New Post (again)!

WOW! My last post was on April 20, and it is now June 4th... where did May go??????

I will be updating the blog over the next few days, so be sure to check back for more updates... I will back date them as I should have posted them a long time ago... but for now just a little recap on my thoughts.

My official internship is over on June 10th... that's just 6 days from now! I am furtunate enough to have extended for one week, so my last day will be June 18th. As of June 11 I will no longer be a Professional Intern with the Walt Disney Company, but a full blown Cast Member! (kinda exciting!)

I have moved out of Disney Housing, and I am now in an extended stay hotel. I could no longer stay in Disney Housing, and needed to find a place to live, and this seemed like the best solution. It is pretty nice. I have two twin beds, and desk, lounge chair, T.V., kitchen with a two range stove, and refrigerator, and of course, a bathroom. The bed is 1000 times more comfortable than the one I had in my old apartment, so I get a better sleep.

I do have one small concern though... it took two trips to take all of my belongings here from the old place... I have made several new purchases like a TV and toaster oven, and some other miscellaneous items, so I am worried I wont have enough room for everything for the return trip home. I am hoping everything didn't fit in the car because I had some groceries... but time will tell.

Last night I attended the Cast preview of the Main Street Electrical Parade at the Magic Kingdom. This parade will be replacing SpectroMagic for the summer months. I personally like SpectroMagic more, but the other one was different, and a nice change of pace. Tomorrow I will see the last showing of Wishes for the summer as well... they will be replacing it with a new fireworks display staring Sunday, June 6th. It should be interesting, but I truly love Wishes... I have probably seen it about twenty times, but I still get goosebumps (and I am not ashamed to say an occasional tear to my eye) every time I watch it.

There are fifteen days until I will be in Maryland. I am excited to come home, and get back started on my life and finish what I have started (college). I am sure I will miss Disney, but as of right now I am ready to come home.

Until then... Have a Magical Week!

A Visit from the Grandparents!

My grandparents just paid me a visit. They arrived Wednesday afternoon/morning, and after seeing the room we went to Animal Kingdom. I gave a small tour, and we got to see Flights of Wonder, and ride the Safari, Expedition Everest, and Dinosaur. My Grandmother wouldn't ride Expedition Everest, but I got her to go on Dinosaur, and I think she enjoyed it :-) Also, while on the Safari we got to see the baby rhinoceros on show (this is the first and only time I have seen her on show).

Later that night (9:50) we had dinner at one of the best Disney restaurants... Ohana. It was a little late and we were pretty much the only ones in the restaurant when we left, but it was very much worth it, and I hope to take my parents there when they come down. The following morning we attended a character breakfast at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa... it was also a very good meal, and got to see some characters not often seen. We then went to EPCOT to see the flower and garden festival, and to go on a few rides. Test Track seemed to be a favorite with my grandmother... she talked about it for the rest of the trip, which is good. I was worried she may not like it. We then had a very good dinner at the Grand Floridian at Citricos.

The following day I, unfortunately, had to work. But I was visited by my grandparents, and they talked to a few of my co-workers, and one just raved about them. When I got off of work we went to Sweet Tomatoes, an all you can eat salad, soup, and bread buffet. Saturday I was treated to the California Grill, which is a top of the Contemporary Resort. The plan was to watch the fireworks from up there to get a new perspective... but like all good thought out plans they sometimes do not work. I did not know that night would be Grad Night, so they had a private fireworks display at midnight (needless to say we did not stay that long, but we did get to see a beautiful sunset, and some other beautiful views).

The following day was our last day together at the Happiest Place on Earth... and we went to the Magic Kingdom to watch the parade and Wishes. Before the parade and fireworks we ate dinner (at a quick service... who would have known all the sit down restaurants require reservations... I surmise I should have known... whoops!) We then watched one of my favorite 3D shows, PhilharMagic, and then rode the Pirates of the Caribbean. I did not tell my grandmother about the little drop otherwise she wouldn't have gotten on it ;-) We then ended our time together by watching SpectroMagic (not the best view) and then had an excellent view of Wishes.

I thank my grandparents for treating me to many fine restaurants, but most of all coming down and spending time with me. It was truly a pleasure and I created memories to last a lifetime, and I hope they had a magical time as well!

This Week in Disney History: April 19-25

April 22, 1964 - The New York World's Fair opens
Held in Flushing Meadows Park in the borough of Queens, the 1964 World's Fair was emblematic of the can-do spirit of the Space Age and the promise of tomorrow. But theme park aficionados know it as the place where Walt Disney perfected ride and show technology that still amazes guests to this day, as evidenced in the four attractions he built for the fair. "it's a small world" was a hopeful salute to the children of the world, while the Carousel of Progress followed a family embracing modern conveniences from the turn of the century through the present. The PeopleMover ride system debuted in the Magic Skyway attraction, where riders took a spin through time in a Ford automobile; while at the Illinois pavilion, guests marveled at Disney's most sophisticated Audio-Animatronic yet in "Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln." Three of the four found their way to Disneyland Park (and two later to Magic Kingdom Park) after the fair closed in 1965.

April 22, 1998 - Disney's Animal Kingdom opens
After wandering through the dense canopy of the Oasis, the enormous Tree of Life welcomes guests to Disney's largest theme park, where seven distinct lands covering more than 500 acres feature animal exhibits, attractions and entertainment underscoring the importance of wildlife conservation. Whether enjoying a rugged African photo trek aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris, thrilling through time while narrowly evading a Carnotaurus aboard DINOSAUR, or laughing with the insects from "A Bug's Life" in It's Tough to be a Bug, visitors can explore the world of creatures real, extinct and imaginary. Disney's Animal Kingdom continues adding to its unique array of experiences, opening the hair-raising roller coaster Expedition Everest in 2006 and the innovative Finding Nemo - The Musical in 2007.

