Training and Work

Sorry it's been a while, with work, schoolwork, and social time there is less time to surf the Internet and update this blog. People aren't kidding when they say it's difficult to keep up blogging while on the program. But alas here I am, sick and in bed, finally having some time to update you all on my DCP experience.

In this blog I'll be talking about work. Okay here goes:

I am a 'park greeter' at Epcot Main Entrance and International Gateway (Epcot has two entrances). I had a really cool trainer who made me and my friend Steph feel welcome and it was a fun three days of learning the ins and outs of being a park greeter. My main job is running the new 'V's,' which was once called the turnstiles. Basically they're these orb looking things with a Mickey on one side. You then hold your card, magic band, etc. up to the Mickey and if the light turns green you're good to go; if blue, redo it!

There are other tasks I could be doing while working, but most include guest interactions which is probably the best part of my job. Working an exit really allows for interactions with guests, whether that be if they're asking a question about where the 'best place to watch illuminations is,' or 'what is the Disney College Program?' My favorite guest interaction was with a couple who had a date at Epcot while Grandma and Grandpa were watching their children back at the resort. They came up to me asking where the nearest bathrooms were and then noticed my name was Hailey. They then continued to tell me how if they had a daughter they were going to name her Hailey, but instead they were destined to have all boys. As the conversation came to a close the mother came up to me, gave me a big hug, and said "here's a hug for the Hailey I never had." It made my night. 

My coworkers are all
awesome and working in Epcot, you definitely meet people from all over the world. I've already met people from Japan, Australia, and if you can believe it Wisconsin (just a little humor going out to one of my coworkers). 

If you have any questions feel free to leave them below!! Food and Wine Fest starts this week so I'm sure I'll have more stories to tell. Also this Tuesday I'm going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party so I'll be sure to do a post on that. As for now, I'm off to rest up and feel better!

Adios--

Oh yeah, and I'm definitely bringing the mirror selfie back over there lol

Check in day!

I've been in Florida for over a week now and I'm just now getting to this blog post. I'm sorry about that, I've just been busy with work type things and of course the fun stuff like going to the parks everyday. It's true, I've been to the parks every day that I've been here after Traditions! It's fun to go to the parks with friends who have never been to WDW or haven't been in years because their faces on the rides are priceless and hysterical. 

But anyway this blog post is to fill you in on check in day! 

Check in sign at Vista Way!

Since Disney decided to change their dorms system and put everything online, my check in day was different than those seen on YouTube. Instead of waking up and being at Vista at 3-4 in the morning to get a good apartment, ours was already chosen for us so we decided to get to Vista around 7:45 am. Disney stated to not come to Vista before 8 or after 10, but honestly we could have gone sooner because the line was already ridiculously long by the time we got there. We waited in line for a while (it wouldn't be Disney without long lines) and then finally got up to the desks to hand cast members our DORMS paper work that we filled out online 10 days prior to our arrival. Then they gave us a program guide and sent up to the next room which was...air conditioned! Until I arrived in Florida in August I had never really understood the beautiful thing called air conditioning. Anyway, in the next room we were told where we were living and who we were living with. We got a 3 bedroom in Patterson Court which means...two more roommates! Their names are Lily and Iris and they are both from South Korea doing the ICP (International College Program). They are both very sweet, and I can't wait to get to know them more (they started working first so we haven't had much time to talk)!

Welcome sign at check in!

The next thing we did in the air conditioned room was take our ID picture. I was hopeful it would turn out good, but they widened everyone's face so my head looks like it is about to pop. Then we got our room key and headed back out side (ugh). 

Once outside we waited in line some more and then we were separated by last names. At this point we found out specifically where we would be working (for some of us). I found out I was a park greeter in Epcot!! Even though I originally wanted Magic Kingdom, I'm now very excited that I got Epcot (I'll explain this in a different blog post about my orientation and training days).

Then onward to a drug test, filling out I-9 forms, and then finally being done with check in. We got there around 7:45 and finished around 10:15 if that helps you know how long the process is. Then because we had the largest check in group ever for the DCP (we were told that), they all split up our times of casting and traditions. I had casting the same day as check-in at 1 pm so I decided to got to our apartment, take a look around, and then leave for Casting. 

I like our apartment, but I'll make a vlog for you guys so you know what a 3 bedroom in Patterson looks like later! 

Casting was long as well, I got to the building around 1:30 and finished around 3:45. But it was fun, the building was amazing, and the cast members working in there were hilarious. I know my casting ladies were funny and super helpful! And both of them had worked at Epcot and they kept telling me it was their favorite place. Seeing them so excited about their jobs made me excited for my own.

