Hey there!
Lately, I've been thinking about my future more and more. As I enter my final year in college (it's about time!), I'm beginning to figure out what my plans will be like after I graduate. The right thing to do would be to search for a job in my field of study, which in my case, would be a job teaching elementary school. I've dreamed of becoming a teacher for such a long time, and it's becoming really surreal that those dreams can actually, very possibly, come true within the next year.
However, the further away I get from my Disney College Program ending, the more and more I want to either do another program or work for Disney again in some other way. My mind is going a million miles a minute dreaming of these possibilities. I loved working for Disney so much. The fact that their sole purpose is to make dreams come true and create happiness for others is something I've come to admire, and something I want to be a part of for a bit longer. Disney offers careers and internships in the education field, which is something I could look into. Or, I could go completely off the education grid and do something in the communications field (which btw, I'm not really sure if I'm even qualified for that, since I'll have a sociology degree and an elementary ed certificate, lol).
I also really want to do another Disney College Program next fall. I absolutely loved being a part of making magic for guests and getting to experience it for myself every single day. The sad reality of this is that I really need to focus on getting a full time job close to home (which the DCP is not). I'm not quite sure what my chances are of doing another DCP, but I have about six months to figure that out until the Fall 2017 applications drop, and I'm still crossing my fingers I am able to.
I really hope January 4th, 2016 was not my last time working for the Disney Company. I know deep down in my heart that I will return to the company in some way (whether it is next year, in the next five years, or maybe not until I retire from teaching). I'm confident that someday, I will be back working for the Mouse again, and the Walt Disney Company has not seen the last of me!
Monday, August 15, 2016
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Things I Wish I Did on My DCP
I had an amazing Disney College Program. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about the wonderful, magical time I had living and working in Disney for five months. I wish I could do it all over again. In fact, if I could do it over again, there are some things I would have done a little differently. Maybe reading this will help you out with your college program! :)
1. Picked up more EHH shifts.
I had dreams of working at every park at least once. I almost did that. My main location was Magic Kingdom Main Street Entrance, did two other shifts at MK, I worked at Epcot twice, and I worked in Animal Kingdom once. But I never quite made it to Hollywood Studios! My other goal was to work in each land in MK. To be quite honest, working EHH shifts made me so nervous. I was so afraid of not being sure where to go, not sure what the buses getting there would be like, how I'd get along with the other co-workers, not knowing the area well enough to help guests, etc. I wish I had just gone along and picked up more EHH, because the cast members at other locations were always super helpful and friendly! It would have been cool experiencing working at different locations. I loved the familiarity of working at Magic Kingdom, but I should have taken more chances and tried working more at other parks!
2. Go on every ride in the parks.
I went on almost every ride...but I kept repeating the ones I loved over and over again. Which at the end of the day isn't a bad thing. You can never get enough Haunted Mansion or Expedition Everest. Sometimes I didn't have the patience to wait in a long line (such as Astro Orbiter, which I was always surprised to see have such long wait times), so I skipped out and said I'd go next time. Sadly, my program ended before I could ride it.
3. Spent more time with co-workers outside of work.
I was so nervous about asking my co-workers to hangout outside of work that it wasn't really until the second half of my program that I started to form friendships outside of work. No clue as to why I was nervous. Everyone was so nice! So sadly, we didn't get to spend as much time together outside of work as I would have liked.
4. Explored more of Florida.
This was pretty much impossible for me because I didn't bring a car with me. I was lucky enough to get to go to Universal about 5 or 6 times, and I went to Clearwater for the day. Still, I would've liked to explore the surrounding towns and possibly gone to the Atlantic side of Florida's beaches.
5. Introduced myself to my neighbors.
I think it would have been so cool to have friends right next door or across the way. Again, I was too shy and thought my neighbors wouldn't want to make new friends. I feel so silly for thinking that way! If I could do another program over again, I would bake a batch of cookies for my neighbors, knock on their door, and introduce myself!
6. Saved money.
I do not regret spending money on any of the merchandise I bought, that's for sure. However, I wish I didn't spend money on eating out so much, mainly in the parks. Quick service food in the park can really add up. I don't regret full-service dining, but how many times did I really need a burger from Cosmic Ray's? I should have cooked more in the apartment to save money and eat healthier, and should have done a better job budgeting my money.
