Rascals, scoundrels, villains, and knaves of all ages have a new experience in Disneyland this fall when a West Coast version of Walt Disney World's popular Pirates League opens a temporary location in New Orleans Square. Pirates League is an "interactive pirate experience" offering pirate "transformations" (you can't call them makeovers when you're marketing to boys), first opened in Walt Disney World in 2009. A second location opened on board the Disney Fantasy cruise ship this spring, and now Disney is bringing it to California September 1 through October 31.
Pirates League opens September 1 at the Disneyland Resort. Photo (c) Disney.
Unlike the Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boutique, Pirates League is open to everyone ages 3 and older, so kids and parents can participate together. The Disneyland version offers these three transformation packages:
During this limited engagement, Pirates League is setting up shop in the Court of Angels in New Orleans Square. This beautiful courtyard is tucked behind two gift shops in the back of New Orleans Square, and in recent years, has been used as a meet-and-greet location for Tiana and Naveen during the Princess and the Frog promotion, and as a temporary ornament shop during Christmas. When not in use by one park division or another, the courtyard is a peaceful spot to take a break from park crowds, and during the holidays is a favorite spot for families to take their Christmas photos.
Pirates League offers "transformations" for boys and girls, as well as adults. Photo (c) Disney.
If (who are we kidding—when) Pirates League opens a permanent home in Disneyland, there are several possible locations within New Orleans Square. We suspect this test is to gauge demand and help planners decide which of the surrounding shops should house a permanent version—is there enough demand to justify taking over the entire Le Bat en Rouge store, the largest in New Orleans Square, or could they make do with a smaller store like La Masquerade d'Orleans, currently used as a pin shop?
Reservations are now open by calling (714) 781-7895. Disney advises that Pirates League will be especially popular during Mickey's Halloween Party nights.
We reported last month that Princess Fantasy Faire would close August 12 so work can begin on the Fantasyland Theater. In a posting last week on the Disney Parks Blog, Disney confirmed the date and announced that a new show is being developed for the Fantasyland Theater, the first stage show to be presented there since Snow White – An Enchanted Musical closed September 4, 2006. The new show is set to open next summer.
Troubadour Tavern also closes during the Fantasyland Theater refurbishment, but the Harbor Galley along the Rivers of America is adding the Tavern's popular baked potatoes to its menu sometime in September.
With both the Fantasyland Theater and the new Fantasy Faire under construction, the princess meet-and-greet area is relocating to the terraced viewing area in front of "it's a small world." This displaces the usual Villains meet-and-greet set up for Halloween Time, and we're waiting to hear where the bad guys (and gals) might end up this year.
Disneyland's World Famous Jungle Cruise is known for the corny jokes told by the skippers during the seven-minute voyage, but apparently the admonition for riders to keep their hands, arms and elbows inside at the end of the ride lest they "scratch the dock" was ignored often enough that Disneyland recently attached safety netting around the boats to keep fingers and limbs safe during the unload process. Additional safety features were added during an unscheduled refurbishment last week, including new bumpers to reduce the gap between the dock and boat, and a new tethering system to help stabilize the boat during the load and unload cycle.
Disneyland has installed safety nets and a new tethering system to the Jungle Cruise boats. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The new nets prevent riders from hanging their arms over the edge of the boat, but can also block the view for shorter riders. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The nets are the most visible change. Attached along the lower rail around the boat, they prevent passengers from hanging their hands and arms outside. They can also block the view of very short children, so be prepared to hold younger children on your lap during the ride, as they are not allowed to stand on the bench seats for a better view.
Jungle Cruise boats are now tied to the dock during load and unload, and new bumpers help fill the gap between dock and boat. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Bumpers installed on the Jungle Cruise boats help stabilize the boat against the dock. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Less noticeable are the bumpers along the edge of the dock, and new bumpers installed on the sides of the boats themselves. These help reduce the gap between dock and boat, and stabilize the boat against the dock. Jungle Cruise regulars might notice that the boats are now tethered to the dock at both the load and unload stations. Previously, the skippers used the throttle to keep the boat in position while passengers boarded and exited the boat, with cast members straddling the dock and boat to help keep the boat level. Now the dock cast members loop a rope attached to the boat to a cleat on the dock, and the skipper uses a light forward throttle to keep the rope taut while passengers board.
