Happy Birthday Mr. Mouse

Though there wasn't a gold dress available for an afternoon serenade, take a minute to wish the Big Cheese a wonderful 83rd Birthday!

A lot has happened since his initial debut in Steamboat Willie!

The Day of Dreams

11.11.11

The day of wishes and dreams come true. Close your eyes, and do as dreamers do, and all your wishes will come true!

Don't worry-- if you forgot to make a wish on this day of ultimate magic (bonus points if you took a minute at 11:11 to do so!) We are lucky enough to have another "wish day" coming up on 12.12.12.

You have a year to think about that perfect wish, so get that thinking cap on!

'Tis the Season

Baby Belle is dressed to match the new season ahead!

Sexy and I Know It

The boys take some time at my recent visit home for a little R&R. In the case of a massive spoon invasion, Dillon has taken it upon himself to take the first watch. And is still learning the necessity of personal boundaries. What a hero.

Faedan, on the other hand, is just happy to take time to preserve the "wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-wiggle!"

Miss my little munchkins!

Mental Holiday

We all need a mini-vacation at some point or another, even if it is just a quick walk on the beach!

Legen...Wait for it...Dary

Stuff THAT in the Johnson album

It's official. Mark it in your calendar with highlighter, red marker, puff paint. Make it clear that December 10th is a day to remember for ages to come. The day to tell your friends and family as a "remember when..." A day to sit by a roaring fire and tell bored grandchildren of days long gone.

It is the day I sing not once, but twice, with Neil Patrick Harris. I will be one of the 18 altos serenading and swooning over NPH's first night as guest narrator at Epcot's American Gardens Theatre.

December 10, 2011. An affair to remember.

Are You Lonesome Tonight?

I am not sure where this bookmark came from, but somehow one of the managers, Cliff, received this gem, passed it to Amanda, passed it to Kristin, and it is currently in my possession.

Personal favorite is #1, although #6 is up there too. Maybe I can write a no-brainer book as well to make some extra cash!

What Not to Wear- Office Edition

It's a groggy gray morning when you trudge wearily to the closet, beckoning something, anything, to call to you. How will you decide what to wear?

• Is it a bloated day? Nix the tucked pant and blouse look.
• Have you once again forgotten to shave your legs in the hasty morning shower? Adios skirts and dresses.
• Are your feet sore and tired? In your dreams, strappy heels and cute flats.
• Better yet, are you picking up extra hours, requiring a company-provided costume? Not to worry about looking attractive, as these swoon-worthy ensembles include flood length pants that double for both camel-toe and a tuck in bra, and, oh yes, contain zero sex appeal. Dreams come true!

So how do you know what to wear and what to leave behind while picking that perfect outfit?

To be simple. I have no idea what will make a good outfit. It can be anything. An accessory alone can make or break an ensemble, not to mention what an adorable top can do. I always wanted one of those closet organizers as seen in Clueless, which matches the perfect pieces together, but alas, that invention is stuck in the realm of fiction.

Though I can't say what makes an outfit a success, I can share some tips on what makes an outfit a flop. Here are the top ten examples of (sad but true) fashion faux pas witnessed in the building. Enjoy!

1. Stirrup pants. With an aviator top. And ascot. A real lfe ascot.
2. Red mini-skirt and black patten leather go-go boots.
3. Matching polka dot print dress with perfectly patterned polka dot shoes.
4. White tights. Not opaque or nude colored. White.
5. It's five o'clock somewhere in a short sateen nightclub dress and knee high boots.
6. Crocs. It does not matter what kind, whether ballet flat, original, or the boot style. They are still, and always will be, ugly shoes.
7. It's not easy being green, especially with a lime green twin set and olive green knit pant combo.
8. Flannel shirts-- great for camping, not for the workplace.
9. Feathered hair. What happened in the eighties needs to stay in the eighties.
10. Striped skirts mixed with dotted and bright shirts.

Save a Horse

*Bonus guest look: Cowboy hat, Ed Hardy tee and boots with real spurs at the Magic Kingdom. On a day that was not at the Halloween Party. My heart breaks at not getting this stud's number*

Hopefully this will help with things to keep in mind your next bleary eyed morning.