7. Extended my shifts.
Sometimes, my shifts only lasted six hours. I only started extending them the last few weeks of my program. This isn't really a huge regret, because I was probably so exhausted to extend anyway.
8. Vlogged more. And blogged more..
I didn't have as much time to sit at my computer and blog, but a vlog doesn't take too long to put together. I wish I had taken my camera with me to the parks to vlog more. I have many photos, but more videos would have been awesome to look back on. Especially with my friends.
9. Took cuter pictures.
This is sort of silly, but I wish I had taken the time to look nicer when going to the parks so I had cuter park pictures! However, in that Florida humidity, my hair was doomed, and I wanted to dress for comfort. Still, there's something inside of me that says I should've tried harder!
10. Accomplished more from my bucket list.
Rather than doing the same things over and over, I wish I did some of the random things on my bucket list, such as having a picnic at Fort Wilderness, or explore all of the resorts.
1. Picked up more EHH shifts.
I had dreams of working at every park at least once. I almost did that. My main location was Magic Kingdom Main Street Entrance, did two other shifts at MK, I worked at Epcot twice, and I worked in Animal Kingdom once. But I never quite made it to Hollywood Studios! My other goal was to work in each land in MK. To be quite honest, working EHH shifts made me so nervous. I was so afraid of not being sure where to go, not sure what the buses getting there would be like, how I'd get along with the other co-workers, not knowing the area well enough to help guests, etc. I wish I had just gone along and picked up more EHH, because the cast members at other locations were always super helpful and friendly! It would have been cool experiencing working at different locations. I loved the familiarity of working at Magic Kingdom, but I should have taken more chances and tried working more at other parks!
2. Go on every ride in the parks.
I went on almost every ride...but I kept repeating the ones I loved over and over again. Which at the end of the day isn't a bad thing. You can never get enough Haunted Mansion or Expedition Everest. Sometimes I didn't have the patience to wait in a long line (such as Astro Orbiter, which I was always surprised to see have such long wait times), so I skipped out and said I'd go next time. Sadly, my program ended before I could ride it.
3. Spent more time with co-workers outside of work.
I was so nervous about asking my co-workers to hangout outside of work that it wasn't really until the second half of my program that I started to form friendships outside of work. No clue as to why I was nervous. Everyone was so nice! So sadly, we didn't get to spend as much time together outside of work as I would have liked.
4. Explored more of Florida.
This was pretty much impossible for me because I didn't bring a car with me. I was lucky enough to get to go to Universal about 5 or 6 times, and I went to Clearwater for the day. Still, I would've liked to explore the surrounding towns and possibly gone to the Atlantic side of Florida's beaches.
5. Introduced myself to my neighbors.
I think it would have been so cool to have friends right next door or across the way. Again, I was too shy and thought my neighbors wouldn't want to make new friends. I feel so silly for thinking that way! If I could do another program over again, I would bake a batch of cookies for my neighbors, knock on their door, and introduce myself!
6. Saved money.
I do not regret spending money on any of the merchandise I bought, that's for sure. However, I wish I didn't spend money on eating out so much, mainly in the parks. Quick service food in the park can really add up. I don't regret full-service dining, but how many times did I really need a burger from Cosmic Ray's? I should have cooked more in the apartment to save money and eat healthier, and should have done a better job budgeting my money.
7. Extended my shifts.
Sometimes, my shifts only lasted six hours. I only started extending them the last few weeks of my program. This isn't really a huge regret, because I was probably so exhausted to extend anyway.
8. Vlogged more. And blogged more..
I didn't have as much time to sit at my computer and blog, but a vlog doesn't take too long to put together. I wish I had taken my camera with me to the parks to vlog more. I have many photos, but more videos would have been awesome to look back on. Especially with my friends.
9. Took cuter pictures.
This is sort of silly, but I wish I had taken the time to look nicer when going to the parks so I had cuter park pictures! However, in that Florida humidity, my hair was doomed, and I wanted to dress for comfort. Still, there's something inside of me that says I should've tried harder!
10. Accomplished more from my bucket list.
Rather than doing the same things over and over, I wish I did some of the random things on my bucket list, such as having a picnic at Fort Wilderness, or explore all of the resorts.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
How to Have a Great DCP Phone Interview
With Disney College Program applications dropping quite soon for the spring 2017 program, I thought it would be time to make a blog post about phone interview tips.
