It happened just like last time. I got here, and the busy-ness of work and stress/joys of Disney life took over.
Check-in day was smooth. Long, but smooth. We only waited in line for about 30 minutes before we started moving and going in. I got placed in a 3 bedroom in Chatham, and so did Drew. We found out we're in the same building! Not only that, but I actually got assigned his old apartment! Crazy how things work out.
I didn't have any roommate preferences whatsoever, so it was all up in the air.
When I arrived to my apartment, there was a silly looking, chubby, girl, who immediately introduced herself in an awkward way, and I knew something was strange about her. -- She is no longer our roommate, because she ended up being just as crazy as I suspected.
Other than her, no one was there yet. In one bedroom, someone had put their stuff on a bed, strange one was in another, and one bedroom was empty, which I took.
I went to eat lunch at Sweet Tomatoes with Drew. When I came back, two more roommates had arrived. The first thing they did was ask if I could move to another bedroom so they could be together. It was obnoxious and a frequent newbie mistake to think that Disney assigned this person to be your roommate, like Freshman year of college or something, but I did it none-the-less.
Anyways, eventually the other two roommates came, blah blah.
They're fine, I guess. But we don't have much fun together. I think two of them hang out with each other on a pretty frequent basis, but that's all. No one's really friends. It's really not fun. I'd love to have roommates who want to go out with me and do things, or play in the parks, or eat food, or shop, or whatEVVVVER.
As per usual, I'm making more friends at work than I have in my apartment, and more boys than girls as well. Drew's getting a little insecure this time around, since he doesn't know the people I hang out with from work.
I'm pretty much friends with everyone I work with, especially in regards to CPs. I started a little DHS ODF tradition of going out to B Dubs every Wednesday night at 10:30.
You see, Outdoor Foods is a pretty solitary role. Occasionally, there are carts we'll work at with another person, but for the most part, it's me and some ice cream. Or popcorn. Or pretzels, nachos, and churros. So, as you might imagine, it's not the easiest place to make friends, since we're not in too close a proximity to each other too often.
I deemed it necessary to have this weekly hang out session in order to become better friends. And it sure does seem to be working. Each week, more people show up, and we have more fun than we did the week before. It's brought people together who never spoke before. I would say, "Hey so-and-so, this person is coming tonight! Aren't you excited?" And so-and-so would say, "Who's this person?" And then they meet. I'm the glue.
I recently applied and had an interview for the Professional Internships this Fall. I'll post a separate blog about that. I also want to post one just about my role- my responsibilities, adventures, likes, dislikes, etc.
Enjoy!
Today, the Roommate Matching System unlocked for my arrival date! Super excited, but then when I typed in my potential roommate's applicant number, I found out we have different departure dates. My hope is that this only matters for the computer's matching system, but we can still room together when we get there on check-in day. I know plenty of people ((myself included)) who roomed with people with different dates than them. In fact, I ended up rooming with ICPs who don't have any type of the same program season I did. Wish me luck!
That's pretty much the only news on the CP front. I have 86 days left until check in! Hopefully time will fly by. I have a feeling it will, since it's officially Christmas season for me now. The day after Halloween = Christmastime. Thanksgiving is just a part of Christmas for me. I like a long celebration.
Oh, I know what I can do. Got the new T Swift album the other day, and the last song on it was written for her band. But it makes me think of my first CP, and hopefully the rest of my time at Disney. The title of this blog is actually part of it.
"Long Live" - Taylor Swift
I said, "Remember this moment" in the back of my mind
The time we stood with our shaking hands
The crowds in stands went wild
We were the kings and the queens
And they read off our names
The night you danced like you knew our lives would never be the same
You held your head like a hero on a history book page
It was the end of a decade, but the start of an age
Long live the walls that crashed through
How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you
I was screaming long live all the magic we made
And bring on all the pretenders
One day, we will be remembered
I said, "Remember this feeling?"
I passed the pictures around
Of all the years that we stood there on the sidelines, wishing for right now
We are the kings and the queens
You traded your baseball cap for a crown
When they gave us our trophies and we held them up for our town
The cynics were outraged, screaming, "This is absurd"
Cause for a moment, a band of thieves in ripped up jeans got to rule the world
Long live the walls that crashed through
How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you
I was screaming long live all the magic we made
And bring on all the pretenders
I'm not afraid
Long live all the mountains we moved
I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you
I was screaming long live that look on your face
And bring on all the pretenders
One day, we will be remembered
Hold onto spinning around
Confetti falls to the ground
May these memories break our fall
Can you take a moment?
