Disney Detail

I really value people with talent. More impressive, however, are people who accomplish. The Disney Company is full of talented people who take no short-cuts in their work, and consequently, accomplish extraordinary things!

Example #1:

The Animal Kingdom has authentic thatched roofs on their huts in "Africa." Thirteen men traveled from South Africa with bundles of native berg grass (harvested by their wives, sisters, and mothers) and using twine, constructed roofs for all the buildings in Harambe.

Example #2:

The Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT. Right at the entrance, Toy Story 3 characters welcomed guests to the park. Lotso the bear not only looked soft, but he smelled of strawberries!

Example #3

Belle's dress is hand stitched. It represents $15,000 worth of fabric, beading, and craftsmanship. Could they have cut corners? Of course! Only now, Belle really feels like royalty, and once again, the cast members are shown that their company values excellence. Knowing these details increases respect among employees, and Disney World continues to be a magical place for everyone.

Creepy Things

I have never been into bugs. Personally, I avoid things that creep. Part of my job, however, is to teach families about the important roles invertebrates play in nature, and to promote the existence (against my better judgment) of spiders, tarantulas, cockroaches, millipedes, grasshoppers, and scorpions.

For five months I have been feigning enthusiasm for these animals. "Hey kids, come take a look at my fuzzy friend! Do you know why tarantulas have all that hair on them? They use it feel around for food. What do you think they like to eat? Bugs!! They have just enough venom to turn flies and mosquitos into bug milkshakes! But don't worry, their bite is no worse than a bee sting!"

-or-

"Take a look at these cool bugs! Have you ever seen grasshoppers this big? These are called lubbers, and they live right here in Florida. What kind of colors do you see? Yellow and red are warning colors in nature. They tell other animals, 'hey, I'm poisonous!' If a bird eats a lubber, he's going to get really sick. Can you think of other animals that use color as a warning?"

Are you all convinced yet? I have had hundreds of kids promise me that they will not squish bugs anymore, but it wasn't until Thursday of this week that I too became a believer in the 'coolness' of spiders and insects.

What made Thursday special? I had a backstage tour in the invertebrate holding area. Instead of looking at these animals through a glass box (with a lock) I held them in the palm of my hand. There is something very powerful about touch, and it wasn't until I cradled a very fragile grasshopper that I appreciated how hard life is for an insect.

Just like the kids, I also promise to be considerate of the creepy critters. They really are cool!

Lost & Found

Yesterday I had a signal 70. This is a radio code for a lost child. Let me share what happened.

Just after lunch, as I was heading toward my afternoon position at the crocodile in Dinoland, a woman put her hand on my shoulder to catch my attention. With a terrified-yet-trying-to-stay-calm expression, she said, "I can't find my grandson." Her panic was my catalyst to becoming a hero, and I was actually excited for this chance to prove myself as a trustworthy, magic making Disney employee. Calmly, I gathered information: where did you last see him? how old is he? what is he wearing? what is his name? Most situations, I am told, resolve themselves in 10 minutes. If the child has not been reunited with his or her parents after 10 minutes, security is then contacted.

After searching our corner of Dinoland, and after the 10 minute rule, I called security. This seemed to reassure grandma. It turned out that a custodian had brought the missing boy to one of my fellow co-workers, and that the two were waiting for his family by Triceratops Spin. By this time, the parents had appeared and before hysteria had completely taken the family, I invited them to all walk with me around the corner, where their missing family member was getting to know my friend Dan.

The reunion was dramatic. Little boy is trying to listen to cast member, little boy is obviously scared, parents see their little boy, and after getting a scolding from mom, dad, and grandma, gets hugs from all of the above.

It feels good to help out. So good, in fact, that I looked for more lost children throughout the remainder of the day.

A reflexion on identity

This morning at the Animal Kingdom a little girl looked up at me and asked, "Are you a scientist?" I told her that I was, but her question made me think. How am I seen by guests? I wear a Safari uniform, which is more like a costume, and although I take myself pretty seriously, I'm sure I look ridiculous to others.

This is how I see myself:

This is how others probably perceive me:

This is how the little girl saw me:

For all my life I have aspired to be a reputable scientist. That little girl paid me a serious compliment this morning by assuming that I was a real scientist. I wonder: when does a biology student become a biologist? At what point do I consider myself a proficient in my field? Will I ever reach a point where I'm no longer a student? Do I just have to know more than the person next to me? In the mean time, I hope to contribute to happiness and learning in my current role as a "Conservation Education Presenter."

African Cats

Last night I saw the premiere of African Cats. Disneynature releases a documentary every year on Earth Day, and this is by far the most beautiful cinematography I have ever seen. Throughout the film I kept asking myself, "How? How do the cameras get so close? How am I seeing such incredible behavior from wildlife? How have I never been to Africa?"

Go see this film.

Nature documentaries reconnect us to the essential elements of life and remind us of the beautiful world that was created for us.

