Greetings,
Back in 1995 this brand new thing called the world wide web appeared out of nowhere and opened the doors of communication in ways not imagined. I remember clearly the first unofficial Disney site I found – it was 2 whole pages, in color and I marveled that someone else in the world, besides me, loved Disney. From the Rec.Arts.Disney message boards and AOL message boards grew an opportunity to jump on the band wagon. I began creating FAQs for the Rec.Arts.Disney/Parks folks and that was the beginning.
In January 1996, I launched my Disney fan site: Deb’s Disney Digest. Wanting to take “Disney” out of the name, I changed it to WDWIG (Walt Disney World Information Guide). But that became crazy to constantly explain so WDWIG transitioned to AllEars.net I know there are many of you reading this have been following me since the beginning. Little could I possibly imagine, in my wildest dreams, I would be here writing you today, some 22 (almost 23) years later. WOW!
I want to give a special shout-out to all those who work/volunteer or have worked/volunteered for AllEars over the years. Clearly I could not have achieved so much without you.
I was actually bitten by the Disney bug back in the 1950s and 60s with “Walt Disney Presents”, “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color” and the 1964-65 NY Worlds Fair. In fact, Walt’s was the first ever color TV show I watched!! We couldn’t afford our own so my parents surprised me by going to my great-aunt’s to watch Walt Disney in color!!! It was that same great aunt that I visited the Worlds Fair with and who absolutely refused to believe that the Carousel of Progress was full of audio-animatronics, and not real people.
Photo used with permission Bill Cotter
One door opened, and then another and then another and I kept on walking into each new adventure. In January 2007, Walt Disney World invited myself and 5 others to our first ever Press Event; I was so surprised after years of being turned away. I have had the privilege of attending and reporting on new park events, attraction openings, cruise ship maiden voyages, meeting/interviewing many very talented Imagineers and Disney Cast Members, visiting Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland and so much more.
In 1996, I started yearly December meets of the then Rec.Arts.Disney.Parks group at WDW.
I founded MouseFest (2003), sailed with groups on the Disney Cruise ships, hosted a few Adventures by Disney where we traveled to the Grand Canyon, Sistine Chapel, and followed the path of the Brave/Merida team in Scotland; the list goes on. In 2011, you helped us celebrate 15 years of AllEars with the week long “December to Remember” celebration and then at the 20 year mark, our incredible Epic Epcot adventure. Over the years, I have been the proud sponsor of Magic Meets and the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet.
I am a 30+year survivor of breast cancer. In 2001, I began raising funds and awareness in the fight and with the help of many of you and Team AllEars (runners extraordinaire), we raised over $800,000, perhaps my greatest achievement and the one I am most proud of.
And now, it’s the summer of 2018. I’m turning 65 soon and that alone is enough for a pause…. After over 22 years of dedication to the Disney fan community, I have decided it is time to focus more on family and travel. So, I want you to know that I am stepping down as the leader and webmaster of AllEars.net She is in good hands and will continue to provide with you the most accurate and dependable Disney planning information available. You will still see me out and about – only I’ll be doing the things I love and enjoy. What I won’t be doing is a lot of the drudge work, you know, those things that aren’t much fun. Time for someone else to take over those duties.
As I look back over the years my eyes fill with tears thinking of all the amazing people I have met (many who I now call family), all the fantastic experiences I have had and the places I have traveled. It is mind boggling.
Thanks so much for everything doesn’t quite say it all, but they are the only words I have right now. I have appreciated all your support over the years. You have made this a true joy and helped share the magic worldwide! And, please, if you see me out and about, say hello like you’ve always done. I’d love to thank you in person for supporting AllEars.
Deb
Thank you Deb for this, my go to, website. It has always had the best information, the most enjoyable articles, and holds the magic of Disney with the blogs and personalities of everyone involved with it. I met you once at the Springs bus stop at SS. You were heading to EPCOT and took a minute to chat with me. Thank you for that and I hope you enjoy your retirement! Happy Travels!
Hi Deb,
Almost 100 Comments, and nobody has mentioned…
What would we have done without you?
Without your help, our first attempt to venture to WDW as a family would have been a dismal failure.
Because of your help, we have been able to make 7 trips as a family.
Between this web site and PassPorter’s Walt Disney World for Your Special Needs (by Deb Wills and Debra Martin Koma)…so much information to allow more successful choices of what to see, where to eat, what to do.
12 years ago, as we attempted to plan a one time only trip to WDW, there did not appear to be any other resources for menus or ride characteristics (how scary, where the spray or scent emits from, to protect your child with sensory issues) or…
too many things to list here!
Now we can find most menus on the official Disney site – not in 2006!
Allears.net had all the menus, so we could pick places where our special needs child would eat! And ratings, so we could find the best combination of quality and variety!
Now Disney provides sensory information for attractions on the official Disney website (noise, darkness, smells, etc.) – not in 2006!
Because of you, we found staying at a Disney Villa, with all the comforts of home (and at the time, the pricing was not more than a traditional on property hotel room).
With all of your Restaurants At-a-Glance grids printed out, each day you made me look like an expert (before smartphones!).
Because of you, we were able to find discounts we would not have known about.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Deb, ive been following your page seems like eternity.. my wife and I got a chance to meet you at the Bay Lake Tower bar and you were the most gracious person taking time to talk with us.. enjoy your retirement.. Tina Mike
Hi Deb!
