Welcome Party and Disney Traditions

It's been an incredibly long day. I'm beyond tired, but I'll do my best to cover what I can for the curious parties.

Last night was the welcome party for the new CPs. Free food, dancing and, oh yes... photo ops.

We got to meet the characters. 

And do photo booth pics!

All in all, it was a fun night full of memories. Lots of crazy dancing. The best part would have to be the DJ and one of the other guys doing the dance to "Bye Bye Bye" by N'Sync. It was phenomenal. 

This morning, Hannah and I had traditions. It was early and we were tired, but once we got there, the Disney magic was enough to keep me going. Basically, traditions is orientation as only Disney can do it. After going over safety and the four keys to working at Disney, they took us on an impromptu trip to the Magic Kingdom! We got to go backstage and go in the tunnels. It was awesome! 

I have to say though... the highlight of my day was when we got back to the classroom... and Mickey Mouse showed up himself to personally give us our nametags and welcome us into the family. I couldn't help crying. It was the best moment in my entire life. I'm now a Disney cast member!

Professional Internships and Other Excursions

Today is the first day all week I haven't had to wake up before the sun. It feels amazing-- and gives me some time to bring you guys up to speed.

Yesterday at the housing meeting, they cast members (CM) in charge talked about professional internships (PI) and said we should start thinking about them now. Getting a PI is one of the reasons I wanted to do the Disney College Program (DCP). Bryan, one of the CMs in charge, told me to check the website-- there are already postings for this summer! There are a lot of things I could do... none of them involving my major. But at this point, I don't care about that because they all involve creative writing! I mean, hey, I write novels for a living-- may as well get into the world professionally right?

They have positions at Marvel Studios, which have yet to open up (and those of you who know me know that I'm watching like a hawk to get in there). But they also have a position open in Burbank, CA this summer at ABC Studios for a Creative Development Intern. Basically, I'd help write pitches, short scripts, storyboards and brainstorming, and so much more. Lately, I've been in awe over "Once Upon a Time" (some of you may even say obsessed), and this internship could give me a direct line to be a part of that magic, and do the very job I'm so impressed with Adam and Eddy for doing. Why watch all these great storytellers blow me away and sit back like I'm not cool enough to join the party? I still need to talk with some people and do a lot of praying...but somehow, I don't think finding this is a coincidence.

After a much deserved nap, I had to take our list to the front desk and get the silverware and plates we were missing...boring stuff. After that I walked to the bus stop and caught a bus to Downtown Disney. It was a a cold, rainy day-- I'm talking puddles everywhere-- and I'm wearing converse and jeans. Not the wisest idea, I admit, but I had little choice-- I could only pack so much. I boarded the bus to meet Hannah and Jess, and all seemed well at first. I started talking to some of other College Participants (CPs) around me -- (I'm learning I like to talk to people). We didn't get far before I realized the bus was acting strange. It was making an odd noise, and all the other buses were passing us. Finally the other Downtown Disney bus pulled in front of us, and we had to get off the current bus and board the other-- technical issues. According to my former CP friend Mallory, the buses break down a lot. Not so good when people need to be on time to work.

I'd been talking to a girl on the bus who was on her way to work at Downtown Disney. She was really sweet and offered me her umbrella-- she showed me the back way to Ghiradelli where I promptly purchased a hot chocolate with my cast member discount. It was a bad idea to wear glasses on a rainy day. I finally caught up with Jess and Hannah, and we went through all the stores with big grins on our faces. We finished the evening at the House of Blues-- got some drinks and amazing food. Sadly, it was still raining when we left and there's only one bus stop. It was a long walk. We got back to the apartment soaking wet and freezing, but happy as all get out. Best way to top off our evening? Several episodes of "Once Upon a Time".

Thanks to my boyfriend and my sister for those DVDs. They're being put to good use.

Adventures in Social Security and Housing

Today has been a long day. Disney will make a morning person of me yet. I had to wake up at five today to catch a 6:45 bus at The Commons (which is about a two or three block walk from my apartment complex). Naturally, it was slow going but I'm sure I'll get used to it. The weather decided today was a good day to be rainy and chilly-- not so good for those of us who had to walk to The Commons. I got there roughly 30-35 minutes before I had to be (always good to be early), and waited around. Thankfully the rain didn't downpour until after I found shelter at the clubhouse. I talked to some of my fellow CPs waiting on the bus, and met one working in Fantasyland with me. Someone from Tomorrowland and a Maine Street photopass photographer were also there. We chit-chatted about all things Disney whilst attempting not to freeze. I met up with Alyssa again, and we started the long process of obtaining new social security cards.

