The End

Well everyone, this will be the last blog. As I sit here on the plane ride back to Vancouver, I don't even know where to begin or how to express the feelings I have about this whole program but I am going to try my hardest.

As most of you know, I was very nervous to embark on a 6 month journey half way across the US, in another time zone. I was afraid of not being able to make new friends and being left all alone. I was excited to live on my own and be able to experience what that feels like. I was excited to go and work for Disney. Now 6 months later, my whole perspective has changed. I feel like this experience has changed me for the better, and I have met so many people I call friends for life. I have work experience I know will set me apart from others and I have knowledge about things I didn't have before. Most importantly, I feel I have succeeded in going outside my comfort zone and trying new things won't be so hard for me from now on. 

How do I even begin to talk about all the lovely people I met at Disney. I began this program with 1 Canadian that I had met through school (Gabby), and little did I know I would get to UCR in California and within the first few days bond with 7 other Canadians (Matty, Tyler, Michael, Kyley, Julianna, Stephanie, Susan) let alone meet 2 amazing British Girls (Becca and Lucy), who I can't imagine this experience without. Then out of no where, the sweetest french girl (Tania) appears and just fits into our group like a glove. We became the great friends those initial 2 weeks at UCR. Then in Orlando, we just continued to hang out all the time. Yes we all came and went from the group, some people developed relationships, which are going to withstand the distance (I have faith in you girls and boy). Others made friends at their workplaces and with their roommates and thats who they spent their time with. But we never lost sight of the original group and we found time to spend with each other. Even though time flashed before our eyes, we came together at the end and for the last time absorbed everything we could in the place that is the staple of Disney.... the Magic Kingdom. Space Mountain with 16 people will forever be my favourite, so thank you Kevin for that. I never thought I would stay up all night, but I wouldn't have had last night any other way. I am glad I got to see my friends off and I know we will plan some meets up in Vancouver. At the end of the night, saying goodbye to my dear Lucy and Becca was all but bittersweet. It was the simplest goodbye but still meant the world to me. At 4:30am, I watched the 2 of them walk back to their apartment, ready to push through the next few days!! Girls keep making that Magic for US!!! 

At Animal Kingdom Carnivale Show

Our Last Night in Magic Kingdom

Now onto some other very special people that are near and dear to my heart. Back in August, I randomly met a few of my coworkers getting off the bus at Chatham. After a long day at Sunset, we stood outside talking in a circle. The next day one of the coworkers (Alex) saw me on the bus and struck up up a conversation with me. We hit it off that night on the bus and never looked back. Thanks to Alex, I not only became best friends with him but he introduced me to another girl at Sunset (Sandra) and we quickly became the 3 musketeers. If not for them, I wouldn't have had as many laughs, late nights, rides, eating out at restaurants just cause and quick trips whenever our schedules allowed for it. I would have never gotten to know them on another level. We truly bonded in just 4 short months before Sandra left us. At this point, Alex and I were lost and unsure about how it would be without Sandra. But we managed to survive and I think (for me anyways) we became closer. As I stood at the airport today, he was my final goodbye and the hardest goodbye. I didn't expect the reaction from him that I received but I am truly thankful we said goodbye the right way. Its been a whole 7 hours and I have talked to both of them so many times today. It's almost like we are all in the same place, yet we are not. So Alex, push through my friend, only 2 weeks left and counting for you.

( My Besties)

Sunset Ranch Market was my location for the first part of my program. At first I didn't really like food and beverage nor the people at the location. But as CP's came and left, I got to know all the new people and working became much better. I also got to know some of my coordinators and leaders, which definitely made working funner, and smoother. Even though their were days I didn't want to be there, the positives out weighed the negatives and as I sit here writing this, I can still say I will miss Sunset and the people. I will miss those positions that I loved so much (Scooping, Fairfax Kitchen, Rosie's Anchor, Prepping) and being able to talk to cast members during the slower times. 

