Month 1: ESPN, the Polynesian, and More!

It has been exactly a month since I started my college program! The week one process was exactly the same as it was on my last program two years ago (check-in, casting, traditions, welcome meeting, orientation, etc.). So, if you are interested in reading about that, visit the following blog posts:

Day One: Check-in & Casting
Day 2: Housing Welcome Meeting & DTD
Day 3-5: Kitchen Sink, Traditions, & Magic Kingdom
Day 6-8: Disney University & Training

The day after I finished my training at ESPN, I was deployed to Typhoon Lagoon for a week because there were no events going on at ESPN. Since then, it has been a pretty chill place to work. However, I sometimes feel like I'm not actually working for Disney because ESPN is just a complex that hosts sporting competitions, as opposed to a theme park. But on the bright side, I love sports so I don't mind that the view from my concession stand window is a baseball game most of the time.

Last month, my friend from my last program came down to visit from Minnesota. We stayed in the Polynesian Resort, which was beautiful! This is one of my favorite Disney Resorts. And I highly recommend going to Trader Sams, for all of you who are over 21! It is a bar based on the Tiki Room in Magic Kingdom. Every time a drink is ordered, something happens based on the type of drink. The bartenders chant, the room darkens, thunder sounds... Its an amazing experience!

I ordered the HippopotoMai-Tai as the bartenders
yelled and chanted "Two shots of rum!"

We also rented a boat from the Polynesian. I didn't even know you could do this until recently! And if you are a cast member, you get 50% off! First we rented a small two-seat boat. The next day, we got the 10-seat pontoon. We took these out through the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake in front of Magic Kingdom. While in Bay Lake, we drove in front of the abandoned water park and island, Disney's River Country and Discovery Island. It was so eerie, but I would love to explore it some time!

Disney's River Country

We finished up the weekend with park visits to Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, as well as a couple games of bowling at Splitsville in Downtown Disney. Normally, I can never break 100 points, but somehow I got 5 strikes in a row this game!

Last week, a group of us went on the party bus so Drip, a new club in downtown Orlando, for a paint party. It was so much fun, and the music was great. I can't wait to go again!

This past weekend, a couple more friends from my last program, who I haven't seen in two years, came down to Orlando! We hit up all the parks, went bowling, and had a great time. It definitely did not feel like it had been two whole years. Our last program seemed like only yesterday! But it was a happy reminder of just how fast the time flies while down here on the program.

Two days ago, Craig and I had dinner at Be Our Guest, the Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant in Magic Kingdom. I had the shrimp and scallops while he had the braised pork. For desert we couldn't decide on just one, so we got the grey stuff, eclair a l'orange, and (my favorite) the strawberry cream cheese cupcake. Delicious! The castle was just as beautiful as I remembered, and you get to meet the Beast after your meal.

I forgot to take a picture before I started digging in!

Hopefully I can continue to blog at least once a month. In my spare time, I usually go to the parks or downtown. However, last week I worked 60 hours (by choice - I was not scheduled this many hours), so my free time is limited. To be continued!

Check-In!

Today was check-in, which took surprisingly less time than I thought it would. We got through it all in about an hour. There, I found out that I will be living in Patterson Court again in a 2-bedroom 5-person apartment. Luckily, I got to the apartment early enough to not have to be in the bunk bed in the other room! Also, I will be working quick service food and beverage at ESPN Wide World of Sports! I am so excited to work here, as I have never even been to this location before. It will definitely be a new experience!

After check-in, we went through casting and got our fingerprints done, as well as the other logistics of being a new hire. We also received our schedules for the week:

Wednesday: Housing Meeting
Thursday: Day Off
Friday: Traditions (first paid day of work)
Saturday & Sunday: Day Off
Monday: Disney University Training Day 1
Tuesday: ESPN Training Day 2

I will be sure to write another post later about the trip down to Disney World. Mongomery, Panama City, Orlando, oh my!

Countdown

A couple days ago, I made a countdown for my college program next month! With a little inspiration from Pinterest, I slaved over a construction paper booklet with my scissors and tape for two hours until this little beauty was born.