So, you applied to the DCP, passed your web-based interview, and selected your time for your interview. As you try to prepare for the big day, you start freaking out, thinking: Will I be able to handle all the pressure? Are the interviewers going to be nice? How can I show recruiters that I'm a strong candidate?
No need to fear! I have 10 tips to help you do the very best you can do on your DCP phone interview!
1. Prepare.
The very first thing I did when I decided I wanted to do the DCP, loooong before I even applied, I did lots and lots of research. I read about what the program entailed, what each role would be like, learned about Disney Look, and more. I also found possible interview questions through Google, blogs, and YouTube videos that they might ask on the interview. Knowing what to expect really helped me. I also chose my top three roles incase recruiters asked me, so I could give them a good answer, and have answers prepared if they asked me a question regarding the role.
2. Practice!
Have mock interviews before the real thing. My best friend and I both applied to the program at the same time and we gave each other mock interviews to make us feel comfortable with the questions. I also had one of my friends, a DCP alumni, interview me. If you don't have any DCP alumni friends, just ask your friends or family members to interview you!
3. Schedule your interview in the morning.
This is more of a personal preference, especially because I know that not many people are morning people. However, if it's possible, I think that getting your interview done and over with before lunch is great. You won't have to spend the rest of your day worked up with nerves because you can't stop thinking about your interview. Also, if you wake up early for your interview, the more your mind will make it seem like an important responsibility. Again, this is just what I preferred but you might find it helpful!
4. Get a good night's sleep/eat a good breakfast.
Whether your interview is at 8 am or 8 pm, make sure you're well rested for the interview! Studies show that adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep a night. This is an important job interview, so treat it as such. It would be incredibly embarrassing if you started yawning halfway during the interview because you were tired! Also, make sure to eat a good breakfast. Proper nourishment will help you feel more energized for your interview and will feed your brain so you're ready to answer those questions!
5. Find a quiet, comfortable place.
I did my interview in my dorm room. I coordinated with my roommate's schedule, so that I knew for certain she wouldn't be in the room while I interviewed so I wouldn't get disrupted. I wanted to do it where I felt most comfortable, somewhere I knew I could concentrate. If you can't make it back to your house for your interview, I've heard of some people doing their DCP interviews in their cars in a quiet place on campus. Whatever works best for you! Just make sure you have no interruptions. I also let my friends and family know not to contact me while I was doing my phone interview.
6. Get dressed.
I know that it's only a phone interview, but changing out of your pajamas will actually make you feel like you did something productive. Dressing the part will help you get into the right mental frame of mind that your interview is important. Just because it's a phone interview, doesn't give you the right to slack off! Okay, so maybe you don't need to wear a business suit, but putting on a nice outfit and doing your hair and brushing your teeth will mentally prepare your mind that it's time to get down to business (Mulan pun intended). You can even wear your favorite Disney t-shirt if you want! But getting out of your pajamas will help out a ton.
7. Write down encouraging words/quotes to look at before your interview.
Before my interview, I was a nervous wreck! I knew I would be long before it was even scheduled. I tried to think of ways to ease my nerves. One day, I was listening to Disney music and heard an inspiring lyric that reminded me I would be okay! So I decided to write down all of my favorite Disney lyrics/quotes on post-it notes that I felt would encourage me. I hung them up on my desk and looked at them a few times before my interview and it really helped. "Just keep swimming" and "To infinity and beyond" were among the quotes I had written down. Your inspiring words don't have to be Disney, but it sure wouldn't hurt!
8. Say the interviewer's name.
It's super important to use your interviewer's name. It shows you are respectful to them for taking their time to interview you, and shows you are paying attention to what they have to say. They are trying to get to know you better, so it is kind to call them by their name. I suggest having paper and a pen nearby so you can immediately jot down their name when they introduce themselves. Don't be afraid to kindly ask them to repeat their name if you didn't hear it right the first time. Use their name especially when you're thanking them and asking them questions. I tried to say my interviewer's name as often as I could.
9. Ask questions.
Once again, asking questions shows the interviewer you're interested in the company as well as them. Come up with a couple of questions ahead of time, even if you have a question about housing, the Disney Look, or the DCP buses. Personally, I asked my interviewer how she got started with the company, and what she thought most students took away from their programs.
