October 7, 2013

New Disney Blog!!

Hi everyone!!

Just wanted to encourage you all to head on over to the newest version of "Disney to Infinity and Beyond."  This is a blog that has everything Disney related in one location.  In my previous post, "Life After the College Program," I mentioned the blog and how it is on Blogger.  Since then, we have made some major updates and changes to the blog.

The blog can now be found at this link:   disneytoinfinityandbeyond13.wordpress.com

This change was for the better and lets us create a better experience for everyone.  The new layout has better navigation tools for you, the viewer.

We would truly appreciate it if you would head on over and follow our new blog!

Thanks so much and have a magical day!!!

October 6, 2013

Life After the Disney College Program

Hi everyone!  I am sorry it has been so long since I've last posted.  Since my last post, I have completed the Disney College Program, moved back home, and continued on with my studies at college.  There isn't a day that goes by that I do not miss working at Disney.  All of the friends I made while on the program are still in touch everyday.  We talk like there isn't hundreds of miles separating all of us.  These friendships that I made along the way are the best, strongest, bonds I have ever made with anyone.  We all understand each other and are going through the infamous "Post-Disney Depression."

When we kept hearing about this depression you will go into after your program ends, none us really believed it would be as bad as they said it was going to be.  I think it is safe to say that we all agree that it is much worse.  We are constantly thinking about Disney and how in the world can we get back as soon as possible.  I know I am constantly talking about my experience there and how much I want to go back on a daily basis.  No job has come close to comparing with my role as a Disney Cast Member.  I might have just been a resort lifeguard, but it is by far the best job I have ever had. 

I can honestly say I have never cried so hard in my life than the way I broke down into tears in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A, watching Wishes in front of the castle for the last time.   As soon as the music for Celebrate the Magic (the pre-firework show on the castle) started, I had tears streaming down my face.  Those who know me, know that I am not one to cry very often so this was shocking to me and everyone around me.  That last Wednesday night of my program, when my friends and I all went to Magic Kingdom for the last time together, will be a night I remember forever.

There are several things that you don't get "warned" about before you embark on the experience of a lifetime, so let me help you out so you are somewhat prepared. 
  • They don't tell you that your Disney obsession (if you have one, which we all have at least a slight obsession) will become 100 times worse after your program.  You will find that every little mention of Disney, any Disney product in a store, and just anything else you can imagine will somehow have you thinking of all the wonderful memories you had.  This becomes the closest thing to the real magic of Disney that you have.  
  • You will find that your social media accounts will be bombarded with anything and everything Disney because you will go and like all these Disney accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  You name it, you'll find it.  
  • You will refer to you Disney roomies as your "roommates," even though you have different roommates now.  They will forever and always be your "roommates." 
  • Your last shift will be the hardest shift of your life.  I remember being on the lifeguard stand for the last time at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, when one of my managers came out to say goodbye to me because he was headed home for the day.  I tried so hard to hold back my tears all day long up until that point and as soon as he came up to me, put his hand on my shoulder, and said that he really appreciated all of my hard work the past few months and that he was going to miss having me as a lifeguard, my sunglasses became curtains to hide my tear filled eyes.  If that wasn't enough, I still had about four hours of my shift left and I was on the rotation as having to say the closing announcement.  Saying that pirate themed closing announcement for the last time took all I had to keep my voice from cracking the whole time.  I managed to complete it but as soon as I finished and walked back to the closet to put my tube away, I broke down in the back of the storage closet.  I turned to walk back out and my coordinator met me at the door crying too.  That night in the recreation office were some of the hardest goodbyes I have had to say.  I wanted, more than anything, to say "see ya tomorrow."  
  • You will make friendships stronger than any other friendship you had previous to the program.  I don't know why, but your Disney friends will become your best friends.  You think you have best friends back home that you will return to and everything will be the same as before you left but it's really not.  While you were having a blast at Disney everyday for the past few months, making new friends, your friends back home were doing the same thing.  They made stronger friendships with others just like you were doing the same in a different state.  When you return, you realize your lives are now going in different directions and it's hard to pick those friendships back up where they left off.  These old friends  do not know what you are going through.  They don't understand how you could be so obsessed with Disney and you feel as if you are annoying to them when you hangout now.  Some friendships are lucky enough to last but others just fizzle out.  You can always count on your Disney friends, though, to be there for you, to help you through some really tough times, and to always be there to talk to.  You created this special bond with Disney magic that just can't be weakened.  
  • Once you get back to school, you are going to have many thoughts that this is not what you want to do anymore.  As you walk around campus, you just won't feel as happy as you might have been before you left.  I find myself constantly thinking "why did I choose this school anyway?"  I keep thinking that if I could go back to my senior year of high school and do the whole college process again, I would do everything completely differently.  I would choose a different school, different major, everything.  The only thing that I would not change would be the time I took off to participate in the Disney College Program. 
  • You will continue using that "Disney Point" long after your program.  I will forever have the habit of pointing things out with two fingers.  At my new job, I am constantly pointing in directions with my "Disney point." 
  • Every job after your College Program will seem pretty laid back compared to Disney.  You'll find yourself questioning guidelines on how you are supposed to look at your new job and being surprised that there isn't an entire handbook written on the ways you can and cannot look at work.  Your nametag doesn't have to be perfectly straight, on your left shoulder anymore, but you find yourself wearing it that way anyway.  
  • You will find Hidden Mickeys EVERYWHERE!  Whether you are staring at an image or walking to your car, you will find something that looks like a Hidden Mickey.  Anytime you see three circles put together, you will automatically think "Mickey Mouse."  
  • And finally, you will find yourself holding back tears when you see something Disney related at some point.  This can happen at anytime, when you least expect it.  You could be watching tv and, BAM!, there's a Disney commercial.  Or you will randomly find yourself looking through your photos from your program and you start crying because of all of the wonderful memories that are flooding back at once.  You'll feel that lump in your throat when trying to tell people of your experience and what it meant to you. 
Here are ten things you probably didn't think of about your College Program and I am sure that any alumni of the College Program will agree with these things. 

