Have you ever wandered around Epcot in the evening and seen those people in the private IllumiNations viewing areas? Have you ever wondered how YOU could be one of those lucky people?

As a special holiday thanks to all our readers AllEars® is giving away 10 pairs of tickets to a Private VIP IllumiNations Reception to be held in Epcot on Sunday evening, December 13, 2009. Meet time will be approximately 8:15 pm (inside Epcot) with a special after-IllumiNations experience that may last 45-60 minutes after IllumiNations (different from last year's magic :)

You must have your own admission into Epcot.

You and your guest must be 18 years of age or older.

To enter, send an email to allearsnet@yahoo.com no later than midnight East Coast USA time on Monday, November 23. Winners will be emailed and announced no later than December 3.

Email Subject line should say: IllumiNations Dream Tickets

In 30 words or less, tell me why you would like to be my guest at this special IllumiNations party.

All decisions are final. I am not responsible for lost emails. This is ONLY for two tickets to the Private IllumiNations event on Sunday December 13, 2009. No other date or event may be substituted. This offer does not include air, hotel, theme park admission, travel, souvenirs or anything else. ONLY the IllumiNations party event.

You may not transfer your ticket.

Anyone who will be in Epcot on December 13, 2009 is eligible.

This is a land-based event and not the IllumiNations boat cruise.

Meet time is subject to change – Meet location will be provided to winners approximately 7 days prior to event.

Anyone from any country who meets the criteria above may enter.

Event may be changed/cancelled at any time by Disney Special Events and/or the weather. No rain checks, no substitutions. No makeup date.

Here is another exciting piece of news I just learned and it has to do with the ship's horn. The Disney Magic and Wonder each share a wonderful Disney melody as their horn sound; "When You Wish Upon a Star". So what is in store for the Disney Dream? Technology has evolved and the Disney Dream horn will be unique, in fact, don't be surprised if you hear more than one melody! We'll all have to wait to learn what it will be.

Hidden Mickeys – it's always interesting to me how Imagineers react when you mention Hidden Mickeys. I have had them go from quickly acknowledging them, to totally disavowing their existence. With Gary, a smile spread across his face and I could tell, this was one of the fun things he can be playful with and enjoy. He assured me there will be Hidden Mickeys on the Disney Dream. He also mentioned that the enchanted art pieces will not only take the art to a whole new dimension, but they may also take the Hidden Mickey to a new dimension as well. I can see it now, folks lined up in front of the art work waiting for changes to appear before them; one eye looking through the video camera and the other directly on the artwork.

Shopping

Shopping area – Shopping on the Disney Magic and Wonder has become cramped and uninspired. So what will shopping be like on the Dream? Disney Imagineers have developed a streetscape promenade that will take 3 distinct shops and meld them into one contiguous space around a rotunda. They will be much grander and a little more elegant. Their location will be similar to that on the Magic and Wonder - you'll find them on the way to the Walt Disney Theatre.

Where exactly is the Disney Dream in the construction process?

The ship is currently in dry dock. 80 separate blocks of steel will create the ship. Giant cranes bring in the massive sections and weld them together.. almost like a lego set. The pieces are ready to be put in place; it's just a matter of following the build plan for the ship.

Imagineers have walked through the Atrium and the Theatre! The ship will take shape pretty quickly but the interior roll out will take much longer as all the details are put into place. The ship will remain in dry dock until probably late summer or fall of 2010.

The biggest challenge for the Imagineers was "Making sure our partners at DCL can operate an impeccable guest experience. Through the waiter stations, kitchen equipment, pantry spaces --allowing DCL to be as efficient as they can. Even though the Dream is 47% larger, the spaces still need to convey that intimate feeling you enjoy on Magic and Wonder."

A few miscellaneous tidbits I haven't mentioned yet....

The Promenade will have a walking jogging track; like on the Magic and Wonder.

While most cabins will have the Queen size bed, there will be a handful of twin bed cabins available. For the most part, guests were not separating the beds and folks complained about the “crack”. The solution was the queen bed with a one piece mattress.

