Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Full Time
Today, I received a call from Casting offering me a full time position in Frontierland. I have mixed feeling leaving Jungle Cruise. I love it and all the people there! However, I'm excited to finally be full time!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Magical Moment back in Tomorrowland
Now that I'm part-time, Disney doesn't have to guarantee me 30 hours and I like to work around 40 hours. Therefore, I have been picking up Merchandise shifts back in my old Tomorrowland location.
It was weird being back there and hardly knowing anyone. It was nice to receive a warm welcome back from those who knew me. One cast member just causally said hey to me like I never left before she did a double take and realized I haven't work there for 5 months.
The one thing I like most about Merchandise is the freedom to interact with the guests. One man came up to me and asked me if I had seen a small 9" stitch doll. His daughter had lost hers. I looked behind him to see a girl wearing a birthday button crying. I decide to do a magical moment with the family! I gave them a piece of paper that allowed them to get a free 15" stitch. Thanking me they walked with the piece of paper in hand.
Later that day, the same man came to me and asked if this was the right stitch he was supposed to received. I said of course. He then asked me if I could surprise his daughter with it. I went to his daughter and I bend down and exclaimed I had been looking for her. She looked confused and asked why. I told her Stitch found out she had lost her Stitch doll on her birthday. He wanted him to have this one instead. Then I pulled out the 15" Stitch. She was so excited. She hugged me. The family thanked me again and walked off.
The rest of the Tomorrowland was great. I'm now picking up shifts there regularly. Though Jungle Cruise is my home and I love it, Tomorrowland will always have a place in my heart.
It was weird being back there and hardly knowing anyone. It was nice to receive a warm welcome back from those who knew me. One cast member just causally said hey to me like I never left before she did a double take and realized I haven't work there for 5 months.
The one thing I like most about Merchandise is the freedom to interact with the guests. One man came up to me and asked me if I had seen a small 9" stitch doll. His daughter had lost hers. I looked behind him to see a girl wearing a birthday button crying. I decide to do a magical moment with the family! I gave them a piece of paper that allowed them to get a free 15" stitch. Thanking me they walked with the piece of paper in hand.
Later that day, the same man came to me and asked if this was the right stitch he was supposed to received. I said of course. He then asked me if I could surprise his daughter with it. I went to his daughter and I bend down and exclaimed I had been looking for her. She looked confused and asked why. I told her Stitch found out she had lost her Stitch doll on her birthday. He wanted him to have this one instead. Then I pulled out the 15" Stitch. She was so excited. She hugged me. The family thanked me again and walked off.
The rest of the Tomorrowland was great. I'm now picking up shifts there regularly. Though Jungle Cruise is my home and I love it, Tomorrowland will always have a place in my heart.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
The last few weeks, Star Wars weekends has taken place at Hollywood Studios. Star Wars weekends takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday where fans can meet Star Wars characters as well as stars from the movies have autograph sessions. I went on the first day of Star wars opening. Not because I was excited for Star Wars weekend but for the opening of Star Tours.
I arrived at Hollywood Studios at 7:45am and head straight to Star Tours to grab a fastpass. Then headed to Jabba's Hutt, which was in huge tent behind Rock N Roller Coaster. Jabba's Hutt is home to Star Wars Merchandise. When we got there, there was already a 3 hour line to view the limited edition merchandise. Though I bypassed that line, I did buy an opening day T-shirt.
Afterward riding Tower of Terror, we headed to stake our spot to watch the opening ceremony. I have to say the opening ceremony was incredible. They had a Star wars parade that started the ceremony. Then they had a lady come out and welcome us about how excited she was to open flights from Hollywood studios. Then no other then Darth Vader came on stage and took over Star Tours never allowing it to open. The screen showed stormtroopers trapping Star Tours opening team and creating a force field around the attraction. Two Jedi's arrive and defeat the stormtroopers. They made the way to the stage. The two jedis turned out to be Bob Iger and George Lucas!!
