So it was a year ago today that I was forced to pick up and move away from the most magical place on earth. Forced to leave a magical fantasy to once again rejoin the real world. In the year since, I’ve had the chance to learn a lot about how much I changed during those four months. I can undoubtedly say that doing the Disney College Program was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself.
People often ask me what the best part of the program was and as anyone that did the program knows, that is quite an open-ended question. There were so many good times…Graduation, Formal, Around the World, Kidani Parades and Coloring, Midnight Swims, Block Party and MiSiCi, the list goes on and on. But I’ve realized the answer to that question is that the people are what truly was the most incredible part of the program.
As I think we’ve all learned, trying to explain a Disney friendship to someone that has never had one is nearly impossible, for there is something very special about a DCP friendship. Somehow, as much as we are different, we are all so very much the same. Each of us comes from different backgrounds, different states, even different countries; we have different stories, even speak different languages but yet we all believe in the magic. We believe in the magic and embrace it, even live it with all our hearts. I’ve found that in the year since the program that there is something so safe in a Disney friendship. There was never a fear to not be wholly who you were because deep down, you knew that that goofy, Disney-lover was inside them too. It’s that safety which undoubtedly helped me grow in those four months into a person I am so proud to be today.
Disney friends, I miss you all terribly. I truly wish that the distance wasn’t so far between us, especially my DAK Pack friends who live across the globe. Know that even a year later, you still hold a very special place in my heart and will forever. I hope you’re doing well and that our paths will one day cross again. To those friends I have talked to or seen since last May, know that I value your friendship more than you can even imagine and if ever you need me, know I will always be there for you, as I know you’d be there for me. Asante Sana, Thank You, for everything.
Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust,
Jess
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Trivia Answers
So I realized I never put up the answers from the last batch of trivia and since I had to miss class last week due to a scheduling conflict with work I sadly don't have new trivia from class to give you. But here are the answers to the last batch and on Thursday I'll be back in class and hopefully have lots of fun new trivia for you. =)
ANSWERS!
1. Blizzard Beach
2. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT and it's tough to be a bug in the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom
3. Pinnocchio
4. Disney's Old Key West Resort
5. ESPN (owned by Disney)
6. The Atlanta Braves
7. Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
8. April 18, 1998
9. The Main Street Electrical Parade
10.Bob Iger
How'd ya do??
ANSWERS!
1. Blizzard Beach
2. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT and it's tough to be a bug in the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom
3. Pinnocchio
4. Disney's Old Key West Resort
5. ESPN (owned by Disney)
6. The Atlanta Braves
7. Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
8. April 18, 1998
9. The Main Street Electrical Parade
10.Bob Iger
How'd ya do??
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Around the World and Keys to the Kingdom Tour
So you remember me saying I was going to update my blog everyday?? Well apparently my computer decided it didn't want to cooperate with that and has crashed for the second time in 2 years. Yeah...we're not gonna talk about that one. But, that being said, I still promise to update the blog as often as I can. So..Lets see what interesting stuff I can tell you about from the past week.
I went to Typhoon Lagoon last week with some of the guys from DAKL and had a blast finally really enjoying the nice weather. They even managed to get me on the water coaster which was actually really fun! I did though, get a wicked bad sunburn which has finally after a week turned to tan. lol. Of course now the plan is to go to Blizzard Beach this week and I promise to remember the sunscreen this time. =P
Last week we also celebrated one of our friends 21st birthday by drinking around the world at Epcot, which was a blast! 11 countries, 11 drinks and a whole lot of fun. Although I wound up being the semi-sober sitter since I wasn't 21 we had a whole lot of memories and a ton of fun. (And of course lots of pictures) =) I def. want to come back and do it for my 21st if I get the chance. Or my next trip to Disney thereafter.