A Jungle Cruise cast member uses a pole to replace the tethering rope on a boat. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Another Jungle Cruise cast member skips the pole, and uses their hands to move the tethering rope. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
To prevent pinch injuries when handling the rope, cast members are instructed to use a pole to loop and remove the rope from the dock cleat. Observing the ride operators on Tuesday, we noted that most were using their hands, with only one using the pole.
New signs warn riders to watch the gap as they board the Jungle Cruise. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
New signage around the queue warns riders to "watch the gap," and a skipper tells us all variations of the "scratch the dock" joke have been removed from the approved script.
Though Disney has not said if the changes were prompted by a specific Disneyland incident, Walt Disney World has not made the same modifications to its Jungle Cruise boats. We also have to wonder if Disneyland's Storybook Land Canal Boats, an attraction that poses the same or greater opportunity for riders to "scratch the dock" with a misplaced limb, might receive any safety enhancements when that ride closes for refurbishment September 4 to 18.
Though Disneyland's Jungle Cruise boats sport new safety nets, Walt Disney World has not made the same changes. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
MilitaryDisney.com reported last week that a new Military Salute for Disneyland and Walt Disney World is expected to be announced this week. According to an early version of the announcement, the 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper ticket will be $125 (up from the current price of $95), with the following blockout dates: December 23, 2012 to January 2, 2013; February 15-17, 2013; March 25 to April 5, 2013; July 4, 2013. By comparison, the 2012 offer had only one blockout date, July 4.
The new offer is valid October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013. A new hotel offer is also expected in the announcement, and we'll update the details as we get them.
...As we reported last week, Disneyland is set to host a cast member recognition event on Thursday, September 6. The event begins at 7:30 p.m., and Disneyland has now announced the park will close at 5 p.m. that evening, with Disney California Adventure remaining open until 8 p.m. Due to the event, there will be no performance of Mickey's Soundsational Parade on September 6.
The authors of Poster Art of Disney Parks will appear at a Disneyland book signing on Saturday, August 18. Photo (c) Disney.
...Imagineers Danny Handke and Vanessa Hunt, authors of the new Poster Art of the Disney Parks book, are taking part in a signing event at Disneyland on Saturday, August 18. Several Disney artists and Imagineers are joining the authors, including Senior Vice President of Creative Development Walt Disney Imagineering, Tony Baxter (who wrote the foreword for the book); Walt Disney Imagineer Principal Concept and Show Designer, Larry Nikolai; Walt Disney Imagineer, Will Eyerman; and Disney Legend and Retired Walt Disney Imagineer, Rolly Crump. The event is 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Disney Gallery, Main Street, U.S.A. The book is offered for $40 at Disneyland.
...Tickets for the 2013 D23 Expo, scheduled for August 9 to 11, 2013 at the Anaheim Convention Center, go on sale Thursday, August 9, at 10 a.m. PT. Visit the D23 website for more information.
...The Orange County Register reports that Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘n Waffles is opening its first Orange County location about a half-mile from Disneyland, near the corner of Harbor Boulevard and Orangewood. The restaurant is expected to open by Christmas.
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun MouseAdventure bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, go to the MousePlanet main page and enter your email address in the top right box labeled "Join the MousePlanet Newsletter." Click Join, then fill out the fields in the registration page, including your first and last name. The Newsletter is free, but you must complete this registration to receive it, even if you may have signed up for one with us in the past.
…Visitors planning trips to the Disneyland Resort should make a point to check the Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures section each week for the most recent updates. The Disneyland Resort Web site currently only publishes refurbishment information about six weeks in advance. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update (link) for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.
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Advertisement Crowd information and forecasts are provided by TouringPlans.com, the website of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, to help you better plan your trip to the Disneyland Resort. TouringPlans.com gathers wait time data from a team of in-park researchers and users of their Lines mobile phone application, and then predicts crowd levels for the next 365 days. Using a scale from 1 to 10, TouringPlans.com has a 90 percent accuracy of predicting the crowds to within 1 point, helping visitors prepare for their trips so they can "Do more. Wait less."
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Note: Not all of these have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit.
Disney has not announced an opening date for the new Earl of Sandwich location under construction in Downtown Disney, saying only "late summer." Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781-7290.
