbean. We came off just in time to see a gathering of MouseFesters with patches on their eyes and practicing their best pirate ARGH!! This group headed onto Pirates with lyric sheets in hand and I heard later, had blast singing their way through the attraction!
My next stop was the Hidden Mickey Hunt where I discovered that I’m not the only one obsessed with finding those three circles in the attractions. We saw several very good ones including a set of Mickey Mouse ears made of hay in Mickey’s Toontown.
My family and I then headed to a few attractions and headed over to O’Hana for a wonderful meal. However, the grand finale of my evening was yet to come. The Wishes fireworks at the Magic Kingdom are special on a normal day. However, we were at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The special holiday edition was made even more wonderful by meeting what can only be described as an amazing turnout of MouseFesters. We sipped hot chocolate, ate sugar cookies and greeted each other so warmly that we didn’t even notice the chill in the night air.
And now I’m excited to see what day two of the land portion of MouseFest brings. I’m sure it will bring more smiles, laughs, hugs and good times…land ho…ho, ho!
Joanne Joanne@MouseFanTravel.com
MouseFest on land began with the bang of fireworks at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party last night! There was a special holiday version of Wishes with all of us "MouseFesters" meeting at the Rose Garden near the base of Cinderella Castle.
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I had visited Nassau before, and hadnt been particularly entertained in the past, so I wasn’t expecting a lot when I signed up for the walking tour with Dave Marx. However I figured Dave’s unique sense of humor and persona knowledge of the area would certailny be worth the time. I am so happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised and very happy I went joined the crowd.
There were about 20 "MouseFest-ers" who gathered to learn about the port. We walked through Nassau Welcome Center and headed up Bay Street, passing lots of shops and the famous Straw Market along the way. My friend Stephanie made a mental note of the location of the Del Sol shops to return to later. There is a Pirate Museum which Dave described as Nassau’s answer to Madame Tussaud.
We walked - uphill - to Christchurch and took a few minutes to step inside.
The all-white interior was refreshingly cool after the warm Bahamian sunshine and I loved the beautiful stained-glass windows.
Continuing uphill, we saw the salmon-colored government buildings and a statue of Christopher Columbus. He appears to be watching over the city below. Then we walked (did I mention it was uphill??) to Fincastle Fort. And all that walking was worthwhile when we saw the incredible view from the apex of the fort! We looked straight down to the harbor where the Disney Wonder was docked with a couple of other cruise ships.
The trip back to the ship was much faster - and easier, as it was all downhill! We walked down the Queen’s Staircase and enjoyed the cool oasis in the midst of all the sunshine. And then, before I knew it, we were back in the shopping district and just a couple blocks from the port.
Dave explained the history of many of the sites and answered questions - but if you find yourself in Nassau and Dave isn’t on the ship, no problem! He details the whole walking tour in "PassPorter’s Disney Cruise Guide". I highly recommend this lovely overview of a truly lovely city.
Vickie Kaylor
I had visited Nassau before, and hadnt been particularly entertained in the past, so I wasn’t expecting a lot when I signed up for the walking tour with Dave Marx. However I figured Dave’s unique sense of humor and persona knowledge of the area would certailny be worth the time. I am so happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised and very happy I went joined the crowd.
There were about 20 "MouseFest-ers" who gathered to learn about the port. We walked through Nassau Welcome Center and headed up Bay Street, passing lots of shops and the famous Straw Market along the way. My friend Stephanie made a mental note of the location of the Del Sol shops to return to later. There is a Pirate Museum which Dave described as Nassau’s answer to Madame Tussaud.
We walked - uphill - to Christchurch and took a few minutes to step inside.
The all-white interior was refreshingly cool after the warm Bahamian sunshine and I loved the beautiful stained-glass windows.
Day one of the Mousefest cruise and walking into the port today was like a happy homecoming or family reunion. There were so many happy, smiling faces waving and greeting each other throughout the terminal. After checking in, walked back to meet up with Deb and Linda, who were giving out goodie bags to every Mousefest cruiser. There were all sorts of great items like pens, lanyards, a mousepad and even a first aid kit – which I hope no one needs to use – but very nice to have with you. The Passporter folks were also there with Pocket Guides to get everyone ready for their adventure. As I waited for my boarding group number to be called I walked around talking with lots of old friends and a few new ones I met on the shuttle over to the ship.
As fellow Mousefesters started the hunt that would take them thru 4 days of clues, they began to meet one another. The first step on the map was to find two annual passholders… so that makes you start talking to people!
Later we gathered with more Mousefesters to get into the holiday spirit and who else but Disney could make it snow inside a cruise ship!
It truly is a friendship cruise!
Day one of the Mousefest cruise and walking into the port today was like a happy homecoming or family reunion. There were so many happy, smiling faces waving and greeting each other throughout the terminal. After checking in, walked back to meet up with Deb and Linda, who were giving out goodie bags to every Mousefest cruiser. There were all sorts of great items like pens, lanyards, a mousepad and even a first aid kit – which I hope no one needs to use – but very nice to have with you. The Passporter folks were also there with Pocket Guides to get everyone ready for their adventure. As I waited for my boarding group number to be called I walked around talking with lots of old friends and a few new ones I met on the shuttle over to the ship.