Yesterday I had a super, super busy day at work. One of the busiest I've had since I've been here. I'm not 100% sure why is was so busy. I think it was the fact that some people are still on Spring Break coupled with the fact that none of the Europeans that have been here for their spring breaks can get home due to the volcano. I really feel bad for some of these families. They come here often for over a week, some up to 2 and now are being forced to stay here away from home and jobs and school for up to another 10 days. Some people say you can never get enough Disney but upwards of 20 days is really pushing the limit. I'm hopeful that the weather will cooperate and get them home really soon.
And today, Jen and I went on the Keys to the Kingdom Tour!! For those of you that don't know, the Keys to the Kingdom Tour is a tour that any guest can take and it's a 5hr walking tour showing you the ins and outs of the Magic Kingdom including backstage areas and the Utilidors. It was awesome! I was afraid that I was going to know all the information that she was telling us but I learned a ton about the parks and the attractions and everything in between. We walked down Main Street and learned about the shop windows, took a ride on both Jungle Cruise and the Haunted Mansion and learned the secrets to the effects in both those rides. Went backstage and saw all the floats for both SpectroMagic and the Share a Dream Come True Parade. Saw the back of Splash Mountain and how they operate the water systems. And of course saw the Utilidors which for me wasn't all that exciting since I've been in them a bunch of times but it was still really cool to learn all about the history of Walt and Roy and the rides and what makes them work. If you're into Disney trivia or history or just want to give another dimension to the way you look at the Magic Kingdom, I highly, highly recommend it. It's $75 plus theme park admission and I would say it's worth it (although we only paid 50% of that. Hurray for Cast Discounts!!).
After the Keys tour we left our wonderful tour guide Claire and Jen and I went to Cast Connection to stock up on pins for pin trading!! I have always collected Disney pins but have never really wanted to trade them because I always buy the ones I like. That is, until I got here and discovered the wonderful Cast Connection store which has pins for 50 cents each!!! So we both stocked up on a ton of those so we had ones to trade. We also went into Property Control and got these amazing snow globes that used to be $89.95 for $22!!! It's got all the characters on it, plays Zip-Ah-Dee-Doo-Dah and has a monorail that spins around the bottom. I love it and am so happy that I was able to buy one to commemorate my trip. And for $22. How can you beat that?! So after we carried our 10lb snow globes to the car, we came home and had dinner and then decided even though it was raining we were going to go to Epcot for some pin trading, ice cream and Illuminations. There is never again a time in our lives where we will have the kind of luxury to experience the parks like we do now and I've decided to make them absolute most of it in the last month of my college program.
Alright, I think that's a good update for now. More to come hopefully soon. Can't believe it's almost over. Love you all!!
-Jess
I went to Typhoon Lagoon last week with some of the guys from DAKL and had a blast finally really enjoying the nice weather. They even managed to get me on the water coaster which was actually really fun! I did though, get a wicked bad sunburn which has finally after a week turned to tan. lol. Of course now the plan is to go to Blizzard Beach this week and I promise to remember the sunscreen this time. =P
Last week we also celebrated one of our friends 21st birthday by drinking around the world at Epcot, which was a blast! 11 countries, 11 drinks and a whole lot of fun. Although I wound up being the semi-sober sitter since I wasn't 21 we had a whole lot of memories and a ton of fun. (And of course lots of pictures) =) I def. want to come back and do it for my 21st if I get the chance. Or my next trip to Disney thereafter.
Yesterday I had a super, super busy day at work. One of the busiest I've had since I've been here. I'm not 100% sure why is was so busy. I think it was the fact that some people are still on Spring Break coupled with the fact that none of the Europeans that have been here for their spring breaks can get home due to the volcano. I really feel bad for some of these families. They come here often for over a week, some up to 2 and now are being forced to stay here away from home and jobs and school for up to another 10 days. Some people say you can never get enough Disney but upwards of 20 days is really pushing the limit. I'm hopeful that the weather will cooperate and get them home really soon.