April 19:
1999 - Sales of tobacco products are discontinued at all four Walt Disney World theme parks, and smoking is prohibited except in designated areas

April 20:
1946 - Walt Disney Pictures premieres Make Mine Music in New York City
1991 - The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios
2000 - Walt Disney World announces plans for Mission: Space at Epcot

April 21:
1930 - The animated short "Just Mickey" (aka "Fiddlin' Around") debuts
2009 - Characters in Flight opens in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World

April 22:
2002 - Primeval Whirl opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom
2009 - Disneynature releases Earth

April 23:
1957 - Midget Autopia opens at Disneyland Park
1986 - Leaders host the groundbreaking ceremony for Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1990 - Mickey's Birthdayland closes at Magic Kingdom Park

April 24:
1989 - "The All New Mickey Mouse Club," taped at the Disney-MGM Studios, debuts on Disney Channel
2009 - Imagineer and Disney Legend Marty Sklar announces his retirement, effective July 17

April 25:
1930 - "Wild Waves" (Mickey Mouse animated short) debuts
1952 - "Let's Stick Together" (Donald Duck animated short) debuts
1997 - Touchstone Pictures releases Romy and Michele's High School Reunion
2003 - The 10th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival begins

This Week in Disney History: April 12-18

April 15, 1983 - Tokyo Disneyland opens
On a site overlooking Tokyo Bay in the suburb of Urayasu, fifteen minutes by subway on the Keiyō Line from the heart of the world's most populous urban area, lies an incredible piece of Disney magic. The massive, glass covered World Bazaar welcomes guests to the eastern hemisphere's most visited theme park, with Cinderella Castle perched at the top of the central plaza leading to seven themed lands, each featuring Disney Parks favorites spanning from the Haunted Mansion to Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters. Tokyo Disneyland operates under a unique partnership between Disney and the Oriental Land Company. Card Walker, the Disney president fundamental in the building of the Walt Disney World Resort and Epcot, gave the opening day dedication, modeling his words after Walt's address at the opening of Disneyland Park. Tokyo Disney Resort continues to thrive, opening the companion park Tokyo DisneySea in 2001 while inaugurating its own monorail line and shopping district.

April 12, 1992 - Disneyland Paris opens
Located just a stone's throw from Paris, a whole new Disney theme park opened its doors in the heart of Europe. Disneyland Park pays tribute to its continental homeland in many ways: the design of Discoveryland is heavily influenced by European visionaries and the way they imagined the future, including Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. The centrepiece of the theme park is the splendid Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, a Sleeping Beauty Castle unlike any other. The magnificent monument displays flourishes inspired by the natural world, fairytales and even medieval literature. With its towers spiralling into the sky, the castle has much in common with France's Mont St. Michel, with further inspiration from the works of Sleeping Beauty artist Eyvind Earle. In 1995, the park took a considerable leap forward by opening a re-imagined Space Mountain, then reloaded the attraction in 2005 as Space Mountain: Mission 2. The 200 millionth guest was welcomed in summer 2008.

April 12:
1946 - The cartoon short "Pluto's Kid Brother" debuts
1995 - 'Ohana opens at Disney's Polynesian Resort
1996 - Walt Disney Pictures releases James and the Giant Peach

April 13:
1935 - "Mickey's Kangaroo," the last black-and-white Walt Disney Studios cartoon short, debuts

April 14:
1934 - "The Big Bad Wolf" (Silly Symphony) debuts
1984 - An updated version of the Alice in Wonderland attraction opens at Disneyland Park
2008 - Ollie Johnston, Disney animator and the last of Walt's "Nine Old Men," dies at age 95

April 15:
1932 - The Mickey Mouse animated short "Barnyard Olympics" debuts, coinciding with the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles
1938- The animated short "Donald's Nephews" debuts, featuring the first appearances of Huey, Dewey, and Louie
1962 - The episode "Disneyland After Dark" debuts on "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color"
1973 - The Walt Disney Story opens at Magic Kingdom Park
1975 - Flight to the Moon closes at Magic Kingdom Park

April 16:
2001 - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge opens at the Walt Disney World Resort

April 17:
1958 - The Circarama film America the Beautiful debuts at the World's Fair in Brussels, Belgium; the first Disney attraction ever to open outside a Disney Park

April 18:
1953 - The Mickey Mouse short "The Simple Things," debuts; over 30 years would pass before the release of the next one, "Mickey's Christmas Carol" (1983)
1983 - Disney Channel goes on the air
1994 - "Beauty and the Beast: A New Musical" premieres at the Palace Theatre in New York

This Week in Disney History: April 5-11

April 6, 1990 - Blue Ribbon Bakery opens at Disneyland Park
On any given morning, you'll spot hundreds of half-asleep families bearing left upon entering Disneyland and trudging into this Main Street, U.S.A. mainstay. And no one could blame them. With the sweet aroma of fresh baked cinnamon rolls wafting out the door, a satisfying breakfast pastry paired with a vanilla latte is a perfect pre-op before conquering Space Mountain or finding Mickey for a photo. But no one says you can't stop back later for a deli sandwich and an iced mocha before staking out an afternoon parade spot, or maybe another espresso with a chocolate chip cookie chaser at park closing for the drive home. The Blue Ribbon originally opened next door to its current spot, which was occupied by the Carnation Ice Cream Parlor; in 1997, the two locations switched places, and the parlor became the Gibson Girl.

April 7, 2006 - Expedition Everest opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom
In the Himalayan village of Serka Zong, brave guests make final preparations for a train ride to the base of the world's tallest peak. Historical artifacts, writings and the tattered gear of those who've climbed it before bear witness to the creature locals fear - the snarling, ferocious Yeti. As the train climbs high into the mountains, the journey stops abruptly as the tracks ahead have been ripped apart. But the only way out isn't exactly the same way you came in… say, what's that snarling sound? Expedition Everest has a distant cousin in the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland Park, but stands over 50 feet higher, and at a top speed of 50 miles per hour, travels nearly twice as fast. The intimidating Yeti audio-animatronic stands 22 feet tall and has its own support structure separate from the track and the mountain; the actuators making it move can simultaneously create more thrust than a 747 jumbo jet.

April 5:
1965 - Mary Poppins wins 5 Oscars at the 37th Academy Awards, including Best Actress honors for Julie Andrews
1998 - The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) opens at Magic Kingdom Park
1999 - The Studio Costuming Company, the new costume issue building for Disney-MGM Studios Cast, opens
2006 - Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opens in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World

April 6:
1991 - "Darkwing Duck" debuts on Disney Channel
1998 - The new Walt Disney Studios Animation Florida building at Disney-MGM Studios opens
2007 - Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros! opens in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot

April 7:
1939 - Disney's final Silly Symphony cartoon, "The Ugly Duckling," debuts
1983 - The 150 millionth guest visits the Walt Disney World Resort
1995 - Walt Disney Pictures releases A Goofy Movie
1997 - The original run of Captain EO ends at Disneyland Park
2001 - "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It!" opens at Disney-MGM Studios

April 8:
1973 - The Walt Disney Story opens at Disneyland Park
1974 - Treasure Island in Bay Lake (later Discovery Island) opens at the Walt Disney World Resort
2006 - Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast opens at Disneyland Paris

April 9:
1961 - Walt Disney dedicates the grotto and wishing well adjacent to Sleeping Beauty Castle, with donations benefitting children's charities worldwide
2005 - Space Mountain: Mission 2 debuts at Disneyland Paris

April 10:
1930 - "The Barnyard Concert" (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts
1988 - America Sings closes at Disneyland Park
1992 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Newsies

April 11:
1997 - Hollywood Pictures releases Grosse Point Blank
2003 - The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opens at Disneyland Park
2003 - Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! opens at Disney's California Adventure Park
2009 - Yamabuki, a Japanese restaurant, closes at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

This Week in Disney History: March 29 - April 4

April 2, 1954 - Walt Disney announces Disneyland Park and television show plans
On a bench in Los Angeles' Griffith Park, Walt Disney dreamed of a place where parents and children could have fun together. Imagining it was one challenge, but financing it was quite another, forcing Disney to look for outside help. The ABC television network agreed to become a partner in exchange for several considerations, including original programming. Once both boards finalized the 35% stake, two "Disneylands" were announced - the park and a television series. ABC debuted the first episode on October 27, 1954, treating viewers to an exclusive look at the park under construction as well as production work on Sleeping Beauty and Davy Crockett. The "Disneyland" television series would continue under various names through 2008, including "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" and "The Magical World of Disney."

