Justin wins Disney competition

Seven Fields resident Justin Muchoney won the voting for the Disney "Chief Magical Official" this morning and was crowned the first CMO during a ceremony at the Magic Kingdom. In fact, Justin clobbered the other two competitors, receiving about 200,000 of the total 280,000 votes cast.

More information from the official Disney press release:

The votes are in! Disney Parks and CareerBuilder.com today announced that Justin Muchoney from Seven Fields, Pa. has been named the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official (CMO) – emerging victorious from a field of 1,300 candidates nationwide. Muchoney was inducted as CMO in a special ceremony with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.

Muchoney was one of three CMO finalists who traveled to the Walt Disney World Resort to compete in a series of creative in-Park events, ranging from stroller derbies and face-painting to tests of overall Park knowledge. Videos highlighting Muchoney and his fellow finalists participating in the events were posted on www.DreamCMO.com for a final round of online voting April 14 through April 21. Muchoney received nearly 200,000 online votes, surpassing David Hawley of Roseville, Calif. and Tripp West of Powder Springs, Ga., who generated close to 50,000 and more than 30,000 votes, respectively.

“Justin has a true passion for Disney Parks that came through online and during the in-Park competitions,” said Craig Dezern, Vice President of Global Public Relations. “He seemed to have a personal supply of pixie dust that helped him secure this magical position.”

As CMO, Muchoney will first go through Disney’s Traditions Trainingwhere he will learn the ins and outs of being a Cast Member. This training will help prepare him for his first assignment: the opening of Toy Story Mania! at Walt Disney Worldand DisneylandResorts.Throughout the next year, he will create magical experiences for guests, participate in special events and work behind the scenes with the Walt Disney Imagineers as part of the “Year of a Million Dreams.”

“I can honestly say that all of my CMO abilities have been put to the test, and I am ready to begin my duties as the first-ever Chief Magic Official,” exclaimed Muchoney. “All I have ever wanted is to be a part of the magic and now I can help create lasting memories for guests, which is my ‘dream come true.’”

The Post-Gazette also picked up on the story this afternoon:

Justin Muchoney of Seven Fields is the new Chief Magic Official of the Disney Parks.

Disney announced his victory this morning after he competed against 1,300 applicants for the newly created post.

Mr. Muchoney, 28, is director of music and fine arts at Ingomar United Methodist Church in Franklin Park. He will be able to continue those duties when he assumes the part-time, yearlong Disney position during its Year of a Million Dreams Celebration. As Chief Magic Official he will visit the Disney parks to spread good will and attend special events.

Congrats to Justin!