And today, Jen and I went on the Keys to the Kingdom Tour!! For those of you that don't know, the Keys to the Kingdom Tour is a tour that any guest can take and it's a 5hr walking tour showing you the ins and outs of the Magic Kingdom including backstage areas and the Utilidors. It was awesome! I was afraid that I was going to know all the information that she was telling us but I learned a ton about the parks and the attractions and everything in between. We walked down Main Street and learned about the shop windows, took a ride on both Jungle Cruise and the Haunted Mansion and learned the secrets to the effects in both those rides. Went backstage and saw all the floats for both SpectroMagic and the Share a Dream Come True Parade. Saw the back of Splash Mountain and how they operate the water systems. And of course saw the Utilidors which for me wasn't all that exciting since I've been in them a bunch of times but it was still really cool to learn all about the history of Walt and Roy and the rides and what makes them work. If you're into Disney trivia or history or just want to give another dimension to the way you look at the Magic Kingdom, I highly, highly recommend it. It's $75 plus theme park admission and I would say it's worth it (although we only paid 50% of that. Hurray for Cast Discounts!!).
After the Keys tour we left our wonderful tour guide Claire and Jen and I went to Cast Connection to stock up on pins for pin trading!! I have always collected Disney pins but have never really wanted to trade them because I always buy the ones I like. That is, until I got here and discovered the wonderful Cast Connection store which has pins for 50 cents each!!! So we both stocked up on a ton of those so we had ones to trade. We also went into Property Control and got these amazing snow globes that used to be $89.95 for $22!!! It's got all the characters on it, plays Zip-Ah-Dee-Doo-Dah and has a monorail that spins around the bottom. I love it and am so happy that I was able to buy one to commemorate my trip. And for $22. How can you beat that?! So after we carried our 10lb snow globes to the car, we came home and had dinner and then decided even though it was raining we were going to go to Epcot for some pin trading, ice cream and Illuminations. There is never again a time in our lives where we will have the kind of luxury to experience the parks like we do now and I've decided to make them absolute most of it in the last month of my college program.
Alright, I think that's a good update for now. More to come hopefully soon. Can't believe it's almost over. Love you all!!
-Jess
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Enjoying Those Lazy Days
So I've spent the last 2 days enjoying the lazy days and the beautiful Florida sunshine. Yesterday Ren and I spent the late afternoon playing mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens which is the mini golf course at the Swan and Dolphin. I had never played there and it was really, really fun. Each hole is themed around the different musical numbers of Fantasia and of course in true Disney fashion there are special surprises along the way. And...I beat Ren by 3 strokes! =) After mini golf we took the boat to the Studios where we had a delicious dinner. They make these sandwiches that are like a half a loaf of Italian bread that is then stuffed with Caesar Salad. So good!! After dinner and watching the American Idol Finale show, we went and watched Fantasmic. That show never gets old no matter how many times you see it. Even though I know like the whole thing by heart.
Then today I did absolutely nothing but lay at the pool and try and look like I have lived in Florida for the past 3 months. lol.
I've got another day off tomorrow. Not sure what I'm going to do. Probably some more laying at the pool and then maybe a park? Not sure what's in store. One of the magical things about living in Disney World. Until then...
Love you all,
Jess
Then today I did absolutely nothing but lay at the pool and try and look like I have lived in Florida for the past 3 months. lol.
I've got another day off tomorrow. Not sure what I'm going to do. Probably some more laying at the pool and then maybe a park? Not sure what's in store. One of the magical things about living in Disney World. Until then...
Love you all,
Jess
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Another Day...
Dumela!!
