Chat with the Chief Magic Official

[tothesea]

Now, part of what made this parade so special and memorable to me is the way I was able to watch it. After checking to make sure some of the media members had everything they needed, I made my way back to the spot where I had been standing. When I arrived there, Karen (my Guest Services host) gently pulled me aside to let me know that we had been joined by a real VIP.

That's right, I had the chance to watch the Pixar Play Parade with the man who was the creative force behind almost all of the characters and films that were now rolling by in larger-than-life form in front of us - - - Pixar's own John Lasseter!

He was incredibly kind, gracious, and friendly and (obviously!) meeting him was definitely one of the highlights of my time as CMO!

Again--amazing! So did you play the crazy fan, or try really hard to keep your cool???

 

[robinc71]

Love the story. Waiting for the next Chapter. I have never really had the desire to do to Disneyland ...But you make me want to go. the whole "Walt" thing. Maybe someday....

 

[pl'smama]

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!! Justin, thank you for sharing this great adventure with us. I have never been to Disneyland, but really never thought it worth even thinking about. So far you lovely photos and great commentary are changing my mind! I can't wait for the next installment.

The Pixar Parade looks fantastic! I just love Matar and The Incredibles was one of my favorites. ( Any insider tip if The Incredibles Two is in the works??!!!). Thanks for making my feel as if I too was at the parade.

Suz

 

[Disneenut]

Hey Justin LOVE the thread!!!! your pics and updates rule!!! Wish i could be in your shoes for a day!

 

[RatBoy]

John Lasseter! Wow. Now, I'm jealous!

Did he ask for your autograph?

-Bret

 

[Justin M]

Thanks for reading and following along, guys! I had a REALLY long day at work yesterday and I'll be here pretty late tonight as well. I'm hoping that Friday will be a lighter day so if I haven't filled you in on the rest of the adventure by then I should be able to post a lot by the end of the week.

 

[Justin M]

Fabulous updates, Justin. John Lassiter ~ really I'm so glad that you are posting your expereinces here. I can't wait for more and I'll check out the Disneyland podcast. They're one of my iTunes feeds even though they don't updat often.

Thanks! I think my portion of the Disneyland Resort podcast might not be out until August, but you should still check it out and listen. It's a fun and very informative show!

Thanks for the update Justin!

Watching the Pixar Parade with John Lasseter, WOW! Amazing!

Can't wait to hear more!

You just never know what kind of surprises life has in store for you when you stay open to the possibilities!

 

[Justin M]

Hey Justin!!! Thank you so much for filling us in! This has got to be the ultimate trip report! The pics are so great!

I'm kinda the opposite of you...I know Disneyland but haven't been to World since I was a kid. So I was wondering if you would pick up on the feel of Disneyland and you did. To me, it's sorta a sentimental magic. Knowing Walt was there...amazing really!

I don't want to jump ahead of your days, but will you be able to tell us what is was like entering Walt's apartment? Is that something all cast members get to do, or just the special ones? And how does it feel walking around as an official cast member? Some people say that it ruins the magic a little, but somehow I think it might amplify it?

Thanks Tothesea! Every Disney park I have been in has been amazing and unique, but yes, I did "feel" something different in Disneyland (aside from the triple digit heat, I mean!)

I will certainly be talking about Walt's apartment when I get around to Wednesday's report! Gotta keep you coming back for more, you know?

As for being a cast member, it's incredible. It absolultely makes everything MORE magical for me. I love seeing things behind the scenes and really learning about how everything happens. For me, meeting the people who really make the magic doesn't ruin anything - it just gives me a greater appreciation for the talents, skills, and compassion that Disney cast members truly possess.

Plus, wearing the name tag and walking into a Disney park brings with it a real sense of pride. I know people may look to me for answers, guidance, or a smile, and I LOVE being able to provide whatever they need. Trust me, nothing about this CMO experience has lessened the magic for me at all. I'm more enthralled with the Disney parks than I was before!

Again--amazing! So did you play the crazy fan, or try really hard to keep your cool???

