Chat with the Chief Magic Official

[Suz D]

Hey Justin, it was great to finally meet you at the CMO weekend. You had a great bunch of folks with you at the "Sink Off." Do you know what parks and dates you'll be out and about again?

KTP, where have you been? I haven't "heard" from you in ages. Don't be such a stranger!

 

[FigmentJason]

Hi Justin. Congrats! I actually pass by the Church that was in your video almost everyday. I live close to there and everytime I saw the signs they had up about you winning that made me happy to see someone from our way win. Pittsburgh in general has a lot of Disney fans -- I'm wondering if more than anywhere else. Anyway, congrats! That is a dream job. I look forward to hearing more of what goes on.

Let's go Pens!

 

[MagicMe]

Hi Justin. Congrats! I actually pass by the Church that was in your video almost everyday. I live close to there and everytime I saw the signs they had up about you winning that made me happy to see someone from our way win. Pittsburgh in general has a lot of Disney fans -- I'm wondering if more than anywhere else. Anyway, congrats! That is a dream job. I look forward to hearing more of what goes on.

Let's go Pens!

Okay FigmentJason - let's not start another inter-state rivalry . I think we have enough of them . Let's just say PA has a lot of Disney fans

 

[mistydoodles]

Hi Justin. Congratulations to you!!! This has got to be the best experience ever. My children and I enjoyed your submission video and we voted for you. Glad to see that you won!!!

Thank you for keeping us posted on your adventure. I can't wait to read all about it.

Enjoy this wonderful experience!!!

 

[bellaDisneydncr]

Yikes! If I were you, I'd demand my own Segway to zip around on!!!

you so should. that would be just awesome!

 

[Sandy321]

Congrats Justin,

what an awesome Job!! You truly earned it, and I cant imagine all that you went thru!! Thanks for sharing links, and telling of your story here as well!!

cant wait to hear more!! and maybe see the dream squad too!

 

[3guysandagal]

Hey Justin!
Saw the link over on the other threads! ("Adventurosity" and "We be Trippin' ") and just thought I would drop in and say "HI".
Keep up the good work!!
You know we are all rooting for you!!
Will be checking in and (as of now) am subbing to your thread.
Can't wait to see what the year holds in store for you (and us, vicariously)!!!

JUSTIN FOR DISNEY CEO!!!

Heck, it's only one letter off, right??

Maybe it's a little premature, though........hhmmmmmmm????

 

[texaslonestar]

Justin! Congratulations on CMO. I look forward to keeping up with you and your year. I just requested you as a friend on facebook - love that site. Enjoy your fabulous year!
Aimee

 

[ireland_nicole]

Hi Justin! Greetings from TX. Glad to see another music major make good Looking forward to hearing about more of your adventures as CMO!
Nicole

 

[bcvdreamer]

Congratulations Justin! I was so excited when you won. Loved your video.

We're neighbors, I'm north of Pittsburgh too. It's been a lot of fun following your story, and I can't wait to read the rest of your CMO adventures.

 

[Bubby4Clay]

Justin,
Congrats on your new position at Disney! I know you will do us all proud. it will be so fun to live the magic vicariously thru you

Are you going to get to go to MNSSHP? if you do, maybe you will be there the same night as my family. It would be way cool to meet you in person.

Which of the Adventures by Disney are you going to get to do? Can't wait to hear all about your magical trips.

 

[Maverick Mike]

Justin -

Thanks for sharing the love for Disney that all of us have! You really "get it" and it shows in each interview I have seen you do. We all will share in your excitement each time we hear about your adventures!

I love Disney very deeply and passionately and love sharing the stories of Disney with my students! They seem to love how I can tie Disney into just about any subject!

Back in March we started a little podcast just about "regular" people who visit WDW and like sharing their experiences. I would be honored if you would check out an episode of the show!

Keep up the good work, and congratulations again!

Mike

 

[dawminatrix]

Congratulations Justin!!!!!!

I look forward to hearing about all of your adventures!!!!

