Chat with the Chief Magic Official

[Justin M]

Following the Safari, the Manager of the Dream Squad had a special surprise for all of us. As a part of the Cast appreciation activities that were going on (it was Labor Day weekend) he had arranged for a really neat experience for the entire Dream Squad and me. We headed backstage to the home of the elephants. There, we had the chance to spend about a half an hour learning about these incredible animals and meeting the newest addition, 2-month old baby elephant, Tsalvo. So adorable! It was great sharing this moment with the Dream Squad and knowing that they are as excited by these rare and wonderful animals and these awesome magical moments as I am. They really are great people!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

HI Justin, Great photos and reports keep them coming. We will be in Disney checking in at Saratoga Springs on November 15th. Your adventures are truely once in a lifetime.... enjoy!

 

[Justin M]

Following lunch in one of the Cast cafeterias at Disney's Animal Kingdom it was time for me to say goodbye to my incredible new friends from the Dream Squad. I had one more reponsibility before catching my flight home and it required me to head over to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Once there, I met back up with Kerri - one of the 2008 WDW Ambassadors. She was giving a presentation to a group of Cast Members at one of their team meetings and I was invited along to learn more about what the ambassadors do, what a day in the life of a cast member looks like, and to share my story with the cast members. Most importantly, though, it was one more chance for me to say THANK YOU, from all of us, to the Cast Members that help to make the magic happen everyday.

 

[tothesea]

Following the Safari, the Manager of the Dream Squad had a special surprise for all of us. As a part of the Cast appreciation activities that were going on (it was Labor Day weekend) he had arranged for a really neat experience for the entire Dream Squad and me. We headed backstage to the home of the elephants. There, we had the chance to spend about a half an hour learning about these incredible animals and meeting the newest addition, 2-month old baby elephant, Tsalvo. So adorable! It was great sharing this moment with the Dream Squad and knowing that they are as excited by these rare and wonderful animals and these awesome magical moments as I am. They really are great people!

Hey Justin, when you get time, could you tell us what you can about how the Dream Squad members are chosen? I've always wondered--who wouldn't want to be on that team!

 

[Justin M]

And that, more or less, summarizes my August trip. Thank you again for reading these posts and for following along on this adventure. I can't explain how much it means to me to be able to share these trips with all of you. Thank you for the opportunity!


In September I had the chance to head up to New York City for a day for the press event where Disney unveiled the new "What Will You Celebrate?" promotion. I also took a trip back to Walt Disney World at the end of the month for a Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and to help with the previews for the brand new Tinker Bell movie. (which is out now on DVD and Blu-Ray!!)

SO, please come back soon to learn about those awesome experiences!

 

[Justin M]

I forgot to post this one, somehow! During my stop at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Friday I had the chance to connect again with another huge Disney fan and a great friend. If you listen to the WDW Radio podcast or check out DisneyWorldTrivia.com, or subscribe to the new Celebrations Magazine, or have purchased either of his Disney World Trivia books, you are familiar with Lou Mongello. Another truly great human being! I just had to post this picture with him out of respect for all he does!

 

[Justin M]

Now, I really do have to get back to work! I'll be back as soon as I can with the next trip's stories and with answers to your questions! See you soon!


Don't forget to visit www.dreamCMO.com for more detailed updates on my trips and for the chance to drop me a note or question that I just might use in a post on the blog sometime soon!

 

[LUVMICKEY]

Always anxious to hear all your updates Justin. Your doing a wonderful job and it's sounds like your enjoying every minute. It's so much fun reading about it all and seeing some great pictures.

 

[pl'smama]

Justin you are awesome! I just love the excitement you bring with each post you share with us. Yes, the winners of any "dreams" are lucky people, but I can tell just how lucky you feel to be a part of it. An earlier poster said that you can tell why you were choosen and I agree. The heart you bring to this "job" is amazing! Thanks for sharing all of this with us.

Suz

 

[Justin M]

Always anxious to hear all your updates Justin. Your doing a wonderful job and it's sounds like your enjoying every minute. It's so much fun reading about it all and seeing some great pictures.

Thanks! I really enjoying sharing my pictures and stories and I hope that you are getting a glimpse at some aspects of the Disney Parks that you don't normally get to see . . .

Justin you are awesome! I just love the excitement you bring with each post you share with us. Yes, the winners of any "dreams" are lucky people, but I can tell just how lucky you feel to be a part of it. An earlier poster said that you can tell why you were choosen and I agree. The heart you bring to this "job" is amazing! Thanks for sharing all of this with us.

Suz

You're welcome, Suz! Thank you so much for your compliments! I think it would be impossible to be around this much magic and not be moved by it. I'm just glad you are still following along!

