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Malfunction During Aladdin Stage Show Prompts Evacuation

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Malfunction During Aladdin Stage Show Prompts Evacuation

During yesterday’s 4:50PM performance of the popular stage show “Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular” at California Adventure, a cable supporting Aladdin and Jasmine’s flying carpet snapped, causing the actors to flip upside-down. The show was halted immediately, and the Hyperion Theater was evacuated.

Both performers were harnessed and were uninjured in the incident.

A video of the incident surfaced on YouTube and can be watched here.

The magic carpet is part of the “A Whole New World” scene, where Aladdin and Jasmine take flight over the audience. It is unsure when, or if, the magic carpet will return to the show.

Photo courtesy of Disney.

The Muppets come to WWE Raw on Halloween night

By
Chip
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The Muppets come to WWE Raw on Halloween night

To celebrate their first theatrical release in more than a decade – Disney’s “The Muppets,” opening this Thanksgiving – the Muppets will step into the ring on the Oct. 31 WWE Raw SuperShow to mix it up with the Superstars in Atlanta.

In the new film, “The Muppets,” the crew is on a mission to save the Muppet Theater from demolition. But before that, they’ll have to save themselves from the WWE Superstars!

What will happen when Kermit the Frog meets The Viper? Will the Divas make Miss Piggy flip with jealousy? Will Beaker be confused for Sheamus? On Halloween, it’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights, because the Muppets are about to get Raw!

Click here for more

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The Muppets come to WWE Raw on Halloween night

Disney and Mattel Give Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Look at Disney·Pixar’s Toy Story Toymation Video Short

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Chip
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Disney and Mattel Give Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Look at Disney·Pixar's Toy Story Toymation Video Short

Disney Living and Mattel give you an inside look at the conception and creation of the all-new, space-themed “toymation” video featuring the Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Command Center and action figures from Mattel. Chris Down, Mattel Designer for Toy Story, and George McClements, Disney Character Artist, reveal the inspiration for the exciting stop-motion short: the imaginations of children!

From broccoli forests to trap-door tricks, real playtime interactions were used to inspire the story of Buzz Lightyear, Woody and sidekick Rex’s epic space battle with the evil Emperor Zurg. See how the toymation video captures the imaginations of children and combines old techniques with new concepts to create a modernly retro animated short sure to inspire Toy Story fans to create their own stories with the new toy line.

Disney Character Artist George McClements and Mattel Toy Story Designer Chris Down; Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Spaceship Command Center (SRP $49.99) and character action figures (SRP $10) from Mattel

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Disney and Mattel Give Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Look at Disney·Pixar's Toy Story Toymation Video Short

Super Greeters Contribute to Bottom-Line Success at Walt Disney World Resort

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Chip
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Super Greeters Contribute to Bottom-Line Success at Walt Disney World Resort

Guests from Brazil visited Walt Disney World Resort in record-breaking numbers this year, topping last year’s all-time high.

A big part of the success with international tour groups from Latin America – and Brazil in particular – has been the 54 Cast Members who serve as “Super Greeters” stationed throughout Walt Disney World Resort during the peak international travel months, which wind down at summer’s end.

The majority of this year’s ”Super Greeters” hail from Brazil and are all alumni of the Disney college program who were already well-trained in delivering exceptional guest experiences. The remaining “Super Greeters” are current Cast Members who speak fluent Portuguese or Spanish.

As cultural representatives, “Super Greeters” assist international tour groups in their common language with tips for visiting Disney Parks and Resorts and engage in conversation to share their culture with guests from all over the world. Besides delivering an amazing guest experience that leads to tour groups coming back to Walt Disney World Resort, “Super Greeters” help deliver record-breaking business results.

“While the ‘Super Greeter’ program at Walt Disney World Resort has a direct and positive impact on our business, the experience we deliver for Brazilian guests during the international travel season is also a win for everyone in Central Florida’s tourism industry,” said Dan Cockerell, vice president of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Walt Disney World Resort’s executive champion for the ‘Super Greeter’ program. “Guests from Brazil who visit Walt Disney World Resort also purchase tens of thousands of room nights off property at nearby hotels, eat at local restaurants and visit attractions across the region.”