What looks have you seen that should be added to an "OH NO!" list of outfits?

Walk Like an Egyptian

Outside the Mummy ride at Universal, you can't pose with characters. You can, however, pose with shirtless and muscular men. Darn.

The Tale of Georg and Pierce

Meet Meg and my little creation of Georg, personified by the most germ-infested place on Disney property: the Lego Store at Downtown Disney! Now if only we could find PIEEEERCE!

Matthew Morrison Tuesdays-- I mean Glee

Tuesday nights marks the return of Matthew Morrison visiting my apartment. Happy days are here again!

This bad boy was found in Kristin and Naomi's Cosmo magazine one morning. If this were a real DVD, every woman in America would be buying multiple copies. Multiple.

Fabulous!

Safe-D Begins with "Tree"

Time and time again, we are vehemently explained the dangers in texting on our phones.

Don't do it while driving.

Don't do it while walking.

As a matter of fact, just drop it all together. I hear Morse Code is coming back into style.

But alas, these dangers were demonstrated when, on Friday night, a distracted cast member was allegedly texting on the blackberry and fell on the three meager stairs leading into our building.

Never have it said that Disney is not concerned about safety of its cast. By Monday morning, there were two rows of thick bushes lining the center of the walkway to force cast members to use the handrails. Some shy from the rails in defiance, tempting fate by walking through the puddles the constant watering of the bushes creates. Some now cling to the rails to ensure that the same will never happen in their lives, regardless of whether or not the company phone is in use.

By Wednesday, there was rebellion in the air as ribbons and ornaments were placed into the thick branches.

If these are still here in December, I vote to gather around singing Christmas cheer for all to hear!

Honor the Pirate Code

Ahoy, ye scurvy dog!

Today celebrates "Talk Like a Pirate Day!" Hope you have been practicing those "arrrghs," "ahoys," and "yo-hos!"

In order to best prepare for the best possible pirate, we are joined by Mac, Jack Sparrow's trusty second, who sheds light on proper pirate conduct.

It's a Pirate Life for Me!

Africa, Asia, Avatar...Oh My!

Animal Kingdom...Home to the elegant and free elephants, the birds of wonder, the monstrous yeti...

And Avatar?

Today, Disney CEOs announced a new addition to the Animal Kingdom theme park. It will not be a different part of the world yet to be explored, or even a part of the tangible world itself. It will be a world that comes strictly from a piece of (though brilliantly created) fiction. Construction for the newest land inside Disney's Animal Kingdom begins in 2013, bringing guests into the fantastical world as portrayed in James Cameron's film.

This deal is made in order to bring new generations in to the parks and learn other messages in the conservation battle. It is said to inspire those in order to pique interest on the movie as well as the land.

I know that the movie was apparently amazing (I should probably take this as fate stepping in and telling me to finally watch it). I know that it is the underlying message of conserving and saving the earth. I know that Avatar is scheduled for not one--but two sequels. Probably more with commercial success.

But really? This is the way to bring movies back into the theme parks?

Click here to read more about the newest changes in the Disney Park family.

What do you think of this new addition?

Haunted Mansion...Alive and Well

While searching for a non-existent store (we actually did find it in the end, but it was down several blocks), Kristin and I came across this beauty in the parking lot.

Oh Disney cast members...we don't grasp the meaning of "subtle" yet, do we?

Bride Wars

This is why I love Karen. And the fact that Karen works in Disney Fairytale Weddings.

I only bring stories home to share with my roommates. Karen, on the other hand, brings home delicious wedding cake samples to try leftover from the day!

I don't know how brides can make such tough decisions. Do they choose the tropical mousse icing, the chocolate fudge icing, the peanut butter perhaps? Don't even get me started on the tray of tiny cake slices that serve as the delectable vehicle for the said icings. Red velvet, dark chocolate, marble, they have it all. Which one, which one??

