I’m not sure if it was an error in planning or if Disney meant for it to happen this way, but the big announcement during “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” at precisely 11:00 p.m. was, in most cases, pre-empted by that local news. Still the website Disney set up as a countdown spilled the beans to those of us who were watching the ‘net. Now that we’ve heard the big announcement, it’s up to us to decide: is this going to be a big deal…or is it really just a big letdown?

Rumors were right on target in regard to the Parks staying open 24-hours for Leap Day 2012. In addition, fans can enter to win a free Disney vacation every day from January 1 through February 29, 2012. Finally, Disney is offering what is essentially a “buy 3, get one free” deal for travel dates between Feb. 26 and March 10.

You can read the full details of “One More Disney Day” here, and judge for yourself how significant you think this promotion will be for 2012.

Music has always had a prominent part in all of our products from the early cartoon days. I have had no formal musical training. Credit for the memorable songs and scores must, of course, go to the brilliant composers and musicians who have been associated with me through the years. – Walt Disney

You’ve probably heard by now that Disney plans to make a big surprise announcement on New Year’s Eve, during the live broadcast of “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve.” This announcement, of course, is in regard to the 2012 theme (or, more appropriately, marketing push) for all the Disney Parks: “One More Disney Day.” Much speculation has gone into this announcement–with particular focus around the fact that 2012 is a Leap Year–but we’ll all have to wait until Saturday night to get the details. 

If you’re filled with anticipation, you can visit the countdown page on Disney’s website to learn exactly how long you’ll have to wait for the news.  There’s a video you can watch that may offer a few clues (mostly, a lot of clock shots). According to the page, in 2012 Disney will do something they’ve never done before (so fans hoping for a free day on their birthday or something similar will likely be disappointed). Any guesses to what it will be?

DisneyStore.com is having it’s “Twice Upon a Year” sale, but for the next two days (12/26 and 12/27), you will get an extra 15% off sale items with the promo code SALE15. I’m going to shop a little this morning to see if there’s anything I just have to have, since one of my Christmas gifts was a $100 Disney gift card (that can be used in the Parks, Resorts, or on merchandise), which included a $10 Disney Store gift card. So, I have at least $10 to spend, and maybe up to $110 if I want! (But, let’s face it, I’m probably going to save that $100 so that I can go to WDW sooner!)

I trust everyone had a Merry Christmas! We made these gingerbread beignets last week as part of our family celebration…but they didn’t turn out quite right (faulty yeast, I think). Boo. Still, they looked kinda cute, don’t ya think?

OK, this actually has nothing to do with Disney (except that we’re a Disney-loving family!), but I thought I would share our family Christmas photo with my readers…sort of a virtual Christmas card. I think you can see from the photo that my youngest daughter is the family comedian. Merry Christmas from Scott, Valerie (that’s me!), Reagan, and Presley!