Motivational Monday: Do what Walt says

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Disclaimer: I am not an expert, but the advice dispensed here has been researched or is something that has worked for me in the past.  Proceed at your own risk...

Since I'm currently spending my Spring Break at Walt Disney World, I thought it was only appropriate to share some of the inspirational words of one of the greatest businessman of all time.  Walt Disney without a doubt changed the world with his imagination and hard work.

Walt & Mickey 

In last week's post I mentioned that Disney was fired from his job at a newspaper because he "lacked imagination and had no good ideas."  I'm sure that boss ate a nice plate of crow years later.  Walt had a good idea in creating what would become a dynasty.  He didn't give up on his dreams.  From Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Mickey Mouse to finally bringing Snow White to the big screen, he changed the entertainment world.

There are now Disney theme parks and resorts around the world.  The empire continues to grow with the expansion into other forms of entertainment.  Disney now owns ABC, Marvel and the Star Wars brand.  It's amazing how one man's vision and determination lead to all of this.

Cheers!

Many times we have a good idea.  But often we keep those thoughts to ourselves.  We may tell some people about it.  How much work goes into making the idea a reality?  Admittedly I've had plenty of ideas that have never seen the light of day partly out of fear, partly out not making the time for them.  I'm working on a new project with my buddy Tom Harness.  Details will be released soon and while we're not going to have a theme park named after us, we will be making a splash online.  If you want success, hard work, dedication and a positive attitude are required.

Happy Birthday Walt Disney World

Selfie at Magic Kingdom
2014

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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October 1, 1971 the world changed for the better.  Walt Disney opened the Magic Kingdom providing families from around the world a theme park experience like no other.  It blows my mind to think Disney World is only a couple years older than me.  

I've been obsessed with Mickey Mouse for as long as I can remember.  My second birthday was nothing but Mickey.  My family made its first trek to Magic Kingdom when I was in kindergarten.  I don't remember much from that trip, but we did take a followup vacation there about four years later that I remember well.  

Honeymoon with Pooh

When I was a freshman in high school we spent Christmas break in Florida and an entire day at Epcot.  I got a Pluto t-shirt as a souvenier.  Other than that as a teenager I found the park boring.  Ten years later, my wife and I honeymooned at Disney. And as parents, my wife and I (along with my folks) have returned on three separate occasions.

The most recent trip was in October 2014.  Here's a highlight reel and blog about that trip.  

We are headed back in Spring 2016.  The high school marching band that my son is a member of will be marching at Magic Kingdom during spring break.  I can't wait to return, even if for a day or two.  Believe me when I tell you the Disney "magic" (although pricey) is a real thing.  

Finding Mickey

A Hidden Mickey you have to create

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

One of the other genius ideas by the folks at Walt Disney World is the concept of the "Hidden Mickeys" around the theme parks, resorts, and other Disney owned areas.  I don't know the whole back story behind the Mickeys, but in the book (written by Steven M. Barrett) there are more than 1,200 icons of the famous mouse around the properties.  I also have to credit my friend Devin Kidd for giving me the book.  He is the biggest Disney fan I've ever met and probably reading this from a Disney park right now.  

Do you see him?

The idea behind the Hidden Mickeys (at least I think) is to help pass the time while waiting in line at the parks.  I'll be honest, I forgot to bring the book to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, but I had it in hand at Epcot and Hollywood Studios.  I also cruised around the Art of Animation Resort with it too.  Another confession, I had no luck finding the Hidden Mickeys by just reading the Scavenger Hunt portion of the book, so I skipped ahead to the "hints" chapters of each park.

How about this one?

It became quite an adventure and my kids helped in the search. When park cast members saw me with the book, they'd keep the secrets alive.  Only one helped me out and I needed it on The Great Movie Ride at Hollywood Studios.  When I searched around the restaurant at our resort, other patrons asked me to let them know when I found the Mickey because they couldn't.  Neither could I.

Not always a picture

Each Mickey has a point value assigned, and you can tally up your score at each park, resort, or restaurant.  We didn't keep score though.  Also, they're not all just the iconic Mickey ears.  Sometimes it's the word "Mickey Mouse", a body shot of him, or a Mickey you have to create yourself.  Like I said, it's fun and it really kills the time when you're in the Standby Line waiting for a ride.

This one was pretty easy