Star Wars Launch Bay was my location for the second half of my program. At first, I was very negative about working at this attraction. I didn't like Star Wars, and at the beginning I wasn't sure how I would fit in with the other Cast Members. It took me a good 2 weeks and I finally got to know some of the cast members. I was very fortunate to have Thanksgiving off and having a home cooked meal. This just made Thanksgiving extra special. I am thankful I got to see some of my coworkers outside of work and the conversations were just on a different level. Now I can without a doubt say, that I actually like Star Wars and I also loved working at the Launch Bay. Although I did give away a lot of my shifts, those that I did work were always filled with interesting stories during Track Talk and experiences (like riding Rockin' Rollercoaster with the lights on) that I wouldn't have experienced otherwise. It was also very rewarding to be able to make Magic for families whenever you wanted. I have been touched by talking to so many different families, kids, and adults.

(Me at the Launch Bay in my Costume)

Lastly, how could I forget my roomie for most of the program. The first month and half wasn't the best. But August 25th, Gabby moved into my room and that was the best thing that could have ever happened. It was so much easier having someone I liked in my room that was just as neat and organized as me. I'm grateful for her friendship, the late night talking sessions we would have when we both got home at the same time and her listening to all of my stories. I am also thankful she put up with my craziness a couple times because I had to much fun. I couldn't have lasted so long without her and her sanity in our room. Bedroom #4 roomies for life!

(Gabby and I at our Front Door #427)

One final note, none of this would have been possible without the support of my family and friends. So thank you to all of you for allowing me to take this leap of faith. I wouldn't have ever done this otherwise.

I will end on this note - Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I'll miss you until we meet again.

Meesh
xoxo

Another 4 Parks, 1 Day Challenge and A Disney Birthday

I'm sorry I have gone dormant again. It has been very challenging to find time to right my blog these last couple of week. Between working, finishing both of my classes and hanging out with my friends, I have been quite busy. I am going to try my best to keep up with writing my blog for the last 2 weeks I am here. In any case, here are some of the highlights of the last couple of weeks.

On Saturday December 3rd, I conquered another 4 parks in 1 day challenge. This time I completed it with Alex. We started off our day in Animal Kingdom and went to the Lion King show. We also rode Expedition Everest. We then headed over to Hollywood Studios. Here we had lunch at my favourite restaurant 50's Prime Time. We then went on Rockin' Roller coaster. We were also going to do Tower of Terror but the line was long. We headed over to Epcot and we went on Soarin'. We also walked around the world showcase to check out Holiday's Around the World. It was nothing compared to food and wine. Lastly we ended our day off the Magic Kingdom. We went to see Philarmagic, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and the Haunted Mansion. We also saw the Fireworks. Overall it was a great day. Busy as always and full of laughs and some good talks!

I also had the pleasure of seeing Moana. It was such a cute a movie. I will admit, my friends and I went at like 10:30 at night and I was exhausted that day so I fell asleep during a couple parts of it. I will have to see it again but I saw the major parts and I was very intrigued by the story line. I thought the music throughout the movie was also very good.

Last week, we celebrated my friend Stephanie's birthday. We went to Trails End for a buffet breakfast. It was affordable with our discount and it was actually really good food. We then went to Animal Kingdom (that's her favourite park) and we went on Expedition Everest twice, Dinosaur, and Primeevil Whirl. Also since on of my friends work with the Carnival show, we got to participate in the show. We had so much fun.

On another note, I have officially finished my Disney class. Our final presentation went really well and I think my group had one of the best presentations in the class. I did very well in the class and I am very proud of myself. I also received my certification of participation for the UCR portion of my program. I didn't attend the event because I had to work but I can't believe i am almost done with those classes too.

That's all for me now. I promise you will get another recap on Saturday/Sunday.

Until then,
Michelle
xoxo

(The gang at Carnival)

Disney Isn't Always So Magical

It was my first and probably only thanksgiving in the US and I have to say it was a great one. I never really realized how great my coworkers at Launch Bay are and I am truly thankful to have been able to meet most of them. But this was the toughest week here both mentally and physically. 

I never thought I would experience fatigue like I did last week. I was scheduled 51 hours with only one day off. At the beginning of the week I had 3 shorter shifts and the end of the week 3 longer shifts. Although the week started off slowly, I was not prepared for what was to come. The first part of my week was fine except it was a tad boring. The second part of my week was terrible. Working 12 hour days and starting at 9 am everyday was very difficult. I am the type of person who needs variety and change. Yes we get rotated every 45 minutes to a new position but that doesn't mean anything. When you get assigned the same position every time you are sent back to the computer, it becomes very frustrating and boring. I found it difficult to get through the day and my attitude was negative from the start of my shift. Luckily, the coworkers that I am friends with, did make the time go faster. By the end of the week I was exhausted. As I sit here, writing this I am on my last of 7 days... finally tomorrow I get my day off!! Now onto more exciting things.

