1 - Is not the lonliest number

It's upon us. As of tomorrow at this time - we should be nestled into our hotel room near the airport - dreaming of our flight to the Magic Kingdom.

I spent today getting done the odds and ends, preparing for out cat sitter, preparing the dog for the kennel, and preparing me for the hotter Orlando weather with a haircut.

I just need to get through 1 more day of work.

This maybe my final entry before we leave. Not sure if I will start a new blog while we are there. (so much to do, not sure if I'll have the time)

For those of you who have read this - thanks for following - and I'll let you know

Now - last year in Disney World History:
Disney-MGM Studios changes its name to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Yak & Yeti Restaurant opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
The Wave restaurant opens at Disney's Contemporary Resort.
Toy Story Mania! opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Spaceship Earth "relaunches" at Epcot.
Disney's Animal Kingdom celebrates its 10th anniversary on April 22.
Disney partners with Google Earth to create a virtual walk-through of Disney World.
Walt Disney World Resort closes all nightclubs at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island - including BET Soundstage Club, Mannequins, 8Trax, Comedy Warehouse, Adventurer's Club and Motion - to create a new "family-friendly environment" with new restaurants and specialty shops.
T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover opens at Downtown Disney Marketplace.
The final ABC Super Soap Weekend takes place November 15-16 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Disney World ends its Year of a Million Dreams Celebration on December 31.

And what can we expect this year?
The American Idol Experience opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Tren-D boutique opens at Downtown Disney.
Sanaa restaurant opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Characters in Flight, a tethered balloon ride adventure, opens at Downtown Disney.
Hall of Presidents reopens after a major makeover that includes the introduction of a President Barack Obama figure.

2 - That's right, I said 2

It's 2 days away - and we are off to the most Magical Place on Earth.

My wife got her Crocs ans jibbits ready, I've got my honey-do list for my day off tomorrow, than work on Friday, off to the hotel near the airport than utopia!

The excitement is building, we just need to get through these last few days of work. Let's hope we can.

Then - we eat our way through the Fab 4!

4 years ago is Disney World History;

Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club opens in Tomorrowland at Disney's Magic Kingdom.
Huge Mickey Mouse arm and wand are removed from Spaceship Earth at Epcot.
Night of Joy celebrates its 25th year at Disney's Magic Kingdom.
Disney World raises its adult one-day, one-park pass from $67 to $71.
Disney announces extension of "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration throughout 2008.
The Walt Disney Company releases Meet the Robinsons.
The Walt Disney Company releases Bridge to Terabithia.
The Walt Disney Company releases High School Musical 2.

3 - Are you kidding me!

I only had 4 days of work this week - and you think they could be easy - heck no!

I just keep doing a countdown and telling myself - Saturday, we are going - no one's stopping me!

So I am a little behind thanks to work - so I have this blog and will add another.

We are just tying up lose ends and focusing on the final touches at this point.

It's almost here!

3 years ago in Disney World History;

Expedition Everest, a high-speed train adventure, opens in Asia at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Pirates of the Caribbean reopens at Disney’s Magic Kingdom after several months of renovations to coincide with the summer release of the Disney film, Pirates of Caribbean: Dead Men’s Chest.
Disney launches its Year of a Million Dreams celebration on October 1 with new attractions and live entertainment, as well as the "Disney Dreams Giveaway" promotion.
The Walt Disney Company releases High School Musical.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Shaggy Dog.
The Walt Disney Company releases Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.

4 - planning almost over

I am down to 3 work days - and today seemed to move slowly - so I can only imagine how the next few will go.

We did our money planning today, figuring out how much we will need for tips, mouse keeping, and other expenses.

I also spent my morning before work today writing my "to do" list for the next 4 days.

I am hoping to get out of work early on Friday, put the finishing touches on things, and be ready to go.

4 years ago in Disney World history;

Walt Disney World launches its “Happiest Celebration on Earth.”
Soarin’, a “high-flying adventure,” opens in The Land Pavilion at Epcot.
The Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
The Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a series of three thrilling water roller coasters, opens at Typhoon Lagoon.
Journey Into Narnia – Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios.
The Walt Disney Company releases Chicken Little.
The Walt Disney Company releases the IMAX film, Aliens of the Deep.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Pacifier.
The Walt Disney Company releases Ice Princess.
The Walt Disney Company releases Herbie: Fully Loaded.
The Walt Disney Company releases Sky High.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
2006

5 - ready to pack

After saying good-bye to our beloved Pastor of 24 years (we've known her for about 7 years) - it was back to Disney talk.