 

[Justin M]

In the middle of September I had the awesome opportunity to head up to New York City and help with the press event for the new Disney Parks promotion, "What Will You Celebrate?" The entire event was fantastic and it was such an honor to be there to see the unveiling of the new themes, hear from some of the executives, and host some of the media who came in to cover the event.

Hopefully you have all had a chance to hear about the new promotion. The TV commercials are great and I'm excited by the energy that is being invested in helping the guests of the Parks celebrate their special occasions.

Here are a few pictures from the event in NYC . . .

The historic and glamourous Edison Ballroom, just off of Times Square, was the location for the big event.

The luncheon and press event was filled with great moments. There were more balloons and streamers at the end of the big announcement than you can possibly imagine. The meal was fantastic, but the desert was a huge hit!

The dessert was a fondent covered chocolate cake that was unbelievable.

This is the dessert from Leanne - a member of the Mom's Panel. Each dessert was personalized and delivered by waiters to each of the approximately 200 people in attendance. Pretty remarkable creativity, service, and - oh yeah - the cake was really good!

 

[Justin M]

Okay, enough about the dessert. Be sure to stop by www.dreamCMO.com over the next several weeks. I'll have more detailed updates from my August trip as well as a much more in-depth post covering the events in New York!


After eating the delicious meal, hearing from an expert in the travel industry, getting a glimpse at some of the TV spots that had been put together, and learning about all of the special treats Disney has in store for us from Jay Rasulo, it was time to see a little bit of New York City.

Jay Rasulo and Mickey headed out to Times Square to hand out Mickey balloons to surprised (and very excited!) guests. It was a great site to see the Disney magic spontaneously take over part of Times Square.

I also had the chance to head over to 5th Avenue and meet up with the amazing Cast Members at the World of Disney store.

Several of the leaders from this incredible store were on hand to help with the press event at the Edison Ballroom. With the typical, awesome Disney hospitality, they invited me over to their store for a tour and chance to see how they make magic right here in the heart of New York City. Again, I never cease to be impressed by the Cast Members of the Walt Disney Company, all the world over.

 

[aPiratesLife4Me]

Wow Justin, more great pics of your wonderful experiences! I just love following along! I don't know how you find the time...looks like you are always on the run!

Can't wait to see more pics and read more, hope your trips continue to be nothing but magical!

 

[Kimberly815]

Wow Justin! You are one lucky guy! I can't imagine all this happening to a better or more grateful person! Thanks for sharing all the pictures!

 

[Justin M]

Thank you so much for the kind compliments! I will be back soon with updates about my September and October trips. I can't believe how time flies, though! In 3 weeks I leave for another Disneyland trip! Southern California during the first week of December sounds mighty nice to me!

Please keep checking this thread for updates and be sure to stop over to www.dreamCMO.com sometime! Send me a note with your question/comment to Justin@dreamCMO.com and you just might make it into an upcoming post on the site!

Thanks again!

 

[Wingedheart]

In 3 weeks I leave for another Disneyland trip! Southern California during the first week of December sounds mighty nice to me!

Take me with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Justin M]

Hello again! I know I still owe you all A LOT Of pictures and updates (September with Tinker Bell and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party for sure!), but I wanted to stop by and say hello!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I certainly enjoyed the time with family and friends. As I've said in previous posts, I've had quite the busy fall. In addition to the many incredible Disney adventures, I've had my hands pretty full with some very entertaining (if time-consuming) opportunities here in Pennsylvania at my 'normal' job.

I have most certainly NOT forgotten about you all - - - actually I think about my DIS friends here every day. I hope I can get back to the day when I could spend more time here keeping you all up to date on my unforgettable year. There is so much I want to share and so many people I want to thank. Until that day comes, though, please know I am forever grateful to you all for being a part of this life-changing journey. I whole-heartedly believe that this would not be possible without you!


I leave in just a couple of days for my next CMO adventure - - - this time I'm going back to Disneyland! I don't have a full itinerary yet, but I'll try to stop back here before I leave to let you know just want new and incredible adventures the amazing minds at Disney have in store.

Until then . . . THANK YOU and have a magical day!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Justin, thanks for the update. I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving as well. I was actually looking at your CMO website just the other day to see if you had any updates. Have a great trip to Disneyland!

 

[LUVMICKEY]

I'm so happy that you had a chance to update us a little on what's been going on and what comes next for you. I know you must be so busy and it's very hard to try and do everything you want to do. Very glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Soon you will be off on another adventure at Disneyland and I can't wait to hear all about it. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[pl'smama]

Don't worry about us Justin! Just enjoy your various trips. We will be here when you can free up some time. I can't wait to hear about the Disney Fairies trip and hopefully see some photos!

Suz