What I Learned In 2015

2015 was an experience in itself. I started the year with a lot of change. I finished my internship with Disney and moved back home to Michigan from sunny Florida. I started pursuing a degree at a new school and quickly realized that was not the place I was meant to be. I turned the awkward age of 20. Old enough to make your own decisions, but still too young to be trusted that you'll make the right ones. Half way through the year I started calling a new city "home". I met new, interesting people, switched majors, and finally started to realize what I wanted to do with my life. Between work, school and a social life, I was constantly moving. There was always something happening, but for some reason I had never felt so lonely in my life. I quickly learned what depression is and how it can come in drowning waves when you least expect it. This experience only opened my eyes to how important self fulfillment is.
2015 was a special year to say the least. A lot changed and similarly so did I. I just have to remember that everything happens for a reason.
What I learned in 2015:

1. I am so much stronger than I thought I was.
2. What other people think of me doesn't define me.
3. I decide who I am and what I want my life to be.
4. Surround yourself with good people, because we feed off of each others energies and emotions.
5. If you want something bad enough, you make it happen.
6. Not everyone is going to like you, and that's okay. 
7. Trust your gut.
8. Family is everything. (Friends can be family too) 
9. At the end of the day, you have to do what makes you happy.

Overall, I grew up a lot. I learned more about myself in this year than I had ever known before. I'm proud of who I am and where I'm going. Although change can be scary, I'm thankful for what I learned because of it. 

Post Disney Depression

Everyday I see something somewhere reminding me of my days working at the happiest place on Earth. I am immediately flooded with emotions of joy because come on, its Disney. Once the joy subsides, I'm not going to lie I get a little jealous. Don't get me wrong I am so thrilled and happy for all of my friends who chose to extend their programs or move to a full time position, but I am insanely jealous. I'm also sad and mad at myself for not doing the same thing. 

Before the end of my program I was given a choice. A choice to either apply for an extension of my program, or go home. It took a lot of thought and many phone calls home until I decided to leave Florida and go back home to finish my degree. I rationalized with myself that this was the best decision. School was always the dream, and without attending a college or university I never would have been able to do the Disney College Program. It made the most sense at the time to return to school. 

I'm still proud of my decision to finish what I started, but at the same time I have that little voice in the back of my mind that's wondering if I missed my opportunity. Did I give up a chance to continue to a full time position with the job of my dreams? What if that was my one shot and I blew it. Leaving Disney was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make, but I need to have faith that everything will be ok. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.
With all that being said, the post Disney Depression is a very real thing. Very, very real and horrible. I miss Disney everyday and dream of the day I'll return. I wish the best of luck to all of you wonderful people that are continuing your dreams with Disney. Keep making the magic!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2015

The dates have dropped for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in 2015. This is a special ticketed event held at Walt Disney World from 7 pm to 12 am. You can enter the park with this ticket at 4 pm but the party will not start until 7 pm. The dates for the 2015 season are:

• November: 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17. 19, 20, 29
• December: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18

Tickets will go on sale April 2015. If you are visiting Walt Disney World around the holidays, I highly suggest getting tickets for this event. The Magic Kingdom is decorated for the Holidays and the Christmas spirit is everywhere! Throughout the park are special locations serving free hot chocolate and cookies. There are also many rare characters that come out to celebrate the holidays with you! Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a wonderful event that will be enjoyed by the whole family. 

When I was on my college program, I was able to go to the party with my amazing roommate Terri. My favorite part of the whole event was when there was snow falling on Main Street. Yes, snow in Florida! Being from Michigan and feeling a little homesick during the holidays, it was an amazing feeling to see the snow falling as I was sipping hot chocolate and reveling in the Christmas spirit. Here are some pictures of the festivities!

Festival of Fantasy One Year Anniversary

Happy one year anniversary to the Festival of Fantasy Parade in Walt Disney World, Florida!

This colorful parade has been capturing the imaginations of guests from all over the world for one year now. This surely is a spectacle you don't want to miss on your Walt Disney World vacation.