Trying

Today I met a 6 year old at the Tree of Life Kid's Discovery Club. We were discussing bugs that you find in the backyard, and I asked him where he came from. "South Carolina." Then his grandpa whispered something in his ear, and this boy corrected himself, "I mean, Georgia. I used to live in Virginia." "Oh," I replied, "did you just move?" "Yeah, my mom died." In half a second I put the pieces together and, matching his own matter-of-fact tone, continued to talk about the bugs he could find in his new backyard in Georgia. Afterwards, grandma took a picture of me, the boy, and the bugs, and I watched the family walk away with their Kid's Discovery Club card.

I've thought about that family all day. That dear boy recently lost his mother, and his grandparents recently lost their daughter. A trip to Walt Disney World was perhaps an attempt at happiness. I hope they found it, at least for a moment.

Nahtazu

I spend most days working at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here is a brief history of the park:

It opened on earth day of 1998, and it is the largest of the four Disney parks at Walt Disney

World. (Actually, all other three parks could fit inside of it). In my opinion, it is also the most beautifulof the parks. The 500 acres have been meticulously landscaped, transforming what was once a swamp into a lush paradise fit for animals (and people) from all walks of life.

Over 1700 animals are on display, though every “enclosure” gives the animal a great deal of freedom. There are no wire fences or concrete floors, making this “zoo” a leader in the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums). The Kilimanjaro Safari is an exploration by truck through the African savannah, a reserve home to dozens of animal species. With the

exception of a rescued baby elephant at the end of the trek, all the animals are real. All receive veterinary care, balanced diets suited to their needs, and care from keepers at a facility with a "no-touch" policy. These are wild animals, and we are all safer when we remember the instinctive nature gibbons and gorillas, macaws and muntjacs. Like Mufasa taught young Simba, "everything exists together in a delicate balance..."

Other areas of the park are dedicated solely to research and conservation. Since its beginning in 1995, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has donated $15.6 million dollars to conservation efforts in 111 countries. The Wildlife Tracking Center carries out projects to assess migration patterns in Florida's sea turtles, reproduction in Columbia's Cotton-Top Tamarins, and even vocalization among African elephants. One-third of all the property owned by Disney in Orlando is dedicated to native Florida wildlife, and remains undeveloped.

It is truly a marvelous place. "Nahtazu" is a fictional word that describes the animal kingdom. Pronounce it, "not a zoo." Here are a few words spoken at the dedication:

"Welcome to a kingdom of animals... real, ancient and imagined: a kingdom ruled by lions, dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn." Michael D. Eisner, April 22, 1998

The Characters

Everyday I see Disney characters on and off stage. I realize that they are actors, regular people dressed in costumes, but the personalities they are impersonating are so much a part of my childhood that I can't resist the magic. Princess Aurora is kind and pretty,Chip and Dale are mischievous and funny, and Eeyore just needs a hug. I want to be a part of their world.

And for all of you wondering, there is only one Mickey Mouse ;)

The Way Things Are

I am an interpreter. I dress in khaki, wear a radio and transform into an encyclopedia of the natural world. Every morning I begin my day in the "Oasis" of the Animal Kingdom, a beautiful section of the park with waterfalls and trees and wildlife. I enjoy being surrounded by life.

This morning started out like most others: I was teaching families about macaws, with a transition message of choosing your pets wisely, when

suddenly, a duckling fell from the sky! All of us, me and the guests, looked up and saw a hawk!! Then everyone turned to me, the presenter caught between parrot, predator, and prey.

The mallard duckling was still alive and active, so I gently picked it up and placed it nearest the other ducks on the other side of the fence. Several female ducks began to quack very loudly as they surrounded the little one who had just escaped death. The red-shouldered hawk flew away, and all the guests now seemed very interested in birds! I couldn't help but feel noble: the ducks seemed grateful and the guests viewed me as a friend to baby birds.

Twenty minutes later, the hawk came back, grabbed a different duckling from the nest. This time, he didn't drop it. There was nothing I could do for that little bird, and perhaps, there's nothing I should have bee doing. Hawks eat ducklings. That's just the way things are.

Friends

I am grateful for friendships that last for a long time. In the past two months, some of my dearest friends have made a great effort to visit. Each one brings out something different in me, and each one has helped me see my world through new eyes.

First visitor was my brother Andrew, a first-timer to Disney! My favorite moment was an evening by the castle in the Magic Kingdom. With that beautiful backdrop we sat and discussed life's beauties and intricacies. I felt completely rejuvenated.

Visitor number 2 was a former mission companion, Tiffiny. She brings me to life, and we had a kid day, full of face paint, parades, and ice-cream. For over two years now, she has been a devoted friend, always lifting me up and making me feel both stronger and happier.

The next visit was a double dose of Provo friends!

Both Emily and Levi's visit overlapped, and I got to spend

time with them in the warm Florida sun and in the parks. Thanks to them, I have a new appreciation for Star Wars Potato Head accessories and roller coasters at night!