We spent some time this afternoon preparing the clothes we will need to pack. It looks like we have about 90% of out clothes ready.

We also were planning on when laundry will be getting done, and which shirts can be double worn. Is this way too detailed planning?

Anyway - 4 work days, 5 regular days until 10 Fabulous days!

5 years ago in Disney World history;

Dominick Errico and his beautiful new wife, Mari visited Disney World for the first time as husband and wife for their honeymoon. It was Star Wars weekend and Gay pride weekend - a most memorable time.

Stitch’s Great Escape opens in Tomorrowland at the former site of ExtraTERRORestrial.
Turtle Talk with Crush! opens in The Living Seas at Epcot.
The Walt Disney Company releases Home on the Range.
The Walt Disney Company releases Miracle.
The Walt Disney Company releases Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen.
Disney's Touchstone Pictures releases Hidalgo.
The Walt Disney Company releases Around the World in 80 Days.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Princess Diaries 2.
The Walt Disney Company releases National Treasure.

6 - we'll be there a week from now

It's hard to believe, but a week from tonight - I'll be sitting in the room at Coronado Springs with my wife and daughter - getting ready for an early am breakfast.

I'm also happy that I am now off for the next 2 Saturdays of work, which can be grueling.

This trip is going to be great, I can feel it.

We took out the suitcases today to evaluate packing, and which pieces we will be taking.
Now, we need to use all our free time this week to prepare.

yahoo!

6 years ago in Disney World history;
Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue closes and is replaced by Goofy’s Country Dancin’ Jamboree in Liberty Square at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter closes in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Mission: SPACE, a state-of-the-art thrill ride, opens at the site of the former Horizons attraction at Epcot.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic, a 3-D “symfunny” of fun, opens in Fantasyland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
The Disney Golf Classic changes its name to the FUNAI Classic at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Wishes Nighttime Spectacular makes its debut at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Disney's Pop Century Resort opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Walt Disney Company releases Brother Bear.
The Walt Disney Company releases Holes.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
The Walt Disney Company releases Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Disney's first PG-13 rated movie.
The Walt Disney Company releases Freaky Friday.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Haunted Mansion.
The Walt Disney Company releases George of the Jungle 2

7 - One week away

Today I can say that next week at this time - I will be asleep - resting up for my plane ride to the Magic Kingdom.

My wife and I have so major preparing to do this next week. I only have 5 more work days too!
Now the excitement is building. I can hear the rides go, taste the foods, and even smell the smells that stick with me like on Splash Mountain and the just the simple smell of an Orlando morning.

Can't wait!

7 years ago in Disney world history, Big Movie Year Apparently;

Disney’s Beach Club Villas opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
Journey into Imagination with Figment opens at Epcot.
The Walt Disney Company releases Lilo & Stitch.
The Walt Disney Company releases Treasure Planet.
The Walt Disney Company releases Snow Dogs.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Rookie.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Country Bears.
The Walt Disney Company releases Tuck Everlasting.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Santa Clause 2.
The Walt Disney Company releases Inspector Gadget 2.
2003

8 - is great

We are so close at this point that I found out today both my wife and I were checking the weather for our arrival date yesterday.

As of now - it looks good - let's pray it stays that way.

Our plan tomorrow is to sit down and go over our packing list, maybe order some food. It maybe Friday - the "go out" night - but this will be better.

I'm hoping to get another picture with the Genie this year - In fact - we told our daughter we are getting our pictures taken with the characters this year, and she has to take them

Now - 8 years ago in Disney World History;
Dominick Errico travels to the Magic Kingdom for the first time at the ripe old age of 28
Walt Disney World Resort launches its 100 Years of Magic Celebration, which includes the debut of the Share A Dream Come True Parade.
Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration, a musical extravaganza that takes place directly in front of Cinderella Castle, makes its debut at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream opens at Disney-MGM Studios as part of Walt Disney World’s 100 Years of Magic Celebration.
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play It! opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin kiddie ride debuts in Adventureland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage premieres at Disney-MGM Studios.
The Walt Disney Company releases Atlantis: The Lost Empire.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Princess Diaries.
The Walt Disney Company releases Max Keeble's Big Move.

9 - The single digits are here!

I can't believe it - we are down to single digits for the trip. It was close to 365 days ago that we decided to book our bounce back for this year - and now - we are almost there - unbelievable!

