Independence Day at Disney

The last two nights, I was lucky enough to be able to see both fireworks celebrations at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. I wasn't too impressed by the Magic Kingdom ones. I thought the New Year's ones were much better. It had a nice ending though, with the castle draped in star and flags. I think the Epcot celebration was better. The best part involved turning off the fireworks on the World Showcase lagoon and diverting everyone's attention to the U.S.A. pavilion and having the fireworks appear there. It acted pretty much like Epcot's castle for the night. And of course, with any special Epcot celebration, about two weeks worth of fireworks are launched in its finale. If you can only see one of these, I says go with Epcot.

A Special Day

Today was a very special day for me. It was the anniversary of my first ever day at Disney. It was seven years ago to be exact. I'll never forget that day. It was a day that changed me and launched my life in a whole new direction. I look back and think of all the experiences and lessons I've gone through over the last seven years and I'm just amazed. It's crazy to think how one day could affect so much. The very first moment I saw Cinderella Castle is a memory that will live in my heart forever. That moment gave birth to the dreamer that I am today. I am here right now, fulfilling a dream, because of that very first moment. Tonight, I celebrated this special occasion by dining with a good friend inside that very castle that started it all for me. We were hosted by our friends, Cinderella, Fairy Godmother, Suzy, and Perla. It was a magical and fitting evening filled enchantment and pixie dust. Going to dinner, I came upon a funny realization. Seven years ago, a ferry boat took me towards Cinderella Castle. And today, I arrived at the castle from the Magic Kingdom itself. This is my world now.

The Cast Experience

With such a long break until the Stanley Cup Finals, I thought it would be nice to make a Disney post for once. I've been a cast member for a few months now so I thought I might share a little of what my cast experience has been like. You know, I had been such a fan of Disney. That magic meant so much to me. There was a fear that by moving to Orlando and becoming a frequent visitor, my view of the magic would change. There was a fear that it could fade, that it wouldn't mean as much. But that wasn't the case. The magic stayed as strong as ever. In fact, I couldn't imagine going back to just taking vacations to Disney. Becoming a passholder kind of spoiled me. I could visit Disney pretty much whenever I wanted. But you know what? Although I got to visit more often, the experience wasn't that different. It was still the same old magic I was always used to. That view would finally change when I joined the cast.

In the last few months, I have not only visited Disney frequently, I've been exposed to the world behind the scenes at Disney. In fact, I've seen the inner workings of the part of Disney that's the most magical of all. It is a completely different world behind the curtain. There's this belief that working for the mouse destroys the magic. For some, perhaps that's true. I had that fear myself. But something unexpected happened when I became a cast member, the magic became stronger than ever. Through being a part of making that magic and getting to know the other people who do the same, I've gained such a greater appreciation of what goes on at Disney. Walt Disney World feels so different to me now. I no longer feel like a guest, even when I'm not working. It no longer feels like I visit Disney. I now am Walt Disney World and people visit me. This world is mine. I am a part of making the dreams that happen to people every day. And in the process, I've become very protective of Disney and its magic. It's my duty now to help it live on. I am still very much awestruck at the things I get to see and be a part of. The experiences you get as a cast member can't be obtained anywhere else. Last weekend, I stood in the Main Street train station with the performers preparing to welcome thousands of guests into the Magic Kingdom. On one side of us was a massive crowd of people waiting at the entrance of the park. On the other, a completely empty Main Street, U.S.A. It was untouched, pure, and so enchanting. At the end of it stood the object that's held my heart for the last seven years, Cinderella Castle. It just glistened in the early morning's light. I remember just standing there, marveling at this beautiful scene and realizing that all those people behind me, paying all this money, don't get to see this. That just made me realize how special it is to do what I'm doing now. I love working for Disney. In fact, I prefer working there over just visiting there. It feels weird to be at Disney and not do something for them. I get to experience a version of the magic that many will never see. And at least for me, it makes the magic all the more real. It all seems more real to me. My character friends are as real as you and me. The pixie dust that flows all around Disney is real... because we make it real.

"it's a small world"

A Disney post for you! Here's the entire "it's a small world ride." I recorded this about a month ago but never got time to upload it. But now here it is! Enjoy! Also, I made it a point to zoom in on the funny suggestive parts. Hehe!

