Embrace the Magic with Will and Shannon on their journey through the Disney parks as they explore the Imagination and Dreams of Disney on The Magic Never Ends Podcast.

Our Trip

Westfest 2009 Master Planning Spreadsheet Revealed!

Will and Shannon’s proposed Westfest 2009 itinerary.  As always, it is subject to change.  But this is how it looks pre-trip.

Embrace the Planning!What is the Master Planning Spreadsheet?

The Master Planning Spreadsheet (MPSS) is how Will plans out his trip itineraries to Walt Disney World and Disneyland.  It takes into account park hours (including Extra Magic Hours), dining reservations, shows, park rehabs, and special events.  This allows Will to feel as if he can Embrace the Magic as much as possible!

It doesn’t plan out to the second park touring though.  Its purpose is to establish blocks of activity time.

It may sound obsessive.  It may sound insane!  But it works for those that use it correctly.  Ask anyone that has toured a Disney park with Will and they all agree to the funness and practicality of the Master Planning Spreadsheet.

What’s the Focus of this MPSS?

Although we’re going for DPN Westfest, this trip is still a family vacation.  We don’t have an opportunity to visit Disneyland very often so we need to find a good balance between Westfest  meets and family park time.

We might be able to make more Westfest meets.  We might not be able to make Rope Drop every morning or stay until park close every night.

But this is the plan pre-trip.  More likely, this is the hope of what we can accomplish on the trip.  As time and circumstances dictate, plans change so things could get dropped or added.

Are You Attending Westfest?

You should be attending!!  We hope to see you in the park.  Especially at the  meets hosted by the Magic Never Ends and the Travelears! Those are sure to be most fun!!!

Visit DPNWestfest.com for more information, including event schedules and media from past Westfests.

Unfortunately, we probably will be unable to add you to any dining reservations, but we would encourage you to make your own reservations!

Questions?  Comments?

E-mail us at podcast@magicneverends.com

Call the Voice Mail Line at 206-350-2422


MNE Video Blog Ep. 24 “Tinker Bell Talked to Me!”

Fresh out of meeting Tinker Bell, Shannon excitedly recounts the experience. Make sure you visit flicker.com/MagicNeverEnds to see the photo!

You can go to our Flickr page and leave a comment there on this picture.


MNE Video Blog Ep. 23 “Off to see Tinker Bell”

Shannon is off to FINALLY meet Tinker Bell! She’s so excited. Will and Shannon also quickly recap their first day of the Oct mini-trip.


How the Obsessive Plan Part 2

Back in August, I revealed how my most prized possession when it comes to Walt Disney World vacations…THE MASTER PLANNING SPREADSHEET!!!! Revisit the August 2007 Master Planning Spreadsheet to see how it’s normally designed.

Now here is the December 2007 Master Planning Spreadsheet! :D

Click the thumbnail picture below to see it full-sized.

Will’s December 2007 Master Planning Spreadsheet

The goal of the December trip is to see all the wonderful Christmas decorations and events, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. Shannon and I will be lucky to experience the WDW Christmas spirit with both new and old friends alike! We can’t wait!!! So this December version includes meeting up with these people.

If you happen to be spending time in WDW during this time, let us know! Maybe we can ride an attraction…have some hot cocoa and cookies…or enjoy the Christmas decorations…


