Growing up in Buffalo, I knew that when the snow finally began to melt and those stubborn little blades of green grass started poking through (yay, color!), it could only mean one thing: time to pile into the Ford Windstar and head to my favorite place on Earth.

One Magic Kingdom day in 2003, the forecast promised an hour of rain—but instead, it poured for eight. What could’ve been a ruined day became one of my favorite memories: no lines for most attractions, puddle-jumping through Fantasyland, and nonstop laughs. Sure, there was also the less glamorous part—eating packet oatmeal (courtesy of our 192 motel’s continental breakfast) in a laundry room at the Polynesian while waiting for our soaked outer layers to dry so we could go back into the park for the evening.

That day introduced me to the rainy day parade at Magic Kingdom—and the realization that rain doesn’t have to ruin the magic, my parents are pretty cool, and… oh yeah! Ponchos would’ve been swell.

Fast-forward, and the road trips continued; I became a timeshare-presentation attendee pro, wrote middle school career reports on Imagineering, watched reruns of Modern Marvels and World of Color, and discovered early-internet discussion threads full of Disney tips, tricks, and Easter eggs. I was obsessed with the idea that every detail—from the scent in Soarin’ to the stamp in the sidewalk—was intentional. I knew I wanted to be part of creating that kind of experiential magic.

I joined the Disney College Program (shoutout to DHS right block!), earned my degree in Digital Media, and started doing the corporate ladder thing back in Buffalo. But through a mix of happy accidents, timing, and bold leaps of faith, I teamed up with my best bud to turn a wild idea into a real business. Making magic in new and unexpected ways.