Currently, plans are in the making for me to finish school as soon as I can and head back down to the mouse for good, right after graduation.  The College Program was my dream from a very young age and I achieved that goal.  Now, I have gained even bigger dreams and the courage to go along with reaching them.  My favorite quote from Walt Disney is, "If you can dream it, you can do it!"  I truly believe in this.

I encourage you all to go and apply to the Disney College Program.  It's coming up on a year from when I heard that I had been accepted into the Disney College Program and I wouldn't change any of it for a moment.  If you have a passion to succeed and make thousands of people happy, then this program is truly for you.  Even though CP's are on the bottom of the totem pole, so to speak, this program opens up so many opportunities for you.  I grew up so much and I was really able to find myself while there.  Because of this program, I have an actual plan of what I want to do after college and for the rest of my life. 

It's amazing to think that all of this was created through the magic that was brought to us by one man and a mouse.  Walt and Mickey will forever have a space in my heart.

I would really like to thank all of you for coming on this journey with me and I really hope that I have helped at least one of you along the way.  If you want more on all things Disney, you can head over to a new blog that I have created with my best friend from Disney called "Disney to Infinity and Beyond."  Here is the link:  disneytoinfinityandbeyond.blogspot.com

Now I encourage you to go out and make your dreams come true!! 

-Kristen

May 9, 2013

Hi everyone!  I just "graduated" from my program.  I can't believe it is almost time to leave.  I feel like it was just yesterday when I was standing in line with my roommates waiting to check in.  This experience has been amazing and I definitely recommend participating in the program if you have the chance. 

I have had the time of my life these past few months and can't imagine it ending.  I was very lucky and had amazing coworkers.  They have truly made my program that much better.  Without them, I don't think I would have had as much fun as I did.  They have made going to work enjoyable and something I have looked forward to since January.  I am going to miss them all so much.  The Caribbean Beach Recreation team has become like family to me. 

My roommates, especially Kelsey and Natalia, are two of my best friends.  I can't even think of how we might not have even met if one of us had picked a different date to check in.  I don't know what I would have done without them this semester.  We have had so much fun together and we are constantly laughing and having a grand old time.  They are friends I hope to have for the rest of my life.  Kevin and Kody are great friends too.  They make me laugh so much and will be two of my best friends after we all go our separate ways as well.  I am going to miss them soooo much. 

