Remember the Time
We’ve all been to a networking event or had an ice breaker exercise with a new group where you share something that few people know. My story is always about when I met Michael Jackson.
I spent summer 1993 in the Walt Disney World College Program. We would go to Disney University in the morning to learn about all things Mouse, intern in practical areas in the afternoon, and work in one of the parks at night.
My work assignment was in The Emporium on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom - stocking Mickey Mice and helping Brazilian tour groups understand that all small sweatshirts are the same size.
One night after the Spectromagic Parade and the last guest left the park, we were re-stocking the store for the next morning. I was sitting on the floor putting socks on a display, when I heard a voice behind me, “Miss… excuse me, Miss”. I look up, and it is the King of Pop.
I stood up and realized that he was a few inches shorter than me (he looks so tall on TV!) when he asked if I knew who the villian was in Alladin. ”Uhh, yes. Jafar.” Then he asked me to show him all of the Jafar merchandise. We walked around the store and he picked up a lot of items, particularly those with the villians.
He looked up on the walls above the store shelves and asked about purchasing some of the antiques. When I said that they weren’t for sale, he gave me a, “You’re stupid, I’m Michael Jackson” look, so I went to get a manager to take over.
Rumor was he dropped more than $250,000 along Main Street that night - between a custom order for the clock in the center of our store that features Cinderella’s dance with Prince Charming at midnight, to cells from the animated movies at the collectibles shop, small and sparkly things from the jewelry store, and of course, a few items with Jafar on them.
When I went back to stocking my socks, he was over to the area of the store with the music boxes. He looked at a few, wound one, and then started singing along softly (I wish I could remember the song!) The store was empty except for my co-workers and a few of his entourage, so his voice echoed throughout. We were mesmerized. One of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced. Thanks, Michael.
