A Disneyland 60th Adventure: Set to Dazzle

We are officially down to a monthly countdown for my trip to DISNEYLAND!! My roommate and I decided to take the trip together since we can get in as a Cast Member and want to be there for the 60th Anniversary. I got the days off approved so that meant it was a definite GO.

The way our dates lined up I thought that we were going to be there to see the Christmas decorations but its a week too soon for that. But it’s ok because we will get to see the Nightmare Before Christmas layover on the Haunted Mansion.

My family took a trip to Disneyland in 2011, so we missed the Cars Land opening by exactly a year, but that was the trip that my love for Disney photography exploded. Looking back at all of the pictures I took make me giggle but everyone does have to start somewhere. I’m excited to be able to have a new ground to play on for a few days while I’m there. So just for fun, I’m going to share some of my first pictures.

Can’t wait to share everything that happens on the trip!!

Lightspeed to Endor (The Quicket Update Yet)

So, I’m a little embarrassed that this is my first post in 2 months. A lot has happened since the last one so this is going to be a super speedy, full of information post! We left off last on my birthday mostly.

Since then I “graduated” with my Mouseters Degree from Disney Heritage, I LOVED the class and the facilitator was one of kind.

After being completely obsessed with Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and riding it approximately 3 times each visit I achieved GALACTIC HERO. Definitely going on my resume.

Magic Kingdom got decked out in its Halloween/Fall finest, complete with HUGE pumpkins. I bought tickets to not one, but two Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties.

The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival began and I attended opening day and already visited 7 countries.

After months of excitement got to check out Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs, which was nothing short of awesome.

And most recently Magic Kingdom celebrated it’s 44th Birthday and I was able to be there as a guest, which was sentimental. It was also Epcot’s 33rd Birthday.

Look out for something new soon!!! Catch ya later and thanks for stopping by!

A birthday, baby rhinos, and goodbyes

Wow, it’s been a LONG time since I’ve put up a post! I’ve been busy with my family visiting, my birthday, and of course awkward shifts that have me busy during the day and wanting to sleep at night. This post is going to highlight some of the few things that have been going on since I posted last. But don’t worry I have PLENTY to share coming very soon!

First off, my birth week. My family came and visited for a week we got to stay at Fort Wilderness. It was very relaxing although I only had a couple of days off to be with them, they kept busy with various activities around the resort. For my early birthday dinner we ate at our all time favorite–Ohana, at the Polynesian Resort. It was delicious (per the usual,) plus during dinner we got to watch Wishes across the Seven Seas Lagoon! I had a wonderful week with them and they unfortunately had to leave the day before my birthday (boo).

My birthday was spent working in Tomorrowland and all my fellow cast members made it as magical as it could have been. Including singing happy birthday to me at Cool Ship (turkey legs) with everyone that was waiting in line.

I got my days off approved to be able to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in late September and I’m SO excited. But I’m also still between choosing who I should dress up as… which will also remain a surprise.

One morning I decided it was a good day to go to Animal Kingdom and I had a blast! It was overcast and there was a really nice breeze so I was able to enjoy one of my favorite parks. I got to see the baby rhino on Kilimanjaro Safaris and she was ADORABLE and there were also baby giraffes but I’m partial to the rhino. The new Harambe Market offers more “authentic” African food without scaring people, looks really good and I’m excited to try it soon.

Caramel Apple from Zuri’s Sweets

Hanging out with King Louie and Baloo

Also work is going well, I’m loving everyone I work with, but I also had to say some goodbyes since some of their programs were ending. The Fall people are also starting to move in and then we will settle down for the fall. It feels so weird not preparing to return to school, by no means am I complaining, but it does seem strange.

I’m so excited to see what the next few months have to offer and I will continue to keep this as updated as possible! Until next time, check out my instagram @disneyanddolewhips

A Little Bit of Magic

Whew! It has been awhile! July is one of the busiest months for Walt Disney World and my schedule definitely proves that. From Fourth of July to the endless Brazilian tour groups I’ve been working 6 days a week but honestly I love it. As the summer begins to wrap up, although the heat doesn’t seem to understand that (it IS possible to get used to it, crazy right?) As many family vacations begin popping up, I can’t help but get excited. I’ll be making a little road trip to see some family in less than a week AND my family is coming here for a whole week, but then leave the day before my birthday 😦 Seeing familiar faces will be so refreshing after missing my first family reunion this year.