After casting I bought some groceries and unpacked a little, but that night we had a reservation at Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary. Me and some of my roommates decided to dress up for this event. Here is a photo:

 

All dressed up for Chef Mickey's!

Chef Mickey's was good but in my personal opinion not worth the price. I know you meet the characters and it is a buffet, but 55 dollars for one person who is getting paid minimum wage is difficult. But the food was amazing and seeing the characters and hanging out was a nice way to start off the program. 

Goofy asked to take a selfie with me! haha

My next blog posts will be about:
-Activities before we got our main entrance passes
-Traditions
-Park fun
-Orientation/training

I hope you all enjoyed this blog post--more will come soon because I have two days off before my training starts up. 

I hope you all have a magical day!

The time has come the walrus said...tomorrow I fly to Orlando!

Tomorrow I am flying to Orlando to move into my apartment in Lake Buena Vista on Monday! I can't believe the time is here and soon I will be an official Disney Cast Member. I remember when I was first applying for the Disney College Program and thinking, "I really hope I get accepted," and then before I knew it, I was and there was 150 days until my program began. Now it's here and it still doesn't feel real. I don't think it will until I see all my roommates and we watch the fireworks at the Polynesian eating dole whips on Sunday! 

To say I am excited is an understatement. I know this will be a great experience and I can't wait to be down there meeting new people, making new friends, and living at the happiest place on Earth. With that being said, today I was also thinking about the fall semester I will be missing at Hofstra. I am really going to miss all my friends, the shenanigans we get into, the fall spirit around campus, and FALL FEST! Fall semester is so much fun and filled with all different activities on and around campus. I'm going to miss my friends in ESTAHOOD (the ones still living there--I know some moved to different towers like Vander Poel and Alliance etc.)! Party it up for me and keep in touch! I will probably bug you about everything anyway when I'm missing you all.

To everyone; friends and family; I will miss you and hopefully we can stay connected through this blog and other social media! Have a great semester, fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas/other December holidays, and New Year! See you guys in 2014<3

As for my roommates and all the other DCPers: See you soon! Lets work hard, make the best memories, and enjoy Disney! 

Here is a picture that I think will become true. I will randomly burst into Disney songs while living in Lake Buena Vista!! 

And so the journey begins: the time has come the walrus said to talk of Disney things!

My Bucket List

I know I've been promising this post for quite a while and I finally got around to putting together my ideas! I probably missed some things, but I think I got most of what I want to do during the DCP.  My roomies and I have a list of all the things we want to do together and most of it is filled with inside jokes, but I did take a few ideas from there to make my personal bucket list. So without further ado here is my bucket list for fall 2013!:


1. Conquer the kitchen sink from Beaches and Cream

2. Go on every ride in EVERY park!

3. The roomies and I all get autograph books and host a competition to see who can get the MOST characters to sign! Winner gets a dinner of their choice, paid for by the other 3

4. Dole Whip, on the beach of the Polynesian Resort during the fireworks!

5. See every show! (The Electric Parade, Fantasmic, Illuminations, Wishes) Maybe try it in one night!

6. Be Our Guest Restaurant; try the grey stuff.

7. Eat at every country in Epcot

8. Attend Mickey’s Not so scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (I want to do Halloween more!)

9. Buy my first pair of mickey ears!

10. Start a pin collection! (This will probably not be a good thing for my bank account, but oh well!)

11. Go to an animation drawing class at Hollywood Studios! (Hopefully several)

12. Visit Sea World and Universal! Butter beer must be had

13. Go to Discovery Cove and swim with dolphins (my favorite animal gahh!)

14. Eat at Sleepy Hollow in the Magic Kingdom for a waffle sandwich!

15. Ride Tower of Terror 13 Times in one day

16. Go to all 4 parks in 1 day--make a challenged for it!

17. Watch the “goodnight kiss”

18. Go to all four parks at opening at least once

19. Go to a beach on the Gulf of Mexico or visit Miami for a mini vacation!

20. Make several magical moments for guests

21. Meet all the Disney Princesses (especially Tiana and Merida)

22. Meet all the Disney Villians that I possibly can (Especially Dr. Facilier and Maleficent)

23. Get a picture with “the big 6” in every park!

24. Go to the House of Blues (hopefully for City & Colour!)

25. Make my very first thanksgiving meal with the roomies!

26. Celebrate Christmas and New Years with the roomies and other friends!

27. Go to the Boardwalk Baker--that Darth Vader cupcake needs to be eaten

28. Take part in some of the housing activities!

29. Buy a souvenir from each park

30. Get a balloon from Main Street

31. Get a picture of me holding a lot of Disney balloons

32. Do a Disney photo challenge from Tumblr (Including getting a tripod and getting some slow shutter speed shots)

33. Get one of my jokes told at Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor

34. Send a postcard from Disney!

35. Send the BEST Christmas presents

36. Try to take advantage of cast member privileges like seeing rides with the lights on etc.

37. Go to networking events

38. Go to either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon once.

39. See Cirque Du Soleil

40. Go to the Wine and Food Festival at Epcot

41. Get myself and the roomies to write down a moment from each day that was magical or stuck with you, put them in a jar and read them at the end of the program!