Kelsey, Natalia, Kevin, and Kody are just four reasons why this has been the best time of my life.  The five of us have been through a lot together already.  We have been there for each other these last five months, through thick and thin.  We have accomplished so much together, helping one another with our bucket lists of things to do before leaving.  I can't wait to see where else life takes us.  I have a feeling we will all stick together through life even from all over the country.  Love you guys!

As for these last couple of weeks,  I am going to be pretty busy with work, packing, and running around.  I will keep you all posted on how the end of my program is going and what it entails. 

Have a magical day!!!

May 4, 2013

 
"Your past is just a story
and once you realize this, 
it has no power over you."
-Unknown  

April 30, 2013

 
 "To laugh at yourself 
is to love yourself."
-Mickey Mouse

April 29, 2013

Disney's Art of Animation

 

My family was just visiting this weekend and we stayed at Disney's Art of Animation Resort.  It is the newest of them all and it was just perfect.  Disney really went above and beyond with this resort.  

We stayed in a Finding Nemo themed family suite.  It was amazing!  It was like you had joined Nemo and his friends right in his coral reef.  The details were spectacular.  It wasn't your typical hotel room with boring walls and mismatched colors.  The walls were blue and the carpet looked like waves.  The beds gave the illusion of sleeping right in the reef including the anemone that Nemo and his dad, Marlin, share.  

The pool area was awesome as well.  Giant statues of the characters played a role in creating an amazing pool area.  Giant jellyfish dripped water from them to give a fun spin on fountain-like water features.  Under the water, speakers played fun music throughout the pool. 

The food court was great.  The food was all delicious and they had something for everyone.  The "Surf and Surf Burger" is a must if you're a seafood loving person.  There were many different varieties of desserts every night too.  

Needless to say, I will definitely be staying at Art of Animation again sometime in the future.  It was a fun resort and a wonderful sight to see.  Once again, Disney has created a wonderful and magical place to stay and enjoy!!

April 24, 2013

"Around here we don't look backwards for very long.
We keep moving forward, 
opening new doors and doing new things
because we're curious...
And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."
-Walt Disney  

April 23, 2013

 
 
 
 
"Think of all the joy you'll find when you leave the world behind and bid your cares goodbye.
-Peter Pan





*Photo Credit to foreveryoungadult.com

April 22, 2013

Celebrating 15 Years of Animal Kingdom

15 years ago today, Disney's Animal Kingdom was added to the family.  I went into the park this morning to celebrate.  It was really cool because I can now say I was there 15 years ago when it opened as well.  Who knows, maybe I will get to be here for the next big anniversary of the park.

Everything is going great here at Disney.  My time here is quickly coming to an end but I know I will be returning after I finish school.  In just over a month I will be boarding my flight to head back North, leaving my life in Disney on hold.  I am going to miss it very much but I have gained so many great memories and friendships that will last forever. 

April 21, 2013

"Don't worry about those who talk behind your back, 
they're behind you for a reason."
-Unknown

April 19, 2013

 
 
"There is more treasure in books 
than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island."
-Walt Disney





*Photo credit by ukoln.ac.uk

April 18, 2013





 "In every job that must be done
there is an element of fun!"
-Mary Poppins







*Photo credit goes to boundarylayerphysiology.com 

April 17, 2013



 "Laughter is timeless,
imagination has no age,
and dreams are forever."
-Walt Disney

April 16, 2013

"Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again."
-Tim McGraw

April 14, 2013

"Stop waiting for things to happen.
Go out and make them happen."
-Unknown 

April 12, 2013

 
 
 
 "Life is like photography. We develop from the negatives."
-Unknown

April 11, 2013

April 10, 2013




"Never love anybody who treats you like you're ordinary."
-Oscar Wilde

April 9, 2013

Time to Start Crunching Down on this Bucket List!

My time here at Disney will officially be ending on May 31st.  I am actually totally fine with this.  The memories and the friends that I have made in this short period of time will last a lifetime.  I cannot wait to come back here once I finish school.  

