When September Comes

Hello, my wonderfully amazing guests! I hope you lot are doing well.

Things have been quite hectic, and frantic recently with everyone working 6-day weeks. I just finished up a 55-hour week, which wasn't too bad as it kept me busy, yet tired. Just finished up a shift at my favourite place on Main Street, which I thoroughly enjoyed, including the company of those that are around me.

Overall, August hasn't been the most pleasant of months this year thus far given how it's gone, but there's still opportunity for it to turn around. So many things have happened, and not happened in such a period of time that it's been a lot for me.

We look forward to September, and all that it brings including shorter park hours, shorter days, and more time available to ourselves. There's also a few nice events coming up including Friday the 13th, as well as the park closing early due to reservations of the entire park.

Living in the now, and enjoying it.

Have a Magical Day!

Pros & Cons

Good Morning wonderful people! While I'm taking care of quite a few things, I thought I'd give the pros and cons of my Disney College Program thus far, based upon personal experiences.

Pros

• Independence
• Having the opportunity and ability to visit the Walt Disney World Resort on a daily basis, including free admission to the parks
• Certain discounts and perks of being a Cast Member, including discounted admission to holiday parties, cast previews, and such
• Access to the Cast Service Center which has media resources available for check-out
• Working and Living at the Most Magical Place on Earth, with others that have the same appreciation.
• Opportunity to meet new people, and network with others, if possible.

Mid-line

• Location. location. location. Depending on where you're placed can either make or break your entire program. If the management truly cares about the College Program experience, beyond work needs, then it will be wondrous. There's a variety out there.
• Sociability with others. The social opportunities are many, from work to bus rides to other things as well. Everyone makes personal choices such as partying nightly, and those are the type of friends they make. Find people where you like doing things the most.
• Friends, they come in all different shapes and sizes. There's some that you'll see every so often, and some that you'd rather not ever see again. There's some that truly care to build upon a friendship, and some that think they're the high school 'popular' kids. Appreciate those that stick around.
• Relationships. I've heard amazing stories of people meeting their significant other on their program, who was a friend's roommate. Personally, I've discovered that it can go both ways as there's relationships to grow from. Just enjoy the relationships with those that you have, and keep those around that support you and make you happy.
• Deployment, following up with location. Being deployed can give you multiple opportunities to work at different locations.
• Guests.
• Freedom. It's a use-it or abuse-it situation which is a personal choice. You can either follow the rules that are set out in a work/personal environment, or don't. The choice is yours.
• Roommates. There's the awesome roommates that bond throughout their program and enjoy each other's company, and the others that don't take the time. There's the decision to be a mature adult and take care of your own messes, or leave it long enough that someone will do so. You may have situations that may not be suitable at times, and things you may have to address. Use your imagination at the rest, but just try to pick people you'll enjoy your time with.
• Requested Time Off. If you need a certain day off, it's simple enough to request it off. If you've got an even nicer manager, they'll figure a way to give you those special days off such as your birthday. Albeit, most of the time during holidays (December) everyone is 'waitlisted' until further notice due to the need of the holidays.

Cons

• Late hours, Long days. Many people get sick and rundown because they have no time to take time for themselves.
• Unreliable busing system, with buses constantly showing up late or not at all.
• Florida's Hot and Humid weather
• Housing. You essentially pay ~$100 a week to share a room with someone you've most likely never met before. You've to deal with security on a daily basis, some of whom are quite rude. You're not allowed to visit other housing complexes after-hours, although you pay rent like everyone else to the same exact housing companies. Monthly inspections, which are now surprises, and if failed you have to pay a fine. The housing has been mal-maintained over the several years, and has continually deteriorated to the point where things are failing. 
• The 'Point' system. Feeling Sick and need to call out? You get a full point. Tired after that long day and forget to completely clock out? You receive half a point. There's little forgiveness and leniency.
• Missing a semester or more of school. I've constantly been asked by guests and managers alike as to why I gave up a solid future to be here. 
• Emotions. Depression, homesickness, and everything else imaginable while being away from home.
• Paychecks. They will be very small, unless you're working 50+ hours due to housing and other 'costs' being removed from your paycheck. Double check that you're being paid correctly as well.
• Holidays spent working.