If you are traveling to Walt Disney World make sure to save a spot for the amazing Festival of Fantasy!

How the Disney College Program Emotionally Effects You

This sums up everything. 

"How The DCP Emotionally Effects You"- kelsiedoingdisney on Youtube. 

She nails it with this video. This is exactly what happens to you on the Disney College Program. Now that it's all said and done, I wouldn't change a thing. Prepare for tears.

Wanderlust

There is some part of me that has just always loved the idea of traveling. Dropping everything to go on an adventure. Packing lightly so I can pick up trinkets and treasures along the way.

A few years ago I had the wonderful opportunity to travel across the world for the first time, and now I have this overwhelming need for exploration. I want to learn about different cultures, foods, music, religions. I have come to realize that this can not be taught from any book. The only way to truly understand culture is to experience it first hand.

The second that plane landed and my first international travel was over, I longed for the day I could travel again. There is nothing that compares to the thrill and excitement of wandering into something unknown. Although the unknown can be scary, you have to trust that you will experience something that could potentially change you, or at the very least the way you think, forever.

My short time traveling has taught me incredibly important things about the world and the way we should view it. You should always be aware but never scared. Always be open to new opportunities to learn and grow as a person. Open not only your eyes and ears, but your mind as well. Stop hiding behind the lens of a camera! Yes pictures are great but the world is more beautiful through your own eyes. Seriously, never look up pictures of the Grand Canyon because I promise you they don't do it justice. Never be quick to judge someone or something by it's appearance or the thoughts and opinions of others. You will never know what something is like until you experience it yourself. Most importantly, traveling has taught me to always carry a notebook or journal wherever I go. You never know what can inspire you to write.

There is so much more to traveling, but I'm not going to give away all of it's secrets. You'll need to find out for yourself.

Disney Auditions

Ever wonder what it's like to audition for a role for Disney? Maybe a dancer on Main Street, a performer on the cruise lines, or meeting and greeting with guests from all over the world!

Back in March, 2014 I had the wonderful opportunity to audition for a character performer role in Walt Disney World for the Fall 2014, Disney College Program. I did write a post detailing my experience that you can view here.  It truly was magical.

Sadly, my program ended about a month ago and all I can think about is how much I want to go back. So I got to thinking, what if I auditioned for a character performer role at Disney, just not at Walt Disney World. Now I find myself right back to where I started when I was contemplating auditioning the first time.

Where to begin?

The first thing I did when researching about this role, was visit the Disney Auditions website. Here you can access details about the audition experience, learn more about casting and what they are looking for, and even view a calendar with upcoming auditions worldwide.

What do you want to audition for?

This is a very important question. What exactly do you want to audition for? The Disney College Program, cruise line, character performer, vocalist, Jedi training academy, stunt performer, etc. There are a vast amount of options and roles that the Disney Company is looking for, and the Audition website has everything listed for you.

Prepare yourself

Alright, so you have done your research and you know which audition you want to attend. Now what? You need to get yourself ready for this chance of a lifetime! Do even more research and see what you need to bring to the audition. Some require head shots and resumes, and others do not require anything but a smile. Maybe go to the gym one extra day to get yourself ready. You want to be in your best tip top shape.

Have fun

Lastly, my biggest piece of advice is to have fun. Show the casting directors your passion and enthusiasm and have a blast while doing it. A genuine smile goes a long way :)

The End

I did it, I completed the Disney College Program. I've been home for about 2 weeks now, and the Post- Disney Depression has finally set in. This adventure was one of the hardest but most rewarding experiences I've ever had the opportunity to be a part of. 

I was able to meet so many people from around the world, and work a job that I had only ever dreamed about. Yes there were quite a few challenges that I came across, but it was all worth it. I met my best friend, who just so happens to live across the country, but I never would have had the opportunity to meet her without this program. 

I am truly thankful for everything I experienced and learned throughout this adventure. The Disney College Program really is one of a kind. Who know, maybe I'll have the opportunity to work for this company again, or participate in another college program. But until then, "I only hope we all don't lose sight of one thing, that it was all started by a mouse" -Walt Disney.