Promise me this: That you'll stand by me forever
But if God forbid, fate should step in and force us into a goodbye
If you have children someday
When they point to the pictures, please tell them my name
Tell them how the crowds went wild
Tell them how I hope they shine
Long live the walls that crashed through
I had the time of my life with you
Just found out that Drew has been accepted for Spring 2011 Attractions! WOOHOO!
It's so embarrassing... He found out in 6 days, and I found out in 6 WEEKS. What in the WORLD.
I'm getting REAL irritated that girls with absolutely no experience are getting Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, when I worked at Sweet & Sassy for over a year. Ridiculous. I wonder if there's a way to change that, or if it's only an Advantage program. No idea. I'll ask the recruiters at the UNCW meetings, which I am SO excited for, because they get me pumped up! I mean, last semester, I didn't want to go, because it would have been too sad, knowing I wasn't going to be there for Fall. Now... oh man. SO EXCITED.
I really need to get/find my webcam. I want to start video blogging like a nerd. I was so jealous of the people who did them before, and I'm intent on documenting all of my experiences through video. So I actually am going to try and get a really nice small, handy video camera for Christmas, that I can take everywhere, on everything. Make some serious memories.
I can't believe I've let it go so long without posting here...
I'VE OFFICIALLY BEEN ACCEPTED FOR QUICK SERVICE FOOD AND BEVERAGE SPRING 2011!
I found out October 8. It took exactly 6 weeks and 1 day from the day Disney received my request to have my rehire status lifted. Wow. I've heard mostly bad things about QSFB, but I can't imagine it being bad! I love working registers, first off. At Chuck E. Cheese, it's my favorite thing! Not to mention my obsession with Disney and overall joy and energy and love for people. I'm going to work at my own pace, though. I know Disney is about quality, not speed, and so am I. If I look at how long a line is, I'll get flustered.
I JUST CAN'T WAIT.
I'm really excited to find out exactly what I'm going to be doing and where, because I'm really excited to see what my outfit is going to look like. Aghhhh.
I will arrive January 26, and my program ends June 3. But if all goes as planned, this blog will continue long after that, as I keep my dreams alive and moving up through the Walt Disney Company! Wish me luck. :) I'm going to keep this updated as I go, and maybe even start a video blog. That'd be fun.
EDIT: I almost forgot... I wanted to type out this quote. "You're there to take everything further and push the envelope. That was Walt... I was told once, 'Never underestimate the power of someone who overestimates themselves.' When I stopped laughing, it hit me: If you're not aware that you're incapable of something, then it's more likely you'll make it happen!" Former WDI Imagineer, Eddie Sotto.
I'm still nervously awaiting a response from Disney. It hasn't even been the minimum of 4 weeks they told me to expect a response in. 4-6 was the leeway they gave me. So I still have awhile before I get ridiculously nervous. I just keep thinking about my application and whether or not I gave it all I could, and whether or not I put too much information. Whether or not it sounds fake. Whether or not putting my job as a camp counselor this summer was a bad thing.
Anyways, I need to focus on the great things happening in life, like Drew and I's upcoming trip TO Disney World! We leave next Thursday and won't come back until the Tuesday after. We are both tremendously excited and will probably cry a lot. We're going to a Halloween party too... such a pivotal point in our relationship. Almost a birthday present for me, and a one-year anniversary present for both of us.
I really hope I'll have something positive to update about pretty soon here. Still just rummaging through DisBoards looking for any sign of encouragement. I'm wondering why so many people have Pending applications that don't have a Restricted Rehire Status. One person in particular has the link to their Disney blog in their signature. They sound super-smart, are an RA at their school, and checked so many roles including QSFB ((the most populated CP role there is, and the one they give to ANYONE))... So she is obviously in love with Disney ((the blog)), good with people ((an RA)), and picked the most common role. I'm so confused as to why she would not be immediately accepted, and it unnerves me.
I'm getting a bit impatient.
Let's take a break in my retelling my College Program experience for a brief update on what's going on right now.
I have officially applied for Spring Advantage 2011. There is honestly no telling if I'll get accepted or not. I'm pretty sure I've said before that I left about 2 weeks early from my last program, giving me a Restricted Rehire Status with the company. This isn't as bad as a No Rehire Status, which is very rarely lifted. Pretty much, I had some extra paperwork to fill out. I had to list my recent jobs and then was given a space to explain why I think I should be rehired. I filled out the space and attached an additional, handwritten piece of notebook paper.
My explanation for leaving was very valid, and my enthusiasm and love for the company were manifest as well. Drew said the only thing he can see them thinking is, "This is TOO good for someone to be telling the truth." It really does sound THAT cheesy... but if you've read my past entries on here, you know that's just how I am when it comes to Disney.
