Today was the grand opening of the new Buzz ride that I have been working on for 4 months. It is such a nice feeling to be able to be part of something special like this. I went into the park for the opening ceremony and saw most of the people I worked with on the project and then saw the suitably cheesy opening ceremony. The had a parade of “Little Green Men” consisting of a bunch of elementary school kids from Green elementary in Lynwood, CA. They followed Buzz from the castle down Main Street and then to the front of the ride where they promptly blew up the front door. Good fun!
Personally, since the ride has open to the public for the soft openings, it has been quite the adjustment. I think I tend to forget the reason why I like working at Disneyland and it is to meet and talk to people from around the world. From the dorky Annual passholder who is happy he just topped out at 1.2 million points or the couple with a wheelchair who I helped out at the exit to email their photos at the end of the night.
I also am getting into the groove with my lead skills. I have managed to rub a few people the wrong way (its not personal I promise!) and others I have found to be people of the caliber I sorely have been missing from my life for the past few years. So it’s a mixed bag. I can only do better as I learn the ins and outs of the crew and hopefully there are great things to come.
In travel news, I just got my plane tickets to see Nathan in Boston come April. I’m excited on many levels. First, A real chance to hang out with Nathan for more than a few hours at a time (actually probably the longest contiguous time hanging out together will we survive?), and second, a chance to visit a new city and a new state! Think of all those cool Gorn shots in Salem, Plymouth and Boston!
The views and opinions expressed on this post are mine and do not necessarily represent or reflect those of The Walt Disney Company.