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!

Perfectly Pianist

Tuesday, July 30 (Day 70)

Quite an interesting day today!

• Woke up at 7AM to take a trip to Wal-Mart shopping, then Wawa for gas
• Ran into my roommate walking home from his sunrise visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom, then took a nap while waiting for everyone else to wake up
• Drove everyone to Sam's Club where I ordered my birthday cake (and cupcakes) for my birthday next week, then went shopping. Ran into the Spring DCP graduation on the way to and from Sam's Club which was occurring in the field in our apartment complex. Dropped everything off then got ready to go to Animal Kingdom. 
• Arrived at Animal Kingdom Costuming/Rehearsal Hall after meeting a friend (who works at Hollywood & Vine) for auditions, which went over quite well. Waited for the bus to Animal Kingdom, which took a while as the last drove off just as I was walking outside.
• Made it to Animal Kingdom, and showed two girls who were easily lost exactly where Animal Kingdom was. Decided on visiting the Art of Animation resort since there was no listed Hollywood Studios bus, which just so happened to be driving off right as I made my decision. Walked farther down to realize that there was in actuality a Hollywood Studios bus. 
• Arrived at Hollywood Studios shortly before 7PM, and headed straight towards left block to find my friend, since I wanted to surprise her. Come to find that she hadn't had the greatest evening so far, albeit she had just started about an hour ago. We talked for a bit, and I helped her translate for a guest, which she greatly thanked me for.
• Walked over to the Sorcerer's Hat to get a few photos on my phone, then headed over to the ABC Commissary to say hello to Jenn, who was ecstatically surprised to see me. We talked on and off for a bit while she helped guests, and I told her I'd stop by soon to do dinner. Received a text from Kate saying she was arriving at the Magic Kingdom, and to just let her know.
• Took a detour to Writer's Stop to see who was in, and then went back to left block to say bye to my friend who seemed happier. :)
• Caught a bus to the Contemporary, made several pin stops, then stopped in the arcade to say hello to my flatmate Alex who was working. Caught the monorail the the Grand Floridian after a nice conversation with a few guests.
• Made a stop in the Grand Floridian Lobby for several photographs of the lobby, then sat in the main hall listening to the Pianist Wes. It's always wonderfully relaxing which is why I made the stop. I requested "Mary Poppins" as I wanted to get a video for a special friend of mine, as I know he does excellent job with all requests. He played a wonderfully unique rendition of Mary Poppin's "Jolly Holiday" which flowed nicely into the next, "Chim Chim Cher-ee"  and finally flowed into the rest. I offered him my thanks, but he turned it down and discovered that I was a Cast Member. He then played even more Mary Poppins "Spoonful of Sugar", and finished off with the Second Concerto. 
• Spent some time after his instrumental talking to Wes while he was closing up the piano, and he asked a little bit more about me as I introduced myself since he remembered me. I made the decision that I'll be coming back next Tuesday, on my birthday to come listen to him play! The very last words we exchanged were in terms of me compliment his talent and abilities playing piano, which he quickly replied, "It's never too late to learn". I walked about the rest of the lobby and to the upper monorail floor with a giant smile on my face, as it absolutely made my day.
• Arrived at the Magic Kingdom, which currently had the very first Main Street Electrical parade going on. I stopped in the Town Square theatre to see the princess wait as I wanted to visit Rapunzel once again. Walked through Main Street East to bypass the Main Street Electrical, and while walking through the HUB I was hit in the head by one of the Parade Audience Control Cast Members who wasn't paying attention to giving directions. Walked through the second entrance to Tomorrowland, then back through the HUB which was a nightmare for all those trying to wait for Fireworks as everyone was yelling. Made it through Liberty Square, and followed the parade until Big Thunder Mountain.
• Met Kate and her friend at Big Thunder, and we walked to Pirates of the Caribbean which was unfortunately closed. We then went on Jungle Cruise which wasn't too great thanks to a long hold and technical microphone difficulties. When we got off of Jungle, Wishes was already going. Got spit on by a camel while walking behind Kate through Adventureland, then walked to Fantasyland via Frontierland and Liberty Square. Oddly enough it was 'raining' by Columbia Harbour House. We watched the rest of Wishes between Peter Pan and Small World which had fireworks on both sides, and quite a bit of smoke with ash, but still really different.
• Rode Peter Pan, and walked through the rest of Fantasyland to Starbucks on Main Street where they both received water. Walked through the Confectionery, and exited the park taking the trail to the Contemporary resort. Said goodbye to Kate and her friend, who it was really nice seeing as it had been quite a bit. We hadn't had much time to catch up, but time well spent.

