One More Disney Day--Big Deal or Big Letdown?

I'm not sure if it was an error in planning or if Disney meant for it to happen this way, but the big announcement during "New Year's Rockin' Eve" at precisely 11:00 p.m. was, in most cases, pre-empted by that local news. Still the website Disney set up as a countdown spilled the beans to those of us who were watching the 'net. Now that we've heard the big announcement, it's up to us to decide: is this going to be a big deal...or is it really just a big letdown?

Rumors were right on target in regard to the Parks staying open 24-hours for Leap Day 2012. In addition, fans can enter to win a free Disney vacation every day from January 1 through February 29, 2012. Finally, Disney is offering what is essentially a "buy 3, get one free" deal for travel dates between Feb. 26 and March 10.

You can read the full details of "One More Disney Day" here, and judge for yourself how significant you think this promotion will be for 2012.

Wednesdays with Walt

Music has always had a prominent part in all of our products from the early cartoon days. I have had no formal musical training. Credit for the memorable songs and scores must, of course, go to the brilliant composers and musicians who have been associated with me through the years. – Walt Disney

Countdown to One More Disney Day

You've probably heard by now that Disney plans to make a big surprise announcement on New Year's Eve, during the live broadcast of "Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve." This announcement, of course, is in regard to the 2012 theme (or, more appropriately, marketing push) for all the Disney Parks: "One More Disney Day." Much speculation has gone into this announcement--with particular focus around the fact that 2012 is a Leap Year--but we'll all have to wait until Saturday night to get the details. 

If you're filled with anticipation, you can visit the countdown page on Disney's website to learn exactly how long you'll have to wait for the news.  There's a video you can watch that may offer a few clues (mostly, a lot of clock shots). According to the page, in 2012 Disney will do something they've never done before (so fans hoping for a free day on their birthday or something similar will likely be disappointed). Any guesses to what it will be?

Extra 15% Off Sale Items at DisneyStore.com

DisneyStore.com is having it's "Twice Upon a Year" sale, but for the next two days (12/26 and 12/27), you will get an extra 15% off sale items with the promo code SALE15. I'm going to shop a little this morning to see if there's anything I just have to have, since one of my Christmas gifts was a $100 Disney gift card (that can be used in the Parks, Resorts, or on merchandise), which included a $10 Disney Store gift card. So, I have at least $10 to spend, and maybe up to $110 if I want! (But, let's face it, I'm probably going to save that $100 so that I can go to WDW sooner!)

Hidden Mickey Monday

I trust everyone had a Merry Christmas! We made these gingerbread beignets last week as part of our family celebration...but they didn't turn out quite right (faulty yeast, I think). Boo. Still, they looked kinda cute, don't ya think?

Friday Photo

OK, this actually has nothing to do with Disney (except that we're a Disney-loving family!), but I thought I would share our family Christmas photo with my readers...sort of a virtual Christmas card. I think you can see from the photo that my youngest daughter is the family comedian. Merry Christmas from Scott, Valerie (that's me!), Reagan, and Presley!

Thursday's Tip

As much as I try to pause during this time of year and contemplate the true meaning and reality of Christmas--that God Himself came to Earth as an infant, to grow and mature just like we do, in order to face a cruel death on the Cross...all of this for the purpose of making us holy and acceptable to God, worthy to be called His children--I still get caught up in the commercialism. I still get trapped into the lie that I need to buy this or that for this person or that person...the lie that somehow I will have committed the unpardonable sin if my child doesn't get the specific color or some luxury electronics item that she wants.

So, please indulge me if this Thursday's Tip waxes a bit poetic: Stop. Stop the madness and commercialism. Stop for just a moment this Christmas season to celebrate, to be thankful, to remember what's important. For some, this will take the form of buying a few less gifts and instead sharing a few more laughs and hugs. For others, it may mean turning down a few invitations--because sometimes invitations feel like obligations. Or for you, it may just mean being more thoughtful about each celebration...remembering why we do all this.

I'm a Disney fan. There aren't many things I enjoy more than spending time at Walt Disney World with my family. And our holiday will be filled with its share of "Disney Magic" as we enjoy our Disney-themed tree ornaments, bake cookies with our Disney cookie-cutters, and our children open several Disney-related gifts. But I don't worship at the Church of Disney, and Mickey Mouse isn't my savior. There is only One person who has that distinction: Jesus Christ. I pray that all my readers experience the joy and meaning that comes from knowing Him this Christmas!

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

How many Gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that has torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only One did that for me.

("How Many Kings" by Downhere)