Ha! I kept my cool. He was there with some of his family and I wanted to respect the fact that even John Lasseter deserves some time out of the spotlight. We talked briefly, compared a few photos from the parade, and posed for that picture, but I tried to respect him and treat him just like anyone else (I'm not saying that was easy, though!)

 

[Justin M]

Love the story. Waiting for the next Chapter. I have never really had the desire to do to Disneyland ...But you make me want to go. the whole "Walt" thing. Maybe someday....

It's absolutely worth it to make a trip to Disneyland. It is very different from Walt Disney World, but not in a good or a bad way. It's just unique - and that in and of itself makes it a wonderful experience.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!! Justin, thank you for sharing this great adventure with us. I have never been to Disneyland, but really never thought it worth even thinking about. So far you lovely photos and great commentary are changing my mind! I can't wait for the next installment.

The Pixar Parade looks fantastic! I just love Matar and The Incredibles was one of my favorites. ( Any insider tip if The Incredibles Two is in the works??!!!). Thanks for making my feel as if I too was at the parade.

Suz

Glad to hear you're thinking about it! I honestly feel like I am a more informed, well-rounded, and passionate Disney fan and Cast Member because I have been to the "original". The trip did nothing to change my love for Walt Disney World and I still have some of my favorite attractions and spots in parks like Epcot and Disney's Animal Kingdom. I just have a deeper appreciation for the history and truly monumental vision that Walt had.

Plus, there are some pretty cool rides in California!

 

[Justin M]

Hey Justin LOVE the thread!!!! your pics and updates rule!!! Wish i could be in your shoes for a day!

Thanks! Just keep remebering that dreams DO come true! Thanks for reading this thread . . . keep coming back and I promise to do all I can to show you what it feels like to be in my shoes!

John Lasseter! Wow. Now, I'm jealous!

Did he ask for your autograph?

-Bret

I knew there would be something for everyone in this trip report, and I'm glad to see that there are so many of the people who respect and understand what John Lasseter has contributed to film making and animation. It really was a highlight beyond description to stand next to him as he watched HIS characters walk/ride/roll/ and dance down the street. More fun than a guy should be allowed to have at a parade, really.

 

[Justin M]

I can't spend much more time here at the moment, but I'll leave you a few pictures until I can get back on later. On Tuesday morning I started bright and early so that I could do some radio interviews and be a part of the press event and Grand Opening ceremony for Toy Story Mania.

Here are some random photos from around Disney's California Adventure that morning before too many other folks were around. (Can you tell my host and a few of the other Cast Members like to snap pictures??)

 

[Justin M]

This is a picture of me in the middle of an interview with a radio station from Portland, Oregon.

And behind me (over my left shoulder) in this picture you can see some of the booths set up for radio stations. Underneath the umbrellas and everywhere you see a large sign there was a station broadcasting. They were all over the walkway, in three levels on the risers you can see, and spread up the bridge toward Paradise Pier. (If you look closely you can also see that my face - especially my nose - got very sunburned the day before. Oops!)

 

[Justin M]

Alright, back to work! I'll stop in and post more soon!


Have a great day!

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

Hiya little brother!!!! I'm enjoying following all of your adventures.

 

[Disney Brat]

Amazing updates!!!

 

[rebecca06261]

You have the coolest job EVER! I love the updates, I don't post much on your thread, but I'm definitely a subscriber and always lurking!

 

[Disneenut]

Sweet pic... Looks so peaceful

 

[mistydoodles]

Justin your updates have been wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing this experience with all of us.

We are thinking of taking a trip to Disneyland in a year or two. Your update is getting me really excited about this possible trip. I am glad that you are enjoying yourself.

Thank you again for sharing. It has been really enjoyable to read about your adventures.

 

[cherbear]

Hello! I will attempt to fill you in on my California excursion as quickly as I can. Please ask me any questions you have along the way. I'm happy to answer whatever I can!

