Mark My Words

I see that Disney and CareerBuilder have launched another dream job contest, this time to find a Chief Magic Official for the parks. After checking to see if I would be disqualified from entering because of my work here (I'm in the clear), I started thinking about whether I could actually do this.

What gives me pause is this nagging feeling that I've been having over the last year or so, and it revolves around everything that I do here at MousePlanet. It's not that I regret my work here; in fact, the feedback that I get from all of the folks that read the site and listen to the podcast make me feel really good about the work. The problem is this nasty side affect. Before I get into it, though, let's take a look at the Chief Magic Official position itself.

The winner's job description will be:

• Makes magical “decrees”
• Creates magic experiences
• Interacts with guests
• Makes special appearances
• Spreads magic and inspiration

The qualifications gave me pause. They're looking for:

• A real-life character who can move mountains of pixie dust with a great personality and a smile
• Loves everything Disney, particularly Disney Parks
• Enjoys making people laugh and smile
• Is original and outgoing
• Believes in all things magical
• Relishes the spotlight
• Is an excellent entertainer comfortable in front of crowds
• Has passed the M.A.T. (Magic Aptitude Test) at DreamCMO.com
• Can create and post a stellar Video Resume that can capture large quantities of votes.

Now, I admit that by all rights I meet every item on that list. But I'm a bit concerned about the "Believes in all things magical" requirement because of the feeling that I've been experiencing my last few working trips down to Walt Disney World. I've gone with a complete "work" mindset each time. It's almost like I can't enjoy the parks anymore, because everywhere I go and everything I do is focused around "how can I use this on MousePlanet?"

It's so hard for me now to really just go and enjoy myself and let myself be as care-free as I used to be on my Disney trips. I've started to wonder whether doing the news reporting every week for four and a half years without a break has started to wear away the awe and wonder that I used to feel. Heck, even my more recent World View columns are just long-form news reporting, rather than the fun appreciation for the details in the parks that I started out writing about.

Co-hosting the MouseStation podcast has let me get a little back in touch with that side, but I still usually end up playing the straight man a lot. I always used to say that I'd grow older as long as I didn't have to grow up, but I fear that I may have lost that battle.

Is it possible to recapture that spark? I'll have to see. I'm going to try to come up with a concept for a video to enter into the contest, though the criteria of "the Disney Look" may weigh against me because of my beard. (I'll probably try to find a way to slip in that I'd be willing to shave it off if necessary, if I won.) That could be the first step of my rehabilitation program.

The second test will come in August, when we've got a family trip planned, and I'll need to see how much I can push back my need to report on everything for MousePlanet enough to enjoy the family vacation for what it is. Here's hoping that I'm not too far gone to enjoy myself in the parks.

Just for the record, the video entries will be judged equally on five criteria:

• Entertainment Value
• Personality
• Imaginative Presentation
• Ability to Make People Laugh and Smile
• Passion for Disney

Wish me luck! (And good luck to any of you who also decide to enter!)