As the cool winds of fall brought their typical chill to the air of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I had an unexpected opportunity to experience a wonderful dose of Disney magic very close to home. As a part of their plans to tell the whole country about the incredible opportunity to get into a Disney Park free on your birthday - as well as experience all of the other fantastic new "Celebration" themed dining and entertainment options - the Disney Promotions team hit the road for a "What Will You Celebrate?" tour. All across America, Disney was handing out balloons, making people smile, and getting to know their Guests even better by asking the all-important question: "what will you celebrate?"

Here are just a few of the pictures from my exciting day showing Mickey and friends around my hometown.

Early in the morning I met up with Heath, the Promotions Manager, at the studios of KDKA-TV. The major news and information station in town, KDKA was also America's first regularly broadcast radio station.

Mickey was all set for his big appearance on the KDKA morning show, but Goofy was being, well, Goofy!

Mickey brought the whole "What Will You Celebrate?" crew into Pittsburgh at a wonderful time of year. The City of Pittsburgh was in the midst of celebrating its 250th Anniversary. Mickey and friends even brought a cake to share in honor of the occasion!

Just when I thought there was nothing better than the Mickey balloons found in the Main Street U.S.A,® Area, I saw the balloon they brought out for this special tour. Talk about celebrating!

After a morning full of interviews, TV appearances, and the chance to tell the entire Pittsburgh region about the incredible new offer, we moved into another part of town to set up for phase two of this magical tour. Giant awnings announced the locations where Guests could register for their free park ticket and colorful balloons added to the festive atmosphere.

Perhaps coolest of all were the Celebrations Tour computers, powered by HP. These brand-new, touch screen computers where a celebration all on their own, but the provided the perfect way for us to help Guests register their birthdays and print out their voucher for FREE admission on their birthday!

Adding to the fun atmosphere were these incredibly decorated vans that took all of the Celebrations Tour specialties from city to city. Disney really knows how to travel in style, don't they?

As with all of my Disney CMO experiences, one of the most enjoyable parts of the Celebrations Tour was making new friends. The people in this picture- all of whom had experience as a Disney Cast Member either through the College Program or a local Disney Store - came out to help us make the day even more magical for the residents of Pittsburgh.

I was so happy that I could be a part of even this one stop on the nation wide Celebrations Tour. Seeing the reaction of people a thousand miles away from Walt Disney World to the sight of Mickey balloons was priceless and it helped to remind me that the joy and magic of the Disney Parks truly does transcend place, time, and age. I can't wait to get to Walt Disney World in 2009 and see all of the new and exciting ways I'll be able to 'Celebrate Today.' Right now, however, I have one very important question for all of you: What will you celebrate? Have a magical day!

Justin Muchoney
Disney Parks Chief Magic Official

P.S. Please take a moment and send me an email --- Justin@DreamCMO.com (or click on the Contact Justin! link on the main page )--- and tell me what you are planning on celebrating this year. I can't wait to hear how you are going to celebrate the birthdays, special occasions, personal triumphs, and significant milestones in your lives by adding the perfect Disney touches!