Deb's Digest

Sunday evening had arrived and for us, it was the last part of MouseFest 2008. Linda and I enjoyed dinner at Flying Fish with friends and then headed over to Epcot.

As has become tradition, I hosted a special VIP IllumiNations Dessert Party which included some extra magic at the end. We gave away most of the tickets for the event. Some folks were Pixie Dusted during MouseFest. Others entered a random drawing for the tickets in late November.

Thanks to MouseFanTravel for organizing the event with Disney. Thanks to John Leary for the great artwork on the event badges!

Ah, Sunday! This is my last day in Walt Disney World and for me MouseFest was winding down. Usually I am co-hosting an early morning Tonga Toast breakfast, but I decided not to do that this time. It was a real blessing as I got to sleep in for the first time in 2 weeks. Plus, we got all packed!!!!! YEA! That was a huge load lifted to help us really enjoy the day.

After a very relaxing and productive morning, we headed out for the Magic Kingdom. But first, we stopped by the Beach Club Marketplace and found out that there was a huge sale going on for Disney Holiday Merchandise. Not one to pass up a bargin, I found a cool Mickey and Minnie Holiday watch that cost just $15!

As we approached the Beach Club bus stop, the Magic Kingdom bus was just pulling in! Great timing!

City Hall had a sign out that there were still tickets available for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

Wandering the park, I ran into AllEars team members Mike Scopa and Michelle Scribner-MacLean.

Soon it was time for the Tagrel.com Capture the Magic Meet. I played this for the first time last year and had a blast. Basically, there are teams of 6 persons who have 90 minutes to go through the Magic Kingdom taking various photos to collect points. The team with the most points wins. The prize is bragging rights!!! And this is very coveted on the Tagrel boards LOL.

Team AllEars consisted of Lisa (who was the team photographer), Laura, Glo, Andrea, LindaLou and myself.

Of course, a certain amount of light hearted trash talk goes on between the teams before the official start!

The rules are being explained to us:

We begin to develop a strategy!

Soon it was time!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are just a few of the photos we "Captured" as we hustled around the Magic Kingdom.

Have a photo taken with a Character in Fantasyland.

Wear Mickey's Philharmagic glasses and play imaginerary musical instruments.

Engage 6 persons outside of your team (Guests and Cast Members) to do a Kick Line at the Country Bear Jamboree.

Pose with a character on Main Street. The funny thing here was the character made us all sing Jingle Bells before she would pose with us.

Get our photo taken with Sonny Eclipse.

There were MANY more photos, but I will spare you :)

All the teams reported back in 90 minutes and had to tally their scores. Then the judges tally the scores.

Soon, the winners are announced:

We were all still laughing so hard, I don't know which team won. Ok, I really do, but I"m not saying. I can tell you it wasn't US! Although we didn't do too badly as we were in the middle of the pack - not first, not last.

It was an incredibly fun event and everyone had an awesome time! Thank you Tagrel.com folks for organizing this great meet!

Saturday is Mega Mouse Meet day! It's the time when many of the Disney communities, podcasters, webmasters, authors and sponsors come together in one place at one time.

The AllEars team was up bright and early on Saturday morning. AllEars Photo Bloggers Scott, Barrie and Lisa had an early morning Photo Walk meet. Steve Barrett had an early morning Hidden Mickey meet.

The rest of the team gathered in the Beach Club Convention Center around 7:30am to set up the AllEars tables.

The doors opened promptly at 10:00am!

All Ears was very honored to have Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President, Operations at the Walt Disney World Resort at the AllEars.Net table during the MegaMouse Meet. Lee greeted many guests and signed his book: "Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney."

Here are more photos from the MegaMouse Meet:

Many many thanks to everyone who came by the AllEars table to chat. We enjoyed meeting so many of you and it's always good to hear you love AllEars!

Once the event was over, I had to hustle out to a meeting. I especially appreciated everyone on the team that stayed and made sure everything was packed up.

The rest of the afternoon is a blur now, but in the evening, Linda and I attended a very special meet hosted by Matt Hochberg of StudiosCentral.com - a Fantasmic Dessert Party! I had never attended one before and it was very nice! I enjoyed meeting many new folks at that event.

After Fantasmic was over, a group of us were back doored to the Tower of Terror for a private ride! This was absolutely awesome!!!!! Thanks Matt and MouseFanTravel for arranging this event!

Next up MouseFest Sunday!

Friday night would be a special evening for the All Ears team. I finally got it together enough to plan a team dinner event. We met at the Gaylord Palms hotel at 6pm for a reception, followed by a very very yummy dinner!

From there, we ventured over to the frozen tundra called ICE! to experience the magic and wonder of these amazing ICE! creations.

I think it's safe to say a WONDERful, MAGICAL time was had by all. For those members of the team that weren't able to attend.. we missed you all!!!!

Friday is a 2-Park day for MouseFest beginning in Animal Kingdom and then blending into Disney's Hollywood Studios.