Part Of That World

So if you've been following this blog, you may have wondered why lately its been dominated by hockey entries with far fewer Disney posts. The answer to that is two-fold. One is well, the NHL season is coming to a close and the playoff race is heating up. Obviously, there's going to be a lot of attention to hockey then. The second part comes from a bit of change in my life. In the last month, my perspective of Disney has gone from that of guest to cast. So my guest experiences have been much more limited as of late and my new cast experiences, well, those aren't meant for the public eye. But I can definitely say that my experiences so far have been an absolute dream come true. If I could only sum up these experiences with one word, it would be "wonderful."

First, my fellow cast members have been a blast to work with. Everyone has been so nice, friendly, and helpful. Now I know that there are going to be people who aren't as nice and you'll wonder why they even bother to be here if they're like that. But a lot of the people here are special. I've never been to a place before where the people are so passionate about what they do and how much they believe in what they do. I've actually had a few people hold back tears in describing the magic of Disney to me. It's amazing to see passion like that. So many have come out of their way to make me feel welcomed. There always seems to be a smile somewhere greeting you. And it always helps to return one yourself. A smile goes a long way. There are so many people here like me. My hope is that I'll get to know a lot of these people and get to form some great friendships.

The second thing that has made my experiences wonderful so far has been the actual job itself. I now work for Disney. I don't think my mind has yet to fully grasp that concept. I am now part of making that very magic that has touched so many hearts, including my own. I've never had a job before that wasn't concerned with profit, whose main focus was to bring more money in. Yes, Disney is a corporate entity and a business first, so they do want money. But my role isn't concerned with that. My role is to purely make people happy. I'm there to take them into another world and help instill fantasy and magic in their hearts. My measure of success isn't how much money I got from them but whether or not they left with a smile. How amazing is that? I get to interact with so many people throughout the day. I know now more than ever that I am extraverted because I love the interaction. In fact, when my day is done and I head back to my empty apartment, I can't help but to feel a bit lonely. Sure, some guests can be rude and mean. But the majority of them just want a piece of that magic and it's so satisfying to be able to supply it.

This isn't a full-time thing. It's merely something I do on the side in addition to my real life. It's just a few days of week and I know not every one of those days will be so wonderful. But if I can keep that magic within my heart and remember why I'm here, I can pull through with a smile. It also doesn't hurt that you can sometimes look up and see Cinderella Castle. Not too many jobs can boast that. What makes this special is the fact that I'm not here because I need to be. I'm a cast member at Disney because I want to be. This is a dream for me. I truly feel that I belong here. I remember my first day when I was given my Disney name tag. Some people think name tags are demeaning, but not this one. It was a badge of honor for me. Seeing my name engraved in that little hunk of plastic, it was a dream come true that was almost 7 years in the making. I don't know how long it will last, but I will make the most out of it. I don't want any regrets from this. This place is magical. Me and all the cast, we're here to continue Walt Disney's legacy and keep his dream alive.

Giselle!!!

Look what I found on Main Street today! The first Enchanted art piece I've ever seen! It looks awesome. $450... ouch.

A Look Back At 6 Months

I've passed the 6 month mark on my stay here by the most magical place on earth. In that time, Walt Disney World has transitioned from being a place I longed to visit to a place that has become an integral part of my life. Of course, since that very special first July morning at the footsteps of Cinderella Castle, Disney has always had a presence in my life. But the experience is much different now. Gone are the countdowns, the schedules, and the need to run around and do as much as I can. When you're a visitor on vacation, it's a cycle of longing to return, heaven for a week, and then the unbearable departure that leads to longing for the next trip. I think every Disney fanatic goes through that cycle. Fortunately, I don't have to go through that anymore. It's been so nice not ever having to say good-bye.