42. Explore all 23 resorts

43. Do “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom”

44. Do a 5k color run

45. Make and eat something from Goofy’s Candy Kitchen

46. Drink every soda at Club Cool

47. Take a picture on every ride that has that option.

48. Have a great time when my parents come and show them some secret spots I learn of while I’m working

49. Have romantic dates with Jay in the parks!

50. Try to get my brother to come down!

51. Try Beignets for the first time from the New Orleans Resort

52. Dress up for Dapper Day

53. Go Zip lining for the first time!

54. Explore the new Fantasyland and sit in Gaston's chair!

55. Eat at Chef Mickey's 

56. Celebrate my birthday a little early--hopefully at Tony's in the MK

57. Get chosen to participate in a show--most definitely the Indiana Jones one

58. Get a picture of the back of my graduation ears in front of the castle

59. See the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights!

60. Make every moment count

I definitely don't want to sit in my room every day that I have off--I want to try and go to the parks as much as possible and not let these five months slip away from me. I have a suspicious feeling this program will be one of the best experiences of my life--less than 50 days to go!

Two months until my move in date!

That's right everyone, I'll be moving into my apartment in Disney in exactly 2 months with my awesome roommates! I feel like it was just yesterday when the program was 150 days away and now it's only 61 days away!

Future posts coming on:

-My roomies!
-A bucketlist
-A packing list
-My trip down to Disney
...and more!

If any of you want a blog on something specific definitely leave me a comment or message me on tumblr--here's my link: http://seventrumpetspeak.tumblr.com/

See you real soon!

Update 4/13

Well, hi guys! I haven't had a personal post in a while because I've been really busy with school and such. April is such a crummy month and I have so much work to do this weekend, but I thought I would take a break and post an update!

Firstly-yesterday was exactly four months until my DCP! I'm so excited because I already have some awesome roommates, and let's just say it's going to be the most fun experience. 

Secondly-Remember a while back I posted something about having to do many things for my college in order to participate in the DCP? Well I have accomplished all! Well sort of. Basically I was waiting to get a professor to sponsor my internship/do an independent study with me and yesterday the professor I wanted to help me said yes! I still have to talk to the Dean of the school to actually see if they'll let me do an independent study while I'm in Florida, but I think that will go well because the English department is filled with a lot of nice people.

I am so excited about this because...IT MEANS I'M ACTUALLY GOING! WOOT! 

Now I just need to get past the next 5 weeks filled with tests, final papers, and far too much homework. Let's do this!! 

First and foremost I should probably go do my PR project because it's due Monday but before I go I want to post a picture from my one year anniversary with my boyfriend! We went to Coney Island and it was a bit cold and windy, but nevertheless it was so much fun :) I love you Jay!

In the next personal post I'll probably post a "bucket list" for my fall DCP 2013! Hope everyone has a nice weekend-or at least better than my homework filled one. Rafiki agrees with me with all the work this weekend:

Adios!!

Disney Challenge: Day 2

Favorite Disney Princess: Tiana

Choosing my favorite Disney Princess was difficult because four princesses stood out in my mind. I chose this based on how I relate to them and how I look at femininity. Ariel was willing to throw everything away for a guy, Aurora was naive and didn't see what was actually occurring around her, Snow White was innocent and too good for me--no girl is EVER that nice, we all have a 'claws out' side to us, Cinderella never had a backbone, Jasmine played the damsel in distress, Pocahontas almost chose a man over her people, and Rapunzel never questioned that her hair was freakishly magical. I don't relate to these princesses as much as the ones I'm going to list soon, but I still love them because they do have qualities that I like as well. But the top four in my mind are: Mulan, Merida, Belle, and Tiana.

Mulan: To honor her family she goes off to war and fights in extreme battles. Not to mention she portrays princesses in a new light. She doesn't play the traditional role of a princess, but instead plays an independent woman who can fight and spit "just like the men do." She confronts the Huns and Shan Yu--one of the creepiest Disney Villains.