 

[cherbear]

Glad you started this thread, Justin! I saw your link on the Adventurosity thread and came right over!

Thanks for all the links...I didn't realize all the contest videos were online, so I watched those and the announcement of your CMO win!

They were highly entertaining!

I also read that you will be needed "up to 8 times in a 12 month period"
(but I'll bet they don't tell you ANYTHING til it gets closer to the next time they need ya)

I hope you will be there the week of September 14th! I now consider you a celebrity and I want your autograph!

Best wishes for a great year as Disney's new CMO!!

 

[Justin M]

Hello! I'm SO glad so many of you found your way to this thread! (and I'm really glad I have today off from work so I can actually spend some time here!). I will try and respond to as many questions as possible, so keep them coming!

 

[Justin M]

Thanks! My mom, grandma, and aunt are going with me. It's a nice girls trip I will definitely keep everyone updated on how it goes!

Let's Go Pens!!

Thanks! I'm sure you will have a wonderful time!

Justin: 'Just wanted to pop in to say, "Hello"! It's great to see that you have your new thread up and running!

(I'm sure that plenty of other folks from "The Adventurosity Club" and "We Be Trippin': The Great DIS-nee Road Trip" threads will stop by as soon as they get the "memo"! )

Thank you so much for posting those links! For those of you who don't know me very well, you'll quickly learn that I'm not all that great with technology! However, this experience is giving me a lot of hands on practice!

Anyway, thanks for stopping in DISGeeks! It's always good to hear from you!

im very pleased to meet you justin. congrats on the new job. wow youre gonna have a great year and i cant wait to hear all about it

Thank you!

If you ever need an assistant to carry your Mickey Ice Cream Bar wrappers, get you fresh Dole Whips or collect Fast Passes for you so you won't have to stand in line . . . (I called it first, guys!)

Seriously . . . Congrats, Justin! I hope this is truly a Magical Year for you and your family! Always keep us posted when you can carve out some time and remember: we love pictures!

Debbie

Ha! I have you down as the first one to offer, Debbie! I really appreciate your kind wishes! I will try to get some pictures up here ASAP . . . !

Justin:

I have taken the KTTK tour and was amazed by the utilidors! Actually the entire tour was fantastic! Have may wonderful experiences and adventures...

Yeah, as someone who is fascinated by just about every aspect of Walt Disney World, getting down into the Utilidors was amazing. (For those who may not have any idea what we're talking about . . .the 'utility corridors' - or "utilidors" - are the tunnel system that connects everything in the Magic Kingdom. Technically, they are the 'first floor' of the park and Main Street and the lands are on the second story)

Glad you enjoyed the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour! The number of behind-the-scenes and backstage tours that are available now is incredible.

Hi Justin!! I just wanted to pop by and say Congratulations!! That must be a wonderful experience for you. The whole opportunity gave me goose bumps when I found out about it. Can't wait to hear more about it!!

Thanks Disney Brat! Please make sure you check out www.dreamcmo.com and watch the videos if you haven't had the chance yet!

Hey Justin.......congrats! What a cool job to have! It is going to be an awesome experience! I heard about that contest( if that is what you call it) and I thought that would be an exciting thing to do. I'm glad that you will be posting info and updates about your adventures.

We live kinda close to Pittsburgh....Wheeling, WV actually. Again, congratulaitons, and enjoy the ride!

MAJ

Yep, Wheeling isn't too far away! Thanks for the congratulations!

Glad to meet you Justin, congrats!!! It must be really exciting for you!!

Amy

Nice to meet you as well, Amy. This entire experience is incredibly exciting - but one of the best things about it is that I have the opportunity to share it with so many passionate Disney fans like you!

Hello Justin! Congratulations! My husband and I voted for you all the way! What an amazing opportunity for you. So what kinds of dreams have you been able to make come true so far? If you're at WDW the first week of December maybe we'll bump into each other!

