A Long Overdue Update

Hey ya'll!

So I've been here for almost three months already, how the time has flown! I've let my blog and vlog go to the wayside recently, so I'm making it my goal to be better about that. I'm finished with school, so hopefully that will help. I decided that I value my sanity too much and stayed away from summer classes this year. Things are going great down here. I'm really loving my job. Most of my friends however are leaving me this month, if they haven't already left me. That has been an emotional process. I look at all these people leaving and I can't help but think how thankful I am to have been accepted for Spring Advantage so that I get two extra months added to my program. I've managed to cross some stuff off my bucket list and will be dedicating several posts to those.

I auditioned for a Character Performer yesterday but sadly that is not where my program will be taking me, and I'm learning to accept that. It's probably for the best that I go home to finish out my last year of school. At this point the only thing that is holding me back from going home is the fact that I met an amazing boy out here and we've started dating. Once upon a time I was joking with my friends that I'd meet someone down here and move away from my small hometown for good. Little did I know how true that would be. I am feeling very conflicted over whether or not I should stay here for an extra semester and extend my program, or go back home to finish school. I still have another week before extension offers are sent out so at least there's time to think about it. While I do love my role and location, I was hoping for something better and in my honest opinion there just aren't that many great roles being offered for my extension. Knowing me, I'll probably apply for an extension and go from there. If you recall, I wasn't even planning on doing this program in the first place. I have a feeling the extension process will be the same way.

On another note, there is so much change going on in the parks. I am so lucky to be here to experience all of this. So far I have seen the closure of Streets of America, the ending of Dream Along with Mickey, the exit of Marie's meet and greets from the park, and I will see the opening of the new Frozen ride in EPCOT, Animal Kingdom's various new nighttime offerings (maybe even Rivers of Light), and the new release of Soarin' Around the World. It is an exciting time to be a Disney Cast Member.

My family is coming down next week and I can't wait to see them. I can't wait to show them around the parks which I've come to know and love. This is their first Disney Vacation in ten years and their first trip to Walt Disney World, so I am very excited to be a part of that. 

That's about it for now. I'll be better about updating you guys, I promise!

See Ya Real Soon!

A Very Delayed Week 2

Week 2: Off to Work I Go

Let me preface this and say I am so sorry with how long it took me to get this post up and running. I’ve been keeping busy to say the least and the internet has been down most of the time but it’s here now. Week 3 will be going up tomorrow or so if all goes well.

Day 1: Sunday, February 7^th

Today was my first day of official training. I had to wake up to catch the bus at 6 AM for my class at 7:15. Everyone else had the same idea as I did and the bus was super packed. Once we made it to Disney University we started class. Welcome to Operations was interesting, I’m not going to disclose a lot of information but it was basically just learning the gist of our job and how all the different roles work together to create a great guest experience. After Welcome to Operations I had Welcome to Merchandise. I am so excited for my role. Merchandise definitely sounds like where I want to be. Once class was finished I went home and did laundry to kill time before the Super Bowl. At six I headed on down to the Commons to watch the Broncos rock the Super Bowl. I am so happy to say we played one great game. I miss home so much, and not being able to watch the game with my dad and brother who are diehard fans was difficult but thank goodness for FaceTime. I FaceTimed my family when I got home and then went to sleep to wake up early the next day to hit up Animal Kingdom before class started.

Day 2: Monday, February 8^th

I woke up today and went to Animal Kingdom with my roommates, Brooke and Caitlin. I’ve found one of my new favorite parks and I can’t wait to explore some more. We became Wilderness Explorers and trailed around the park earning badges. We also met some characters and I bought my first pair of ears on the program. I couldn’t resist buying a pair of zebra print ears. After spending a few hours in the park we headed on home to get ready for class. Class was so much fun. I’m taking Entertainment Production and to be in a room with that many theatre majors was incredible. I am so excited to see what I can take away from these next eight weeks. After class we went to Dollar Tree to get some decorations since it was our suitemate Kayla’s birthday. I went to bed fairly early to get ready for my Magic Kingdom Orientation the next morning.

Day 3: Tuesday, February 9^th

I had my Magic Kingdom park orientation. It was so interesting to learn all about the park I’ll be working in, and I can’t wait to actually get out and explore. I finally got my completed training schedule and holy cow was it full. The most exciting part was finally being able to see my costumes, and learned that I’ll be working on the glow carts. I’m not going to lie that fact scared me quite a bit, but I’ll have to see how I feel about it after training. After orientation, I went grocery shopping to pick up some essentials I forgot/couldn’t afford the last trip. I came home and relaxed. I was very boring this week.

Day 4: Wednesday, February 10^th

Today was my first day of on the job training. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all at first but I eventually got the hang of it. There was no register work, just a lot of walking around. Work was so draining, that I went home and crashed. Again, I was very boring this week.

Day 5: Thursday, February 11^th

Today was pay day so my roommates and I headed to Disney Springs since it was also the last day of our Holiday Discount. I purchased my first MagicBand. We headed on home for everyone to get ready for work. I had Welcome to Merchantainment. It was a four-hour long course learning how to work the registers and do merchandise the “Disney Way.” After class, Kayla and I went out to Disney Springs because I was in search for the famous Apple Pie Apple. I finally found it at Goofy’s Candy Company and it was delicious. It’s a Granny Smith Apple, dipped in caramel then dipped in white chocolate and then finally dipped in brown sugar. It was amazing, and so worth it.