Leave it to Dorothy to solve our apartment's dilemma. She scoops a different type of icing onto the cake slices and stacks them as if they were lunchables, so in the end, it resembles a mini Tower of Pisa.

No matter how you slice it, it is always a delicious treat. Bon appetit!

The Fabulous Forties

A lot happens in forty years. People come and go in life, technology reaches new heights, fashion thankfully has an overhaul (sorry '80's), and the world completely changes.

And yet, some things remain constant. One of our team members illustrated that today by celebrating her fortieth anniversary with the Walt Disney World Company. Forty Years. This woman was on the opening team of the few individuals that changed the face of Orlando. She was there when ground first broke in 1971, and still hard at work making magic for guests.

At the celebratory luncheon, our department gathered at Coronado Springs Resort to rejoice in her amazing accomplishments. There, we were greeted by Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts, George Aguel. He congratulated this incredible woman's accomplishment and joined us in wishing her the best.

It is truly amazing to see that many cast members are this passionate about a company to dedicate your life to it. Five years with one company may be average. Ten years might be incredible. But forty? Forty is magical.

It is such an amazing feat for this team member in Youth Sales, and it was a nice afternoon spent out of the office in a business lunch setting. Even magic makers need to celebrate once in a while!

To the Kingdom. Come.

Christian Music. Praise Jesus, am I right?

Once a year, the Magic Kingdom hosts the Christian Rock festival known as Night of Joy. While overlooking the technicality that the event is actually two nights (so which one is filled with joy, and what, we may beg to question, is the other night?) it was quite the event.

The Youth Sales team kept busy this year rounding up the troops and guarding the door leading into the group leader lounge. We hustled, we bustled, and we had fun too (except for being eaten alive by bugs). Friday I worked with the Guest Relations cast members to ensure tickets had been properly filled for youth groups. Saturday, I assisted leaders into the exclusive lounge where they were able to listen to a personable acoustic performance. If only I knew who these artists were!

Three stages were set throughout the Magic Kingdom, granting the guests of the special event an opportunity to play and praise no matter where they were at the moment.

It was nice to be back in the parks with guests, though I am still working on the Big Man Upstairs granting me powers to turn off the rain. Sorry, disgruntled guests.

But while I am working on that, I hear ponchos work miracles.

Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog

This little guy greeted me on the apartment stairs late one night. Though we have seen many a lizard on the walkway, I have not seen an amphibian, and have definitely not seen one this green. How cute is he?!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

The Christmas Season. The time of year that is called so many names: season of hope, season of miracles, simply THE season, merriest time, Yuletide, etc.

The season, regardless of name, usually begins with the same marked day on the calendar: Black Friday. The day that is circled and crossed out of each calendar. The day that, unless a death wish has been issued, is avoided at all cost.

We get Cast-Only pins!

Here at Disney, however, the Christmas season has already begun. Without pomp and circumstance, without ceremony, without trees lining the streets glittering with crisp snow.

It begins with song.

This Tuesday and Wednesday marked the first Candlelight Processional practices. The large room in the Disney Event Group building was filled with around 150 cast members itching to let loose the vocal pipes. And let me tell you, those pipes were put to use, no matter how rusty they might have been. Just ask the sopranos reaching for the High B.

Young and young at heart both gathered to practice the traditional songs. There were many members that had been part of the cast choir for 15+ years, and then there were those that were new to the experience (and we proudly raised our hands when asked!)

The practice was led by a former Voices of Liberty singer, who is now in charge of the Dapper Dans of Main Street. We worked on songs ranging in styles and languages, all in the name of creating the Christmas feel.

Christmas? In September? You bet!

Surf City, Here We Come

Holiday weekends: the young professional's gift from above.

This weekend was filled with lazy days, sleep-in mornings, shuffling around in bathrobes and mickey mouse slippers, crazy and snarled hair, and ice cream breakfasts. The days were perfect.

When those moments quickly fade away and we realize we need to end the (near creepy) lurking in the apartment and face the daylight every once in a while, what do we do?

Enjoy the sunlight and warm weather at the water park!