In the last 6 months, I've visited a lot. In fact, "a lot" would be an understatement. Disney's become as much a part of my life as going to work or even eating. And a common question that I get asked is, "Don't you ever get tired of it?" My answer is "never." It is an answer that many cannot understand. I believe understanding that is the line that divides people who just see Disney as a bunch of amusement parks and those who hold it up as something far greater. To a great many, Disney is just a place that has a bunch of rides and shows. Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Tower of Terror... that's what they think of when they think about the parks. But for the others, the ones who get it, they know it's not about the rides or any attractions. Sure, they are fun and definitely a part of Disney but that's not what draws people to it. What draws them... is "magic." But what is magic? To me, magic is freedom. It's the freedom to let go of reality, to let go of the notions of the world that hold us down. It is the feeling of setting loose your spirit, sending it as high as you can dream. It's closing your eyes and letting yourself believe in all the things you want to. It's abandoning cynicism and letting ideals and innocence take over. It's hope in the power of imagination and dreams. That's what magic is to me. How many times can you go on a ride before it loses its appeal? It's not about the rides. It's the magic of Disney that holds on to the hearts of all who love it. Not everyone can understand. But for me, it feels like Disney and I were made for each other. I'm a dreamer, a hopeless romantic, an idealist. All the things Disney is flows through my being. I was once told that if I had never been born, somehow Walt Disney would have created me. And I know I'm not the only one. Look at all the people who've come from all the corners of the world to live and work here. They didn't uproot their lives because they like a bunch of rides that much. They took a huge chance on their dreams because they believe in this place. They believe in this magic.

I'm so lucky to have been able to experience Walt Disney World the way I have over the last 6 months. Instead of the quick splash of a week-long trip, I've been able to see Disney in such a way that many don't get a chance to. I've been able to see it change and grow. I arrived in the peak summer months when everything was bustling and crazy. Then I saw the crowds thin out and experienced how calm this world could be. I saw amazing events like the Pirate & Princess Party and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I grew to appreciate a place that never struck a cord with me before, Epcot. I experience the fantastic International Food & Wine Festival. And the most wonderful season of all became even more incredible. Christmas at Disney was awe-inspiring. How could one not be moved by the Candlelight Processional or brought to tears by the Castle's Dream Lights? I got to experience all those special events by living here. But my time here has been about even more than that. There has been so much to see and do to here. From the classic excitement of the theme parks to finding hidden gems like Disney's enchanting boardwalk, magic seems to be everywhere. It even shows through its food. Whether it be a silly morning at Chef Mickey's or a charming afternoon at Beaches and Cream or an elegant evening at the California Grill, magic has never tasted so good. With so much time to spend here, I've been able to appreciate each little thing. I actually find myself sometimes not doing anything at Disney but just being there and soaking up the atmosphere. My absolute favorite thing to do is just hang around the Fantasyland-Main Street area of the Magic Kingdom. I love taking a simple carrousel ride, making a wish at Cinderella's well, and sitting back and watching her castle change colors in the night. I don't think there's anything better.

I've gotten to meet and share the magic with so many people during my 6 months here. For all those who came to visit, I got to be their guide to this wonderful world. For those who live and work here, I got to experience a new type of magic through them. I gained a new appreciation of what it takes to keep the magic alive in this world. With all the things I got to see and do and live, it's hard to imagine that it's only been 6 months. But you know what? There's a whole world I've yet to see. There is so much more to experience. And that's what I certainly hope the new year brings.

"Kiss Goodnight"

I recorded video of the Magic Kingdom's "Kiss Goodnight" last night. For those who don't know what the "Kiss Goodnight" is, it's a short castle light show played about an hour after park closing. It's Disney's way of officially closing the park... and telling you to get out.

Empty Main Street

This is one of my favorite things to do at Disney. It's a video I shot last night of myself going through an empty Main Street, U.S.A. after park closing.

Back To Normal

After all the special events that have gone on over the last few months, it seems as though Walt Disney World has gone "back to normal." I went back to the Magic Kingdom tonight and "normal" actually took some getting used to. Not too long though! Stepping into Main Street, U.S.A, it took about a minute before I was able to fully take in the traditional Main Street music again. I had grown so accustomed to the Christmas carols. But Main Street music is what makes Main Street... well, Main Street! It was great to hear it again. I mean, when you hear that music, that's what you think of when you think "Magic Kingdom." All of the holiday decorations are gone. Oh, and Cinderella Castle. Her holiday lights may be gone, but she is still as beautiful as ever. Watching her glow in the night, changing colors... it makes you remember why you fell in love with her in the first place. For those who have seen the Dream Along with Mickey show, I recommend watching it from Cinderella's well. You get a really different perspective of it. It's almost like watching it from backstage, but not quite. Also, watch out for the pyro that shoots in your direction at the end. The crowds are definitely light this time of year. There were parts of the park that were virtually empty. That gave me plenty of opportunity to get reacquainted with the place. "Normal" is back, and you know what? That's not such a bad thing.