Merida: An outspoken, tom-boy who isn't afraid to hike up her dress and shoot arrows. She has a mind of her own and adventures to discover. With hair like a flame and the fierceness of 10 armies, Merida proves she doesn't need a man to rule. If she wants a husband, she doesn't want her mother to choose one for her.

Belle: One of the more traditional princesses, but nevertheless one that I think embodies what a female character should. Belle is seen as the "odd" girl simply because she loves to read and think for herself, but in my mind that is how more female roles should be cast, (not the odd part, the intellectual and unique part) not to mention she is selfless enough to give her life over to a "monster" (at least I'd be afraid of a half man half...bear/wolf/ram) in order to save her father.

But my favorite character is one who perseveres through the impossible to reach her dream.

Tiana: A young woman with hardly any money, who dreams of one day owning her own restaurant in honor of her father. He dreamed about having his restaurant, but unfortunately died before he could follow out that dream. So even though Tiana is only a waitress at a local restaurant, making barely enough to scrape by, she never stops trying. "Almost there," is a song that embodies the true Disney slogan that "dreams come true only if you have the courage to pursue them." She also has to teach Prince Naveen a few things about working hard and rolling up his sleeves, rather than letting servants take care of everything. She is a strong independent woman who finds a man that balances out her stubborn work-a-holic attiude. Tiana is beautiful, hard-working, and strong. When life knocks her over, she gets back up hard. 

Roommate Survey for DCP

I posted a while ago that I would be posting a roommate survey on my blog for the DCP! You can copy and paste this survey for yourself if you so please. I'm so excited for the program and I would love to have roommates to share my excitement with! So if you're arrival date is the 12th of August and you would like to room with me let me know :) 

Name: Hailey!
Gender: Female
Birthday: January 9th (20 during program)
Born in: California
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Major: Public Relations
Minor: English
College: Hofstra University
Role: Main Entrance Operations
Term: Fall 2013
Arrive: August 12
Depart: January 3Fly or Drive? Probably flying! Otherwise that would be one long drive lol (I would definitely enjoy it, but alas)

LIFESTYLE
Smoke: No
Medical conditions: None
Messy or Tidy: Usually like to keep it as tidy as possible, but I'm a girl and occasionally my makeup or clothes will be scattered lol
Like to cook: Yes!
Night or morning person: Depends really! Morning if I've gotten enough sleep, and night all the time!
Do you have a job: Not currently, but usually over the summer I'm an umpire for baseball and softball!

HOUSING PREFERENCES
Wellness or Non-wellness: Since I'm not 21 I will automatically be put in wellness
Building: Any, but patterson would be awesome!
# of roommates: the more the better!
3 good qualities in a roommate: fun/funny, responsible, and spontaneous!

ROOMMATE INFORMATION
Favorite Chores: dishes or kitchen
Least favorite: cleaning the bathroom
Sharing: As long as you ask!
Snore: As far as I know, no!
Time you go to bed: anywhere from 11 to 1 depending on my schedule
Time you wake up on free days: 9-11
I prefer to sleep in a room that: Is dark, cool, quiet

PERSONALITY
3 words that describe me: Friendly, caring, and adventurous!
One good thing about you: I love to listen and give advice (if needed of course)
One bad thing about you: I can be shy at first, but I warm up quickly!
TV: The Walking Dead, Supernatural, Once Upon a Time, Revenge, The Vampire Diaries (guilty pleasure), Gossip Girl, Face Off, The Voice
Movies: Almost Famous, Little Miss Sunshine, Romantic comedies, Pitch Perfect, all of the batman movies, all of the lord of the rings movies, all the harry potter movies, etc. AND OF COURSE ALL DISNEY :D lol
Music: Paramore, City & Colour, Alexisonfire, Adele, The Civil Wars, Imagine Dragons, Mumford and Sons, Ice Nine Kills, etc. I'm in a band myself so I love all rock/alternative music as well as blues and acoustic. I also like pop and hip hop but my favorites are the first ones I mentioned! :)
Books: The Truth About Forever, The Hunger Games, Grim Fairytales, Harry Potter series, and much more! I love to read--all is good! :)

DISNEY
Favorite movie: Peter Pan, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Alice In Wonderland
Character: Pooh
Princess: Belle or Merida!
Prince: Aladdin! 
Villian: Maleficent or Ursula! 
Park: The Magic Kingdom or Epcot!
Ride: Pirates of the Carribean, Space Mountain, or Rockin Roller coaster
How many times have you been to Disney? Disneyland-5 or 6. Disney World- 2 times!
What are you most excited about? I am so excited to call Disney my home and meet new people from all over the world!


I love how complicated it was for me to say what my music tastes are, but oh well! My laptop will be back tonight and I'm so very stoked!
Bye all!