And my most recent visitor was my other brother Ben.

He came during his birthday, and it turns out that March 1st is a perfect day to visit an amusement park:

no people = no lines = infinite rounds on all rides!

Thanks to all of you for your visits!

Simplicity and Cuteness

Last night I joined a campfire sing-a-long with my co-workers. The host? Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground. We arrived and saw Chip 'n Dale drawing with sidewalk chalk. Afterwards, they played duck, duck, goose with the kids. Too adorable for words! So I've included a video. After the sing-a-long and the hokey pokey, we all roasted marshmallows and watched Disney's Robin Hood. It was a great night!

Kids and Dinosaurs

Dinoland USA is one of seven areas in Disney's Animal Kingdom park. One of my stations there is a Kid's club, a puzzle of dinosaur heads and jawbones that kids can match. This activity is meant to teach children about piecing together dinosaur fossils. What I've learned, however, is that kids know much more about dinosaurs than the average education presenter, and I become the student as they teach me the classifications of the herbivores and carnivores of the cretaceous period.

My question to all of them: "how do you know so much about dinosaurs?" They respond, "I really like dinosaurs," or "I have a book about dinosaurs," or "I watch Dinosaur King." I am inspired. They learn about something, think it's interesting, then learn more, and love it!

Personally, I was never a dinosaur kid. You can't pet dinosaurs. You can't see them at the zoo, and there's no saving them from extinction. Then again, I see pictures like this and I'm reminded that giant reptiles let the imagination take flight.

Susan Hendrickson, the woman who discovered the largest and most complete t-rex fossil of the century, commented, "Somehow, I think we like to be put in our place by awesome things. Dinosaurs do that."

I have to admit, Dinosaurs are awesome things, though it's the kids with incredible knowledge and curiosity that put be in my place.

A Chance Encounter

The other day I was backstage at the Animal Kingdom in my Safari uniform. This is usual. I was taking my morning break when I saw an entourage of character attendants around Goofy and Timon heading toward the park entrance.

This is also not out of the ordinary.

As I walked pass the group, however, Goofy raised his hand to me for a high five and said, "Angela, from Tigard High!!" I stopped in my tracks, Goofy and Timon continued with their group, and my co-worker said, "You went to high school with Goofy?!"

I guess I did.

Getting Started

Today I drew Minnie Mouse. Actually, I really drew Mickey, then added eye-lashes and a bow. Just a few small lines on a piece of paper can create a character full of personality, and a few more lines create a female counterpart.

I've never considered myself an artist. Ever. Then again, I've never taken the time to learn. By following simple instructions, I was able to recreate a lovable cartoon. Next time I make excuses for myself, I'll remember Walt Disney's counsel: "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."

A Human Touch

This last week I celebrated with heros. Walt Disney World hosted the Chilean miners and their families for a seven-day expense paid vacation. They came to the Animal Kingdom, and I recognized them right away: the children were wearing hard hats with Mickey ears. On Monday I went to the main street parade in the Magic Kingdom, where the miners were honored and celebrated.

One of the miners commented, “We are not the heroes. Our families and all the people around the world, who prayed, wished us well and helped us through our ordeal - those are our real heroes.”

What impresses me about this story is the human connection. The Walt Disney company (and I see examples of this every day) treats all of their guests as VIPs. In this case, the miners, their families, and the rescuers were all treated like royalty.

Around the World in an Afternoon

Epcot

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." ~Walt Disney

The water in this lake came from the Adriatic Sea, the Arctic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, Lake Geneva, the Cho Jong Yak Soo, the Seine, the Mississippi, the Nile, the River Thames, the Sea of Japan, Tivoli Gardens Lake, Trevi Fountain, the Yangtze River, Lake Inari, the Muese River, and a dozen other sources from around the globe.

France

Morocco

China

Norway

Mexico

Life is Beautiful

In the center of Disney's Animal Kingdom is the Tree of Life, a celebration of biodiversity. Over 300 animals are carved into its bark, depicting a kaleidoscope of wildlife. It stands tall at an impressive 145 ft. Most of my job is to encourage conservation action from guests. Why should we care? "Going Green" preserves natural resources, which shows respect for the earth. My real reason? Diversity is beautiful.

Made to Create

Two weeks ago I drove down to Orlando, Florida for an internship with Disney's Animal Programs. I am officially a new cast member at Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom, and after two weeks of training, this is what I have learned.

Disney's primary purpose is to create happiness. Every attraction, every performance, every employee is there to bring happiness to individuals and their families. And it works! I feel that all the bitterness and cynicism in me characteristic to a savvy college student has been replaced by trust and optimism. Each time I see Mickey's infectious smile, I become 6 years old all over again, and I love it.

The mastermind behind the park noted: "Animation offers a medium of story telling and visual entertainment which can bring pleasure and information to people of all ages everywhere in the world." -Walt Disney

We create happiness. We create magic. We create memories.