Exit Lights

This is the last weekend that the Castle Dream Lights will be turned on. I'm really going to miss them. I spent so much time over the last month just sitting by the castle, watching them twinkle. Cinderella Castle was already immensely beautiful, but the lights made her gorgeous beyond imagination. They were an absolutely wonderful addition to the holidays, probably the best one. They were better than any other decorations, any show, any fireworks, any parades. There's a scene that happens on almost every Disney vacation, the last night you spend at the Magic Kingdom. As you're leaving, you cannot take your eyes off the Castle. With each step down Main Street, U.S.A, you take a look back to see Cinderella Castle one more time. And then you reach the flagpole and you turn around to take one long last look on her, not wanting to leave. Because if you do, you know that you won't see her again. It's a painfully sad scene and thankfully, I don't have to go through it anymore. But last night I experienced a scene similar to that. Leaving the Magic Kingdom, I kept looking back on the lights. I've gotten so used to them and now they're going away. It will be another year before I see them again. Cinderella Castle will always be beautiful but I will miss her glimmer.

Fantasy In The Sky!!!

The New Year's fireworks at the Magic Kingdom are pretty popular. So popular, in fact, that the park usually closes in the morning on New Year's Eve because it reached full capacity. I wanted to see them myself but I didn't want to have to deal with those crowds. Thankfully, Disney came to the rescue. Disney is doing 3 nights of New Year's fireworks, so people can see them without having to squeeze themselves among a billion people. Tonight was the first showing so I went to see them. Something was very peculiar about them though. They were called "Fantasy in the Sky." Now that name brings back many memories. Fantasy in the Sky was the first Disney fireworks show I ever saw. It was the one that introduced me to that magic. It's since been replaced by Wishes. But this couldn't be THE Fantasy in the Sky, could it? I figured it would be a different show, using an old name.

I was wrong.

11:50 pm came and the Magic Kingdom turned dark. And just like that, a very familiar song played. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. I couldn't believe it. This IS Fantasy in the Sky!

The second star to the right shines in the night for you...



I have not heard this music in almost 5 years. I never thought I would hear it played in the park again. It was surreal and my eyes just began to water up. Now this wasn't the old show exactly. It was updated to bring in today's fireworks effects but there was no doubt, this was the Fantasy in the Sky we all knew. Even the way the castle lit up was the same. I will say it now and I may get some heat over it but Fantasy in the Sky is better than Wishes! I mean it! With the updated effects to bring it on par with Wishes' effects, it became clear to me which was the better show. The music makes the fireworks show and Fantasy in the Sky has better music. It taps into timeless Disney songs while Wishes consists mainly of a bunch of people chanting "Wishes! Wishes!" and constant interruptions by Jiminy Cricket. The music of Fantasy in the Sky really grabs you and holds on. I am so happy to be able to have relived Fantasy in the Sky tonight.

But that wasn't the end of it. The New Year's fireworks were more than Fantasy in the Sky. When Fantasy in the Sky ended, only a few moments remained until midnight. It was then I was introduced to what may be the greatest fireworks effect of them all... the perimeter fireworks. For those who don't know, perimeter fireworks don't just appear behind Cinderella Castle, they envelop the entire Magic Kingdom! Disney only brings out the perimeter fireworks on special occasions and this was one of them. The Magic Kingdom's countdown puts Time Square's to shame. The countdown was done through perimeter fireworks somehow writing numbers in the sky. So all around you, the numbers 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 were blasted into the sky. Perimeters must be seen to be believed. It is incredible to be there, surrounded by fireworks in all directions. Wow, just wow!







Happy New Year, indeed!

