I'm not the real Gossip Cop. I'm more like a Magic 8-Ball.

One thing that's constant is that there are TONS of rumors about Disney out there.  Just like anything else, someone hears from their friend's brother's uncle's ex-wife who is a Disney bus driver ... so it MUST be true!

Props where they're due ... this post was inspired by my friend TinkerKell and her mention of the Test Track rumor.

Here's some current rumors, and my knowledge about their status.

Rumor:  Disney will be controlling their drink fountains and refillable mugs.  No more re-using your old mugs.
Status: TRUE.

As discussed on just about every Disney site and blog earlier this week, the heyday of free soda for all is just about over.  Disney is currently testing RFID-enhanced mugs at All Star Sports Resort.  This process has a long push-handle under the soda dispenser, and an RFID chip in the refillable mug.  It dispenses soda ONLY if a mug or cup purchased at an appropriate time is used. 

This is both a blessing and a curse.  For those of us hardcore rule abiders, I say GOOD.  If I'm paying $15 for another mug every time I go, then everyone should.  No more of this soda theft!

Rumor: The monorails will not work anymore.  They're closing.
Status: NOT EXACTLY.

Disney has announced on their official blog that monorails will now stop running one hour after regular park closing. This means that if you are an extra magic hours type of person ... you'll have to take a bus, or a boat, or some other means of transportation back to your resort.  There is much debate about the rationale for this move ... some say it's cost cutting, some say it's maintenance ... but the bottom line is that you'll need to carefully plan transportation if you're staying after EMH.

Rumor: Brazil will be the next country added to Epcot's World Showcase.
Status:  MAYBE.

Disney has always had a pretty cozy relationship with the (in)famous Brazilian Tour Groups.  Whether you've been around them, seen them in line around you, or have run the other way when you hear them cheering ... they're a factor at Disney.  Brazilian culture is complex, beautiful, and FUN.  So this makes a great addition to the WS, if they do it.

Watch the D23 Expo ... I bet you'll see some big reveals!

Check it out ...

My Christmas In July offer is going strong.  Check out the new ad ... more "cute" than you can handle.

I love making magical memories for families.  Won't you let me help you with yours?  Contact me TODAY ... hilary at mouseketrips dot com

It's Christmas ... in July.

I'm so very pleased to announce my Christmas in July promotion.

Book any Disney vacation in July with me, and get a FREE resort credit to spend on anything you'd like.  If you stay in a value-level resort (in a good neighbor resort at Disneyland), get $20 credit.  Choose a moderate-level resort (or Disneyland Hotel / Paradise Pier at Disneyland), get a $30 credit.  Stay Deluxe or Deluxe Villa (or Grand Californian at Disneyland), get a $40 credit.  Add a meal plan and add $10 to your credit amount.

Contact me today to get started - packages only require a $200 discount, and full payment doesn't have to be made until 45 days before traveling.

Email: hilary@mouseketrips.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/luvsthemousetravel

Shhh ... it's a secret.

ZOMG It's Totally A Disney Day!

So, last night, I finished my College of Disney Knowledge training.  That's right ... I am now officially ready and able to book ANY Disney-related travel for you!  Just drop me an E-mail (hilary at mouseketrips dot com) and we'll get your vacation started. 

AND THEN, this morning?  My friend Kristen over at Cooking With Mickey managed to get her hands on the menu for my two most anticipated Food and Wine Festival booths ... Hawaii and Caribbean.  To say that I SQUEE'd when I read that post is an understatement.  Seriously - Dragon Berry Colada?  Tuna Poke?  Lotus Root Chips?  The foodie in me is rejoicing!  And even better - The Panda will be with me to shepherd the kiddies around and to ensure that I ride the Tron-O-Rail back to the right resort.  ***hiccup***

And then ... it gets better.  Disney has now released the rooms and suites at Disney's Art of Animation Resort for booking, starting October 4, 2012.  AND, you can start booking the new Royal Suites at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort during January, 2012. 

Seriously.  I might explode from all the mousey fabulousness that abounds today.

Let's Get It Started In Here ...

So, I'm all official now.
You can email me at hilary@mouseketrips.com for all of your Disney travel needs.  I can't wait to help make your next trip a magical memory!

Also ... see that handy-dandy little box over there that says "Get Emails From LuvsTheMouse"?  Yeah.  Put your email in the hole, and get an email update from me every month ... chock full of Disney tips, discounts, and hot deals.  I promise to keep your address secret and will NEVER EVER sell it or share it with anyone. Pinky swear.

Hope to hear from you soon!  I can't wait to share all of this excitement with you. 

How many more days, my-mommy?

So my daughter's a Disney junkie.  This should not shock you.

But she's been asking "my-mommy, how many more days till MICKEY WAFFLES?"

Yes, my daughter is a Mickey Waffle junkie.  Every morning, it's gotta be Mickey Waffles.  Now, sometimes I can talk her into some eggs, or maybe even some Tonga Toast.  But if she had it her way, it would be all Mickey Waffles, all the time.  Silly kid.

Now, for those folks that are gluten free, never fear.  Just talk to the chef at your resort or at the restaurant where you dine.  They likely have some gluten free mix that they can use to make these tasty treats.  Just ask!

And to answer her question ... just 107 more days till Mickey Waffles.

A drive-by nerding.

Hiya LuvsTheMouseketeers!  I hope this summer-kickoff heat wave finds you well.  I've been spending a great deal of my time working toward the launch of LuvsTheMouse LLC.  On top of planning for our big "Grand Opening", I am working feverishly on finishing my 2011 trip album. 

For all you nerdy-girls (and boys) out there ... check it out.  Here are my QR codes.  One's for the blog, and one's for the Facebook page.  :)

X-Men: First Class

Let me preface this post with my giddy gleeful squee-ing about how Marvel is now part of the Disney family.  See, as a soon-to-be-travel agent selling Disney exclusively, I am invested in the company's long-term plans and diversification efforts.  Of course, it's imperative that I not only know the product I sell, but the company itself.

And really ... I'm just a nerdy comic book girl underneath it all.  So there's that.

Anyhow, I simply adore the "X-Men" franchise.  Now, I know that some fanboys (and girls) have gotten rather salty that the movies aren't true to the comic books.  But I think that the movies are good, and well done.  And I certainly wouldn't throw Hugh Jackman out of bed for eating crackers.

My Panda and I are kid-free until Tuesday (my daughter's with her dad's family, and my stepdaughter's with my dad and his fabulous wife).  So we judiciously used our "freedom" to go see "X-Men: First Class" on Friday night.  Now, we rarely venture into the theater on opening day.  But for this movie, I was willing to make an exception.  And I was NOT disappointed.

Aside from a great (and profanely hilarious) cameo from Wolverine himself, a few more of favorite actors were in the movie.  Edi Gathegi (also known as the fabulously creepy nomadic vampire Laurent from Twilight / New Moon), James McEvoy (one of my tasty crushes), and January Jones were all present.  And of course, I was really excited to see Jennifer Lawrence - she's slated to play Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games movie! 

At any rate, if you are looking for a good movie - not just a good ACTION movie, but a good all-around movie - go see X-Men: First Class.  The plot was great, the acting was great ... and of course, any excuse to see Kevin Bacon play a villain is welcome. 

Let the countdown begin ...

Hiya, LuvsTheMouseketeers!  I am so excited that I can barely contain myself. 

I'm getting together my "launch" plan for the travel agency.  I have a lot of great things planned, so make sure that you "LIKE" me on Facebook.  Click the image below to be taken there ...