Finish Strong

The end of my undergraduate career is approaching faster than I thought I wanted it to. A few months ago I couldn't wait to be done and move on to my next adventure. Now I find myself attempting to fit every activity possible into my schedule before I move across the country. I knew it was going to happen. I knew I would pray for the time to slow down the closer and closer I got to graduation. I absolutely hate the feeling of being stuck, and I was starting to feel that way until I realizes that I just need to enjoy my time here while I still have it. There are so many people that I have shared countless memories with and will most likely never see again. Now I'm trying to make one last memory with each person before we begin to only witness the happenings of each others lives through various social medias.
It's really interesting to see where each of my friends is adventuring to after graduation. One friend is going to volunteer in Fiji for 3 months, another is moving home to save some money and catch their breathe. I know two people that don't want a break from school at all and are moving straight into graduate and pharmacy schools. I know people that are moving to Oregon, California, New York, and Massachusetts to pursue their different careers. It's so surreal to me that this is all actually happening. I've known some of these people for almost 4 years. They experiences I've shared with each of them has helped in shaping me into who I am today. Now we're all traveling our separate ways to start new adventures.  It's an exciting but strange feeling. For so long I thought I couldn't wait any longer for this time to come, and now that it's here, I just hope I'm ready for it.

DCP ROUND 2

I am so happy and excited to announce that I am coming home for another college program! Just a few hours after my last post I received my Congratulations email!  I'm accepted for Fall Advantage Merchandise, so I will be moving down at the end of May and start earning my ears again in the first week of June. Now the true waiting game begins!

Never lose hope people! Your acceptance will come when you least expect it. 

Waiting In Progress

It's been about a month since my Disney College Program phone interview, and I haven't heard anything. Along with the CP, I applied to a few Professional Internships because I want to start a career with the company. The wait is slowly driving me crazy, but recently I've been trying to accept the fact that it's totally okay to not know anything at this point. I know there's plenty of people also in my position, and some might be first time applicants to the program. My advice for anyone in the same situation is to relax and stop checking your email/ dashboard every five minutes because it will only make things worse in your head. This is something we want so bad, but we have already done our best with the phone interview and the only thing we can do right now is wait. As much as I want to control everything, this is something that is out of my hands. Thankfully, I haven't received the dreaded, "pending" email from Disney. This email basically says that Disney hasn't made a decision yet, but your status is pending a final decision. It doesn't nesecarily mean that you won't get accepted, but it typically results in a No Longer In Consideration (NLIC).
On a final note, it's okay to still be in progress. It's also okay that other people are getting accepted before you. There is no pattern by names, roles, ages, etc. that Disney follows. Everything happens for a reason, and there's only a few weeks left until they have to give us a final decision.

"Why worry? If you've done the very best you can, worrying won't make it any better."

-Walt Disney

Alumni Phone Interview

This morning I had my phone interview for potentially my 2nd  Disney College Program! I was probably just as nervous as I was when applying two years ago, but this interview was completely different. Being an alumni means that Disney already knows a little about you. They know you have what it takes to successfully complete the college program, and what it means to be a cast member. So instead of asking me questions based on who I am as an employee, the questions were more tailored to how my previous program went, what I would do differently, and why I want to come back.
My interview lasted about 20 minutes long and I was asked at least one question for about 7 different roles, including my previous Character Performer role. I was also asked some basic questions about previous work experience outside of Disney.
If anyone is applying for the first time and looking for tips regarding the interview, check out my blog post from my first interview, DCP Phone Interview and Tips.
Good luck to everyone applying! Let the waiting game begin.

Disney College Program and Professional Internships

   Now that the applications are out, I am finally ready to announce that I am applying for a second Disney College Program(DCP) and some of the Professional Internships(PI) throughout the company. I've put a lot of thought into it, and I have decided that I really want to go back and make magic for people all over the world. I had such a great experience during my last program and I will be graduating in May, so this feels like the perfect time to pick up everything and move to a new state for good! So of course, I will be detailing my experience throughout the application process here.

   The PI applications have been trickling in over the last few weeks and the DCP application dropped on 1.23. I was very surprised with how fast everything went. I sent in my initial application yesterday and about 1 hour later I was asked to complete the Web-based interview(WBI). These questions were very similar to the ones I was asked last time around. They were focused on me and how I work with other people, my energy level throughout the day, how positive I am, etc. As soon as I completed the WBI, I was asked to schedule a phone interview! So in less than a week I will be talking with a recruiter and interviewing for another internship with Walt Disney World! I'm incredibly excited to possibly go on this adventure again. My fingers are still crossed for the PIs, but I will be happy just working for the company again. Good luck to everyone else applying! I am always open for questions. 

