New Disney event: Veterans Institute

Spotlight_111413_VeteransInstitute_Iris

Today’s (11/14/2014) Veterans Institute, a first-of-its-kind event for Disney, marks a new milestone in the Company’s ongoing commitment to supporting U.S. veterans as they transition from active duty to civilian life.

Companies of all sizes are currently participating in the daylong workshop to learn how to build effective veteran-hiring programs of their own based on Disney’s successful Heroes Work Here initiative.

The First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, and Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger participated in the event, lending their time to talk about the value and importance of this vital initiative.

Chris Daughtry visits Disney’s Hollywood Studios -11/13/13

 

Singer Chris Daughtry Visits Minnie Mouse at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosSinger/songwriter Chris Daughtry, lead singer of the band “Daughtry,” visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Wednesday, 11/13/13, and stopped by the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith attraction. While there, he posed for this photo with Minnie Mouse. Ever fashionable, Minnie was decked out in her best rock and roll attire. Daughtry and the band are busy these days and are currently preparing for the November 19th release of the newest album.

I am grateful

 

Over my years with The Walt Disney Company, I’ve seen many wonderful recognition projects, including Service Anniversaries, Legacy Awards, Hometown identification, favorite characters, and of course birthdays. Recognition is a powerful tool, which Disney embraces at many levels. 

Well in an upcoming edition of the internal newsletter Eyes & Ears, Cast Members will be recognized for what they are grateful for during this holiday season. This will no doubt be a positive influence on both the submitter and the reader. After all, who doesn’t like being grateful?!

Here is my submission to the newsletter:

 

I am grateful for my job when so many very-talented people are out of work. I am grateful for my seven wonderful, healthy children. I am grateful for the protection I receive from things unknown. I am grateful for my wife, who showers me with blessings beyond comprehension. I am grateful that my place of employment chooses to trade its cash for my services on a weekly basis. I am eternally grateful for receiving blessings I don’t deserve, and I’m equally grateful for protection from the punishment that I do deserve. I’m so grateful to be blessed in so many ways!

MyMagic+

 

Magic Bands

My family and I recently tested this experience and I have been blown away! I was able to make all selections pre-arrival, including our room, admission (linking the tickets to our reservation), and even Fast Pass selections and times! When the package arrived (see pic), the kids were amazed. It was a joy for them to just wear the wristbands on vacation day.

 

Each single wristband (Magic Band!) can do everything now; it let us into our resort room, it let us into the Parks, it let us onto fastpass lines (for attractions we pre-selected), and it even let us charge our food and souvenirs. This is the next generation of Disney and it is going to be fantastic!