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My Disney Journey

by on ‎07-01-2015 03:02 PM

It all started in 1997. I had finished my 10-month tour as a singer on a Japanese luxury cruise ship.  I loved being “at sea” so much that I couldn’t wait to go back!  So, I began auditioning a few weeks after being back “on land”.  Walt Disney World was holding auditions in Chicago for the parks.  I had no interest in working at a theme park - I was a professionally-trained opera singer who held a Master’s Degree in vocal performance – it seemed so “entry-level.” (Believe me, I am humbled and mortified at my arrogant & ignorant thoughts!)  However, I knew they were launching the Disney Cruise Ships and would be looking for talent within a few months.  So, I made the three hour trip from Indianapolis to the “Windy City” to audition for Disney.  The following week they offered me a contract!  Not on the ships (they weren’t hiring singers yet), but at Alfredo’s (the former Italian restaurant in Epcot).  I would be singing arias (songs from opera) and Italian street songs. Well, that seemed perfect: so, I accepted the offer!  Little did I know God had used this just to get me to Orlando…He had other plans.  Plans to mold me, grow me, stretch me & bless me!

 

About a week after moving to Orlando & having signed a one-year apartment lease, I was told the Italian singer I was replacing decided she wasn't leaving after all!  Trying to  “make it right”, they offered me an acting spot in a new show at “Innovations” as “The G.E. Cookie Lady”.  What?!?! How could Disney do this?  I was a singer!  Not a “cookie lady!” As you might imagine, I was so mad!  I immediately called my voice teacher for advice.  He gave me the best possible advice:  “Stop the bleeding, and accept the new contract.”  I’m so glad I heeded his advice!  It was this cross-road decision that changed my life in the most amazing way!  (I honed my acting skills, learned the art of improvisation & comedy.  I acted in commercials, industrial videos, bit parts in films and lead roles in plays & musicals and recorded hundreds of voiceovers.) It was my 5 years at Walt Disney World Theme Parks that lead to me to NYC (where I met my husband) to Reno (where we adopted our daughter) and to West Chester, PA & QVC!

 

 

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It took me about 2 weeks; but, I fell in love with the cast, crew, guests, Disney and the “Cookie Lady”!  While at “Innovations," I also learned three science shows that were in theatre right behind my “kitchen.”  So, crazy & fun!  My brother-in-law, Doug, was called upon to be my assistant!

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All around Epcot were amazing street performers!  I was never tired of seeing their shows & saw them whenever I could!

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And…the Disney characters!  I loved seeing them wherever I went!

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With my first paycheck, I had to get a pair of Disney overalls! (LOL!) 

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In the Fall of 1997, I had the opportunity to perform in Disney’s "Jolly Holidays", a dinner show that seated 2,000!  It was here that I met the people that would open up my next Disney adventure…

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The “Hoop!” In April 2008, I headed to Fort Wilderness (Magic Kingdom) to perform in one of the most coveted shows in the park, the “Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue” as “Miss Flora Long”.  (40 years running, “Hoop” is one of the (if not the “THE”) longest running dinner theater show in history.)  Pioneer Hall was where I spent the next four years. While there, I also learned the other two female roles in the show (Claire De Lune & Dolly Drew).  I worked with some of the most talented “triple threat” performers, and I will always treasure my time with them!

 

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Shortly after I began performing at Hoop”, I was informed “Belle” might need a break from time-to-time. I know how she was busy with her personal appearances, shows & taking care of the Beast.  So, I agreed to help her by learning Beauty and the Beast” at MGM Studios just in case…  And wouldn’t you know, she did need a break after all, and I was happy to step in for my Friend! This is from the Village scene and “Little Town.”

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Be our Guest! What a great song! 

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This is when the Beast and I became great friends!

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The “Transformation” and the golden yellow gown!  That dress weighed 40 lbs and took 3 people to get me from the “tatters” to the ball in about 45 secs! 

 

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As I said, Belle was always in high demand.  In addition to everything else she was doing, she was asked if she could tell her love story in a new show called “Story Time with Belle”.  She said “yes” and invited guests to join her in the castles “Fairytale Garden” (Magic Kingdom). Again, I was happy  to help her…just in case… (The show opened in 1999.)

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Of course, Belle, was asked to do a Christmas Show…and, of course, I had to help, again…just in case…

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I performed at Walt Disney World from 1997-2002.  It was the longest I had been in one place since leaving for college at 18  Who knew??  And now, QVC has replaced Disney as the longest I’ve been anywhere!  I joined the host team in 2009, which was, incidentally, the last year for a Disney jewelry show at the Q.  But, it’s time to bring the Disney Jewelry Show out of retirement for our Christmas in July event!  The show is Thursday, July 2nd at 1 pm EST and is filled with magical pieces!  Hope you’ll join me!

 

Lot of Love….Nancy