A Very Pensive Snowfall

     Today I woke up to the highly anticipated first snowfall of the year. It's not very normal for it to take this long to snow in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but I wasn't complaining about the lack off winter weather. Recently I've been having trouble organizing my thoughts, so with today, the perfect stay inside and write day, all of these thoughts are just itching to get out. I have so many ideas on what I want to write about, both fiction and creative non-fiction. I'm really good about writing down every story idea the second I think of it, but now I feel like I have too many projects I want to work immediately.

     I've been working a lot with short stories told from the view point of one particular character I created this semester in my Fiction Workshop class. Some of them are shorter and others much longer. I'm actually pretty proud of some of them so now I'm considering compiling them all together in a book of short stories.

     Last week I woke up from a really intense dream that sparked one of the coolest and most promising fictional novel ideas yet. So naturally, this has been consuming my thoughts and sort of pushing other ideas out of the way.

     I've also been considering starting a new blog from the persona of a fictional character. They'd analyze different aspects of what's happening in the world and give their opinion on it like a journal or diary entry. So much is going on that I know I wouldn't run out of things to talk about. I've also considered just making it a part of this blog, but I want it to be clear that it's another person's thoughts, not my own.

     On top of everything, finals are just two weeks away and I need to be focused on that before I can delve deeper into any of these ideas, or the others I haven't even mentioned yet. It's important for me to finish this semester strong so I can graduate in May and hopefully go back to working for the mouse. At least I now have a week off of school and can sit inside my warm home with a fresh cup of coffee, letting my pent-up thoughts escape just like the first snowflakes of this season.

Returning

I'm back.

After an unexplained leave of absence from this blog, I've been persuaded to return and continue the descriptions of my adventures. Unsure of what exactly is to come, I hope you will enjoy my ranting and tale telling. Let the journey begin!

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.

Week 3

This week I got to spend a lot of time with my two favorite chipmunks! Chip and Dale really are a blast to hang out with. They are always pulling pranks and doing everything to make people smile. I love them for all the joy and happiness they spread each and everyday. 

 

Here they are hanging around Frontier land in the Magic Kingdom! They sure did have a blast with those adorable hats and vests! :)

Not only did I spend some quality time with those bad boys, but also the one and only Winnie the Pooh! Unfortunately I don't have a picture of this cute and cuddly bear, but we had a lot of fun with some guests enjoying breakfast at the Grand Floridian. 

Along with working, I was able to play a little bit too! A great perk for being a Cast Member is getting to go to the parks for free so when my roommate Aelynn and I both had the day off we decided to go to EPCOT!

It was such a fun morning/afternoon. We met a bunch of different characters and had delicious Mexican food from the Mexico Pavilion. The highlight of my day was meeting my favorite princess, Belle!

After our little adventure at EPCOT, we headed on over to Hollywood Studios with our roommate Terri for an amazing dinner at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. It was a perfect end to our day.

As another week comes to a close, I could not be happier with where I'm at. I love my job, my friends, family, and roommates. Sometimes I still can't believe that I'm here. I'm so incredibly thankful for this opportunity and I can't wait to see what it leads me to next. 

Week 2

Another week down! I am just starting my third week here at Walt Disney World, and let me tell you... Week 2 was AMAZING! The words that best describe this week are: overwhelming, intense, stressful, eye- opening, wonderful, and magical. I have never been so exhausted but excited in my life. 

The start of the week was all about training. I won't go into details, but I will tell you that they were crazy. This was most definitely the intense part of my week. Although it was a lot of hard work, it was totally worth it, because I can officially say that I am an Entertainment Cast Member. There were many qualifications that needed to be met before I could officially make this statement, but I passed and can now proudly announce it. I am an Entertainment Cast Member :)

Immediately after training, I was thrown right in. Disney does not waste any time. I love my job. Although it was extremely overwhelming and terrifying at first, I am starting to feel more comfortable. My co-workers are amazing, and are always willing to help because they were in my shoes not too long ago. 

I remember thinking before I came here about how I was not going to be like everyone else and forget to update this blog. I thought that I would update this blog everyday about my adventures. Boy, was I wrong. Something that has taken me a long time to understand and appreciate is that it's okay to NOT know everything. There are too many good surprises that ARE worth the wait. I completely understand the craving to know every last detail about was happens on this day and what happens on that day. You feel like you need to learn everything before you get here but you don't. Soon enough you will be checking in, going to Traditions, and starting training. You will eventually learn everything you need to know. Don't panic and stress about it before hand, or else you won't have anything to look forward to once you get here. Just trust that everything will happen when it's meant to. Like my Dad always says, just ride the wave and see what shore it takes you too. 

