M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

Jul 25th 2007
Suzanne EnochMy Life As A Plebe

49 Responses to “M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E”

1. Stacy ~ on 25 Jul 2007 at 5:36 am #

   I’ve been to Disneyland twice; once when I was 16, and more recently in my late 20’s. What I remember is how clean it was, and how magical it feels, even in the daytime. The first time I went, they were having some type of celebration – was it 60 years? – and the parade and fireworks were spell-binding.

   Later I went with two friends (sisters) and we had a blast. The Indiana Jones ride was the best at that time, and the lines were long. And you just have to do “Small World” even if you can’t get that darn song out of your head LOL. The other cool thing is, I’m from the midwest, so going to Disneyland in December with no jacket was amazing. Loved it.

2. Karen Rose on 25 Jul 2007 at 6:09 am #

   Suzie – I LOVE Disney! We live a few hours from Disneyworld in Orlando and we have a family annual pass as well – they have a special rate for Florida residents. We can go up and back in one day (a very long day) and we do this a lot. One of my fondest memories of the park is MGM at Christmas – they decorate it up with the most amazing light display you’ve ever seen and there is “snow”! (It’s like soap bubbles or something.) My oldest daughter loves it there and we’ll sit on the curb, drink hot cocoa, and watch the people walk looking at the lights with stunned joy, while she and I sing along with all the Christmas carols.

   Our favorite ride is the new Everest at Animal Kingdom, but our favorite activity is still walking around Epcot, going to the worlds, chatting and snacking.

   My favorite characters – Eeyore and Pooh! Thanks for starting my day with a smile

3. BethanyHamilton on 25 Jul 2007 at 6:42 am #

   I love Disneyworld. I’ve been probably ten times, and we’re going again this fall. We went every other year when I was growing up, but we haven’t gone for the last several years. We were supposed to go last year but my sister and I both ended up getting pregnant, lol. There went those plans. We postponed the trip to this year, so they’ll be old enough to actually enjoy it (ok…maybe not…my daughter will be just over a year, and my nephew will be just under a year and a half…but still, lol.)

   My favorite ride has always been the Carousel of Progress. Unfortunately, I think they took it down, and I doubt it’s going back up. *Sigh* It was a cute little ride that was fun for everyone. Oh well, now we’ll just have to go on It’s a Small World and hum the song for the rest of the week instead

4. Dot C on 25 Jul 2007 at 6:44 am #

   I live in Maine, and somehow, Florida and Cali have always seemed like the other end of the earth. But, Disney is on my to-do list in the next 5 years!

5. Krissy on 25 Jul 2007 at 6:58 am #

   Like you, I grew up a few miles from Disneyland. We went to Disneyland all the time growing up. I can remember back when you had e-tickets to get on rides. I no longer live in CA, and haven’t been to Disneyland since the Angels won the World Series. I kind of miss it. Six Flags just isn’t the same (I’m a midwest girl now).

6. Karen Hawkins on 25 Jul 2007 at 7:17 am #

   I went to Disney when I was eight, right before my parents set us down and announced they were divorcing. It was supposed to be our last family vacation together, but we didn’t know it and we had an INCREDIBLE time. I still remember the ride to It’s a Small World, After All … I was astounded and in love and it was just magical.

   And my parents? They split for ten months, couldn’t stand being apart, got back together, fixed all of their problems and are one of the happiest married couples I know today. In fact, they’re getting close to their 50th anniversary.

   Hmmmm. Maybe it IS a Magic Kingdom, after all!

7. Caren Crane on 25 Jul 2007 at 7:35 am #

   Oh, I love DisneyWorld! I a couple of times as a teenager and was hooked for life! The best is staying to watch the fireworks at Epcot. Even better if you can manage to be on the ferry headed to the resorts from the Epcot landing when the fireworks are going off. Talk about magical!

   I always loved the Haunted Mansion when I was younger and still love Space Mountain and the Thunder Mountain Railroad. Lately, Animal Kingdom has been lots of fun. But my favorite will always be Epcot. Though my husband complains that everything is geared to make you spend money, I love all the cultural displays and, best of all, the foods from around the world!

   The restaurant with the floor-to-ceiling whole wall fish tank is really fun. The ride in Norway is great (and classic Disney cheese). And the test track ride they have now is awesome! Except we got stuck out on the track once and had to be rescued. But they let us bypass the line and ride again. Man, were people peeved!