I have been doing a lot of reflecting and thinking about how I got here at Disney and all the little things that have fallen into place. I could not be more grateful for the support I’ve gotten from all my loved ones, I feel like this is the place for me and I fit in so well. Now QSFB is not one of the most desired roles and I realize that because it was not my top choice BUT it’s all what you make it. I love it and understand that there are worse places, I got put in a really good location with AMAZING people. I was hoping to be placed in a resort but that would have left me at the same exact location every day and for me that would have gotten old fast. Where I am I have about 10 different locations with 4 different costumes that I get to wear, it all could not have fallen into place any better.

With that my schedule has really had me just working and not too much playing, but once the new fall program people move in hopefully it will all balance out. I’ve been realizing that I am abusing the “treat yo self” phrase but with the outlets not even five minutes away it’s hard to resist.

Disneyland’s 60th anniversary was just a few days ago and I sported a “Happy Birthday” button while I was at Epcot for the morning. We also said goodbye to the Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios, yet another closure. On the very last day i I drew Carl from UP! Plus I had a visitor from Fredericksburg come and visit me at work, how cool?! But other than that there is not much else is going on, I plan on returning and doing more regular posts soon! Until then, keep checking out my instagram: @disneyanddolewhips

Tuesday, June 30th A Day of Accomplishment

Hello there! The crowds have been steadily picking up which means less sleep and longer work hours, but I won’t let any of that rain on my parade. Because Tuesday, June 30th was the day I was going to do everything.

One of the girls that we were going to live with in Florida had gotten Be Our Guest reservations for breakfast, which just started around April. I had been looking forward to this and finally the day was here! I got up bright and early because our reservation was for 9am and that was right when the park opened so that means we were able to get into the park before it opened. So that means EMPTY PARK PICTURES! A dream of mine. I slowly meandered back to the Beast’s Castle while taking everything in and also taking lots of pictures.

We all sat down and waited for our food, I ordered the Open-Faced Bacon and Egg Sandwich on Millet bread with a fruit cup. One of the girls got the croissant doughnut and it had a bunch of different creams and sauces, she said it was really good, but it looked too sweet for breakfast. We also got a plate of pastries for the table. I LOVED my sandwich, it had poached eggs on top, thick-cut bacon, and the brie cheese was gooey and delicious. It was a really big portion too which I was not expecting because (after all  Miss this is France.) The chocolate chip croissant on the pastry plate was really yummy too. All together I was very impressed with breakfast at Be Our Guest and I would definitely recommend eating the whole plate of pastries yourself and not sharing them.

I had gotten fastpasses for the morning because I did have to work later that evening. So while I was waiting to get on Space Mountain I rode the WEDway Peoplemover and Carousel of Progress. I then went and used my fastpass for Space Mountain which got me the best seat in the house, the very back of the spaceship, and boy was it thrilling. Almost a little TOO exciting, it’s a rough ride. I then headed over to Storybook Circus to look around and saw that the wait time to meet Goofy, Donald, Minnie, and Daisy was only 10 minutes so I took advantage of that. Plus they weren’t just your average characters today, they were The Great Goofini, The Astounding Donaldo, Minnie Magnifique, and Madame Daisy.

I then went and rode Under the Sea~ Journey of the Little Mermaid and Peter Pan. I then slowly and sadly walked out of Magic Kingdom because I needed to get ready for work and realized that I had gotten SO much done in the short time I was there that morning. But who am I kidding, how many people get to drive past Space Mountain and the Contemporary Resort for their drive to work everyday? It puts everything into perspective, I know the next few months are going to fly by and I already don’t want to leave. Thanks for stopping by, come back soon for more to read about!

Countries, Beaches, and Grilled Cheeses

Today is my one month since I moved into my apartment at Disney (not sure if that is a real thing, but I’m making it one.) Over the last 2 weeks I haven’t been getting as many hours so I’ve taken full advantage of enjoying the parks. I had a couple of days off in a row and I took a trip to see some family in Georgia, which was really nice. On Monday I met up with some friends from school at Epcot and got to ride some rides with them. They had reservations so I was left on my own for lunch and I decided to get adventurous… I took a trip through Canada, England, through International Gateway, and onto a boat with Yacht and Beach Club as the destination. Mission: to eat lunch; Goal: Beaches and Cream. And let me spoil something for you, I CONQUERED.  I got a classic rootbeer float with vanilla ice cream and although the heat index was well  over 100 degrees I still opted for the grilled cheese. It was delicious, a nice blend of cheeses, including ricotta to add extra creaminess and the housemade pickle was AWESOME. I am a pickle fiend and this was a sweet and spicy pickle that blew my mind, I only wish it was a little more chilled. I left happily stuffed.  On my way to catch the boat back I captured this beautiful panorama of the lighthouse and dock, the clouds make this even prettier! Check back soon for a new post! Also if you’re wishing for more updated adventures, follow along on my Disney Instagram account, @disneyanddolewhips

I’ve Earned My Ears!