Cast Members serving as “Super Greeters” assisted international tour groups and shared facts about their culture with guests at all four of theme parks, Downtown Disney, and several resort hotels, including Disney’s All-Star Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

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Super Greeters Contribute to Bottom-Line Success at Walt Disney World Resort

Chip & Company Week in Review, September 26, 2011

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Chip & Company Week in Review, September 26, 2011

Welcome back to another edition of the Chip & Company Week in Review!  Let’s take a look at some of the great Disney news that you might have missed:

  • What an exciting week we have coming up!  This Saturday, October 1st, is the 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World!  Check out the list of special events that you might be seeing if you are there!
  • Some of the really big news this past week centered on the partnership between Disney and filmmaker James Cameron and Fox Filmed Entertainment to bring Avatar to the Disney Parks.  What’s your impression of this news?
  • The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund awarded $2 Million Dollars to several projects for 2011 – the most ever in one year!
  • Each day that ticks off the calendar is one day closer to the release of the movie The Muppets!  Click the link to see the post about the new trailer!
  • Do you run (or walk)?  Are you interested in participating in the Princess Half Marathon Weekend?  Then check out this post!  Don’t worry; you don’t have to participate in the half marathon!
  • Have you seen The Lion King in 3D yet?  If not, you better get going, I’ve heard it is only a 2-week showing, and that will end on the 30th!
  • Will the Lone Ranger ride again?  I don’t know, but Patrick reported that the news is looking good!
  • The Buddies are back – Spooky Buddies, that is!
  • Calling All Pirates – To Your Room!
  • Lastly, here are some great facts about the Haunted Mansion over at Disneyland!

That’s our look at some of the news stories from last week, now let’s take a look at some of the incredible original articles that our writers produce each and every day!  Enjoy!

  • My friend Brenda is the writer for the Wednesday’s With Walt series.  This week Brenda got it just right when she wrote “One Big, Happy Disney Community.”
  • Lee gives us a review of the movie “The Count of Monte Cristo” – now available on Blu-Ray and DVD!
  • Lastly, Jenn gives us a kid’s look at ride restrictions – can you ride all the rides you want to now?

That’s all we have for you this week.  I hope you have a terrific week, and remember to check out Chip & Company often for the latest in Disney News, Views, Giveaways, and more!  Also, to keep up with the latest Disney news and views on the fly, check out the Chip & Company Facebook Page or follow Chip & Company via Twitter!

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Chip & Company Week in Review, September 26, 2011

40th Anniversary Events!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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40th Anniversary Events!
“Mum” has been the word when it comes to news about 40th anniversary events at Magic Kingdom (October 1st). But now we’re hearing “Yum” is the word, here are some juicy details of possible 40th anniversary events:
*40th Anniversary cupcakes will be available on Main Street bakery
*Special 40th Anniversary merchandise available on Main Street
*Wishes (9pm) will have a special finale
*Special anniversary presentation held at Castle Stage at 10am
*Special artist appearances
-Uptown Jewelers
-11am-2pm-Jim Shore
-12pm to 2pm and 4pm-5pm-Robert Olszewski
-1pm to 3pm-Gene Gonda
-Diamond Horseshoe
-9am to 11am-Brent Reese and Costa
Alavezos
-11:30am to 12:30pm and 4pm to 5pm-Greg
McCullough
-1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 5pm-Jody Daily,
Kevin Kidney, Dave Avanzino

*The park will be open from 9am to midnight!

Who’s going to be in the parks for the 40th anniversary and what are you most looking forward to?

All New Disney Toon Studios “Planes” Video Clip

By
Chip
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All New Disney Toon Studios "Planes" Video Clip

Planes is an upcoming direct-to-DVD spin-off of Cars. Pixar Animation Studios however, will not be producing the film. Instead, it will be produced by DisneyToon Studios. It is set to be released on DVD and Blu-ray Spring 2013.

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All New Disney Toon Studios "Planes" Video Clip

Out with the Old at Disney World, In with the New

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Out with the Old at Disney World, In with the New

It goes without saying that Walt Disney World is a unique vacation destination. Sure, there are one-of-kind attractions, recreation, and incredibly themed lodging options. But, what make Walt Disney World really unique to me is that it is just as magical to honeymooners, toddlers on their first trip, school-aged children, and grandparents celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. This appeal to visitors of all ages makes Walt Disney World so enduring (and endearing) as a vacation destination. The thing is – you’ll probably have to change the attractions you see, the restaurants you eat at, and maybe even your lodging at least a little depending on your “life stage.” This week at WDW Fan Zone, BritMickUK shared how her favorite Walt Disney World theme park has changed over the years depending on what was going on in her life. Today, I’d like to share a couple of examples of how my family’s Walt Disney World vacations have changed over the years.

