Inspire, Summer 2011

Creating the Magic Every part of the guest experience at Walt Disney World Resort is designed to create magical memories for the thousands who visit the parks each day. Whether a cast member is selling tickets, handing out balloons, or entertaining guests, everything is part of the show and each plays an important role. My summer job with Disney was one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of my life. I greeted guests from all over the world and sometimes was in the photographs they took of the memories they built during their stay. Those memories will last a lifetime not only for the guests but also for me. A Dream is a Wish Growing up in Orlando, Florida, I could identify with Mickey Mouse before I learned to read. My family and I enjoyed watching programs on The Disney Channel and spending evenings after school at the park — and by “the park,” I mean the world famous 40-square-mile playground right in our backyard. We lived close enough that we could go for dinner, enjoy some attractions, and be home in bed by 9 p.m. Last summer, I auditioned for an entertainment role at Walt Disney World because I needed a job. by Michael Batts, Jr., ’11 16 SUMMER 2011 my cedarv i l le