Challenge Accepted!

The holidays are almost here! Kind of.

At Disney, it is never too early to begin planning for the upcoming holiday season. In the Disney Youth Programs, we are already prepping for events happening in March. It's the norm. With that in mind, it is no surprise that news for the Christmas events has finally been announced.

Disney welcomes the holiday season each year at the end of November with an event known as the Candlelight Processional. This event is held in Epcot and includes a cast choir and a guest narrator, the list which has just been published. One of the narrators this year happens to include the wonderful Neil Patrick Harris, who will be visiting December 10-12.

Click here to see the list of all guest narrators!

Disney Motivation

There are so many random moments that I would love to share, but never sure quite the right context. That said, this marks the start of Disney "Photos of the Week." Enjoy!

The Team Disney building

Roller Coaster Regulations

Many do not realize that the man that led us through memorable roles in Family Guy and The Emperor's New Groove has also led a safety regulation tape for Disney's attraction Soarin'.

But then. It gets better. There is now a spoof. And it is marvelous.

99 Bottles of Boston on the Wall

Boston has reached Orlando! After work, interns from the Wedding department, Disney Institute, and Youth Programs met at a nearby Celebration tavern.

The most astounding part was not the 99 different types of beer to be ordered, or the wonderful not-so-spicy wings to be shared, but that it was decked from floorboard to ceiling in Boston paraphernalia. Boston pictures, Boston signs, Boston jerseys.

Boston. Now all we need is a Dunkies next door for some wicked ahsome cahfee tahk!

Grade School Mix and Mingle

Think back to your eight grade or freshman year of high school. All the way back in time. Now hone in on the first dance you had. What was that like?

My first school dance (end of eight grade, oh my!) was basic awkwardness with boys on one side of the room and giggling girls on the other. You would think things change.

Ten years later, and the awkwardness ensues. Our apartment complex and Disney housing organized the first "Meet and Greet" event last night, where about thirty college students met by the apartment pool to get to know each other. In theory, it's a great idea, since we will be getting close to each other in the next six months.

Wonderful example of good ideas gone bad. Especially when these said kids are getting off eight hours shifts from work and half are still in business attire and half are wearing board shorts and oversize shirts. Or, better yet, things will get worse when water guns and field games are brought into the picture. As Kristin explained, many proposed games were those also found at Bible camp.

Let's just say, at least there was free food. And Miss Colleen, news flash: ca-caw!

Date Night

Some of us type-A folk over analyze everything. We need everything down to a science, whether it is a schedule of events, a plan for the vacation, or the perfect outfit for a business meeting with the head CEO.

All too often, our expectations fall short.

Epic Winning

Date night outfits constantly cause enormous stress. It always changes depending on the venue, the person, and usually will be completely different in the last 10 minutes due to weather or a wrinkle. It's more stressful than the date itself.

I have now taken it upon myself, and the discount Disney store, to plan the perfect Date Night outfit. Stress...gone. Who wouldn't be drawn to the Mickey boxer shorts or the iconic shoes? It beats 4 inch heels that only result in blisters! Plus, I think the yellow shoes will especially bring out my eyes. This is sure to draw attention my way. Hot, right?

The only thing that could really make this fantastic outfit choice complete is the Disney snuggie, presented by the Lovely Lady Nally. Truly, the combination would be dazzling. Unfortunately for all Orlando men, the snuggie remains tucked away in Chicago, and I am sure due to the heat, that may be the best thing.

Get ready, Prince Charming!

A Tribute to All Nations...But Mostly America

Past Fourth of July traditions have included watching people stay behind yellow lines, being a mosquito's main dinner entree, collecting garbage in large black bags, and waiting for supervisors to drive off in their mini golf carts before resuming ongoing conversations.

Though painful, this is decidedly a lost tradition that for the first time in five years has been broken.

I was able to finally enjoy fireworks as a guest (what a concept!)

We met at the Polynesian Resort (a waterfront hotel that faces the Magic Kingdom) and sat, Dole Whip in hand. For those that may not know, Dole Whip is a God-send. It is pineapple and vanilla ice cream, and was self- served at the hotel's quick service restaurant. AMAZING DISCOVERY.

With Dole Whip in hand, we sat on the beach, waiting for the fireworks. When they began, it was instantly awe-inspiring. The Magic Kingdom boasts a wonderful fireworks show nightly called Wishes, so for this holiday, they needed to outdo even their own grandeur.

Mission accomplished, Disney. The fireworks were shot from all around the Magic Kingdom's lagoon to give an astonishing scene. Every person in the audience was reminded what a proud point it is to be an American.

Happy Fourth of July! And for those of you in Glenview, stay behind the yellow tape!