Back to Freshman Year

Starting off in the College Program feels very similar to starting college over. Yesterday was our first full day as WDW (Walt Disney World) cast members so we had some logistical things to do. The three components of the program are what they call, "living, learning, and earning." Yesterday we went to our Housing Welcome Session. I say it felt like freshman year because it reminded me of the first floor meeting I had with my RA during my first night on campus freshman year., except this time it was 200 of my closest strangers sitting around me learning about the rules for living on Disney property. Our apartments are not in WDW, they are about a 10-15 minute drive outside those gates, however, they are still considered to be property and with that comes some very strict rules.

Learning about the safety policies and no tolerance policies was boring, but they made it as fun as they could (it wasn't too long either which was nice). Then it was off to Target for another grocery and housewares run (I always forget how much stuff is needed when moving into a new place). After taking a longer detour than planned we finally got back to the apartment and got ready to go to dinner.

My roommate and I made our first trip to a Disney hotspot! We arrived at Downtown Disney and walked around to get the lay of the land. Once we settled on Planet Hollywood we waited about an hour for a table. The wait didn't seem that long because there was so much to look at! Memorabilia from music legends, classic movies and TV shows, it was awesome! Music videos playing constantly, and the portions were huge once we finally got our food! It was delicious and definitely worth the wait! Our waiter, Ryan, was awesome and a pro at his job.

Overall the day was great and it was so nice to get out and explore a little more of Disney property. Today's agenda: Get a Universal Studios annual pass and head straight to Harry Potter World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let me be a geek for a day :)

Have a magical day, I know I am :)

Check-In and Casting: Day One of My Adventure!

               The Disney Way is not just for the guests. From the person in charge of luggage at Vista Way to the guy that just came to help us with our internet, every single person has been nice, friendly and accommodating. The check-in process was as simple and smooth as could be. The long line of excited college kids wound through the black ropes in anticipation for the rest of the day. We were greeted by cast members making sure we all had the right documentation and a name tag (worn over our hearts…it’s the little details that I love).

                The first stop was housing. Chatham Square, one bedroom, was on the top of my list when I had to list my options on the housing website a few days ago and that is exactly what I got! After getting my housing ID I walked back outside to get my official placement and role. I already knew that I would be a character attendant, but I was dying to know where. No one could tell me! Everyone kept assuming I would just be floating around from park to park, which I was totally fine with. After going over guidelines for the next few days, we filled out employment paperwork and were told to be at the casting buses at a certain time, which gave me a few hours off.

                I headed back to the luggage room to collect my things and figure out how to get to my apartment. The guy was super sweet and gave me awesome directions! Everyone else at the bus stop was waiting for the casting bus so I looked a little strange standing there with all my luggage…until another girl came up with all her stuff as well. Yay a friend! Once the bus got there we started talking and realized that we are roommates. Yay rommie! And being that it is a one bedroom, we are the only ones in our apartment! Super easy! We got along right away and I was happy to have an instant friend!

                At noon I finally got to casting! Casting is where they take care of all the employment paperwork and make sure you are ready to begin Traditions (which is training). The building felt magical. It was the first time I was actually on Disney property as a cast member. Some of the building is open to guests so we too were allowed to take pictures (which I didn’t because I was just enjoying the view for myself), the rest of the building was strictly for cast members only. I-9 forms were filled out and filed and finger prints were taken and I was done. It was not until I got to the I-9 form person that he finally told me that the letter combination in front of my role meant Animal Kingdom. Yay Animal Kingdom character attendant!

                Once I braved the afternoon rain storm, I was free for the rest of the day. My roommate and I headed to Walmart to get the essentials. After our adventure we met up with some other friends we had met earlier in the day and had a relaxing evening. This week’s schedule: Housing meeting, Traditions, and role training….and exploring a little more of Orlando.

                Having a great time so far and I can’t wait to get into my role and into the parks! More updates to come! Cheers to the beginning of an awesome semester. Best wishes to all those back on campus at McDaniel with their first week of classes! Strong start Green Terror!

Chatham Apartment

Outside the casting building!

Perfect additions to the apartment!

Only days till it all Begins

The last few weeks has been filled with butterflies in my stomach, goodbye hugs from friends and family, and loads of paperwork. Reading through the multiple rules and regulations made the whole thing truly feel real. Now that all the paperwork is complete, I just have to print everything out for check-in on Monday. I'll be leaving campus on Sunday to catch my flight and the excitement is starting to build quickly! Here we go! The fun and hard work are about to begin!