A farewell

Several years ago when Brian Bennett of MousePlanet approached
me about writing a regular column for the site my initial reaction was
less than enthusiastic. There were many reasons to decline, including
being too busy and not wanting something fun to become “work.”
Trip reports were easy to write, and they came with the added benefit
of being on a Disney trip!

Sue hangs out with a muscular shark in front of Last Mango In Paradise,
one of St. Maarten’s shops she visits during a Disney cruise to the Eastern
Caribbean. From Sue’s July 13, 2001 article, “Disney
Cruise Line’s Eastern Caribbean Itinerary.” MousePlanet file
photo courtesy of Sue Holland.

About a year later Brian approached me again, and this time I decided
to give it a try, with concern I was getting into something way beyond
what I was capable of.

Sue and her friend pose in the Disney–MGM Studios back lot. From
Sue’s October 26, 2001 article, “Going Solo –
Walt Disney World as a Solo Traveler.” MousePlanet file photo
courtesy of Sue Holland.

Here we are four years and 96 articles later. Who would have thought
there was that much to talk about outside of the Disney theme parks? I
know I never imagined the column would run that long. It’s been a wonderful
four years for me but it is now time to take a break and retire from writing
for the column on a regular basis. Professionally and personally life
is good—I just no longer have the time to devote to writing and I
find I am not able to visit Walt Disney World as frequently as in the
past.

Sue with Pluto at the now-closed Annual Passholders’ Lounge in an air
conditioned room above the Living With The Land ride in the Land pavilion.
From Sue’s April 12, 2002 article, “Annual
Passholder Perks.” MousePlanet file photo courtesy of Sue Holland.

From time to time, as a topic of interest presents itself, a new article
will appear, but it will not be on any set schedule. Also, I still plan
to visit Walt Disney World and the offsite Disney Vacation Club resorts
several times a year and will continue to provide trip reports to MousePlanet.

Sue poses next to a beautifully crafted clock on board a Holland America
Line cruise ship. From Sue’s July 26, 2002 article, “Comparing
the Cruise Lines, Part II.” MousePlanet file photo courtesy of
Sue Holland.

The people at MousePlanet are a terrific group of hard-working people,
and I’m grateful to them for everything they’ve done these past four years.
Writing professionally was something that never entered my mind before
they recruited me, and it’s something I most likely never would have tried
if not for them. Joining the staff ended up being one of my better decisions,
as it gave me the chance to step outside of the boundaries I’d set for
myself and do something I never thought I could do.

Chef Gordon with Sue. From Sue’s June 13, 2003 article, “Disney
Dining With a Private Chef.” MousePlanet file photo courtesy
of Sue Holland.

The readers have been great, too. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many
of you at the Disney parks, on the Disney ships, and through e-mail exchanges.
The Disney community is a special one, made up of a diverse group of people
who share an appreciation for all or most things Disney. Reading some
of your stories, particularly when one of my articles has made a positive
impact has been very rewarding and kept me writing month after month.
Thank you for all of your support and feedback over the past four years!

Captain Henry mingled with guests at the Castaway Club (repeat Disney
cruisers) reception. From Sue’s November 14, 2003 article, “A
Wonderful Disney Weekend.” MousePlanet file photo courtesy
of Sue Holland.

I will continue to be available to answer questions through MousePlanet,
whether the question is related to one of my articles or not. Some day
I may return on a regular basis, but until then I hope to “appear”
every now and then between visits to Walt Disney World. Keep an eye open
for me there Ð most likely at the Comedy Warehouse!

Sue with her dad sitting at Zeus’ feet at the Adventurer’s Club. From
Sue’s December 3, 2004 article, “Walt Disney
World A-Z, Part II.” MousePlanet file photo courtesy of Sue Holland.