April 1, 1995 - Blizzard Beach opens at the Walt Disney World Resort
According to legend, a freak snow storm once blanketed the southwest corner of Walt Disney World, and enterprising locals took advantage, creating Florida's first ski resort on Mount Gushmore. But when the usual hot weather returned, the black diamond runs and bobsled tracks melted away to create some of the world's most thrilling toboggan runs. (It's implausible, but then again, this place did open on April Fool's Day.) Walt Disney World's second water park features a family-friendly mix of unique and exciting attractions, but for many the signature ride remains Summit Plummet. Perched atop a ski jump launch, daring riders plunge down this 120 foot tall incline hitting near freeway speeds; fittingly, there's a radar gun at the bottom displaying yours. Learn more about Blizzard Beach's 15th anniversary in the March 25 issue of Eyes and Ears.

March 29:
1998 - Disney hosts Central Park event in New York City for the opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom
2002 - Walt Disney Pictures releases The Rookie

March 30:
1997 - The Disney's Wide World of Sports box office officially opens
2007 - Walt Disney Pictures releases the computer animated feature Meet the Robinsons

March 31:
1958 - Grand Canyon diorama (part of the Disneyland Railroad) opens at Disneyland Park
1999 - Touchstone Pictures releases 10 Things I Hate About You
2000 - Touchstone Pictures releases High Fidelity
2002 - Primeval Whirl opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom

April 1:
1974 - Pioneer Hall opens at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

April 2:
1940 - Walt Disney Productions becomes a publically traded company, offering stock for the first time
2007 - Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor opens at Magic Kingdom Park

April 3:
1994 - Frank G. Wells, President of The Walt Disney Company, dies in a helicopter accident

April 4:
1954 - Joe Fowler is hired as a construction supervisor for Disneyland Park; he later becomes its operations manager, then a key executive in the construction of the Walt Disney World Resort
1994 - Michael Eisner assumes the presidency of The Walt Disney Company following Frank Wells' death

I Made Magic Today!

So today I made some noticeable magic that I need to share with everyone!

It was raining heavily for the last half of the day today, so we were not too busy in the kids' clubs, and people often come and seek shelter from the rain for a few minutes. This one older woman stopped by to seek shelter, and catch her breath, and in the process placed her glasses down on our counter, and then walked away leaving the glasses there. The woman who I was working with noticed the guest forgot her glasses, and I was able to leave the area to give them back to her. Just as I was approaching her she realized she lost her glasses, and was beginning to panic. Just at the moment she started to panic I presented her with her glasses and a wave of relief and gratitude swept over her face... it was very memorable for me, and "magical" to say the least... but that's what we do at Disney.

There was also a magical story one of my co-workers told me. She had a guest at her kids' club, and they said they were heading to their next one (which was mine) after they came to mine they went back to hers to tell her about how it was so cool and fun at my station, and how I had all the bugs on my vest, and it made their day. :-)

All-in-all it was a very magical day, and I hope you all have a Magical Day yourselves!

Home and Back Again

Sorry it has been a very long time since my last post. I went home for a few days to help at camp training, and see some friends and family back north... it was a good trip home even though it did rain everyday pretty much all day. When I came back to Florida I had to work eight days straight, and was very tired after coming home from work, so did not really have the energy to write anything.

Nothing too much has changed over these past few weeks. I am now officially checked off on all of my scripts. :-) There have also been some very special and memorable moments for me. One day I had a cute little girl ask me for my autograph, and the mother took a picture of me next to her daughter... for a moment I felt like a character (although some may argue I am a "character"). Also the other day I was talking to a guest about Disney's Worldwide Conservation Fund, and they gave me a pin from Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure (which I didn't even know existed) as a gift for talking with them. I also got a Vero Beach pin from one of my leaders... so now the only ones I know I do not have are Hilton Head, and the Cruise Line. Besides the gifts and pictures I truly do enjoy having those guest interactions everyday, and talking to people from around the world!

I have also finished grocery shopping for the week, and washed my clothes! I now need to go to Walmart because I am almost out of shampoo...but I will do that tomorrow.

This has also been a growing experience for me about living on my own and budgeting money properly. The first two months I would run out of money and have to borrow some. I would always forget about having to buy gas... if I didn't have to buy gas I would have been fine... But now I am doing good, and actually have some money left over that I can start saving! :-)

So this internship has been an all around learning experience from all aspects. We are getting ready to have out mid-term evaluations... I wonder how I will do :-/

From sunny and warm Florida I wish you all a Magical Week! :-)

This Week in Disney History: March 22-28

March 24, 1972 - Country Bear Jamboree opens at Disneyland Park
Originally envisioned by Walt Disney as entertainment at his never-built Mineral King ski resort, Imagineer Marc Davis would bring this audio-animatronic showcase to Disneyland Park’s newly christened Bear Country after its successful debut at Magic Kingdom Park in 1971. A musical revue (penned by X. Atencio and George Bruns) performed by a troupe of friendly bears including host Henry, starlet Teddi Barra and guitarist/occasional Elvis impersonator Liver Lips McGrowl, the show later spread to Tokyo Disneyland and inspired two holiday versions. The Country Bears’ Disneyland Park run ended in 2001 to make way for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, but look carefully inside the attraction and you might spot the animal head trio of Max, Buff and Melvin keeping a watchful eye over the Hundred Acre Wood.

March 28, 1987 - The first Disney Store opens
Need an oversized Mickey Mouse plush, but you’re hundreds of miles from your nearest Disney resort? Not to worry - just head to your local Disney Store. The original location opened this date at the Glendale Galleria mall near Los Angeles. Visitors can peruse exclusive and limited-edition merchandise from clothing and home decor to collectibles, and can even book their next Disney vacation. Magic is also available at disneystore.com, where shoppers can personalize their items. Disney Store will soon be revitalizing its more than 200 North American locations with a “destination” shopping concept, and a new flagship store will open in New York City’s Times Square later this year.

