Our friends at Disney are reaching out to the Social Media Community again with their latest project:

From Disney: The Disney Parks InsidEARS Program is designed to allow Disney Parks enthusiasts the opportunity to share online planning tips and Park memories based on their vacation experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort. Disney Parks InsidEARS will also have an opportunity to display a virtual badge on DisneyParksInsidEARS.com and additional websites, as described in the Program Rules, and chat about their vacation experiences at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resorts.

I am one of the lucky beta testers (no idea how I managed that, but so glad to be a part of it!)

The program was initially slated to premier last week, but unfortunately had some launch gremlins. After receiving my special code, I tried to log in, but was denied access. I used their “Contact Us” button and reported the problem, and they promptly sent back this email:

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo and hello to you! 

We’ve chosen a “Cinderella” theme to open this email because we all are looking forward to the fairy tale ball celebration when the Disney Parks InsidEARS program officially launches.  As one of the 1,000 invited Beta Testers, we appreciate your dedication and excitement as we create this new online site and program for enthusiastic fans of Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida who like to share their opinions about Disney Parks with their online friends. 

Unfortunately, the royal coach we were riding the Beta Launch in turned into a pumpkin pretty quickly (I guess we were not looking at the clock well enough when it struck midnight!) and there have been some
unforeseen server outages since the Registration Codes were sent to you and the remaining 999 Beta Testers (I bet you thought we were going to say “999 Happy Haunts,” didn’t you?).

We very much appreciate you taking the time to “Contact Us” and let us know the challenges you faced.  We’d like to blame Drizella and Anastasia for this mess that’s been created, but they’ve already caused enough havoc, haven’t they?

So, as we look for the enchanted glass slipper that will fit perfectly and create a completely functional DisneyParksInsidEARS.com website, we ask for your continued patience and enthusiasm about the new program.

So stay tuned and keep your EAR to the ground.  And if you haven’t already, be sure to “Like” our official Disney Parks InsidEARS Facebook page.  We’ll try to provide the latest updates there as often as we can.

 Thank you again and have a magical day!

Kelly and Marissa

Disney Parks InsidEARS Community Managers

I thought it was a terrific response, but what especially impressed me was that they a) read my issue and b) responded…. all too uncommon these days! I wish more companies would follow suit!

I did manage to register this morning, and am proudly wearing my badge (on the blog. Not literally!)

Here is a Welcome video describing the program – I hope you enjoy!

The latest light show on Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World is breathtaking – here’s another snap of the castle during the Small World homage

(and again, I didn’t use a tripod, because I did not want to carry it – would definitely be improved if I did. Trust me – use the tripod!)

One of the very best tour values at Disneyworld  takes place at EPCOT in the Land pavillion. The hour-long Behind the Seeds Tour offers a unique backstage tour of the Land, and allows guests to get “hands on”  with the vegetable and foliage and really experience the Land from the inside out!

And the very best feature? THE PRICE! Currently, $18 for adults, and $14 for kids, with annual pass and Disney Visa discounts available

And in celebration of the season, take a look at this Mickey Pumpkin, grown on site!

I am a huge fan of the Disney railroads, and especially love the Disneyland railroad. I always think of Mr. Disney and his love of trains as I circle the park.

While the Grand Canyon and the dinosaur dioramas were added after the opening of the railroad, they showcase the animatronics that set Disney apart from its competitors.

I also found this video on YouTube by LBZKID8,

On Main Street, that is!

Minnie was shaking her groove thing on Disneyland’s Main Street – the gal’s got moves!

Here’s a quick bit of Disneyland magic, on a string!

Double dawg dare you not to smile after you see these balloons! Whether you are 8 or 80, balloons are straight up fun!

These  ovens always make me laugh…

or, where I wish I was tonight!