I'm starting to worry at this point that we are not going to find the time to get packing lists ready 100% and forget to put something on them - ugh!

I know my wife will make sure we are good, and as she likes to say, "If we forget something, it's not like they do not have supermarkets or Wal-Marts in Orlando."

She also got her new Disney Crocs in the mail yesterday. She got a great deal on 2 pair, and got one for her and our daughter. Problem is, she ordered the wrong sizes. Hers will be fine, but the other's are too big for our daughter. Lucky for me, they were ordered in my size! Now I have red Mickey Crocs with a black strap. I'm a real man, I will wear Mickey Crocs!

Now, 9 years ago (woo hoo 9 days) in Disney World history:

DisneyQuest introduces the Pirates of the Caribbean interactive adventure.
Journey into Your Imagination opens at Epcot.
The Walt Disney Company releases Fantasia 2000.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Emperor's New Groove.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Kid.
The Walt Disney Company releases Remember the Titans.
The Walt Disney Company releases 102 Dalmatians.

10 Wow I can't believe we are this close

Only 10 more days and 8 work days until we leave for Disney World.
The anticipation is building, and the days are starting to move slower because of it.

I got some more things to pack today, you know, the necessities.

I also made a bonus shirt today which I posted with the remaining shirts earlier. My daughter had been asking me to put Chip and Dale on a pair of her shorts, but I decided to to make her a shirt instead. It's baby Chip and Dale with my daughters face all has balloons being held by Mickey. I am not great with making real people, but I gave it a shot, and I think it looks pretty good. She liked it, too!

I was a little down because we bought a scale yesterday and I did not lose as much weight as I thought. Being that this is our "eating" vacation, I was hoping for a better cushion (or less weight) to add to, but, alas, I will not have it.

Anyway, unto why you all tune it. 10 years ago in Disney World history;
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opens in Fantasyland at the former site of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
The Rock ‘n Roller Coaster – Starring Aerosmith makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios next to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Disney’s Winter Summerland miniature golf course opens adjacent to Blizzard Beach water park.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
Discovery Island closes to guests as an attraction.
Walt Disney World introduces FASTPASS, a free reservation system that allows guests to avoid crowds at the most popular theme park rides and attractions.
The Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom opens with such attractions as Kali River Rapids, Flights of Wonder and Maharajah Jungle Trek.
Huge Mickey Mouse arm and wand are added to Spaceship Earth at Epcot.
The Walt Disney Company releases Tarzan.

BONUS - ALL THE SHIRTS

THESE ARE THE FINAL SHIRTS FOR THE TRIP - I ADDED THE SPECIAL SURPRISE ONE FOR CAROLINE TODAY

11 - the countdown

We are so close now - that we spend our days with, "Guess where we will be 2 weeks from now?"

It makes it seem closer and closer - and we are definitely getting excited.

Also the fact that I only have 9 work days left! Single digits are great, and I am only 2 days away from that!

I'm posting the rest of the shirts today - and I will see you tomorrow.

11 years ago at Disney World;
Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens as the fourth theme park at Walt Disney World Resort on April 22.
The Tiki Room in Adventureland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom changes its name to “The Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management.”
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin opens in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Sponsored by General Motors, Test Track makes its debut at the former site of World of Motion in Future World at Epcot.
Fantasmic! premieres at Disney-MGM Studios.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closes in Fantasyland, much to the dismay of its many fans, who soon organize a futile “Save the Toad” campaign.
The Main Street Cinema along Main Street, U.S.A. is converted into a retail store.
DisneyQuest, an indoor interactive theme park, opens its doors at Disney West Side in Downtown Disney.
Cirque du Soleil La Nouba premieres at Disney West Side in Downtown Disney.
The Walt Disney Company releases Mulan.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Parent Trap.
The Walt Disney Company releases Summer of the Monkeys.

12 - they are done

I completed the last of the shirts today. Now, my wife and I are planning on making a surprise shirt for our daughter featuring her favorites, Chip and Dale.

Now with that done, I need to finalize my packing list and put together a shot sheet for our music video.

Also, can't believe I only have 9 work days left. Of course, they are scheduled to be very busy days. Oh, well.

