Book Review: Every Guest a Hero

I'm super excited today to bring you the first book review on the Most Delightful Place!

I received a copy of Adam Berger's book, Every Guest A Hero - Disney's Theme Parks and the Magic of Mythic Storytelling, and from the onset I knew it would be a cool and very interesting read. I love "behind the scenes" information and learning more about my favorite places, and when you combine that with Disney? It's just awesome.

Adam is President and Senior Show Writer at Berger Creative Associates, Inc, based in Orlando. He's an attraction designer and show writer whose credits include projects for Dollywood, Disney Event Productions, Kennedy Space Center, Paramount Parks, and many more.

If you've been to a Disney theme park, you know the importance of storytelling and how it impacts every decision that was made in the construction of the attractions and the creation of the parks. Nothing has been done by accident, or "just happened that way." There is a story behind every single aspect of the experience. If you're a person who would love to learn more about that rich history of storytelling at the Disney parks, this book is definitely for you.

In Every Guest A Hero, Adam invites you to use the book to "embark on your adventure through the world of Disney's mythic storytelling". He outlines the concept of the Hero's Journey, and how that concept permeates nearly every story out there.  Adam outlines the common elements of the Hero's Journey, and then shows you how those elements combine at Disney attractions to create rich stories and truly immersive experiences.

I was super impressed with Adam's level of detail, and just how deep he goes into the narrative and explanations of the the Hero's Journey concepts, as well as the Attraction Case Studies (which you can read in Part II). As the Haunted Mansion is in my Top 3 favorite theme park attractions, my personal favorite chapter was "Tomb It May Concern - Haunted Mansion." Having been on the ride at least 30 times, I felt like I had a pretty good handle on the story telling behind the attraction, but after having read Adam's take on it, I can't wait to ride again with the lens of his ideas and thoughts. Super interesting, AND very thought provoking.

I'm very glad I was introduced to Adam's book, and I hope you buy a copy for yourself. If you're at all a fan of the Disney theme parks and attractions, this book will blow your mind and give you some great food for thought the next time you're at the parks. I'm taking it with me on my Disney Cruise in a few weeks, so I can read it AGAIN because I want to make sure I didn't miss anything! I know you'll love it, so please do Adam a solid and pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. (Click here to buy on Amazon!)

Thank you, Adam for the opportunity to read your great work, and to share it with my readers!

Have a magical day, everyone!

I was provided with a complimentary copy of Every Guest A Hero for this review; all opinions are my own.

SO excited - Disneyland, here I come!!

I have my Disney bucket list - Disney parks and experiences around the world that I want to cross off my travel list. In June, I'll be able to cross one of those items off the list!

I'm headed to Disneyland, baby!!

Over Christmas, my cousin and her husband asked if I'd like to go to Disneyland with their family, and of course I said YES! We've been talking dates the last few weeks, and it's now decided and in the books.

I will be arriving in California on Saturday morning, May 30th, and departing on Wednesday, June 3rd. My cousin's family arrives Sunday night, so I'll have about a day and a half on my own to explore and soak it all in. Which is probably for the best, as I'll be stopping approximately every 11 seconds to take pictures and video.

There are SO many reasons I'm excited about this trip. Of course, it goes without saying I'm super excited to spend time with my cousin, and her ADORABLE kids. Kim and I are only 6 weeks apart in age and so we've always been very close. We went to Disney World together during a winter break in college, but haven't vacationed together since so this will be super fun.

In no particular order, here's what else I can't wait to experience in just a few months:

* I'll be walking where Walt walked, and riding attractions that he touched/had a part in creating.

Walt died before Disney World was completed, so although he had a hand in the location, some attractions, etc - he wasn't alive to see opening day, nor did he walk in the park. With Disneyland, I'll literally be walking in his footsteps which is incredibly exciting for me.

In addition, there are so many attractions that he had a hand in creating from the very beginning, so it'll be awesome to ride them and think, "Walt rode this years ago." Pretty cool stuff, I think.

* I'm excited for a brand-new Disney experience.

I've been fortunate to visit Disney World often over the last 15 years, and have sailed on all four Disney Cruise Line ships. I don't often have a brand-new Disney experience but will with Disneyland, which is VERY cool for me.