March 22:
1975 - Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village (now called Downtown Disney Marketplace) opens

March 23:
1969 - Disneyland Park hosts Herbie Day, featuring a parade of Volkswagen Beetles down Main Street, U.S.A. (promoting the film The Love Bug)
1990 - Touchstone Pictures releases Pretty Woman
2000 - Disney’s Aida, featuring music by Elton John and Tim Rice, opens in New York City

March 24:
1956 - Astro-Jets opens at Disneyland Park
1987 - Michael Eisner and French prime minister Jacques Chirac signs the Euro Disney protocol to bring the new Disneyland Resort Paris to France
2006 - “Hannah Montana” (television series) debuts on Disney Channel

March 25:
1969 - President Nixon presents Lillian Disney with a special gold medal honoring Walt for “Distinguished Public Service and Outstanding Contributions to the Public and the World"
1990 - Disneyana Shop opens at Hospitality House at the Magic Kingdom Park
1994 - Walt Disney Pictures releases D2: The Mighty Ducks

March 26:
1994 - Food Rocks opens at The Land at Epcot
1995 - Disneyland Park hosts its first marathon and 5K run

March 27:
1961 - Snow White Grotto opens at Disneyland Park
1986 - Bob Hope helps officiate the groundbreaking of the Disney-MGM Studios
1989 - The new Walt Disney World Casting Center opens
2005 - “Grey’s Anatomy” debuts on ABC
2009 - “Celebrate! A Street Party” debuts at Disneyland Park

March 28:
1987 - Port of Entry opens at Epcot
1997 - The first game is held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Baseball Stadium (now Champion Stadium) between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds

(c) Disney

This Week in Disney History: March 15-21

March 18, 1967 - Pirates of the Caribbean opens at Disneyland Park
The centerpiece of New Orleans Square and the final attraction supervised by Walt Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean plunges guests over a waterfall into a mysterious grotto housing cursed treasures, then surrounds them in a full-fledged pirate battle as a host of rascals and scoundrels ransack a city to find it. This beloved Disney Parks classic inspired a film series which has grossed over $2.6 billion worldwide and garnered 11 Academy Award nominations, continuing next year with a fourth installment, On Stranger Tides. In 2006, the inimitable Captain Jack Sparrow climbed aboard the original Disneyland attraction as well as its Magic Kingdom Park counterpart at the Walt Disney World Resort.

March 16, 2002 - Walt Disney Studios Park opens at Disneyland Paris
Ten years after the inauguration of Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park opened to give guests a behind-the-scenes look at cinema, animation and television. Created as a true working studio, the park offers a number of shows and attractions, the majority of which were created especially for Disneyland Paris. The CinéMagique attraction pays tribute to some of the most magical moments in cinema - both European and American. Tricks from the action movie world also come to life in a brand new show, Moteurs... Action! Stunt Show Spectacular, later adapted for Walt Disney World in 2005. Walt Disney Studios Park continues to grow, enhanced by new attractions including Tower of Terror (2008) and the upcoming Toy Story Playland (summer 2010).

March 15:
1991 - Disney Afternoon Live debuts at Disneyland Park, featuring Baloo's Dressing Room (a character meet-and-greet area) and "Plane Crazy" (a new stage show)
1995 - Plans unveiled at Carnegie Hall for Disney Institute

March 16:
1934 - "The Three Little Pigs" wins the Academy Award for Best Cartoon Short Subject of 1933
1961 - Walt Disney Pictures releases The Absent-Minded Professor

March 17:
1929 - "Plane Crazy" (Mickey Mouse short with sound) premieres in New York City
1939 - "Goofy and Wilbur" (the first Goofy cartoon short) debuts
1999 - The official grand opening of Test Track takes place at Epcot
2005 - Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters officially opens at Disneyland Park

March 18:
1955 - Groundbreaking ceremonies are held for the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim
1967 - The Blue Bayou restaurant opens at Disneyland Park

March 19:
1959 - Walt Disney Pictures releases The Shaggy Dog
1966- Primeval World (part of the Disneyland Railroad) opens at Disneyland Park
2008 - Walt Disney World Boys & Girls Club opens in Pine Hills area of Orlando, Fla.

March 20:
1921 - The first Newman Laugh-O-Grams (animated by Walt Disney) premieres at Newman Theater in Kansas City
1987 - Captain EO opens at Tokyo Disneyland Park
1995 - Main Street Book Shop, Penny Arcade, and House of Magic close at Magic Kingdom Park

March 21:
1975 - Pictures releases Escape to Witch Mountain
1975 - Mission to Mars (updated Flight to the Moon attraction) opens in Disneyland Park
1997 - The new Carnation Cafe, the Blue Ribbon Bakery, and the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor open on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park

(c) Disney

Team Building -- Atlanta Braves Spring Training Game

Last night we had our second team building event at an Atlanta Braves spring training game vs. the Phillies. Unfortunately, the Phillies won, but it was a good time none the less, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is very impressive! Above are some pictures of the game!

I also figured out something Disney has not managed to solve... the traffic congestion after the release of a major sporting event. I was in the parking lot for over 30 minutes and no car moved that entire time. After I waited for most of the cars to file out it was not much trouble to get out, but it was still a major traffic jam. I did notice Disney had police officer (State Police Officers) controlling the traffic light at the major intersection going into the Wide World of Sports. I surmise there is no real answer to this problem, but Disney seems to have everything else figured out I am a little surprised they could not figure this out either.

HAVE A MAGICAL DAY!

This Week in Disney History: March 8-14

March 13, 1969 – Walt Disney Pictures releases The Love Bug
The star of the highest grossing film of 1969 was a pearl white Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie. The Love Bug was the final live action film produced with direct involvement from Walt Disney, who suggested Gordon Buford’s Car, Boy, Girl as the story’s basis. Paired with down-and-out demolition derby driver Jim Douglas (played by Dean Jones), Herbie becomes an unlikely success story on the racing scene while proving he truly has a mind of his own. Herbie has starred in four additional theatrical releases and appears daily in “Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

March 10, 2009 - Disney launches D23
“Are you 23?” was the question that had Disney fans guessing - and circling March 10 on the calendar. Announced this day by CEO Robert Iger, D23 is the first official community for Disney fans in company history (the “23” refers to 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his studio in Burbank.) Members receive the quarterly collectible magazine Disney twenty-three, delivering the ultimate insider’s perspective, as well as access to exclusive special events, gifts and merchandise. The inaugural D23 Expo was held at the Anaheim Convention Center last September, featuring new attraction first-looks, world-premiere screenings and celebrity appearances from Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, Miley Cyrus and Robin Williams.