Special attention has been made to audio portion of the theatres to enhance the experience.

And what about the Disney Fantasy? As the Magic and Wonder are "sister ships" so too will be the Dream and Fantasy! They are the same size and build but will have their own unique differences. There will be little overlap in the construction of the two ships. The keel laying for the Fantasy won't take place until the later part of 2010, about the same time the Disney Dream begins to float out.

As with everything Disney, it's all subject to change without notice. As Jason told me "Imagineering gives us the tools and then DCL can make things happen with great flexibility."

I'll end with a variety of photos I haven't shared yet:

Jay Rassulo and Meyer Werft Shipyard Managing Partner Bernard Meyer

Disney Dream Mickey Pool

Buena Vista Theatre

Evolution Adult Club

Staterooms

Walt Disney Theatre

The Character outside the ship.

Current models of the Disney Dream do not show any characters outside the ship. Disney Cruise Line guests are used to seeing a 15-foot statue of Goofy hanging from a boatswain's chair on the aft of the Magic.

Who will adorn the Disney Dream? The announcement will come today (Friday, 11/13/09)!

Senses Spa & Salon

The Senses Spa and Salon expands to more than 16,000 square feet with 2 spa villas, 17 private treatment rooms and the popular Rainforest. Two enhancements in the Disney Dream Spa are the Rainforest and the "waiting room".

The Rainforest will now feature a glass enclosed section that looks out over the ship. On the Magic and Wonder when you check into the spa, you sit back down in the main check-in area to await your therapist and begin your spa treatment. The new spa on the Dream will feature a special reception room further into the spa which will be much more conducive (soft music and lighting) to relaxing while you wait for your therapist.

Dining

The three rotational restaurants were announced at the press event -- Royal Palace, Enchanted Gardens and Animator’s Palate.

The Royal Palace will follow along lines of Tritons and Lumiere's (Magic and Wonder), home of the Disney Princesses - the most elegant of the 3 restaurants.

Enchanted Gardens - Themed after the Gardens of Versailles

For breakfast and lunch expect a casual buffet experience. The dining room will be very airy with a translucent ceiling, bringing the outdoors inside. The booths are open and the flower buds closed up.

At night, the Enchanted Garden transforms to a more elegant dining experience with full sit-down service. The sky will become filled with stars, the flower buds open into chandeliers, chairs get slip covers, panels cover the buffet and there is a view of the Versailles Gardens at night. The booths turn inward for a more intimate feel. The most theatrical transformation will be for dinner. Details are still being worked out as to how the restaurant will transform. There will be subtle changes that guests won’t notice and in fact, you may look around and think this place is different but I’m not sure why.

The majority of the room consists of tables, not booths. The booths will offer a different more intimate dining experience for those wishing it. The booths can be rotated and connect to tables or the tables can be rearranged so that the dining room can accommodate most groups!

Animator’s Palate
The one restaurant which carries over from the current ships, Animator's Palate, is being re-imagineered for a more magical evening.

Palo

At this time, the adult only restaurant will be Palo. If you're like me, you wondered why a second adult only restaurant was not announced. Disney Cruise Line's response: "Some surprises are still left in the dining story." We can only hope :)

On the Magic and Wonder Palo is a modern Italian experience. On the Disney Dream it will be more Northern Italian, more quintessential Italian, more elegance, more classical and sophisticated. Instead of the art glass decor found on the Magic and Wonder there will be more "gold leaf".

Palo on the Disney Dream will seat approximately 160 chairs; the 40-45% proportional difference in size. At this time, Palo on the Dream will have a small outdoor terrace that seats 12-16 guests for an outdoor dining experience. Adjacent to Palo is an ocean view bar where one can have a before or after drink (and you won't need a Palo reservation to enjoy the bar). The bar area may have a special outside section for cigar smokers.

Cabanas - is the new option to sit down dining. Cabanas is similar to a food court environment and will have a number of "kitchen" stations. It is free flow dining; you decide the type of food you want and then go to that kitchen to order. The seating area will surround the cooking stations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served daily. Dinner (this is still under discussion) may become table service with cook to order food.

