Collecting CM's - would this work?

[Minderbelle]

Love the autograph idea, and I just might add this component during my next visit! We've "collected" CM's on each of our 6 trips, but we've always just had tally boxes for each state and blank boxes for countries around the world. One CM told us over 80 countries are represented, and we've been fortunate to meet the only CM from a few countries. Good luck!

[TheGoofster]

Something else you might consider, many of the states have at least one professional sports team (or if not professional, at least collegiate). I'm sure many (if not most) of the CM's will have at least a passing interest in their home states sports team.
In fact whereas many (if not most) probably couldn't tell you their states bird, insect, flower,etc... I'm sure they could tell you something about the sports team.

[wendy1974]

Awesome idea and with the Disney College program you will find CMs from all over the country.
Louisiana is known as Sportsman's Paradise, State flower: Magnolia and State bird: Brown Pelican. The State Capitol is Baton Rouge (Means: Red Stick in French)

[JoMarie]

New York here!

Nickname: The Empire State
State Bird: Eastern Bluebird
State Flower: Rose
Motto: Excelsior
State Fruit: Apple

There will probably be a lot of New Yorkers. I always seem to run into someone from New York.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I think that is an awesome idea! When I worked at WDW, there was one little girl who asked me for my autograph one time and I was thrilled! I don't know why she asked (maybe it was because I was a character attendant so I was good friends with Mickey and the gang) but it made my day!

Have a great trip!

[Mom2PrincessK]

Cool Idea...one of Alabama's nicknames is the Heart of Dixie

[Buzz Litebeer]

Originally Posted by Disney Sue

If we created a chart listing all the States, would it be appropriate to ask CM's if they would mind giving an autograph by their home State, to see if we can collect a signature for every State?

I'm not a spokesman for Disney or the CMs by any stretch of the imagination... but I can't imagine any CMs would refuse an autograph! Personally, I think it's a smashing idea.

Some states have symbols not typically represented on most "official" lists. Maryland, for example, is perhaps most famous for its Blue Crabs (which is the official state crustacean) and for being the resting place of master of the macabre Edgar Allen Poe.

[jewjubean]

Great Idea!!! Come to World Of Disney in DTD for a signature from Louisiana!!!!:D Good Luck!

[Disney Sue]

I'm so excited to get such a positive response to my idea, as I really wasn't sure if it would work.

We don't actually return to the World until August next year, but planning and designing something to collect the autographs will help pass the time.

A big THANKYOU for all the additional information and advice, I really appreciate it..
Goofster - I think I will definately use the sports team idea, as DS is Sports crazy, so this will really add an extra 'something' to the hunt.
Sweetmonkey - Thanks for your kind offer, I hadn't thought about using a 'map'.
Perhaps I could design an autograph book with a page for each State. Maybe include an outline 'map' of the State, pinpoint the Capital and add in pictures of the State symbols.
I think I need to head off to the DISign boards, as my ideas are in danger of exceeding my capabilities.
Not only is this fun, it's also going to be very educational for DS (without him even realising )

[Endeavour105]

Just be aware that it is not mandatory for CMs to put theri original home state on their name tags - CMs can choose whatever location they want as long as it actually exits.

[tinkatheart111]

As a teacher who has taught units about the states, I can't think of a better learning experience. I think it would be neat to get pictures with the CMs as well. I know I have thought back on our trips and tried to remember the name of a special CM. Let's face it, they ARE the magic of Disney.

[TunaSled]

I think this is a fantastic idea.
Sounding off for Michigan, the "Great Lakes State"

State bird: Robin
State mammal: White-tailed deer
State reptile: Painted turtle
State flower: Apple blossom
State tree: White pine
State stone: Petoskey stone





Michigan: America's high five!

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/michigan/

[TheGoofster]

Here is a great site that tells you each of the 50 states, along with some information about each one, including what professional sports teams it has. Some states don't have a Pro team, so you might need to look into college teams (normally college football and college basketball are the 2 biggest college sports, although some northern states have stronger college hockey programs)

Plus some states (like the ones in New England) will be fans of the team from another state. Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont have good support of the Boston Red Sox (baseball), the Boston Celtics (basketball) and the New England Patriots (football). Connecticut is divided in it's fan base between Boston teams and New York Teams

Anyway, here is the site:

http://state.1keydata.com/

You can find out more information about the 4 major sports in the USA (Baseball - MLB, Football - NFL, Basketball - NBA and Hockey - NHL) from different sports sites. Some of the more popular would be:
ESPN, Sports Illustrated, CBS sports, http://sports.yahoo.com/

There is a soccer league in the US as well (MLS), but honestly it's still not that popular yet (Even with David Beckham playing for the LA Galaxy)

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please ask.

[Darcy03231]

Originally Posted by TitanBrett

Dont forget your State motto, far and away the best in the US.

Right. "Live Free or Die".

I saw George Carlin at UNH when I was there (many years ago) and he did a great skit about it!

[scanmom]

this is a fantastic idea! I am sure the CM's will be glad to help out! I know I would!!! No one has mentioned my state yet: Oklahoma! state nickname:the sooner state (look up the reason for this... it is pretty interesting), state flower: mistletoe, state capital: Oklahoma City.