Check here to see if a large convention, competition or park event might fall during your next trip to the Disneyland Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
2012
SummerFall
Winter
2013
Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland Resort. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the number of days the tickets are valid. Check out the category that best matches the amount of time you plan to spend at the resort, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers!
This first section is a list of discounts on ticket–only purchases. Though it has become more common in recent years, Disneyland tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Southern California or Northern Mexico. For residents outside that area, the best discounts available tend to be simple advance purchase discounts.
If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line. Note, we are no longer listing offers from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, as their convenience fee negates any savings.
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One Day, One Park Ticket – Regularly $87/$81 One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $125/$119 |
No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. |
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Two Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $170/$158 Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $200/$188 |
No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. |
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Three Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $220/$205 Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $250/$235 |
Get Away Today Vacations offer – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations has a very limited quantity of 3-Day Park Hopper Bonus Tickets at the pre-increase price of $224 for adults, $208 for children 3-9, a savings of up to $27 per ticket. Here are the details from their website: Ticket Rules:
Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket ($95) – A discounted price offered to active or retired U.S. military personnel or their spouses. Based on past offers, Disney defines "Eligible Service Members" as active or retired members of the US military, including active members of the National Guard or Reservists and active or retired members of the US Coast Guard. This discount is available at MWR/ITT offices at your military base, or at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Valid military ID is required. The price is the same for adults and children, and total of six tickets may be purchased per military member, regardless of who purchases the tickets (the member or their spouse). Tickets must be purchased by Sept 30, 2012. The ticket has the following blockout date: July 4, 2012. As far as we can tell, there is no "fuse" on this ticket, so you may have more than the standard 13 days from first use to use the remaining two admissions, but we highly recommend you contact your base MWR/ITT office for more details before making travel plans. Please note that this ticket is not a "bonus" ticket, and so does not include an early admission day. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. |
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Four Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $245/$225 Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $275/$255 |
No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. |
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Five Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $260/$240 Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $290/$270 |
No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. |
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Six Day, One Park per Day Ticket Six Day Park Hopper |
No longer offered by Disneyland. Some travel providers may offer 6-day or longer tickets to international customers as part of a package; residents of Canada, Australia or the UK should check with local travel agencies to see what options may be available to you. |
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| Disneyland Resort Annual Passports |
No discounts currently available for new purchases. California residents can take advantage of the monthly–payment plan when purchasing any but the Premier Annual Passport.
Premier Annual Passport: $849 [Valid at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort; includes parking] Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. |
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Southern California CityPass
Southern California CityPass PLUS |
2012 Southern California CityPass ($279/$239) – This pass includes a 3–Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket (including one early–entry day), a one–day admission to Sea World San Diego and a one-day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location, and the first use must occur by December 31, 2012. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Website or on–site at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPass Website, though a shipping charge may apply depending on how quickly you need the ticket. 2012 Southern California CityPass PLUS ($311/$263) – This pass includes a 3–Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket (including one early–entry day), a one–day admission to Sea World San Diego and a one-day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, PLUS one–day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Safari Park. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location, and the first use must occur by December 31, 2012. This upgraded pass is only available for purchase directly from the CityPass Website. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. |
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Costco Travel Packages – Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco. When purchasing a Costco Disneyland travel package, extras that will be included are: Mickey's Toontown Madness admission (currently available Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays), a character breakfast collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag per person, plus a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card per package.
Disney's Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – Package includes accommodations one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels; Souvenir Park Hopper ticket with voucher for admission to Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness, plus one Magic Morning (early entry) for three–day or longer Park Hoppers; preferred seating at three DCA attractions (Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Muppet*Vision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug!); Preferred Showing of Turtle Talk with Crush (Priority Viewing at the first Turtle Talk with Crush show of the day, on any one day – one voucher per Guest); Disney Dream coin keepsake (one per package), luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy or Crush. Contact Disney Travel or your favorite travel agent.
Contact a MousePlanet sponsor travel agency for assistance in booking your next trip
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Annual Passholder offers – Disneyland has once again extended the 20% merchandise discount offered to Premium annual passholders. The discount is now valid through December 31, 2012.
Purchase with Purchase offers – Disneyland Resort shops frequently offer a reduced–price souvenir (often a tote bag, watch, or blanket) with a qualifying minimum purchase. The current offers are:
Disneyland shops
Disney California Adventure shops
Downtown Disney / Disneyland Resort Hotel shops
Character Dining Vouchers – Discounted character dining vouchers are available for purchase online, in advance of your trip, through Get Away Travel.