The MouseFest excitement has begun! This is the 4th year in a row for me and MouseFest has become my new favorite holiday tradition. Since Thanksgiving I have been counting down the hours until that fun day when Disney fans from all over the world converge on the Disney Wonder and Disney World.
I arrived in Orlando today and met up with Coleen and Stephanie at the Wilderness Lodge to do some prep work for the land and sea meets and activities. We were magically turned into MouseFest elves as we began to unpack our 6 suitcases and the car load of boxes that arrived with Coleen. We had some entertaining looks from the bell staff and the scene reminded me of the DisMeet in PA in July when we had to track down every available luggage rack from the bell staff just to get the goodies to the room.
We have Radio Disney playing and we are having a blast getting ready for all the fun! The alarm will ring early so we can get on the road in the morning to drive to port for the first leg of the MouseFest fun – the 4 night cruise on the Disney Wonder.
The prep for MouseFest is half the fun, but after weeks of preparation and the prep party tonight, I am really ready for the most important part – I can’t wait to see old friends and make even more new ones!
Annette
The MouseFest excitement has begun! This is the 4th year in a row for me and MouseFest has become my new favorite holiday tradition. Since Thanksgiving I have been counting down the hours until that fun day when Disney fans from all over the world converge on the Disney Wonder and Disney World.
I arrived in Orlando today and met up with Coleen and Stephanie at the Wilderness Lodge to do some prep work for the land and sea meets and activities. We were magically turned into MouseFest elves as we began to unpack our 6 suitcases and the car load of boxes that arrived with Coleen. We had some entertaining looks from the bell staff and the scene reminded me of the DisMeet in PA in July when we had to track down every available luggage rack from the bell staff just to get the goodies to the room.
As I get ready for Mousefest 2006 I find myself forgetting where it will be held.
You’re saying "Huh?"
Well it’s true. You see Mousefest means many things to many people and since I’ve been to every Mousefest I have had the opportunity to really sit back, soak up all the experiences and come to a conclusion as to what this annual gathering is all about.
It’s all about friends.
Sure there will be the magnificent backdrop of Walt Disney World with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, EPCOT’s Lights of Winter, Candlelight Processional, Holidays Around the World, Christmas Illuminations and of course the Osborne Family Christmas lights at MGM…but that’s all gravy.
The big draw for me at Mousefest is that for one time each year I am guaranteed…guaranteed mind you, to be able to see at least 100 of my Disney friends.
What’s even more important, they will all be happy and smiling and laughing because they will be where they want to be.
There will be special meets for Soarin’, Expedition Everest, obviously Pirates of the Caribbean, and so much more. No doubt those attraction meets will enhance the Mousefest experience for many of the over 2000 ‘festers planning to attend this year’s event.
For me, it’s not about the setting or the attractions.
People make my world, not audio-animatrons, or 3-D theaters, or simulators that attempt to turn my stomach inside out.
To me Mousefest has become my annual Friendship Cruise where I can renew old friendships, make new ones, and appreciate a priceless commodity…a friend’s laugh, a friend’s smile, and a friend’s hug.
For all I care, you could hold Mousefest 2006 in a shoebox and I’d be there with bells on.
As I get ready for Mousefest 2006 I find myself forgetting where it will be held.
Yuletide Fantasy Tour
). Not to mention Linda, Amy, Mark, 
Here was our first meet of MouseFest on land, Mike Scopa’s Dole Whip Meet. Here Chris, Beci, Annette and Vickie wait for MouseFest attendees.
Now, I have no idea who was wearing this shirt, but I thought it was fun!
Steve Barrett, the author of Hidden Mickeys leads us through Mickey’s Toontown Fair to search for Hidden Mickeys. Somehow I don’t think the one behind his head counts!
My fellow MouseFesters head into Minnie’s house to look for the much sought after "Concealed Big Cheese"! 
Deb Wills of 
Then Vickie called over to Steve Barrett to ask if he would verify this hidden Mickey created by her Tonga Toast. I say YES!!
Finally, Amy and "her boys" look very happy after finishing their Tonga Toast. Hey, who wouldn’t? I was channeling Homer all morning. Mmmmm….Tonga Toast!
I had visited Nassau before, and hadnt been particularly entertained in the past, so I wasn’t expecting a lot when I signed up for the walking tour with Dave Marx. However I figured Dave’s unique sense of humor and persona knowledge of the area would certailny be worth the time. I am so happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised and very happy I went joined the crowd.
Continuing uphill, we saw the salmon-colored government buildings and a statue of Christopher Columbus. He appears to be watching over the city below. Then we walked (did I mention it was uphill??) to Fincastle Fort. And all that walking was worthwhile when we saw the incredible view from the apex of the fort! We looked straight down to the harbor where the Disney
Day one of the Mousefest cruise and walking into the port today was like a happy homecoming or family reunion. There were so many happy, smiling faces waving and greeting each other throughout the terminal. After checking in, walked back to meet up with Deb and Linda, who were giving out goodie bags to every Mousefest cruiser. There were all sorts of great items like pens, lanyards, a mousepad and even a first aid kit – which I hope no one needs to use – but very nice to have with you. The Passporter folks were also there with Pocket Guides to get everyone ready for their adventure. As I waited for my boarding group number to be called I walked around talking with lots of old friends and a few new ones I met on the shuttle over to the ship.
w favorite holiday tradition. Since Thanksgiving I have been counting down the hours until that fun day when Disney fans from all over the world converge on the