On Sunday, Kristin, Naomi and I ventured to Typhoon Lagoon. We packed in a day filled with naps, snacks, water rides (well, Kristin and I did. Naomi had a date with Mr. Sandman), and my favorite of all activities, the lazy river. We went around on the lazy river at least four times, only ending when it was so jammed with people that moving was no longer an option. I was relieved towards the end of the day: I had successfully evaded the sun with little to no burn (with the help of Kristin and Naomi's constant motherly care and spray down technique of SPF). It was luck.

R.I.P. Dorothy's swim top

That luck did not continue when Dorothy and I headed towards the other Disney water park, Blizzard Beach. There, we went on each water slide. They had luges, rafts, and slides that are complete drops at 65 mph. The last slide marked the death of Dorothy's swim top as she flashed the unsuspecting crowds on the high speed attractions. Needless to say, we licked our wounds by rounding the lazy river a few times.

I thought we returned home unscathed. Safe for another day. I was clearly mistaken. Before I went to Kristin and Naomi's apartment with Karen for a holiday barbecue, I noticed a bright red chest and pair of shoulder blades. Turned around. Yes. New definition of lobsterback.

You win again, sun. Touche. Say hello to my little friend, aloe vera!

Happy holiday with your loved ones!

Be a FAN!

Have you ever seen red carpet events and wondered where all those excited fans came from? Do you ever see them and wonder how all these delightful faces can stand and cheer for the celebrities with almost mirrored expressions? Maybe even unison cheers? Perhaps zero originality in the chants? Ever wonder?

Let me tell you.

Here at Disney, many of those fans are paid cast members. That is right, for two hours on Friday night, the Wedding interns and Youth Sales interns found themselves earning extra cash by cheering on the teams at the Citrus Bowl for an All-Star dining experience.

We waved pom-poms. We went hoarse screaming for teams that have long forgotten names. We put up hands for extreme high fives from the strong-armed football players.

We were simply the best fans that money can buy.

Wedding and Youth Sales interns strike again!

Let me Introduce You To My Party People

Meet my new cubicle buddy, Harry Elephante Jr. Though he comes from very far away (the far corners of the Farmer's Market) he has made a home in the corner of the cubbie.

Don't worry, Pierre. You are still the Dino of my heart!

I don't want to celebrate...

Birthdays.

Anniversaries.

All important things to celebrate at Walt Disney World.

So when a manager says to his team that he does not want an over the top celebration for his 20 year anniversary with the company, they obviously complied.

The morning greeted him with an office completely filled with colorful balloons. Nothing says "Don't celebrate" like wading through colorful orbs, right?

Cheers!

The Pursuit of Happiness

When all is said and done, it is the little things in life that make me happy. Like this evening's grand discovery at the Target Supercenter with Karen, Kristin, and Naomi.

Koala Yummies.

The cookies of my childhood and dreams of my soul. These small snacks are the best thing in the world, having a cookie crunch mixed with a gooey chocolate center. Obviously, I am obsessed.

I have seen these at Epcot Japan (even seen the family size tub of them, which let me tell you, was tempting) but they were a bit high in the pricerange. At Target's dollar section, however, the price was just right, granted that these seem to be the off-brand of the delicious treat. It is still just as good!

I am on cloud nine. The only thing that could maybe make these cookies better is some chocolate pudding. And of course...more.

T.G.I.F.

Kristin taking five

As the Youth Sales interns like to point out, R&R is always a necessity, especially on Fridays.

Too Much, Too Soon

The kitchen area is the metropolis of the third floor. It is the hallway that connects departments, and most importantly, the youth sales to the bathroom. In this kitchen sits four microwaves that all display different times, stacks of cups for the Starbucks coffee, empty creamer containers from Kristin's most important part of the morning, and the fridge teeming with overstuffed lunches.

On this fridge, perched just out of reach, standing proud and upright, is a romance novel circa 1980. I am not sure if it is sitting here because someone is too ashamed to claim the mullet-wearing woman on the cover, or if it is a joke, but it has found a home within the Celebration offices.

