Dear Disney,

Today is November 9th.  Which means it's D-BLOG DAY!  This year, diabetes bloggers far and wide are encouraged to choose a media outlet, and write them a letter.

And guess what?

I'm choosing YOU!

I know!  I'm excited too!  

You see, I love your monkey.  

Coco is awesome.  

But that's not all.  I love Oliver, and Justin, Allie, Tim, and Roger too.  

Basically, I *LOVE* that you have created these book characters.  They're all living -- AND WINNING AT LIFE -- with Type 1 Diabetes.

I love that you have AN ENTIRE SECTION on one of your websites devoted to Type 1 Diabetes, and you've enlisted the help of REAL MOMS to help shape the information you share.

But.........

There's one small thing.

It's just that, well, I haven't really seen Coco and her diabetes on TV or in your parks.  My youngest daughter just started kindergarten, marking the end of a nine year stretch that I've been watching your preschool Disney programming with my girls.  My oldest daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2005 -- so that's SEVEN years of Disney shows that have concurrently lived with diabetes in our home.

You see, we can't pick and choose when to keep diabetes in our lives.  It's there.  It's ALWAYS there.  I can't even tell you how many of your shows have been interrupted to deal with a blood sugar issue.  The number of juice boxes that have been slurped while dancing with your characters must be some sort of a record at this point.  At one time it was JoJo's Circus, and now it's Shake It Up.  She's grown up with you....and, regardless of the program, her diabetes is still there.

I think it's time for Coco's diabetes to be there too.

Thanks for listening, and keep up the great work!

Check out other D-BLOG DAY posts HERE.

Journey to FFL -- A Disney Goal.

Okay.

I want to attend the Friends For Life Conference in 2012.  (Now might be a good time to mention that to Mr. Rose.  Hi Babe...love ya!!!)


We've been playing this D Game for 6 years.  By the time next summer rolls around, it'll be 7. I've heard about FFL year after year...and year after year, I long to attend with my family.  I'm thinking 7 should be our LUCKY NUMBER!

Aside from the amazing conference, there's the whole VACATION portion of a trip like this.  I mean....HELLO???.....daughters, daughters everywhere over here....home of princesses over there!!!!!

A trip like this will take strategic planning for our family.  We'll need to save some cash, pack for diabetes, consider celiac, and decide what to do with the dog.  Details.  Lots of them.

And that's where my FB pal, Robyn comes in....

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My name is Robyn and I reside in Woodstock, Ga with my husband, son, and many furry critters (and a few scaly ones).  It all started when my son was 3 and my sister took us with her family to Walt Disney World.  From that moment I was hooked.  I already had a love for Disney when I worked for the Disney Store in college.  However, it wasn't until that trip that I developed a deep passion.  Since then, my family has taken several trips a year.  I have made it my goal to learn as much as I can about traveling to the parks.  From budgeting, to dining reservations, to planning grand adventures for large parties with a multiple age range of children, I have experienced a lot.  I have even taken advantage of using the Disney Florist to decorate our room for my son's 7th birthday - such a wonderful treat!


Now I have been able to take that knowledge and passion, and become a Disney Destination Travel Planner.  I couldn't be more excited.  I have graduated from the College of Knowledge.  Constantly, I am reading and researching new and exciting ways to take advantage of the most MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH!  I love to be involved with others as they plan their Disney trips.  I thoroughly enjoy helping everyone that I can in planning their magical adventure.


The services that I offer in planning a Disney vacation are completely FREE!  I can assist with budgeting, room selection, dining reservations (with attention to food allergies and restrictions), tours, "grand gatherings", transportation services, and personal itineraries.  My family has stayed at every resort level within the park and I have learned the benefits and experiences that they offer.  Whether you are traveling to the parks, going on a cruise or going on one of Disney's amazing Adventures - I can help with it all.  It is my goal to be personally attentive to every detail in order for you to have the most magical vacation.


When my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 4, I became even more aware of ways to travel to Disney.  I have learned and experienced more of what they offer and how they genuinely care for everyone that comes through their gates.  There are many tips and strategies I have gathered through the years to make our adventures flow smoothly with few bumps.  These strategies can benefit many families with special needs. I will work for you as your liaison in order to get your needs met.  With my help, your family will have the opportunity to have an amazing adventure.


Please feel free to contact me and ask me anything that you need to know or are concerned about.  I know that it can be overwhelming traveling with a loved one with Diabetes or any type of special needs (Celiac, Autism, Asthma, MS, Allergies, etc), but it is possible and it can be magical.  I will be happy to share with you the many things I have learned through the years and share my personal experiences.


You can contact me at Robyn@travelwiththemagic.com or call me toll free at 1-800-670-4312 ext 125  or on my cell 404-277-0212

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See?  I told you she'll be able to help :)


PS -- I'm not getting a free vacation, a set of mouse ears, a free meal, or anything else for telling you about Robyn.  I just wanted to share a helpful resource for anyone who may be vacation-planning-challenged...like me :)