Back from Fantasyland . . .

To my legion of devoted followers (hah) I must apologize for the long absence.
I have just recently returned from the happiest place on Earth, and now find myself back in the "real world." And it sucks.

Of course I mean Walt Disney World. My favorite place in the universe. Some might find that ironic, from a cynical, grouchy ogre like myself. It's the truth. The minute I feel the wheels of the plane hit tarmac in Orlando, I suddenly feel the world is a little better. The sky seems a little bluer. The sun a little brighter. Although it is Florida so that may actually be true, coming from Chicago!

They wrote the book on customer service down there. The minute you get off the plane they are working to make you more comfortable. And talk about branding! Especially if you're staying in a Disney resort, which, if you're going there you really should if you have any sense.
As soon as you get to the main terminal, you make your way to the Disney check-in desk, where you then board the Disney Magical Express motor coach which drives you to your Disney resort, not too mention shows you a promtional video about the parks and resorts featuring Disney characters.
Some people like to attack Disney for their blatant branding, or brain washing as naysayers would like to call it. Personally, if you're going to be inundated with promtional material and branding all day anyway, what better choice than Mickey Mouse. He is an internationally recognized and adored icon. And truly the symbol of the American dream. Look what a poor, sickly kid from Chicago did with that mouse!

And the resort we stayed in, one of their "value" resorts, was amazing. Just what you want when staying at Disney. It was designed with so much "whimsy" that simply looking at the buildings made you feel like you were on vacation.

Every employee, or Cast Member, be it at your hotel, on the bus, or in the parks greets you with a smile and warm hello and offers assistance almost immediately. And for at least a good majority of them, you can sense its not forced, or that their not just doing it in case management is watching (although management usually is watching!)
They seem to know they are part of something special. Something bigger than just a job. They are creating dreams, fantasies, bringing joy, even if only temporal, to thousands a day. Call me a dreamy-eyed idealist, but I wish I could put that down on my job description.

After an amazing week, here I am, back at my desk, gagging on a shirt and tie. And I'll be perfectly frank with you, I'd trade it for a funny outfit and name tag, or even an ungodly warm Goofy costume in 90 degree heat in an instant.