“I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing… That it was all started by a mouse.” –Walt Disney
Whatever
was to happen during my program, I did NOT want to work with Mickey Mouse.
Although it would have been a cool experience to work with the boss, I never
wanted to have that kind of relationship with the Mouse. I always wanted to
visit him as a Guest, and I always wanted it to be the most magical experience
imaginable. Mickey means WAY too much to me to allow it not to be an
unforgettable experience each time I saw him, which is what I was afraid would
happen if I worked with him frequently.
I am
pleased to announce that once again, the Lord has shown that he knows what’s best for me. When I
was scheduled to train to work with Mickey, I admit that I was a little upset.
I was honored to have the opportunity that so many wish for, but I was rather
disappointed because Mickey’s rehearsal room was the one place that I wished I
wouldn’t ever work at. I never would have expected the change of heart that
took place in the days that followed.
On my first
day of training, we went around the room and each said the thing that we love
the most about Mickey Mouse. What do I love most about this incredible
character? Gosh, where do I even begin? Besides being timeless, optimistic, and
relatable, I love it when he makes mistakes. I love this because not only does
he laugh them off, but also because he always finds a way to solve any problem
that he encounters or creates. He is passionate, loyal, and determined to cheer
up his pals, no matter their circumstances. Even when Donald is being, well,
Donald. Mickey is real. Mickey is humble and dependable. He is energetic,
thoughtful, funny, and most importantly: imperfect. This is what has made him
one of the most recognizable characters of all time.
But you
see, Mickey means a lot more to me than just all that he is. Mickey is Walt,
and Walt is Mickey. Mickey means legacy and hope, and dreams that come true. Watching
Mickey come to life through the magic of Disney parks is like interacting with
Walt himself. Mickey means family, memories, and laughter. Interacting with
Mickey feels like being with family. He is always welcoming, always forgiving,
and always loving. Most importantly,
Mickey means home.
As I went through my
training, I kept having flashbacks of watching Mickey Mouse cartoons with my
family, growing up. Never have I felt such an emotional connection with and
attachment to Walt Disney World until I stood in the room with the Mouse,
reflecting on his prominent legacy and influence in my life and watching him
bring unbelievably magical moments to his many visitors.
I am beyond fortunate to have
witnessed the things that I have witnessed in the last two weeks. I have had an
absolute change of heart. Training to work with Mickey was one of the most
incredible experiences I have ever had—DEFINITELY the highlight of my DCP thus
far.
I never wanted my training to end,
but on our last day we went around the room once again, this time sharing our
favorite moment that we had witnessed while spending time with Mickey over the
course of our training. Most of us were sobbing by the end, sharing such incredibly
beautiful moments that we had assisted in bringing to Guests, in awe of every
unbelievable moment that we had witnessed. I was bawling as I shared simple
moments of seeing children amazed at meeting their favorite celebrity from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, simply giving
him the biggest hug ever or laughing and smiling. Or even adults who were excited just to make small talk with Mickey! My favorite moment though was
probably a girl around my age who started crying when Mickey Mouse sang “Happy
Birthday” to her. It’s incredible how much love people have for Walt’s Mouse.
A PhotoPass photographer shared
this touching story with the group, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room: A
three-year-old that had recently lost her sight came to visit Mickey Mouse in
his rehearsal room in Town Square Theater. She loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and is very familiar with the star of the
show. When she heard the voice that she loves so much, the widest of grins
spread across her face. She stretched out her hands, gently feeling Mickey’s
ears and nose, unable to see the face of he who means so much to her, but
amazed by the interaction that she was able to have with him. This story is why
the Walt Disney Company exists and has been so successful to this day. Multiple
experiences that are equally as beautiful as this one occur every single day
here at Walt Disney World.
I am so humbled to have the
opportunity to work with Mickey. I was in only the 25th group ever
to be trained to work with Mickey in his magic rehearsal room, which means that
there are under 1,000 people in existence that do what I do. What an incredible
opportunity. I am so grateful that the Lord allowed me to have the experience
of working for this beautiful company. I now understand that working with
Mickey is actually the best thing that ever could have happened to me during my
College Program, not only because of all that I have learned and witnessed, but
also for the reputation building and networking opportunities it has given me.
How many times does it take for me to learn to accept God’s will from the start
and understand that He knows what he’s doing??
Once again, I am amazed at how
quickly I bonded with those in my training group. Now that training is over, my
heart feels heavy. It makes me think of when I said goodbye to my Productions
family in high school, or each of the casts I have worked with in various
shows. How can I feel that close to people after only two weeks (technically
five days) of working with them?
I have recently decided that once I
return to the Walt Disney Company (which I sincerely plan on doing after I
graduate), I would absolutely LOVE to be on a training team. After all,
teaching in the entertainment industry is what I want to do. Who knows? Maybe
I’ll be training the next generation of Character Attendants!
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