10. Smile!
Have fun and enjoy yourself when you're doing the phone interview. You're applying to work at the place where dreams come true! Sure, the interviewer can't see you, but they can tell if you're smiling! It's important to present yourself with a positive attitude. If you think you'll struggle with not being able to smile, sit in front of a mirror and smile back at your reflection. Sounds silly and awkward, but it should do the trick!
These are my top 10 tips for a great DCP phone interview! Make sure you "arrive" to your interview early, don't panic if they don't call right on time, have your volume turned all the way up so you don't miss the phone ringing when they do call you, and be honest with your interviewer (if you don't want to work outside, tell them! If you have tattoos, tell them! None of that will affect your chances of getting accepted).
I know everyone is going to do a great job on their interviews! Do not hesitate to leave a comment if you have any other questions about the phone interview. I am sending you all faith, trust, and pixie dust!
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Just Around the Corner is a Fantasyland!
Hello everybody!
I can't believe it's been over three months since I finished my college program and left Disney World. Times have been rough, my friends. Adjusting back to the real world was a struggle. I was most definitely the driver of the "Struggle Bus" since I've come home. Yes, I had glimpses of reality while on my program (making sure I didn't blow all my money on merch so I had enough to buy groceries, being exhausted from working Extra Magic Hours, etc.), but those realities are nothing compared to the realities I'm facing now. School is getting harder, and I feel swamped with assignments every week.
Now that the semester is coming to a close, I am getting very excited for summer. I am also getting excited for something else too...
I'M GOING TO DISNEY!
Yes, my friends, I'm going back to Neverland. And yes, I know, I was JUST there for four months. But you would only understand the strong desire to go back if you have completed your college program. My friend Virginia, who did the same fall program as me and is also a friend of mine from school, suggested the idea back in March. The only way to get over your Disney depression is by planning another trip back, which is exactly what we're doing!
When the semester ends, we will be heading back to Disney for a quick trip. Only going to one Disney park (Magic Kingdom, of course) and using up our Universal annual pass one last time, we are determined to make it the most magical four days ever!
I hope you all have a magical day! If you are in that last part of your semester, push through, everyone! You will get through it!
Love, Lindsey
I can't believe it's been over three months since I finished my college program and left Disney World. Times have been rough, my friends. Adjusting back to the real world was a struggle. I was most definitely the driver of the "Struggle Bus" since I've come home. Yes, I had glimpses of reality while on my program (making sure I didn't blow all my money on merch so I had enough to buy groceries, being exhausted from working Extra Magic Hours, etc.), but those realities are nothing compared to the realities I'm facing now. School is getting harder, and I feel swamped with assignments every week.
Now that the semester is coming to a close, I am getting very excited for summer. I am also getting excited for something else too...
I'M GOING TO DISNEY!
Yes, my friends, I'm going back to Neverland. And yes, I know, I was JUST there for four months. But you would only understand the strong desire to go back if you have completed your college program. My friend Virginia, who did the same fall program as me and is also a friend of mine from school, suggested the idea back in March. The only way to get over your Disney depression is by planning another trip back, which is exactly what we're doing!
When the semester ends, we will be heading back to Disney for a quick trip. Only going to one Disney park (Magic Kingdom, of course) and using up our Universal annual pass one last time, we are determined to make it the most magical four days ever!
I hope you all have a magical day! If you are in that last part of your semester, push through, everyone! You will get through it!
Love, Lindsey
Friday, March 25, 2016
My Top 5 Favorite Disney Snacks
Year after year, I can never get tired of going to Disney. I love the parks, rides, atmosphere, and all the magical moments. One of my most favorite things about going to Disney is the food! There is nothing better than heading to your favorite park and indulging in your favorite Disney snack after a long afternoon of running around. Here are my top 5 favorite Disney snacks!
Friday, February 5, 2016
Disney College Program - The Merchandise Role
Hey friends!
Are you interested in the role of merchandise for the Disney College Program, or maybe you found out you were accepted into this role and want to know more? You've come to the right place! I was a Merchandise Cast Member during the Fall 2015 program. I'd be more than happy to share my experiences and tips with you.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Back to Life, Back to Reality
Hello friends,
Before I begin, if the title of this post made you think of the song "Back to Life" by Soul II Soul, I want to be your best friend.