So about a week after my phone interview, I got a letter in the mail saying I'm pending... which is at least a good sign in regards to the CP. Because that means, "Yes... once we find out if you're able to be rehired." I'm only pending while they wait to receive word on that front. Hopefully I'll get the acceptance email before I even get the letter saying it's lifted. Thinking positively here, but there's definitely a chance it's not going to be. It seems to be about 50/50, and it's so hard to sift through all the cases I find online and be able to tell what Disney looks for. Some people they take back that they probably shouldn't, because they left for stupid reasons or were fired. And some people they refuse that seem to meet all the Disney criteria. I've seen a lot where they are denied because they haven't held a steady job for 6 months. I'm working at the same place I worked at LAST summer, and have a 2nd job now, on top of that. Hopefully I'm golden there.
Anyways... it's back to the waiting game. Except last time, I barely had to wait. Hopefully within the next 2-3 weeks, I'll hear something. I'm really nervous and would appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers.
It's been a REALLY long time since I updated. Apologies for that - been working at an overnight summer camp until now. Anyways... where were we?
Ah, yes... Check-in day!
When it was almost time, everyone started getting out of their cars and walking across the street to sit and wait at the Vista Way entrance, where the security booth is. Me and Amanda didn't talk to anyone but ourselves, and sat observing. We saw lots of random people I had friended on Facebook earlier and had significant conversations with, though none of us acted like we recognized each other. It was awkward.
Checking in was so hectic and crazy, but amazing. I can feel the nerves now as I type about it. I don't even remember what the first step was, but I think it was outside in a tented area, with big fans blowing and a DJ playing Disney songs and calling out trivia questions with prizes being awarded. I knew the answer to every one, but I just wanted to go get roommates as fast as possible, so I didn't want to get out of line.
We signed some things and got our orientation books and little nametags. Then we went inside and signed up for what complex we wanted, how many rooms, etc. We chose a 3 BR in Vista Way, and got our keys. Then we got our ID pictures taken. And let me tell you, they were cute.
I don't remember the other random things done at this time, but I do remember leaving in a hurry to go see our luxury apartment. We were the first ones there. We had wood floors in the living room, with a huge window. We had nice carpeted bedrooms and a quaint kitchen. One bedroom had its own bath. The other 2 shared one. We ended up in one of the bedrooms that shared the bath, just because the other one was right inside the apartment, next to the outside, and Vista Way is party central, so it'd probably be really loud. And we didn't mind getting to know other people.
Long waiting process shortened: Roommates we shared a bathroom with named Debbie and Allison, the other two named Annii ((A-Double N-Double I)) and Steph.
WE WERE SO EXCITED.
I got the email response less than a week after my phone interview, and shortly after received the infamous purple envelope. I'd been accepted for Custodial, and I was excited about it. I'd heard great things from people I knew personally who had done it before. I knew there was a lot of guest interaction involved, and that's the main thing I wanted!
I was desperate to learn where I'd be working. I knew I'd find out when I went to check in, but that was so far away! I learned from a little birdie with access to the employee database that I would be working at Magic Kingdom! Best moment of my life, hearing that. It's my favorite park, where I requested to be, and Amanda was working there too.
The next few weeks in between learning I was accepted and leaving are a complete blur.
Amanda and I began planning like madwomen.
We decided it was necessary to watch every Disney movie possible, in order, to get ourselves excited. Amanda wasn't a huge fan like me, even though she loved the movies, so watching them as college-aged students instead of children helped revamp her Disney love.
I became Facebook friends with a lot of random people who were going to be going down my same session, and talked to some of them. BAD IDEA. Would I talk to any of them in person? No, and most of them would completely ignore me if they ever saw me. Gross.
A very complicated situation arose in regards to roommates. Amanda and I determined from the get-go that we did NOT want to be roommates. We've heard horror stories of best friends being torn apart after living together because they hate it... we did not want to be that. So we both signed up to find out the names of our roommates ahead of time. However, long story short, we both got ditched by our roommates, and time was getting close, so we ended up deciding to be roommates! Geez...
Well, now that my best friend was going to officially be my roommate, we got a little more excited. We were still worried about what might happen, but we knew the good outweighed the bad. It would make everything so much easier.
Anyways, the trip was going to be a 12 hour drive. Our idea was to leave around 8 PM and get there around 8 AM for check in.
We had the 4th annual "Carmen Day" celebration the night before we were going to leave. We partied hard, stayed up all night with everyone, slept the day after, and woke up refreshed and ready for the longgg drive!
This trip was a ton of fun. I couldn't have asked for a better drive.
