While busy at work one spring day, the general manager of merchandise for Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom called me needing some cheering up. It had been a week of many hours and little sleep with spring breakers arriving by the dozen. The "college program" cast members were not fully trained for their shifts and the parks were overflowing with guests. I immediately responded with delight to assist in any way I could. Not realizing I would be spending the next couple months helping out Fantasyland Merchandise, I immediately began to help assist in managerial roles, helping to "guide" our new cast members. As fate would have it, I closed a little store in Fantasyland one night called "Fantasy Faire" and my life would never be the same.
Stocking a candy tree with lollypops, I immediately noticed a striking face with eyes so blue I could not help but stare. There before me stood a beautiful six-foot tall girl with sandy blonde hair...and a warm smiling face. She looked over and I immediately introduced myself. We chatted for a moment and I was stunned as she walked away noticing that I was ...in love...at first sight. "Huh", I thought to myself, "I did not think that was possible?!" And with that thought I silently said to myself, "I will someday marry her."
Later that night we closed the store and I lost track of time and at one point even pretended not to know how to close down the operation just to have a few more minutes with her. She was sweet and pretty, wholesome and kind, just like the kind you WANT to bring home to Mom. Her personality knocked me off my feet and so I asked her on a date....
She said NO.
What?! I do not have a mega ego but never before had I been denied a date by any girl. (Especially when I am their boss) But when she smiled, I of course fell under the spell, smiled back and wished her a good night. (I later learned she had taken her fellow college program roommates to the grocery store)
I was again performing managerial duties a few days later and ran into her. I jokingly asked, "How about a movie tonight?” expecting a NO. She smiled and enthusiastically said, "SURE!" The words were as glorious as the look on my face. (I would love to see that picture)
Spending time with her was so much fun that hours felt like minutes. Our first date at the Italian restaurant Di Antonio’s in EPCOT at Disney World evolved to an inseparable link of two souls.
Jennifer and I not only were attached at the hip, but she became my best friend. And from best friends to soul mates to...both.
The month of our Wedding will mark the eighth year of our relationship since that fateful spring 2000 night, and thanks to Walt Disney, it all began with a Mouse.