Now we may continue.
It's been a whole month since I set foot back on New Jersey soil. I've kissed my days at the Kingdom goodbye, and have returned home to the motherland. While it is good to be surrounded by my loved ones and have access to disco fries again, I want nothing more to be back in my fantasy land.
You see, it's funny, because while I was down in Florida living in this fantasy, I still craved reality. I was having the time of my life, but I was homesick. I dreamed of my days back home and how I missed having a routine, living in the suburbs, and seeing the people I loved on a daily basis. Now that I'm back home, I ache for the simplicity of being on the Disney College Program. You always want what you can't have, and right now, there is nothing I want more than to be living in Disney World again. You could say I'm in a huge post Disney College Program funk.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
November in a Nutshell
Hey there friends!
This is a super delayed post and I apologize, but the end of November/beginning of December was super busy! I still wanna get this up before December is over, because I know it's nearly January already lol. So without any further ado, here is my November in Disney!
This is a super delayed post and I apologize, but the end of November/beginning of December was super busy! I still wanna get this up before December is over, because I know it's nearly January already lol. So without any further ado, here is my November in Disney!
I can't believe November is already over and long gone. I only have a few days left of my college program. Things are getting real! I am trying to do as much as possible, all while still getting a decent amount of sleep. I have finally settled in here, and by settled, I mean I am comfortable at work, I have found great friends, and I am used to the idea of living here away from my family and friends.
Let's take a peek at all I've been up to in November!
Monday, November 16, 2015
There's So Much to be Thankful For
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but this year will obviously be really different. Rather than spending it watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in the morning and then enjoying a delicious feast with my big family later in the day, I'll be working at Magic Kingdom, serving guests and making their Thanksgiving a magical one. As much as I would rather be back at home with my loved ones for the day, I have come to realize since I've been apart from them that I've been blessed with so much.
This year, I am extremely grateful for so many things. I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime by working for the Walt Disney Company. But there's so much more to it than that. Since I've been here, I've been able to think deeply about all that's happened since I've moved away and all the changes I've gone through, and realized how it is shaping me as a person.
I'm so thankful for my family, especially my parents. They have been extremely supportive of my dreams to do the college program, even if it meant that I had to take a semester off of school and wouldn't be able to spend the holidays with them. I'm also really fortunate that they will be coming to visit me at such a special time at Disney. Not everyone's parents have been as supportive of their kids' dreams. My family has been there for me through all my emotions while I've been away (me being the dramatic girl I am, they've dealt with a LOT of emotions hehehe), about being homesick and other obstacles I've faced during my program. Without their endless support, I'm not sure how I could've dealt with everything properly.
I'm thankful for all of my friends back home. Thank you guys for doing your absolute best to stay in touch despite all of our busy schedules. At this point in our lives, now that the majority of us are done with undergrad (except for me, womp womp), it's really hard to stay in touch with people. People are going in different directions, traveling down new paths, which often means leaving the past behind them and going forward to fulfill their needs. Despite doing their own thing, I'll always be grateful that I've been able to stay in touch with all my friends back home, and blessed to be surrounded by those that have been so graciously loving and understanding during my hard times, and endlessly happy for me as I live my dream.
I'm thankful for all my friends here at Disney, and my amazing co-workers. The people that I'm friends with here are experiencing this magical life with me (and sometimes not so magical) and I'm happy I have great people to share these memories with. I'm really thankful to have people to relate to about all the things we are going through on my program, and also especially thankful that I have people I can dork out about Disney with and they actually understand! haha. Without the friends I've made here, my program certainly wouldn't be as special.
Lastly, I am thankful for the opportunity to work at Disney, even if it's just for a semester. I'm living out my dream and it all still feels like a fantasy. I may complain a lot about the weather and talk about how badly I can't wait to go home, but I will always and forevermore be thankful to be here. The experiences I've had here are memories I will always carry in my heart, the lessons I've learned will allow me to grow as a person, and the magic I'm surrounded by each day will live on with me.
Although I can't be with my family this year on this holiday, I'm sure that it will still be a good one.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Love, Lindsey
Sunday, November 1, 2015
October in Disney
Oh, autumn. One of my favorite times of the year. I love the crisp feeling in the air when the weather finally starts to cool down, watching the leaves change from green to orange, yellow, and red, going on hayrides with my friends, preparing for Halloween by decorating, getting costumes together and watching Halloween movies, and finally getting to wear leggings and boots. What's not to love about autumn?