The day has finally come that I don’t show up to work with the red ribbon, the ribbon that is basically equivalent of wearing a lanyard in college (typical freshman move), except at Disney every welcomes you to the company and will answer questions when you’re lost. I have officially earned my ears! Training is all done and that means I am just like the other 70k Disney employees with a cool name tag.

I had some really cool trainers throughout my week, all being completely different from the other and learning great information along the way. Since I am quick service food our training lasts longer than many of the other positions on property. Part of our training is learning to swirl ice cream, easy right? WRONG. I have never been so bad at something before, except maybe math. The other 2 trainees got to serve their ice cream cones and where did mine end up, the trash. I was so embarrassed because I was not getting the hang of it, but after another day of ice cream swirling I am proud to say that I am a PROFESSIONAL float maker now. So please ladies and gentlemen come and find me and I guarantee the prettiest rootbeer or coke or whatever weird soda you want float. It truly is an art and I have mastered it.

Now the art of becoming nocturnal is something I need to figure out soon or else I won’t make it. How else can Disney be the most magical place on earth if they are not constantly working, the Magic Kingdom for example NEVER sleeps, therefore I do not sleep. Just kidding, I sleep just at very strange hours of the day and honestly I wouldn’t want to do it for any other company.

That’s all for now! Check back soon for more awesome Disney stuff.

First Week: COMPLETED

The last week has been a whirlwind of excitement, new things, and even learning to get around everywhere driving. Last I left off was right before leaving for Traditions, but I decided that it was too awesome that I really don’t want to ruin the magic of it all. (I apologize in advance for the length of this)

It was in a nut shell, orientation to the company and the expectations of everyone that will be working. We got to check out the utilidors that are the underground tunnels below the Magic Kingdom, which is actually built on the “second floor.” We received our name tags and that was very exciting, so much pride in a name tag. But also Traditions is important because that is where you get your ID and that means you can get into the parks! Well of course since it is still Star Wars Weekends I was not going to pass up the opportunity to go and enjoy the AMAZING fireworks show, Symphony in the Stars.

My roommate, Maggie and I at Traditions

I rushed over to Hollywood Studios to get a spot to watch the fireworks and I decided to go alone to take it all in, and I’m so happy I did! For Star Wars Weekends this year they have these really cool glow cubes to put in your drink, they have a Millennium Falcon and Death Star, I just had to get both!

The rest of my roommates were in Magic Kingdom so once the fireworks ended I headed over to meet up with everyone. We were able to get a few rides in, including Space Mountain AND Thunder Mountain.

The next morning we all went to Typhoon Lagoon and we went straight to the Crush N Gusher and did way more of the wave pool than our little arms could handle. But we had so much fun and on our way out got to see Lilo, sadly no Stitch.

Later we all drove over to Hollywood Studios again for Star Wars Weekend and stocked up on souvenirs and watched the Symphony in the Stars show again, because you can never see too many fireworks or listen to too much Star Wars music.

Darth Vader AND Han Solo popcorn buckets

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday were my training days which was basic food and beverage information. Monday I was feeling a little homesick so I went over to Old Key West Resort, which is home away from home for me. I walked around and enjoyed a Mickey bar and then ended up over at Magic Kingdom. I did all the rides that are typically coined as boring but I had a lot of fun going at my own pace and people watching. 

Wednesday was my other day off so one of my roommates and I spent the day together at Blizzard Beach and Epcot! It was relaxing and exactly what we needed, and what is a trip to Epcot without stopping in World Showcase for some delicious snacks, in this case, French snacks.

Finally today, which was my first day of training IN costume, very exciting! We got to walk all around Fantasyland and Tomorrowland looking at our potential locations, and boy will I be covering a lot of ground! I’m so excited to get started and everyone is SO friendly and helpful. The next week or so will be going into depth about each location and how they operate, so I’m going to be stuffed full of information and I CANNOT wait!!

Hopefully I didn’t bore you to death, I appreciate you making it to this point, stop back soon for more!!!