8. Sherri Erwin on 25 Jul 2007 at 7:45 am #

   I actually honeymooned in Disney World and now we go back every now and then and it’s a very special place for us. Yes, we’re that cheesy. But hey, look at Karen’s parents! (that’s a great story, Karen!). Obviously, there’s some strong romantic mojo at work in Disney World.

9. SuzyQ on 25 Jul 2007 at 7:47 am #

   I love Disney! It is truly a place where you get to be a kid again, and even still get your picture taken with the characters (Tigger is my fav). I have been to Disneyland twice and Disneyworld several times.

   When I was in high school I was a twirler in the marching band. We were in Florida for a competition and part of our stay we got to march in the parade. I remember being on the bus in the back lot and the Disney person coming on board and giving us the rules. Absolutely no pictures or the camera will be confiscated. Apparently they did not want pictures taken of where the magic takes place. It was so cool to see people rehearsing and the characters walking around in half costume carrying the head under their arm. It was a big production with a countdown and all. Then the gates open and there you are on Main Street. It is something I will never forget.

   KarenH – nice story and I’m glad it worked out for your parents.

10. PJ on 25 Jul 2007 at 8:05 am #

    Oh, Karen that’s a wonderful story!

    My first Disney experience was a trip to Disneyland in 1962 when I was 12. For a small town midwest girl it truly was magical. Fast forward to December, 1971. Disney World was 3 months old. My pregnant mom was put on bed rest so my parents sent me (I was 20) and my three rowdy younger brothers to Florida (from Michigan) for a month. For about 5 days we stayed in an 11th floor suite at the Contemporary Hotel and pretty much had the run of the park. The cost? $38 a night! My how times have changed. lol

    My family moved to Florida a couple years later and for 23 years I went to the Mouse House so many times I’ve lost count. Many attractions (and parks)have been added over the years and some have fallen by the wayside but one thing never changes. No matter how old I get, when I walk through the gates into the Magic Kingdom I immediately transform into an excited, delighted awe-struck 10 year old. I imagine I always will.

11. Susan K on 25 Jul 2007 at 8:22 am #

    I’ve never been to Disney Land but I’ve been to Disney World 3 times. I love it! My favorite park is MGM and my favorite ride is Star Tours. Last time I was there I was sent for work (that’s when I worked for AAA and was a travel agent). We spent the mornings and afternoons in training and touring all the resorts. Then they’d let us loose in the evenings. I really want to go back and see the new Stitch ride. It was under construction the last time I was there. Stitch is my favorite Disney character. I’m trying to convince my fiance that we should honeymoon at Disney World.

12. PJ on 25 Jul 2007 at 8:30 am #

    I love the Soarin ride at Epcot. Amazing!

    Krissy, I remember those A-E tickets. Did you know they are good forever? You can’t actually use them to get on a ride but they have value and can be used toward the price of your pass.

    SuzyQ, isn’t “backstage” fascinating? One of my brothers had a health scare when we were there in ‘71. They took us from the first aid station, through the underground, to the Lake Buena Vista exit where the hospital is. There’s a whole other world down there. It was fascinating! We still thank my brother for “taking one for the team” (grin) so we could see it all.

13. Kasey on 25 Jul 2007 at 8:35 am #

    I’ve never been to any of the Disney Parks. I know….I’m deprived. I would love to go and I am sure I will get there someday.

14. Claudia Dain on 25 Jul 2007 at 8:48 am #

    I grew up in So. Cal. and went to Disneyland at least once a year; I think my parents took me within a few months of the opening of Disneyland–can that be right? Of course, I was a wee little thing and have no memory of it, but Disneyland, and E ticket rides, are a part of who I am. I will *never* stop missing that colored booklet of tickets!

    When we moved to the east coast, DisneyWorld was new and we trekked down there about once every two years. It was so big compared to Disneyland! So much walking!

    Once I had children, back in So. Cal., we’d go to Disneyland as often as possible. It’s like coming home for me to go there, either one, and I love that my kids feel the same way. My daughter went on a road trip with some college friends last spring and they spent a day in Disneyworld, and loved every second of it. I think it was the highlight of their trip.

    And why not? It’s magical.

15. SuzyQ on 25 Jul 2007 at 8:48 am #

    PJ – yes, backstage is like a whole different world and I was lucky to be a part of the show. Also, I was there in December of 71, only I don’t remember that much because I was little. The one thing that is vivid in my mind was the Haunted Mansion ride. I was riding with my dad and when I saw the “ghosts” behind us I closed my eyes shut for the rest of the ride!

