We go to Walt Disney World every year…and on rare occasions, twice a year. It’s something we look forward to for months. In fact, as we’re leaving the greater Orlando area, we’re already planning what we’ll do and where we’ll stay on our next trip. There are some days when we desperately wish we could snap our fingers and be back at the most magical place on earth! So, if you’re like us, let me offer a few tips that help us quench our WDW cravings and squelch out those “we miss Disney World” blues:

• Watch our home video of previous Disney vacations. This is definitely our favorite! We re-live memories and look forward to re-visiting our favorite spots on our next visit.
• Flip through our Disney vacation scrapbooks and souvenirs/memorabilia. We get a “snapshot” of the fun you’ve had, and it’s fun to remember where we collected all our “treasures.”
• Watch a Disney planning DVD. While there’s not a ton of new information for us as Disney veterans, it’s still fun for us to see our old haunts and see a glimpse of what’s new or coming soon. If you don’t have one yet, order yours (it’s free!) here.
• Cook something from an original Disney recipe! We’ve made Tonga Toast (Polynesian), Chocolate Mousse (Epcot, France), and Cheddar Cheese Soup (Epcot, Canada) at home, and there are dozens of other favorite Disney recipes available online (a quick web search produces multiple sources).
• Plan! Believe it or not, the “chore” of making our Disney plans (Resort reservations, purchasing tickets, ADRs, etc.)  actually helps me look forward to our next trip.

Do you have any unique ideas for keeping the Disney magic alive at home?

We now have a little more insight into what the upcoming Be Our Guest Restaurant might be like. Apparently, it will act as a quick service meal for lunch (with guests ordering at kiosks and being served food at tables) and a table service meal for dinner. You can check out the Official Disney Parks Blog for details about the menu and atmosphere.

Be Our Guest is expected to open around the Christmas holidays this year!

Who’s excited about Halloween? Granted, it’s only June, but if your kids are like mine, they start planning their costumes for the next year before they’ve even sorted their Halloween candy. True to form, the Disney Store has once again re-invented some classic costumes and introduced a few brand new ones. I always love seeing what direction the princess costumes take each year, and I’m happy to report that I really like what I’m seeing for 2012! I’m especially in awe of the Rapunzel costumes–both the purple one and the wedding dress. But I’m guessing my girls will fight over who gets to be the newest heroin, Merida, this year.

You can check out all the new (and old) costumes here and here.

Just got the mail. I’m always excited when Mickey sends me something. Anyone know what this is?

You can get your own here.

A lot has been going on at Walt Disney World, so I thought it was time for an update post. Here’s what’s happening:

• Phineas and Ferb/Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure opened in Epcot on Saturday, June 23.
• Dumbo now has double the capacity, with the second of the double spires opening last week in the Magic Kingdom. In addition, the new FastPass system, allowing children to play while they wait, is now in place.
• Right next to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (MK), a meet-n-greet with the cuddly bear and friends recently opened. The photo op replaces part of the interactive queue.
• The Casey Jr. Splash & Soak area in the new Fantasyland (MK) is now open for business. And just in case you get a bit too wet, there’s a circus-themed cart selling beach towels nearby.
• Brave was top at the box office for its opening weekend, bringing in $66.7 million.

Those are the highlights for the last week or so!

The party store had a Hidden Mickey for sale–only $6.99!