That's hello in some African language. I should probably find out which one it is since I say it to every guest that walks through the door. Anyway...Yesterday I had work from 3-11:30PM over at Kidani Village which is the vacation club building for Animal Kingdom Lodge. I like working over there way better than working at Jambo. I'm not really sure why though. The days are less full of stuff because much fewer guests come through the doors but the set-up of the front desk makes it easier to talk to people and get to know the other cast members and CPs who work front desk, concierge and bell services. Sorry to say no really interesting guests came through the doors yesterday. None with any special stories. Although I did talk to these two little girls for about 10min. who were absolutely adorable telling me all about how they wanted to meet the princesses and which were their favorites and stuff like that. And of course the African tribal parade which is always a big hit of the night was super fun. Just an excuse for all the cast members and guests to make a lot of noise playing instruments in the lobby. =)
Alright, I think that's it for now. Sorry it's not such an interesting post. Now I've got today plus the next 2 days off so Yay!! Ren and I are going to play mini golf today and then maybe some fireworks tonight. I'm in a wishes mood. (And I love being able to say that. lol) For now...Love you all. <3
Love,
Jess
That's hello in some African language. I should probably find out which one it is since I say it to every guest that walks through the door. Anyway...Yesterday I had work from 3-11:30PM over at Kidani Village which is the vacation club building for Animal Kingdom Lodge. I like working over there way better than working at Jambo. I'm not really sure why though. The days are less full of stuff because much fewer guests come through the doors but the set-up of the front desk makes it easier to talk to people and get to know the other cast members and CPs who work front desk, concierge and bell services. Sorry to say no really interesting guests came through the doors yesterday. None with any special stories. Although I did talk to these two little girls for about 10min. who were absolutely adorable telling me all about how they wanted to meet the princesses and which were their favorites and stuff like that. And of course the African tribal parade which is always a big hit of the night was super fun. Just an excuse for all the cast members and guests to make a lot of noise playing instruments in the lobby. =)
Alright, I think that's it for now. Sorry it's not such an interesting post. Now I've got today plus the next 2 days off so Yay!! Ren and I are going to play mini golf today and then maybe some fireworks tonight. I'm in a wishes mood. (And I love being able to say that. lol) For now...Love you all. <3
Love,
Jess
Sunday, April 4, 2010
An Easter Update
HAPPY EASTER!!!
Hope this entry find you all doing very well. Now that my program is quickly coming to an end (only one month left, can you believe it??) I've decided to try and write in the blog as much as possible. So...here's another update. Last night (4.3.10) I worked the late night shift from 6:15PM-2:15AM. It sounds like a really terrible shift but in all honesty I actually like it and I haven't had it in a while so it was good. And to make things interesting, there's nothing like some power outages and alpha unit calls to spice up the night. lol. The Lodge isn't all that busy but still lots and lots of questions, lots of parties travling together complicating life and lots of foreigners making the language barrier interesting. But, it's all good and gives a little spice to the day. =) Working the same shift tonight at Jambo House and since it's Easter I'm sure it'll be crazy. We're on a "hard close" today which means you can only get past security unless you're staying at the resort or have a dining reservation which for us is nice because otherwise it would be INSANE!! I know there's a whole bunch of fun stuff going on today. To bad I missed the characters this morning. =( Hopefully there will be some fun stuff tonight as well.
In other news, 2nd inspection is tomorrow and the apartment is on its way to getting cleaned. Hopefully this will be the last one before we go home because they're just a pain in the neck.
Alright...have to go get ready for work. Hopefully I'll remember to update tomorrow. Love you all! Enjoy your candy and don't eat to many jelly beans. =)
Have a Zip-Ah-Dee-Do-Dah Day!!
Hope this entry find you all doing very well. Now that my program is quickly coming to an end (only one month left, can you believe it??) I've decided to try and write in the blog as much as possible. So...here's another update. Last night (4.3.10) I worked the late night shift from 6:15PM-2:15AM. It sounds like a really terrible shift but in all honesty I actually like it and I haven't had it in a while so it was good. And to make things interesting, there's nothing like some power outages and alpha unit calls to spice up the night. lol. The Lodge isn't all that busy but still lots and lots of questions, lots of parties travling together complicating life and lots of foreigners making the language barrier interesting. But, it's all good and gives a little spice to the day. =) Working the same shift tonight at Jambo House and since it's Easter I'm sure it'll be crazy. We're on a "hard close" today which means you can only get past security unless you're staying at the resort or have a dining reservation which for us is nice because otherwise it would be INSANE!! I know there's a whole bunch of fun stuff going on today. To bad I missed the characters this morning. =( Hopefully there will be some fun stuff tonight as well.