* There are so many similarities AND differences between Disneyland and Disney World; I can't wait to see those for myself.

There are many attractions and landmarks in both parks, but they're different at each, and I am looking forward to seeing those similarities AND differences.

* I'm staying SO CLOSE to the park entrance.

For this trip I'll be stayed at Disney's Grand Californian, one of their three on-site resort properties. Not only does it look like a super cool place...you can literally walk out the hotel door and RIGHT into Disney's California Adventure. This is something you can't do at Walt Disney World; many resorts there are very close to the parks (Grand Floridian, for example, is a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom) but none in Florida offer such close access. Pretty sweet, huh?

As always, I'll be live-posting on social media, AND I'm also thinking about doing some live videos while I'm there. Would you guys be interested in that?

I can't wait to share this new adventure with you all!

Have a magical day!

Sunday with Friends - Penny Pettigrew

Happy Sunday, everyone! Hope you're all having a great weekend so far. Since it's Sunday, you know what that means: Sunday with Friends!

So without further ado, here is our next Friend - Penny Pettigrew.

* Hi, Penny! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a Rocket Scientist for NASA currently supporting the International Space Station as a Payloads Communications Manager (PAYCOM) which really means I get to talk to the astronauts living and working on the Space Station to help them complete their science experiments. It's a lot like Space Camp but the real thing! I am also mom to a wonderfully talented daughter, Aspen age 8.

* What is your favorite time of year to visit the Disney parks or sail Disney Cruise Line?

CHRISTMAS! I love the Disney Parks at Christmas time! Nothing gets me in the mood for the holidays like strolling down Main Street, sipping hot chocolate, listening to Christmas music while it snows soap bubbles! :) I think Disney can turn any Scrooge into a Christmas Angel!

* If you had to pick your favorite attraction at Disney World or Disneyland, what would it be?

This is really difficult because I grew up on Disneyland but now frequent Disney World since I live closer to it now. Growing up, it was all about the Matterhorn! I stood in line for hours to ride through that snow-covered mountain. I also loved Splash Mountain both at WDW and DL. I always felt that Song of the South got a bad rap so I enjoy Zip-a-dee-doo-daing through the ride!

* Tell us a story about one of your favorite memories from your Disney vacation(s).

I never thought my daughter would take her first cruise before the age of 3 (especially when I was an adult before I took my first cruise), but we took our first Disney Cruise just prior to her 3rd birthday and there has been no looking back since! We just took our 10th cruise - Southern Caribbean on the Magic (can you say PLATINUM?!) - and recommend them to everyone who will listen. We have experienced our fair share of magic in the parks, but nothing beats the magic on a Disney cruise! From that first cruise, our daughter gravitated toward Chip-n-Dale. Just the 3 of them twirling around (and no one lost their head!). This then became a tradition and she has continued to try to get Chip-n-Dale to cartwheel with her. Not only has she succeeded, but last cruise she was also successful at getting Donald to do a cartwheel...in his tux on formal night! She really views the characters as old friends she hasn't seen in awhile so she still takes every opportunity to play with these friends when she can and THAT is MAGICAL to me!

* If you had a friend visiting a Disney park or sailing on Disney Cruise Line for the first time, what tip(s) would you give them?

A little planning goes a long way, but don't think you are going to see and do everything in one trip. If you try, you will be exhausted and possibly disappointed. Take time to soak in the magic and appreciate the details around you that make a Disney destination unlike any other. From the smells, the sounds, the colors, the people - they all play a part in creating the Disney Magic. Also, take time to talk to the cast members as they are the true heart behind the Disney Magic.

(And remember -  if you'd like to participate as well - send me an email to katie@mouseworldtravel.com!)

Thank you for sharing, Penny!

Have a magical day!

Let's Chat: With Mar from Mar Has That Bow!

When I see cool products and fun ways to bring Disney into your everyday life, I want to share them with you. Sharing is caring, right?

So, out of that desire to speak with other fun members of the Disney fan community and talk about how they show their love for Disney through creativity, a new feature on the blog was born - Let's Chat!

For our first installment I am super excited to bring you my chat with Mar from Mar Has That Bow! I have followed her on Instagram the last year or so and was immediately attracted to the ADORABLE bows she makes. She's super talented AND a really nice lady, and I can't wait for you all to check out the bows.