I thought it was too adorable to not make. With less than four weeks left of school, and 42 days until I leave for Orlando, I could not be any more anxious to get the heck out of Kentucky. Haha! Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful here! There's just a part of me that misses living in a big city right off the ocean. Plus, who doesn't love Disney World?!

Withdrawals

Disney is an addiction.

For the last year and forty-seven days, I have been going through withdrawals. Minus that one week I visited Walt Disney World last August. Guys, I don't think I can handle this much longer, which is why I have applied for...

1 Fall Disney College Program,
1 Alumni Summer College Program, and
2 Professional Internships!

I have already had my phone interview for the fall DCP, and am currently in progress. For the alumni CP and PIs, I am currently in submission. The two PIs include the Disney Gift Card Projects Internship and the Disney Cruise Line Revenue Management Internship, both in Orlando.

I will be sure to keep you all updated as I hear back from Disney about these positions! I am especially nervous about the PIs. Is the interview process the same as the DCP - application, web-based, phone interview? Comment below, I'd like to know!

DCP Housing

All the Fall CP's will be starting their programs in August. Exactly a year ago, I was in the same place. I remember having so many questions running through my head because I had no idea what to expect. For example, where am I going to live?! When the time comes closer to the start of your DCP, you will be able to rank the top three complexes you would like to live in. Here, I will do my best of giving a brief run down on all the possible places you can live at the WDW College Program.

Patterson Court
This is where I lived, so naturally I know the most about it. It is quiet, calm, and there is never anything too crazy going on. Like all the other apartments, it has a nice pool and gym. I lived in a three bedroom with six girls total. The apartments are very spacious, have a full living room and kitchen, and all the bedrooms have their own bathrooms and walk in closets, which I loved! The only part that sucks is that you have to walk across the street to Chatham Square to catch the bus to work or the parks. It's only a 4-5 minute walk, but sometimes that makes all the difference when you're about to be late. Also, when it comes to groceries, I always went to Publix, which is about a 15 minute walk from Patterson or Chatham - probably 20 from the Commons. This kind of sucks because of the fact that you then have to carry all your groceries back, but the security office does rent out small wagons if you'd like to take that. You could also take the Walmart bus - it's more time consuming, in my opinion, but it's good if you want to buy a ton of stuff.

Chatham Square

Though I didn't live here, most of my friends did, so I spent a decent amount of time in this complex. The apartments are set up the same and are just as spacious. It also has the field where all the Housing Events take place, so that's convenient. It is right across from Mickey's Retreat, where you can take your family and friends to play games, go kayaking, or just hang out (I never went, which I regret, so I don't know a lot about it). And, like I mentioned before, the buses stop right in front of this complex, which is nice. If I could do the program again, I would definitely cross my fingers for Chatham, though Patterson would be a close second.

The Commons
This is the newest of all the complexes, as well as the most expensive. This is where the housing orientation/welcome meeting takes place. Other than that, I never went here often. Originally, this housed only International College Program participants (ICP's), but it recently opened up to everyone. However, because of this, it is still ICP's that live here. It has it's own bus stop, but some routes do not stop at the Commons, so you may have to make the 8-10 minute walk to Chatham in that case. A huge plus is that they have washers and dryers in the units, while the other complexes have a public laundry room. Also, it is right across the street from the outlet mall (which is where much of my paychecks went on more than one occasion). Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Starbucks, Papaya, Coach, Fendi, North Face, Saks Off Fifth Ave. You dream it, they have it.

Vista Way
I know that this is the most infamous complex, but I will admit that I do not know much about it. This is where some of the classrooms are if you take a class through the DCP (the other classrooms are at Patterson). It has its own bus stop, but while the other three complexes are clustered together, Vista Way is farther away from the rest. However, it is right across the street from Walgreens and a couple restaraunts, which is convenient. I heard the hot tub (which I would never step foot in, judging by the stories I heard) was recently taken out, which sucks for them. But yes, this is where the youger, wilder CP's stay, from what I've heard and seen. I went into a VW apartment once, and it definitely was not as nice as the other complexes, though that can be attributed to the fact that this is the oldest complex. This will be your first stop of the DCP, though, because this is where you check in and find out where you will be living and working!

