Tuesdays Tips: The Animation Academy

There is so much to do at Walt Disney World, that often, there are hidden experiences that get overlooked. The Animation Academy was one of these for me. I knew we had something similar in California, but I did not realize we had one here too! If you have always wanted to learn to draw the classic Disney characters, meander on to Hollywood Studios Animation Academy!

The experience runs all day long, so just show up whenever you are looking for a nice seat and some cool air conditioning  In the same building as the Academy you can also meet Sorcer Mickey, Frozone and Mr. Incredible, Wreck It Ralph and Venelope.

Magical Mondays: Jessie, Captain Hook, and a Special Assignment from Mickey

I was having a tough week at work. My magical moments quota was virtually non-existent. And for a Disney Cast Member, that is completely unacceptable. So when I was assigned to stock Kids Toys on Friday, I knew I needed to make some magic and fast, otherwise I was going to lose all my pixie dust!

Magical Moment #1:
There is a giant wand above the kids toys section in our store. Every few minutes, the wand will spin in a slow circle. This is Mickey's special wand. There are also random wheels and gears all over the store, contributing to the theme. A little boy in my section began spinning one of these wheels. He turned to look at me with big blue eyes and asked what that wheel did and why he should turn it. I looked at him, thought about it for a split second, and responded.

"Why, that wheel spins the wand!"

His eyes got really big as he looked at me.

"Really?"

"Of course! It's Mickey's special wand, and that wheel keeps it going."

Happy 4th of July!

Celebrating 4th of July with my boss today ;) I want to thank each and every person who has served our great nation in the armed forces. I would not have the chance to live in this beautiful country if not for your sacrifice. I love my country and am incredibly proud to be an American. God bless America, my home sweet home. Happy Independence Day!

Be Our Guest

Put our service to the test. Tie your napkin around your neck and we provide the rest.

Be Our Guest 

On Monday, I got to experience the most magical night of my Disney career to date. That was the night I had a chance to experience the power of fairytales as I dined with the Beast in Be Our Guest. This restaurant is a magical story come to life. I think I may have broken a Disney history record by making it to Be Our Guest twice in 48 hours, once for dessert during lunch hours and once for dinner. After doing it both ways, quick service lunch and full service dinner, I can recommend that you go for your first time at dinner. The magic is more real, you can almost feel hear Lumiere and Cogsworth dancing in the background, and the Beast actually wanders the room.

The Grand Floridian Cafe

I am seriously behind on my dining reviews. We have been to so many amazing restaurants lately, its about time I get updating! :) This review is for a lovely little spot called the Grand Floridian Cafe. One of the best things about living at Disney is the wonderful food options. After church last week, we needed somewhere to go for lunch, so I suggested the Grand Floridian cafe. It was wonderful!

Tuesday's Tips: Club Cool

The days are longer, the pavement is beginning to simmer, the crowds expand, and heat bares down. Welcome to summer days at Walt Disney World. The summer sun beats down on tired families, wandering aimlessly through the streets of Disney. Don't let this be you this summer! Look for ingenious ways to cool down, enjoy the long summer days, the hours of entertainment, and the joy that a summer at Disney brings. One of the ways to do this is Club Cool!

Magical Mondays: Undercover Mickey Mouse

Sometimes, I don't feel like I am making any difference in my job. I get parents who are tired with screaming children trying to buy useless things. I just don't see how I am helping make anyone's vacation better or more magical. And then I have moments like these next three that make my job more worth it, and reminds me that every Cast Member has the opportunity to create magic for every person they encounter. And what better job could exist!

Cinderella's Carousal