After the ceremony, everyone headed to Star Tours. Though I had already ridden the ride five times during cast previews, I joined the line. Disney way overestimated the line. They had lines prepared down the streets of America. However, the longest time we stood in line for was 55 minutes. I rode the ride 6 times throughout the day
Star Tours is a great ride. The queue is designed like a airport. They have a video advertising different places Star Tour travels, a droid that is scanning bags, and a heat image of you. During the ride you travel to different places trying to protect the rebel spy. Though Disney advertised there are 54 different journey, if you are lucky you can see everything in three rides. Overall, I give the ride a 8 our of 10. Highly recommend you ride.
During the day, I also attended Star of the Saga show. I also recommend this if you are a Star Wars fan. The preshow was hilarious and made my day. The show features an interview with the stars of Star wars. This year show was with Anthony Daniels, James Arnold, and Daniel Logan.
I ended the night with the Hyperspace Hoopla. Star wars characters have a dance off. This year's theme was rock n roll! It was a great way to end the day.
I arrived at Hollywood Studios at 7:45am and head straight to Star Tours to grab a fastpass. Then headed to Jabba's Hutt, which was in huge tent behind Rock N Roller Coaster. Jabba's Hutt is home to Star Wars Merchandise. When we got there, there was already a 3 hour line to view the limited edition merchandise. Though I bypassed that line, I did buy an opening day T-shirt.
Afterward riding Tower of Terror, we headed to stake our spot to watch the opening ceremony. I have to say the opening ceremony was incredible. They had a Star wars parade that started the ceremony. Then they had a lady come out and welcome us about how excited she was to open flights from Hollywood studios. Then no other then Darth Vader came on stage and took over Star Tours never allowing it to open. The screen showed stormtroopers trapping Star Tours opening team and creating a force field around the attraction. Two Jedi's arrive and defeat the stormtroopers. They made the way to the stage. The two jedis turned out to be Bob Iger and George Lucas!!
After the ceremony, everyone headed to Star Tours. Though I had already ridden the ride five times during cast previews, I joined the line. Disney way overestimated the line. They had lines prepared down the streets of America. However, the longest time we stood in line for was 55 minutes. I rode the ride 6 times throughout the day
Star Tours is a great ride. The queue is designed like a airport. They have a video advertising different places Star Tour travels, a droid that is scanning bags, and a heat image of you. During the ride you travel to different places trying to protect the rebel spy. Though Disney advertised there are 54 different journey, if you are lucky you can see everything in three rides. Overall, I give the ride a 8 our of 10. Highly recommend you ride.
During the day, I also attended Star of the Saga show. I also recommend this if you are a Star Wars fan. The preshow was hilarious and made my day. The show features an interview with the stars of Star wars. This year show was with Anthony Daniels, James Arnold, and Daniel Logan.
I ended the night with the Hyperspace Hoopla. Star wars characters have a dance off. This year's theme was rock n roll! It was a great way to end the day.
Monday, May 16, 2011
The End of My CP Journey
A few days ago, I packed the last of my things in my Patterson apartment into my car. After over 9 months, my CP journey was officially over. I stood in an empty room with my roomie. It was a strange feeling being in an empty apartment waiting to say goodbye to a person you’ve lived with since August. Though she’s staying here also, it was hard to say goodbye.
I would actually have to say the hardest thing about the CP is saying goodbye. You make friends from all over the world that will last a lifetime here in Disney world. Yes, I made friends with people from Japan, China, UK, New Zealand, Brazil, and of course from most of the 50 states. Where else can so many people from different area meet? And after spending so much time with them, everyone has to go back home and pick up their lives where they left off. It’s tough.
The last 9 months have been amazing. Honestly, doing the college program was the best adventure I have had thus far. If you are thinking about doing the college program, do it! Don’t hesitate. Though you’ll get homesick from time to time or hate answering the same questions over and over, the positives out way all the negatives in a heartbeat. Focus on those positives. You’ll make so many memories with fellow cast members, roomies, and guests.
