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Congratulations! You're going to Disney World, the Happiest Place on Earth! Now what? Do you have a plan? Do you know what to expect? Are you determined to 'see it all' - or die trying? Lesley Sawhook has been there, done that so many times that in her sleep she counts marching Mickeys, not leaping sheep. Her years of experience as a Disney mom, a Disney planner, and now a Disney Certified Travel Agent uniquely qualify her to dispense the Happiest Tips on Earth. Learn from Lesley how to have the Happiest Time at the Happiest Place on Earth.

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FROM: Happiest Tips on Earth Published Fridays

Port Orleans Magic Box

So, once again, you expected Lesley Sawhook, but instead you got me. Lesley is still at Disney World, and while she's there, I'm in residence here, providing my own version of the happiest tips on earth, such as this obscure little jewel.

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Next to Disney Dispatch, I spend more time on DISBoards than on any other Disney site.

As most of you are aware, the DISBoards is a forum, a colossal forum, with tens of thousands of Disney fans sharing advice, tips, and plain ol' opinions. It would be impossible to read it all, even if you wanted to, which obviously you wouldn't.

But dig a bit and amazing stuff turns up.

Like the Port Orleans Magic Box. (It's actually called the 'Pay It Forward Swap', but I like Magic Box better.)

The concept is simple: there's a box full of small items and other useful stuff, such as band-aids, toys, water bottles, etc., left behind the counter at both Riverside and French Quarter by a guest checking out. If you've signed up for the 'swap', you ask for the box upon your arrival, use whatever you want of its contents, and then replenish it and leave it behind the desk for the next person on the list.

Neat, huh?

A Disney fan called AvonLady101 handles the sign-up list. If you're interested in having the magic box waiting for you, all you have to do is check the list, see if your travel dates are available, and then let AvonLady101 know that you want to be listed as box owner for those dates.

It's free, it's unofficial, and it's a nice way to surprise the kids upon check-in.

Only problem is, someone either lost or swiped the box, and so the swap is on hold. I'm sure it'll be off hold soon, as boxes have disappeared in the past.

For details, check out the thread on DISBoards dedicated to the Port Orleans Magic Box.

Lesley returns from vacation next week!

Lesley's Exclusive Food & Wine Festival Vacation Deal

The Happiest Tips on Earth can only get you partway to the Happiest Place on Earth. For the rest, you need Destination Magic. Drop Lesley a line and see what magic she can make for you when you're planning your next Disney trip!

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