Tag: Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney Died December 15

It was, and still is, a sad day for many people, December 15, 1966.

For it was on this day in history that Walt Disney died.

Being born in 1959, I was old enough to remember watching Walt Disney on Sunday nights, as he came into the living rooms of Americans across the country.

He made such an impression on me that I eventually found my way to Disneyland as a 12-year old Guest.

And years later, while attending a Pennsylvania College, I spent a winter semester (1982) as a Magic Kingdon Adventureland Jungle Cruise skipper, jungle jeff.

There’s more, much more, about this Disney story, but it’s a tale for another time.

Have a Magical Day everyone.  Signing off from Orlando, Florida and living right next to the Walt Disney World Resort,  jungle jeff  🙂

PS. We miss you Walt.

PS.  This is a “bonus” post today.  Today’s main post is next, please scroll down if you’d like to read it.

jungle jeff Daily Reflections on Excellence

jungle jeff Daily Reflections on Excellence.  Created the tag line, Daily Reflections on Excellence, a long time ago. It just felt right.

And of course, the term, jungle jeff, goes all the way back to January 1982, when I was a seasonal Walt Disney World Cast Member, and Jungle Cruise Skipper.

Had a college degree and was wearing a straw hat, polyester costume, plus I carried a microphone and a real gun.

And, get this, being able to work for Disney, a world-class organization, founded on excellence, it all seemed to speak to my dual approach to life.  Crazy and serious.

So the two seemed a natural fit.  And that’s why I use jungle jeff Daily Reflections on Excellence all these years later.

There are milestones in your life, just like everyone else.  The question is, it seems, is there significant value in perpetuating their memory?

I’d love to hear your story.  Comment here or email [email protected] Carpe diem.

Disney Parks You Tube Video

Disney Parks You Tube Video.

My Family and I visited Magic Kingdom a week ago. Then Wednesday we visited Epcot.  And this past Saturday, back at Magic Kingdom. Then a LinkedIn Group discussion shared this cool Disney Parks You Tube video:

The cooler weather is bringing out us locals to seek what Disney Guests from all over the World seek. The Disney Magic and the Disney Fantasy – and an escape from a tough reality.

PS.  There a bit of a screen size overlap. Oh well.  Life goes on.  Carpe diem.  🙂

Happy Birthday Walt Disney World

Happy Birthday Walt Disney World.  Disney World opened to the public on October 1, 1971, nearly five years after Walt Disney died from cardiac arrest (brought on from the removal of his cancerous left lung on November 7, 1966).

Walt’s older brother Roy O. Disney, at 73 years old, and enjoying retirement, had a big decision after Walt died on December 15, 1966.

Sell or develop.

Disney had purchased 27,443 acres, or 43 square miles, of alligator, snake and mosquito infested swampland during the mid-1960’s.  It is said the purchase price averaged less than $200 an acre.

Bought it cheap, sell it cheap.  Or, build?  And build Roy did.

Thank you to Walt Disney, Roy O. Disney, and the entire Disney organization for making Walt Disney’s biggest dream come to life.

My Family has enjoyed hundreds of visits to Walt Disney World.  Our home is located just a few miles from Cinderella Castle. Every night we see and hear the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

It’s been a dream come true to live so close to the most Magical place on Planet Earth.

JULY 4, 2009

July 4, 2009.   Happy Independence Day!

Started the day running the Watermelon 5k in Winter Park.  Then spent the rest of the day with family and friends .  Now it’s 9:00PM and I’m going to postpone today’s post until tomorrow.

Today, by the way, President Barack Obama’s audio-animatronic figure was unveiled at The Walt Disney World Resort, at the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents.

Carpe PM, jungle jeff:)