In other news, 2nd inspection is tomorrow and the apartment is on its way to getting cleaned. Hopefully this will be the last one before we go home because they're just a pain in the neck.
Alright...have to go get ready for work. Hopefully I'll remember to update tomorrow. Love you all! Enjoy your candy and don't eat to many jelly beans. =)
Have a Zip-Ah-Dee-Do-Dah Day!!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Another Week, Another Update
Hi Everyone!!
Well...we didn't win the scavenger hunt. That was sad but it was still fun none the less. I didn't have class this week because of Spring Break but last class (3.25.10) we talked all about animation and the Golden Years of Disney Animation. We got to see some very cool stuff including a deleted song from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the original Mickey Mouse Club footage. Very neat stuff. Other than that, lets see what else I can update you on...
First off, Happy Passover or belated Passover to everyone that is celebrating. I'm attempting to keep Passover while I'm here although it is very difficult since we live off Italian and Mexican food. lol. But! I did successfully make my first ever solo batch of matzo ball soup. I was very, very proud of myself for doing that and now I have something to eat for the week. :)
Work hasn't been nearly as busy as I had thought it would be since it's Spring Break. The Lodge hasn't had a ton of check ins and check outs but there have just been lots of people in the lobby asking all the same questions. lol. But it's all good, I don't mind it. And generally the CPs work together at night so it's fun to get to know each other and just talk. So it all works out in the end. And the nice large paycheck because of the extensions don't hurt either.
There was a very fun day at work the other day when the infamous "Max" checked into the lodge. It was more like a covert spy mission than anything else but made work very interesting and fun. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you'll just have to ask.... =P
Yesterday I had the day off and I spent the afternoon in Animal Kingdom enjoying the GORGEOUS weather. I'm so happy it's actually finally spring in Florida! Took long enough, seriously. So I went and walked around and say the Animals until Meg and Laura met me for dinner and Safari. :) Then we went over to EPCOT for Illuminations where I ran into Will Bonesso! It was so nice to see him since I hadn't in forever. Just goes to show you, you can run into anyone here in the happiest place on earth. So we watched Illuminations and then came home and Meg, Laura and I went to the Cowboy Bar with some of Meg's lifeguard friends. It was really fun although I can't line dance to save my life. lol. But I enjoyed the attempt and making a bit of a fool of myself. Hopefully next time I'll have better luck.
I also got to see Danielle Naglieri who was down here for Spring Break with her fam. Nice to have a little piece of Delaware for a little while here in Florida since I miss being at school. And visitors are just fun! :)
Other than that...Not to much more to update you on. I will give you the answers to last weeks trivia questions but since I didn't have class this week I'll just have to come up with some fun trivia of my own. lol.
ANSWERS:
1. His Initials W.D.
2. Toy Story 3, Cars 2, Rapunzel
3. The American Idol Experience
4. He won one big Oscar and 7 tiny ones
5. On a train ride from NY to California.
6. Mortimer Mouse
7. His wife Lillian
8. One ear is used as a lightening rod.
9. Grumman's Chinese Theater
10. So I realized this one and 3 are the same, but if you got it right, you get double. lol. The American Idol Experience.
NEW QUESTIONS:
1. What park celebrated its 15th Anniversary yesterday, April Fools Day?
2. Two of the Four Major Park Icons hold attractions. Which ones do and what attractions do they hold?
3. What was the second animated feature created by Walt Disney?
4. What was the first Disney Vacation Club resort to open?
5. Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex recently changed its name to reflect its new sponsor. Who is their new sponsor?
6. What MLB team has Spring Training at the Complex?
7. What is the newest resort to be added to the Walt Disney World Property?
8. In what year did Animal Kingdom Open?
9. What was the name of the nighttime parade the preceded SpectroMagic and that will be returning to Magic Kingdom this summer?