I thought I had heard a brief mention about your retirement on a podcast but some how missed this letter until today.
Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to this WONDERFUL Disney fan site. I stumbled across this site by accident in 2007 and started visiting often, even though we didn’t take our first family trip until 2011. Since then We’ve visited WDW 5 times (a 6th this coming December). We got the Disney bug bad! Every week I peruse the newsletter, enjoying all the fun even when we don’t have a trip planned.
Now, Go have an adventure!
Deb,
Your site has always been my go to site. I know I can easily find what I need quickly.
I have seen you from afar many times at the Pin Event. If you are there again this year I need to actually walk up and thank you.
Wishing you only the best. You’ve given so much – from the Breast CA work to the All Ears work. (I NEVER planned a trip to Disney without checking your website FIRST – yep, even before going to the Disney website!) Thank You!
Thank you for pioneering what it means to be a Disney addict. Thank you for all your hard work and information over the years! I have recommended your site to so many friends and loved ones planning a trip. Enjoy retirement and all the best in the future!
Hi Deb,
Thanks for all your hard work with Allears.
As a Disney freak from the UK, I look at the site everyday to see what’s going on and to get news and insight for up and coming trips.
I always recommend people look at Allears if they are contemplating visiting any Disney Park, as the information contained is always up to date.
Enjoy your retirement, whatever you decide to do.
I’m still missing Jack and now you will be gone too. Thanks for creating this resource that made me look like an long-timer on my first Disney trip (2007).
Thank you does not begin to express what your little project has covered for my family. This page has served as a postcard from home many, many times. You gave us information on food, hotels and how to take a sick kid to Disney. I learned so much from the pages and pictures of this site. I feel like you are that aunt that my mom refers to that I never met. I am so familiar with you and know that if I ever met you you would become my favorite aunt instantaneously. My wife and two kids fell in love with Disney years ago and your webpage helped us keep that love affair going. AND as an added bonus you kicked breast cancer’s butt like few have! That community is better because of your service to raise awareness and funds. Again for all things Disney in my life – Deb – THANK YOU!!!!
Congratulations on both a job most-amazingly well done and on earning your retirement ears. You are an inspiration to all of us. I’m sure you know that you have a lot of fans inside the corporate walls. I think I can speak for all of us when I say Good Luck!
DEB: Had always hoped to meet you. Pls reach out next time you are this way if you have a few minutes 🙂
I just want to echo what everyone else has said. I have followed AllEars for many years and met you twice when our trips to WDW from the UK coincided with AllEars meet and greet meetings – once when we looked around the then new Art of Animation and then upstairs at the Electric Umbrella in Epcot some years later (I think it was December 2014 as – as well as talking about WDW, we chatted about the presidential election campaigns) when my husband and I had the chance to have a nice long chat with you.
AllEars has been my go to website for years and will be in the future. It has so much information about everything Disney – I find it really useful when choosing which resort to stay at and when deciding what Disney tours to book. I hope you enjoy your retirement. I hope I may see you out and about at WDW – will you still be at the AllEars meet and greet events? We will be at WDW at the beginning of December. Thank you for AllEars and thank you for everything else you have done and achieved. Ruth x
We have relied on Allears for so much – we do not know how we would have managed planning trips and dining and everything that goes with it. It has, and is, our bible at the alter of Disney. We have been fortunate to meet you at Allears meets and even bumped into you on a Disney cruise!
Your fund raising inspired us to not only contribute to a worthy cause, but one of you auctions we managed to procure my wife’s all time favorite keepsake, a sweatshirt with all the characters signatures. Priceless.
Enjoy your retirement doing just the fun stuff. MAy it last for 22 more years. We are jealous but our turn is about a year away.
We mimic all the other kind words already posted, but again, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Dan & Beth
Thank you for everything that you have done for allears as well as all of your hard work raising money for breast cancer. Congratulations on your retirement. You deserve it 🙂
Deb, I’ve been with you pretty much since the start, since we decided to honeymoon in Disney World in January of ’96. Your site was invaluable to me as I planned the honeymoon, our son’s first visit to WDW, our trip to Disneyland, and all the other WDW trips in between. It’s always felt like family, because of your hard work and graciousness. Thanks for a wonderful run, and for leaving such a wonderful legacy in such capable hands. Now enjoy your retirement!
Deb good luck to you in your retirement. I have been avid fan of this site since the late 1990. I have posted picture and commented on articles. I also refer anyone i know who is planning a trip to this site whether it be their first or most recent trip. The info is always on target. Enjoy your retirement and i wish you continued good health
Wayne
I will never be able to walk under the train station into town square without thinking of you – without “seeing” you there, Deb. Yours is the very spirit of Disney magic. Thanks for the memories . . . they are warm and generous and meaningful.
Awww! Deb, I think you earned your retirement. I found you guys & DIS Boards around the same time back in 1997 or 1998 while researching a family trip and have grown to rely on this site to feed my Disney needs. No one else in my family is as crazy about WDW as I am and we can’t afford to go nearly as often as I’d like (last trip was 1/12). But I know I can come here and read about all the new things going on look at all the pictures & feel like I’m there for a little while.
DEB: Thanks!
Deb,
Congratulations on your retirement! I only came to know the AllEars site about 9 years ago when we were planning a Disney trip after too long an absence. I’m glad to know that the helpful newsletter and blogs will continue on to provide information about all things Disney.
