There are times during the year when I’ve been away from Disneyland for a few too many months that a strange feeling washes over me. This is the time when I start to notice the tell-tale signs that I don’t just WANT to visit the parks… no, I NEED to visit. Those of you who live far enough away from Disneyland that you only make it there a few times a year may recognize some of these distinctive symptoms…

1. Hidden Mickeys start to appear in the most mundane of places… the coffee spill on my desk, the pattern on my office building’s ceiling… well, you get the idea.
2. I can’t help myself from calling my dog names like Pooh Bear, Tinker Bell and (most appropriately) Stitch.
3. When I’m working late I keep checking my watch for 9:25, waiting for the fireworks to start.
4. During afternoon rainstorms I can’t go outside without a bright yellow poncho.
5. If it’s not a Monte Cristo, I won’t eat it.
6. I end all of my phone conversations with friends, family and customers with “Have a Magical Day…”
7. I find that it’s easier to find my clothes in the morning if they are neatly organized in my suitcase.
8. The Cast Members at the Disney Store not only know me by name, they know how many days, hours and minutes are left until I leave for my next vacation… and stop bothering them with my favorite Disneyland stories.
9. I can’t figure out why the local bus schedule doesn’t list the times for the Monorail and tram service.
10. When I’m listening to the Soarin’ Over California soundtrack, I can’t panic because I can’t remember exactly which part of California I am soaring over…

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