At Last I See the Light (A New Adventure)

As many of you know, May 26th was my check in date to the Disney College Program. It has been a very busy and exciting last couple of days and I can’t wait to get started! I’ll do a little recap of the last few days…

Tuesday, May 26th: Check-in was bright and early right at 8am. I met up with my hopefully potential roommate and we waited in line together. The first line we stood in was where we received our role assignment, I got MAGIC KINGDOM stands east. This includes the smaller stands in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, I’m so excited to have wide range of locations to hopefully work from and it’s going to be crazy. Next we stood in line to find out what apartment we were placed in and who if our roommate request went through. I got the roommate I requested and we were put into Patterson Court in a 3-bedroom. It was not our first selection but I’m so happy with what we got. I was really hoping for the Commons because it had the laundry in each apartment but the fact that each room has their own bathroom in the apartment we got I’m totally okay with that. I have 5 other roommates from all across the country and it’s neat hearing about everyone’s background.

Wednesday, May 27th: There was nothing on my schedule for Wednesday so I spent the day with my parents enjoying time at the resorts together. We ate lunch at Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian (a favorite of ours) and of course a visit to the Polynesian is not complete without a Dole Whip! We also had the opportunity to see the new Bungalows and Studio room part of the Vacation Club expansion.

We then rode the Monorail around the loop and back to the Polynesian and headed over to House of Blues for dinner.

Thursday, May 28th: I had a housing meeting in the morning and I met my parents afterwards for lunch before their flight out. We ate at Trail’s End at Fort Wilderness and our service was exceptional, the waiter was entertaining, friendly, and you could tell he LOVED what he did. He was a wonderful representation of the company. After lunch we checked out the Disney Outlet in the outlet mall and there was a great selection of items, I was impressed. From there I took my parents to the airport, and it was emotional but not necessarily because it’s sad, but because it will take some getting used to being at Disney without my family. Once I came back we had a roommate dinner which was fun and we are our own little family now too.

Friday, May 29th: Today is Traditions, but that is so awesome it will get its own post soon! Check back for more soon as I share my transition of working for the mouse!!

Disney College Program Bucket List

This is the moment all of you have been waiting for I’m sure….. my Disney College Program Bucket list!! I have created a list of things that I have not yet done before at Disney and the surrounding area. The challenge: 50 (and counting) activities with 7 months to complete each one. Now I understand some of these realistically may not happen BUT I can dream, right?! The ones that are finished will be crossed out and I will try to update the page as each one is completed!!

• Get a turkey leg
• Get a picture with each (together or individually) of the Classic 5 characters in each park
• Snack around World Showcase
• Visit characters in their proper “country”
• See every parade and show
• Get a picture on empty main street
• Ride a ride with the lights on
• Attend Villains Unleashed
• Attend in costume Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party
• Go to Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• See Cirque du Soleil
• Top of the world lounge for Holiday Wishes
• Try the gray stuff
• Finish a kitchen sink
• Get LeFou’s Brew at Gaston’s Tavern
• Disneybound and get pictures with those characters
• Get a picture with every Disney princess
• Take pictures of the sunrise in one of the parks
• Celebrate my birthday in one of the parks
• Eat at Ohana on my actual birthday
• Send a coconut from the Polynesian
• Be the Rebel Spy
• Visit every resort
• Achieve Galactic Hero on Buzz Lightyear
• Be at MK for the taping of the Christmas parade
• Get a GSF card
• Attend Dapper Day
• Ride the Haunted Mansion on Halloween
• Attempt to watch all the night shows at each park in one day
• Collect as many Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom cards as possible
• Get the perfect shot of the castle on the WEDway Peoplemover
• Conquer my fear and ride Splash Mountain and Expedition Everest
• Visit as many resorts at Christmas time and take a picture with the main Christmas tree
• Get a picture of partners with no one around it
• Participate in a Disney VoluntEARS event
• Work at as many different locations as possible
• Meet as many people from around the world as possible (write down where from)
• Witness a proposal
• Disney cupcake crawl
• Go to a cast preview event
• Go to Magic Kingdom when the flag pole is down
• Ride all 4 mountains in one day (Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, 7 Dwarves)
• Attend the Food and Wine Festival
• Eat breakfast in all 4 parks
• Do a backstage tour
• Try Beignets at Port Orleans
• Rent a surrey bike to ride around one of resorts
• Watch the Electrical Water Pageant from all the beaches it goes to
• Attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
• Create and/or participate in a theme park scavenger hunt
• Get a churro ice cream sandwich