So with that being said, I have to work on finishing my Disney Bucket List.  This is it and luckily I have crossed some stuff off already: 


  •  Be able to say that I have ridden every ride at least once so far in my life. (In Progress)
  • Fill at least 1 autograph book with character signatures without any repeats. (In Progress)
  •  Meet and get pictures with all of the princesses and their princes.
  • Take pictures with Mickey in every park.
  • Make lots of new friends that will last a lifetime.
  • Go on a date in 1-4 of the parks.
  • Don’t be afraid to branch out and leave my comfort zone.
  • See at least 1 famous person around the property.
  • Draw at the Animation Academy
  • See Fantasmic
  • Get a pair of Mickey Ears
  • Find all of the Hidden Mickey’s in the book. (In Progress)
  •  Eat a Pineapple Dole Whip. (Magic Kingdom)
  • Eat a Mickey shaped pretzel. (Magic Kingdom)
  • Eat a Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel. (Magic Kingdom)
  • Try crepes in France. (Epcot)
  • Try a cupcake from Starring Rolls Café (Hollywood Studios).
  • Eat at the 50’s Prime Time Café and Tune-In Lounge. (Hollywood Studios)
  • Try a Jalapeno stuffed cheese pretzel. (Animal Kingdom)
  • Go to the Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery (Animal Kingdom).
  •  Trade pins with other cast members and guests.
  • Watch all of the shows at least once.
  • See every parade.
  • See the Cinderella Castle Suite.
  • Visit all 4 parks in 1 day.
  • Collect and keep fast passes from every ride that is possible. (In progress)
  • Collect pressed pennies from throughout the resort. (In Progress)
  • Go to the beach.
  • Go to Universal Studies to see Harry Potter stuff
  • Watch “Wishes” from Swiss Family Tree House.  

The highlighted points are the things I have already completed.  As you can see I still have a ton of things to cross off with about a month and a half left.  So I better get working on it.  I will keep you all posted on how it is going.  Wish me luck!!







 "If your heart is in your dream, 
no request is too extreme."

April 8, 2013





"Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles
it takes away today's peace."
-Unknown

April 7, 2013





 

 "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
-Winnie the Pooh

April 6, 2013




 "If you focus on what you have left behind, you will never be able to see what lies ahead."
~Ratatouille






*Photo credit goes to pixartimes.com

April 5, 2013

Adding a New Spin

I have come up with something new to add to my blog!  Starting right now, I will be posting a quote that I find inspirational, perfect, or just awesome everyday.  Some may be Disney quotes and some may not.

So here it goes! Today's quote is...


“Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.”
– Jack Canfield

March 31, 2013

Plans for the Future

So I am currently studying Communications and Rhetoric with a minor in Graphic Design back at school.  I really didn't have a good idea of what I wanted to do with this type of degree once I graduate. 

Since being at Disney, I have finally figured out what I want to do when I "grow up."  I am going to become an event planner and eventually make my way into wedding planning.  My dream job is to become a Disney wedding planner for their Fairytale Weddings. 

My area director and managers found out that this is what I have decided to do and they are helping me out.  My wonderful area director knows the manager of Sports Event Planning here at Disney and was able to set up a meeting for me to go and talk to him.  It was really great and extremely helpful to talk to someone in the field. 

We met for about a half an hour and he gave me many tips and pointers and answered all of my questions.  This manager used to be the manager for the USA Olympic Track Team and his wife is on the Olympic Event Planning Board.  It was so awesome to talk to him about how he has gotten to where he is today. 

I asked him if I was in a good program to be studying and it was really relieving to hear that based on schooling I would have more experience than he had.  He got a degree in advertising and then decided he didn't want to go into the real world yet so he went to law school and got a law degree.  He got out of school and didn't want to be a lawyer so he became an event planner.  This is one of those careers where any type of degree will work.  I was very happy to hear this.  I was worried that I wasn't studying the right things. 

He asked where I eventually want to go with event planning and so I told him weddings.  After I was finished explaining why, he told me that he could tell it is something I really want to do because I lit up while talking about it.  He told me to take that and run with it. 

He then gave me a list of more people I should contact to talk more about event planning as a whole since he only deals with the sports aspect of it.  I walked out of that meeting very excited and feeling as if a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders because I finally have a plan of what I want to do someday. 

A week later, I got to go to a seminar at the Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian.  Here, I listened to a panel of Disney wedding planners, consultants, and interns talk about the different roles that are present in the Disney wedding industry.  They talked about the different types of weddings they offer here.  On top of that, they all individually talked about how they got to where they are today.  Some started out on the College Program just like me.  It is really nice to see and hear that many of the leaders of the company have started out in the same position that I am in right now. 