16. KMB25 on 25 Jul 2007 at 9:33 am #

    I remember going to DisneyWorld when I was 6–I had my 7th birthday that week! My mom and I had gone down to Florida to visit my grandparents and they took us both to DisneyWorld and Bush Gardens—it was such an incredible time! I remember really loving the train ride that takes you through the park and I remember loving the rides, but the memories are kinda fuzzy now It was kind of a bittersweet time too because I had my 7th birthday with my grandparents and then the next day we got a phone call that my aunt had died from cancer up in Rhode Island.

    I really want to get back to Disney World though—I know my husband really likes amusement parks, so I think that trip will actually happen sometime soon!

    ~Kim

17. Julia London on 25 Jul 2007 at 9:38 am #

    Wow. I think I must be from another planet. I have never been to Disney. I went to Epcot once, about a thousand years ago, on a date. I thought that was cool. Does the count?

    We lived too far from Disney. Our big summer vacation trips were to Six Flags over Texas. And then it was back to picking cotton. That’s all true except for the picking cotton part.

18. Martins on 25 Jul 2007 at 9:42 am #

    De-lurking here! Love the site, love all of your books, and absolutely love Disneyworld. We took our five-year-old for his “pre-kindergarten trip” for a two-week trip to Disneyworld in early May. He’s still wearing one of his “Magic hours” bracelets (yeah, it’s gross, but it’s finally hanging by a plastic thread) and, when he’s sitting still, spends his time reminiscing. “Remember that time we (fill in the Disneyworld blank – teacups, magic carpet ride, pirate adventure)” He’s five, and Disneyworld is responsible for his first taste of nostalgia!

19. Karen Hawkins on 25 Jul 2007 at 10:12 am #

    Julia, hon, walk toward the light! Come into the Magic Of The Mouse!The BEST time to come is Jan or Feb when it’s cool, but not cold, and there are NO LINES. No kiddin’, there are NO LINES during the week. Gotta love that!

    And Martins, welcome to TGB! My kids do the same thing about Disney and one of them is in college and the other getting to the last two years of high school. They looooooved Disney as kids and could remember every ride for YEARS after we went.

20. Suzanne Enoch on 25 Jul 2007 at 10:25 am #

    I’m so glad I’m not the only one who gets all gushy and loses years once I’ve stepped through the front gates.

    There’s a Stitch ride at Disneyworld? There’s one here at California Adventure. I wish we had an Epcot here — it sounds so cool. The Soaring ride here is also at California Adventure (which is literally across the plaza from Disney) — and the Muppet Show, which I LOVE.

    The first time I went on Star Tours, I swear I nearly had a thing that we don’t talk about on today’s family blog — me, in Star Wars. I smiled for days and days.

21. Keri Ford on 25 Jul 2007 at 11:11 am #

    Speaking of Muppets, why don’t they play at on TV any more????? I grew up watching the Muppets. Funny, but I was just ranting about that this morning. (my boy will watch Sesame Street…so I figure..anyway)

    Back to Disney. I went when I was like 7 and don’t remember much. just flickers of the rides in my mind. Tea Cups. Small World. Haunted Mansion. Go carts I wanted to drive but was too little (my sister however, was tall enough..grrr) Some big giant hall with me, my sister and about 400 other kids went running down and chasing Mickey (I think we were there on his birthday cause I remember cake.)

    And that’s about it. Maybe in the next few years I can head back down to Orlando to refresh my memory.

22. zambonigirl on 25 Jul 2007 at 11:14 am #

    Yes, I live close to the Maus Haus. I have let my pass go, but I’m going to renew it in the fall. I love watching the fireworks, and how the Haunted Mansion is turned into The Nightmare Before Christmas at Halloween. I like Downtown Disney with all the shops, and I really enjoy the California Adventure. I like how the Muppet Show theme song is usually playing out in the quad between the parks, and how California Dreamin’ is usually playing outside of Soaring Over Orange County. I like the strange music on the big roller coaster. I love the turtles at the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I have the Tiki Room song on my ipod. When it’s my birthday, I register and let everyone give me good wishes. I buy the churros outside of Cinderella’s Castle, because the other ones don’t taste right. When I was in High School, I would march in the parade and play my French Horn. I could go on forever.

23. zambonigirl on 25 Jul 2007 at 11:19 am #

    Keri-the first season of The Muppet Show is out on DVD, and the second season is being released on August the 7th. You can pre-order at Amazon.