I was first drawn to your breast cancer fundraising though AllEars. Your creativity, enthusiasm, and perseverance have made you a true angel for breast cancer causes. My college-age daughter and I always enjoyed your “collectibles for a cause events ” over the past few years. As a fellow survivor, please know that your efforts are deeply appreciated.
Best Wishes to you and Linda as you embark on your next adventures. Rest, relax, renew, and “just keep swimming”!
Laura Byrnes
Deb: Thanks Laura. The collectibles for a cause events WILL continue!!! You support is greatly appreciated!
Best of luck Deb! I have used your site for years and was lucky enough to run into at the Beach Club one year. Thank you for giving me free swag for recognizing you! Enjoy your retirement!
DEB: Your most welcome!
I’ve been reading AllEars since I was 7 and I’m in college now! Thank you, Deb!
DEB: Thats great, thanks!
22 years! Oh how I loved RADP and Debs Disney Digest. Craig and I are heading back to Florida to volunteer at the Disney Wilderness Preserve this winter. Look forward to seeing you at the parks!
DEB: Thanks Patricia. So glad we got to catch up a bit last year!!!
Congratulations on your retirement! You’ve touched so many lives around the world, as all the comments here and on FB attest. For me, it was such an honor and a privilege to Run With Purpose on Team AllEars. It still brings tears of joy to my eyes knowing the friendships I’ve made and more importantly, the money that was raised to battle breast cancer. I know I’ll see you and Linda “around town” so for now….enjoy, relax, sip some vino, and again congratulations!
DEB: Thanks Mary Jean
Best of luck on this new chapter in your life.
Thank you for all the hard work, a truly amazing legacy!
I will always look forward to and always recommend allears.net!
You are a pioneer!
Denise
New York
DEB: Thanks Denise
Deb – I was so sad to read this and yet so happy for you! Thank you for all that you have done! I have been an avid reader and follower of this site from the beginning. This little place has been such a fantastic resource for education and entertainment. I hope that you get to enjoy your retirement and we will look for you in the parks!
– Maria in CT
Deb: Thanks Maria much appreciated
Thanks for all you’ve done, Deb! Congratulations on your retirement! Your site was one of the first Disney sites I discovered and I keep coming back. I can’t even count the hours I’ve spend looking over all of the dining menus when planning a trip. You and your team have been a great help to my family for years. Enjoy your retirement!
DEB: Thanks Jeff
I can’t believe it has been 22 years. When my husband and I were planning our first trip together a travel agent we used told me about your site WDWIG. Since then like many have said in the comments I have visited almost daily. It has been the main source of all the Disney knowledge I’ve gained since then. It is because of your site that I grew to love Disney as much as I and we as a family have so I thank you for that. We have had so many wonderful trips as a family and have made so many memories that my husband and I will treasure and hope our boys will also. We had the pleasure of meeting of you on one of our trips and I’m so glad we did. I hope you get to enjoy your time with family and traveling.
Thank you!
DEB: Thanks so much Debbie
Thank you Deb for creating this website. I look at it several times each week and also enjoy the newsletter.
I ran the WDW marathon from 2008-2013 and saw you (I think?) a few times standing near the Dolphin/Beach Club/Epcot entrance holding an All Ears sign. Seeing that sign always brought a smile to my face!
Enjoy your well deserved retirement!
Deb: Thanks and yes that spot near the Dolphin Yacht club is where I like to stand.
Congrats! Will miss seeing you at the meet and greets, was only able to get to two over the years; they were always the highlight of the trips. I look at your newsletters every tues and am on your site all the time. Every time a email you about something you have always gotten right back to me and can not believe how you have time to keep it personal with everyone! Thank you for everything and hope we run into you in the parks. Sandie
Deb: Thanks Sandie!
Congratulations and best of luck on a most deserved retirement! I’ve enjoyed reading countless AllEars articles over the past 10+ years. Thank you for all you’ve done and your fantastic resources. May your next chapter be as rewarding as the past one.
DEB: Thanks Matt
What can we all really say except… Thank you.
Your legacy here on All Ears has had such an impact on people. I bet we need a highly skilled professor of mathematics to come close to the amount of vacations to Disney parks you have made easier.
But your legacy and commitment to breast cancer awareness is something that has undoubtedly changed lives.
May the next chapter of your life be magical!
DEB: Thank you so very much!
Fair winds and full sails Deb. You and Disney have been a very pivotal part of how I got where I am now, you’ll always be part of my consciousness and my heart. Plan to see you and Linda along the way sometime soon!
DEB: Thank you Liz – yes we must get together!!!
Congratulations, Deb! Your retirement from All Ears is well deserved. Hard to believe how long It’s been from our RADP and AOL chat days to now. What a journey you’ve had. So glad that I got to come along for the ride. Seeing you at the parks, attending special events, contributing to your many breasts cancer fund raisers. I also retired this month so hope to be in Florida more and definitely hope to see you more often. You’ve made amazing contributions to the Disney community. Good luck in your next endeavors.
DEB: Thanks Becky! I’m sure we will see each other in the parks
Thank you for all the love and hard work you’ve put into this site over the years! It’s been an amazing and reliable source of information.
Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement!
DEB: Thanks so much
Wow. I have followed you since radp days and referred many many people to the different incarnations of your site. I never made a meet (being poor grad students then), but have always trusted and lived vicariously through the site during the times we could not get there ourselves.