All of my dreams are still coming true.  And it is all because of my favorite place in the entire world.  Everyday continues to be a dream come true and I still cannot believe I am here, working for Disney.  I keep thinking I will wake up one of these days and this will have been all of a dream but until then I am going to continue to enjoy this magical world before I have to leave and go back to reality.

Enjoy!!!

Getting All Caught Up

Oh my gosh!  My time here in Disney is just flying by so quickly.  I can't believe March is already over.  A lot has happened since my last post (I'm sorry it has been so long.  I've been kept busy because everyone is on their spring breaks).  I have been working a lot and mostly relaxing on my days off.  I haven't spent much time in the parks lately, mainly because there are so many people here on vacation and the lines are all CRAZY!!

Anyhow,  like I said in my last post, I had reservations at "Be Our Guest" in the Magic Kingdom.  I can say that it was amazing and magical and just perfect.  It was literally like you had just stepped in the movie with Belle, the Beast, and the rest of their enchanted friends.  The ballroom was gorgeous, the West Wing was dark and gloomy, yet perfect.  The magic of Disney was definitely present throughout the meal.  While seated in the Ballroom, snow fell outside the windows.  In the West Wing, thunder was booming.  The Beast even made appearances throughout our meal.   We even got to meet the Beast and take photos with him after we finished all of the delicious food.  I ordered the rotisserie chicken, which was delicious.  For dessert, the waiter brought a cart of yummy desserts right to the table and we got to choose what we wanted.  I had the lemon meringue cupcake.  SO GOOD!  And because our party was celebrating a birthday, we were lucky enough to get to try "the gray stuff."  It was delicious!  I would describe it as a chocolate flavored mousse that is gray.  They top it off with edible pearls.

Now, unfortunately, I currently do not have any photos of my dining experience.  I took pictures throughout the night but I was not using my camera.  I had borrowed my roommate's camera and her mom accidentally took the memory card home with her after her visit.  We are working on getting the card back.  But don't worry!! I will most likely be returning for at least one more dinner there within the next month and I will definitely have pictures up then.

Since my night out to "Be Our Guest" I have been working a lot.  Most of my time is spent on the pool deck as a lifeguard.  However, I was able to steal a shift at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex a few weekends ago.  That was a lot of fun.  We started off with wiping down all of the seats in the baseball stadium.  That went surprisingly fast for the amount of seats that we had to wipe down.  For the majority of the shift though, I worked the main entrance to the Atlanta Braves Spring Training game.  I got to scan tickets with a little machine as fans entered the ballpark.  At the end of the game I got to go down onto the field with a giant Mickey hand and sit on third base.  There I high-fived all of the kids that were running the bases after the game.  And the best part...Mickey, Minnie, and Donald were with me!!!  It was sooooo much fun!  After that we had to clean the stadium.  We picked up all of the garbage and swept all of the peanut shells.  

I was only scheduled to work the baseball game but it was a very busy weekend for Wide World of Sports.  On top of the MLB, there were field hockey, softball, and lacrosse teams.  But the sport that was the main focus- the International Cheer Competition.  Because of this, the area was very understaffed that day and so I offered to stay an extra four hours to help out with the cheerleaders.  I ended up inside the cheer competition directing all the competitors and their families to where they needed to go.  I had a sore throat by the end of the night because of all of the hairspray and glitter that I inhaled during those four hours.  It was really awesome though to work the competition because I usually watch it on TV every year and now I can say that I saw it live while working there! I made new friends all in the process as well which is always an added bonus.

Now back to my actual role.  My managers chose me to help out with some of the Easter activities my resort had planned for Easter morning.  I was beyond excited.  I got to help out with the Candy Scramble.  It was so much fun.  We started our day at 6:30a.m. and got everything set up.  This included taking a ton of candy and creating designs with it in designated grassy areas.  One area, we created a giant palm tree that said "Happy Easter" under it.  Then we created a giant Mickey Mouse, an Easter egg, and an Easter bunny.  They all turned out very well and we received many compliments.  For an hour we let children of all ages come in and fill as many bags with candy as they wanted.  We also had Donald and Daisy there with us taking pictures with guests.  Also making an appearance was the Easter Bunny himself.  The activity was a huge success in my book and it was a lot of fun for everyone.  It was really nice to be out of my lifeguard costume having even more fun at work with some of my amazing coworkers. 