Universal Studios

As college students, we strive to spend the least amount of money possible. However, I strongly advise you not to stay completely true to this philosophy while participating in the Disney College Program. If you consistently stay at home in an effort to save every dime you make, you will not have a great time. I spent about 90% of the money I made on trips, concerts, and food. I don’t regret it one bit because I had the most life changing experience while on my DCP!

So buy next piece of advice to you: buy a Universal Studios annual pass! I know, we all love the Disney parks, but sometimes I felt like I just had to get away from it all and trade in Aladdin’s flying carpets for a roller coaster that makes your head spin! Not to mention the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Hulk, Halloween Horror Nights, Transformers, and so much more! The pass is only a little over $100, which sounds like a lot, but it pays for itself within two visits. I bought my pass halfway through my program in October, but I wish I had bought it sooner. I ended up visiting Universal about four or five times in the last couple months of my program.

With that said, buy the annual pass! Especially if you are an adrenaline/roller coaster junkie or a huge Harry Potter fan like I am, you will not regret this purchase. Actually, now that I mention it, I think I'll try to make another visit to Universal Orlando before my pass expires!

Hello Internet!

It's been a while, hasn't it? With a friendly push in the blogging direction from my best friend back home, I have decided that it is due time for another update from the wonderful world of the Disney College Program. With it being a month and a half since I last blogged, I will skip over the monotonous day-to-day items (wake up, work, hang out with friends, sleep) and detail the only-in-Orlando events that I have experienced!

Life In Color  This is a giant outdoor paint party that features a few DJs, and is in downtown Orlando. I went with a few friends from work, it was ridiculously expensive, but was definitely worth it! It had a huge party atmosphere and was so much fun. Even after six hours of dancing, paint covering every inch of the crowd, and lost voices from screaming, I wasn't ready to leave! Luckily there is another Life In Color in Miami at the end of December that we're all considering going to. And even better, this one is 11 hours long! Fingers crossed that this actually happens!

Halloween Horror Nights Me being afraid of every little thing that involves blood, gore, or things popping out at you, I was set on not attending this event at Universal Studios in Orlando. However, a bunch of people from work were going and they finally convinced me to pay $40 to get the living daylights scared out of me. Luckily it was still daylight when we got there, so I was confident and ready to go! However, the sun soon started setting, and the walkers came out. What's a walker, you may ask? Well let me enlighten you! Everyone is casually strolling about Universal when a white van pulls up in the middle of the street. Out of the back comes a man with an AK-47, which he pounds on the side of the vehicle. Suddenly the lights come on, and you see that the van is full of people. No wait, those aren't people. The back doors fly open and zombies come pouring out and begin chasing innocent victims through the streets. Those are walkers. I nearly peed my pants. But anyway! The main part of Halloween Horror Nights are the eight haunted houses that they have around the park. We had time to go into six of them. As the night drew on and my tiredness set in, I got more and more scared, but was surprised to notice that I wasn't as scared at the beginning. Despite this, I was still anxious to get out as soon as possible as to avoid the walkers, but all in all, it was a great night!

Mickey's Not-So-Scary This Halloween Party was a nice change of pace from the one at Universal Studios, and is held every year in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Normally a firework and castle show, Wishes, occurs every night in this park. During the party, however, we got to see Hallo-Wishes! It was so cool to see them project different images onto the castle, in sync with the music, fireworks, and narration as well. Brilliant! Then my roommates and I patrolled around the Magic Kingdom looking to collect as much candy as possible. I think it was a successful night seeing as I nearly filled up my entire backpack! At the end of the party, we saw the Halloween parade. There was waltzing zombies, scary floats, and the Disney Villains came out to play! Loved it!