This year was kind of different if you ask me. I still got to celebrate Halloween by watching movies, eating candy, and (kind of) dressing up. But the humidity and high temperatures didn't make it feel like it was October! In fact, in my mind, it still seems like summer, except stores are starting to sell seasonal items and Magic Kingdom is decorated for Halloween.
Here is how I got to celebrate the fall down here in Florida!
This year was kind of different if you ask me. I still got to celebrate Halloween by watching movies, eating candy, and (kind of) dressing up. But the humidity and high temperatures didn't make it feel like it was October! In fact, in my mind, it still seems like summer, except stores are starting to sell seasonal items and Magic Kingdom is decorated for Halloween.
Here is how I got to celebrate the fall down here in Florida!
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Dealing with Homesickness
Woah, I'm posting something within the same week of another post? Crazy right?! I actually had a day shift today, so I have the night off and I'm taking the time to do some laundry and getting my life together.
Like I've said before, life in Florida is pretty great. It still feels like summer because I'm not taking any classes and the weather is still warm. I have the opportunity to play in the parks whenever I want. I get to live on my own. I'm meeting so many new people. The list could go on and on about how awesome things are here!
However, life here is also really bittersweet. I'm having a great time here, but I also get hit with waves of homesickness. Not everyday, but there are days when I wake up and just feel sad.
Alright, alright. I'm being a tad bit over dramatic here, especially with the sad little Stitch gif. I live in Disney World! But I am a really big homebody--I thoroughly enjoy being home. It brings me a lot of comfort and even after having fun living away at school, I always enjoy coming home for the weekend. Home>anywhere else. And the hardest part about being homesick in Florida is that I can't just go home as I please.
Like I've said before, life in Florida is pretty great. It still feels like summer because I'm not taking any classes and the weather is still warm. I have the opportunity to play in the parks whenever I want. I get to live on my own. I'm meeting so many new people. The list could go on and on about how awesome things are here!
However, life here is also really bittersweet. I'm having a great time here, but I also get hit with waves of homesickness. Not everyday, but there are days when I wake up and just feel sad.
Alright, alright. I'm being a tad bit over dramatic here, especially with the sad little Stitch gif. I live in Disney World! But I am a really big homebody--I thoroughly enjoy being home. It brings me a lot of comfort and even after having fun living away at school, I always enjoy coming home for the weekend. Home>anywhere else. And the hardest part about being homesick in Florida is that I can't just go home as I please.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
September Update!
Yikes, I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post. Totally did not mean for that to happen. I guess it just means I'm having too much fun to sit down and write something. But what's even crazier is that I can't believe it's been over a month since I've been living in Florida! I feel like I was accepted into the Disney College Program just yesterday, and now I'm living the dream.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Traditions!
Hello!
So Thursday, September 3rd was my Traditions. When starting any new job, its newest employees must go through an orientation of some sort before they can begin training. Disney has an orientation too, except it is so much more than that. At Traditions, Disney introduces you to the heritage and history of the Disney company, what they expect of their cast members, how we all play a part in the future of Disney, and welcoming you to their big family.
I can't really share too much of what happened but Traditions was a very emotional experience, especially for a huge Disney fan like myself. It kept hitting me while I was sitting there at Disney University that I am now a part of this amazing company.
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| Disney's newest cast member! |
Check-In, Casting, and More!
Good morning everyone!
Monday, August 31, 2015 marked the beginning of my Disney College Program! My check-in time was at 9:30 am. Check-in was super smooth despite the thick Florida air we endured while standing outside in line. We were given program guides as well as our housing information and where we will be working! I got all the roommates I wanted and I'm so incredibly happy about that. I also found out that I will be working at MAGIC KINGDOM! More specifically, Main Street USA! I am the happiest camper -- Magic Kingdom is exactly where I wanted to work, so thank you Disney for making my dreams come true!
I was able to move into my apartment and settle in before I had to move on to Casting. My room comes with its own bathroom and a walk-in closet. I plan on taking pictures/videos when everything is all cleaned up and once we're completely moved in. It's slowly starting to feel like home!