For those of you wondering, there will be a 24 hour beverage station on the Disney Dream, as there is on the Magic and Wonder.

That's it for today! There will be one more blog post from my conversation with Gary and Jason tomorrow!

We jumped right into a discussion of the AquaDuck!

A partial mock-up of the coaster currently resides in Canada, although at this point, no actual ride testing has begun. The current stated minimum rider height requirement for AquaDuck is 48 inches, however that may change once actual testing begins. The rafts will have a minimum and maximum weight capacity. Solo riders will be able to enjoy the coaster! Each person will need to climb stairs in order to get to the loading zone, there is no lift or elevator. The water temperature can be controlled. Look for some special surprises and lighting effects for rides at night!
If you want a sneak peak at the Aqua Duck rafts and are a fan of Blizzard Beach you're in luck. The rafts will be "tested" in Blizzard Beach in the near future!

Pools and Recreation!

The biggest difference you'll see in the pool area is that the Mickey and Donald (yes, Donald instead of Goofy) pools will be in the same ultra large deck space. Instead of having the funnel between them as in the case with the current Magic and Wonder ships, families will be able to be closer together. This area (from funnel to funnel) is the size of a football field! A hard deck will cover the pools for special parties and events. It might even be the ultimate dance floor for Pirate Night!

Quiet Cove, the adult only pool, will have a main pool lounge area as well as an upper deck for sun bathing. The pool itself will have different water levels. To accommodate adults who enjoy dangling their toes in the water, you'll be able to sit in a lounge chair and have your feet in 6 inches of water. For those that enjoy more depth, there is a deeper section of the pool. There will be an adult beverage station in the Quiet Cove area.

When asked about a "zero entry" pool on the cruise ships (like several of the newer pools at Walt Disney World) Gary explained that the zero entry pools require much more space than the traditional pools. With very limited space allocated, they are unable to build a zero entry. He did assure me there are transfer tiers into the pools.

When I inquired about additional recreational activities, a smile came across the faces of both gentlemen. As I had been told at the press event, there are still surprises and details to be announced for the Disney Dream. It sounds as though this may be one of the bigger announcements still to come!

Entertainment

First, many of you have asked if the Disney Dream will have the ability to shoot off fireworks - and the answer is YES!.

The new Villains show, announced at the press event, will feature a new take on the villains - a tongue in cheek, fun approach, and not so scary. One of the artist renderings says "Welcome to the Funderworld!"

With this new show, I began to think perhaps Pirates night would be replaced by Villains night. However, at this time, Pirates night will continue on the Disney Dream. With the short itinerary of the Disney Dream, there is a limit to the entertainment options that can be done. However, I think the Villains show will open up a huge opportunity for Disney Cruise Line Entertainment and look forward to what enhancements roll out!

That's it for now.. check back tomorrow for Part 2 of my conversation with Gary and Jason about the Disney Dream!

POOLS

No matter who I spoke with, the Cast Member emphasised how the Disney Dream is 40% larger than the Magic and Wonder and so everything was enlarged by about 40%. The same is true for the pools. There are three pools: quiet pool for the adults, the family pool and kid's pool. The family pool and kid's pool are positioned together so families don't feel separated. The kid's pool has the Mickey slide (similar to the Magic and Wonder) with a couple additional turns. None of the pools are covered nor is there a "Solarium" type pool.

The huge announcement for water activities is the incredible AquaDuck coaster :) More AquaDuck information click here.

Here's a photo of the AquaDuck raft:

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Disney officials are being quiet right now about the Recreational Area on the upper deck. When asked if there would be mini-golf or some other type of recreation, I was told there would be a separate announcement about that.

SUITES

There will be exciting additions to the upper deck. Suite guests will now have their own private area to relax. The deck below is also the suite deck. And the stairs to the left will also take you from the Lounge to the Upper Deck. There will be a private concierge lounge. If you look at the photo, the dome in the ceiling is for the concierge lounge. The lounge will offer private check-in, private buffet, a bar, and a shore excursion desk.