March 8:
1986 - Pirates of the Caribbean and Alice’s Tea Party open at Tokyo Disneyland
1999 - Disney’s Doug Live!” stage show debuts at the Disney-MGM Studios (replacing SuperStar Television)
2002 - “Disney's Around the World," a new shop featuring items from Disney theme parks around the world, opens at the Main Street Cinema at the Magic Kingdom Park

March 9:
1984 - Splash, the first film released under the Touchstone Pictures banner, debuts
1994 - “Ellen” debuts on ABC as “These Friends of Mine”
1999 - Frank and Ollie, a documentary about animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, debuts on video

March 10:
1978 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Return from Witch Mountain
1996 - Fulton’s Crab House opens at the Downtown Disney Marketplace

March 11:
**1977 - Walt Disney Pictures releases The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh** :-D

March 12:
1999 - Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf opens next to Blizzard Beach at the Walt Disney World Resort

March 13:
2005 - Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a new water coaster, opens at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

March 14:
1960 - The CircleVision 360 film “Circarama” closes at Disneyland Park
1998 - The stand-alone McDonald’s restaurant near Blizzard Beach opens at the Walt Disney World Resort
2008 - Block Party Bash officially debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

(c) Disney

HAVE A MAGICAL WEEK!

What's New?

JAMBO!

I must first say I am excited to be going home on Thursday! Even though I love it down here it will be nice to come home... I think I may sleep outside to get cooled off from the apartment (just kidding... I am sure I will be FREEZING the entire time)!

These past few days have been interesting to say the least. The other day I had a family talk about how they eat squirrels on a regular basis. I thought they were kidding at first, but then realized when the mother was talking about it too that they were serious. Whatever floats your boat I guess...

I also went to Universal the other day. I got a season pass for a Florida resident, so it was a lot cheaper. I can honestly say it is a whole different world over there! "Customer service" is pretty much non-existent. I saw employees texting on their phones, talking about inappropriate things in front of guests, and the cardinal sin, sitting down! And not only was this one woman sitting down but she also had her legs propped up leaning back, just doing nothing (must be nice). I could go on and on but I will spare you every little thing that is different. We also had an "exciting" experience riding their newest roller coaster. After we waited in the line we got into the car, and the restraints would not lock. So we get off and wait a few minutes for another car to come out. We get on this one, they get the restraints locked, and then take us all off again. After about 15 minutes of standing around and watching the technicians walking around the ride and the people running the ride telling us "the music isn't working" we get back on the ride for the third time. We actually ride the roller coaster this time, which was amazing, and then we arrive back in the station, right where the platform starts. And we sit there, and sit there, and sit there, without moving. I notice there is no other cars going up the hill, so I begin to think this is great. So the "crew" tells us they will be performing an "emergency evacuation." The crew then has a little huddle to review the emergency evacuation procedures (very re-assuring), and then we are removed one-by-one from the roller coaster. So we spent the first 2 and a half hours at the park at one attraction (Including waiting in line, the musical seats, and getting stuck on the coaster itself). Some of the attractions are ok. The Mummy ride is pretty cool, but most of them are sub-par at best. The Jaws attraction is a huge joke, and Jurassic park can't compare to dino land at DAK. We did get to see the new Harry Potter attraction being built. I hope it opens while I am still down here so I can go to it... the latest date that I saw was May 20 something, so hopefully I can see it.

Other than that I cannot think of anything spectacular to share. I know there were lots of things I wanted to put on here, but I always forget what I want to say. I surmise I need to write somethings down so I can make this a more interesting blog. :-/

Hope everyone has a MAGICAL WEEK!

Gorilla born at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

A baby western lowland gorilla was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park Feb. 19.

Animal care experts from Disney's Animal Programs report that the baby, whose sex is still unknown, and first-time mother, 17-year-old Kashata, are doing well and the baby already is an integral member of the gorilla family group. Since the birth, baby and mom have been spending their days, along with the baby's father Gino, and the rest of the family group on the park's Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.

Members of the primate team at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park are encouraged by Katasha's natural instincts at motherhood.

"Kashata has been the perfect mom from the moment the baby was born, said Matt Hohne, Animal Operations director for Disney's Animal Programs. "She immediately knew how to hold the baby, and nursing has been going great."

The yet-to-be-named baby is the third gorilla born at the theme park. Mother Kashata was bred as a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' western lowland gorilla Species Survival Plan, which makes breeding recommendations to participating locations. The first birth took place in 1997 before Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened and the second was in 1999. There now are nine gorillas currently residing at the park, which are divided into two groups: one consists of four adult males; a family group that includes a baby, mother, father and two other adult females.

(c) Disney

This Week in Disney History: March 1-7

March 3, 1995 - The Indiana Jones Adventure opens at Disneyland Park
An ancient temple has been discovered deep inside Adventureland, tempting those who dare enter with eternal youth and earthly riches. As you board your transport and venture into the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, remember two things: don't look into the eyes of Mara, and watch out for anything that slithers. Catapulting riders into the action-packed Indiana Jones film series, this was the third attraction in the long-standing collaboration between Disney Imagineers and George Lucas, which began with Captain EO and Star Tours. For more on Indy's 15th anniversary at Disneyland Park, read the February 25 issue of the Disneyland Resort Line.

March 1, 1996 - Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort opens
A six-hour drive up the Atlantic coast from the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina was the first Disney Vacation Club property built outside of Florida. Styled after a 1940s hunting and fishing lodge, the resort lies on a secluded island in Shelter Cove Harbour, draped by hundred year-old live oak trees. When not enjoying the natural beauty of the resort and partaking in swimming, fishing, and campfires, Members and Guests can hop on a shuttle to Disney's private Beach House on the Atlantic shore for more laid-back fun in the sun.

March 1:
1924 - "Alice's Day at Sea," the first Alice Comedy, debuts
1996 - Walt Disney World officials dedicate the Disney Institute
1999 - Maharajah Jungle Trek debuts at Disney's Animal Kingdom

March 2:
1976 - Magic Kingdom Park welcomes its 50 millionth guest (remember... Magic Kingdom opened in October of 1971)
1976 - The Fort Wilderness Kennel opens at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
2009 - Ceremony marking the start of construction on the Disney Dream, third Disney Cruise Line ship, takes place at the Meyer Werft shipyards in Papenburg, Germany

March 3:
1995 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Man of the House

March 4:
1989 - The animated series "Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers" debuts on Disney Channel
2007 - Muppet Mobile Labs, an interactive audio-animatronic demonstration featuring Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker, debuts at Disney's California Adventure Park

March 5:
1983 - Journey into Imagination, the attraction starring Figment and Dreamfinder, opens at Epcot
1991 - "Avonlea" debuts on Disney Channel

March 6:
1980 - "Kraft Salutes Disneyland's 25th Anniversary," featuring Danny Kaye, Annette Funicello and Michael Jackson, airs on television

March 7:
2008 - Disney Legend Bob Gurr receives a window on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park

(c) Disney

HAVE A MAGICAL WEEK! :-D

New Post!