From Time Travel to Singing Dolls

One of my favorite attractions is Animal Kingdom’s Dinosaur. I’m not exactly sure why since I don’t have a particular affinity for dinosaurs but the ride thrills me every time; my husband and I never missed it when we visited pre-kids. We had to sit out Dinosaur the first few trips with our small children since they weren’t tall enough to ride and we never could find time for Rider Swap. These days, one of our sons meets the height requirement but we still avoid it as it would scare our sensitive child.

As Dinosuar was being crossed off our touring plan, a new one was being penciled in. “it’s a small world” is a ride I avoided during those early years of adult-only vacations. I judged it unfairly, remembering from my childhood what seemed to be the incessant refrain of the music. I classified it as a child’s ride. My personal feelings aside, it’s appropriate for small children so we rode. I’m glad we did; I have a new appreciation for the whimsy and artistry of the attraction and it’s become a favorite. My trips now seem incomplete without a turn on this slow-moving boat ride.

From Drive Ins to Mom’s Kitchen

Parallels can be drawn between the evolution of our touring plans and Disney dining. Just as “it’s a small world” was avoided before we traveled with our boys, so was 50’s Prime Time Café. My husband and I don’t like being the center of attention and frankly, meatloaf is one of my least favorite foods. In its place, we usually selected the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater for lunch. With its corny, vintage science fiction movie clips and “outdoor” seating in cars, we ate up the fun atmosphere.

It’s out with the old and in with the new. My boys absolutely love seeing the tables turned on their parents at 50’s Prime Time Café. Where else will Daddy have to open up to eat all his veggies or stand in the corner for some infraction? My normally reserved husband and I are more than happy to ham it up just to see the excitement on our kids’ faces and hear their giggles during a meal in mom’s kitchen. It’s my oldest son’s favorite Disney World restaurant these days.

Having children has taught me many lessons. One of them is to try new things at Walt Disney World – I’ve discovered new favorites that I would have missed out on if I hadn’t given them a try. What about you?

Adventures by Disney-Hollywood: Backstage Magic

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Adventures by Disney-Hollywood: Backstage Magic

“Hooray for Hollywood…”, if The Great Movie Ride has made you long to see Hollywood in true Disney style, you’re in luck! Adventures by Disney is featuring “Backstage Magic: a 6-day/5-night all-inclusive guided vacation, fit for the whole family.

Your all inclusive experience includes:
~Accommodations
-Renaissance Hollywood Hotel
-Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
~Meals
-5 Breakfasts
-3 Lunches
-3 Dinners
~Guided Tour Experiences
-Special access at Walt Disney Imagineering
-Behind the Scenes at Disneyland Park
-Backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live!
-El Capitan Theatre Tour
~Airport transfers

Celebrities-in-training (aka if your children are diva’s or you’re obsessed with People Magazine) this is the vacation for you! Tour all of Hollywood’s highlights with your Disney trained adventure guide and tour like a celebrity….VIP style.

Day #1
First on your agenda is Los Angeles, meet and greet your fellow tour members and settle into the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel for your 2-night stay. Enjoy a welcome dinner, tour a few sights on your own if you like (Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and Kodak Theatre are only minutes away) and experience shopping and entertainment.

Day #2
This day is packed with VIP Hollywood tours starting behind the scenes at The El Capitan Theatre, then head backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live! You’ll be able to explore the Masonic temple and hear the history and stories behind this historic theatre. Learn how a hit nightly comedy show is produced and the day-to-day excitement that comes with it.

Continue on to the Jim Henson Company Studio Tour and Lunch-In 1917 Charlie Chaplin built this theatre, which is now occupied by the Jim Henson Company. This privately guided VIP tour takes you places no one else can go, see a video history of the company and enjoy lunch in the studio’s private cafe.

Your transportation back to your hotel is an adventure all in itself. A local expert will tell you about Hollywood’s most famous landmarks as you pass.

After a day’s worth of “togetherness” take some time and explore on your own, Adventure Guides are always available with ideas, directions and any information you might need to make your own adventure worry free.

Day #3
You’ll find yourself transported from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood to the art of the show at Disneyland. Settle into Disney’s Grand Californian Resort and Spa for your 3-night stay and explore the magic with Walt Disney Imagineering. See how the resorts and theme-parks were made from the engineers, architects and designers that made it all happen.

Your afternoon continues with lunch at the Walt Disney Studio commissary, a browse through the Studio Store, a lesson on the history of the Walt Disney Studio (via a private tour) and visit the Disney archives!

A welcome reception awaits you at the Wine Cellar and Hook’s Pointe and then enter Disneyland (with priority of course!) and a special VIP experience and have the evening to explore the park on your own.