Too much...too soon. Move over, Jane Austen. Instant. Classic.

Baby, You Can Drive My Car

What is the sign of moving up in the world? Is it the ability to put on a power suit and not feel like you are playing dress up whenever you look in the mirror? Is it enjoying cocktail hour with actual cocktails? Is it needing a security badge to enter and exit a work building?

I think, perhaps, I have reached the apex of workforce. The creme de la creme, if you will.

I drove the company car.

Not so much a car, mind you, maybe a better word for it would be the company boat. The Youth Sales department drives a Suburban, easily the largest vehicle I have ever driven. This vehicle was chosen so that clients can sit comfortably in the backseat without having their personal bubble invaded.

We literally own the road. Or like to think we do, though the newly repaired bumper proves otherwise.

When I returned the car keys to Lorraine, I joked that it was a good thing the company car was not a Caddy. If it had been, the car and I would be missing, heading south, never to be seen again. Such is my desire to fulfill the lifelong desire of driving such a dream machine.

Well, as it turns out, the company car used to be a Cadillac. I was so close, and yet so far. Instead of the sleek and impressive build of elegance, I went fishing in the Youth Sales Boat. We are worms.

It was quite the experience, but I think at the end of the day, I would take Baby Belle any day.

The Disney Countdown

You can't come to Disney World unprepared. Not only do you need to make sure you pack a life into a suitcase (and puddles of SPF!) but a mental preparation as well.

In order to help Meghan get into the Disney mindset for her upcoming trip, I have been placing Disney television spots for her to watch from day ten to check in. Enjoy the final list in no particular order!

What's your personal favorite on the list (or, better yet, is there one off the list that is a personal favorite?)

A Man and a Mouse

"I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing–

that it was all started by a mouse."

--Walt Disney

Do you hear the people sing?

The last time I worked in Disney World, I felt that I did not take advantage of all the opportunities offered. I told myself that if given another chance, I would do more with the company. Volunteer more. Play more. Laugh more. Do more.

And that chance came to fruition.

For the past two months, it has been quite the endeavor. I go to grocery bingo, I battle endless crowds at Wal-Mart, I play in the parks until 2 o'clock in the morning. Somewhere in between there I do work as well.

And...I attempt to be part of the Candlelight Processional Cast Choir, which I knew it would be a challenge. There are about 300 vocalists chosen per voice part, and the coveted spots are extremely limited.

This past Tuesday morning, two Youth Sales interns screamed with delight as they discovered they were both selected to partake in the cast choir this holiday season. This honor means that Kristin and I will be singing along with the guest narrator (as previously mentioned, will be Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi, Susan Lucci, to name a few) and will instill the Christmas spirit into every guest within hearing at the park.

The Cast Choir sings in the center of Epcot's stage, creating a tree of green robes. Each emerald-clad cast member solemnly holds a flickering candle. On either side of the tree formation are guest student choirs from across the country (all draped in a differentiating gold robe). Funnily enough, I help organize these group trips with Youth Sales!

NPH of Christmas Past

Each performance holds about 50 cast vocalists to create the tree, meaning that all of us will rotate shows. We should each sing in four to six performances, depending on voice part. Rumor has it we can have a top three choices for the shows we would be part of, and you can bet NPH will be number 1, number 2, and number 3 on my slot sheet.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of the 2011 Candlelight Processional. Though details are sparse at the moment, prepare for several updates as they become available!

An example of a past Candlelight Processional

Regina Girls Sing

This week will mark the Regina's first Young Alumnae Choir concert. Through the summer, girls from the graduating classes of 2006 through 2008 have been singing, commiserating, gossiping, eating, and back to singing. Needless to say, those were wonderful Monday nights (miss you, alto section!) It is amazing how the years apart have not changed these friendships or (more importantly for this event) the vocal arrangements.

Thursday's concert will host memorable songs that had previously been performed in Regina history, such as Les Choristes, Disney hits, and back by popular demand, Moses Hogan. There will also be Elton John classics among countless others. A little something for everyone!