A cast member checked over all of our paperwork before admitting us onto the bus, and we began the drive. It was long, but I kept busy with conversation and trying to deduce which country some of the international students were from. The whole process was very organized and ran smoothly, as all things do when Disney is in charge. Basically we got numbers, filled out paperwork...etc. etc. All boring stuff. All I wanted to do was go back to sleep... or at least get another cup of coffee and a proper breakfast.

The ride back from social security was fun. Alyssa found out the CP sitting near us was from her hometown, and they chit chatted a bit. Had some laughs with the bus driver. Alyssa is from Pennsylvania and he was from Philly, so naturally we had to talk which was the best place to get a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwhich in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, there aren't any places around Orlando that have any good ones. (bummer).

After that, it was a cold, wet walk back to the apartment. I only got to sit down for a moment before I was up again and walking back to The Commons again for the Housing Meeting.

Everyone kept saying, "Oh it's really boring." Blah blah blah. I actually enjoyed myself. The cast members were very informative and enthusiastic. You could feel the Disney magic radiating through the room. There was music and strobe lights-- it was one big party (an informative party). Brian and Brittany were in charge of the orientation-- both former cast members now full time employees. They told jokes, and acted out funny sarcastic anecdotes to help us understand. It was a very effective way of making everything stick. I even won a prize for answering a trivia question! The video montage was the best-- it took all my strength not to cry. We get an actual graduation! I'm so happy here. I feel like I'm actually doing something valuable, and having a great time doing it.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way Back From Casting...

As I stated previously, casting was great and I got to know a lot of the other CPs, especially some of the ones I'll be working with. When I was finally finished, I had to wait on the bus. Not exactly ideal, but patience is a virtue, especially for a Disney Cast Member. While I was standing around, I took the time to get to know some of the people standing around me. I'd run into this girl Alyssa a few times in the casting building, so it was easy to strike up a conversation. Come to find out, we're both addicted to the show "Once Upon a Time."

The bus didn't show for at least 30 minutes, giving us ample time to talk about our roles and such. I sat next to her when it did arrive, and the conversation steered back towards the show. We were going on and on about the storyline and the mid-season finale. Suddenly the guy sitting behind us slowly creeps his head around the chair and whispers, "Whatcha talkin' about?"

I laughed and said, "Once Upon a Time." He and the girl behind us got all excited-- they'd caught the name Baelfire several times in me and Alyssa's conversation. Then we started talking about the variations in the stories compared to the originals-- especially how Peter Pan was twisted around. And then Jeremiah, the cast member at the front of the bus pokes his head over and utters, "I just can't get over Mulan and Phillip."

We all started laughing and before we knew it, the whole bus was talking about "Once Upon a Time." By the time we got back to Chatham, everyone was disappointed to get off the bus. It was a great memory to make.

Check In, Casting and More

The sky was still dark when I awoke on check in day. After a twelve hour drive and very little sleep, I dragged myself out of bed to greet the day-- check in day. It was not easy to get myself going after so little rest the few days before. I was running on nothing but pixie dust. Dark circles lined my eyes, but there was still a telltale sparkle-- the one that glows from a very special sort of magic... Disney magic.

With a sprinkling of self confidence, some strong coffee and a severe case of pre-cast member jitters, I headed to Vista Way with my dad in tow. My roomies had already checked in before me and scoped out the room. I'd seen videos on youtube and heard horror stories about the long line at check in. Was it really that long? No. Word to the wise-- it doesn't exactly benefit you to go stand in line for hours. They split you up by last name, and everyone goes different directions anyway. I showed up closer to 9 rather than getting in line right at 7, and I go through check in pretty quickly. They were efficient and helpful. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable experience.

The apartment complexes here are super safe, and all the cast members that work here are fantastic. Even on my days off, the Disney magic still exists. Even the quality of people living around me is nicer. Everyone smile's and says hello rather than awkwardly ignoring each other. It's a much different environment than living anywhere else.

At 9 a.m. this morning, I had casting. I headed over to the the casting building which is absolutely beautiful.

The inside of the building had murals everywhere, and the intern cast members were excellent. They kept us laughing and welcomed us to the Disney family. Boy, let me tell you, they mean it when they say family. After two hours in that building, I felt connected to everyone. The process of casting was long, but easy enough to follow if you listen carefully to the cast members in charge. There seemed to be a cast member at every corner to direct us to the next location, and there were signs with arrows. It was like walking through a maze. The conversation and excitement made the time fly. 

The only downer in the process was my lack of a social security card. I thought my military ID would suffice, but as it turned out... not so much. I have to wake up at 5 a.m. tomorrow to catch a bus to the Social Security office, which is going to kick my tail. Still, every bit of this is worth it. I can't wait until traditions and my first day of training!