For those of you who may be new to this thread or who may join us part way through (and please keep inviting folks to check it out - I'd love to share the magic with anyone we can!) I just returned from a 5 day trip to the Disneyland Resort in California as a part of my responsibilities as Chief Magic Official. I was there to meet many incredible people, participate in the opening ceremonies for the Innoventions Dream Home and Toy Story Mania, meet with members of the media and do some radio interviews, and spend time with the Dream Squad. It was an absolutely remarkable adventure . . . somehow Disney has yet again managed to exceed even my imagination.

So here we go . . .

This is the view of part of the lobby . . . stunning.

Without any luggage and having arrived in California before my room was ready, I headed out to Downtown Disney to begin learning my way around and to find something to eat. While there are many similarities between the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, I actually found this trip to be somewhat disorienting at first. After getting my bearings though, I quickly remembered that there is nothing like the feeling of discovering a Disney park for the first time.

wow! Beautiful hotel! Sorry your luggage didn't make it, but wow,..with 7 minutes in between flights it's a wonder you did. You must have had some Disney magic following you around!

Anyway . . . I found my way to a table at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen . . . a wonderful New Orleans style restaurant in Downtown Disney. My faith in Disney cast members was quickly rewarded when my wonderful waitress took the time to get to know me amongst her very busy schedule and even included an order of the most delicious beignets smothered in powdered sugar on the house after hearing of my missing luggage. Sitting in the warm California air, listening to live jazz, and enjoying these incredible treats is a great way to start a Disneyland trip!

After dinner I decided to head out and explore. I had been studying maps and guidebooks, but I really didn't know much about either park at the resort. Tonight was my only chance to learn my way around before I would need to be able to potentially help other guests and make my way to specific locations for interviews and jobs.

WOW! They have a Ralph Brennan's??? I have yet to go there but it's pretty close to me...in New Orleans about 45 minutes away.
I bet that was great!!!

After my whirlwind circuit of Disney's California Adventure, I snapped several more photos and began to move toward the main entrance so I could head over and familiarize myself with Disneyland.

They have a version of the Tower of Terror in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot section of the park. Different from the Florida version but still A LOT of fun!

Here's a better view of the details of Grizzly Peak

great pictures!!

how amazing!

So, where did I leave off? Well, Sunday evening I was running around trying to get acclimated to the parks. After my quick tour of California Adventure, I made my way over to Disneyland. It truly is a magical place - especially at night.

I've had a hard time explaining to folks who have never been there what the differences are between it and the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Of course there are the obvious examples like the castles, the Matterhorn, and several other attractions. More than that, though, there is a feel about the place.

Of the 11 Disney theme parks in the world, Disneyland is the only one that Walt ever set foot in. Somehow, it feels like you can you tell that. . . I know that sounds odd, but it really is a charming, historically significant, and yet fresh, relevant, and exciting place.

ahhh you are really making me want to go more and more!

Some more memorable spots around the park . . .

The Disneyland Fire Department. On the second floor is Walt's original apartment. On Wednesday I had the chance to go inside and look around!!! More on that later...

The Disneyland "Partners" statue with Sleeping Beauty's Castle in the background...

The Matterhorn. Home of the Mattehorn Bobsleds - one of the countless technological innovations that Walt and his Imagineers rarely get credit for. This attraction was the first steel-tube roller coaster. (okay, I might have gotten the exact scientific name wrong, but it was the first of its kind!) And, like most Disney attractions, it is as fun today as ever.

A building in Fantasyland. This land (along with Adventureland) is one of the places where Disneyland really shines. The exteriors and queues for all of the Fantasyland attractions are beautiful and really make you feel as if you've somehow landed in the middle of a Bavarian pop-up storybook.
While in Fantasyland I had to make a visit to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride! It's as fun (and wacky) as I remember from my childhood and was honestly one of the attractions I was most looking forward to. As usual, Mr. Toad did not disappoint!

more great pics!

I miss Mr. Toad's Wild Ride....I'd much rather have that back than Pooh in WDW. No offense to Pooh

You're welcome, supersmartguy!!