The Walt and Roy suite are located in the front of the ship. If you look at the photo below and you will see two outdoor jacuzzis and that's the Walt and Roy! These 2 suites were designed so the beds have ocean views out to the sea. This photo is from the starboard side of the ship, so it's reversed from the photo above. These two suites will be approx 890 sq. feet and sleep 5.

TEEN CLUB

Those familiar with the Magic and Wonder ships may recall that there was a Crew member pool area in the front of the ship. On the Disney Dream, this area now becomes part of the Teen Space! This area will have lounges for sunbathing, two wading pools, fountains, pop jets and misters. The checkboard area are the pop jets. Under the Mickey ears (one deck below) is the Teen Club. They will have cards to swipe that allow only them into these areas. Click here for the Press Release on the Tween and Teen Clubs.

SHOPPING

The Shopping Area will be enlarged (about 40% as all the areas have been). The Disney Dream will have more of an open promenade shopping area. There will be more than two stores.

BYE BYE INTERNET CAFE

The entire ship will be Wi-Fi, there will be no dedicated internet cafe!

Thank you Joe for spending so much time with the AllEars team!

Let's start with some videos. There were video screens stationed in various locations (during the press event) that showed a bit more of the artwork.

Here is a video showing the Buena Vista and Walt Disney Theatres.

This one shows the Dining Rooms.

And here is the Adult District!

Today's Theme: Now it's time to say good bye...

Character Breakfast at Storytellers Café - Enjoy breakfast at your leisure with Chip 'n Dale at Storytellers Cafe in your hotel.

Then it's time to return to the Airport!

Enjoy today's photos (Remember we are on West Coast Time):

Goodbye Breakfast: Michael and Jamie go over checkout plans

Cathy and I say goodbye - What an amazing Adventure by Disney!

VIP experiences to the end Mercedes van takes us to airport. Adv by Disney ROCKS!

Beci: Its been a fantastic trip. Thank you all for making it magical. Anyone want to go with us maybe next year?

HOW TO FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURE!
Once the Adventure by Disney begins on October 13th, there are THREE ways you can follow us! With new social networking, we plan to do something a little different.

TWITTER
There is a program called "Twitpic" that allows one to send photos via a mobile phone directly to Twitter. Beci Mahnken and myself will be posting photos "live" via the Twitter network.

Deb Wills: http://twitter.com/AllEarsDeb
Beci Mahnken: http://twitter.com/beci_mousefan

FACEBOOK
We also have our twitter accounts transmitting automatically to our Facebook accounts. So those of you who are "friends" can follow our adventures that way!

BLOGS

At the same time, AllEars team members Jack Marshall and Debbie Koma will be back home copying our Twitter photos and combining them this daily blog. So, you can follow us either here, on Twitter or on Facebook.

I hope this provides some cool ways for you to follow us on the adventure of a lifetime, an Adventure by Disney Backstage Magic.

Today's Theme: Behind the Orange Grove

Character Breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen - Enjoy Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles and rub elbows with Goofy and his pals at this whimsical breakfast buffet.

Privately Guided VIP experience of Disney's California Adventure™ Park - Before Disney's California Adventure™ Park opens to regular guests, enjoy a privately guided VIP tour, including a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the Park where you'll discover the inner workings of the Park and enjoy a private Turtle Talk with Crush*.

Lunch and Afternoon On Your Own at the Disneyland® Resort - Spend the rest of your afternoon on your own, enjoying more of the exciting activities at both Parks.

Farewell Dinner and Surprise - Share stories and enjoy fine dining at a special farewell dinner exclusively for you and your fellow Adventurers. Then get a first-rate view of the fireworks as the dazzling finale of your adventure.

Enjoy today's photos (Remember we are on West Coast Time):

Ready to begin our day with Adventures by Disney

Goofy's Kitchen Character Breakfast

Beci: Memories.... From d23. That was a great night. Thanks guys. You know who you are. :)

Beci: Last day of backstage magic starts with a breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen. Love ice cream in the morning!