Day #4
You’ll find there’s more to discover at Disneyland! Start with a hearty breakfast at the Plaza Inn with Minnie and Friends and continue on to a VIP Custom Tour of Disneyland Park; behind the scenes. Learn the history of Walt Disney and his dream backstage at Disneyland!

Enjoy lunch at Cafe Orleans, a part of the park we don’t have at Walt Disney World! The remainder of the afternoon you’ll continue your tour, including a tour of Walt Disney’s Apartment. FastPass service and reserved viewing for the afternoon parade are included. Enjoy the evening exploring Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure on your own.

Day #5
Start with a character breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen, a privately guided VIP tour of Disney’s California Adventure including a backstage tour of the parks and a private “Turtle Talk with Crush”.

The afternoon is yours to explore the parks and have lunch, a farewell dinner “Finding Nemo” themed is the perfect way to end your adventures!

Day #6
Enjoy your last breakfast together at Storyteller’s Cafe with Chip and Dale and head to the airport!

Yes, this adventure is a bit more costly than your average Disney vacation. The cost per adult is $2,579 and $2,449 for a child. Airfare is not included, however all the things listed above are.

If you have questions, email your Disney travel agent. Escape to Hollywood during your state’s cold season and join the December 18th tour!

PixieMichele is offering a $50 Disney gift card to anyone who books (and travels) this itinerary!

Snacking Around the World

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Snacking Around the World

When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you hear a lot about the restaurants you can’t miss and the how important Advanced Dining Reservations are, but you don’t hear a lot about what to snack on in between those meals. If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, snack credits are available in all of the packages. So, what are some of the best snacks around Walt Disney World? What can you use your snack credits on?

Here are some of my favorites:

Cupcakes
Disney has some of the most decadent cupcakes. Stop by Starring Rolls at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park for some of the best. Piled high with frosting and toppings, the cake is moist and there is no shortage of flavor in these baked goods!

Cupcakes

Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
This has got to be my favorite way to use of snack credit! You can find these in the Magic Kingdom (Main Street Bakery or Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square), and they are massive. They take two large cookies and place three large scoops of fresh vanilla ice cream in between them. Wow! This is a great snack to share with others. You’ll need to eat it quickly though — the ice cream melts fast!

Dole Whip
Ah, the infamous dole whip. I’ve been traveling to Disney for years, but managed to skip over Aloha Isle in Adventure Land until just last year. I wish I had known about it much sooner! This is a great snack on a hot Florida day. Aloha Isle serves pineapple ice cream (known as dole whip), citrus flavored ice cream, and your standard vanilla. I suggest the dole whip float – pineapple ice cream over pineapple juice. Yum!

 

Mickey Premium Bar
Sometimes there isn’t anything better than a good ‘ole Mickey ice cream bar. The chocolate on the outside is rich and flavorful and the vanilla ice cream inside just oozes out. It’s sweet and simple!

Pastries from Main Street Bakery
While strolling down Main Street USA, the smell of fresh cinnamon buns and chocolate chip cookies will hit you right in the face – hard! Meander on in and you’ll find an array of tasty treats. They’re often so large that they almost require sharing, so this is a really great use of a snack credit, especially for breakfast!

World Showcase Treats
During the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot, you can use snack credits around the World Showcase, sampling food from the festival booths. But you don’t have to wait for the Food & Wine Festival — many of the countries have treats available year-round. My favorite spot is in France. They have really, really delicious crepes!

Crepes

Goofy’s Candy Co.
It can be hard to plan out how you’re going to use all your snack credits, so if you have a few left at the end of your vacation, stop by Goofy’s Candy Co. at Downtown Disney. Here, you can customize your own snack and take it home with you! Do you want a pretzel dipped in white chocolate with some sprinkles and M&Ms on top? Or maybe an oreo dipped in chocolate and then covered in marshmallows? Done! The possibilities are endless!

These are just a few of my favorite snacks around the World. How do you use snack credits? What do you think is the best use of a snack credit? Let me know on Twitter at @A_Leo!

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Snacking Around the World

Dining Tips and Tricks for Parties Larger than 8

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Dining Tips and Tricks for Parties Larger than 8

On our last family vacation, it was a multi-generational vacation involving kids, parents, cousins, and even a Grandma!  Having nine people in our party really made things interesting when it came to dining, so I thought I would share some of the tips and tricks that I discovered when helping to plan our vacation.

First, a little background.  We were staying at Bay Lake Tower using our DVC membership, and because of the size of our party, we decided against the Disney Dining Plan because of the cost.  However, we did want to incorporate some table service reservations into our vacation.  So what to do?