Oh, I almost forgot. On Monday morning I met up with my host for the first two days of the trip. Karen, from Guest Services, was charged with teh tough task of keeping track of me and making sure I could find my way around and make it to all of the various interviews and responsibilites. She was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful and I couldn't have asked for anyone more fun to hang out with for two days in the parks.

Here's a pic of Karen and I in Disney's California Adventure . . .

why does she look familiar to me....hmmm...has she been on any commercials or WDW specials?

After dropping some media packets off at the media center (located on the second floor of the Starcade for this particular event) and getting familiar with the details of this particular event we went down to the location for the big opening ceremony.

The celebration today was for the Innoventions Dream Home. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Disneyland the building that once was the Carousel of Progress (and a few other attractions) now hosts a version of Innoventions (similar to Epcot). Inside you can find many of the interactive attractions that are located at the end of Spaceship Earth as well as Innoventions in the east coast park.

The first floor has been converted into a 5,000 square foot tour-de-force celebrating technology in our homes and how it can transform our lives over the short and long term future. It is a spectacular attraction that is as dazzling to the eyes as it is to the mind. The "home" is where the Elias family (clever, huh?) 'lives' and they are availble to show you around their stunning new pad. Disney partnered with HP, Microsoft, Life Ware and other high-tech companies to pull together a really wonderful living exhibit.

sounds amazing!

 

[cherbear]

As I mentioned, members of the "Elias" family and their neighbors are on hand to share their incredible technology with you. In this room Chelsea is more than willing to tell you about Peter Pan's adventures while the story comes to life all around you.

She actually asked me for my autograph (I'm guessing she asks everyone . . . ) and of course I couldn't resist trying to make her laugh!

ok that is just totally awesome!

I wanna go!!

The final 'event' at which we hosted members of the media on Monday was the Pixar Play Parade at Disney's California Adventure. This relatively new parade is a lot of fun (and even includes a likely chance that you'll get wet!). Here are a few snapshots of some of my favorite parts of the parade (although the whole thing was great!)

I absolutely love the chefs on stilts!

it's all great but I just think those are too cool!

Now, part of what made this parade so special and memorable to me is the way I was able to watch it. After checking to make sure some of the media members had everything they needed, I made my way back to the spot where I had been standing. When I arrived there, Karen (my Guest Services host) gently pulled me aside to let me know that we had been joined by a real VIP.

That's right, I had the chance to watch the Pixar Play Parade with the man who was the creative force behind almost all of the characters and films that were now rolling by in larger-than-life form in front of us - - - Pixar's own John Lasseter!

He was incredibly kind, gracious, and friendly and (obviously!) meeting him was definitely one of the highlights of my time as CMO!

That's amazing and you really deserved that honor.

Thanks for reading and following along, guys! I had a REALLY long day at work yesterday and I'll be here pretty late tonight as well. I'm hoping that Friday will be a lighter day so if I haven't filled you in on the rest of the adventure by then I should be able to post a lot by the end of the week.

oh that's quite alright. I am glad I was able to catch up before you finished your Disneyland report. This is so exciting!
I just love all your pictures!

This is a picture of me in the middle of an interview with a radio station from Portland, Oregon.

And behind me (over my left shoulder) in this picture you can see some of the booths set up for radio stations. Underneath the umbrellas and everywhere you see a large sign there was a station broadcasting. They were all over the walkway, in three levels on the risers you can see, and spread up the bridge toward Paradise Pier. (If you look closely you can also see that my face - especially my nose - got very sunburned the day before. Oops!)

wow, all those stations. Is that typical?? What are they there for? All for you? if so...wow!

I can't really tell. It mustn't be TOO bad. Hey, could be worse. My sister developed a sty on her eye 2 days before we left for WDW a couple years ago. She got some meds for it before we left, luckily, but vanity set in and she was so worried about it showing up in all the pictures. I will say, it did bother(hurt) her a bit for the first couple of days, but it began to heal and it didn't hurt anymore---she just hated taking pics. I'm laughing, but really I did feel bad for her. (Now I better knock on some wood!)