LTMB: Jeff's Story

Here's a fantastic memory from our friend Jeff about his son Anthony's magical interaction with his favorite friend, Tigger.


"We took our son Anthony on his first visit to the world when he was 3 1/2 years old. We'd worked all summer getting him ready for the big trip to see Mickey and his pals.

Finally, we arrive at the Magic Kingdom! Well, I guess seein' Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy was one thing on television, as cartoon characters, but seeing them in real life was pretty intimidating for a li'l guy who didn't yet come to my waist! He didn't want to have ANYTHING to do with ANY of the characters! No pictures, no autographs, no NOTHIN'! Not even with mom and dad between him and the character! But we didn't push it. No need to make the happiest place on Earth the most FRIGHTENING to a toddler!

Came time for the afternoon parade, Mickey Mania, at the time. We get a very good seat RIGHT on the curb in front of Town Hall, and wait for the excitement to come up Main Street, U.S.A. Susie and I are loving it, all the colorful floats, characters, and cast members singing and dancing along the parade route. Anthony? Eh, no biggie....

No biggie, that is, until the float with Winnie the Pooh and HIS friends came by. Pooh and pals had always been Anthony's favorite, I guess because we had decorated his room with them, and he had the entire plush family of characters. Well, as the float passed, there, hanging off the back of the float, was Anthony's BESTEST buddy, Tigger. Anthony perked right up at the sight of him, and, for the first time, actually got EXCITED at the sight of a character. He JUMPED up off my lap, and shouted "HEY YOU TIGGER! WHAT ARE YOU DOIN' UP THERE???" Now...I don't know if it was just coincidence, or if Tigger actually heard that little three year old voice, but right at that second, Tigger pointed right AT Anthony and waved a big ol' wave! That was all it took. Anthony's little eyes got as BIG as saucers, and he fell back into my lap laughing. He turned around to me and said "Tigger waved at ME, dad! He waved at ME!" "He sure did, buddy!" was about all I could choke out!

After that, we couldn't pry the Boy away from the characters...he was just fine with them...and even now, 12 years later, he loves 'em just as much."

Now if that doesn't bring a tear to your eye, there's something wrong with ya! Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful memory, Jeff!

Keep them coming, Mousekateers!

What A Week!

Hello again Mousekateers!

First off, I wanted to thank everyone for all of the fantastic support and feedback about my previous post and about the blog in general. I'm really enjoying having a fun place to come and post about the things I love and I'm really happy to hear that you're enjoying it, too. Please keep the suggestions and comments coming!

Second, I wanted to give a brief recap in the amazing past week that Disney had! On January 18th, Disney Parks CEO Eric Jacobson held a press conference to announce the new and exciting changes to much anticipated Fantasyland expansion. In this awesome video posted by the great people at Inside the Magic, we hear a little more about some of the changes that have been made as well as seeing some of the stunning new concept art. Take a look!



What do you think? Personally, I almost jumping out of my skin with excitement for the Be Our Guest dining experience. I was first sucked into the Disney magic when I was sitting in the movie theater in 1991 with my parents seeing Beauty and the Beast for the first time. I remember the specific scene that did it. It's the ballroom scene where Belle and the Beast are dancing. He spins her around to reveal the large, beautiful windows with the stars twinkling in the navy blue sky. It took my breath away. I specifically remember thinking it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in a movie. Every single time I see that scene, I cry. I'm still filled with all of the wonder and excitement that I was back in 1991. To me, that IS Disney magic. I'm so excited to get to sit in that ballroom with my husband and see what new magic will be coming our way!

This week also saw the maiden voyage of the brand new Disney Dream cruise ship. The inaugural trip took special guests from Port Canaveral to Castaway Cay for a 2-Night cruise to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida. I think one of my favorite things Disney did with this, is allowing families served by the Boys and Girls Clubs to be the ship's main guests. Sure, stars and members of the media were invited along, but the cruise was really centered around the families. It's great to see!

Speaking of "sea" (wink, wink), check out this on-board video of the interior of the new Disney Dream.




Finally, the newest incarnation of Cinderella's Castle for the Magic Kingdom's 40th Anniversary was unveiled this week. Guest photos will be projected onto the castle each night. Here's just a taste of what's coming our way in 2011!



It's been a busy week. What's your favorite? What new changes are you looking forward to seeing in 2011? Share yours here!

PS- GO PACK GO!!!