AllEars has had a traditional Kilimanjaro Safari Meet for many years. Last year, however, we had over 300 attendees and so decided we needed to do something different this year so as not to interfere with other park guests.

We decided to hold a Meet and Greet / Digital Photo Contest at Harambe Fort. This is a great outdoor area that is usually quiet in the morning. It's directly across from Tusker House and along side of Tamu Tamu. There are lots of tables and chairs which make it a good meet location.

Members of the AllEars team were on hand to great folks and hand out AllEars hats and buttons. Debbie Koma headed up a Digital Photo hunt which everyone seemed to really enjoy. Once you turned in your sheets, you got an AllEars zippered pouch - great for batteries, memory cards, just about anything small!

Debbie Koma, LindaLou and I met up in the Rainforest Cafe for a warm cup of coffee while we waited for the park to officially open.

From here LindaLou, Debbie Koma, Michelle and I went to the Brown Derby for lunch. At least, I "think" that's who was there.. things are already getting blurry about MouseFest. Oh, and Mike Scopa joined us near the end of our meal. It was very interesting as we looked around and also saw Fred Block and his family and Lou Mongello and friends. Wonder what other MouseFest folks were there?!

This afternoon's event was a party held by WDWToday.com Podcast celebrating their 500th Episode. This was an extra special event for me as the guys made my Avon Walk for Breast Cancer their fundraiser.

The private party was held in the Prop Shop at Disney's Hollywood Studios. A limited number of tickets were available for the event. In order to reserve a ticket, a donation was requested to support my Breast Cancer Walk.

Plus as an extra bonus, the Prop Shop was filled with all kinds of well, props and we enjoyed taking photos!

The 500th Episode of WDWToday was recorded at the event. It's online for you to listen to!

Thank you SO much Matt, Mike, Mike and Len and thank you everyone for your most generous donations of over $1,500!!!! I am overwhelmed by your generosity!!

But Wait!!!! There is more!! Everytime I've seen Matt he asks me if I've ridden Toy Story Mania yet. And each time, my answer has been no. I've been in Orlando lots since it opened but never at the Studios early enough to get a FastPass!

Well, Matt worked some very special magic for me (thank you special magic folks!) and presented me with FastPasses for Toy Story Mania!!! I was THRILLED!!! So Linda and I left the celebration a tad early and headed over to Toy Story Mania.

I was beating Linda all the way through (she always beats me on Buzz Lightyear) and thought perhaps my luck would hold! But, as usual, she managed to squeek by on the last section. However do notice that my accuracy was better LOL. What great fun!

Thanks again for everyone for a most magical afternoon!

We arrived very early at Port Canaveral to a very dark and stormy looking day. Folks were talking about a day full of lots of rain and nasty storms. It wasn't looking too well for the first official day of MouseFest land.

Happy Limo took Linda and I to the Beach Club Villas for our Home Away from Home for the next few days. We dropped off our luggage and went over to the Dolphin to get our rental car. From there, back to the Beach Club, change clothes and head over to the Contemporary Resort for MouseFest 101 and the MouseFest Chairman's Kickoff.

This was the first time MouseFest took place in a WDW Convention hall and everyone was very excited.

Remember that rain I mentioned earlier? Well, unfortunately, many folks were soaked from the storms as they walked from the Magic Kingdom over to the Contemporary Convention Hall. Fortunately, the room was buzzing with excitement and everyone warmed up quickly as MouseFest 101 began!

Folks were lined up in the hallway and soon the doors opened!

Mike Scopa (AllEars) and Mark Goldhaber (MousePlanet) led MouseFest 101! Most of the folks in the audience were first time MouseFesters and the guys did a great job explaining how MouseFest began and how to get the most out of this year's event.

MouseFest 101 was followed by Dave Marx and the Chairman's Kickoff!

After returning to the Beach Club Villas and taking a short nap, it was time to join dear friends for dinner at Old Key West. It was a wonderful evening with great home cooking and lots of great conversation!

Next up, MouseFest Friday!

As it has become the tradition, MouseFanTravel hosted a farewell party for all their group cruisers. The party was in Diversions where we were greated with a beautiful array of foods and a cool ice sculpture.

It was time to bid farewell to friends we met on the cruise. But, lo and behold, we had just gotten started when a special guest appeared!

As the party ended, the early diners went to their dinner and the late diners all scattered. We went to the room to finish packing so we could enjoy the evening.

After dinner we wandered up to Cove Cafe where Matt Hochberg of WDWToday Podcast was broadcasting live.

All too soon, the broadcast was over and it was time to call it a night and call it a cruise!

Another WONDERful MouseFest cruise had come to an end.

Stay tuned in the next blog for MouseFest LAND!

Wednesday, December 10th.

Instead of today being a relaxing sea day, we were at Castaway Cay (to make up for not being able to dock yesterday).

Here's a view of the Flying Dutchman from our cabin.