But first, Mar was nice enough to answer a few questions and share about her bows....so without further ado, Let's Chat!

* Your bows are super cute and creative! Where do you get your inspiration, and how do you choose what characters to feature?

Thank you so much! It's funny because I actually got the idea from the Minnie/Mickey mouse ears they sell at Disney World. I wanted another accessory that wasn't necessarily ears because they can't be worn in different ways, bows are more versatile.

In the beginning I used to choose my favorite characters, but with time I've learned which characters are the most popular ones or which ones my Bowtifuls like the most. Sometimes I also choose depending on what movie I watched that week, or I also get requests for custom ones that remind me of certain characters that aren't so popular.

[Mar calls her followers Bowtifuls -- how cute is that?!]

* How long have you been making bows?

It's been exactly one year and four months since I started Mar Has That Bow and I feel so blessed to have started, not only have I made bows, I've met some of the most amazing and wonderful people throughout.

* As an adult woman, I am ALL over the bows, I would totally rock them at the parks and on the cruise line! Do you have a lot of adults who buy the bows for themselves, vs their kids?

OMG yes! Honestly, believe it or not, I have more adults buying the bows for themselves than for their kids! And I love it, I mean who says adults can't wear bows, right? I also get a lot of mothers that want matching bows for them and their little princessess and I find that absolutely adorable.

* Which Disney destination is your favorite? And what Disney places are still on your travel bucket list?

This is a difficult one because I have been to Disney World, Disneyland Paris and on Disney Cruise Line (Castaway Cay is amazing!) and although I love them all, Disney World is home and it will hold my heart forever.

I would still love to visit Disneyland in California and in Tokyo as well as the Aulani Disney resort [in Hawaii] and more Disney cruises!

* OK, now for a silly question. What Disney character for you identify with, who best describes you?

Belle definitely ever since I was a little girl; I absolutely loved everything about her and the entire movie. However, my favourite characters in the movies are usually the grumpy ones, I don't know why but I absolutely love them (Grumpy from Snow White and Archimedes from The Sword in the Stone are my favourites).

Thank you so much for featuring me on your blog and thank you to all the Bowtifuls out there who have supported me on this journey!

Thank YOU, Mar! It was great to chat with you. Now, off to order my bows! :)

Because she's such a super sweetie, Mar is offering readers of The Most Delightful Place a discount on her items, now through March 15th, 2015! Just use code READER for 10% off of your order! Thanks, Mar! You can find her site at www.marhasthatbow.bigcartel.com.

And please follow her on social media! You'll be glad you did! Her Instagram account can be found at marhasthatbow.

Have a magical day!

Sunday with Friends - Virginia Jimenez

Hello again, here we are at the start of another week. And since it's Sunday, you know what that means: Sunday with Friends!

So without further ado, here is our next Friend - Virginia Jimenez.

* Hi, Virginia! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm 34 years old and a stay at home mom of two beautiful girls. I've lived in Orlando, Florida for about seven years, and been a Disney fan for as long as I can remember.



* What is your favorite time of year to visit the Disney parks or sail Disney Cruise Line?

My favorite time to visit a Disney park is in the fall after 4PM due to the size of the crowds tend to be less. Otherwise, it is around Christmas due to the scenery being it is so beautiful!

As far as Disney Cruise Line, the best time for me is late April, or early May, or early fall just because pricing seems less around those times.

* If you had to pick your favorite attraction at Disney World or Disneyland, what would it be?

My favorite attraction at Disney for some odd reason is in Magic Kingdom, called It's a Small World. The reason I think I like it so much is just because of all the different cultured dolls dancing and singing together as one.

* Tell us a story about one of your favorite memories from your Disney vacation(s).

My favorite memory at Disney was for my oldest daughter's 5th birthday at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. I loved every second of that experience for her! She has special needs, one being sensory, and I forgot to mention it. Either way, the staff did an amazing, most magical job with her! From the beginning to the end! I definitely recommend it to everyone!!

* If you had a friend visiting a Disney park or sailing on Disney Cruise Line for the first time, what tip(s) would you give them?

Tips for Disney park would be for one Sketchers GoWalks are the best walking shoes by far, so buy one! Also, get Memory Maker (they're worth every penny!) and last but not least, if you're from Florida and know what a Publix supermarket is, make sure to grab a sub on the way.