Disney has opened many opportunities for me and continues to do so.  I have applied to extend my program until August and I am waiting to hear back about it.  I am also in the process of applying to become a Campus Representative when I return back to school in the fall.  I will continue to keep you all posted on what I plan on doing. 

February 27, 2013

Taking on a Disney Class

Other than going to work and going to class nothing much has happened so I'll talk about the class I'm taking.

While I am here in Florida, I am taking one class through Disney.  I am taking Corporate Communications.  We just finished our 4th week and so far it is going very well.  I really enjoy my professor and the class material. 

We learn about how large corporations communicate within the company and through the media.  The class focuses on the Disney company but with our group project underway, we are able to research other large companies.  My group is researching Google. 

This week we had to create our own press release for our company (Google).  It was actually kinda fun to make up important news to write about.  I wrote my press release on the Google search engine crashing.  I wonder what would really happen if Google crashed?...Well hopefully we won't have to find out. 

Each class is four hours long but it is only once a week so it isn't too bad.  Luckily my professor is really fun and time goes by quickly.  It almost doesn't even feel like a class, which I really like.  Our next assignment is to look in our pantries, refrigerators, and freezers and find a product that has an advertisement for another product on it.  Homework couldn't get any easier.

 ***

Tomorrow night I will be eating at the new "Be Our Guest" restaurant in New Fantasyland with my two roommates, Kelsey and Katie, and our friend Kevin.  It is in celebration of Katie's birthday, which was last week.  I am really excited to go there because it is themed entirely from "Beauty and the Beast".  It is located in the new Beast's Castle in Magic Kingdom.  I will let you all know how it is and post pictures as well sometime within the next week or so.  

***

Have a magical day!!

February 13, 2013

My First Magical Moment

I know I have only been at Caribbean Beach for a short time but I had the best experience in the world.  About a week ago or so, I was in the Aqua Play Area part of my rotation.  This area is for children who are 48 inches tall or shorter, so it is for younger kids.  It is my favorite stand to be on because we have the freedom of interacting with the guests and playing in the water.

Our APA consists of a pirate ship that has crashed.  There are a total of three waterslides coming off of the shipwreck along with a big barrel that dumps water every 75 seconds.  It also has a number of water features such as fountains, hoses, and spouts.  It is nearly impossible to stay dry when brave enough to venture too close. 

There was a day last week when the resort was hopping with families with younger children so the APA was constantly busy.  When I rotated into the area, it started out like any other rotation in there.  It soon changed into a rotation I will never forget.  There was this family in the area playing in the water that consisted of a grandmother, a mother, and a little boy about three or four years old.  The little boy was racing down the little slide every chance he got.  He would splash down the slide and, as quickly as he could, run back up the structure to do it again.  He did this for a good 15 minutes, just while I was there.

You could tell he really wanted to try the bigger slide though because he started to pause at the top of the ship trying to decide whether or not he should climb a little higher.  Eventually he built up the courage to make it to the entrance of the big slide.  He stood at the top calling down to his grandma and his mom, asking them to come up there and help him.  His grandma came over to me asking if his mom could go down the slide with him just once.  I, unfortunately, had to say no because those were the rules.  The grandma understood and went to break the news to her grandson.

The little boy began to cry at the top of the slide and threw a little temper tantrum.  His mom told him that they were going to leave since he was so upset.  He came down from the top and headed over to their belongings still very upset.  I was observing this entire scene and I felt really bad because I could tell how much he really wanted to try the big slide.  So, I had an idea!

I went over to my stand and opened the first aid kit.  Here, we keep little figurines of different Disney characters to hand out on various occasions, like an injury.  I took out a Mickey Mouse figurine and by this point the little boy and his family were just about packed up and headed toward the gate to leave.  I went over to the grandmother and pulled her aside.  I showed her the Mickey and asked what the little boy's name was.  She told me it was Tate so I called him over and asked him if he really wanted to go down the big slide.  He said he did.  I then told him I had a little surprise for him and that it would help him go down the slide. 