Jasmine gives touring advice

Ratatouille Fans

Beci: Hey adventurers... We are going Soarin!

Beci: The park isn't even open and we are on the rides! I love Adventures by Disney!

Beci: The Adv by Disney group in Disney's California Adventure!

Time for Animation VIP Tour

Animation Academy

Learning to draw Mickey

Backdoor to Tower of Terror!!

Beci: Beth and Deb show off their handy work as we learned to draw Mickey

Beci: MEI & Mouse fan travel staff post-Tower of Terror drop!

Waiting for Aladdin

@disneyd23 Disneyland Frontierland

Beci: It's the last night of our adventure and the group is gathering for a special farewell event

Beci: Stacia Martin is the special guest tonight and she's doing personalized pics for each family. Wow.

Farewell dinner. Mickey and Minnie say See Ya Real Soon!

Beci: Surprise! We have VIP reserved seating for the fireworks show!

Our final VIP Adv by Disney event - Reserved DL Fireworks seating

Halloween Screams at DL

HOW TO FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURE!
Once the Adventure by Disney begins on October 13th, there are THREE ways you can follow us! With new social networking, we plan to do something a little different.

TWITTER
There is a program called "Twitpic" that allows one to send photos via a mobile phone directly to Twitter. Beci Mahnken and myself will be posting photos "live" via the Twitter network.

Deb Wills: http://twitter.com/AllEarsDeb
Beci Mahnken: http://twitter.com/beci_mousefan

FACEBOOK
We also have our twitter accounts transmitting automatically to our Facebook accounts. So those of you who are "friends" can follow our adventures that way!

BLOGS

At the same time, AllEars team members Jack Marshall and Debbie Koma will be back home copying our Twitter photos and combining them this daily blog. So, you can follow us either here, on Twitter or on Facebook.

I hope this provides some cool ways for you to follow us on the adventure of a lifetime, an Adventure by Disney Backstage Magic.

Today's Theme: Walt's World

Character Breakfast at Plaza Inn - Start your day in Disneyland® Park eating breakfast with Minnie Mouse and her friends. Choose from an assortment of delicious morning treats at the all-you-can-eat buffet.

VIP Custom Tour of Disneyland® Park - Discover the secrets of Disneyland® Park in this privately guided backstage tour. Visit areas that are off limits to other Park Guests as you learn the fascinating history of Walt Disney and his dream.

Lunch at Café Orleans - Enjoy the view of the Rivers of America and savor the flavors of New Orleans.

Afternoon and Evening in Disneyland® Resort - After lunch, we continue the tour, including a privately guided VIP tour to Walt Disney's Apartment. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening on your own at either Disneyland® Park or Disney's California Adventure® Park.

Enjoy today's photos (Remember we are on West Coast Time):

Grand Californian lobby waiting to start the day!

First DL visitors of the day

Beci: Deb, Beci and our guides Jaime and Michael AbD day 4

Amazing character breakfast at Plaza Inn

Adv by Disney VIP backstage tour, escorted on ride TWICE. No waiting!

Learning history of Walt and Jungle Cruise

Big Thunder Pumpkin Ranch

Scare-dy-crow Shack

Beci: Halloween decorations at Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland

Lunch at Cafe Orleans

Beci: Mickey head beignets for dessert at Cafe Orleans. Yummy!

Beci: Just had a ride on Pirates and as an Adventures by Disney guest... We were escorted on thru the backdoor and had our own boat!

A special ride down Main Street Omni bus

Riding Omnibus down Main Street

Beci: We are about to climb the staircase to view Walt's apartment above the fire station. I can't stop smiling!

Just visited Walt's Apartment and received a special pin!

Special Walt's apartment light pin

Beci: Just finished the tour of Walt's apartment and received a special pin in the shape of a lamp that lights up. Reserved for those who have visited the apartment.