12 days ago in Disney World History;

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Richard Petty Driving Experience makes its debut at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island are joined by Disney West Side and the entire complex is renamed “Downtown Disney.”
Disney’s 220-acre Wide World of Sports Complex opens with a dozen baseball and softball fields, 12 lighted tennis courts, a track-and-field complex, six basketball courts, a golf driving range and six sand volleyball courts.
The Mike Fink Keel Boats attraction closes in Frontierland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney World Resort celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The Walt Disney Company releases Hercules.
The Walt Disney Company releases Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.
The Walt Disney Company releases George of the Jungle.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli and Baloo.

13 - WOW changes coming

I didn't think I'd have much to write about but my wife just shared with me changes coming to Disney World.

Basically - Fantasyland is getting an overhaul where all the princesses will be getting their own little houses and villages and Dumbo is expanding big time.

Also, Toon Town will be gone and Star Tours will be getting a make-over and will now be the pod races. Now I have even more to look forward to.

Now - since I did not do it yesterday - I am going to do give 2 days worth of history
14 years ago
Blizzard Beach, billed as the “ Coolest Water Park in Central Florida,” opens at Walt Disney World Resort on April Fool’s Day.
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
The first annual International Food & Wine Festival takes place at Epcot.
The Walt Disney World Company announces plans for the development of a fourth theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion opens at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
The Walt Disney World Speedway opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Walt Disney Company releases Pocahontas.
The Walt Disney Company releases Man of the House.

13 years ago
Mickey’s Starland changes its name to Mickey’s Toontown Fair and adds two new attractions: The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm and Donald’s Boat. The track at Tomorrowland Indy Speedway is shortened slightly to make room for the new Toontown attractions.
The American Film Institute Showcase makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios to commemorate 100 years of American filmmaking.
The first annual Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Disney-MGM Studios hosts the first annual ABC Super Soap Weekend.
The Disney Institute makes its debut at Walt Disney World Resort.
Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf is constructed between the Walt Disney Dolphin and the Walt Disney Swan resorts.
Disney’s Boardwalk opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
The former Disney Inn reopens as Shades of Green, an Armed Forces Recreation Center.
The inaugural Indy 200 takes place at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Circle of Life and Ellen’s Energy Adventure attractions both premiere at Epcot’s Future World.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
The Walt Disney Company releases Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco.
The Walt Disney Company releases 101 Dalmatians.
The Walt Disney Company releases James and the Giant Peach.
The Walt Disney Company releases Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves

14 - a moment to reflect

I'm taking a moment today to not talk about our up coming trip, but to reflect on where I was 8 years ago. Our trip is a great thing, but I want to share where I was, and honor the memories of those we lost, and the families who will not get the chance to enjoy a trip like we are planning.

I was working at a TV station in Harrisburg in the creative services department. I was someone who wrote and produced commercials and news promotional spots.

When the first plane hit, the newsroom was a buzz about this unbelievable event and talk grew of a small plane missing it's mark and hitting the tall building. As more non news personnel flooded into the news room to see video of what happened, me included, we watched in horror as the second plane hit. We then knew this was a tragedy of epic proportions. We stared in utter bewilderment at what we were watching, then, the Pentagon, then, Shanksville, then fear.

The head of my department asked us to grab a camera ans help the news department cover the story. I was assigned to go to the local Catholic church to shoot some video. I remember quietly asking the priest to put our microphone on after asking to film. He was very receptive to it, as he felt we all needed to pray. I spent the entire service panning the faces as they wept and prayed for those who had fallen.

I remember how the entire TV station operations were nothing but news for days after that. I remember going home, and getting a call from my Mom as she asked how I was. I just stared at the TV in my apartment, feeling helpless and alone.

So, let us remember others today. Remember our problems and pain will never match that of those who lost someone in this tragedy.

We Remember

15 - Shirts almost done

Great progress today - I got our Lion King Shirts completed with only the icon shirts remaining.

Also started my packing list, itemizing it so I remember to pack everything.

Got a girl I work with to check on the cats for the week. She came and got the low down today.

My wife keeps working the phone trying to see if we can get into the Wishes Dessert Part and maybe Fantasmic (they added another showing) We will see.

As I continue to say, this is a new trip for us. We will have some things we have done before, some things we won't be able to do, and some new things. I think doing new things will make the trip feel fresher.