His face immediately lit up and his eyes grew wider.  I opened my hand and Mickey was inside.  I handed him the Mickey and said to Tate,  "I want you to have this Mickey Mouse.  He is going to help you go down the slide.  You can keep him in your pocket and he can be your ride buddy."  Tate was so excited and opened up the little pocket on his swim trunks and put Mickey there.  He smiled at me and said, "thank you."

His grandmother turned to me, also with a big smile on her face and said, "Thank you so much."  She also said to me that Tate had just celebrated his birthday the day before and that it was his first time in Disney.  I just smiled and said, "Well I hope you are enjoying your time here."  She replied with a big yes and said goodbye. 

The next day I was back in APA when Tate returned to the pool.  Him and his grandmother recognized me and came up to me to let me know Mickey Mouse was still in his pocket.  A few minutes later Tate was going down the big waterslide with a smile on his face.  I did not see him go down the little waterslides once in the whole 30 minute rotation while I was there.  It made me so happy knowing that I had made that little boy's day all because of a little Mickey Mouse.  It made me so excited, that it was the first thing I told my roommates and friends when I saw them that night. 

My managers found out about what I did and recognized me as demonstrating the "Four Keys" of Disney.  These "Four Keys" are the foundation for all that Disney does and they consist of "Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency."  I got a little award from them stating that I demonstrated "Courtesy."  I was not expecting anything like that at all so it just made my day even better. 

Moments like these are what makes me love Disney so much and now I get to create that magic for guests like Tate.  I still cannot believe that I am here providing magic to our guests.  It doesn't matter what age the guest is, they still feel the magic Disney and their Cast Members create.  I know Tate and his grandmother were touched by the simple little gesture I did and it makes me so happy.  This is a moment I will never forget. 


All About Training to be a Lifeguard at Disney

Okay so I am very, very sorry for not posting anything in a while.  I have been extremely busy with everything here at Disney.  I think I can finally say that I have gotten into my new routine though.

So in the past month, a lot has happened.  I left off at the beginning of the Ellis Lifeguard Training Class so I will start there.  This training was a total of three days for a total of 24 training hours.  On the first day, we learned many different rescues to perform when alone in the water.  These included the "Front Drive", "Rear Hug", "Duck Pluck", and then modified versions of these three.  We also learned CPR and all that for the adult and child.  Day two consisted of practicing more CPR and learning how to perform it on an infant.  We also practiced rescues using the backboard and trauma bag.  The trauma bag has an oxygen tank and an AED in it so we learned how to use those as well as when to use them.  Later in the afternoon we learned your basic first aid and then it was time to head home to study/practice.

The last day of training is a full day of testing.  We started out reviewing CPR.  After that we went right into our written multiple choice test.  This was made up of 60 questions.  I am proud to say I only got three wrong.  After the test we went into CPR test outs.  We were given a scenario by an instructor for each an adult, a child, and an infant.  We performed each accordingly.  This took up a little bit of time because there was 37 of us in this training class.  After CPR, we ate lunch.  Then we got back into our teams of three or four from the previous day so we could practice a little bit for our group test outs.  We practiced using the trauma bag and the backboard rescues. 

The way the group test outs work was that the pool was split in half so that two groups would go at a time.  The groups being tested were sent inside so the rest of the class could get ready.  The instructors picked a couple of "victims" and then everyone would get in the pool to be the "guests".  When the instructor gave the appropriate signal, the victim it corresponded with would begin his/her task.  This could have been anything from pretending to drown, being unconscious, or to having a spinal injury.  Everything was random, that way there was no predicting what scenario you would get.  My group got a surprised girl who was having a hard time staying above water and then the one I jumped in for, an unconscious child.  For this one, we had to get the victim out of the pool with a backboard and use the trauma bag.  Everything went well and we "saved" the child.  After all of the groups had finished we went inside to fill out paperwork and then that was that.  We became licensed lifeguards! WOO!!

I had one day off and then I was off to the "Spirit of the Islands" Orientation at Caribbean Beach Resort.  Here we learned about the resort, took a tour, and got our costumes.  The lifeguard costume is pretty generic but I like it.  We wear a red swim suit, red shorts, a white polo, and then black shoes, black sunglasses, and a red hat.  All of the Disney Lifeguards where the same costume so guest can easily identify us.  The costume also consists of a whistle and a hip-pack that we received on the first day of training with Ellis.

