Summer Surprises

By Derek Prior

            After making it’s final parade down the sweeping shops of Main Street U.S.A. on April 1^st 2001, the Main Street Electrical Parade paved the way for the return of Spectro Magic.  Now, the roles are reversing this June, when Spectro Magic steps to the wings and allows The Main Street Electrical Parade to return for The Magic Kingdom’s Summer Nightastic.

            But what changes do we have to look forward to with this new iteration of the classic Electrical Parade?  For starters, the introduction of three new floats, Tinkerbell, Pinocchio and a new version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be integrated within the parade as Tink lights the festivities each and every night as the lead float.  An additional improvement to all those twinkling floats are LED lighting and new audio technology set to make this classic parade fit for the new and old.

            Also to be added to the Walt Disney World Resort for the Summer Nightastic, guests at The Magic Kingdom will be able to witness a new fireworks display.  The Tower of Terror over at Hollywood Studios will also be getting a few tweaks:  new thematic lighting and a new addition…one can only wonder what has crossed over from the Doorway of our imaginations this time.

Almost a month

Hello world, I realized that my busy world needs to take a momentary stand still to let everyone know about my progress.  Currently i'm about to round the one month mark of being not only a Florida resident, but also the one month mark of being a Cast Member at Walt Disney World.  I've got to say that it has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. 

A recap:

My mom and I drove down from snowy Salt Lake and spend the night at the Luxor in Las Vegas and were lucky enough to enjoy Disney's The Lion King musical at The Mandalay Bay Casino.  Phenomenal show.  We then drove to El Paso, coming within a couple hundred feet of Mexico.  After a day and a half drive, we finally got out of Texas only to drive with pride through Alabama with my Sugar Bowl Champions U of U license plate bracket proudly affixed to my car and spent the night in Talahassee. 

From there, it has been Disney, Disney Disney. 

I entered the program on the 20th and after enjoying the constant que known as housing, payroll, casting, security and a complex meeting, I was officially a Disney Company Cast Member.

My role is that of a Greeter at the Contemporary Resort's Chef Mickey.  Chef Mickey is a buffet style eating experience where you will have the pleasure of enjoying a morning or evening with Chef Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy.  My co-cast members are all great i'm learning the system and codes well.  The best part is that for almost every shift I will be working the dinners which means that I can enjoy sleeping in, doing a quick load of laundry then making my way over to whichever park or attraction I have a desire to see that day.

Living the Disney life style is well worth it with an unlimited entry pass card to the parks during my stay which doubles as a fast pass and discount card and free parking.  What can be better?

I've made a ton of friends down here and have been pleased with my decision to take a break from schooling for this once in a lifetime opportunity that who knows...may lead to something further within the company.

That's all i've got for right now blog universe.  To know more about me and what i'm thinking, follow my twitter @ www.twitter.com/utedcp