Top 5 Fireworks Shows

The fireworks shows are some of the best things Disney has to offer. After a long day at the parks, you're treated to a magnificent spectacular, bringing together all the magic you experienced that day. These leave a lasting impression on those who see it. Some of them are alone worth the price of admission into the parks Throughout the years, I've been fortunate enough to see many of them. These are the best five that I've seen. No shows that I didn't see in person made the list, else Disneyland's amazing "Believe... in Holiday Magic" would be there.

5. Fantasy in the Sky - Magic Kingdom

This is probably a sentimental pick. Compared to the fireworks shows today, Fantasy in the Sky is dated. But it was the first Disney fireworks show I ever saw and that memory will always stay with me. My eyes still light up every time I hear its version of "The Second Star to the Right."

4. Magic, Music, and Mayhem - Magic Kingdom

This is the fireworks show from Disney's Pirate and Princess Party and I think they are the best Magic Kingdom fireworks around. Instead of using original music, it taps into beloved Disney ballads and the exciting soundtrack to Pirates of the Caribbean. It's also the only pure fireworks show that tells a story. The "Part of Your World" sequence alone is enough to make it my favorite at the Magic Kingdom, but throw in an insane pirate battle over the castle and it's just mind-blowing.

3. Fantasmic! - Disneyland

While Fantasmic! isn't a pure fireworks show, it definitely belongs in this category. What can be said about Fantasmic! that hasn't been said before? It's an incredible show bringing together fireworks, water effects, fire effects, characters, action, and a wonderful soundtrack. There are two versions of Fantasmic! I went with Disneyland's over the one at Disney-MGM Studios, since it's better and easier to see. Peter Pan and pirates beat out Pocahontas any day.

2. Remember... Dreams Come True - Disneyland

One word describes Remember... wow! Remember was the perfect show for Disneyland's 50th anniversary. It paid tribute to what Disneyland was through 50 years. Remember sent you on a journey through all of Disneyland's classic attractions, including Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, Star Tours, Indiana Jones, The Enchanted Tiki Room, and so many more. Through amazing effects tied to each attraction, you practically did everything in the park through the fireworks. And Tinkerbell's flight... pure magic!

1. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth (Holiday Version) - Epcot

The regular version of IlumiNations is not good enough to make this list, but its holiday version not only makes it but claims the top spot. The regular version hurts itself with a rather dull couple minutes of just globe projections. The holiday version tacks on an additional 5 minutes of fireworks that more than makes up for the dull part. At the end of the regular show, the voices of the world make one final wish and the most haunting rendition of "Let There Be Peace On Earth" is played. The sequence is so well done, it send shivers down your spine. The most amazing effect of the flying dove is created through lasers and you are treated to a giant crescendo of fireworks. While Remember has much better effects, IllumiNations trumps on it on the emotional factor. This show is absolutely chilling and must be seen.

Regis and Kelly

Guess who I saw filming the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade today?

Birthday Dinner

I celebrated my birthday at California Grill atop Disney's Contemporary Resort last night. It was my second time there. It was really nice. The atmosphere, the service, and the food was just amazing. I had a three course meal with Spicy Sensation (a sushi dish with Scallops, Tuna, Avocado, Tobiko, and Fireball Sauce), a Spiced Butternut Squash Soup, and an Oak-fired Filet of Beef. The sushi there is the best! We were so stuffed, we didn't have room for any desert. And dinner was wrapped up with splendid view of Holiday Wishes. It was so cool how they piped in the music from Main Street into the restaurant.

The Disney Cheesesteak

About two weeks ago, I was walking through Pinocchio's Village Haus when I noticed something strange. There was something new, something different on people's plates... but it was also something familiar. They were cheesesteaks. Wha? At Disney World? In Orlando? In Florida? I had already eaten so I didn't have one. But on my visit back to the Magic Kingdom last weekend, I got to try one out. It's made with slices of sirloin steak, grilled onions, melted swiss cheese, and cheese whiz on a roll. I was surprised by two cheeses, especially the swiss. I've never seen swiss used in a cheesesteak before. The steak and the onions were good. And the sandwich was plenty messy, a definite requirement of a cheesesteak. One problem, however, was the roll. It was all wrong and really took away from the contents. It's just not a real cheesesteak with the wrong roll. Still, it was good enough that it will join my list of food options at Disney. Am I surprised Disney decided to serve a cheesesteak? Well, considering the massive amount of guests they get from the Delaware Valley, I shouldn't be. It was about time. Now if only they can get the roll right.