The day started early with the 3rd Annual Walk, Stroll, Roll the Deck to Fight Breast Cancer. Each year, MouseFanTravel.com provides a portion of the proceeds of their October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) sales to my Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. In addition, $5 per person (max 30) who join us for the Annual Stroll is also donated!

For some unknown reason, it seems that Deb can't quite get up in time to make the walk. She sends her dear friend Ms. Dee Vah in her place. A number of folks who strolled this year were new, so Ms. Vah introduced herself.

Beci Mahnken, President of MouseFanTravel, then presented Ms. Vah with a check for $1,600 to be donated to Deb's Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Fundraiser!

After the presentation, a group photo was taken.

The group then strolled around Deck 10!

Ms. Vah was available for individual photos after the stroll.

After the walk, folks returned to their cabins to prepare for a day on Castaway Cay.

As usual, it was decorated for the holidays. This year, instead of a snow family greeting everyone, there was a sand family.

Here's LindaLou posing with Minnie in front of the Castaway Cay Post Office.

The Annual MouseFest Parasailing Meet was 10am. We met at Marge's Barges excited about our adventure.

Safety instructions are given:

14 of us boarded the boat!

I had forgotten my camera so I have no photos of us parasailing. Hopefully others will be sharing.

The boat captain told us we would all have to parasail tandem (with someone else) because of the winds. So, without much delay, we all paired up. Due to the winds the boat pretty much stayed in one place except when a group was taking off. The winds and high seas caused a few folks to well, not feel so good.

Still, we all floated in the sky for a parasail experience and had a great time. The ride back to the ship was much like a Banana Boat Ride. We hit lots of waves and were totally soaked by the time we got to land. We all hooped and hollered and enjoyed the experience (what else were we to do?)

I quickly returned to the boat to dry off and shower!

Tomorrow, Part 2 of the Final Day of MouseFest Cruising.

After the Pirate Costume Contest (see yesterday's blog), we announced the Cabin Door Decorating Contest winners.

Jennifer Marx and I visited all the registered cabins and then huddled together to decide on the winners. We selected the five best cabin doors and then decided on one Grand Prize winner. Folks in the final five were given PassPorter Guide Books!

This year's Cabin Door Winner was Janice, Cabin 6586. She made a very creative door entitled " Friendships are Treasures". If you lifted up the treasure chest lid, there were photos of many MouseFest friends!

Other finalists included:

Cabin 2064, Don Duck

Cabin 2592, Dawn and Rob

Cabin 6600, Tim and Kathy, who brought magnets and decor from all their previous MouseFest cruises!

And Cabin 7604, Brian and Laura

From here, many folks went to the Promenade Lounge for relaxing time before dinner. Then it was time for our Pirates of the Caribbean Dinner. It's a festive dinner with fun music, dancing and special "Pirate Menus". Later in the evening a Pirate Show with fireworks takes place on the outer decks. There is also a special food buffet (in case you haven't had enough to eat yet).

Another great day on the Disney Wonder comes to an end.

Tuesday, December 9th.

Today was "supposed" to be Castaway Cay Day. We got up early knowing that we needed to be at Marge's Barges for Parasailing about 9:45am.

Well, it seems that the weather had a whole different idea for us. Captain John attempted not once, but twice to get us docked at Castaway Cay. Unfortunately, the currents and winds were not at all favorable. So, about 9:45am, he decided we would spend the day at sea and tomorrow (Wednesday) we would try again to dock at Castaway Cay.

If we weren't on a group cruise this wouldn't have made much of a difference at all to us. However since it was the MouseFest cruise, the change would impact a few of the planned MouseFest events on the schedule.

Beci and Annette (MouseFanTravel) were on the phone with their contacts figuring out what would be happening. There was an announcement that all Palo Brunch ressies would be accepted at the booking time. However, there was very little time for folks to make the early ressies. Finally, it was decided to reschedule the brunches with a delay so folks (and I'm sure the kitchen) could get ready.

MouseFanTravel had reserved the Palo Private dining room and I hosted 14 random ticket winners! Despite the room being on the warm side, we had an amazing brunch and great conversations!

After brunch, Linda and I delivered the next round of AllEars goodies to everyone's cabins. I also checked out the remaining doors I hadn't seen, for the Door Decorating Contest.

Very soon, it was time for our early evening event: the Pirate Costume Contest, the Cabin Door Contest Winner announcements and Pirate night!

First, our Pirate Costume Contest. Lucas won for best "Kid's Costume". He's shown below with his prize, a small poster of the Castaway Cay Pirate Ship, the Flying Dutchman.

Kathy and Tim Love won best "Family" costume. They also won the Castaway Cay Pirate Ship, the Flying Dutchman poster.

We had 3 winners for the individual pirate costume contest, Lisa, Marissa and Janice. He won a Pirates of the Caribbean "gold" Pocket Watch.

Stay tuned for Part 2!