Hello!

I realize it has been a while since my last post. I am sorry about that. Between my illnesses and busy schedule I have not had a chance to post.

I do not think there is too much to report. I am settling down into a pattern now as nothing too much is changing. I am working on memorizing our third and final script, which is a lot easier then the other two. I am also becoming a lot better at answering guests' questions as to where to go and recommendations. There was also a baby gorilla born the other day (look for the press release to be coming soon) and it is very cute!

There have been the ups and downs in the temperatures. One day the temperature is 80 and the next it is 60! (yes, I think 60 is now COLD)! I do not know how I am going to make it when I come home next week... it is going to be SO cold! I am just hoping it will not snow or anything...especially for the flight back to FL.

Well, I do not know what else is going on to put here. We have constant thermostat battles with the roommates. Some of the roommates put the thermostat at 85 degrees... and it is literally like a sauna in here! For those of you who know me know I like it cold when I sleep, so it is miserable. We tried to compromise on 75, but they will still crank it up to 85.

I am looking forward to my family to come down and visit so I can show them around!

HAVE A MAGICAL WEEK!

This Week in Disney History: February 22-28

Sorry I did not realize how behind I was on these! :-D

February 23, 1935: "The Band Concert" debuts
This Silly Symphony short marked Mickey Mouse's first appearance in color, leading an orchestra of Disney all-stars in a rousing rendition of The William Tell Overture. Donald Duck, on hand to sell ice cream, produces a flute and attempts to lead the company into a different song. Mickey fights back by leading the orchestra into "The Storm" section of the overture, summoning an actual tornado that sweeps up the band members; Donald, despite his seemingly inexhaustible supply of replacement flutes, as usual fails to get the last laugh. The classic cartoon provided the inspiration for Silly Symphony Swings, opening at Disney's California Adventure Park this spring.

February 28, 1996: Disney acquires Gorda Cay (now Castaway Cay)
Located in the Great Abaco Islands chain in the northern Bahamas, Gorda Cay was first inhabited in 1784 by European settlers in exile from the American Revolution. Two centuries later, the island was a shooting location for the 1984 Disney film Splash; just over two decades later, it was acquired by Disney to create a private paradise for Disney Cruise Line guests. Opened in 1998, Castaway Cay is part of every Port Canaveral-based itinerary, featuring white sand beaches, open-air barbeque dining, and an array of activities including kayaking, biking and parasailing. Although set to add several new features in 2010, nearly all of Castaway Cay remains in its pristine natural beauty, as only 55 of the island's 1,000 acres are developed.

February 22:
1996 - Disney.com launches on the Internet
2009 - Wall-E wins the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film

February 23:
1939 - Walt Disney receives a special Academy Award for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
2004 - "Snow White - An Enchanting Musical" debuts at Disneyland Park

February 24:
1939 - "The Practical Pig," a Disney's Silly Symphony cartoon, debuts
1985 - Disney Clothiers, Ltd. opens on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park

February 25:
1938 - "Boat Builders" (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts
1965 - Mary Poppins receives 13 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture

February 26:
1998 - Official All Star Cafe opens at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex
2006 - "The Timekeeper" CircleVision film permanently closes at Magic Kingdom Park

February 27:
1992 - Elizabeth Taylor holds her 60th birthday party at Disneyland Park
1996 - Walt Disney World announces it will host Atlanta Braves spring training beginning with the 1998 season
1998 - Disney's Animal Kingdom passes its first inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture, officially licensing the park to be an animal exhibitor

February 28:
1993 - "Bonkers" debuts on the Disney Channel
2004 - The Earl of Sandwich Shop opens in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World

This Week in Disney History: February 15-21

Feb. 15, 1950: Walt Disney Pictures releases Cinderella
Thirteen years after the international phenomenon of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt Disney introduced another unlikely heroine as his second princess. Forced to tend to every whim of a wicked stepmother and two ungrateful stepsisters, Cinderella catches the attention of her Prince Charming with the help of singing birds, sewing mice and a timely assist from her Fairy Godmother. Though the folk tale traces back to ancient Greece, 17th century French author Charles Perrault added classic touches like the pumpkin and glass slippers. Cinderella is the namesake of two Disney Parks castles, including the one in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.

Feb. 17, 2004: Disney announces the purchase of The Muppets
Jim Henson's first television show featured a cast of puppets including a green, not yet frog-like character named Kermit. After gaining flippers and his trademark collar, Kermit helmed the early seasons of Henson's Sesame Street, then starred in the worldwide hit The Muppet Show which introduced the prima donna Miss Piggy, hopeless comedian Fozzie Bear and consummate weirdo Gonzo. After a lengthy partnership that included the theme park attraction Muppet*Vision 3D, Disney acquired The Muppets in 2004, and Kermit and the gang have stayed busy. Besides working on their upcoming movie and frequently adding clips to their YouTube channel, The Muppets were the first official volunteers through "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day." for Disney Parks.

February 15:
1899 - Lillian Bounds (Walt Disney's wife) is born

February 16:
1996 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Muppet Treasure Island
2000 - Disneyland Park kicks off its 45th anniversary celebration

February 17:
1995 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Heavyweights
1998 - Disney-MGM Studios hosts the ground breaking for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

February 18:
1960 - The Winter Olympics opening ceremony, produced by Walt Disney, is held in Squaw Valley, California
2000 - The "45 Years of Magic" parade and "Believe… There's Magic in the Stars" fireworks show debut at Disneyland Park

February 19:
1985 - Mickey Mouse visits China in commemoration of Disneyland Park's 30th anniversary

February 20:
1986 - WED Enterprises is renamed Walt Disney Imagineering

February 21:
1997 - The first Club Disney opens in Thousand Oaks, California
(c) Disney

HAVE A MAGICAL WEEK!

A Case of the "Mondays"

Today for me was a Monday... as I had just finished my two days off. Today was not a magical day to say the least... For starters the high was only 50 (yes, yes I know how cold it is back home, but 50 is COLD for down here!) and rainy all day. I started my day at the anteater position (Southern Giant Anteater to be specific) and along comes by the VP for Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives for Disney's Animal Kingdom... she is second in line behind the VP for Animal Kingdom itself. She was also with several people who looked very important. They talked with me breifly, and then I went to talk to some guests. One guest asked where the anteater was from, and I replied with South America. Generally we just say ranges, because it is easier for everyone to remember, but ranges also do not satisfy some people. She wanted to know specifically where in South America they were found, where I replied Western South America, like Brazil. (for those of you who are rusty in their geography Brazil is in Eastern South America). The guest called me out on this, and I corrected myself and apologized. All of this in front of the VP and her posse. I was embarrassed to say the least. It was nice to meet Jackie (the VP) anyhow.

