Happy Thanksgiving from TouringPlans.com!

Happy Thanksgiving all! We know that you are knee deep in turkey and stuffing right about now, but we haven’t stopped bloggin’ over here! Take a break from the feast, pour yourself a glass of wine (or coffee, or water, you know) and let us know what you are thankful for from Disney Parks. Our blog staff took a little time to bring you theirs as well!

Katie Siloac

First and foremost, I wanted to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for supporting and reading this blog, sending love to us on Twitter and Facebook, and attending our meets. You keep TouringPlans.com going and we love you! This community has changed my life, literally given me the tag “kidanikatie” and this amazing position with TouringPlans.com! I couldn’t go a day without chatting with all of you. The Disney Parks have given YOU, and that, by far, is what I am most thankful for!

Brian McNichols

In 2011 I have a lot of Disney-related thins to be thankful for.  For one, I am thankful that I got to visit Walt Disney World twice in one year for the first time.  I am thankful for the awesome new Star Tours ride. I am thankful (as always) for those liter mugs of beer at Biergarten. I am thankful that I finally got to experience Stitch’s Great Escape, and I am thankful that I’ll never have to do it again. I am thankful that I was accepted into Touring Plans, and I am thankful (and honored) that you actually read what I write here. Most of all, I am thankful that both of my children got to experience Disney this year and that I was able to see it anew through their eyes. We can never reclaim the innocence of youth, but we can all be thankfuul that there is a place where that innocence can be remembered forever.

Ryan Kilpatrick

I’m thankful for new experiences at Walt Disney World that are not just attractions.  From new restaurants, new entertainment options and new ways to tour the parks, I am really excited to see Disney trying all sorts of things for all kinds of guests.

Stacey Lantz

I’m continuously thankful for Walt Disney World being my home away from home.  The day to day gets tough and Disney is my escape.  I’m thankful for every amazing meal I eat on property, every attraction that gets my adrenaline pumping, every character I get to hug, and every tear I shed during a fireworks show.  I’m so glad that I get to share my passion for Disney with others through Touring Plans.  In 2011, I made the most amazing memories with family and friends in the Disney parks.  I look forward to 2012 and many more dole whip floats.

Todd Perlmutter

Looking back over 2011, I’ve made a lot of transitions and great strides that I’m very thankful for, and much of it surrounds my love of Disney and the Disney Parks.  Last year put me on the track of becoming a runner with the goal of running in Disney Races.  This year that goal became a reality, and I’ve run 3 different races: the Beauty and the Beast Royal Family 5K, the Expedition Everest Challenge, and the 2nd leg of the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Relay.  From 5K to 8.3 miles, and as promised here on this blog I’m on target to run the Walt Disney World Half Marathon this upcoming January.

I’ve also watched my friendships within the Disney community grow and evolve in ways that I don’t think I would have imagined at this time last year.  And when I consider that, if it wasn’t for my connection with the parks and my desire to share and experience them with others, I might not have many of the friends that I do today.  This blog and the connection it allows for me to make with all of you, the new friendships I have made through it, and those it will help me to forge in the future.  These are the things I am thankful for.

Tammy Whiting

I am thankful for Disneyland’s constant improvements.  Be it all the construction at California Adventure, or the Disneyland Hotel, Disney isn’t content with the status quo, Disneyland is growing and getting even more exciting every day.

Tom Bricker

I am thankful that Disney didn’t see the potential revenue-machine in selling reindeer at Santa’s Reindeer Round-Up in Disneyland. I fear my wife would have purchased a whole fleet by now if they did sell them, and I’m pretty sure the upkeep on reindeer is expensive.

Caroline Baggerly 

I am thankful that in 2011 Disney is requiring credit cards for many dining reservations .  Mostly, I am thankful for the Magic that Disney continually creates.  Disney Magic is inspiring, uplifting and hopeful.

Kristen Helmstetter

I’m most thankful for the Disney community, but as far as the parks go I’m thankful that strolling around World Showcase with a pineapple margarita from La Cava in hand in to find a spot for Illuminations never gets old.  I thankful for pretty much everything in World Showcase, especially Illuminations.  And I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to experience it several times this year with amazing friends.

Evan Levy

Kona Coffee; Dole Whip rule. An Epcot’s pretzel’s worth its weight in jewels.
When the gate drops and all yell, “Let’s Go!”; Heading for the Pirates’ Yo Ho Ho.
Banana bread pudding; lots of meat, watching the fireworks from a window seat.
The Toys and their mania? The highlight of the day. Where else can grownups just get to play?
I’m thankful for Disney even when I’m not there, just thinking about it makes everyday chores easier to bear!

And to kick us into the holiday season, a thanks from blogger Erin Foster to the tune of “My Favorite Things”!

Disney’s Our Favorite Thing

The ghosts in the mansion, the castle with Wishes,
A pirate! A princess! The V&A dishes!
A stroll in the park while the Dapper Dans sing,
These are a few of our favorite things.

A cruise through the jungle, a ride on Space Mountain,
The hotdogs at Casey’s, the splash of the fountains,
A snuggley hug beneath Donald Duck’s wings,
These are a few of our favorite things.

Goofy and Duffy and Minnie and Mickey,
Popcorn or Dole Whip? We’re not very picky.
On Toy Story Mania, we toss all the rings.
These are a few of our favorite things.

When there’s taxes. When there’s homework.
When our life’s a chore.
We find our escape at this magical place,
And that’s what we’re thankful for.

The luau at Poly, the Wilderness geyser,
Teacups! The speedway! H2O moisturizer!
The festival roses that bloom in spring,
These are a few of our favorite things.

Cheddar cheese soup and Maelstrom in Norway,
A gingerbread house! And cupcakes on your birthday!
An African rock where young Simba is king,
These are a few of our favorite things.

Gary Sinese and the preshow at Soarin’,
Bright yellow ponchos come out when it’s pouring.
Tink and her friends in their bright fairy ring,
These are few of our favorite things.

When it’s snowing. When we’ve worked long.
When we’re tired or bored.
With our Disney parks days, we’re refreshed for the year,
And that’s what we’re grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving TouringPlans.com Readers!