Thank you to all my readers who stayed with me through all my college program adventures. Though I did write it for future CPers, I also wrote it for myself. See the progress. How I changed. What adventures I had. However without readers, I don’t know if I would have succeeded as well as I did. So thank you for sticking by me and living the CP with me. I appreciate each and every one of you.
Since I am staying down here, I will try to update this blog. I’ll try giving advice to upcoming college program. I hope this become a tool for future CPs. If you are considering doing the CP, I hope all your dreams do come true like mine did.
Now moving on with a new chapter of my life. Part-time at Disney world still working for a mouse.
I would actually have to say the hardest thing about the CP is saying goodbye. You make friends from all over the world that will last a lifetime here in Disney world. Yes, I made friends with people from Japan, China, UK, New Zealand, Brazil, and of course from most of the 50 states. Where else can so many people from different area meet? And after spending so much time with them, everyone has to go back home and pick up their lives where they left off. It’s tough.
The last 9 months have been amazing. Honestly, doing the college program was the best adventure I have had thus far. If you are thinking about doing the college program, do it! Don’t hesitate. Though you’ll get homesick from time to time or hate answering the same questions over and over, the positives out way all the negatives in a heartbeat. Focus on those positives. You’ll make so many memories with fellow cast members, roomies, and guests.
Thank you to all my readers who stayed with me through all my college program adventures. Though I did write it for future CPers, I also wrote it for myself. See the progress. How I changed. What adventures I had. However without readers, I don’t know if I would have succeeded as well as I did. So thank you for sticking by me and living the CP with me. I appreciate each and every one of you.
Since I am staying down here, I will try to update this blog. I’ll try giving advice to upcoming college program. I hope this become a tool for future CPs. If you are considering doing the CP, I hope all your dreams do come true like mine did.
Now moving on with a new chapter of my life. Part-time at Disney world still working for a mouse.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Packing List for Future CPs
There are many people who are getting ready to do the Fall advantage Program and have been asking what items you should bring. Some lesser common items are:
A bag to bring with you when you go to the parks.
Mattress Pad - The beds are not comfortable at all!! However on some days, they beds will become very very comfortable after a 13 hour work day.
Sunglasses in the Disney Look - you can work outside quite a lot and the sun in Florida is quite bright sometimes.
Games - Entertainment on nights when the parks close early or you work so late that the parks are colsed
Brita Water Pitcher or filter - Florida water is awful
Storage bins - There's limited room in the apartment
Vacuum and cleaning supplies - For inspections
Shoe Rack - Again limited space in the closet
Towel rack - Helps to store your towels in the bathroom
Toaster - The apartment doesn't come with one
Blender - Good for quick smoothies on your way to work or for a Margarita after work
TV - For entertainment
DVD player - Again entertainment
Wireless Router - the apartment doesn't have wireless Internet
Dry Erase Board - Easy way to communicate with roomies
Money $400+ - I spent roughly $450 the first two weeks I was here.
Iron/Ironing Board - comes in handy for Traditions or for your classes.
A bag to bring with you when you go to the parks.
Mattress Pad - The beds are not comfortable at all!! However on some days, they beds will become very very comfortable after a 13 hour work day.
Sunglasses in the Disney Look - you can work outside quite a lot and the sun in Florida is quite bright sometimes.
Games - Entertainment on nights when the parks close early or you work so late that the parks are colsed
Brita Water Pitcher or filter - Florida water is awful
Storage bins - There's limited room in the apartment
Vacuum and cleaning supplies - For inspections
Shoe Rack - Again limited space in the closet
Towel rack - Helps to store your towels in the bathroom
Toaster - The apartment doesn't come with one
Blender - Good for quick smoothies on your way to work or for a Margarita after work
TV - For entertainment
DVD player - Again entertainment
Wireless Router - the apartment doesn't have wireless Internet
Dry Erase Board - Easy way to communicate with roomies
Money $400+ - I spent roughly $450 the first two weeks I was here.