After Orientation, I had one day off and then it was time to begin my On-Site-Training.  This was three days of training at Caribbean Beach, where I learned the ropes of being a lifeguard at this resort.  My trainer was really awesome and we had a lot of fun throughout those three days.  On day one, we were there for the opening of the pool so we helped with that and I learned how it is all done.  We also practiced being on stand and joined in on the Dance Party that takes place on the pool deck every afternoon. 

On day two, I learned how the pool closes and what those procedures are.  I also practiced VAT testing, which is a type of training that continues randomly throughout your time as a lifeguard.  This is when a silhouette of a person is place somewhere in the pool and you have to spot it and treat it as if it were a real person.  If you spot a VAT, you have to blow one whistle, turn off the waterslide, and jump in to retrieve the silhouette.  This tests to make sure we are always watching our water.

Throughout the first two days, we walked around the resort and I became familiar with the area.  I learned all of the island names and which buildings correspond with what color.  On the third day, I had to test out again.  This one is known as KAPA.  I had to perform CPR, take a written test of multiple choice questions specific to the resort, and then be on each of the stands with one VAT dropped without me being aware of it.  I passed everything with flying colors and became the newest lifeguard of Caribbean Beach. 

I have now been there fully on my own for almost three weeks.  I absolutely love my co-workers, coordinators, and managers.  They are a very fun group of people to work with and make going to work very enjoyable.  I have been working about 30 hours a week so far but that will soon be increasing because the pool will be open more hours as we head into the peak season.  I have rescued two children so far and retrieved one VAT.  I have a lovely tanline on my feet from the gorgeous Crocs I wear everyday.  I'm even starting to get the polka dots on the tops of my feet from the little holes.

So far everything is good as a lifeguard.  If there are any specific questions that I did not answer about this role, feel free to ask me in a comment.  That's it for now.  Thanks for reading!!

January 13, 2013

Witnessing Dreams Coming Ture

Alrighty, so today was a fun day.  My roommate Kelsey and I walked to the outlet mall on the hunt for shoes.  It was a good time.  After we got back, Katie, Kelsey, Kasey, and I headed over to Epcot to spend the day there.  It was tons of fun.

We rode "Spaceship Earth" a.k.a the ride inside the big golf ball. This will be the ride that Kasey is working at so we had to scope it out.  The costumes she will be wearing are not that bad.  They are actually kind of cute.

We decided to head towards the newly renovated "Test Track"  to get a "Fast Pass" and on our way we stopped and had to say hello to the mischievous Chip and Dale.  Of course we got our picture taken with them.  Those two are a dangerous duo with all the tricks up their sleeves.  Luckily they didn't try to use any on us.

Among the other characters we met today were Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, and Duffy.  While we were in line waiting to meet Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto, the most adorable little girl was standing in line ahead of us.  She had her "Photopass" card and was anxiously waiting her turn.  She had to have been no more than two years old.  She kept waving the card and saying, "Mickey! Mickey! Mickey!..."  She was so excited..

When it was finally her turn to meet the characters she gave each of them a big hug and kiss.  She was like a professional at this.  After she gave her hello's she turned around, posed, and said "Cheese!" with the biggest grin on her face.  No one had to tell her what to do when.  It was the most adorable and comical thing ever.

Moments like these are the reason why I wanted to work for Disney.  I wanted to be there to see all of the children's dreams come true when they see their favorite characters.  I wanted to be a part of the magic that happens every day, all year long.  I can only hope that these children who are running with smiles on their faces throughout the parks will believe that their dreams can always come true.

I look forward to the many memories I get to witness within these next few months.  Tomorrow is when it all begins.  I start my lifeguard training, finally.  I cannot believe I have been down here a week already.  I feel like I have always been here.  I know my role isn't necessarily one to make dreams come true, but I get to see a whole other side to the many families who come to the parks.  I cannot wait to start lifeguarding at the Caribbean Beach Resort.

I will keep you all posted on how the three days of training went soon!

"When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly, and unquestionable." -Walt Disney