Disneyland Poser, Main St. USA, 2010

After a lifetime of going to Disneyland, I finally, for the first time ever, posed for a pic with a Disney character! How much do we all love that magical moment when we’re at the park and unexpectedly spot a Disney character? It’s like spotting a celebrity, only better! It doesn’t matter which one it is, Donald Duck, the Three Pigs, Chip ‘n Dale, and of course, Mickey and Minnie, the characters are always a thrill to see. But for whatever reason, I’ve never run up to one of them, struck a pose and said “Cheese!” Not even when I was a kid.

Well, that all ended last month when, much to my surprise, the fine folks at Disney.com asked me to host a “behind-the-scenes” video showing how Main Street USA gets decorated for Halloween Time. Next thing I knew, I was standing in the middle of Main Street in the middle of the night with my mouse ears on and it was “lights-camera-action!” I was SO impressed as the decorating crew, a small army of guys and one young lady, all dressed in black from head to toe, transformed Main Street at breakneck speed in perfect harmony.

Between takes as I stood there among the beehive of activity happening all around, I found myself in awe. There I was workin’ for the Mouse. I felt so honored. Thank you, Mickey. I sure do hope we can do this again. And I even managed (finally!) to get a pic with a Disney character!

Here’s the video.

And here’s to working for the Mouse, Halloween Time at Disneyland, the Evil Queen and YOU! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Charles Phoenix
October 28, 2010
Los Angeles