Adv by Disney 5 Fastpasses for any DLResort attraction

Special pin for repeat Adventures by Disney participants

Beci: Dinner was on our own this evening and I was lucky to be invited by friends to dine at Club 33. We ended the night with a ride or two using one of the five fastpasses given to us by the guides. What a great night!

HOW TO FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURE!
Once the Adventure by Disney begins on October 13th, there are THREE ways you can follow us! With new social networking, we plan to do something a little different.

TWITTER
There is a program called "Twitpic" that allows one to send photos via a mobile phone directly to Twitter. Beci Mahnken and myself will be posting photos "live" via the Twitter network.

Deb Wills: http://twitter.com/AllEarsDeb
Beci Mahnken: http://twitter.com/beci_mousefan

FACEBOOK
We also have our twitter accounts transmitting automatically to our Facebook accounts. So those of you who are "friends" can follow our adventures that way!

BLOGS

At the same time, AllEars team members Jack Marshall and Debbie Koma will be back home copying our Twitter photos and combining them this daily blog. So, you can follow us either here, on Twitter or on Facebook.

I hope this provides some cool ways for you to follow us on the adventure of a lifetime, an Adventure by Disney Backstage Magic.

Today's Theme: Making the Magic!

Walt Disney Imagineering -- See how the magic of Disney theme parks and resorts is made. Get a first-hand look at some of the creations conjured up by the architects, designers, engineers, technicians and others who make up the Disney Imagineers.

Walt Disney Studios -- Enjoy lunch at the Walt Disney Studio commissary and then browse through an assortment of memorabilia at the Studio Store. Afterwards, you'll learn the story of the Walt Disney Studio during your privately-guided tour.

Drive to Disneyland® Resort -- Head to the Happiest Place on Earth and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa. This Craftsman-style hotel is within walking distance of both Disneyland® Park and Disney's California Adventure™ Park, as well as the Downtown Disney® District, a promenade with shops and restaurants. After you are checked in, you have time on your own to relax by the pool or go shopping.

Welcome Reception at the Wine Cellar and Hook's Pointe -- Enjoy Disney-style entertainment as you sample an assortment of appetizers, along with a selection of wines for adults and juice for Junior Adventurers. Afterwards, dine on the fine family fare of this lively pirate-themed restaurant.

Evening at Disneyland® Park
Enjoy a priority entrance into the Disneyland® Park and spend the evening on your own.

Enjoy today's photos (Remember we are on West Coast Time):

Hollywood waking up

More Disney stars on Hollywood Blvd

Walt's Star

Waiting for our bus to imagineering

Beci: AbD group on the bus ready for the trek to imagineering!

Beci: Ever wonder what lunch at the disney studios commissary looks like?

Disney Studios Commisary for Lunch

Walt Disney Studios

Beci: AbD group getting ready to tour the walt disney studios and the Disney archives. Woo hoo!

Beci: Visiting stage 3 at disney studios

Beci: We are about to tour the Disney archives!

Beci: The AbD group at legends plaza

Beci: Disney archives researcher Ed with Beci and his latest copy of celebrations magazine

Imagineering Building

Learning all about the inside of the Sound stage

Frank G Wells Building - Home to the Archives

Disney Archives

Archives - Haunted Mansion items

Cathy accepts an Oscar courtesy of the Archives

Very first ticket to Disneyland

Legends plaza at Disney Studios

Beci: Welcome reception at Hooks Point at the Disneyland Resort

Disneyland for Haunted Mansion (backdoored) and more ...

HOW TO FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURE!
Once the Adventure by Disney begins on October 13th, there are THREE ways you can follow us! With new social networking, we plan to do something a little different.

TWITTER
There is a program called "Twitpic" that allows one to send photos via a mobile phone directly to Twitter. Beci Mahnken and myself will be posting photos "live" via the Twitter network.

Deb Wills: http://twitter.com/AllEarsDeb
Beci Mahnken: http://twitter.com/beci_mousefan

FACEBOOK
We also have our twitter accounts transmitting automatically to our Facebook accounts. So those of you who are "friends" can follow our adventures that way!

