Days leading up to Traditions and Traditions

Before we went to traditions and got our main entrance passes, we basically rode the monorail for hours, looking at the Disney Resorts. We went past Epcot to see it as it was closing, visited the Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, and the Contemporary. So far out of the three, The Grand Floridian is my favorite. It's super nice and fancy, not to mention it reminds me of the Hotel Del in Coronado. Here is a few pictures from the shenanigans that took place:

The floor of the Grand Floridian is covered in tile that has hidden Mickey's and other Disney characters. Here is a picture of my roommate Mercade with the Cinderella tile!

This is a picture of the carpet in the Grand Floridian. I know it seems as though I have an obsession with floors or something, but honestly the little details in the carpet and tile are ridiculous.










Then we decided to head to the Contemporary to watch wishes from a "secret" part of the resort. No one really knows about a balcony at the Contemporary where you can watch wishes from, so we got a really good view from not too far away. Here are a few pictures of us watching the show:

This is me and my roommate Michelle waiting for the fireworks to start!

Michelle and Mercade waiting for the fireworks!













The first night we got there we went to the Polynesian to watch Wishes (hey--it's free right? Might as well try to see it a lot) and get dole whips for the first time! I like Dole Whips, but I think that it was over hyped somehow. It wasn't earth shattering good, but it was good. I actually prefer the orange flavor to the pineapple original! 

So now that I've discussed the fun we had before we got our main entrance passes, let me quickly mention Traditions. There's not much I can say about it, except when everyone tells you to wear comfortable shoes, they mean it. Leave those 6 inch stilettos at home because a few hours later you will be feeling it. Also if you have an early session of Traditions, get a good amount of sleep because several people in my class we're nodding off at first. I know it's exciting to be at Disney with new roommates, but perhaps instead of going to bed at 2 am (like I did) when Traditions was at 6 am go to bed at say...midnight. Even that would be better! There a lot of surprises and awesome things about Traditions that I cannot mention, but just know it's fun and you'll meet some awesome people.

Well I'm off--I work tonight from 4pm-10pm. So I'm going to relax and get ready. The next post will probably be about training, my assessment, and work overall. 

Adios!

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!

1 month until move in so meet my roomies...

Hey all! 

So today marks exactly 1 month until I'm moving into my apartment in Lake Buena Vista Florida with all the other DCPers including my roommates. Since it's 1 month and I feel in the spirit I thought I would write a post about my three roomies, since they will be part of my journey! 

My roommate is: Amber! 

Amber is from Massachusetts and says wicked ALL the time. Don't worry Amber, I like it! :) She is also extremely outgoing, encouraging, and sweet. I can already tell that me and her will be getting along so well in Florida, and we will definitely become good friends. I met her in April or May (I forget which month) in NYC and it made me even more excited to be sharing a room with her. She loves Finding Nemo and Tangled and Cinderella because she's thirsty ;)--just kidding Amber! If I had to pick a Disney character that she reminds me of it is Minnie Mouse. Mainly because she's sweet and encouraging. Also, she's definitely a "lady," just like miss Minnie. But she also reminds me of Rapunzel because she plans and dreams, is quirky and cute, and is definitely looking for adventure!

My Suite-mates are: Mercade and Michelle

Mercade is from Georgia and she is a southern belle. Mainly because she says ya'll all the time and is very generous and genuine. Mercade and I are already so much alike. I know this because we like ALL the same TV shows and movies--but seriously we do. Supernatural, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings...just saying, we're going to instantly become friends. Not to mention SHE'S HILARIOUS. She loves Alice in Wonderland and I even think she looks a bit like her! If I had to pick a Disney character that she reminds me of it is Bashful at first because she is shy, but then Terk from Tarzan because she knows how to make a joke. Not to mention I think we might pull some pretty awesome pranks on someone cough*cough* Amber ;) 

 

Michelle is from California and she is a free spirit, or at least that's what I've gotten by following her on Tumblr! She is very passionate about social values and is extremely intelligent. Is it weird that I can tell this just from someone's Tumblr? I hope not. Anyway, she is a huge Disney fan just like myself. So much so that she has season passes to Disneyland! Can you say jealous? I have a feeling when we get down to Disney her and I will be the two that find all the secret places at the parks and DTD. Michelle has the same favorite color as me (purple) and the same favorite Disney Princess as me (Princess Tiana). If I had to pick a Disney character that reminds me of her it is Pocahontas because of her love for all things and her free spirit. She also reminds me of Princess Tiana because she's very passionate and excited about her dreams!

As you can see, because we're all from different parts of the country we're bringing different perspectives to our apartment. I couldn't be more excited to get to know all of them even more in the days that follow!

Cheers to only a month left! See you soon Walt Disney World!

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!

Happy Father's Day!

Hey all! Happy Father's Day to everyone! 

Here's a picture of my Dad, my twin brother, and I at Disney World for the first time. Thank you Dad for always be there for me and showing me how to be a generous and caring human being. Love you!

And to all the other Father's out there, have a magical day! Disney tweeted this video! Enjoy

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!