We ARE rather ..... shall we say.... Disney obsessed........
We live right smack dab in the middle of the country, about as far from either Disney as you can get....

We go once or twice a year..... once for a week, and then typically stop by for a day in conjunction with our summer vacation.
I make the costumes. In fact I have a couple new ones already done for later this year. I've done Belle's green library dress and a green Ariel gown. I have several others still in mind that we've never done before. To be honest, it's quite a lot of fun to see the reaction from the CM's, who tend to see the same thing day in day out. My daughter's favorite so far has been Lady Tremaine.
Getting the photo op is the REALLY creative part. It starts with much research right here on the Disboards. I carry a big tote bag and bring a few each day knowing who we are likely to encounter. Really.... not much with the characters is very random any more. I had a pretty good idea we'd have a shot at seeing the Queen from Snow White in the animation building at DHS at 5. Thanks to all the regulars here who report on character sightings, I can make an informed guess on where to find them.
It's quite a game for my daughter and me. We love finding them, then scrapbooking the photos when we get home. Additionally, we've gotten to enjoy the extra bits of pixiedust the costumes have brought our way.