This is a free event to the public held in Regina's auditorium Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Please support the bake sale in the foyer, where the all funds will benefit the RDHS Music Department.

Good luck lovely ladies, I know you will be magnificent.

If you are in the area, come listen to the fabulous Regina alumnae as they grace the stage once more and make the music come to life!

(click image to enlarge)

Tango with Tigger

Why is it that the work week seems to drag to a complete standstill, but when it comes to the weekends, blink and they are over? This weekend came and went faster than I could count the memories, but it was a winning 48 hours.

Naomi and Eeyore in the "Pooh-rade"

Saturday morning marked Naomi's birthday, where we went to a surprise breakfast at Crystal Palace. Though it started with the usual delicious fare of food, over the course of two hours it escalated to an absolute dance off between Pooh and friends.

When I say "Dance Off" I mean the characters actually gave their all and shook their tail feathers. They bounced, they jived, the Lindy hopped, they tangoed. After much deliberation, Eeyore was crowned winner of the Hundred Acre Woods Dancers, with a 3-1 vote. I, of course, felt it was my duty to place my vote with the best Tango partner Disney has to offer (he definitely proved that Tigers do not have two left feet!)

The characters not only danced and played along with our childish antics, but they constantly returned to our tables to enjoy our company, often pulling up a chair and listening to stories. They engaged and entertained, and probably found us mutually amusing.

It was a magical experience and hopefully made it a birthday Naomi would remember!

Right Down the Middle of Main Street, USA

Magic Kingdom at Friday "Magic Hours"

Magic Kingdom: beautiful anytime of the night, whether by sunshine or streetlight!

Total Bull

A few days ago, on the drive back home from a long day's work, I spotted something to the side of the road.

It was in the distance, and the brown blob appeared to have four legs and a long torso. Could it be?

"Look, a pony!" I exclaimed, as excited as a child at Christmas. Kristin turned to me, stunned into silence. Her look said it all. No. It was not a pony. Disappointed, I tried again.

While keeping my eyes on the road, I quickly did a double take. The animal was in closer view, and I noted the compact body frame, rather than the equine elegance. And something protruding from either side of its ears. Horns. Meaning...

"A goat?" I questioned. Kristin stared once more in disbelief. She had raised goats. Unlike myself, she knew her animals.

"It's a bull," she finally stated.

THESE are horns

What? The only bulls I have ever seen were those in Looney Tunes. Instead of majestic horns, there were tiny little nubs on their heads. I wanted the Scottish Highland cow horns here in Orlando, but there was nothing of the kind.

I am waiting to see a real bull. Until then, these are just ugly, ugly ponies.

Judy Garland: Walk the Walk

JUDY GARLAND WAS HERE! Kind of...

Though Judy was unfortunately not able to leave her mark outside of Hollywood Studio's Oriental Theatre (not to worry-- Liza did) she did leave behind the Ruby Slippers!

Does this count as a degrees of separation?

Young Hearts Run FREE

As recent college graduates, we love free things. It seems to be ingrained into our very being, instilled into every strand of DNA. We cherish each free pencil, embrace lumpy free pillows, dream of free food.

Eeyore has the right idea

It is a way of life. The transition from broke college student to cash-strapped young professional has not been easy, especially with outlet malls around every corner (curse you VS, Express and NY& Co outlets!)

Any chance of free or discounted items is seen as a God-send. Free food? Yes. Free hugs? Yes. Buy one, get one free? Not so much.

On Friday morning, the Youth Sales interns huddled into the individual cubicles to prepare for a full day ahead, when a new message popped into our email box: Free Posters in the Resource Center of the Celebration building.

Kristin and Stephanie had the right idea of booking it downstairs. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal, maybe one or two cutesy little posters, nothing fancy. I have never been more mistaken.

We should have known something was amiss by the hoards of people anxiously waiting for the elevator doors to open. And when they ran to the stairwell, we knew this was big.

Free posters of a movie and show I have never seen.

