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!

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.

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?

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Say Yes to the Stress

Apparently working in weddings is tough.

Apparently working in Disney weddings can be stressful beyond belief.

Though my two roommates working in Disney's Fairytale Weddings absolutely adore what they do, it is understandable that after a bit of time, some cast members need a change of pace and clientele.

This past week, as we were introducing ourselves to area coordinators and managers in the Youth Programs department, we noticed a picture of Randy in a corner office. Not just a picture of Say Yes to the Dress's star, but a signed picture. With an inscription.

Curious, right?

Though the three of us were left to wonder, we couldn't investigate further until the end of the week. This is when we discovered that the picture owner (who is now a manager) had worked in sales at the wedding side of Disney, and had just recently moved to the Youth Programs a year prior. The best news was this: in working closely with weddings, she was in acquaintance with both Randy and David Tutera. Cherry on top of the (wedding) cake came however when we also found out one of our head directors in Marketing also knows David. Very well. Though David would not sign a copy of his most recent book on Disney weddings because he felt it still had a few steps toward perfection.

I guess this means the next step would be for me to meet them myself. Until that time however,  degrees of separation now complete. Thanks, Disney!