The Magic is Back...And so is Mickey!

Well, not only did I get to attend the pre-opening of the new Mall of America Disney Store, but I also was lucky enough to go to the character visit! Every 15 minutes, they alternated between photo opportunities with Mickey and Minnie. The Cast Members gave specific instructions about one photo per family and how to keep the line moving, but of course, no one paid attention.

Personally, I didn't mind which Mouse with whom I would take a picture, because I was going to use it as one of my Christmas card pictures. As the 15 minutes ticked away, I saw Minnie Mouse approaching. But a Cast Member said to me as I was waiting, "Who would you prefer your picture with Mickey or Minnie?", and I said, "It doesn't matter, because I'm just happy to be here and get my picture with a Disney character!" She said, "Well, let's get you with Mickey," so they had Minnie wait to have Mickey take one last picture with me!

(This is my background and screen saver on my iPhone)

Key to the (Magic) Kingdom

After many months of our only Disney Store being closed in Minnesota, the day had come for it to be reopened. However, due to some special connections, I was able to get a special invite (along with many other frequent shoppers) to the pre-opening celebration.

 I really like the new design, but what I really want is behind the cash wrap and not for sale.

While I did some shopping, I didn't clean out the new store. They still don't have enough for adults!!!

Life is a Highway

One of the upsides of the D23 Expo August 19-21, 2011, is that we were able to see a preview of what is to come for the new Cars Land opening in 2012. But in the meantime, I was able to pose (and don't I always strike a pose?) with two of Cars Lands' main inhabitants, Mater and Lightning McQueen. As you can tell, "I'm happier 'n a tornado in a trailer park!"

Ka-chow!

What a Woody! (And Jessie!)

Toys will be toys, and it's time to play with our favorite pals, Woody and Jessie!

What a (California) Adventure!

Today was a Theme Park day after all the D23 nightmares festivities. It was a gorgeous day in California, so time for an adventure in Disney's California Adventure. I'm smiling now, because later that evening, I'd get to see World of Color for the second time!

Rehab - Not the One in Vegas

Dang it! I came all the way from Minnesota to ride the Matterhorn! Not really, but I always heard that when I worked at Disneyland at the end of the day. I wanted to say, "The Park's been open for 12 hours. What have you been doing?", but of course a Disney Cast Member can't say that.

Oh well. Next time!

He Talks!

Not me. We all know I can. But you imagine my surprise when I met my childhood pal and he actually talked with me?!?

I walked up behind Mickey and startled him. You would have thought he saw a mouse! Anyway, turn up the volume to hear our brief interaction. It made the trip worthwhile!