Overall, a very successful evening having visited nearly 3 parks in one day, plus two resorts. Wonderful perspective today, and it was really nice seeing a good lot of friends. I'm definitely looking forward to what the future holds!

Have a Magical Day!

Another Quick Update

Good Morning, wonderful people!

Apologies for the delays between posts, as things have been quite busy. Since I last posted, I've been to aplenty of places. In the past few weeks, I've accomplished the following:

• Visited Health Services once more, and was put on heavier restrictions. Walked through EPCOT to catch a guest bus to the Studios, and clocked in on time. Gave my new restrictions to one of the managers who forced me to work the stocking shift I was scheduled, which I was given an ER for after the Area Manager nearly "flipped" out.
• Placed on Light Duty for two weeks after, which included basics, Character Attendant, and Main Entrance Operations; All of which I have excellent stories from
• Figured out the EPCOT "transportation" system to get around. My very first visit was trekking through EPCOT, which I got lost going through a ballroom-esque hall near the International Gateway (IG), and promptly ended up in the Character Entertainment training spot. Another interesting visit was my most recent visit, after visiting the modified duty office which included a trek to the International Gateway (IG) to then catch a boat to the Studios and then promptly be told I would be given the day off without pay.
• My favourite out of anything I've done thus far would have to be Character Attendant. The Cast Members that work Entertainment are so kind to each other, it's honestly unbelievable from where I'm usually at. I received more Guest Service Fanatic Cards (GSF) in the past two weeks than I have during my entire program. It's called appreciation and praise, my friends.
• Picked up my first Extra Hours Hotline (EHH) shift at Downtown Disney, Zone 3, Art of Disney! Super nice lot there, and I received a Guest Service Fanatic card for being so flexible, as well as given a reference. I may possibly be picking up a Main Street East shift the day after my birthday.
• Continuing on the course of my Leadership course which is very interesting, and fun. I loved our visit to the Magic Kingdom the other week for essentially a Disney Heritage class tour.
• Made more Magical Moments than I can recall, mainly working at Downtown Disney as they're super open there with the freedom an all. 
• Took a visit through the movies on the Great Movie Ride to see one of my favourite baddies, who hijacked a vehicle or two.

Personally, as I'm sure there's some curiosity out there...

• Finally uploaded all the pictures from my Camera cards, which are now up-to-date. Next will be my phone, as the Monster's 24-hour day photos are on there.
• Met my future wife, Rapunzel who was absolutely fantastic to speak with. She really is quite lovely. :)
• Had a few stressful days this past week as my phone was shut off by my father, but quickly resolved by me improvising a few things. I'll now be paying my phone bill, which makes my budget a bit tighter. I've thankfully been staying on track of keeping things updated, which I'll be tightening more.
• Broke-up with my 'girlfriend' for reasons beyond my control, which she's still quite mad at me about.
• Making the most of the days that I've got as I'm back doing the same thing day-in and day-out of sleep, work, repeat. I really wish I was given the opportunity for deployment or being sent to different areas that needed help, as I really do love a variety.
• Beginning to get back on a workout routine of running and exercising as it really helps with all the stress I've been having on a regular basis. The last time I did so was before I got together with my 'girlfriend'. 
• Started making plans for one of my friends from back home to come visit me in September as it's one of the slowest months here.
• Signed up for Candlelight processional, which will hopefully go over well! (Just need to rest my voice for a few days...)

Overall, I've been trying to make the most of everyday after a couple of realizations these past few weeks. I'll try and type up a few of the stories over the next few days when I've got time, unless I receive a few requests. More than anything else I'm having Character Attendant withdrawal, but managing!

(8 Days until my Birthday!!)

Until Next Time, Have a Magical Day!