We are also planning on making a music video while we are there. We are going to use "Do You Believe In Magic" from Disney's The Game Plan (saw it last night, The Rock is the best)

Well, off to watch the opening of the NFL season with the 6x Champion Steelers (my team)

15 years ago in Disney World history;
The WEDway People Mover in Tomorrowland is renamed Tomorrowland Transit Authority.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, an interactive 3-D adventure, opens in Epcot’s Future World, replacing Captain EO.
The Timekeeper opens in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Innoventions East and West pavilions open in the former Communicore buildings at Epcot.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror makes its debut along Sunset Boulevard at Disney-MGM Studios.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea closes in Fantasyland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge both open at Walt Disney World Resort.
The first annual International Flower & Garden Festival takes place at Epcot.
The Walt Disney World Marathon is run for the first time, drawing approximately 8,200 participants from around the globe.
Holiday IllumiNations premieres at Epcot.
Planet Hollywood, a movie-themed restaurant, opens in front of the entrance to Pleasure Island.
The Kitchen Kabaret closes at Epcot’s Land Pavilion.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Lion King.
The Walt Disney Company releases Angels in the Outfield.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Santa Clause.

16 - PLANNING

With tomorrow being a day off for me, we have some final preps to start.
I am hoping to maybe get the shirts done (hopefully by Sunday the latest)

Also, I think I'm going to get my packing list together. Even though I'm 16 days away, I already have in my mind,"Should I stop wearing anything I plan on bringing?" which is totally insane since, guess what, we will still be doing laundry with in the next 16 days.

It's my little obsessive thing since I want to make sure I have everything.

Which adds to another issue I have, over packing. I over pack, because I like to have choices. If I just pack specifics and I am not in the mood to wear my Incredibles T-Shirt, I want to be able to choose something else. However, with our limit due to suitcase fees, I can not do this, and must wear exactly what I bring. OK

16 years ago is Disney World History;

The ATAS (Academy of Television Arts & Sciences) Hall of Fame Plaza opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
The Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square undergoes a major overhaul that includes the addition of an audio-animatronic Bill Clinton figure and new narration from poet Maya Angelou.
Mission to Mars closes at Tomorrowland at Disney's Magic Kingdom.
The Walt Disney Company releases Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.
The Walt Disney Company releases Cool Runnings.

17 - saving money

My wife - .who with 17 days left is still wheeling and dealing - has save us about $100 on our rental car for out trip - which by the way is a necessity if you are going to do Disney right. A rental car keep you in control of departures and arrivals to the parks. Plus, you do not have to ride with a backed bus of smelly tourists. You can all just live in your own family scent!

As Tigger would say TTFN!

17 years ago in Disney World history:

Splash Mountain, a thrill ride that combines the speed and adventure of a classic flume attraction with state-of-the-art Disney audio-animatronics, opens in Frontierland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid opens in the Animation Courtyard at Disney-MGM Studios.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort both open at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Walt Disney Company releases Aladdin. (MY FAVORITE!)

18 - Can you gain 30 lbs in a week?

I have been dieting for some time now to make sure I am at a comfortable weight for our Disney trip. With Orlando being a hot climate, I like to feel comfortable by wearing XL shirts and any clothing that is loose on me. This way, I will feel cooler.

I learned a lot about this when I made our shirts the first time. That time, I colored the pictures in all the way. That made the shirts even warmer. There is also the fact that at that time, I was a little heavier, and the shirt was tight on me, and we were all uncomfortable. We learned from that, and just outlined them with a little bit of color..

All that being said, I'm down about 30 lbs with 18 days to go and feel comfortable that I will be comfortable on the trip. However, as I have said in previous posts, this is a REAL eating trip with the deluxe dinning plan and all. I wonder will a stride into the Magic Kingdom slimmer and cooler, and then be rolled down the middle of Main Street USA fat and needing 2 airplane seats?

For now, I will just enjoy the food, and get back in the saddle when we return.

18 years ago in Disney World History; The year I was graduated from High School

Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3-D (later known simply as Muppet Vision 3-D) opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Main Street Electrical Light Parade is replaced with the SpectroMagic Parade.
The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
The Walt Disney Company releases Beauty and the Beast.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Rocketeer.

19 preparing for flight

After some thought, we decided today that we are going to stay at a hotel close to the airport the night before we leave. We will leave our car there and pay the fee for the week. For an extra $30 dollars (it would cost us about $90 to park at airport economy parking) it is worth the piece of mind.

We did this about 2 years ago, and although the hotel was less than desirable, the convenience was worth it.

Well not much more today - Labor day weekend and I have an early, yet short work day tomorrow.

As for 19 years ago in Disney World history;
Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Walt Disney World Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan all open at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
Epcot adds a second entrance, the International Gateway, which allows entrance from Disney's Boardwalk.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Rescuers Down Under.