The Poster Give-away was the most organized free-giveaway possible. It wove in and out of the entire Resource Center, utilizing all six (rather enormous) rooms. It was a battle to tooth-and-nail to get the good ones. And yes, it was a vast majority of recent college graduates serving as interns. Desperate times call for desperate measures. If only we had been Miley Cyrus or Sorcerer's Apprentice fans, as those seemed to be the only posters untouched.

Though we arrived shortly after the 9:30 email went out (Lord help you if you arrive an hour later!) most were picked over when we got our place. However, we did managed to pick up a few good posters. Kristin and I begged for Enchanted posters, and I also brought home a few others to adorn our living room wall.

The tales of Land of the Free doesn't end there, however. There is a part two of the (now) obsession of all things complimentary, and it's name is Grocery Bingo.

Last night, Disney Housing provided College Program, International Program, and Professional Interns the opportunity to win groceries with Bingo.

It is a good concept in theory, but not so much in practice. Kristin and I spent two hours of our lives attempting to beat the 90% of participants that were International Program kids, but to no avail. The quest for free items wore out and we walked away empty-handed.

I am very bitter. Next time I plan on using my Certamen skills to swat out the competition.

Decades Dining

After Thursday's phone debacle, we needed a break from reality. From the office. From people. From being blamed for not knowing how to use a pager. What did we do?

Took the best (and tastiest) time machine offered in Disney's Hollywood Studios, of course! Eating at the Sci-Fi Diner was as good as entering the fabulous fifties! The dim lighting sets the mood as you are placed in the compact seats of a car while watching a few science fiction movies on the large overhead drive-in lot. Of the three car rows, we sat in the last one, being the "hitchhikers" of the car.

The room was silent as guests watched the overhead movies flash before their eyes. Kristin and I were amazed by the constant need for the vintage story lines to entail people either from outer space, from the deep blue sea, a fifty foot human, or, better yet, all three.

Our lovely server, Martha, made our evening fabulous with a dessert courtesy of Mickey Mouse. Magic happens every day, and this day was one where we could have used all the help possible!

Apocalypse Now

Picture this scenario:

It's a calm, collected, quiet Thursday afternoon, with the Orlando breeze rustling through the trees. A storm is brewing outside.

Along with inside the halls of the Youth Sales department.

It seems to be a normal day. Interns scurrying about in an attempt to look occupied. Managers restlessly watching the clock until the prearranged event for all Marketing departments in the late afternoon away from the office.

The prearranged event that changed everything. It was meant to be a celebration of what the company had accomplished, as well as a look toward the future goals. Instead, it left a horrid path in its wake.

At least in the eyes of the three new interns.

During the normal day, one person watches the youth phone hotline in the morning, and one in the afternoon. It's never been a painful experience before. Sometimes it is actually quite cheery (where else can you end a call with "Have a magical day!" without sounding insane?!) Until, that is, all the supervisors and managers leave for the afternoon event thinking that the two other departments we worked with were staying behind from the event.

However, these other two departments were gone, with the others, to enjoy the festivities, leaving all their potential phone calls to funnel into the Youth Sales Hotline.

And the Youth Hotline was manned by three lowly interns, in a state of panic, as call after call rolled in with impossible questions and few solutions.

Three hours later, and countless phone messages to every Manager blackberry on our list, we managed to survive. Excruciating? Yes. Terrifying? Yes. Downright memorable? Oh Yes.

We survived!

Ugly Ducklings

Swan Family in Downtown Orlando

Like a Bolt out of the Blue

I absolutely love working in Disney World. Where else do you have the option to go sit on the beach with friends and watch a gorgeous fireworks show every night?

Terrible Two: fun and fancy free

On Monday evening, after a long day of filing papers and taking magical phone calls, it was decided that the perfect end to the evening needed to take place at the Poynesian Resort. So off we went, getting lost along the way, until we sat in the comfortable beach chairs, pineapple drinks in hand, waiting for Jiminy Cricket's spiel.

The fireworks show, Wishes, is one of my favorite things in Disney World. Whether it is the first time seeing it, or the hundredth, it is breathtaking. How the Magic Kingdom continues to amaze with this spectacular event every night is beyond me. I think what makes such an impact on my viewing of the show is how it affects others. During the show young and young at heart alike watch in wonderment, and listen with rapt attention (not to mention the many tears that are shed during the 15 minute show!)

