If you would like the coding for this graphic,
e-mail me.

This week's theme is

MAGIC KINGDOM

Cinderella's Castle is the "icon" of the Magic Kingdom
and it's no wonder - it towers above all the other attractions in the park
and can be seen from just about anywhere!

Here is a picture of our family of 3 in front of the castle in 1999:

This picture actually went to Vietnam as part of our adoption portfolio.

6 years later, we returned as a family of 4:

In January, we'll get "complete" family pictures,
as we return to Disney as a family of 5!

Though I've often been known to quote EPCOT as my favorite park,
the Magic Kingdom is definitely UP THERE PRETTY HIGH on my Disney list.
Let's face it, what EPCOT has in educational value,
MK has in fun!
There is just so much to see and do, and it really is a kids' dream come true!

Now, I have a question for all you Disney Experts.....in January, we will be travelling with some friends (another couple and their infant daughter).  We have decided that we will take turns with the kids one night during our stay so that both couples can go out on a "date night".  Our friends have already decided that they'd like to see Cirque du Soleil for their special evening.  I would love your feedback and ideas on what you might suggest for Brian and I to do on our date night.  I don't want anything too expensive, and I'd like it to be something that we wouldn't normally do with the kids (in other words, I don't want to do something that the kids would be too jealous of, you know?)  Please share your ideas in the comments section here - who knows?  we might even make it into a contest!

Some business to attend to......Ashley and I sat down today and made a list of topics for next year's Destination Disney.  Someone had suggested "dissecting" the parks, so to speak - so we have broken each of the 4 parks down into their "lands".  We have also added topics like the water parks, favorite "things" at Disney, fireworks & parades, character meals, etc.  We actually came up with 52 topics.  So, the question is this:  Would you like Destination Disney to be a WEEKLY meme for 2009?  Or do you prefer to continue with the bi-weekly meme we've  been doing this year, and carry it out through 2010?  This is YOUR MEME, so I really want your thoughts on this. 
Also, I've been considering changing the day of the meme.  Friday's  are always so busy for us and there are other memes that are happening on Fridays.  Again, I'd love your feedback.  Would you prefer a different day?  If so, which one?  Please leave me comments with your answers, or e-mail me. 

And, just to prove that I'm not the only DISNEY PLANNING FREAK in my family, I am going to leave you with this video of Ian, planning his first Disney trip.  May it be noted that I pre-ordered Birnbaum's 2009 Guide and when it arrived, Ian quickly claimed it as his own.  Well, those of you who share my planning disease might understand that a situation like that was cause for war in my home!  So, I went on Bookmooch and found him his very own Birnbaum's Guide and he's happy as can be!  This boy's got big plans!  (sorry it's so dark and grainy looking, but you get the idea)

Now, please sign the Mr. Linky below with a direct link to your Destination Disney post.  And be sure to stop by and visit all your Destination Disney friends, and invite some new friends to join in. 

Share Your Thoughts

Oct. 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Heidi,
Soo cute!!! You will be busy seeing everything. I am so excited we leave next week. YEAH!!!
Ruth

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Oct. 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

I wouldn't mind a weekly meme on this - and it makes no difference to me on the day of the week either.

We have never "done" Disney alone, except on our Honeymoon, and quite honestly, did not do anything exceptionally out of the ordinary or special then either. So I can't help you with the date night, lol.

Tammy @ http://threedifferentdirections.blogspot.com

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Oct. 17, 2008 - Date Ideas

Posted by billiejean

We just returned from Disney last month - LOVE IT! You should know that there is no such thing as "inexpensive" in Disney's vocabulary so here are my ideas == any of the "good" retaurants in Epcot(Italy, Japan, France), The California Grill on top of the Contemporary (you have to have reservations ahead of time) and you can see the fireworks from there, The Swan Resort has a sushi place called Kimonos which is wonderful(great sushi, great atmoshpere and since it's not part of the Disney dining plan, very quiet), the Dolphin has a restaurant owned by a chef Todd English that is supposed to be great - we cancelled our night there since our little one had a fever. My best reccomendation would also be Cirq de Solei -- we went and it was incredible! My hubby was grumbling beforehand about going, but he loved it! You can get any seat in the house and not have a bad one - almost two hours of solid entertainment that flys by before you know it.

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Oct. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SchoolinRhome

Oh- I can't wait until we take our crew to Disney again! It is such a great place! Love the photos and how your family grows each time!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Yeah- those are Chuck E. Cheese photos but I thought they turned out well and yeah I crawled in to the booth b/c I wanted one with my hubby. We had about 3 pictures of different family members, etc that had to be thrown away where kids weren't looking -or even had their face in the photo- but it was worth it. They are fun and something a little different than an actual photo.
Oh- I am loving the TOS tote bag and my kids LOVE that nativity. It will be out through Christmas b/c I don't think my kids will let me put it away.
Have a great weekend!
SchoolinRhome

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Oct. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

Well, I think we are definitely going. How's that for being sure? We haven't made reservations yet, but probably will tomorrow. We're still checking ticket prices, etc. One reason I'm having a hard time committing is because it's such short notice. My girls are all excited at the probability, though. Sorry I'm not too familiar with anything in the area not involving kids. LOL. I hope you find a fun date night.
Letitia

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Oct. 19, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

The video of Ian picking out things from the Birnbaum book couldn't be any cuter. It was so sweet to see him pointing while saying, "This too! this too!". That is one priceless bit of video you have there.

Your idea of swapping babysitting services with your friends will certainly save you some cash. I think visiting a park without kids that night would be fun and you would already have a ticket for that day, right? My hubby and I cater our Disney days toward the things our kids most enjoy seeing. Visiting the parks without the kids can be an oppurtinity for you and your hubby to finally see some of the things in the parks that you may have skipped with the kids. You could also visit some resorts and walk around its grounds. I think a visit to Sunset Point at the Poly around fireworks time would be fabulous. You could sit on the beach and see the fireworks with music popped in. Visiting the Boardwalk would also be a lot of fun. I wonder if you are you looking for fun or romance.

Sorry I don't have a post about the MK yet. I think I need a pass this week. I am converting my blog over to wordpress. I am going to figure out how to get a side bar going. I will make the MK one up for sure at some point. It is my favorite park. :)

Talk to you soon,
Kristen

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Oct. 20, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by mamaof3

Every week is fine with me - of course; I need to make the time to visit blogs weekly - I get so bad about it...sorry...Chare

PS - Ian is ADORABLE - as USUAL!

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Oct. 21, 2008 - We love WDW!

Posted by Kathy

We've been many times and the boys were too young for me to be comfortable hiring anyone in the park. Now, when we go back the things I want to do the most as adults is first, head to Magic Kingdom and just walk and enjoy all the shops without the distraction of the children. After a few hours, take the boat over to Epcot and just walk and check out all the shops also go on the rides in the restaurants. I want to eat at the Chinese rest so that we can order extra things (due to the cost) but without children - we would be able to order some of our favorites. :) I loved Animal Kingdom and the happiness of it all. I could definitely do Disney alone for an entire week or more. :) Just walking and browsing.. sighhhh.......

Kathy
http://www.kathalog.com

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Oct. 24, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Hi Heidi. I would love for the meme to be weekly. I guess the only day of the week, other than Thurs that I have "open" is Tues. But you are blessing us with hosting this meme, and I leave it all up to you. :) Love your pics of MK!

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Oct. 24, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

That last comment is from me. :) Julie http://funinthesunmom.blogspot.com

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