ALY & AJ CONCERT AT HOUSE OF BLUES

Will and I were so excited for the Aly & AJ concert, but we were also sad when the day came because it meant our Disney trip was almost over. When we walked up to the House of Blues we were shocked that the line was already wrapped around the side of the building and extending to half the length of the lagoon that separates Saratoga Springs from Downtown Disney. While standing in line I noticed that the age bracket of spectators had changed a great deal from our first Aly & AJ concert last year. Although it was mostly the “tween” age group that was present……it was obvious to me that the 16-20 something age group was also well represented. No matter, Will and I were there to have a great time rocking it out to Aly & AJ and we didn’t care who knew it…..after all we’re kids at heart!!!! Once inside the building we found a spot in the orchestra pit of the concert hall standing pretty close to center stage about half way back. We were surrounded by other Aly & AJ fans and couldn’t wait for the concert to start. The intro act — Mark & James started at 7:30 pm and Aly & AJ finally came on at 8:30 pm. They were definitely worth the wait. They showcased most of the songs from their newest album Insomniatic while displaying not only their singing prowess but also their piano, guitar, and bongo playing skills…as well as their dancing skills!!!! WHAT A SHOW!!!!! They ended the concert and then came back out for one more song…..Into the Rush….. their hit from their last CD!!!! The concert was fabulous, beginning to end, and we had a perfect spot to view all the action……what a rush!!!! So if any of you have the opportunity to see Aly & AJ in concert know that you will not be disappointed. Catch you on the flip side. Shannon


The End of Our August Disney Adventure

Our last day started at ‘Ohana Breakfast with the Dysfunctional SuperFamily from The Adventures of the Teenage Disney Geek podcast. Kristen, Shannon’s co-worker friend, and her husband, Ben, were also able to join us.  All eight of us spent the remaining hours of Will and Shannon’s Walt Disney World Park Adventure at the Magic Kingdom.  Today was truly the best last day I’ve ever had on a WDW vacation!!!  Thank you, Dysfunctional SuperFamily, Kristen and Ben!!!!

Unfortunately, our Walt Disney World Park fun has ended ’til…Mousefest? Hopefully!

But the Magic continues at the House of Blues at Downtown Disney tonight with the Aly & AJ concert!!!

Then tomorrow night it’s the premiere of High School Musical 2 on the Disney Channel!


One More Day!

Shannon has convinced me to renew our Annual Passes!  Ok, so it didn’t take much convincing.  We get one more day of the Walt Disney World Parks!!!!!  I should also thank Phyllis for planting the renewal idea into Shannon’s head.

Time to update The Master Planning Sheet!  What version is it at now?  At least version 5.0 I think.

Now we’re talking more seriously about attending MouseFest 2007 (Dec 6-10).  Just need to work out some details.


Fate Steps In And Sees You Through

Will and Shannon’s Magic Moment

Sunday night, we had a Magical Moment! After dinner at the Concourse Steakhouse, we were walking to the boat landing at the Contemporary, when a Cast Member approached us. She asked what our plans were and how many people were with us. She informed us that she drove a pontoon on 7 Seas Lagoon for a viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant and Wishes! And since her group hadn’t shown, she was giving us the ride for free!!! It normally costs $200. But thanks to those people standing her up…and us being at the right place at the right time…we had a wonderful experience with CM, Megan, and watched my favorite fireworks from a new magical location!!! That was truly the best moment we’ve ever experienced at WDW!!!!

Megan, thanks for a wonderful time!!!!


How the Obsessive Plan!

Will’s Master Planning Spreadsheet

Here it is!  The much talked about!  Definitely over-hyped!

Will’s Master Planning Spreadsheet.   Or how the obsessive Type A Disney-holic plans.  You decide.

It’s in version 2 status, as the Aly & AJ concert at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney “forced” us to stay two extra nights.  This also allowed us to book the Pirate and Princess party on August 15th and take advantage of the DVC discount!

Normally, I block out park days (i.e. MK day, Epcot day, Disney-MGM Studios Day, AK day).  But for this trip…and since we’re going for almost 2 weeks, I’ve decided to play it more free flowing.  As we get closer, I might start blocking out park days.  I have a few activities in mind, such as Around the World day where we’ll attempt to converse with the foreign CM’s in the World Showcase…possibly drink around the world (have yet to successfully do that).  Plus there needs to be time for touring the resorts.  All of this will shape out in the next week or two.

For now, this will give you an idea of how I plan.  I probably should’ve included past itinerary sheets?  I still can upload these past examples, which provide more detail.


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