The Fever

Around this time of year at my house, at least one of my family members comes down with a bad case of what we call "The Fever."  They are anxious, lack focus, drift from one thought to another, and act in ways that seem irrational.  Their speech becomes littered with odd phrases, their eating habits change, as do their entertainment selections.  The most dangerous aspect of having "The Fever" is that it can be easily - sometimes instantaneously - transferred to others who are susceptible to it.  Once you come down with this disease, it is likely that it will recur at least once a year.

The Fever has hit our house hard this week.  It seems that all four of us have a touch of Disney Fever.
While it is no secret that I live my life in constant affliction of some version of Disney Fever, the other members of our family have recently shown signs of developing it as well.  Let me preface my husband's affliction by telling you that just a few weeks ago, after looking over our finances and household budget, declared that we would not be taking a Disney trip this summer as we had wished.  But as we drove to church just last Sunday he said, "You know, this will be the last trip Jace will take before he starts school." This declaration has prompted our two littles into Disney Fever frenzy.  They talk non-stop of the adventures they will have on their next visit to WDW.

So, we have Disney Fever, and aren't 100% sure we can afford to go this summer.  While I am anxious about that possibility, I will not lose heart!  In the meantime, here are some great ways to settle a Disney Fever rampage (or fuel the fire even more!)

• Watch Disney Planning videos - ours is permanently lodged in our van's DVD player, and the kids get lost in dreamland as the host describes every possible option at WDW.  The look on their faces in the rear-view mirror is priceless!
• Re-create menu options from WDW - even if it's not remotely the same, this is a great way to remember those wonderful meals from The World!  I plan to serve my BBQ sandwishes Sunday evening billed as Whispering Canyon Cafe's Canyon Skillet!
• Play Dress-up - When we dress-up as their favorite Disney characters, we pretend that they are the real characters at WDW - complete with autograph signing!
• Visit the WDW attractions on YouTube - we have ridden The Pirates of the Caribbean ten times this week!
• Disney-themed breakfast - Mickey pancakes require nothing more than quick placement of three dollops of batter!
• Fold your towel into an animal - Disney Mousekeepers are fantasitic at creating magic with a clean towel, and you can be too!
• Fill up that Resort Travel mug! If your refillable mugs are like ours, the logo is beginning to wear away from multiple washings, but the memories tied to them are wonderful!
• Visit the Disney Store - While it's not the same, it is similar, and the cast members try to make everyone welcome!
• Create edible version of your favorite attractions - The Edible Jungle Cruise (below) just might get your family ready for the adventures in the Jungle!

What do you do to keep the Disney Magic alive when you aren't there?