We made special burned CDs to last us the entire drive, full of Disney songs and all of our current and past favorites. We drank a lot of energy drinks. Switched off drivers every 2 or 3. Crossed through the states. Peed on the side of the road. Saw the sunrise over Florida.
It was amazing.
When we got there, cars weren't allowed into Vista Way to park for check-in, because it was too early. We sat in a lot across from the complex and waited for the time to come.
I did add a video on "Things to look at" and I highly recommend watching it and enjoying my cameo appearance.
I've been trying to post but have had some issues lately...
I posted a whole entry, thought I saved it, and it was never posted.
Today I tried to post again and the internet was being shotty.
Usually the problem is the internet, but when I notice it's going at normal speed on an uneventful day, I'll post!
To start this journey, it’s only necessary I post an entry all about the origins of this obsession.
Tough to nail down precisely when/where it all began, but sometime before the age of 2. I had a Mickey Mouse t-shirt I loved, and I could tell you exactly who was on it. I’ve been in love with the same mouse for 20 years. I also liked to sit in my highchair, which my mom would move to the living room, where I’d eat/drink and watch The Little Mermaid on a regular basis.
But those are just the oldest memories.
From that point on, I was hooked.
As soon as I learned how to tell someone my address, I was ordering Walt Disney World Vacation Planning videotapes every year, and I remember the first year they sent a DVD instead.
Like every kid, I had a ridiculous amount of Disney-themed clothing, movies, and toys.
But, UNlike every other kid, I developed an obsession.
I had a dream… a dream to go to Walt Disney World. I made a sign on computer paper that said, “Disney or bust!” and had it hanging on my bedroom wall for years. Yes, YEARS. Until we finally went in the summer of 4th grade.
My life was complete. Right?
Wrong.
This only furthered the obsession. From that point on, I knew for a fact that I wanted to live there. I wasn’t sure how. And it wasn’t until later I realized that I, too, could be a Disney employee. A Cast Member.
Some years passed, the Disney obsession never once subsiding, except for a brief stint with Pearl Harbor the movie, which may have taken over in 7th grade.
But the next year, summer of 8th grade, a camp counselor changed my life. I remember this moment more vividly than almost anything else. I was busy being a CIT down in the Teen Center of the YMCA. A counselor named Elizabeth was down there as well, and we were casually chatting. A conversation came up in which she mentioned she would be doing a college internship at Disney World in the school year. Well, needless to say, I flipped. I asked question after question and ran home to tell my family about it and how I was gonna do it when I got to college.
They weren’t too encouraging.
Lack of family support didn’t phase me. I immediately went to the computer and searched. I found the Walt Disney World College Program website, with a little area where I could type in my email address and join their mailing list.
I did.
And I’ve been a continuous member ever since.
I kept up with this idea throughout high school, checking the website every once in awhile for anything new, to look at the application process, etc.
The obsession continued to grow.
Freshman year of college, I printed out the application. I filled it out and was ready to go. But when the day of the presentation came, and I thought about giving up my 1st semester of Sophomore year, and holidays with family, I panicked. I skipped it. But I saved the printed application.
Sophomore year. I was still thinking about it. I pretty much decided I was going to go, Fall semester of Junior year. But I wasn’t positive. I was still skeptical. The Fall season wasn’t as appealing - I wanted to be with family - and I didn’t want to leave Wilmington - AKA I had a boyfriend. But in December, this boyfriend and I decided we had to go to Disney World on vacation. We booked it for Spring Break, March 6-13. I hadn’t been since I was 9, and I was dying to go back to where I belonged. A part of me was worried. I had really only been once, and I was a child… what if this obsession was all built on some sort of imaginary place in my head that wouldn’t be as magical as I dreamed? Boy, was I in for a shocker. It was the most magical experience of my life up to that point. My first time seeing Wishes was absurdly perfect. I smiled, laughed, and cried. And cried some more on the way home, once the trip was over. I knew for sure. I was going. The presentation at my school was scheduled for April 2… not much longer to wait at all! Though I was positive I wanted to go, the idea of having a boyfriend still made me a bit hesitant. So, as if by divine force, the night of April 1, I was dumped. What seemed like a horrific experience then turned into the best thing that could have happened to me. I went to my presentation the next day, got the number to call for my interview, and was ready. I was going to dive into this thing full-force, no reservations. A week or two later, I did my interview on the balcony of a hotel at Myrtle Beach. It went marvelously. After all, I am a charmer. I could tell she loved me. Less than 10 days later, I got my response and learned I had been accepted. Somehow I managed to convince my best friend to go to HER Disney presentation, apply, interview, and she was accepted too.
Holy cow.
Was this for real?
Was my lifelong dream about to come true?
I had no idea.
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