First Week As A Cast Member

Yes, it's official... I am a Disney Cast Member! I can not believe the crazy, magical week I have had. Here's a quick run down of everything that happened:

Check In Day

I woke up insanely early so I could get there at 7 am. Disney is supposed to email everyone with an arrival time, but some people just didn't get one. I was one of those people. If you are in that situation then you can show up at whatever time you want.

My roommates and I were put into a 6 bedroom apartment at Patterson Court! It was not our first choice, but it wasn't our last so I'm really happy.

P.S. Check in day is not only the day you move in, but the day you find out your work location. I will be a member of the Entertainment family, and I couldn't be more excited about it!

Traditions

This is your first official day of work! Disney Traditions is full of magic, hope, and wonder. This is the first time you will meet your new boss, get your name tag that represents your school or hometown, and take your first steps down Main Street as a Cast Member. You will leave that day with tears in your eyes and pixie dust flowing through your veins. This is the start of your amazing adventure.

I apologize for the absence of postings. It really is a lot crazier than I expected. It's amazing, but crazy and I wouldn't change it for the world.

DCP Packing List

Hello! I'm so sorry I have been slacking lately. Life has been a little crazy trying to get things ready for my departure to Florida. Let me tell you, goodbyes are never easy. Anyways, here is my packing list for the Disney College Program. Enjoy!

DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM PACKING LIST

Kitchen

3 Piece Mixing Bowl Set

Rubber Spatula

Spatula

Cookie Sheet

Cutting Board

Tupperware

Zip lock Bags

Napkins

Lunchbox

Water Bottles

Coffee Mugs

Keurig

Towels

Soap

Oven Mitts

Blender

Teavana Tea Maker

George Foreman/ Panini Maker

Water Filter?

Bedroom

Twin Sheet Set(x2)

Comforter

Pillows(x2)

Grey Blanket

Hangers

Laundry Basket

Lamp

Hanging Organizer

White Board w/ Markers

Clothes

T-shirts

Blouses

Tank tops/ Camis

Sweatshirts

Sweaters

Suit Jacket and Pants

Jean Jacket

Green Jacket

Rain Jacket

Belt

Shorts

Pants

Leggings/ Yogas

Dresses

Skirt

Swimsuits

Bras

Sports Bras

Spandex

Underwear

Socks (White and Black)

Workout Shorts

Workout tops

Shoes (Heels, tennis shoes, black athletic shoes, flip flops, sandals)

Bathroom

Blue Trash Can

Shower Cady

Bath Mat

Towels

Beach Towels

Toilet Paper

Mirror?

Hair Dryer

Straightener

Toiletries

Hair Products (Superstar, styling cream)

Shampoo/ Conditioner

Brush

Ponytails

Headbands

Bobby pins

Straightener

Hair Dryer

Body Wash

Perfume

Jewelry

Watch

Girl Stuff

Face Wash

Make up Remover

Make up 

Deodorant

Sunscreen

Aloe

Toothbrush/ Toothpaste

Razors

Tweezers

Nail File and Clippers

Motrin

Cotton Balls

Nail Polish Remover

Clear Nail Polish

Cleaning Supplies

Dish Soap

Clorox Wipes

Paper Towels

Windex

Trash Bags

Vacuum Cleaner

Swiffer

Scrubbing Bubbles

Febreeze

Tide Pods

Bleach Pods

Dryer Sheets

School Supplies

Notebooks

Folder

Pencils

Pens

Highlighters

Sticky Notes

Push Pins

Back Pack

Envelopes

Stamps

Stapler

Electronics

Laptop

iPad

Phone

Camera

Power Cords

DVDs

HDMI

Cable Cord

Disc Drive

External Hard Drive

Other Stuff

Draw String Bag

Purses

Duffel Bag

Pins and Lanyards

Lanyard for keys

Batteries

Medical Supplies

Power Cords

Umbrella

Fan

Pictures

Tape

Headphones

Sunglasses

Blank Check for check in

Insurance Card

Money!

Along with these items, make sure you have everything you need to fill out the I-9 forms at Check-in. There is a list on here that has a bunch of options to bring. The easiest is to just bring your Passport and Photo ID.

See Ya' Real Soon!

In just 2 short weeks, I will be starting the adventure I have been dreaming about since I was 12 years old. I never thought that I would be at this point. All that's left to do is finalize my packing list, DORMS, and actually pack everything up. WHAT!? It still doesn't feel real. It probably won't feel real until I watch my family drive away. That is going to be extremely difficult. Leaving for my first year of college was one thing, but now I'm going across the country! I still can't believe that this is happening. Thank you to everyone who has ever taken the time to read my blog. To anyone reading this now, just wait, because the adventure is only beginning.