Can I Pack Already? What Should I Take?

This is what it looks like when I pack (via FDP.net)

I've been counting down since December for our trip and now we're 14 days away- but that makes me need to ask the question- when is the time to start packing? And what should you take?

Considering that Losson & I aren't having to pack for anyone but ourselves, that definitely helps, though since we aren't quite married yet (not for a while), we won't be packing things together.  We have both worked on to bring lists (okay, I was making lists in January) and since we are driving down, we get the chance to take all the things we want- including food things for breakfast and snacks.

Losson and I are Disneybounding some of the days (moreso myself really) and he's been packing his specific outfits in his head for three weeks now. I've barely gotten started. It may be time to get packing.

Check it all out at WDW Prep School

I did find a great source from Shannon over at WDW Prep School , who listed a very detailed packing list that could be quite helpful in packing, so perhaps that'll help myself & also some of you other Disney parks fans, so make sure to check the site out.


How far out do you guys pack? Are you lucky enough to keep the bags packed all the time? Do you have any hints or tips? Share it with us!

-Jenny

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train...Overrated Already?

So, this may be an unpopular way to start off a blog full of Disney love and I want to make sure everyone knows- I love this place. Oh so much, I sure do.  But this media strategy of promoting the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is just overkill. 

 

The ride was announced on the Disney Parks Blog, source of all things official and Disney Parks (also a step behind the disboards and other great sites online, much of the time) on January 18, 2011. It is currently May 13, 2014. This attraction opens officially on May 28th, 2014.

Photo from Disney Parks Blog

Now, why is this ride already overrated for me? Well, beginning April 1, this lovely pr machine that is Disney Parks Blog started covering the new ride almost daily- and for the bulk of the first month, it was seemingly the same photos and cgi video repeatedly.  

Disney held a dedication of the attraction and media event in the beginning of May, being very careful to limit how much exposure the ride would get on the internet or other mediums by putting a limit on what could and could not be filmed/photographed, according to Pete at the lovely Dis Unplugged podcast, who was at the event. It is understandable that Disney does not want all kinds of photos and ride throughs posted of the new ride, especially as it will cap off the work in New Fantasyland, but enough is enough.  Generally, a day or two after a media event, the ride will officially open, but not so much here. 

I've daily been getting text alerts from twitter to my phone about the upcoming Seven Dwarfs Mine Train from the Parks blog, they've been posting pictures and trying to make cute puns to make the ride more appealing to folks. Well, I'm over it.

And the best part of being over it? We arrive to the resort for our trip the day after it opens. They've just already completely burned me out.

I'm sure it will be a pretty rad experience when I get to ride it in a few years (unless a fast pass without stressing over it come up), but I've got better things to do than give Disney the satisfaction of their oversaturation of the media working.   There's just something not right about doing a media event & dedication but not opening the ride til literally a month later. 
 

And I would like to end by just stating once again, I very rarely have much issue with anything that Disney does in the parks, but this is just annoying. I know it may not be a popular opinion, but it is out there, I'm sure.  

All I'm hoping is the Mine Train makes the line for Anna & Elsa shorter!

 

(Time Lapse Video of the construction of the 7DMT, from Disney Parks Blog)

Now Introducing...Me!

I'm Jenny & I am an utter Disney nerd. I love pretty much all aspects of the theme parks & the company & have come to the conclusion I need an outlet for this love.

That's me Disneybounding. Of course.

During the day & school year I am a teacher and just finished up my masters degree in special education (you can see some of my research & reflections working with and learning about students on the autism spectrum on my other new blog, Learning the Spectrum).  When not working, I love Pinterest and have a tendency to really focus on Disney topics on some of my boards over there. Feel free to come over & browse & play, too. I love finding new good Disney pins & sharing the secrets with others.

          

After reading and seeing so many pins-some great, some just, well, eh, I've decided to throw my hat into the ring. I've been down to Walt Disney World a total of 4 times and am near the end stages of planning a fifth trip in 16 days (not that I'm counting...).  For this trip, my guy, Losson, and I have done some (pretty much) commando tour planning but then have also decided that may not be the way to go with the new Fastpass+ system. We'll see what works out the best when we get there..... see, there's a review post coming up after the trip for sure! I know we'll have lots to discuss here on WDW Mouse Memories- I am hopeful to share my scrapbook pages upon arrival back home, opinions on things going on in the parks/company & maybe even inspire something for the Disney Company to do in the future (Peoplemover back in Disneyland? I've never been yet but yes please!).  It should be a fun adventure to say the least! 

Look at all those extinct Disneyland attractions...

        
So, here it is- access to all the Disney stuff floating around in my mind. I've got to get it down on paper (or atleast a blog) & hopefully some of you folks will find it beneficial or atleast somewhat entertaining. Let me know if you have any questions or comments & I'll do what I can to answer them or atleast respond in a sensible time frame.

Thanks so much for reading & getting to know me- I can't wait to explore this great big beautiful tomorrow with all of you guys following along!!!

-Jenny