Many best wishes –- it is well deserved to focus on the fun! Thank you for being the trailblazer in so many many ways!
DEB: Thanks and best wishes back ya you
Wow, Deb. I’m happy for you and grateful for all the magic you have shared. Almost 10 years ago I started searching for Disney info online and ended up here often. A few years later I was honored to get to meet you and always enjoy seeing you around. You’re a legend. Thanks for making my Disney adventures better. Then and now.
DEB: Thanks so much! I’m sure we will see each other off and on, as we do now.
Wow!
I have been using this site as a travel professional to provide news and updates to my clients in a really user friendly way for such a long time.
No doubt it will continue, but you have always been a part of the magic.
Good luck in your future and thank you for all you have done.
I wish you a happy retirement x
DEB: thank you Phil
Congratulations! You have inspired many through your daily life!
God bless you real BIG!
With much love,
Mama T formerly RBC Concierge at the WDW Swan Hotel. 💓
DEB: Mama T I could never forget you!!!! My best to you.
Oh, Deb! I’m so happy for you! I can’t imagine the Disney community without you–but I bet you’ll pop up now and then.
Some of my favorite Disney memories involve you, the top one being when you helped us celebrate our 25th anniversary vow renewal on the beach at Castaway Cay. We’ve dined together, cruised together, met up at the parks, seen fireworks together, celebrated cancer survival…what a joy you are!
I hope the new team will forgive me that AllEars will always be “Deb Wills’s site” to me. Please have Linda give you a hug from MissB!
DEB: Yes, we have some great memories to reflect on and smile about. Your vow renewal was so very special!
Deb – congratulations! You’ve done a phenomenal job with the site, and it will live on even though you’re now shifting focus to your personal life. It’s without a doubt the “go to” source for Disney info – even for old timers like me. I wish you and Linda the best for a long, happy and healthy retirement phase of your life!
I also appreciate your breast cancer support over the years. As a breast cancer survivor from 2002, again in 2010 and once again in 2018 – it’s the “cause” nearest and dearest to me. The many strides made in recent decades helped to ensure I’m alive and healthy, although still under “reconstruction” on the latest side. People need to see the survivors and realize breast cancer usually doesn’t have to be a death sentence…early detection is the key!
Enjoy, and hope to see you around the parks sometime soon!
Sue
DEB: Thanks so much for the kind words Sue. I will be continuing my fight against Breast Cancer and have some fundraisers in the works. I too, am glad modern medicine has kept you going all these years. Stay Well
I remember that first fundraising cruise like it was yesterday. You were my hero than, and you still are. More importantly, you were my friend when I needed one the most. I am utterly overjoyed that you can finally retire and more thoroughly enjoy what you’ve worked so hard for. Never has anyone been more deserving. I love you both.
DEB: Thanks Beth! Hope to see you soon!
Sincere thanks for all your work
DEB: Thanks!
Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for what is the most valuable Disney website out there. Great information, informative articles, and no drama! All the best to you and again thank you!
DEB: Thanks George
Oh, my…I am sad for us, but so happy for you! I go back to the original RADP (in fact just before it split from an earlier group, RAD), then Deb’s Disney Digest (when I get home I will check that computer to see when I started there, from that account), met you a couple of times in gatherings at WDW. I understand where you are coming from; I turn 70 this year, and am finally being persuaded to retire from being a college professor…but I will still teach some, so I hope you do come visit this Disney connection, to stay connected to all of us. This is the first site I share with anyone who asks me where to find good Disney information.
Congratulations and best of luck! So many thanks for all you have done for us! Hope to see you here, and maybe at Disney!
DEB: Thank you Wendy for all your kind words.
Congratulations Deb on your retirement! I can’t believe it’s been that long ago that Dave first introduced me to Team All Ears. I have met, and still keep in touch with, quite a few of the members, Evelyn DeLuccia being a very close friend now from our first trip to a Team All Ears meet. I only wish you the best with the years to come.
DEB: Thanks Nancy – let us know when you come back this way!
Congratulations as you and Linda enter “a whole new world” of more fun, more relaxation, and may magical pixie dust be with you always! Meeting you and your amazing wife, Linda, on the little cruise within a cruise on the Danube not so long ago made us instant fans of both of you! Following you two on your further adventures from new travels to your live feed from the hurricane last year it has been a privilege! It was so wonderful seeing you at D23 and you were gracious enough to stop and chat. Thank you for your graciousness, humbleness, and sharing so much of your lives with us! You two are a great inspiration for so many in so many ways. It seems funny to say to someone we’ve only met 2ice yet feel such a nice connection, we truly love you and Linda and send big hugs and best wishes on this new adventure. We hope our paths can magically cross again sometime in the near future – or not so near future! Keep the magic! Love to you both, Barbara and John (‘that guy with the all the Lassiter shirts”)
DEB: Thanks so much Barbara! Yes, the river cruise was amazing!
Deb, thank you for founding this great resource! Best wishes on your retirement!!
DEB: Thanks Julie
Congratulations Deb! I am one of those folks that found you back in the days of Deb’s Digest. I am so glad to have had your influence in my life over the past 20 some odd years. Your page has brought me laughs and tears. I have enjoyed being able to follow along during part of your journey. I will keep track of you from now on via FB. I am incredibly thankful that you did all of the drudge work over the years to create such a wonderful resource and sense of community among the Disney parks faithful. Best wishes to you and your other half. Enjoy the next chapter(s) of your journey!