BLOGS

At the same time, AllEars team members Jack Marshall and Debbie Koma will be back home copying our Twitter photos and combining them this daily blog. So, you can follow us either here, on Twitter or on Facebook.

I hope this provides some cool ways for you to follow us on the adventure of a lifetime, an Adventure by Disney Backstage Magic.

Today's Theme: Lights, Camera, Adventure

We have a full day on tap:

Behind the Scenes at The El Capitan Theatre - Step into Hollywood's past with a backstage tour of the ornate El Capitan Theatre, lovingly restored as a venue for Disney films and live shows.

Backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live - Visit the former Masonic temple where this hilarious and wildly popular late night talk show is taped. On a backstage tour, explore this historic theater and hear some entertaining inside stories about the day-to-day excitement involved in producing a nightly comedy-variety show packed with celebrity guests and top music acts.

The Jim Henson Company Studio Tour and Lunch - This historic studio was built in 1917 by Charlie Chaplin. Now home to The Jim Henson Company, it's not open to just anybody! Enjoy a privately guided VIP tour that includes a video history of the company and a behind-the-scenes look at Jim Henson's Creature Shop™. End the visit with a specially prepared lunch prepared in the studio's private café

The Stars of Hollywood - On the trip back to the hotel, cruise by some of Hollywood's most famous landmarks. After the brief privately guided tour, stroll on the Walk of the Stars and compare your own hands and feet to the hand and footprints of your favorite performers at Grauman's Chinese Theater.

On Your Own in Hollywood - In the evening, you are on your own to relax or enjoy the wide variety of restaurants and activities in this vibrant area.

Enjoy today's photos (Remember we are on West Coast Time):

Day 2 of our Adventure by Disney begins soon!

View from our hotel room AbD. Hollywood

AbD group photo at Renaissance Hollywood Hotel

Kodak Theatre

Michael Manager of @elcapitan

Breakfast! What a fun place!

So much fun at Disney's Soda Fountain shop

Backstage day 2. Breakfast at Disney's Soda Fountain.

Linda and Debra getting serious about pin trading early in the trip. Exclusives at the Disney Soda Fountain

Ready to tour Jim Henson Studios

Deb, Chris and Beci inside Jim Henson reception

Hollywood Walk of Fame esp for @dcdeb_allears

An Amazing time at the Jim Henson Studios

Abd group just arrived at Jim Henson Studios

Cathy holds a Jim Henson Emmy Statute

@beci_mousefan and Chris have a moment with Kermit

AbD group at Walt's Barn

Walt Disney Barn at Carolwood

Miniature steam train inside walt's barn.

Tonight's fun - Toy Story 3D double feature

Just steps from our hotel is this original theater....

Mickey's Star

3D glasses in place ready for ToyStory 3D

AbD arranged for reserved seat tickets for ToyStory

A musical number from @ElCapitan before the movie

Check it out! Snow White has a star on Hollywood blvd too!

HOW TO FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURE!
Once the Adventure by Disney begins on October 13th, there are THREE ways you can follow us! With new social networking, we plan to do something a little different.

TWITTER
There is a program called "Twitpic" that allows one to send photos via a mobile phone directly to Twitter. Beci Mahnken and myself will be posting photos "live" via the Twitter network.

Deb Wills: http://twitter.com/AllEarsDeb
Beci Mahnken: http://twitter.com/beci_mousefan

FACEBOOK
We also have our twitter accounts transmitting automatically to our Facebook accounts. So those of you who are "friends" can follow our adventures that way!

BLOGS

At the same time, AllEars team members Jack Marshall and Debbie Koma will be back home copying our Twitter photos and combining them this daily blog. So, you can follow us either here, on Twitter or on Facebook.

I hope this provides some cool ways for you to follow us on the adventure of a lifetime, an Adventure by Disney Backstage Magic.

Today's Theme: "It all started with a mouse..."

Since Cathy and I have been staying at the Grand Californian resort, our journey begins here with an early afternoon pickup.

