Forever Magical
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Back in 1998 I stumbled across a wonderful time at the Disneyland Park, the Disneyland Ambassador announcement. Entering the Fantasyland Theater I could tell something special was going to happen. Everywhere I looked I saw the nametags identifying the wearer as a cast member. Although the Animazement theme music was playing it was barely audible over the sounds of excitement. In various areas of the theater people carried banners in support of their co-worker who was one of the six finalists from which the final Ambassador Team selections would be made.

Disneyland Millennium Ambassador Jennifer Simis
at the ceremony for the POW's return

As the event began Paul Pressler and Belle approached the podium. Mr. Pressler discussed with Belle the magic of Disneyland and explained that the Disneyland Ambassadors carry this magic to the whole world. He continued, "Today it is my great pleasure to welcome..." but wait, "did somebody say Welcome?" Lumiere chimed in. The Animazement crew performed a special version of Be Our Guest. The lyrics were altered to celebrate Ambassadors past and present who were escorted across the stage. Pressler then went on to explain the responsibilities of the Disneyland Ambassador, which cover four vital areas “Here at the home they serve as official host of the Disneyland Resort. In the community they bring Disney cheer and magic to local schools, hospitals, and other organizations as emissaries of goodwill. In the media, they speak on radio and on television. They are official spokespeople. If that's not enough, they travel around the world representing the Magic Kingdom." He explained the process taken to become an ambassador and stated "they embody all that Disneyland represents." Due to the upcoming Millennium celebration they extended the term to 18 months from the normal 12 months.

Pressler then introduced the departing Ambassadors Oscar and Dorothy to share their past year's experiences. They received a thunderous standing ovation as they approached the podium. I met Oscar and Dorothy during the custodial day of their cross training. They spoke of escorting football player Turrell Davis, NASA astronauts and dignitaries around the Park. They spoke of young Chelsea Turner who frequented the Park with her family and who dreamt of walking down Main Street USA hand in hand with Mickey Mouse. They told us how all her visits to Disneyland were in a wheelchair and shared with us the big, big day when Chelsea, after several successful operations and with the aide of a walker, walked with Mickey. Dorothy and Oscar talked about various community programs such as The Disney Crew, a drug prevention program, the Voluntears and The Disney Goals Kids Organization that enables children in distressed neighborhoods or circumstances to participate in organized sports. They described their days of cross training. They shared their embarrassing moments attempting to roll sushi at Yamabuki's. They summed up their whole experience with two words: Too Fast.

Mr. Pressler announced each candidate individually as they receive a special pendant etched with the Disneyland Ambassador coat of arms and their name. He described the special talents and the department where each worked.

Finally, it was time to announce the winners. Mickey Mouse came out with the envelope. As the drum roll began Mr. Pressler opened the envelope. First to be announced was Dorell Mitter. At the time he was a Disney University leader from the Disneyland Hotel front desk and he holds a degree in Entrepreneurial Management. Next was Jennifer Simis from the Health Services department. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is a registered nurse and a volunteer for the Make-a-Wish foundation. They both appeared overwhelmed with excitement and joy.