US Thanksgiving was the best holiday I could have spent here. Our housing team put on a thanksgiving feats for us on Monday Nov. 21st. They had lots of food, a live DJ, character meetings with Chip and Dale and Mickey and Minnie, as well as a scavenger hunt and a photo booth. It was a great event, the MC was fantastic and the lines to meet the characters were not very long. I went with on of my roommates and her friends. We all had a great time.

On Thanksgiving day, I was fortunate enough to be invited to one of my coworkers house for a feast. I spent the day with some of my coworkers from Launch Bay and then we headed to her house around 4pm. We had so much food to choose from, it was crazy. Everything was so delicious and homemade by my coworker. I got to meet her kids and all of her dogs. It was so nice to be around so many people and have such a great time. I really enjoyed myself and getting to see some of my coworkers outside of work was also nice. 

Thats all for me today, I didn't have to much extra time to go anywhere last week.

Michelle 

xoxo

Look at all the Yummy Food.

My coworkers having fun together. 

Continuing the Magic and My First Goodbye

It has been a month since I last wrote. I am so sorry I have not written a post since. Things have been crazy for me between my classes, work, home and spending time with my friends. This post will be a recap of the main things that I can remember from the last month and especially what happened last week. 

Working at Launch Bay has been a very interesting experience. I finally have found my place at Launch Bay and have connected with some of my fellow cast members. I really enjoy working there at it is a much different environment and experience then Sunset. I am enabled and encouraged by my leaders and coordinators to find ways to make magic for our guests. Whether it is having a light saber battle with kids, giving them a special treat (like a Mickey Bar) or getting them back doored to meet our characters. These small, simple gestures can change someones vacation or brighten their day. Although our main role is talking to guests all day, sometimes the small interactions you have can have with guests change the way your day is going and maybe even the guests time at Hollywood Studios. 

I am still working at Sunset when I have room in my schedule to pick up shifts. I am not ready to say goodbye for good just yet. I like that I can work in two locations and have the opportunity to have variety in my schedule each week. Working at Sunset is the same as before, but now I am luckily as my best friends have returned to Sunset. Having them back makes me want to pick up shifts there more so I can work with them again... just like it was at the beginning. I have been fortunate the last couple shifts I picked up at Sunset have been good ones. I can't wait to work there again next week.

School has been a steady increase of work. I have had so many assignments due for both my UCR classes and my Disney class, that I have been pretty busy ensuring I get them done on time. For my Creativity and Innovation class, I had to keep a journal and I was required to have 52 entries by the due date. Of course, I am not the most creative person in the world, so I found it very difficult to keep up with my journal entries throughout the whole term and I left quite a few to the last minute. I didn't realize how hard it is to be creative on the spot. Creativity is something that takes a while to develop and it is hard to come up with good ideas on a moments notice. I have 2 weeks left for both my classes, so now everything has calmed down again. I cannot believe the term is over already.

On another note, I have registered for my last semester at Capilano University. I have 3 courses to take beginning in January and then I will be graduating with my degree. I cannot believe I may be saying goodbye to school forever in just a couple of months. I am both excited and nervous to see what happens and what jobs I may find when I begin job hunting next year.

ABC was doing the Holiday taping for their Holiday Specials here at Disney world. I was fortunate enough to get tickets to go to the taping so Alex and I went together. That day we were had the pleasure of seeing Gavin Degraw and Kelly Clarkson perform. Julianne Hough was also their as she and brother Derek, are co-hosting all 3 specials this year. Gavin Degraw was on at 1:30pm and he was excellent. He ran through his song about 5 times to make sure he got it right and he really got all of us going. He was the highlight of the taping. Kelly on the other hand was awful. She was supposed to come on stage at 3:30pm but got pulled for an interview so didn't come out unitl 4pm. We waited almost 2 hours for her to come on the stage, and when she finally came on she was cranky. It was hot that day and the sun was hitting her so she was hot. She sang through her song once and called it a day. It was kind of upsetting that we waited so long for her and she was only on the stage for 2 minutes. Overall, it was great to experience the taping but I don't think I would go again. If their were some really good artisits than I may consider and thankfully it was free as I don't think I would have paid to go as well. 