The day continued to spiral downhill when I forgot the stamp and prop bag for the KDC I was going to. So, I had to call in to my supervisor and had to advise of the situation, which was also embarrassing. Things just continued to go wrong from here, and there are too many to name.

On top of everything I feel like I am getting sick. I am hoping it is just from standing in the cold rain all day, and when I wake up tomorrow I will be feeling all better. :-)

This Week in Disney History: February 8-14

So, I have discovered something on Disney's intranet site called this week in Disney history. I have found it very interesting, and hope some of you will too.

February 8, 2001: Disney's California Adventure Park opens
After six years of planning and three years of construction, the first official guests stepped through the turnstiles of Sunshine Plaza to experience three distinct lands inspired by the beauty and diversity of California: Golden State, featuring the breathtaking hang glider ride Soarin' Over California; Hollywood Pictures Backlot, taking visitors into the magical world of Disney filmmaking; and Paradise Pier, a Victorian-inspired beachfront boardwalk anchored by the thrilling roller coaster California Screamin'. Now in the midst of a dynamic transformation, the park will add the breathtaking nighttime water show, "Disney's World of Color," this spring.

February 8, 2006: Disney reacquires Oswald the Lucky Rabbit from NBC Universal
Before there was Mickey, there was Oswald - the lighthearted, red-trunked star of 26 silent cartoons made by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks from 1927-1928. After losing the rights to distributor Universal, Disney would draw another lighthearted, red-trunked character who debuted in "Steamboat Willie," and the rest is history. Universal continued producing Oswald shorts and eventually discontinued the series in 1943, but six decades later, Disney reacquired the Oswald rights in a deal which moved sportscaster Al Michaels to NBC's football coverage. Now, Oswald is set to star again in Epic Mickey, the upcoming game for Nintendo Wii from Disney Interactive Studios.

February 8:
1952 -The Disney animated short "Lambert, the Sheepish Lion" debuts

February 9:
1986 -The 3-D film "Magic Journeys" closes at Epcot
1996 -The Disney Institute learning campus opens at Walt Disney World

February 10:
1960 -The Stagecoach Line attraction closes at Disneyland Park

February 11:
2000 -Walt Disney Pictures releases The Tigger Movie
2003 -Disney receives 44 Academy Award nominations, including 13 for Chicago and 10 for Gangs of New York

February 12:
1958 -The steel hull of Disneyland Park's Sailing Ship Columbia is completed at a shipyard in Long Beach, Calif.

February 13:
1993 -Lumiere's Kitchen (formerly Gurgi's Munchies & Crunchies) opens at Magic Kingdom Park
2000 -Pin Trading is officially introduced at the Disneyland Resort
2004 -The Hollywood Tower Hotel marquee is lit for the first time on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's California Adventure Park

February 14:
1997 -Walt Disney Pictures releases a remake of That Darn Cat
1998 -Ghiradelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop opens at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World
2009 -The American Idol Experience opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios
(c) Disney

Shuttle Launch Scrubbed

Tonight we discovered there was a shuttle launch that was supposed to take off at 0439. So, at the last minute we decided to go see it. I have always wanted to see a shuttle launch, and a night shuttle launch would have been very impressing to see! So, with a few complications with security, and us not having any idea of what we were doing, we arrived at a parking lot to view the shuttle launch around 0230. It was a little chilly out, so we sat in the car and talked and listened to the radio. We unfortunately could not see the launch pad from where we were. We were following NASA on Twitter, and they kept going from "green" to "red" because of the cloud cover. At about 0425 this very elderly woman who looked similar to the wicked witch of the west (no offense meant by the reference) was running around screaming "It's Scrubbed it's scrubbed" and then floored it out of the parking lot... i surmise you had to have been there to see how humorous it really was. We checked Twitter, and NASA had not posted anything yet and still said it was "green." Well, at 0430 NASA offically scrubbed the launch due to cloud cover. The celing was 37,000 feet, and it needed to be 40,000 feet in order to launch. So, that was a disappointment. The following morning the launch was scheduled to go off at 0414. I decided not to go and do the responsible thing because I had to work in the morning, and didn't think I would have enough energy to function at work. Everyone who went is bragging about how cool it was, but I surmise I made the right decision. I really regret not seeing it though. The next launch is scheduled for when I will be back home, so I will not be able to see that, and then the last launch of the year is scheduled for my birthday. I am hoping to get my birthday off anyway, and I really want to get tickets to see the launch at the space center... this would be an awesome birthday... but with my luck I am sure it will be scrubbed again.

Family Visits

Today was the first day of the weekend. I started off going "pin hunting" with someone in my program. We were looking for the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund pins, and had some success. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is still out! It has been over a month now, which is an embarrassment for them. But we went to EPCOT so she could get some of the other pins that I already had. The rest of the day was spent with family who was already coming down. I gave a short little tour of DAK, and had a really good day. I enjoyed spending the day with them, and didn't get sick from Wayne! :-)

The day was topped of with getting my picture with Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore.

Babby White-Cheeked Gibbon

One of my assignments is to be an "animal interpreter" for the Guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom. On Tuesday, February, 2, 2010 our white-cheeked gibbon gave birth. One of my animal stations is for the White-Cheeked Gibbons, so I have the pleasure of seeing them, and their newborn while I am working.

The official Disney statement is as follows:

Guests visiting Asia at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park can get a glimpse of the latest addition to the park's family - a male white-cheeked gibbon that was born Feb. 2.

Mother Melaka and her baby, who hasn't been named yet, are doing well. Guests can see them and the baby's two sisters, Suki and Tuyen, in their habitat near Kali River Rapids.

White-cheeked gibbons, an endangered species mainly found Vietnam and China, produce offspring about once every two-to-three years after seven or eight months of gestation. Generally, females give birth to a single offspring. Infants have the ability to cling to their mothers immediately after birth, which allows females complete range of motion while moving about the forest with their offspring. Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park participates in a gibbon Species Survival Plan program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. (c) Disney

First Day Flying Solo

So today was my first day "flying solo." It was pretty uneventful, as they have trained us very well.