20 - No Fantasmic - but more food

We finally made the decision not to try and see Fantasmic this year. It only shows once while we are there, and we couldn't get a dinner reservation, so it just wasn't going to work
We love the show, but we realize waiting 3 hours for it just isn't worth the time when we could be exploring other places.

I did tape it last year, so it is no big deal. We enjoy it, but this is a trip of change.

We did add another dinner reservation at our hotel - so we continue our great eating adventure!

20 years ago at Disney World it was a big year:
Disney-MGM Studios opens on May 1
Typhoon Lagoon water park opens at Walt Disney World Resort with one of the world’s largest wave pools.
Pleasure Island, an immense entertainment complex with eight eclectic nightclubs, opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
Two new resorts, the Walt Disney World Dolphin and the Walt Disney World Swan, open at Walt Disney World Resort near Epcot.
The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular premieres at Disney-MGM Studios in September
Star Tours makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios in December.
Tony's Town Square Restaurant opens at Main Street, U.S.A. near the entrance to Disney's Magic Kingdom.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Little Mermaid.
The Walt Disney Company releases Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.

21 Food and Wine

As we close in on 21 days, ironic that I will be talking about beer. My wife was looking up all the good food that will be available during the food and wine festival. There are so many good foods available, not to mention wine and beer.

As she was reading them off, she started talking about how the will have all types of Sam Adams at the festival. I can't wait, I love their seasonal ales.

Anyway - I got the Beauty and the Beast Shirts done - all our enchanted servants are ready to serve.

21 years ago in Disney World's history (A lot of good stuff):
Mickey’s Birthdayland (later known as Mickey’s Toontown Fair) opens at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
The Norway Pavilion opens in the World Showcase at Epcot with specialty shops, eateries, live entertainment and the Maelstrom thrill ride.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Beach Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort both open at Walt Disney World Resort.
IllumiNations premieres at Epcot.
The Walt Disney Company releases Oliver & Company

22 - good packing news

My wife was checking to see what qualifies as a personal item when boarding the plane.
As I talked in earlier posts, we are being charged for our checked bags so we are trying to pack light.

Anyway, thanks to my wife, we learned that we are only being charged $15 for our 1st checked bag rather than $25, so we now are looking at a savings of $20! Also, we think we maybe able to use 2 of our small suitcases as carry-ons if they meet the size requirements, so we are now in better shape!

Here's hoping for more pleasant surprises!

22 years ago in Disney World History

Ground-breaking ceremonies are held for Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
The Walt Disney Company releases Benji The Hunted.

23 - a mattingly away

What does a Mattingly away mean? It is the number of one of the greatest Yankee first baseman, Don Mattingly. (plus, I'm running out of topics)

So know that the apt is clean and the clothes are sorted, it is going to be so much easier to pack. We know where everything is, and will be able to pack in no time. Is it too early to start?

We are getting so close, I can taste it. (and all the food we will be eating)

Now for Disney World 23 years ago
The Living Seas Pavilion opens in Future World at Epcot.
The Captain EO 3-D film premieres at the Magic Eye Theater in Epcot’s Future World.
Construction begins on Disney-MGM Studios, Walt Disney World’s third theme park.
The Walt Disney Company announces plans for the construction of Pleasure Island.
The Walt Disney Company releases The Great Mouse Detective.

24 - packing list

I have already stated how we are trying to keep our packing to a minimum to save money since the Airline is charging $25 for each checked bag. Well, now that we have all done a thorough cleaning of our closets and drawers, we now must pick what is coming with us.

The given is the shirts I am making (btw - I did not get a chance to make anymore today). We will probably add 2 more shirts, plus a nice shirt for we have dinner reservations at 2 nice restaurants while we are there. This also means, for me at least, pack some khaki's.

Then there are the "necessary" garments and amount. Basically this all hinges on doing some laundry while we are there. Although I will have an issue wearing the same shirt twice, I understand we must do this. Ask my wife, I always over pack shirts, especially when I go to Disney because A.) I have a lot of Disney shirts and B.) Florida is hot and I perspire enough that I want clean shirts.

I will not let this cause any issues and I will abide by these rules. It's all about the fun, not the clothes.

Historical Moment - 24 years ago a licencing agreement was reached with MGM and Disney MGM (now Hollywood) Studios began development. In theatres "The Black Cauldron."