Disney and the Economy

Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 April 2008 11:35 Written by lorie Wednesday, 16 April 2008 10:00

I’m worried about the economy. I really am.

It cost me $50 to fill up my minivan with gas today. That’s crazy. I’m so on autopilot — I don’t even think about how much gas I’m using — but when it takes $50 to fill my tank THAT gets my attention.

Then I was in the grocery store and for some reason I seemed to take notice of prices a bit more. Milk was $3.99 a gallon — seems like I was only paying $2.69 or so not too long ago. And a package of hot dog rolls was $2.79 — what’s with that?

I try to shop the ‘bargains’ — I’m known for just shopping the ‘end’ aisle — that is, not going down the aisle but just stocking up on the things that are on display at the end of the aisle — they are usually the ‘bargains’ the store is trying to use to lure customers into the rest of the store. For some reason, today, the bargains weren’t all that attractive. What’s happening?

Then, on my way home, I noticed THREE foreclosure signs — THREE within a two mile radius! I’ve never seen one in our area before. A few years ago we all felt so ‘rich’ when the price of homes went through the roof. People were buying homes on our street for unheard of prices. I jokingly said at the time “I can’t afford my own house if I had to move back into it” — and that was definitely true. Now, those same housing are sitting waiting for a buyer to come and purchase them at prices that are getting lower and lower. Is the housing market going to collapse?

I’m worried now that maybe we should scale back on our Disney vacation. Are times going to get even worse? We so look forward to that week away in a magical environment. But what if we return to gas lines and unemployment lines?

Disney Fireworks

Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 April 2008 07:36 Written by lorie Tuesday, 15 April 2008 07:36

On top of the Disney Contemporary Resort

Another great place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks is at the top of the Contemporary Resort. The resort is within walking distance to the Magic Kingdom — about a 6 minute walk. The “California Grill” is located on the 15th floor of this resort and is a perfect place to watch the fireworks.

California Grill is a signature restaurant — which means it is expensive. But it is so worth it. Delicious food and a perfect view of the entire Magic Kingdom. If you are dining early (before dark) you can stay at the bar and then step outside on the roof to watch the fireworks once they begin.

If you are on the Disney Dining plan this restaurant requires the use of two of your dinners. This is a nice place to go as a couple without kids — however, we have definitely seen kids in the restaurant while dining there — and they do have a nice selection on the kids menu.

We celebrated our 25th anniversary at this restaurant and were treated with a great view near the window. When making your reservations be sure to tell the cast member of any special day you may be celebrating.

Pope is in Town

Last Updated on Tuesday, 3 June 2008 06:32 Written by lorie Tuesday, 15 April 2008 04:46

And now … a break from a regularly scheduled Disney-themed blogs….. LOL

Seriously, Pope Benedict XVI just arrived in my town! Many of our friends are going into the city to get a chance to catch a glimpse of him … and the fact that he is only about 30 minutes away makes it tempting … but I’m much too practical to put myself through the agony of the crowds and craziness of the city. The tickets to the Mass on Thursday were very scarce and available only through lotteries and drawings and what have you. We almost put our names into the hat but when we found out you had to be at the stadium at 4 a.m. because of security issues I said ‘no thanks.’

I just finished watching his arrival on television where I was able to sit in the comfort of my living room and enjoy close-ups of the President and Mrs. Bush and even Jenna (the president’s daughter) greet the Pope as he walked off the plane. You’ve got to wonder what it is they talk about during that long walk from the plane to the car — I mean, what do you say to the Pope???

Here’s a link to the schedule of events for the next several days: Pope’s schedule.