DEB: Much appreciated Maggie! Stay well.
I’m shocked. How could you be 65? All that Disney jeeps you looking young. Congrats on your retirement. So glad AllEars will keep going. Enjoy every minute of your free time.
DEB: Sandi – thanks so much and thanks for coming to many meets!
Thank you, Deb! Your site has always been a go to for me over the past 14 years! Enjoy retirement!
Danielle
DEB: Many thanks!
Thank you Deb for all the wonderful times that I enjoy your allear web site the news letter and many times at meet up first time at Dolphin mouse meet 12/06 then at DTD 10/10 and Electric Umbrella 12/10 then soring 1/11 on to Jombo house 7/11 then Peek-a-Boo 9/11 and who can forget Dec. to remember 12/11 and 1 more day 2/12 then with Scott for streets of America 5/12 then to England 10/12 the land 9/16 and the last with Linda at soaring thank you all for the fine work you and your TEAM, have fun in your retirement and have a Magical time and some day I’ll see you real soon
Tom
DEB: Thank so much Tom. Hope to see you in the parks one day.
I could never begin to thank you for all you have done for my family’s Disney trips over these many years. Without Deb’s Disney Digest, I would have been completely clueless on our first trip.
I log on every morning and read all the new information and the blogs, whether I am planning a visit or not– that’s how much I enjoy keeping up with the wonderful Disney community you have created.
Enjoy your retirement, and continued good health and happiness to you and Linda and your family. Sending hugs and love from Maine!
DEB: Thanks Susan, we loved our visit to Maine a few years back.
Congratulations on entering this next phase of life! You have been such a leader in the Disney community and Disney media community. I, for one, have looked up to you and all that you have done! Best wishes on your next adventure!
DEB: Much appreciated Mr. DAPs
Thank you so much Deb for all the love of Disney that you have shared over all these years. I too have been around from the start. I can remember typing in Walt Disney World all those years ago and being amazed when your site popped up. Over the years it has become known that if you have questions about WDW I was the one to come and ask. After trying to answer there questions I always sent them to your site, because it was the best. I know you are going to enjoy your much earned retirement. Enjoy every minute of it.
DEB: THank you Ron!
Deb, you are truly an icon in the on-line Disney community! Like so many others, your site is the first I turn to for information on the parks, resorts, restaurants, shows, parades,…well, pretty much anything Disney! I remember how excited I was when you responded personally to one of my questions on R.A.D.P.! You were a celebrity to many Disney fans way before you even realized it!
I’m wishing you a magical retirement! Enjoy your family time and travels!
DEB: thanks lei!
Wow! All I can say is Thank You Deb!
Thank you for all your hard work on the website! It has been a God send when it came to my planning and dreaming. Whenever anyone asked for tips on WDW I would direct them your way!
Thank you for being the friendliest person that you are. We met a couple of times over the years. You always had a smile and seemed genuinely happy to stop and chat.
Thank you for being the inspiration that you are. You will be missed, but your legacy will continue to grow. all ears.net will always be my go to site for Disney planning, tips and dreaming!
DEB: aw thanks so much for your kind words
Congratulations on this new journey! I just retired last month and, like you, I just knew that it was time. I feel like I have known you for so many years even though I have never met you and never made it to a RADP meet. I have followed you since the old RADP days and have subscribed since WDWIG. ( I always called it Wedwig.) I remember going to Yachtsman and asking for a server named Lionel, based on your recommendation. I took so many notes over the years from your newsletters and postings on RADP. To this day, when someone asks me advice about going to Disney the first thing I do is give them the URL for allears! Of course, I will continue to do that as I know there are many dedicated and talented people there. But you have been the spark- yes, one little spark! Thank you so much!! Enjoy your freedom and the time to do what you want. So well-deserved!!
DEB: Thanks for your kind words Mickey
Deb:
Doesn’t seem possible it’s been that many years. I was one of the early members of Rec.art. I remember dialing in on a slow modem and getting frustrated not being able to get on. You have came a long way. I remember my one and only December meet with love and fondness. Still traveling to Disney but now with my granddaughters and staying at DVC in the Poly. Life goes on and you will surely be missed. Enjoy your time in retirement with travels and seeing friends and family. God Bless,
Jane
Jane: Enjoy the magic with your grandkids – how cool!
It was a pleasure traveling with you and Linda. Good luck on your retirement and I hope to see you again in the parks or on board going somewhere fabulous! EnjoyðŸ‘
DEB:: Yes Penny, Italy was amazing and so many memories!
You have been part of my weekly check-ins on the goings on at WDW since shortly after we joined DVC some 21 years ago. Sorry to see you are “retiring”, but as someone more than a few years your senior, I totally understand it! Have GREAT FUN in your retirement (I’m sure you will), and be sure to check in once in a while to keep us updated on YOU.
DEB: Thanks, I do hope to check in 🙂
Deb, congrats on your deserving retirement. We have been following since WDWIG and enjoyed many Mousefests! Kathleen and I will miss seeing you in print but will always remember all the kind extras you and your helpers did for Kathleen on land and at sea!! We enjoy pictures of all of you and the Captain every day! Enjoy!
DEB: So glad to hear from you. I hope all is well!