24. RachelG on 25 Jul 2007 at 11:25 am #

    Love love LOVE Pirates of the Caribbean. I could ride that all day.

    My wacky neighbors fly to Disney World several times a year. They drive $500 beater cars, but have a houseful of Mickey Mouse memorabilia. Nothing wrong with Mickey, but I would never spend more on trips to Disney World and Disney memorabilia than I would on a car.

    Rachelg

25. Ronlyn on 25 Jul 2007 at 11:38 am #

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE Disney. Last September we took our 3 year old (then just 2) to Disney Land for the first time and it was sooo fun seeing him enjoy it as much as we do. We’ve promised him we’ll go again when the new baby is 2-3 so only a couple more years before our next trip.
    When I was little I lived in Garden Grove, CA, so we went ALL the time. It was great. And my DH and I honeymooned at Disney World. We’re just kids. LOL

26. Monica on 25 Jul 2007 at 11:41 am #

    My family and I vacationed at the end of May at Disney World. It was hilarious that any ride that you could get the slightest bit wet on that my husband would get soaked. He was so wet at Animal Kingdom after K-Falls that he squeaked. After everyone laughed, we were issued Dream Fast Passes–Awesome! Then he got it again on Splash Mountain the next day. I almost bought the shirt “Dry is not an option.” The best part was getting bumped from our flight home in Memphis and reading Suzanne’s new book while my husband watched basketball in our complimentary hotel room:)

27. Suzanne Enoch on 25 Jul 2007 at 11:48 am #

    Thanks, Monica! *g*

    Yes, zambonigirl, I love going on the Haunted Mansion between Thanksgiving and New Years. They do a great job of decorating it like “Nightmare Before Christmas”. They even have the various song lyrics on long banners so you can sing along while you’re waiting in line.

    And I agree, the best part of going these days is seeing the absolute delight in my nephews’ eyes as they see all these things for the first time. It helps me feel it all over again, too. Of course they’ll be about 40 before their mom lets them go on Haunted Mansion. *g* (I think it still scares her, even though she won’t admit it.)

28. zambonigirl on 25 Jul 2007 at 12:00 pm #

    True story-Brozo’s senior year, my junior year of High School, we played in the band like we always did once a year, and we were allowed to go and play in the park afterwards. The music teacher had to come and find me, because Brozo was being thrown out of the park, and he was my ride home! Why was he being thrown out of the park? Because he and his friends jumped off of Pirates to go walking around on the set. Everybody does it. Brozo was one of the few who got caught. I was so embarrassed. How could he have gotten caught? To save face, he and his friends mooned the security guards when they realized that they weren’t getting away. It helped, but not much. My dad had to come and pick us up. “How could you have gotten caught?” he railed. “We were trying to steal treasure that was glued down!” Brozo hedged. “Then why didn’t you just take something else?” I wanted to know. I have a few pirate coins at home. I wonder if I could sell them on ebay? Authentic! Stolen directly from the ride!

29. Lismore on 25 Jul 2007 at 12:02 pm #

    What a timely post! We are going next week to Disney World.

    Any suggestions on rides, what to do first, etc? We purchased park hopper passes.

    The last time I was at DW and Epcot was 1987. I assume it has changed a lot.

30. Kay on 25 Jul 2007 at 12:07 pm #

    We go to Disney about every other year or so. My kids LOVE it. My youngest child has asthma, so our first stop of the day in a park is the medical area. We drop off his nebulizer & meds, and are ready to hit the park. Every time, there are parents there with seriously or terminally ill children, setting up IV schedules,etc. I can’t leave without being soooooo thankful that my child has a very manageable form of asthma, not cancer or something. BTW, the medical facilities are FREE. At least they have been for us in the past.

    That said, we like Epcot the best. My DH and kids live for the Buzz Lightyear ride. I prefer the Teacups at Magic Kingdom. The fireworks at Epcot are the best I’ve ever seen.

    You guys have got me thinking, it’s been almost three years since we’ve been there. I see a mouse in our future……

31. twolilhahas on 25 Jul 2007 at 12:16 pm #

    I’m feeling really left out here. I live only 3 hours from Disney World, and have never been there.

    Karen, I love the story of your parents getting back together. So sweet.

32. cail on 25 Jul 2007 at 12:31 pm #

    ooo, disney! the first time i went was with my family and grand parents. i think I was 5. Next time was when i was 13 with a bunch of friends. We volunteered a certain number of hours and sold candy to earn our school trip down there.

    i think i went on the Pirates of the Carribean ride maybe 10 times.