Update August 8-16

Hello, wonderfully awesome people! It's been quite the week this past week. Just wanted to give a quick update on everything to give an idea of what's been going on.

Recently since the Spring Program just ended (extensions) the good majority of College Program students departed. I lost a lot of wonderful friends, and even more wonderful international friends who all want me to come visit them at home soon.

In the past week, personally I've accomplished:

• Went to go visit Rapunzel, and the other princesses in the Town Square Theater Princess Hall. Waited in standby the first time, visited Ariel, Rapunzel, and Belle. Rapunzel was who I was waiting to visit the most, as I had brought Pascal along with me once again. Rapunzel asked if she could have him, and started playing with him as I handed my phone to the photopass gentleman. She grabbed me, and started asking me a bunch of questions as she told me not to move, as she set pascal on my shoulder, after taking him off of hers. She asked what my favourite hiding spot was and what I liked doing, which I couldn't exactly think of, and ended up saying "adventuring in the great wide somewhere" randomly enough, which she told me to ask Belle about. We talked for a bit longer, then she posed next to me. We got a few photos together, then she gave me a big hug.
• Visited Wes at work before his vacation later this week, as he showed me around a bit. Definitely an excellent evening speaking with him.
• Walked quickly to the Faerie meet and greet in hopes of seeing Vidia, which was unfortunately closed before the entire park was closed. Walked back over to the princess hall, and saw Rapunzel, Aurora, and Cinderella. Cinderella made my night even better by running around me, and grabbing my hands, putting one on her waist, and another in her hand to waltz.
• Began planning and scheduling out my friends' three day visit from back home, as she's never been to Walt Disney World!
• Ordered the new Oswald the Lucky Rabbit plush from the Disney Store. As well, I ordered the journal from the Designer Disney Prince & Princess line that was announced at Disney D23 earlier this month, which was the Rapunzel and Flynn book. I debated on the mug, but decided since my Peter Pan mug is still just sitting, that I'd hold off on it.
• Had a few other fun 'outings' with other friends in my spare time, which I enjoyed. Just hoping I get to know people better, and meet new people!

Work-wise, quite the variety:

• Had a little boy today, who was as cute as ever. His mother had asked me for some help with cels since she couldn't understand the deaf gentleman who was working the gallery on his own. I explained everything to her, and answered any questions she had. Her little boy she was holding just started up the funniest conversation with me. I walked her over to our counter to get her information about the cels she was inquiring about for orders, and her little boy started telling me about how he loved the train set we had on display and how the "Princess Castle Kingdom" was his favorite park. Steph just walked over, and absolutely ogled over the entire conversation as we both saw his eyes just light up. His mom unfortunately slowly ushered him out, but he was just so bright and animated talking about how the train was his favorite. Made my otherwise interesting week better.
• Sat down by one of the part-time managers who decided to speak to me (attack) about a few things she had "concerns" with, which included me going and informing the program about my work location not being supportive as well as problematic more than anything else. The manager sat there for nearly an hour, being derogatory during our "conversation". She made such remarks such as "you just so conveniently had light duty come up" and "if your life was so perfect back home, why did you come here?" amongst many others. Overall, it was an unproductive and negative conversation that just went full circle, and more or less proved the reasons why I went to the programs office in the first place, to take care of these issues and be proactive about the situation.
• Took the opportunity to talk with my Manager Lynette on August 15 about what had previously happened with the other manager. I also took the opportunity to explain to her what I'd like out of my program, and what opportunities I'd like to have including shadowing a few coordinators and managers. More than anything, I think it would be really amazing if the managers/College Program Liaisons could put together a monthly event to let CP's explore beyond their work area, such as backstage tours, and other Cast-exclusive events that other areas have been allowed. I also have several ideas for our Magical Moments that I'm going to bounce off of our interns, which she fully supported since they need a bit of improvement beyond "go play with a bubble gun" as they need to memorable and funny/significant enough that guests will remember it throughout their entire trip, or beyond!

That's just a glimpse of what my past week has been beyond the 50+ hour weeks, 6 days a week due to the current situation, but it's still been interesting. Thankfully enough since August 5th, we have had more College Program participants check-in which has been nicer as we have newer people to talk to.