Have you ever seen anything so wonderful in your entire life?

So last night, I was finally able to see them in person, the Castle Dream Lights. I had gone to the Magic Kingdom in the late afternoon and grabbed a quick dinner at Village Haus. While eating, I completely forgot that the lights would be on at night. When I got out of the restaurant and looked up, I was completely floored and left speechless. I had not been that breath-taken since the very first time I saw Cinderella Castle. Now Disney has done some silly things in decorating that castle, including turning it into a cake and hanging a big mirror on its face. But this time, they finally got it right. They've taken the most beautiful structure in the world and made it even more beautiful than anyone could have ever imagined. It's like the feeling of seeing Cinderella step into the ball unannounced in her magnificent gown. You're just left in awe. Spending the night beside Cinderella Castle, I struggled to find ways to describe the Dream Lights. There are no words that can describe it. To be in Main Street, listening to classic Christmas carols, sipping hot chocolate, surrounded by the glow of holiday decor, and setting your eyes on the glimmering beauty of Cinderella Castle... nothing can be more magical.

Christmas at the Magic Kingdom

I tried to hold it back but I can't do it anymore, not after seeing the Magic Kingdom tonight. I say screw Thanksgiving, the Christmas season is here! Visiting the Magic Kingdom tonight, I had hoped to be able to see the new Castle Dream Lights. Unfortunately, they weren't out yet. There were, however, Christmas decorations throughout the park. I was met with such a pleasant surprise walking into Main Street, U.S.A. Seeing wreaths and lights hung around all over the area, I just gasped in delight. And while the lights weren't turned on on Cinderella Castle yet, something nearby made me melt. It was a beautiful Christmas tree in the rose garden, next to Cinderella Castle. I was surprised to find the tree there. In Disneyland, the tree is in Town Square. Seeing a Christmas tree and the castle side by side, can I get more magical? Wait till those Dream Lights come on I guess. Christmas is here for the next two months!

Favorite Magic Kingdom Attractions

I thought it might be fun to do a ranking now and then. There's lots to do ones on. I think I'll start with the park that's dear to my heart. Here are my favorite Magic Kingdom attractions.

5. Tomorrowland Transit Authority

This is probably the most underrated ride in all of Disney, but it's a good one. It's just a tour around the attractions of Tomorrowland, but it provides a great escape from the hectic pace underneath. There's hardly ever a wait and it's one of the longest rides around. You're treated to different looks to familiar attractions and an amazing view of Cinderella Castle.

4. "it's a small world"

If this was Disneyland, "it's a small world" would rank even higher. While it doesn't compare to its West coast version, it's still one of my favorites. You either love "small world" or hate it. Count me in as one of those who love it. It's such a sweet and charming ride and there's always something new to see each time. Plus, it's fun to make wise cracks about the dolls.

3. Mickey's Philharmagic

Unlike the other 3-D shows at Walt Disney World, Philharmagic doesn't seem to ever get old. Maybe it's because it doesn't rely on jokes and gags but instead touches on many of the most cherished scenes in Disney history. Seeing Philharmagic is like listening to your favorite song and visiting your beloved friends again and again. The magic doesn't wear off.

2. Mad Tea Party

The Tea Party is insanity. I love spinning and getting dizzy. It's just so much fun throwing yourself around and laughing throughout the whole ride. It's something that must be done with others, but whenever I get the chance to go on the tea cups, I take it. The best part about the tea cups has to be dragging on a person who can't stand spinning and trying to make them sick. Good times!

1. Cinderella's Golden Carrousel

This is the most simple ride in the whole park, but I think it's the most magical. Yeah, you can find carrousels anywhere, but there is just something special about this one. There's no ride that exemplifies "fantasy" more. You're treated to the sights of Fantasyland while riding a gallant horse to the greatest of Disney songs. The experience is even better at night when darkness falls and the lights of the Magic Kingdom shine all around. Every visit to the Magic Kingdom usually must include a ride on Cinderella's carrousel. I even have a horse to call my own!

So I take it you've noticed that none of the major thrill rides made my list. They're ok, but to me, I come to the Magic Kingdom for magic, not thrills.