Nothing can ruin Wishes. The only downside to our time on the beach was the music did not play (though I have heard it usually does, so this may have just been a singular malfunction). We were on beach chairs that partially obscured the already tiny castle (Cinderella lives on the other side of the Lagoon), but really nothing can block the fireworks that lit up the entire sky.

Take a night to make a wish, and do as dreamers do-- and all your wishes will come true!

Winnie Weekend

Every single one of us, once upon a time, watched Winnie the Pooh. And cherished every moment of it. We loved his antics, his friends, his constant obsession with honey. It was the best toy story before Pixar came along and changed the game.

What's a girl to do when Winnie completes a new installment to the animated collection? Go see it with the 5-year-olds of course!

I have to admit. It was beyond adorable. There was a short film featuring Nessie the Loch Ness Monster that tugged at the heartstrings, and then the audience was taken for a lovely adventure with Christopher Robin and friends. The plot is constant, with Pooh always searching for honey, but showing importance of friendship at the same time. Personally, I think Piglet stole the show (he is so pint-sized and cute!)

Winnie...Professional and Attempted

We had played in Hollywood Studios for the day, and when running into Animation Studios to escape a torrential downpour, discovered that we arrived just in time to take part in the animation class. And who did we draw?

Winnie. Of course.

In this half hour art class, we were taken step by step through completing an animated character from beginning to end. Whoever guessed the character, kept the instructor's drawing.

With Kristin's help, I won a much better drawing than I could ever manage. Let's just say I should never leave my profession to become an artist.

Chip and Dale Dancers

Friday night usually means dancing somewhere. Anywhere. Why not at the Magic Kingdom, with some of your favorite characters? Children and adults alike joined the chipmunks (and Stitch) in Tomorrowland to get their dance on!

CAUTION: They WILL be better dancers than you, and are not afraid to prove it. Don't tempt them with a dance off!

The Mighty Cubicle Mascots

Pierre and Stuart, like their owners, always hard at work

Let me introduce you to Kristin and my personal muses. Meet Pierre and Stuart. We stumbled upon these adorable dinos as we were searching for additional writing instruments. When we opened past intern desks, we discovered these little guys and felt it necessary to rescue them from cruel abandonment.

We hurriedly transported them into our cubicles, where they now reside on our bordering wall, the constant communicators between us, as there is still a ban on indoor carrier pigeons.

Pierre and Stuart's main diet consists of Worther's and coffee, with Pierre preferring blackest black and Stuart wimping out and pouring countless Mini Moo creamers into his coffee.

All in all...welcome to the productivity that is Kristin and my morning "desk time."

Two guys, two pianos...a whole lot of Billy Joel

This past weekend, we journeyed over to the Boardwalk's Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar in the area. By the time we arrived, it seemed that every available inch of space was taken up, with both tourists and area locals alike.

The pianists were talented beyond belief, one minute having the audience sing along to power ballads of Journey, and the next minute the room teemed with laughter at their attempt to spew as many TV theme songs possible in under five minutes.

Nervous music purveyors ventured towards the pianos and deposited slips of napkins that revealed song requests (and often a bit of green) before being reviewed by the pianists. Of course, this all happened while they continued playing and singing without pause. Or, in the case of many songs, the piano men were also apt to beat box and play the tambourine. Maybe they should try some more cowbell?

Off to Jellyrolls

I knew we would be off to a good night when we entered to a rendition of "The Wild Rover" (Get your Irish on!) and then a bachelorette party proceeded to send the soon-to-be bride up on stage to show off her Irish dance skills.

Though there may have been an overabundance of Johnny Cash and Jimmy Buffett that night (I can only take Ring of Fire so many ways) it was a fun evening from beginning to end.

Recommendations: get there early. Keep an eye out for tables. Don't trust the popcorn. And if a 45 year old man asks to buy you a drink, promptly leave the vicinity.