Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet 2024

A bit of the Disney Magic was brought to the Pacific Northwest again via the magical team assembled by Don Morin, the 2024 Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. This was our second year attending and it still satisfied that inner child. This year felt even more special because of the friends we made the previous year and getting to reconnect again with our shared love for Disney. I sometimes tell people that it feels like a Disney Camp, where you see friends you only see at camp, the camp counselors (Don and his team) are so friendly and nice, the host camp (Embassy Suites) is accommodating and gives that ‘home away from home’ feel, and there are so many activities and things to look at and/or buy to keep you constantly entertained.

For this year, Don Morin was able to bring special guests Peggie Farris, Bambi Moe and the legendary Bob Gurr. Also this year in addition to the themed meals and the very popular door decorating contest, there was a trivia event and a pin trading designated area. This year for the big raffle, the PNWMM decided to split the money raised to both Ryman Arts Foundation – which was started by Disney Legend Marty Sklar to help high school kids further their arts education, and to the Seattle Children’s Hospital.

 

Door decorating was on point this year! Mouse Meet goers that are staying at the Embassy Suites have the opportunity to compete in the contest of decorating their hotel door. Also, this year was the first year that there was also a ‘Fan Favorite’ where each door had a QR code that guests could use to vote for their favorite. There seemed to be an unofficial/unplanned theme of “Tiki Room” because I believe there were about 5 rooms decorated “Tiki” themed. Even so, each Tiki door was amazing in their own way and every door that was part of the contest brought not only that Disney Magic but also a lot of heart and passion into their doors that just makes it so enjoyable for everyone. It makes it difficult for the judges I am sure.

Left to right: Bambi Moe, Bob Gurr, Peggie Farris

The guest speakers were so amazing to listen to. Each speaker brought their stories to life just by the storytelling skill, the help of some visual aides and the host with the best questions, Don Morin. Peggie Farris had an interesting story about why she even applied to work at Disneyland. She started out as a hostess for the Storybook Canal in Fantasyland and worked her way to be an imagineer and played a very important part for EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth. She is featured in the book “Women of Walt Disney Imaginneering.”

Bambi Moe brought a lot of energy and excitement to the stage. She talked about her time working at Disney as a music producer. She brought her book “Part of the Magic:A collection of Disney-Inspired brushes with Greatness.” She is best known for her works on fan favorite projects like ‘A Goofy Movie’ and ‘Aladdin’ along with the 90’s cartoon staples like ‘Bonkers’ and ‘Pepper Ann.’ If you know any songs from her long list of projects she has worked on, it is thanks to Bambi (yes, that is her real name). She had some very fun and amazing stories regarding some experiences with lovable and great Robin Williams that made any 90’s kid just sit in awe.

Then, Disney Legend Bob Gurr took the stage. If you have been to Disneyland and have taken a ride on any of the Main Street vehicles, or the Monorail, Matterhorn Bobsleds or Haunted Mansion, you can thank Mr. Bob Gurr. He was such a delight to meet and listen to. You can hear the excitement and passion in his voice as he told us the story about how the Firetruck on Main Street came to be or the process of developing the Monorail. He even showed us his Monorail tattoo. It was very moving to hear him talk about working with dreamer Walt Disney, obviously touched by gratefulness and admiration for Mr. Disney. There was a special event to listen to even more of the journey of Bob Gurr because he is just so awesome, there needed to be more time. Legendary for sure.

All in all, the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet 2024 was a huge success. Thank you to Don Morin and his extraordinary team for bringing the magic. Also, a huge thank you to this year’s sponsors D23, Park Scents, ConciEars and Happiest Tees on Earth. Thank you to the vendors 5th Avenue Theater, Cassie’s Classic Creations, Creatively Geeky, Glamorously Geeky, Handmade by Hanson, Happiest Tees on Earth, Harpold Gifts, Little Baby Wren, My Disney Pins, Peachy Prints, Pixie Dust Wearables, RecyclEars, Sarah McGuire and Seen/Unseen Disneyland.

Thank you again to the amazing team that put this together! Can’t wait for next year!