Last week, was probably the hardest week I have had here at Disney so far. I had found out a week and a half ago that one of my best friend Sandra, had to go home. I was shocked that she was leaving but under the circumstances, I knew I had to say goodbye whether I wanted to or not. We had bought tickets to go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party last Tuesday and luckily she could stay so we could all go to the party to celebrate her birthday and to have one last adventure at Disney with her.

We headed to Magic Kingdom, bright and early for park opening at 9 am. I can officially say I have experienced the opening of MK. We headed straight to get our Mickey hats engraved with our names and then headed to Starbucks to get a coffee before we started our long day. We waited in line to see Minnie and Pluto in front of the big Christmas tree. All of the parks are now decorated for Christmas, and are playing all the lovely Christmas music too. After that we headed to a fast pass Kiosk and got some Fast Passes for the day. We went on Space Mountain, the Jungle Cruise, we saw Mickey's Friendship Fare and A Frozen Holiday wish. We watched Wishes, the Electrical Parade and Once Upon a Time. I also got to experience my first character lunch. We went to the Crystal Palace and we got to meet Winnie the Pooh and friends. I really enjoyed the buffet lunch and also the opportunity to take pictures with Winnie, Tiger, Eeyore and Piglet in a smaller setting. 

At 7pm, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party started. They had cookie and beverage stations all around the park and they also had special characters that came out during the party. Sandra's favorite character is Mary Poppin's so we stood in line to meet her and Bert. We then headed to the line for Minnie and Daisy in their Christmas costumes. By the time we were finished with those characters, we headed to the main stage for all of the special shows they had. We watched Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade and Holiday Wishes. The parade and Mickey's most merriest celebration were outstanding. Disney's creative team did an amazing job with the theme of the show. The characters in the parade and the floats they were on were excellent. Despite my tiredness, walking out of MK at 12:30am, I knew it was the right place to have spent my last day with one of my best friends. 

Wednesday morning, I dreaded getting up. I knew that it was finally the end and I had to say goodbye to a person I truly didn't expect to meet while here at Disney. I had to say goodbye to someone full of life, and laughter. Sandra brought out spontaneity in me that I never new existed. I had so many great adventures with her in the parks... mostly at Hollywood Studios. I got to complete the challenge of 4 parks in one day,  going to Food and Wine so many times that I can't count with her and most importantly just chilling with our other 2 best friends at her apartment and taking time out of the business of the parks. I am very appreciative of her friendship and her generosity. I don't think this experience would have been as amazing if I hadn't met her. So Sandra, if you are reading this, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!! 

Today marks 30 days until I come home and I am going to begin experiencing Disney as much as I can.

Until next week,

Michelle

xoxo

From left: Me, Alex, Sandra and Vicky with our engraved Mickey hats.

Sandra and I a Hollywood Studios.

Sandra and I on our last day in MK against "the purple wall". 

Earning my Ears .... Again

I finally had another day off on Sunday and I decided I needed too get out of the house for part of the day. I started my day off by going to 9:30am mass. After church, I went back to my place and did some homework before I headed out to HS. I went to get my costume for my new role first and then I went to scope out where I would be working. After that I went on Rockin Rollercoaster as it is going under refurbishment at the end of the month. There was a long line up for the ride so that took up the bulk of my time. My friend came and picked me up and we headed back to housing to so he could change. Then it was off to Epcot to see the Plain White T’s in concert. I don’t know much of their music besides their hit single ‘Hey There Delilah’. They had 3 different sets and sang a variety of songs. Alex and I went to their second set and they were excellent live. We were supposed to wait until our other friend Sandra was off and head to MK to see the last electrical parade as it has now left Disney World. Unfortunately I wasn’t feeling well so Alex drove me home and the two of them went on their own.