I was a latecomer and didn’t find out about your site until 2007 when planning to take my family on our first WDW trip for our son’s birthday. Your site helped make that trip one of our best vacations with memories for a lifetime. From where we stayed, to picking restaurants (even identifying the menu items highlighted in Rate & Review), to finding overlooked attractions, you made trip planning easy and fun. Best of luck in the future!!
DEB: Thanks Bill – and hey 2007 is not a latecomer… we are 11 years later now 🙂
Deb…
Wow. I remember those early days when you first started out with those faqs! I might even have a copy still somewhere! Then when you launched the first site! It’s been so much fun following your journeys. I have been working with a local group, the Babylom Breast Cancer Coalition as well as other local groups in conjunction with our charity BBQ Group the BBQ Brethren to help fundraise and provide full holiday meals to over 80 families dealing with the effects of breast cancer. It has been very fulfilling and your work within this area was partially responsible for my own advocacy. Thank you for so much hard work, and always doing it in a way for everyone to enjoy!
Greg
DEB: Wow, thank you for your charity work! That is something so important and glad to hear you have become an advocate. Be Well
Deb,
Congratulations on your retirement. I wish you nothing but the best for whatever the future holds for you. I can’t say that I’m not somewhat disappointed along with being slightly jealous.
I would ask that while you’re traveling around WDW you would occasionally use WDW Transportation. I would love to add you to the list of celebrities that have ridden on my bus.
I wish you nothing but the best for whatever the future holds for you.
Mark
DEB:: Mark – I do use Disney transpo in fact did so several times last week. If I’m going to the parks and staying at a resort, I try to always use it…. Thanks
Deb, this is bittersweet for me to read. First, of course, I wish you a hearty congratulations on your well deserved retirement! I hope it is filled with all the things you love most! Second, you will be greatly missed. I cannot begin to thank you for all your years of dedication creating the single most comprehensive WDW planning site. Whenever I am asked by friends and family for advice on planning a trip, I always send them to your site. There is no other that compares. I am glad to hear it will continue on, and I’m sure it will be in good hands, but it will always be Deb’s site to me. I had the honor of meeting you at a D23 convention, and you were a bigger “celebrity” to me than any of the people on the main stages. 🙂 Thank you for creating one of the happiest little corners of cyberspace! I wish you all the best and nothing but happiness!
Deb: Wow, thanks for your kind words — YES! All
Ears will continue and be strong for a long time.
Thank you so much for all the help you and your staff have done for us Disney “nuts”. You are just the greatest thing since sliced bread!!! Not only are you a crusader for breast cancer but you have also helped the gay community more than you could ever know. My daughter was so grateful to have a women who came out for the world to see and be a role model for women who were afraid to do so. I thank God for you everyday!!! Have a wonderful and fun retirement, if anybody deserves it, it’s you and your dear wife.
Deb: Thank you Trudy for your touching words 🙂
Way back in 1992 my daughter was at the computer and I said to her what is so great about the internet. She didn’t answer me but typed in Walt Disney World and did a search and found your site. I have visited daily ever since and even had a chance to meet you at at a Meet/Greet.
I wish you only the very best and thank you for all the years of hard work . You deserve this break and enjoy retirement…it is the best but I have to tell you it might get very busy.
Cathy from PA
Deb: Thanks so much Cathy
Deb,
I’ve been a long time follower. Amongst my family, friends, and coworkers I’m the Disney goto person. I am always asked for opinions and recommendations about the parks, hotels, and Disney vacations in general. I happily share what I know and provide a list of resources where they can research further on their own. allears.net is ALWAYS at the top of that list. Thank you for all you have done and the many years of enjoyment and information!
Deb: Thanks Jim
Deb, Though we’ve only met once briefly at D23 many years ago I feel as if we have been friends for years as I follow your adventures both on Facebook and Allears.net. Your site has helped me plan several trips to WDW and so much more. Wishing you all the best as you begin this new adventure in your life. “Adventure is out there.” Enjoy each and every one,
Deb: Thanks Dennis!
Thanks for everything Deb. I am proud to be one of the Maryland originals. Our meet in the food court at Pentagon City Mall, the Animal Kingdom preview event at the Fairgrounds, and the early meets my the ferry boat landing at TTC just to name a few. My best to you and Linda!
DEB:: Yes Art… we do go back to the beginning. Hope all is well in your world.
Best wishes!!! Enjoy retirement!
Deb: Thanks so much
Congratulations on your retirement!
I can’t even begin to thank you for all you’ve shared over the years. Through the ALLEars meets you’ve set up, I have met so many wonderful friends and had so many cool experiences like: riding Soarin’ with the ride completely filled by ALLEars fans; doing a virtual Pink run on the Wonder, because you were missing the Avon Walk; The ALLEars Trading Cards, which I treasure and so much more.
I hope to still run into you at unexpected times in unexpected places. The information you’ve provided has given us all so much more enjoyment and helped us get the most of our precious Disney time.
You created an amazing community. Thank you.
DEB: Thank you so much Kathy!
Deb,
This is so hard for me to believe since I’ve known you almost all of that time! Yours was my first Disney website and I have sent so many folks there to learn from what you have experienced and willingly shared.
But I do understand your reasoning. Just know that you will be thought of and missed by each and every one of us who have lived vicariously through your many exciting adventures – especially me.
Much love,
Donna Brewer (wdwgrandma)
DEB: Thanks so much!