  1. The first thing we decided on doing really early on was to take advantage of getting a Tables In Wonderland card.  We originally planned on three table service, and while there, we added a fourth reservation.  Knowing we were going to have nine people in our reservation, we knew that by using the TiW card, we would save 20% off all of our meals (and alcohol, too!)  While the TiW card comes with an 18% gratuity automatically added in, and a pricetag of $75 for Annual Passholders (Florida residents can get the card for $100 if they don’t have an AP), we were going to be getting the automatic gratuity anyway because of our party size, and by doing a little simple math, we knew that we would be making the cost of the card on our first reservation!
  2. In the past, I always used a Disney TA to help with my reservations, but this year I made them all online (except the one we added while there, I made that by phone from our resort).  When making them online, they did indicate that it was possible that we would have to be seated at two tables because of our party size, but I knew that the Cast Members work really hard to try and avoid that — we didn’t have any issues with any of our reservations because of the size of the party.
  3. In our party, one of our group had dietary concerns that needed addressing.  I took great care to make sure that I notified the Disney about this, and when we got to the restaurant for our meal, the chef at each restaurant came out and talked with us, and showed us what would be appropriate based on our restrictions.  Disney does a great job with this, and if made us feel good knowing that they were looking out for us and the concerns we had with our diet.
  4. The key to all planning — whether it be for a small family vacation of three, or a big multi-generational family vacation — is communication.  That is no different when you are making big dining reservations.  Find out what you all are interested in.  Look for restaurants that will work for as many people as possible, and remember, it’s everyone’s vacation, so be prepared to compromise when needed.

I hope that these tips will help you when you are making reservations at a Disney restaurant for large parties.  Did I leave off any tips that you have come across?  If so, please leave me some comments so that I can file those tips in my memory banks!

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Dining Tips and Tricks for Parties Larger than 8

Get with the program: Disney College Program

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Get with the program: Disney College Program

Many of the millions of yearly visitors to Walt Disney World Resort like to think of their trip to Disney as coming home.  Disney loves that.  They call you guests as if Lumiere were about to serve you in Beast’s Castle, but they want you to feel like family, as if this is where you belong. It’s all part of the magic.

But for some of us, the idea that Walt Disney World is home isn’t just part of a story, it’s true.  For 30 years now, the Disney College Program has been giving wayward college students a home and a chance to live in the magic.

That probably sounds cheesy and if you knew me, it would seem even stranger.  But I believe that Walt Disney World is truly a place of magic, or it can be if you’re willing to open your heart. Most of the people who have never been think of it as just another theme park like Six Flags, Universal or –to an extent— even Disneyland.  But something happens to you on that ride in on the Magical Express bus, when the narrator says “Welcome home.” you cease to exist in the world outside.  When you get off the bus you’re in a place where you can forget your troubles and simply be happy.

They sell you on the College Program with promises of a better resume and job opportunities.  But no one joins the Program for job recommendations.  You go because you want to be a part of Disney.

It’s difficult to describe life there.  You spend half your time working and the other half… living.  New people, new friends, new cultures… it’s 10 years of experiences in a bottle.  And yes, there are the Parks.  Imagine getting done with your work day and immediately riding Space Mountain.  Imagine taking a break from your 8 hour day to watch Illuminations.   Imagine getting paid to introduce a 4 year old girl to Mickey Mouse.  If the smile on her face doesn’t make you believe there’s magic in the world, nothing will.

I was a monorail pilot for a little while.  I take pride in knowing only a handful of people ever get to drive those wonderful trains, and I was one of them.  There’s nothing that compares.  At the end of a long night working EPCOT, I would board the train bound for the TTC.  Alone in the night, I would listen to the queue.  “Por favor.  Mantenganse alejando de las puertas.” Oh how those words make me smile.

The next time you see my Monorail Pink, tell her I said hello.

The College Program wasn’t a perfect situation.  I was broke.  There were fights with roommates and friends.  And I saw behind the curtain, where the wizard is just a man speaking into a microphone.  But through it all, there was a sense of wonder.

I’m not sure you’re able to appreciate it at the time, but it’s a gift.  Life in Walt Disney World was a once in a lifetime experience.  I’ve spent the last decade trying to recreate it and nothing comes close. The real world doesn’t compare. The air isn’t nearly as rare. The food isn’t as good.  And no one plays Hapa Duniani as I’m walking through the forest. It doesn’t take long to figure out that this is not where you belong.

It’s not until I go back to Florida for a few days and I step off that bus… that’s when I know I’m home.

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Get with the program: Disney College Program
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