One of the most spectacular dreams planned is every day to give some lucky family an overnight stay in the newly themed suite on the fourth floor of Cinderella's Castle, centrepiece of the Magic Kingdom. The suite was originally planned as living quarters for Walt Disney himself. But I think it has been used as Cinderella's bedroom, so I sought her out.

It was a dream of mine to meet her. As you can see from the photo here (no, it's not Beauty and the Beast), she's as beautiful as ever, although I've apparently aged since I first learned about her years ago. Because she was giving up her bedroom for the year, I asked her where she would be staying. She told me that she would probably take a room in the Haunted Mansion, since there were several unused bedrooms, but they needed dusting. She and Prince Charming had considered staying at the Hollywood Tower Hotel (The Tower of Terror) in Disney-MGM Studios, but decided against it until “they fix those damn elevators.”

Whenever I visit a park, I always dream of finding a thrilling stage show. That dream came true for me at Disney's Animal Kingdom, when I enjoyed a preview of Finding Nemo - The Musical. Think of The Lion King, but under water. This was of Broadway quality, the best theme park show ever. The story line was compelling, the music was great, and the staging and puppetry were spectacular. If you're in the area, don't miss it.

In Epcot, the Living Seas pavilion has been redone as The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Here guests board 'clamobiles' and float through a coral reef in search of that playful clownfish, Nemo. I had never imagined I'd ride a clamobile, but there I was. As we floated I tried to daydream, but my mind kept wandering.

Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, says that guests have told him they believe a Disney park is the place “where dreams come true” and that magical things happen when they walk in. My dreams were certainly coming true, and I was counting. As the sun went down I was closing in on the magic 2,740 dreams. I think I dream in colour, but it may just be a pigment of my imagination.

Disney had planned a party and reception that evening in the Magic Kingdom for the journalists attending the press event. Here I received my own blinking Mickey Mouse ears, dream number 2,738, and free food, number 2,739. And then my dream of dreams came true, number 2,740 …free beer. Thank you, Disney, all's right with the world.

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