Congratulations on your retirement, Deb! I started cruising with Disney because of you and Mousefest back in he early 2000’s- now I’m Platinum Castaway member. I’m also an AP holder at WDW since about the same time, all due to you and Mousefest. That AP led to buying Disney Vacation Club in 2006. So you see you have had a huge influence in my life, starting with sharing your love of Disney. I wish you all the best for the future… as much family and traveling as you can handle. 😀 Looking forward to running into you in the parks. Enjoy your new life!
DEB: Thanks Karen!!!
John and I wish you a long, healthy and happy retirement. We’ve used the great information on allears, and really appreciate all the great knowledge contained there. We are especially grateful for the Italy trip and the great folks and wonderful experience we had.
Our best to Linda and you. Thanks for everything.
Stacy and John Zeno
DEB: Thanks so much – that Italy trip was truly amazing! Glad you came along
Deb, Without your love and passion for all things Disney, my life would have been one heckuva lot less amazing. You have given me memories beyond compare, belly laughs I thought I would never have as an adult, and the opportunity to travel and enjoy the “World”. Above all of this, you have given me the gift of friendship that I never dreamed possible. Because of your “Reunion”, I count among my closest friends no fewer than twelve people. You and Linda have shown me love without judgement, and for that I will be forever grateful. Last, but in no way least, you have given me my heart of all hearts in my one true love, Matthew. Without you, we would have never met and fallen head over wine bottles in love. Thank you for all of these gifts! All of my love to you!!!
DEB: Oh Maggie…so glad to have given you some magic along with the way. I don’t think I will ever forget that cruise when Maggie May was created 🙂
what an amazing Disney themed career!! congratulations!! and for letting us tag along —sharing and spreading the magic –i am so grateful! and also, thankful for for the friends i’ve made thru your social media pages, whom i have never had pleasure of meeting in person, like yourself (yet!) best wishes on your future endeavors Deb! hope you go live from time to time if/when at the parks. 😊🤗
DEB: Thanks Kelly… soon as the weather cools some I hope to do live from the parks.
I feel privileged to have been able to reap the rewards of your efforts for over 20 years, and honored to have contributed in some very small ways (I submitted a Backstage Magic review back in 1995, and some of my resort pictures are still online). It was great fun to participate in a RADP event back in 2001 (with my then fiancee and now wife), and running into you in the parks in the latter 90s, accompanied by my son! Enjoy your well-deserved retirement! I recently retired myself, and am just beginning to enjoy it to the fullest. We’ve gone from Windows 95 desktops to iPhones and Androids … wow! Bon voyage, and keep those (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) posts coming!
DEB: Thanks Ed! Stay well!
Deb!!
You are one of the kindest, most sincere, and wonderful people I have ever had the pleasure to meet, and I have been a fan of yours since your WDWIG days.
Thank you so much for making this site a positive place, but an honest one. You never gilded the lily or sold the Disney PR-approved story for anything. You were just honest. If something isn’t great, you let us know, but never with vitriol or just to stir things up.
You are an absolute legend in the Disney fan community, and I’ll miss hearing from you on a regular basis, but I certainly hope to continue to see you around and to talk Disney with you.
We all love you (and Linda)!!!
DEB: Thank you Josh and thanks for the articles you have sent us over the years.
Dear dear Friend,
Joe and I wish you well and offer a BIG Happy Retirement! I remember finding your site (was it really that long ago) devouring every word. Since that time you’ve also walked with us on our journeys. How blessed we’ve been by your friendship. A 19 BC survivor, we’ve shared on a deeper level as well. Oh how I will miss “seeing” you as the face of All Ears, but you will always be the foundation.Thank you for all you’ve done and for all you are, and will continue to be.
Much Love to you as you enjoy this next chapter. XO
Georgie
DEB: Love you both and we have amazing memories and good times ahead to celebrate!
Deb – *thank you* for everything.
Got to meet and hang out with you at RADP-V in 2001 at EPCOT; went on a fireworks cruise for Illuminations with you; opened up Aladdin’s Magic Carpets with you; and said “farewell” to the Main Street Electrical Parade together. My kids – who were about 4, 7, and 12 at the time – *still* to this day ask about you and talk about you. They ask me if I ever got to see you after I started working in the parks. I have had four grandkids born since then.
Your dedication to Walt Disney World and beyond is just…*amazing*.
Wish you all the best, dear.
Jim
DEB: OMG Jim — I remember those times so vividly and stlll have photos of the Aladdin ride with us all
Congratulations Deb! I’ve followed you since the very beginning on RADP and am so impressed with how you were savvy enough to ride the wave of online Disney fandom and turn your avocation into a vocation. You set the standard for everyone else who has come after you. Enjoy your retirement and happy travels!
DEB: Thanks Kathy – hope to see you all next time you are down this way
From all of us at The Unofficial Guides best wishes and congrats on your retirement. Much affection, Liliane
DEB: Thanks so much; my original bible of Disney!
Deb,
Allears is by far the best of the Disney sites out there. We notice even on other sites, that people will be referred here for info. We also appreciate that you present info and not a slew of rumors and conjecture. The blog section has a great variety of writers and points of view. Always an interesting read.
My wife has purchased a number of items when you’ve done auctions. It also inspired her to donate extra Disney items (stuffed animals and vinylmation mainly) to charities for children as well.
You’re right, thank you seems a little underwhelming for all you’ve done, but it’s what we have.
Enjoy your time and your travels. Well deserved!