Epcot International Food & Wine Festival I have been to this event twice now, held in Walt Disney World's Epcot park. The world showcase normally features stores, attractions, and food from different countries around the world. But for just over a month, additional stands are set up in each of these countries, offering specialty food and drinks specific to those locations. And to finish of your night right, you can watch the fireworks show at Epcot, Illuminations! For future reference, the best spot to watch it from is in Mexico!

Disney's VoluntEARS Disney helps to set up a variety of service projects, which I think is so awesome! A group of us from work recently had the opportunity to go and volunteer at a dog shelter. It was a very small facility that housed dogs that were abandoned and/or injured. Each person was given a dog to go on a walk with. There was about twenty dogs, and it is hard for every single one of them to get in the exercise they need, so they rely on volunteers like us. Most of the people went off with their dogs to play together, but the dog I was given, Sicily, had only just arrived in the shelter. You could tell she looked so sad and scared, I couldn't believe someone would just abandon her like that. After only a half hour walking in a secluded area away from the other dogs, Sicily began to warm up fast to me - even the manager at the shelter noticed! I just wanted to take her home, she was so cute!

 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter This park is located in Universal Studio's Island of Adventure. Let's just make it clear that I am one of the biggest Harry Potter fans, and it has been my dream to visit this place since its construction was announced. Never have I though that I would actually have the opportunity to visit this place, and can I just say it was amazing! Universal quickly became my favorite theme park in the world. (Yes, more so than Disney World). When I walked through the first archway into Hogsmead, I could feel the tears welling in my eyes. Pathetic, I know. Good thing I was wearing sunglasses! If you go, be sure to try the frozen butterbeer - it is to die for! And all the rides are so good! Dueling dragons is definitely for adrenaline junkies like myself, so I absolutely loved it! But the Forbidden Journey is the first one you have to ride when you go - they did such a great job with the visual and physical effects! And luckily, I purchased an annual pass, so I can visit this place as much as my little heart desires until October of 2014!

Universal Studios How could I not go ahead and explore Universal Studios after visiting Harry Potter World?! When I went to Halloween Horror Nights, I wasn't able to ride the attractions here, so I thought I would take advantage of this opportunity. And oh my god! The rides are SO much better than Disney World, just saying! The roller coasters are bigger, faster, and scarier, and that's all I could ask for! I mean, the Rocket went straight up. Straight up! And the Hulk was the craziest roller coaster I have been on in my life! Universal did not fail to impress, and I will return very soon with my annual pass!



So that about sums it up. It's safe to say that my life has pretty much been made - it's crazy that so many of my lifelong dreams have been coming true since I started my college program, and it's stuff that I had accepted would never happen. But look at me! Disney World, Universal Studios, Harry Potter World, a real college experience! And not to mention next Friday I leave for New York! It is all seriously a dream come true and I don't think I've ever been as happy as I am right now. I love my job, I love my friends, and I love my life!



I Made It To Orlando!!

I made it to Orlando! I'm staying in the Lake Buena Vista Marriott Courtyard, and it's so nice! My room has a flat screen TV, king size bed, balcony that overlooks the pool, and bath tub with jets! I am so excited and can't believe that this is all finally happening. It's just starting to phase me that I'm on the completely opposite side of the country - just typing that sounds so surreal!

After my flight landed, I boarded the shuttle that took me right to my hotel. It was so difficult to carry all my bags from the car to the lobby, despite the fact that it was less than thirty feet away. That's what happens when you have four bags, so here's a shout out to that random guy who carried my bags inside! Once I got settled in and went out to grab some pizza, I went on a walk to see if I could find the Vista Way apartments, which is where check-in is tomorrow morning (or this morning, technically speaking). I'm pretty sure I went to the wrong place, but the humidity was getting to me, so I turned around and headed back to the hotel. And on the subject of humidity, I've never been in anything like this! I feel like I'm practically eating the air, not breathing it! But on the bright side, I saw my very first real-life palm tree!

But seeing as it's nearly two in the morning, and I'm leaving at seven, I should probably get some sleep in my ridiculously gigantic bed! I'm just hoping I have time to blog this week!