    My fav is epcot too. I had fun talking with the people who worked there since they were from whatever country they were representing.

33. colinfirthfan on 25 Jul 2007 at 1:26 pm #

    I love Disney Land/Disney World but hate the lines. Love Fast Pass.

    I want to go to the new Harry Potter theme park.
    

34. Keri Ford on 25 Jul 2007 at 1:34 pm #

    Thanks zambonigirl! I’m fixing to check out amazon right now!

35. foreverdelayed on 25 Jul 2007 at 1:59 pm #

    I love Disneyland. I never went until I was 35 but that that one time was enough to make me an addict. Now that I live in SoCal I have been three more times. My favorite ride is Pirates. Hands down. I am also a big fan of Space Mountain.
    For me it is just a great place to go to forget all the real world troubles. Even my Grandfather who was a well known curmudgeon, loved Disneyland.

36. Emmiebee on 25 Jul 2007 at 2:01 pm #

    Love, love, love the Mouse! My hubby and I had our ten year wedding anivers. trip there- we did the Land and Sea package. We spent three days at Disneyworld, and four days on the Disney Cruise Line. Oh the splurge-yness of it all! I have never been so pampered. The food, the spa, the shows- all were perfect. We went again one year later for a weekend reunion with some college friends, and now my husband had cried-”can we go somewhere else first, please?”. OK, we’ll go to Spain to visit my family this summer (yea!), then Vegas for a conference next year (whoohoo!). THEN we’re Mouse-bound again, as my neice will be almost five years old (wheee!). Maybe Universal Studios will have the Harry Potter Park completed by then!

    -Emmiebee

37. Brandy on 25 Jul 2007 at 2:14 pm #

    I’ve been to Disney World, at least 3 times with a 4th coming up next year. So far the most memorable time was when Daughter turned 6 and we suprised her with tickets to Disney World for her birthday. We made up a special scroll for her to open at her birthday party and it took at least 10 minutes for it to sink in. *g* She adored Disney World and it was great to see it through her eyes. Next year Son turns 6. Guess what we’re doing? *g*

38. Lisa H on 25 Jul 2007 at 2:28 pm #

    We LOVE Disney World! My husband and I have taken our kids 5 times in the last 15 years. (We live in NY)

    I love going to dinner with Cinderella at the Grand Floridian. Very expensive, but the food is great.

    I also love to see the characters. (I pretend I am scoping them out for my children, but its really me who enjoys posing with them)

    I love the Rockin Roller Coaster, it is the greatest ride ever. My eleven year old son and I laughed the whole time we were on it.

    And I LOVE Pirates of the Carribean. Even if its a “pretend” Jack Sparrow in there, he’s the one I love regardless. I enjoy the whole Pirate experience!

39. Ellen Henson on 25 Jul 2007 at 4:07 pm #

    Oh yeah? I spent my honeymoon in Disneyland.

    (Doing my best Mae West voice: “Are you happy to see me or is that Dumbo in your pocket?”)

    Anyway, hubby was in law school so we were taking a small honeymoon in between semesters. I should point out that I got married on August 4th in the year of the Blazing Sun. So there I am on a line for Space Mountain and the sign says “2 hours from this point.”

    Now Gees, (my new nickname for Goddesses) I love Mickey like the rest of you, but he could have been standing on the end of that line naked, handing out hundred dollar bills. (ew on that visual.) It was humid and 110 degrees in the shade, which we all know is non- existent on those lines until you reach the “inner tent line.”

    I did the unthinkable. I got off the line. My new hubby looked at me like I had just giving the finger to the Pope. “It’s Space Mountain, for Gawd’s sake, Ellen! It will be worth it!” It was the perfect time in my marriage to assert my independence, however, there were 500 people standing behind us all nodding and chanting “It’s worth it!” So I mumbled something about sun stroke and got back on that line.

    In that pure moment of self sacrifice I created the mantra of my married life. Any time my husband questions my intentions I just stare him down and say, “Space Mountain, Baby!”