DEB: Thanks so much! And the fundraisers will continue!!!
Deb – I can understand wanting to give up the grunge work after all this time. I am happy to have attended some of the Disney get togethers, including the one we did in Baltimore. I am proud that I had the opportunity to walk some with you during one of the DC Avon Breast Cancer walks. Enjoy your time and know that you have brought great joy to so many, including me.
Deb: Thank you Libby and thanks for being there during the Avon walk…..
Deb, I want to thank you for your tireless years of dedications. Your site has always been one of my go-to sites for Disney vacation planning and likely one of the reason I was selected to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I wish you joy and relaxation in your retirement!
Deb: Thanks Sue!!
Having followed you since Debs Digest, you have been an instrumental part of informing the novice, casual, and experienced WDW vacationers. I’m proud to have been an occasional guest contributor. Joining you on the inaugural Alaska DCL cruise and meeting you for the first time is seriously one of the highlights of my life.
I’m so glad that you built AllEars.net into a place where you can step back and know it is well cared for. I wish you nothing but peace and happiness as you embark on your next phase of life.
DEB: Thanks Michelle – yes that Alaska cruise was amazing!
Deb,
Congrats on retirement!! You deserve it, and wish you the very best on your future with travel, family time and fun…..it’s what life is really all about, right? Thanks to you for all you have done to help out those of us in your Disney family over the years!
Hi Deb,
We have met a handful of times, the most memorable of which for me was the open house/meet at the villa at AKL years ago. Thank you so much for your insights into all things Disney. You and your crew are always my go to when looking for information.
As a fellow breast cancer survivor (22 years), I also thank you for your tireless work to help eliminate this awfulness from the world.
Congrats on your retirement and I hope to run into you again someday!
Tina
Deb: Stay well Tina!!!!
Congratulations! It’s well deserved! I’ve only been active in the Disney community since 2005, but AllEars has always been there for me and my family. Like someone else has said, I saw you at the Poly once but didn’t want to bother you. Will make it a point to say hi now, if I see you! Enjoy your free time!
Wishing you well on your second “retirement”. Hopefully this will afford you time to just enjoy the parks instead of having to do research so often. Looking forward to the lunch that we discussed months ago.
DEB: Yes!!!
Deb, OH My…where to start…when i first started researching my first trip to Disney with friends and then with family, All Ears was there for me, my friends were amazed at the information i had or knew or could get access to. I was the neighborhood Disney nut when they wanted info, they came to me and WDWIG/All Ears was my #1 source of information. I was happy to share what I’d find out ors hared new menus etc. I had fun adventures and fun meets and met this crazy couple form England who are now our great friends! I owe it all to you Deb and as we both get older (ill be 61 in 2 weeks!) and wiser its always good to sit back, smell the roses and enjoy life. Happy Retirement!
Deb – Best to you Mike!
Feeling such a mix of emotions! I’m one who was an early WDWIG reader, and you’ve been a part of my world ever since. Oh, the thanks that I owe you for your part in planning the amazing WDW trips that we have taken over the years!
But as much as I will feel your absence, you are so very deserving of years of personal time to enjoy your family and many friends. (And to quote Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the places you’ll go!)
Enjoy every moment….you’ll remain in our minds even if not in our sight.
Congratulations Deb. Tom and I are so honored to have spent time with you at Allears events and running into you at other events. We hope to see you around. Enjoy your retirement, you and Linda deserve it!
DEB: Hope to see you all as well!!!
Deb
I originally subscribed to wdwig a very long time ago and think I have read just about everyone of your weekly newsletters – always a welcome distraction to my work day.
Thanks so much for the Disney joy you have brought to all of us
Best wishes to you as you pursue the things you love and enjoy with your family
Deb – thanks Marcia for your kind words.
Hi Deb –
Congrats on your Retirement!! And Thank You! Thanks for creating your original Disney site back then. I started visiting it around 1998 and I subscribed to the newsletter early too. AllEars.net has always been the “Gold Standard” I compare other Disney fan sites to, a thought shared by many. Thanks so much for all your hard work, your Disney love comes through. Enjoy retirement and all the adventures it brings. Hope we see a “Guest Blog” or maybe a YouTube video from you somewhere down the road just for old times sake and to tell us about your new phase of life.
Again, thank you so, so much for AllEars and have a great retirement!
– Jeff
Deb – Thanks so very much Jeff!
I have seen you several times at Disneyworld but did not wish to bother you. I would like to thank you for all your efforts and for sharing your Disney experience with me and everyone. I approve of your spending more time with family as all true Disney fans would do.
Thank you
Deb: Thanks Fritz, I hope next time you see me you will come and say hello!
Deb –
How do we begin to say thank for all your dedication through the years to guarantee that a sea of strangers in cyberspace had up to date information and tips for their vacations knowing that it was verified and not the rumors and speculation that can often be found on the internet. I have followed you since the early “WDWIG” days and have been lucky enough to participate in many of your events through the years. It was never hard to see that for you this was a labor of love. Enjoy and embrace the next phase of your life, you deserve it! Thanks again for everything you have done for all of us.
Deb: Thank you Sandy!
i cant begin to thank you for all you’ve done for the Disney community all these years. very first WDW website I ever perused, and I still check almost daily. There would be no bloggers and or vloggers if it wasn’t for the trail you blazed. Thanks again and congrats on taking the time to spend with your loved ones!
DEB: Thanks so much!