Monday was my first official day of training for my new role as an attractions cast member. I had to attend class again and it was my welcome to operations class. I was fortunate enough that Gabby and Stephanie also had class with me so we all sat together. A representative from UCR was in town for his mid program check in. He was trying to get together with as many students as he could and set up a meet at Epcot. So after class, the 3 of us headed over to Epcot and met up with him and some of our fellow students. We walked around the world showcase and found some other students too. It was nice to see some familiar faces that I haven’t seen in a long time.

After I was done with them, I met up with Sandra and Alex and we found a spot to watch the fireworks. I managed to try some foods from the food and wine festival and crossed them off my list. I still have so many places I have not had a taste of yet so my goal by the end of food and wine is to have tried a food or drink from each country. I have a month left to do this so I hope I can accomplish that.

Tuesday and Wednesday were my first days at Star Wars Launch Bay. Attractions is very different than food and beverage so it will take me some time to get adjusted. The roles at Launch Bay are not difficult but they all involve speaking loudly and insuring guests know where to go. I also have a position in Theatre that requires me to make a safety speech at the beginning of the presentation. This was very daunting the first day even though I am a good public speaker. I managed to do it once before the end of my shift and my trainer was pleased. As I am not a Star Wars fan, it is hard for me to pick up the themed language they want me to use. Luckily, I listen to my fellow cast members and I am able to pick stuff up pretty quick. I also think the more I work there the more it will come natural to me.

Thursday was my class day. After class Sandra and I had a girls day. We went to have a pedicure and then did a little shopping. I ended of the week training again and had 2 more days of training. They were much of the same and I felt very confident in all of the positions. I also felt confident I could answer all the answers on the written assessment perfectly. I couldn’t wait to not be “earning my ears” again.

That's all for my recap for the week but I do want to highlight something that I have realized since being at Disney.

I am able to interact with guests a lot and it really is humbling when I hear and see families spending time together at Disney. Talking to guests and discovering why they chose Disney is also very fascinating and families always tell me that it took a lot for them to get their families to Disney. I truly believe it. Like any vacation, there are so many elements that need to be taken care of before stepping foot into a resort or park. But it’s not the tangible things they care about…. It is the memories they are making. So I just want to say that I am beyond grateful that I have been able to experience this wonderful place guests rave about and also that I was and still am able to experience vacations with my family. Whether it be at Disney or not, time spent with family is like no other and those are the memories that last a lifetime. So thank you Mom and Dad for choosing to make memories that I will never forget and especially allowing me to experience this memory.

Much love,

Michelle

xoxo

From Left: Alex, Me, and Sandra after the Illuminations Fireworks

From Left: Michael, Me, Kyley, Tania, Stephanie, 

Lucy, Matt, Tyler Becca and Gabby with our Advisor (Matt) in the Parks

Hurricane Matthew

I’m back everyone. This blog post is long overdue but it has been another crazy week for me. I have had a lot of homework to do that has prevented me from updating you all on what I have been up too. But I finally have some time to write.

Last week was a very unique week to say the least. The major event that happened was the possible disaster of Hurricane Matthew. It was a very unique experience having to prepare for something that I have only heard about on the news and radio before, but never experienced or been in a city where it is common to have this type of natural disaster occur.

The beginning of the week was just like normal. I was in the middle of working 8 days straight so I was working every day and didn’t have anytime to do anything. I hung out with my friends after work and watched some tv/movies a couple of those nights. We were told on Monday that their was a possible hurricane coming and we were advised to start getting things together in case the hurricane hit and we were stuck with no water or electricity. I really didn’t think anything was really going to happen at this point.

By Wednesday, it was still predicted that Hurricane Matthew was going to hit, so my friends and I decided to go to the store and get some supplies. We waited a bit to late and so it was difficult to find a flashlight. Water and bread were sold out at most grocery stores but we managed to get large bottles of water at the gas station by the Target we were shopping at. Later that evening, I got an email from Disney saying that they were cancelling my class on Thursday but our assignments were still due. After I got dropped off from shopping I finished my assignment and submitted it.