More than anything it will take time, but I'll at least appreciate spending time with those that I enjoy it around. Appreciate those that are around you, and the moments that you've got. We Keep Moving Forward!

Challenges & Opportunities

Apologies on the sparse updates, things have been quite hectic as of late with the Spring program ending, and the Fall program beginning.

Over the past week I have had quite a few obstacles and challenges, which I've tried addressing as best as anyone new to any situation can. I have found more than anything else that if these challenges are addressed appropriately to the proper people, that they can then be addresses properly and become opportunities in the grand scheme.

As I was told earlier this evening, it is quite understandable that we are all thrown into such a mess of things all at once, and after coming from afar, it's a lot to handle all at once.

I think I've learned quite a bit over the short amount of time I've been here, and hopefully I can use it to improve ways of life.

I may or may not delve further into the known problematic situations for resolution, as they are always there, but I believe that we need to put the past behind us and to not settle upon what has happened as a forthcoming to what will occur. Keep Moving Forward.

Brilliant Birthdays!

(Note: This is a rough draft, published as incentive for me to quickly update and organize; apologies)

August 6th - Brilliant Birthdays

Peter and Alice

Evening, wonderfully beautiful people!

We just recently lost a bunch of wonderfully awesome College Program Cast Members, who were at the end of their Spring Program. There were so many wonderful people that made such a big difference for all of us, and made our days that much more unique. Beyond anything, you don't realize things until they truly happen to you and fully experience the changes.

Yes, it may take a while for everyone to readjust, and just a forewarning to anyone coming down for the Fall program... Not very many people are going to be welcoming right away. Just give everyone some time before things lighten up.

Another quick update on the ongoings in Walt Disney World, with a few stories:

• Woke up at 1PM on Wednesday, and finally got moving at 5PM to EPCOT in search for Andrew and Hali Ducote. Went to the Magic Kingdom afterwards to find my wonderfully favourite Princess Rapunzel. Ended up in the Ariel room, and ran across a gal who would not stop asking me questions about entertainment. We then went to take a trip to Pixie Hollow where there was no line during fireworks and I FINALLY met Vidia, who was grabbing me. I had to fight Vidia to tell her I liked her more, and she said she likes her mostest. Tink and Vidia both called me "Panman" since I was wearing green, as I planned on finding the Ducotes. Headed to Ariel's area to meet her in Fantasyland, where I ran into one of the other Attendants that I know. Went to Pete's Silly Sideshow to visit Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Minnie. Headed back to the Princesses in Town Square to visit Rapunzel, whom I finally got her room! Excellent day overall, and I loved all the unique encounters.
• Thursday's (second to last) class was spent at Disney's Animal Kingdom first thing in the morning with Lyanne and Jessica. Our goals were Merchandise, Food & Beverage, and Operations as Guest Service Managers. Merchandise was Island Mercantile, Food & Beverage was a visit to Restaurantosaurus, and our Operations visit was to Dinosaur. The funniest part of the day was riding Dinosaur with 5 girls, as the one next to me was scared to death and said she'd probably end up holding my hand. Visited Jeff at Pizzafari to finish up, and ended class nearly an hour beforehand. Lyanne was hungry, and Jess couldn't eat so Jess and I went on Kilimanjaro Safaris which was different than what I remember. Dropped Jess off, picked up Coffee, and went to work.
• Friday was an interesting day... Woke up fairly early waiting around Future World to visit my friend Mary Poppins, whom I must say was absolutely brilliant. She held my hand for a bit, which was adorable, and I received a few photos of her in her dress with her parasol. Rode Space Ship Earth, then drove over to Hollywood Studios. Spent the rest of my evening up until 7pm walking around the Studios and visiting Indiana Jones, Writer's Stop, and Star Tours during the day. Worked stock until 1AM with the loveliest of gals, and gave Emma a ride home.
• Saturday, slept in a bit and worked stock once more until 10pm. Interesting story of a Manager randomly starting up conversation telling me how he use to work Main Street, and how he'd go back in a heartbeat, but to make the most of it... to me of all people. We're really feeling everyone being gone, as Thursday/Friday were everyone's last days here... :(

Just continuing to live life to the fullest and making the most of every opportunity I receive. I'm always open to any and all questions, as we're all curious around here!

Have a Magical Day!