I suppose I should inform the audience what exactly it is that I do as I believe I have neglected to do so in prior posts. SO, my official title is Conservation Education Presenter, AKA Education Presenter or just Presenter... depends on how lazy the person talking is (I usually say Education Presenter, so that only makes me half lazy). Our job is to staff the six Kids' Discovery Clubs (KDCs) throughout the park. At each KDC there is a different "task" a child has to complete that has a certain conservation message associated with it. We also act as animal "interpreters" and teach guests about some of the animals around the park. My favorite activity is actually something we do in the morning. Each team member either has a bug, a prop, or an animal position and try to slow the guests down when first arriving. This is called awakenings, to try and open guests eyes to all the the natural wonder there is to see at DAK. We do not get through to everyone as some are just in the mad rush to get to Everest, but I will let you in on a little secret. Everest's wait first thing in the morning is never long... neither is the mountain going anywhere. So, if you visit DAK and are first in line in the morning, please stop and take a moment to look around at all of the beauty there is to see at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

So today there was a group of boys... all brothers and of various ages. The youngest was probably around 8 or so and the oldest had to be around 15 or 16. The oldest was obviously too old for the KDCs, but he was still doing the activities with his younger brothers, and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. This really touched me because the day before there was a similar situation. Only this time the oldest brother was "too cool" to do the activities, so the younger brothers who were starting to do the activities were suddenly uninterested after their older brother did not want to do them. I just thought it was very honerable for the other older brother to actually participate with his brothers, and have a good time doing it.

I think I am also becoming acclimated to the climate here in Florida, which is not a good thing. Today the high was 62, and I was FREEZING! If I was back home and the high was 62 I would be in a t-shirt and shorts and ready to hit the beach... today I was bundled up with a heavy coat, and wishing I had a hat and some gloves. Very sad indeed.

Other than that I am looking forward to seeing my aunt and uncle down there in the next few days... I just hope they remember I am down here! It is supposed to rain all week with the exception of Wednesday... so at least they will get one sunny day.

Hope everyone has a Magical Week! :-)

Wishes

Tonight we went to the Magic Kingdom to see Wishes. This was my first Disney fireworks display (actually seeing the fireworks in the park). It was a very good display, and the best choreographed fireworks display I have seen in my life! I would recomend anyone who is coming to Walt Disney World to come and see it... it is worth the crowds to see the display against the castle.

This Work is HARD!

I do realize it has been a while since my last post... but to be honest I have not had too much time to post anything new. I have been going to bed around 9pm... and for those of you who know my sleep schedule this is at least 5 hours earlier then I went to sleep back home. So the only time I have found I can post anything is during my day off... which I have today off! :-) (and yes I did sleep in this morning...which was heaven).

So... I am not sure where I left off, so I will just ramble about a few things:

I am almost finished with training. The classroom training was finished on Monday, and then we had two days of group shadowing with a core team leader. We now have two days of pair work days, and then on Sunday I will be set off on my own. The training program was pretty daunting, but I think it did prepare me well. I am learning the ins and outs of the park, but I am still a little unsure of where the smoking sections are, so that is something I need to work on (among other things).

One day this past week (I think Monday) we had our group team builder. We all rode Everest together, went to dinner at McDonnald's, and then played some mini-golf. And speaking of McDonnald's... none of the McDonnalds on Disney property have a dollar menu... not cool. The guy who worked there just looked at me like I had two heads when I tried to order a McChicken. But overall it was a fun night. I am starting to make some friends with the people in my program.

Now that I am in the park I am having a lot more fun. Having the guest interactions is really a rewarding experience. The hard part is trying to communicate with the guests who don't speak any English, which seems like half the people in the park. We were told that the average presenter will talk to about 250,000 people during the course of a six month period. I can't fathom talking to that many people, but I have already talked to 1,000 people or close to it. Not all of them are in depth conversations, but some are. I met a lot of people from Maryland, and some from Frederick. It is cool to talk to those people and share stories. One of them was an older couple who grew up in Mount Airy, and we were talking about how Mount Airy has changes so much since they were kids.

I am also getting my walk on. In a two day period I have walked 10.2 miles... which is about the average. DAK is so huge, and we have to walk from one end of the park to another several times a day, which is very tiring. When I get home I just want to sleep, and it is very hard to get out of bed in the morning (harder that it normally is for me). We have been told that we will adjust to it, which I am hoping will be soon.

To answer last weeks trivia question there are about 103,000 leaves on the Tree of Life (minus a few from the hurricanes).

This weeks Trivia Question... How many plant species are at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and how many individual plants are at the park?

Hope all is going well up north. I do get homesick on my days off. I miss most of the people at the firehouse, and of course my parents and family. Hope to see everyone in March!

Have a Magical Week!

Goats May Not be as Stupid as One Once Thought

Well, this concludes my first week of training. I surmise the best way to start this off is that I have only been here for 9 days, and it seems like I have been here for months. I am not sure why, and it's not a bad thing, just hard to believe I have only been here for nine days. Since the last post we have been working on some different trainings. We went over the Kid's Discovery Clubs (KDCs) and how to operate them, as that will be one of my major roles. We also did "interpretation" training, which I am still not 100% sure of the point of doing that. Several times we also got to go on some of the major attractions so that we could know what the experience was like, so we could properly inform our guests of how the attraction is. I think it was more to break up the day, but that was their rationale behind having us ride some of the rides. The only thing better than riding rides at Disney is having Disney pay you to ride the rides.

There is still a lot of back stage stuff I need to get used to... as if it was not hard enough to navigate through the on stage areas, I have to learn to navigate through the back stage areas as well, and there is no map for that. It is also neat getting to see the animal handlers work with the animals, which brings me to the title of this post. We were walking back from lunch the other day, and the goat handler was working with the goats. She could call the goats by their names and they would come over to her. When she said "speak" they would bleat.... it was quite amazing. For those of you who thought goats were stupid, including myself, this goes to show you even goats can be trained well. I just wish I could have trained my sheep to do this for the shows... I would have won grand champion for showmanship for sure!

The other side of being backstage is a little awkward, and that is seeing the characters backstage. I do not think I can talk about it too much, but I will say it is "different," to say the least. It is really neat though, on a side note, they that cell towers around the park, and Disney has camouflaged them to look like trees. I had to take a tripple check to make sure it was a cell tower or not. I don't think you can even notice it from the park, but maybe you could from the Lodge, if you were looking hard enough.

I have also developed a new project. For those of you who do not know Disney has the Disney World Wide Conservation Fund. Through this fund Disney has donated millions to different conservation efforts. Guests can donate money to the conservation fund, and receive a button at various locations throughout Disney World. My goal is to collect them all. The only one I am going to have trouble getting is the Disney Cruise Line one, because one can't simply walk onto the ship. The second one to get would be Disney's Vera Beach resort, which is about an hour and a half away, but this is more feasible than the Disney Cruise Line one.

I visited Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge yesterday to get the button from there, and to see the lodge. It is a very impressive resort to say the least. All of the theaming is just impressive. Unfourtunatly, they were sold out of the buttons, but I did find safari Pooh... which was exciting. Even more exciting was being able to use my Disney Discount for 50% off.

I think that about wraps the week up. If I think of anything else I will add it. I have Saturday and Sunday off this week, which is very nice. My regular days off, however, will be Wednesday and Thursday, starting in February.

Disney Fun Fact:
How many leaves are on the Tree of Life in Disney's Animal Kingdom? ....Stay tuned for the answer.