On December 5th, Walt’s birthday, the 5th annual AllEars® VIP Illuminations party was held. As has become our tradition, we watched Illuminations with the holiday tag in a private viewing area and then hung around for a little extra magic!
While the weather held off in terms of rain, it didn’t let up in regards to the temperatures. This was one of the coldest nights I remember spending in central Florida…perhaps it dipped in the low 30s?
No matter, over 100 folks came out to celebrate with AllEars and enjoy the magic that is Disney at the Holidays!
This time, instead of the full sugar fix that is part of the regular Illuminations Dessert buffet, AllEars ordered something a little extra special; gourmet cheeses, berries, chocolate ganache, and mini dessert pastries including eclairs, baklava and fruit bars.
Tables were set up for everyone who wanted a seat to watch the show.
Special “Mickey” viewing glasses were passed out for everyone! At first folks thought it was hokey, but once the fireworks began the laughter filled the air.
Once the park cleared we were escorted into Future World for a surprise ride on Spaceship Earth!
Afterward, folks gathered in the post show area for a group photo! Deb said a few words and all of a sudden Spaceman Mickey appeared !!!!!
He joined the group for a photo and then took turns with everyone to get that special photograph!
All Ears Team Members in attendance, from left to right:
Michelle Scribner-MacLean, Barrie Brewer, Deb, Mike Bachand, Erin Blackwell, Mickey, Jack Spence, Steve Barrett, Glo Konsler, and Mike Scopa.
The AllEars Team with many of our Guest Bloggers.
From Left to Right Standing: Kitty Smith, Michelle, Jeanine, Barrie, Mike, Jeff Onorato, Erin, Deb, Mickey, Jack, Steve, Glo and Mike Scopa. Kneeling: Ashley Livingston, John Kurowski, and Cedric Ching.
My unofficial award for creative photo of the night!
Each attendee was also given a gift bag with new 15th Anniversary AllEars merchandise, plus AllEars Trading Cards. We also introduced a special card released that evening, which commemorated Walt’s birthday!
For our last bit of magic for this special night, Mike Newell of MouseWorldRadio recorded this video highlighting our evening. Be sure to scroll down after you watch the video for lots of photos from the event. Please let me know which photo you are in and I can email you a larger size as a keepsake.
Thank you Spaceman Mickey, Disney World Special Events, the many Cast Members, MEI and MouseFanTravel, Barrie Brewer Photography, Mike Newell on video and those who made donations to my Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and every single person who attended! Your laughter and smiles warmed my heart and you made this a very special evening!
A good Disney holiday to all Disney fans..a special thank you to Deb and her outstanding staff to put on the highlight of our holiday Disney trip!! It was so wonderful to meet all of you and smiling faces in person so we know who writes all of the great Disney info i look forward to every Tuesday. A special request too all ears readers…tell everyone you know and greet about the greatest website on Disney ever so AllEars can double its web site in 2011!! Have a happy and healthy year to all…Debbie Simpson and Joyce Carter from Colorado (it was colder in Fla. Warmer in Denver our entire trip) p.s thank you for my 1st u tube debut ever, i was the one kissing Mickey’s nose!
What a wonderful time! I hope this will become a tradition for me.
-Michele
We had such a good time. We loved the suspense of not knowing where we were going till moments before. Thank you for working hard to ensure everyone had a good time. We can’t wait till next year.
What a special evening! We had a blast! Loved the Mickey glasses – we’re using them for our light shows at home. Thanks Deb for the opportunity and Barrie for the photos. It was great to meet everyone.
Too much fun! Mickey looked like a good sport taking all those pics! Merry Christmas to everyone on Allears! Thank you for all you do to brighten the day for a lot of people!
How could Barrie take the picture and still be in it? You got a remote there, Barrie?
Looks like a great time was had by all even if you all looked like you were at the North Pole and not WDW. LOL