10. Who is the current CEO of Walt Disney World?
Alright...give those a shot. OF course my next entry will have the answers. No class next week either because we're still in Spring Break week but I'll still try and keep you updated. Happy Easter to everyone!!
Love Always,
Jess
Well...we didn't win the scavenger hunt. That was sad but it was still fun none the less. I didn't have class this week because of Spring Break but last class (3.25.10) we talked all about animation and the Golden Years of Disney Animation. We got to see some very cool stuff including a deleted song from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the original Mickey Mouse Club footage. Very neat stuff. Other than that, lets see what else I can update you on...
First off, Happy Passover or belated Passover to everyone that is celebrating. I'm attempting to keep Passover while I'm here although it is very difficult since we live off Italian and Mexican food. lol. But! I did successfully make my first ever solo batch of matzo ball soup. I was very, very proud of myself for doing that and now I have something to eat for the week. :)
Work hasn't been nearly as busy as I had thought it would be since it's Spring Break. The Lodge hasn't had a ton of check ins and check outs but there have just been lots of people in the lobby asking all the same questions. lol. But it's all good, I don't mind it. And generally the CPs work together at night so it's fun to get to know each other and just talk. So it all works out in the end. And the nice large paycheck because of the extensions don't hurt either.
There was a very fun day at work the other day when the infamous "Max" checked into the lodge. It was more like a covert spy mission than anything else but made work very interesting and fun. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you'll just have to ask.... =P
Yesterday I had the day off and I spent the afternoon in Animal Kingdom enjoying the GORGEOUS weather. I'm so happy it's actually finally spring in Florida! Took long enough, seriously. So I went and walked around and say the Animals until Meg and Laura met me for dinner and Safari. :) Then we went over to EPCOT for Illuminations where I ran into Will Bonesso! It was so nice to see him since I hadn't in forever. Just goes to show you, you can run into anyone here in the happiest place on earth. So we watched Illuminations and then came home and Meg, Laura and I went to the Cowboy Bar with some of Meg's lifeguard friends. It was really fun although I can't line dance to save my life. lol. But I enjoyed the attempt and making a bit of a fool of myself. Hopefully next time I'll have better luck.
I also got to see Danielle Naglieri who was down here for Spring Break with her fam. Nice to have a little piece of Delaware for a little while here in Florida since I miss being at school. And visitors are just fun! :)
Other than that...Not to much more to update you on. I will give you the answers to last weeks trivia questions but since I didn't have class this week I'll just have to come up with some fun trivia of my own. lol.
ANSWERS:
1. His Initials W.D.
2. Toy Story 3, Cars 2, Rapunzel
3. The American Idol Experience
4. He won one big Oscar and 7 tiny ones
5. On a train ride from NY to California.
6. Mortimer Mouse
7. His wife Lillian
8. One ear is used as a lightening rod.
9. Grumman's Chinese Theater
10. So I realized this one and 3 are the same, but if you got it right, you get double. lol. The American Idol Experience.
NEW QUESTIONS:
1. What park celebrated its 15th Anniversary yesterday, April Fools Day?
2. Two of the Four Major Park Icons hold attractions. Which ones do and what attractions do they hold?
3. What was the second animated feature created by Walt Disney?
4. What was the first Disney Vacation Club resort to open?
5. Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex recently changed its name to reflect its new sponsor. Who is their new sponsor?
6. What MLB team has Spring Training at the Complex?
7. What is the newest resort to be added to the Walt Disney World Property?
8. In what year did Animal Kingdom Open?
9. What was the name of the nighttime parade the preceded SpectroMagic and that will be returning to Magic Kingdom this summer?
10. Who is the current CEO of Walt Disney World?
Alright...give those a shot. OF course my next entry will have the answers. No class next week either because we're still in Spring Break week but I'll still try and keep you updated. Happy Easter to everyone!!
Love Always,
Jess
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