Mickey ice cream sandwiches

This is Ruby’s first experience with a Mickey Mouse ice cream sandwich. She didn’t want our help, but she didn’t really want her hands to get sticky either. In the end, we sat on the bench and shared this delicious treat before taking our first ever ride on the Liberty Belle.

*Mickey Mouse himself has more than 290 different sets of duds, ranging from a scuba suit to a tuxedo. Minnie Mouse’s wardrobe contains more than 200 outfits, including everything from a cheerleader ensemble to evening gowns.*

Who knew Mickey had such a sense of style! Can you imagine having 290 sets of clothes? That would be AWESOME. I have tried to think about all the times I've seen Mickey in person, mickey in movies, mickey in pictures and I think I've only seen maybe 20 or 30 of his 290 outfits. I think my favorite is the formal wear outfit. Mickey looks like royalty in his tuxedo.

How many different outfits have you seen Mickey in? Which one is your favorite?

It's a small world after all...

This ride is probably one of the most famous in the world. Everyone knows the song. Grown ups tire of its repetitiveness quicky, and young children sing it for hours. What is it about these dolls and this music that constantly draws us back through the tunnel?

*62,000 are employed at the Walt Disney World Resort. That’s how many people it takes to create the magic at the Vacation Kingdom. Not surprisingly, Walt Disney World Resort is the largest single-site employer in the United States.*

It takes a log of people to make magic happen. If you've been to Disney before, think about how everything is handled in an almost seamless way. The way rides are loaded, crowds are moved through the parks, and cast members taking time to talk to you as you make your way down main street.

Disney's goal isn't to be the largest employer in the United States. Their goal is to provide the best possible experience for everyone who enters the gate.

If you're getting ready to go to Disney for the first time, you should be excited that Disney has so many cast members waiting to greet you. Do you have a favorite cast member experience?

Rope Drop at Hollywood Studios

Once upon a time, before the park opened, a magical show, known as the Rope drop, happened at Hollywood Studios.  It occurred about 15 minutes before the park opening. Some cast members would come out in character and interact with the crowd.  It was fun to watch, and even more fun to be a participant.

I'm sure these players can now be found up and down the streets throughout the day, like all the other players. Or maybe, Rope Drop will come back, who knows?  Either way, there's more to do at Hollywood Studios than just Toy Story Mania! (Did I really just say that?)

*Most guests walk an average of 8-10 miles a day when on vacation at Walt Disney World.*

If you're going to Disney for more than one day, those miles will start to add up fast. Going for 5 days--you'll want an average of 45 miles. As part of trip preparation for my family, I try to get everyone out walking a little each day.

Personally, I love wearing Crocs in the parks. If not, I'll take tennis shoes. Do you have footwear you cannot live without when you visit the parks? Do you have any stories about shoes that WILL NOT WORK in the park?

Festival of the Lion King

Tucked away in Camp Minnie Mickey is a terrific show, one we consider a can't miss!  Set in a circular stage area, cast members interact with the audience and everyone is part of the show. The cast members dance, sing, and do various levels of gymnastics during a fast pasted, exciting performance. It's a great show for people of all ages, not just for little ones. It often gets overlooked by adults because of its location, next to the character greetings.  As I said, it's a terrific show that we always try to attend, regardless of the ages of the people we're with at Disney!

*Covering 40 square miles, Walt Disney World Resort is about the size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands. Of the more than 25,000 acres, less than 35 percent has been developed with a quarter designated as a wilderness preserve.*

Size Matters. Walt Disney World being so big attributes a lot to the magic. Once you enter property, you are surrounded by people just like you. You're cut off from the regular world, and you're living in the Disney experience.

That is one of the single greatest benefits of staying on property. You are truly on vacation from the outside world. Disney takes care of every detail, from getting your stuff to your room to driving you anywhere you want to go. If you forgot something, stop by guest relations or the resort gift shop and they're sure to have what you need.

Donald Duck!

A little time with Donald? Sounds like a great way to spend the afternoon. Donald was hanging out not too far from the Mexico Pavilion, with no line. We had a great time getting a little extra time with one of Ruby's favorite characters. She told us he was wearing a funny hat. Her dad, always the teacher, tried to explain to her that it was called a sombrero. All she cared about was that she was getting extra time with Donald because there was no one lining up behind us. The world showcase is a great place to see lots of characters. Several of the princesses make appearances near their home countries. It's worth checking the times guide to see who you can meet!