Mr. Kevin: A Magical Memory

I like to take a photo that’s representative of the story and then write about it… the memories, the feelings evoked from the photo. Here, you can see the joy on MiaMouse’s face as she poses with Mr. Kevin - she’s giddy! And he’s smiling like the saint he was. ;)

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Mia adored Mr. Kevin and followed him everywhere around the ship. He was so patient with her constant questions and giggles and “Mr. Kevin… Mr. Kevin… Mr. Kevin…” and never once showed frustration or that he was too busy to spend time with her.

She’d be bummed when he had to work somewhere other than where she wanted or needed to be and was thrilled to stumble across him at the Mickey Pool when we’d finished eating after our day at Castaway Cay where - of course - she hounded him mercilessly in Scuttle’s Cove.

Mr. Kevin has the patience of Job and I’m so thankful for his care and kindness to our MiaMouse. She’ll never forget her Mr. Kevin and how he treated her. Pure Disney magic!

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What’s your favorite journaling/storytelling method?
- Kimberly

10 Freebies at Disney World Resorts

Everyone appreciates that little treat – that’s sursie, in Southern vernacular – and the resorts of Walt Disney World have more than a few to share. Surprised? Read on –

1. Recipes: Love that macaroni and cheese or sauce or dessert? Don’t be shy, ask your server for the recipe. If they don’t have it handy – and some recipes are so popular they even have pre-made recipe cards for you! – they’ll give you a way to contact the chef.

2. Movies: Every Disney resort offers a free movie and you don’t have to be a Guest of the resort to enjoy it! Some of our favorites are the more elaborate Campfire Sing-a-Long with Chip & Dale at Fort Wilderness where you can even roast marshmallows and make s’mores ($), and the beach right outside Beach Club Resort, or poolside at the Value Resorts, or under Pride Rock at Art of Animation.

3. Resort Activities: Every resort has a schedule of activities for children and families. Be sure to ask for it when you check in!

4. Jogging Trails: Ask the front desk for their jogging trail maps. Each resort or resort family has one and you can enjoy any of the trails no matter where you stay if you have transportation. Best run in my opinion? Epcot Resorts!
   

5. Hidden Mickey Tour: Win a unique trading card if you can find all of the Hidden Mickeys at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s not easy, but it’s a great way to spend a lazy afternoon or a fun rainy day activity.

6. Towel Animals: Did you know the towel animal creations in your room from Mousekeeping are yours to take home? Who knew decorations = souvenirs?!?

7. Hula Lessons: Guests can take free hula lessons at the Polynesian Resort. Just ask the front desk for times!

8. Safari Guides at Animal Kingdom Lodge: Take a walk out to the Savanna Overlook just outside the lobby at Jambo house to chat with safari guides about the animals on the Arusha Savanna. Other guides can be found at the Sunset Balcony Overlook as well.

9. Beer Tasting at The Wave: Saturdays at 3pm you can sample organic and local beers in the Wave Lounge located at the Contemporary Resort – must be 21 or over and space is limited, as is the amount of beer.

10. Cookie Decorating at Wilderness Lodge: Every Wednesday to Saturday at 9am, join the party at Roaring Forks.

    Who says you can’t get something for nothing? Even at Walt Disney World!

5 Quick Money-Saving Tips

• Breakfast is usually the least expensive table-service meal of the day. If you’re using the Disney Dining Plan and have more table-service meals chosen than you have credits, pay for your breakfast table-service meals out-of-pocket. If you’re not on the dining plan, eat table-service for breakfast, then quick-service lunch and dinner. Bonus: You may be able to get reservations for before the Parks open and get great photos of a near-empty Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom!

• Use a Disney Visa. You’ll receive a discount when you use it for most theme park and resort purchases

• Ask for a free cup of ice water at any counter-service location. If you ask for water, you’ll be handed a bottle of Dasani and asked to pay $2.50.

• Bring your own snacks! Trail mix, a box of cereal, microwave popcorn, protein/granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, whatever keeps your family going – I guarantee it’ll be less expensive at home than it will be at Walt Disney World.

• Stop by Castle Couture behind Cinderella Castle and a Cast Member will sprinkle pixie dust in the hair of your little Princess FOR FREE!