Today is arrival day for everyone. I'm looking forward to spending time with old friends and making new ones!

Our first two nights we stay at the The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel and our Welcome Dinner is at the Trastevere Ristorante.

Enjoy today's photos (Remember we are on West Coast Time):

HOW TO FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURE!
Once the Adventure by Disney begins on October 13th, there are THREE ways you can follow us! With new social networking, we plan to do something a little different.

TWITTER
There is a program called "Twitpic" that allows one to send photos via a mobile phone directly to Twitter. Beci Mahnken and myself will be posting photos "live" via the Twitter network.

Deb Wills: http://twitter.com/AllEarsDeb
Beci Mahnken: http://twitter.com/beci_mousefan

FACEBOOK
We also have our twitter accounts transmitting automatically to our Facebook accounts. So those of you who are "friends" can follow our adventures that way!

BLOGS

At the same time, AllEars team members Jack Marshall and Debbie Koma will be back home copying our Twitter photos and combining them this daily blog. So, you can follow us either here, on Twitter or on Facebook.

I hope this provides some cool ways for you to follow us on the adventure of a lifetime, an Adventure by Disney Backstage Magic.

These photos are from Tuesday October 13, 2009:

Entrance to Downtown Disney from Grand Californian

DL Downtown Disney esp for @SidCahuenga

DL Downtown Disney walking toward parks

Leaving DL DD approaching park security

DL Space Mtn Ghost Galaxy Not for Auld ladies Deb and Cathy ;)

Entrance to DCA esp for @littlegrammy

Mr. Toad - esp for Kevin

DL Amazing Disney Pumpkins

Mega WOW from 2 who have not seen movie!

DCA World of Color Work esp for @markhp @marcmantoo

More World of Color DCA work @Rayhp @mcbrisbin

And still more DCA World of Color construction

Adventure by Disney begins Lincoln Town Car service to hotel!

Adventure by Disney Backstage Magic Group

AbD Guides Michael and Daniel

AbD Dinner at Trastevere

Thank you everyone for stopping by. We enjoyed meeting all of you!!!

As Deb roams the Disneyland Resort, she's posting photos to Twitter. You can follow Deb on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/allearsdeb

This is a compilation of those photos.

These photos are from Monday, October 12, 2009:

Good morning from cloudy Disneyland

Security check entrance for DL DCA

DL entrance esp for Glo and Donald

Halloween decor at hub esp for @magicmeets

DL Castle art work

Pinocchio Entrance esp for @djdrew

Village Haus Counter Service @djdrew

DL Port Royal

Very cool Commemorative Pressed Pennies at DL

Chip n Dale in cool costumes

Characters Ride down Main Street

Mickey leads the band down Main Street

Lisa at the Toontown Camera shop

Roger Rabbit's ride in ToonTown

Cathy Lisa and Laura head to ToonTown

Goofy's House for Masayo

Its A Small World esp for @KimberlyMBlair. Michelle and Kara

DL Marching band

As Deb roams the Disneyland Resort, she's posting photos to Twitter. You can follow Deb on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/allearsdeb

This is a compilation of those photos.

These photos are from Sunday, October 11, 2009:

Mattehorn on cloudy day esp for Mikki

Line to GET Fastpass for DL Space Mtn Ghost Galaxy

Ran into AllEars Team Members Laura and Lee w/ Cathy in DD

Checking mail while viewing California Adventure

Monsters Inc enjoy especially @jjzmgailey @david4242

AllEars DL Meet and Greet #1

AllEars DL Meet and Greet #2

AllEars DL Meet and Greet #3

Main Street DL esp for Jackie

DL Main Street all ready for Halloween

Great Pumpkin Mickey Photo Op at DL

Time to take flight at DCA

Beautiful evening at DL

What??!! I have to wait 2 hours for Fantasmic?!

DL Fantasmic Dessert Party

DL Fantasmic Pirate Ship - Awesome!!

Fantasmic Character ship w/ 30-40 Characters