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?)