Mouse Fest 101 and Kickoff Party

I have had a busy weekend! I am sure that many of you out there know about Mouse Fest which is a gathering of Disney fans from all over the world. For five days we all get together and do various things in the park. Norwood and I went to Mouse Fest for the first time this year. All this week I will be sharing our impressions what events we had a chance to participate in and a little about some of the people we met. The first land event was Mouse Fest 101 and the Kickoff ceremony.



At Mouse Fest 101 event Mike Scopa (All Ears) and Mark Goldhaber (Mouse Planet) talked all of the new comers through the event and gave our tips on how we could effectively enjoy the many events that were offered. It was a great place to ask questions if you had any about the event and it was also a place to gather any missing or lost Mouse Fest supplies (like the nifty little pocket guide). After the presentation we all then had a chance to meet each other and some of the folks that would be hosting events during our five days of celebrations. Some of the crowd favorites were Deb Wills from All Ears and Dave Marx from Passporter. Norwood and I were amazed at the turn out of all first time Mouse Festers. We met a few people and a big time celebrity…



Mickey! For many of my daily readers you know that a trip to Disney for us is more than just a walk around the world a concert or exploring the African wilderness. It is often a search for good coffee. While our time at Mouse Fest 101 and Mouse Fest Kick Off was no different. After Mouse Fest 101 Norwood and I searched the Contemporary for the often sought after cup of coffee. Right when you enter the Contemporary resort (from the convention center walkway) there is a little coffee shop that makes good coffee. A little tip for coffee hounds such as myself… look for an espresso maker… often times if there is one present you can have them make an Americano which will offer the bold flavor (or close to it) some of us love. With a place to get good coffee in our sights we suddenly noticed a small line forming near the entrance. Peeking around the shoulders of others I noticed the man of the hour Mickey Mouse! Decked out in his best attire he was available for hugs and pictures, so naturally Norwood and I stood in line. While it is not the best shot (my silly eyes are closed) it is a keeper and it is the first picture I have with Mickey Mouse!

Although it rained like a hurricane was in town it was a great day. Tomorrow I will tell you more about our Mouse Fest experience.