Disney Visa – Cardholders have access to a private Character Meet 'N' Greet photo opportunity at Disney California Adventure, and receive one free 5x7 photograph per visit. Cardholders also receive 10% off qualifying merchandise purchases of $50 or more from Disney–operated retail stores, 10% off at selected Disneyland Resort restaurants, (Big Thunder Ranch, River Belle Terrace, French Market, Cocina Cucamonga, Steakhouse 55, PCH Grill and Storyteller's Café), and 20% off the "Welcome to Disneyland," "A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps," and "Discover the Magic" guided tours. See the Disney Visa website for terms and conditions.
Landry's Select Club – Members of the Landry's Select Club get priority seating at the Rainforest Cafe when available (which makes a huge difference on busy days), and a 10% discount on retail purchases. This club replaces the former Rainforest Cafe Safari Club as of March 31, 2012. If you are already a Safari Club member, you can migrate your membership to the new Landry's Select Club at no charge, and start to earn points in the new program. The new Select Club eliminated the entree discount and free appetizer offer that was included with the Safari Club, replacing them with a point–based system that gives you a $25 gift certificate after you spend $250. If you are not yet a member of either the Safari Club or the Landry's Select Club, you can pre–purchase your membership before your trip. Membership now costs $25, but comes with a $25 reward.
ESPNZone MVP Club – Membership in the MVP Club does not offer any discounts on food. However, once a member you can make an online reservation for your party up to three days in advance and will get a 25% increase in points purchased when playing games in the Sports Arena (and 40 bonus points at activation). You must register online and your membership card will then be mailed to you within two weeks. The card must then be activated at any ESPNZone by the person who signed up for the card and ID will be required (link).
DL: Disneyland
DCA: Disney California Adventure
Annual Pass blockouts:
Early Admission: (full description available on the Disneyland website)
Disneyland Resort Special Events:
| 7/29 | 7/30 | 7/31 |
8/1 |
8/2 | 8/3 | 8/4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / TT / AP DCA: 8a-11p EMH AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a
AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a
AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM / TT DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC/DX Events: None |
| 8/5 | 8/6 | 8/7 |
8/8 |
8/9 | 8/10 | 8/11 |
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DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / TT / AP DCA: 8a-11p EMH AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a
AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a
AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM / TT DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC/DX Events: None |
| 8/12 | 8/13 | 8/14 |
8/15 |
8/16 | 8/17 | 8/18 |
|
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / TT / AP DCA: 8a-11p EMH AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a
AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a
AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM / TT DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC/DX Events: None |
| 8/19 | 8/20 | 8/21 |
8/22 |
8/23 | 8/24 | 8/25 |
|
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / TT / AP DCA: 8a-11p EMH AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a
AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM / TT DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
| 8/26 | 8/27 | 8/28 |
8/29 |
8/30 | 8/31 | 9/1 |
|
DL: 8a-11p EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL Events: None |
DL: 9a-10p EMH / TT / AP DCA: 9a-10p EMH AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-10p EMH / MM DCA: 9a-10p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-10p AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 9a-10p EMH / MM DCA: 9a-10p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-12a
AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 9a-12a EMH / MM / TT DCA: 9a-10p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
| 9/2 | 9/3 | 9/4 |
9/5 |
9/6 | 9/7 | 9/8 |
|
DL: 9a-12a
Disneyland Half |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / TT / AP DCA: 8a-10p EMH AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p EMH / MM DCA: 10a-8p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 10a-5p*
*Disneyland to close
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DL: 9a-11p AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM / TT DCA: 8a-10p EMH / AP AP Blockouts: SL/SC Events: None |
Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates page to see more dates. You can see future calendar schedules at Disneyland. As always, specifics are subject to change without notice (or occasionally, without us noticing) so when information conflicts between what is presented here and that presented by Disney, it is best to assume Disney's information is correct.
Visit the Park Hours section of our Disneyland Park guide for additional details about Magic Morning and Toontown Morning Madness, including available attractions.
Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule for this week at Disneyland.com here.
(Send an email to Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix)
Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix (@MousePlanetAVP) is an original MousePlanet staffer and manages to find time for all of this while running two retail stores, MouseShoppe and CharmingShoppe.
