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.
Looking around the ship you could see many, many people walking with MouseFest buttons on. (are there anough to take over the ship and demand we stay at Castaway Cay for a few days? hmmmmm… maybe next year.) While in the Cove Café passing out Treasure Maps, I had a great time meeting with Jimmy and Michelle. Part of the fun of MouseFest is meeting people from all over the world that love to research, dream, plan, and talk about our favorite Mouse.
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.
Looking around the ship you could see many, many people walking with MouseFest buttons on. (are there anough to take over the ship and demand we stay at Castaway Cay for a few days? hmmmmm… maybe next year.) While in the Cove Café passing out Treasure Maps, I had a great time meeting with Jimmy and Michelle. Part of the fun of MouseFest is meeting people from all over the world that love to research, dream, plan, and talk about our favorite Mouse.
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.
MouseFest Highlights
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.
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 Disney Wonder and Disney World.
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!
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