40. MicheleG on 25 Jul 2007 at 6:15 pm #

    I have so many wonderful memories of going to Disneyworld and Land as a child. It was my mother’s favorite place. Unfortunately my mother died when I was fifteen and the trips stopped completely. But after having my own children my husband and I started the same tradition with our kids. In the last six years we’ve been five times and have a sixth trip planned for this next February. I cry every time I go. But it’s a good cry. I feel my mom’s spirit every time I’m there with my kids. I have a family photo of me and my siblings sitting at the Polynesian resort in front of the atrium. I make sure to stop there and take a photo of my family now everytime we go. I have a wall that shows the pictures of me and my mother and siblings there and then now my children and husband and family members there in the last six years. It’s a very special place. And you can’t help but cry during the fireworks show “Wishes” as the Magic Kingdom. All those kids singing. I think I need a kleenex. Lol.

41. Ellen Henson on 25 Jul 2007 at 6:45 pm #

    Sheeesh Gees…I’m feeling like the odd goddess out. I should seek help.

    “Doctor, Help Me…I can’t forget that he’s a rodent…And that voice. It just keeps me awake at night. Is there something I can take?”

    e

42. Suzanne Enoch on 25 Jul 2007 at 6:52 pm #

    LOL, Ellen. That’s the problem I have with the new “Ratatouille” movie. It’s been getting great reviews, but I can’t get past the “It’s a rat in a kitchen, touching the food!” stage.

43. Ellen Henson on 25 Jul 2007 at 6:53 pm #

    By the way…I think it is lovely that so many of us have such fond memories of Disney. It reminds me of the thrill I would feel when the show would come on TV right after “Mutual of Omaha; Wild Kingdom.” Even though we had a black and white TV…I always saw Disney in color (in my mind.)

    I loved the part when Walt would talk to us about the movie and his ideas for amusement parks. Talk about creating a magical place for children young and old.

    Hats off to Walt.

44. DebMarlowe on 25 Jul 2007 at 6:57 pm #

    We took the kids to DisneyWorld last October and had the best time ever! We stayed at the Polynesian, which was amazing. I want to wake up every morning to find someone has trimmed the garden and raked the sand on my private beach!

    I kicked butt on the Buzz ride. My kids LOVED the Everest ride, or the Yeti coaster, as it’s called in my house. My little one had to do an art project on “My Favorite Place” and painted a picture of the Tower of Terror!

    ColinFirthfan: There’s a Harry Potter theme park? Where? That may supplant even Legoland on my kids’ wish list!

45. doglady on 25 Jul 2007 at 8:16 pm #

    Late to the party, but I had to stop by. I have been to DisneyWorld a couple of times. The drive is not bad from Alabama. One of the most memorable trips was when I was in high school. Our orchestra, chorus, and madrigal singers were all invited to participate in a national high school music contest. There were groups there from all over the country and we had a ball. Imagine thousands of high school students doing the hustle as a group at the party and fireworks after the competition. We were rehearsing our director’s arrangement of God Bless America in the parking lot before we went on. We had several Disney staffers as escorts. This was a really stirring rendition and when we finished our Disney coordinator said “Welcome to Disney World, Alabama. That was amazing.” We won the choral competition, but I think that spontaneous reaction was the best part of the trip.My brother’s favorite trip was with my mother, my dad’s sister and my dad’s mom. He was about ten. (con.)

46. doglady on 25 Jul 2007 at 8:20 pm #

    Imagine a ten year old boy with a doting mother, a doting aunt AND a doting Nana to cater to his every whim. Neither my mother nor my aunt would ride the rides, but my then 80 year old Nana did! My brother is 43 years old now, but he still talks about his crazy Nana and the fun they had. They rode Space Mountain three times!! She was fearless to the day she died and she gave me my first typewriter when I was nine and told her I wanted to be a writer. I really want to go back to Disney World because I have not seen Animal Kingdom. My brother took his kids and they loved it. Now, a Harry Potter park? My niece and nephews would DRAG me there!

47. Kay on 25 Jul 2007 at 9:41 pm #

    The Harry Potter park is supposed to open in Orlando in 2009. This is the link I found
    http://media.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/index.htm

    My kids are starting to beg now!

48. twolilhahas on 25 Jul 2007 at 10:50 pm #

    Susan and Ellen, I’m so with you. A rat in the kitchen is just not okay with me. I found myself cringing at all the little rat feet on everything! And I kept thinking about all the rat poo that would absolutely end up in that boy’s hair…I mean, come on, rats are not known for their bathroom discretion! Of course, they aren’t known for their cooking abilities either. Just yuck. Oh, and when I watched it there was someone behind me sniffling and sniffling until I almost lost my mind, and now I’m sick…and I hate him.

49. TinaLouiseF on 31 Jul 2007 at 1:20 am #

    Never been, but on my wish list.

    My brother took his family two years ago. They had a blast.