Happy New Year! I hope the beginning of 2009 has brought you a renewed sense of hope and excitement for what your future may hold. I can’t believe it is January already and I haven’t had the chance to catch my breath and update you on all of the incredibly magical things that I was able to experience during the past few months. My time as the Disney Parks’ Chief Magic Official is nearing its completion (well – it won’t be over until April, but I can’t believe it is even that close!) and I still have so many stories, pictures, and experiences to share!

So without further ado, let’s take a sneak peek at what you will find here at www.dreamCMO.com over the next several weeks. That’s right, if my play on words in the title didn’t tip you off, this is a CMO version of the previews at the movie theater. And, what is more likely to get me back into the theater to see the next exciting Disney/Pixar film than an action packed preview that reveals just enough of the plot to get my heart rate up and make me want to run back as soon as can to catch the full movie? Here’s just a glimpse of the incredible experiences you’ll be able to read all about during your upcoming visits to the site… (I’ve had the chance to share my story and to help create magic for more people than I ever thought possible. Can you see the excitement on my face?)

August gave me the chance to help open the door to a magical, dream-filled evening for an incredible family as I helped show them around their special accommodations. (That’s right, that’s the Dream Suite in Cinderella’s Castle!)

As if that wasn’t magical enough, during September I had a blast getting into costume and helping pass out candy at one of my all-time favorite events, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

And after making some dreams come true for our guests during the Halloween party I was a part of the team who first introduced the Walt Disney World guests to Tinker Bell and her friends!

Earlier in September I caught up with Mickey in Manhattan as he was making his way around Times Square helping to spread the word about all of the ways Disney guests can celebrate at the Disney Parks in 2009. Have you registered your birthday yet?

And then, as he traveled the country helping people learn more about “What Will You Celebrate?” Mickey made stop in my hometown of Pittsburgh and I spent part of the day lending him a hand.

The fun and adventure didn’t stop there, however. I made another trip to Walt Disney World in October because my alma mater – Grove City College – had decided to book a trip for their marching band to perform in the Magic Kingdom.

This trip also gave me the chance to experience what for some of you may be the five most magical words – Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!

Then, early in December I made a long-awaited return visit to Disneyland where I was able to spread some magic and holiday cheer as I experienced everything that Disneyland has to offer during the holiday season.

Whew! And I still have 4 months as CMO left to go! Can you imagine what might be in store for 2009?

Trust me; we’ve only scratched the surface. I can’t wait to get started telling you all of the exciting details and sharing many more pictures from each of these incredible journeys. Be sure to check back often as we unroll new updates and new adventures throughout the next several weeks. Hope to see you soon! Have a magical day!

Justin Muchoney
Disney Parks Chief Magic Official

P.S. Do you have a favorite story from your own Disney trip this past year?

Did something in this update catch your eye and make you want to know more? Or, do you just want to share the magic and put a smile on my face by saying ‘hello’?

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