Thursday was when Hurricane Matthew hitting us really became a reality. Disney made the decision that they would be closing all the parks at 5pm and that they would remain closed through Friday. When Disney decides to close their doors, you know that the results could be serious. Luckily for me, since I had class I didn’t have to work so I was able to be at home before the storm was predicted to hit. After 5pm on Thursday, nothing was open. I mean nothing… no grocery stores, malls, gas stations etc. Some fast food places were open but only doing dine in. There was really nothing to do but sit inside and let the storm pass. I was hanging with my friends and some of their roommate. We colored, watch some TV, and chatted. It was very relaxing and nice to just chill knowing we had nowhere to be. As the night went on the wind got a bit faster and it rained periodically but nothing out of the ordinary. We all went to bed around 2am and we thought the worst of it would come while we were sleeping.

We woke up Friday morning and when I looked outside, nothing was really different. There was no wind or rain and we still had power and water. Since the whole city was on restriction (meaning no one was allowed to leave their house until restriction was lifted), we just lounged around. Finally at 2pm, the restriction was lifted. So my friends and I decided we wanted to get out of the apartment so we went on a drive to Tampa. Since nothing was open near us we had dinner there and then we came back to Orlando. My friends came over to my place to do some laundry and we just chilled. Since I lost my hours on Friday, I managed to pick up a shift on Saturday that started bright and early at 8am.

Saturday I worked a long shift so I didn’t do anything. Sunday was my day off so I got up early and put some chili on to cook in the crock-pot. I put some laundry in and then I headed to church. I really enjoy going to Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine when I can. It is such a beautiful place and they have so much stain glass windows inside to look at. After church, I came home for a bit, did some cleaning and what not and then I headed to Hollywood Studios to get my new costume for my training that started on Monday. I went into the park to figure out where I would be working and of course rode the Rockin’ Rollercoaster since it will be closing soon for refurbishment. My friend came and picked me up and then we went back to housing so he could change.

We then headed to Epcot. We walked around and ate some food. We then headed over to the outdoor stage to watch the Plain White T’s perform. I only know one song of theirs which is called Hey Their Delilah, but overall they are a really good performers live. Their were many people in the audience and they performed 3 different sets at different times so you could see them more than once if you wanted.  After the show we walked around some more. I wasn’t feeling all that great so I came home and finished my cooking. I even froze the chili so I have meals ready to go.

Anyways, that's all for now. I will do my best to post my next one on Sunday.

Michelle

xoxo

Michael Buble in Theatres

Another week has gone by and its time for a quick update on what I have been up too. We have now entered into the slow season at Disney. Park hours are being reduced a little bit each month, which translates into less working hours. HS now closes at 8pm, and on some day’s 7:30pm. It is so weird being home by 9pm but at the same time its great as I can still do stuff after work before I have to go to bed. I can even go grocery shopping, as most stores are open until 11pm or 12am. Its great!!

I didn’t have the chance to do too much stuff last week. I only had one day off and that was the day I went to see Michael Buble’s concert movie called Tour Stop 148. Michael did a great job of highlighting the best parts of his tour. Doing a question and answer session at the beginning of the movie was a good way to get the audience interested and also introduce the people in the movie who help run his tours. Since I have never seen him in concert, it was nice to see what a Michael Buble concert feels and looks like. Like most artists, Michael really gets his fan interaction going throughout his concerts and takes the time to recognize a special fan from the audience. I really enjoyed myself and my friends (who are big Michael Buble fans) also enjoyed the concert movie.

I attended my second class at Disney on Thursday. This week the class focused on innovation and what it takes to be an innovator. I am really enjoying the class so far. Even though I have to get up early and sit in a classroom for 4 hours, time goes by fast and we are always doing different activities, which keep us all busy. My instructor Ellen is also fantastic and enthusiastic about the topic so that also helps.

Saturday at work was probably one of the best shifts I have had in a while. I was working outside bussing (cleaning tables and talking to guests) and Rob (the proprietor for Food and Beverage) walked over and pulled me aside. He wanted to give me a 4 keys card. A 4 keys card is a way cast members (mostly managers and coordinators) can reward other cast members for demonstrating Disney’s key behaviours. Coming from Rob, it is an even bigger deal because he has a lot of pull within the company and it is hard to get recognized by him. I was very happy and it made me realize that my hard work is noticed. I was very grateful for it and it made my day. One of my fellow cast members over heard our conversation and I think he was a bit jealous.

Anyways that's all for me. I have to go get ready for work. Day 6 of 8!!!

Michelle

xoxo

My 4 Keys Card which is now up on my Bulletin Board