Casting went smooth as well; there, we filled out important paperwork such as I-9 forms and got our fingerprints and our first schedule for training. It was very exciting to be at Casting because they have really nice pictures all over the place of characters and of people that work for the company loving their job.
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| The door handles to Casting, inspired by Alice in Wonderland |
Sunday, August 30, 2015
First Full Day in Florida
Good evening everyone!
To spare you with the long details of our 15+ hour road trip down to Florida, I'll sum it up really quickly. After getting set back from some traffic, we were put a bit behind schedule and had to spend the night in North Carolina rather than South Carolina. Not a bad thing, it just meant we had more driving to do on Saturday. We made it to our hotel, Disney's Pop Century, around 7:20 on Saturday, August 29th and we pretty much just checked in, ate dinner and relaxed in the room.
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Today, Sunday August 30th, was our first full day in Florida. Kelsey and I woke up at 5:30 am (after getting about only five hours of sleep) to meet up with her family at Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure. I purchased my preferred annual pass which is good for an entire year -- I get to visit the parks anytime I want and also get some discounts and free parking with it. Definitely has its perks!
Friday, August 28, 2015
Off to Neverland
When there's a smile in your heart, there's no better time to start...
Today is the big day! The moment I've been waiting for my whole life. I leave the comfort of my home, a place I've been familiar with for 22 years, to head to the Most Magical Place on Earth for four months. It's time to begin a new chapter in my life, one that will be filled with new experiences and emotions. It has been crazy hard saying "see you later" to my loved ones, but I know that in just four short months this will all be over. In about less than an hour, I'm going to head down to my roommate Kelsey's house, and from there, we will begin the long roadtrip to Orlando. I have no idea how long it'll take to get there, but we plan on spending the night in South Carolina and then continuing our way on Saturday.
This is probably the last post I'll be making until I'm in Florida. I can't wait to update everyone on my travels. I've never been on a roadtrip this long before so wish me luck on my sanity!
Have a magical day and I'll see ya real soon!
<3 Lindsey
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Nerves
Hey guys!
It is unbelievable how quickly this past summer has gone. In just eight days, I will be checking in at Vista Way (the center of Disney housing) and beginning my Disney College Program. It's amazing to think that it's already been over six (very long) months since I first got accepted, and now check-in is right around the corner.
It is unbelievable how quickly this past summer has gone. In just eight days, I will be checking in at Vista Way (the center of Disney housing) and beginning my Disney College Program. It's amazing to think that it's already been over six (very long) months since I first got accepted, and now check-in is right around the corner.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Magic Bands!
Hey guys! Look what came today!
For those that don't know what magic bands are, or don't know how they work, they are pretty much an all-in-one device that makes your Disney vacation a heck of a lot easier. They help you connect all the things that you plan out for your trip from My Disney Experience. My Disney Experience is your online Disney vacation planner -- your reservations, accommodations, itinerary, Fast Passes, etc are all booked and found on there.
Once your My Disney Experience is connected to your magic band, the magic band works as your resort key, tickets to the parks, Fast Passes for rides, and you can even connect your credit card on there to buy merchandise and food. Super nifty!
From my past two experiences with the magic band, I have found them to be quite comfortable and easy to manage. You can adjust the size of the band and can customize the colors online. At the parks, you can buy cute accessories to decorate your magic band with if you so choose. One of the greatest things about the magic bands are that they're water proof! Don't worry about getting caught in a Florida downpour while wearing one -- and don't even bother taking it off before taking a dip in the pool! They're called magic bands for a reason LOL.
I'm so excited to wear my latest magic band to Disney and hope to collect all the colors they offer!
I hope you have a magical day and I'll see ya real soon!
<3, Lindsey
Saturday, August 1, 2015
30 Days Pre Check-In Thoughts
Hello everyone,
Today is August 1, 2015. In 27 days, my roommate Kelsey and I will begin our roadtrip to the Sunshine Stage. And in 30 days is the Disney College Program check-in date for August 31st arrivals!
Now that I'm in the final month of being home surrounded by the people I care about, it's really beginning to sink in that I'll be leaving very soon. It's unbelievable how fast time has flown the past couple months. I feel like I'm in a mad scramble to see as many people as I can before I leave and spending as much time as I can with the people closest to me. It's crazy that I've already said some goodbyes to people, like some close college friends that live far from my hometown that I won't get to see until next year. There's no time to waste because before I know it, it'll be time to load up the car and head south for the fall.
