Touching Lives

There are so few jobs and careers that give an individual the opportunity to meet people on the threshold of their dreams.   Disney Cast Members have this indulgence every day.

There's a spark when a thoughtful action, an extra effort, or a kind word creates a life-altering moment for that Guest.

I have known since my first day as a Cast member in 1975 that I was ..."walking in Walt's footsteps". I am so proud to be able to spread the Disney magic each and everyday.

IMAGINE

Life is a big canvas--
Imagine, coming to work every single day and being creative.  Inspiring, motivation and above all celebrating everyday

We lost two well known Disney legends yesterday and today. 
Wally Boag and Betty Taylor - they were two extraordinary people whose knack to entertain left us wondering how they do those astonishing things.

Disney Legend Wally Boag Dies At Age 90

(CNS) Posted Saturday June 4, 2011 – 10am

The man hired by Walt Disney to perform as Pecos Bill in Disneyland's Golden Horseshoe Revue, and who went on to headline nearly 40,000 stage shows, died Friday. Wally Boag was 90, it was reported today.

Boag's feat was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running stage production in show business, Disney officials said.

"The world's stage has experienced a great loss in the passing of Disney legend Wally Boag," said George Kalodridis, president of Disneyland Resort. "Wally was instrumental in the development of live entertainment during the early years of both Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney World Resort."

Boag also was the voice of Jose in the Enchanted Tiki Room at the theme park.

Wallace Vincent Boag was born Sept. 13, 1920 in Portland, Ore. Disney Legend Wally Boag Dies At Age 90.

Make your dreams come true.....

Inaugural Alaskan Voyage

Disney Wonder

This past week I traveled on board the Disney Wonder cruise ship to Alaska on a business trip, it was magnificent !!  I don't consider myself a nature person or even a pioneer, but the sights and sounds in Alaska from the four ports is something I will never forget.  The weather was in the mid 40's it was crisp, clear and blue skies for the most part.  My work partner and I flew to Vancouver, Canada to board the DCL Disney Wonder for the Inaugural Alaskan Voyage.

• Tracy Arm - Our first stop on the cruise was Tracy Arm fjord which is located in the Inside Passage approximately 45 miles south of Juneau.  Cruise ships wind their way through the fjord which is located in the Tongass National Forest.  The surrounding mountains are approximately 7,000 feet high and numerous waterfalls, created by melting snowcaps, can be seen along the route. 

• Skagway - We reached Skagway on Friday, it is located at the northernmost point on the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska.  Skagway still retains the feel of those Gold Rush days with their historic downtown being restored to its roots, complete with false fronted buildings and wooden sidewalks.
• Juneau - Saturday we arrived in Juneau, the largest capital in the USA (by land size), Juneau is 3,248 square miles. Alaska is the only state whose capital city is accessible only via ship or air. No roads connect to Juneau to the rest of the state.
• Ketchikan - We arrived in Ketchikan on Sunday, Mother's Day.  Originally established as a fishing camp back in 1883, when salmon saltery was built by a man named Snow.  The city became an important mining supply center following the discovery of gold and copper in the region.

Ketchikan - The Salmon Capital of the World, the city is located in the Southeast Alaska, on Revillagigedo Island along the Tongrass Narrows at the foot of 3,000 foot Deer Mountain.  Ketchikan is only accessible by boat or plane. 

Ketchikan

Elizabeth Taylor's Birthday Party at DISNEYLAND (1992)

This past week with losing a beloved Academy award winning actress Elizabeth Taylor at age 79, it has made me reflect on 1992. I had the honor of working her 60th Birthday party at Disneyland, and also was able to assist with planning of her special party including helping load the "Goodie Bag" that was handed out to all of the special Guests.  The goodie bag contained the following gifts: Liz Taylor Coffee Mug with her picture on it, an oversized white Tee shirt with Liz's picture portrayed 4 times, and bottle of her famous signature fragrance.

Looking back, it was kind of a crazy evening - Everybody who was anyone associated with the show business industry had been invited to this special one of a kind birthday party!  I was lucky enough to be working red carpet at the entrance to Disneyland and welcoming our Guests for the evening.