Awww.... Thanks for the votes! I really do appreciate all of the support! I don't know about December yet, but if you ever do see me in the parks (I'll likely be wearing a CMO shirt in some shade of blue) don't be shy!

I promise I'll post more information about the trip and the specific dreams as soon as possible! I will also be including all of that information on www.dreamcmo.com - so be sure to check in there later this week!

Wishing you lots of luck at your new position, Justin!
Enjoy every minute of it, such an incredible opportunity!
We're all so happy for you!
Eljay

Thank you so much!

Nice to meet you Justin!

Congrats to you- what an opportunity - Hope it's everything you want it to be and I wish you the best of luck!

Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks Melidarella! I love your screen name, by the way!

Congratulations Justin. Local guy makes good. I heard you on Lou's show and on Mouse Planet too. Maybe you can sprinkle some Pixie Dust on the Penguins.

Have a great year.

Kim

Ha! Thanks Kim! I don't know if my magic works in hockey games, but you'd better believe I'll be trying tonight! Thanks for catching the podcasts!

 

[cherbear]

Announcer guy: Justin, now that you've been announced Disney's first ever Chief Magic Official, what are ya gonna do now?

 

[Justin M]

Hey Justin!

Glad to see you stirring up interest on your own thread!

I have a question - during the competitions at WDW in April, which was your favorite?

-Stroller Derby
-Throw in the Towel
-Loudest Crowd
-Know the Show
-Making Faces

(For those who didn't see them...the competition videos are HERE)

I know which one was MY favorite...how about YOU?

Cat

Hi Cat!!!!! So good to hear from you! Which one was YOUR favorite? As for me, it's a tough call . . . honestly! There were things I remember fondly about all of them.

With the Stroller Derby, I was really nervous, it was the first event, and we were all still getting to know each other. It was the first time we'd met Sheila (the wonderful host!) and the hysterical guys from the ESPN Zone who did the commentary.

Getting to see the Cinderella Castle Suite as a part of the Throw in the Towel competition was amazing! Definitely something I'll never forget!

I had a lot of fun learning to paint faces as well and we have some great photos from that part of the competition (which I will try to post here soon!).

My two favorites, though, were the competitions that allowed us to have the most interaction with guests. I LOVE talking to people and I really enjoyed the Loudest Crowd and Know the Show parts. (The Know the Show portion was technically in two parts: talking with guests at the Tip Board in Epcot and the Quiz Show contest).

SO, now that I've rambled for a LONG time, I guess my favorite memories are from both the Tip Board and Quiz portion of the Know the Show contest . . .

Justin - we will all be anxious to follow your adventures. Sounds as though you will get a lot of backstage access. Here's my two questions.

Have you done a Segway Tour yet?

And do you get to be at the opening of new attractions and special events? On Disney's dime as they say?



DisGal

Thanks for the two questions! First, NO, I haven't done a Segway Tour yet. I almost decided to give the Segways in Innoventions a whirl back in April, but I'm just uncoordinated enough that I will probably bring great harm to myself and others just by getting on a Segway!

Second, as for the opening of attractions and special events . . . we'll see. Each trip that I will take will have a theme or purpose (sometimes more than one theme per trip). In May, I was in Walt Disney World to be a part of the Press Event for the opening of Toy Story Mania! in Disney's Hollywood Studios. I also spent a lot of time learning, sharing, and making magical memories with the Dream Squad members in each of the parks. In June I know I will be in Disney's California Adventure for some press related events regarding their opening of Toy Story Mania! Beyond that . . . we'll see!

 

[mkycrzy1971]

Congratulations! I will be watching the website to see if you will be in WDW during my Sept. trip. You most defiantly have everyone's "dream job"....have fun over the next year, you earned it!

 

[Justin M]

Yikes! If I were you, I'd demand my own Segway to zip around on!!!

Ha!!! Now that would be fun . . . potentially dangerous, but fun!