Iron/Ironing Board - comes in handy for Traditions or for your classes.
Friday, April 29, 2011
3 Bedroom at Patterson
I realized I never did a tour of my 3 bedroom at Patterson.
In a three bedroom, six people live there. One of the biggest negatives I found was the kitchen. Though there is more cabinet space, there's not a lot of room. The pantry door only has five selves. There is only one refrigerator and freezer. Some days I couldn't find room to fit my groceries in the freezer. We had to even use duct tape on time. Another major difference was, all bathrooms only have one sink unlike the two bedrooms where a bathroom had two sinks.
Sadly, you have the same amount of furniture as a two bedroom. So finding space for six people to watch a movie together was a little difficult. However, we did have a huge balcony and the living room was bigger than a two bedroom.
Word of advice: the first bedroom is the biggest. Luckily, my roomie and I got that bedroom. it was nice to have that little extra space. Tomorrow, I’m leaving this apartment and moving into my new one. I’ll probably post pictures of that apartment soon but for now here’s pictures of my current Patterson bedroom.
Kitchen
Large bedroom
In a three bedroom, six people live there. One of the biggest negatives I found was the kitchen. Though there is more cabinet space, there's not a lot of room. The pantry door only has five selves. There is only one refrigerator and freezer. Some days I couldn't find room to fit my groceries in the freezer. We had to even use duct tape on time. Another major difference was, all bathrooms only have one sink unlike the two bedrooms where a bathroom had two sinks.
Sadly, you have the same amount of furniture as a two bedroom. So finding space for six people to watch a movie together was a little difficult. However, we did have a huge balcony and the living room was bigger than a two bedroom.
Word of advice: the first bedroom is the biggest. Luckily, my roomie and I got that bedroom. it was nice to have that little extra space. Tomorrow, I’m leaving this apartment and moving into my new one. I’ll probably post pictures of that apartment soon but for now here’s pictures of my current Patterson bedroom.
Kitchen
Large closet in our bedroom
Bathroom Note: there's only one sink
Living room
Large bedroom
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Life Decision
A few weeks ago, I made a life decision. After talking to two of my co-workers, I decided I would stay in Florida.
Two days later, I marched down to Casting to apply for part/full time. It was a weird feeling being back in that building. The last time I was there was in August finding out that I would spending five months in Tomorrowland working merchandise. This time I got to pick where I wanted to work. After filling out the paperwork, I was told there was a part time position open in Adventureland/Liberty Square starting May 15th. One of my roommates and I took it within seconds. Though I don't know for sure which attraction I will be working, I have a 90% chance of being place to my current location, which I'm fine with. I did put in paperwork so I can try and get cross-train at Haunted Mansion or Pirates.
A few days later, we went looking for an apartment. It was hard to find an apartment in our price range, that was semi decent, and close to work. However after looking at six apartment, we found one. The apartment is a three bedroom for $1,019. It's located behind Magic Kingdom about 10 minutes from cast parking.
I'm super excited! I move into my new apartment in 11 days!
Two days later, I marched down to Casting to apply for part/full time. It was a weird feeling being back in that building. The last time I was there was in August finding out that I would spending five months in Tomorrowland working merchandise. This time I got to pick where I wanted to work. After filling out the paperwork, I was told there was a part time position open in Adventureland/Liberty Square starting May 15th. One of my roommates and I took it within seconds. Though I don't know for sure which attraction I will be working, I have a 90% chance of being place to my current location, which I'm fine with. I did put in paperwork so I can try and get cross-train at Haunted Mansion or Pirates.
A few days later, we went looking for an apartment. It was hard to find an apartment in our price range, that was semi decent, and close to work. However after looking at six apartment, we found one. The apartment is a three bedroom for $1,019. It's located behind Magic Kingdom about 10 minutes from cast parking.
I'm super excited! I move into my new apartment in 11 days!
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