I'm experiencing a mix of emotions at this current state. I'm so excited to begin my journey with Disney and ready to experience all the magic and find out my work location/meet new friends, nervous about the unknown and the uncertainty, sad to leave people I care about behind and not being able to see them for a long time, overwhelmed with how little time I have left to prepare, a little scared to live completely on my own (I don't count my experiences dorming at school), and a lot more. I guess these are all completely normal things to feel and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.
So for now, I will continue to spend a lot of time with the people I care about, eat as many Jersey bagels, pizza and disco fries before I go, and slowly (or maybe quickly) get ready for Disney.
I hope you all have a magical day, and I'll see ya real soon!
<3 Lindsey
Today is August 1, 2015. In 27 days, my roommate Kelsey and I will begin our roadtrip to the Sunshine Stage. And in 30 days is the Disney College Program check-in date for August 31st arrivals!
Now that I'm in the final month of being home surrounded by the people I care about, it's really beginning to sink in that I'll be leaving very soon. It's unbelievable how fast time has flown the past couple months. I feel like I'm in a mad scramble to see as many people as I can before I leave and spending as much time as I can with the people closest to me. It's crazy that I've already said some goodbyes to people, like some close college friends that live far from my hometown that I won't get to see until next year. There's no time to waste because before I know it, it'll be time to load up the car and head south for the fall.
I'm experiencing a mix of emotions at this current state. I'm so excited to begin my journey with Disney and ready to experience all the magic and find out my work location/meet new friends, nervous about the unknown and the uncertainty, sad to leave people I care about behind and not being able to see them for a long time, overwhelmed with how little time I have left to prepare, a little scared to live completely on my own (I don't count my experiences dorming at school), and a lot more. I guess these are all completely normal things to feel and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.
So for now, I will continue to spend a lot of time with the people I care about, eat as many Jersey bagels, pizza and disco fries before I go, and slowly (or maybe quickly) get ready for Disney.
I hope you all have a magical day, and I'll see ya real soon!
<3 Lindsey
Saturday, June 27, 2015
We've Got A Lot To Do!
...Is it one lump or two?
Thanks Mrs. Potts for my post title.
Hello all!
Today, I checked my Disney College Program countdown and realized I have 65 days until check-in! SIXTY FIVE DAYS. Which means in 62 days, my roommate Kelsey and I will be making the road trip down to Florida! 62 days sounds like a lot of time left, but with my busy summer schedule, I'm beginning to worry that I won't have nearly as much time to prepare as I would like. I work Monday through Friday for 11 hours each day. When I get home, I either pass out or have plans immediately after work. And on the weekends, I try to maintain my social life by going out with friends.
So what exactly do I even need to do to prepare?
Obviously I need to pack. But there's tons of things I need to buy -- my Traditions outfit, professional clothing, my Halloween costumes, things for the apartment, new clothes and possibly a new camera. Then when everything is bought, I have to organize them and get them ready to take down. All while packing as lightly as possible so everything can fit into Kelsey's car.
Am I stressed? You could say that. But excited for sure! I guess I should start preparing....now!
I hope you all have a magical day, and I'll see ya real soon! :)
<3,
Lindsey
Thanks Mrs. Potts for my post title.
Hello all!
Today, I checked my Disney College Program countdown and realized I have 65 days until check-in! SIXTY FIVE DAYS. Which means in 62 days, my roommate Kelsey and I will be making the road trip down to Florida! 62 days sounds like a lot of time left, but with my busy summer schedule, I'm beginning to worry that I won't have nearly as much time to prepare as I would like. I work Monday through Friday for 11 hours each day. When I get home, I either pass out or have plans immediately after work. And on the weekends, I try to maintain my social life by going out with friends.
So what exactly do I even need to do to prepare?
Obviously I need to pack. But there's tons of things I need to buy -- my Traditions outfit, professional clothing, my Halloween costumes, things for the apartment, new clothes and possibly a new camera. Then when everything is bought, I have to organize them and get them ready to take down. All while packing as lightly as possible so everything can fit into Kelsey's car.
Am I stressed? You could say that. But excited for sure! I guess I should start preparing....now!
I hope you all have a magical day, and I'll see ya real soon! :)
<3,
Lindsey
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