Hi Justin,
My last trip was December of last year. I usually go to the parks in the late
summer after Labor Day. So it would be September. Or i try to lol since i have been go to Europe with Adventures by Disney . Therefore, i will be going to Disney again in December. But i cant wait until i go back again for September!
And thanks for the compliment!
Steve

Steve - - - I'm jealous that you've had the chance to go to Europe with Adventures by Disney! Talk about a dream come true vacation! WOW!

Hi Justin! I think the whole CMO idea is so much fun!! Congratulations--I hope you have a wonderful year spreading magic--can you even imagine a more wonderful job???

I also think it's totally cool that you are on the disboards. Thanks for sharing with all of us!

Thanks PoppyGirl! This really is my dream job and I can't picture a more perfect scenario. It really is my pleasure, though, to share it with you guys. That is what makes this that much more fun! What good is the Disney magic if we can't or don't share it with others??

Nice to meet you Justin. Can't wait to hear some of your stories
What a fun job. Congratulations

Thanks!

Hey! I just added you on facebook

Thanks! There are some photos on there that I hope to post in this thread eventually!

Hi and Congrats on Winning! That's super special and it's good to see you on the boards...

Now I live about 2 hours south of Pittsburgh (How bout them eers?) but we fly out of Pittsburgh on SW every trip to the world.

I look forward to reading a whole lot more...Subscribed to this thread

Thanks for joining us!

Justin, congrats on your new position as CMO!!! I'm sure you will have great time!!!

Thanks! I can't wait to see what all they have in store for me and then to share it with you!

Justin - congrats on your new position!!! Sounds like a blast. Living north of Phila, I'm a big FLYERs fan - but you beat us (sheez big time!) fair and square. If it can't be the Flyers - it should definitely be a PA team - although they need to do better than they did last night! Funny thing - I was actually watching the game projected on a screen at a wedding near Cranberry!!! Yup, drove 5-1/2 hours on the turnpike yesterday to attend a wedding. The reception was at some place called Twelve Oaks. We stayed over at the Marriott North and drove back this morning. Needless to say - a lot of disappointed fans at the wedding reception but we still had a great time.

I know RIGHT where that Marriott is! I probably passed your car on the road at some point this weekend!

Hi Justin,
Congratulations on your CMO position! I hope you enjoy every second of it and can not wait to hear any details you are allowed to share. What you are going to be experiencing is just amazing and life changing. I also heard you on Lou's show and it was fantastic!

Thanks so much for the compliment! I really enjoyed the chance to be on the WDW Radio Show (podcast) with Lou Mongello . . . hopefully I'll be on there again sometime!

Hi Justin. Congrats! I actually pass by the Church that was in your video almost everyday. I live close to there and everytime I saw the signs they had up about you winning that made me happy to see someone from our way win. Pittsburgh in general has a lot of Disney fans -- I'm wondering if more than anywhere else. Anyway, congrats! That is a dream job. I look forward to hearing more of what goes on.

Let's go Pens!

WOW! If you drive by the church then are REALLY close to me! We'll have to get in touch! The church was SO supportive of me and of this entire experience and when I got home and saw the yard signs they had up in front I almost cried.

(quick aside for those of you NOT from the North Hills of Pittsburgh! . . . I work at a large Methodist church as the Director of Music and Fine Arts. When I returned home from the trip in April, the other members of the staff had yard signs (think political signs) made. As you drove the entire length of the road along our property it read - "Home of . . . Justin Muchoney . . . Disney's . . . . Chief Magic Official!! . . . " It was really sweet!)

I agree though, Pennsylvania does have a lot of Disney fans! I was actually really surprised at how many Cast Members - and specifically Dream Squad members - I met from Pennsylvania. One of them joked that you HAVE to believe in dreams to survive growing up in the Pittsburgh weather!

Hi Justin. Congratulations to you!!! This has got to be the best experience ever. My children and I enjoyed your submission video and we voted for you. Glad to see that you won!!!

Thank you for keeping us posted on your adventure. I can't wait to read all about it.

Enjoy this wonderful experience!!!

Thank you so much for being a part of this with me!