Tips for the Disney Cruise Line would be get there early so you can enjoy the boat on the first day, make sure once you get on the boat to check in with Guest Services about any meet and greets (they might not all be on the flyer they hand out), and last but not least if you have kids DO NOT BE SCARED to leave your kids at the kid's clubs!

Thank you for sharing, Virginia!

(And remember -  if you'd like to participate as well - send me an email to katie@mouseworldtravel.com!)

Have a magical day!

A Mid-January Giveaway!

While I was at Walt Disney World in late December, I picked up a few items to share with all of you. The first item? This SUPER cool New Year 2014/2015 pin!

Want a chance to win it? Just enter via the Rafflecopter below! :) There are three ways you can get points towards the drawing:

* Follow The Most Delightful Place on Pinterest

* Follow The Most Delightful Place on Twitter

* Leave a blog comment on ANY blog post, past or present!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The raffle starts today, and will end at Midnight on Friday the 16th. I'll use Rafflecopter to draw a random winner, and I'll share the winner on Monday!

Be sure and share with your friends ~ the more the merrier!  :)

Sunday with Friends - Pamela Hill

Hello again, here we are at the start of another week. And since it's Sunday, you know what that means: Sunday with Friends!

So without further ado, here is our next Friend - Pamela Hill.

* Hi, Pamela! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello all, my name is Pamela Hill, I live in Massachusetts. I am 43, married to my wonderful husband Chris for 14 years. We have no children, so I guess we really have a different perspective of Disney. I am a nurse, my husband is an EMT. My addiction to Disney started when I was about 5. My family did a trip there and I always remember it. Then when Chris and I were dating we started to go back almost every year. We spent our honeymoon there and now we try to go back twice a year.

* What is your favorite time of year to visit the Disney parks or sail Disney Cruise Line?

Our favorite time to visit Disney is the off seasons, believe it or not. The beginning of September I think is the best time to go. The crowds are much less as I do believe a lot of kids are back in school. So my husband and I go in September and celebrate our anniversary.

* If you had to pick your favorite attraction at Disney World or Disneyland, what would it be?

My absolute favorite attraction is at Magic Kingdom and I know it's crazy but it's the Carousel of Progress. I have memories of it when I went on our first trip when I was 5. I have grown to appreciate it more every time we go. It brings me back to Walt's time. I love that, seeing through the eyes of Walt as this truly was his vision. My husband really enjoys Pirates of the Caribbean because of the mixture of old and new. A true classic that inspired the recent movies.

* Tell us a story about one of your favorite memories from your Disney vacation(s).

One favorite memory was of course our honeymoon. Wearing your Disney wedding ears around the park was so awesome. Everyone congratulating you was so wonderful. Also, my most recent happiest memory was conquering my fear of roller coasters as I tend to get motion sickness. I know, hard to believe, right, but when we were on a recent trip, I did it! I started slow and agreed to get on Big Thunder Mountain. I surprised myself, I did it and I liked it. Also, I went on Space Mountain and Splash Mountain. So I guess I conquered all the Mountains at Magic Kingdom. And yes, I did do the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train three times in one day! :)

* If you had a friend visiting a Disney park or sailing on Disney Cruise Line for the first time, what tip(s) would you give them?

Our advice: (and we have done this with family and friends) I know it seems strange but slow down and take your time. Don't fill your day and be rushing here and there. Don't make a schedule, just go with it. You are on vacation, and if you enjoyed Disney as much as we do, you will be back.

My husband and I recently joined the Disney Vacation Club in 2012 and it was the best thing we ever did. My advice is don't wait if you would like to join. Remember how I said we went on our honeymoon to Disney? Well, we had done a tour [for the Vacation Club] back in 2000 but decided back then we would wait. Ugh! I wish we had never waited, but we did join in 2012. This is the reason we are able to go twice a year, with awesome accommodations.  We recently went on our first Disney Cruise, in September 2014 and for 2015 we are booked on another cruise in February. We are also possibility going to Disneyland in September 2015.

(And remember -  if you'd like to participate as well - send me an email to katie@mouseworldtravel.com!)

Thank you for sharing, Pamela!

Have a magical day!