Day 6: Friday, February 12

I started training on the register today. My trainer was super funny and sassy. He definitely made the night go by faster. After work I came home and crashed.

Day 7: Saturday, February 13

To make up for being so boring all week long, I finally hit the parks today. Brooke was sick so it was just Caitlin and I venturing out on our own. It definitely wasn’t the same without Brooke by our side but we made the most of it. Kayla joined us up later and we went and met Gaston. Gaston was such a fun character to meet. He’s definitely one of my favorite characters to meet in Magic Kingdom. After meeting Gaston, we headed off to Epcot. In Epcot we met Alice in Wonderland and Mary Poppins as well as Belle. We had Fast Passes for Hollywood Studios so that was our last stop. I finally watched Fantasmic for the first time and oh my Hannah, it blew my mind! It was so incredible. We came home and I realized that I was so sunburnt. I definitely learned the hard way that sunscreen is not optional and that lanyards leave the most awkward tan lines haha.  Overall it was a great day and a good ending to a crazy busy week. It’s so crazy to think I’ve been here for two weeks. I miss home so much but I know I’ve made the right decision and I can’t wait to see where these next few months bring me. That’s all for now, I’ll take at you later. 

Pictures will be posted soon, the internet doesn't like downloading things.

I'm Here! First Week Breakdown.

Hey all,

Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve made a post, I’ve been so busy with everything. I made it to Orlando and have been here for about a week now. I figured the easiest way to break this down would be to break it down day by day. I’m being lame and staying home blogging instead of going out in the parks but that’s only because it’s pouring down rain outside and I own no good rain clothes. So here we go!

Day 1: Saturday January 30

I flew out from Las Vegas and into Orlando. The flight was nice and short, only four hours which wasn’t too bad. Once I landed, my suitemate Kayla picked me up from the airport and we headed to the hotel to check in. Our hotel was just lovely… nice and muggy with damp carpets. Needless to say we didn’t stay there other than to shower and sleep. We hit Disney Springs and checked out the sites. And made plans to go to Animal Kingdom the next day, and go have some fun in the park before meeting up with the rest of the house on Sunday.

Day 2: Sunday January 31

Kayla and I decided to hit up Magic Kingdom today instead of Animal Kingdom. We woke up and headed over to the park. We spent the day running around and meeting characters and rode a few rides. It was so surreal to think that this is going to be my home for the next six months. We decided to get Fast Passes to ride Pirates of the Caribbean and to go meet Mickey in the Main Street Theatre. While we were heading to see Mickey the Cast Member gave us a Fast Pass to meet Anna and Elsa. While we were walking out of our Mickey meet and greet, Snow White was getting ready to come out and do a meet and greet so we jumped in line to see her. Kayla and I then headed over to the Jungle Cruise and braved the line to ride the ride. After the Jungle Cruise was finished we decided to head over and use our Fast Passes to meet Anna and Elsa while we were waiting to use our Fast Pass for Pirates of the Caribbean. While walking over, we saw the Fairy Godmother and of course we had to jump in the line to meet her. She gave us some fabulous words of wisdom that will carry me through my program. She told us that no matter where we get placed to work, or where we end up living to remember that we are here to make magic and have fun. Little did I know how much that would help for the next day. After Fairy Godmother was Anna and Elsa, who were so fun to meet. We went over and rode Pirates of the Caribbean and headed home as soon as we were done to get ready for dinner at T Rex.

We met up with the rest of the roommates around 7:30 or so for dinner at T Rex. It was so magical to meet everybody for the first time and to actually talk to them face to face and not over Skype or texting. The food was so good, and very filling. And at the end of the night we all went our separate ways, ready to meet again tomorrow when we’d finally move in.

Day 3: February 1

The day I’d been waiting for forever was finally here. I was finally starting my DCP. Kayla and I woke up and starting packing up her car and preparing to check out of the hotel room. Kaity, who was our first roommate to check in told us that we’d been stuck in a two bedroom, six person apartment in Chatham Square complex and we were not happy. I’d hated the idea of sharing a room with one other girl, let alone two! I was trying so hard to stay optimistic because this program is going to be what I make it, and hey at least it’s the cheapest rent at only $93 a week. Since I had an hour and a half between Kayla’s check in and mine, I met up with some people I met on the Facebook page and we went to Disney Springs and ate at Earl of Sandwich, which was so yummy. At check in I found out that I’d been placed in Magic Kingdom, but in Adventureland. I’m not going to lie, I was kind of disappointed but I know it’ll be great. My biggest upset is the thought of having to wear a long sleeve shirt to hide my tattoo. As soon as I have enough money I’m definitely buying a good tattoo cover-up kit. After coming home from Casting and getting all the information I needed for Traditions, all that was left to do was head home and start getting settled.

After arriving home, I realized there was still some things I needed before I could settle in for the evening, like groceries and a mattress protector. So when my roommate Caitlin offered me a ride to Walmart, I wasn’t going to say no. We went to Walmart and made it home with just enough time to hurry and get dressed for our character dinner at 1900 Park Faire. The dinner was fantastic. We met Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drisella as well as Cinderella and Prince Charming. It was a great way to end a not so great day.

Day 4: Tuesday February 2

I finally finished setting my room up. We decided to go shopping for a router, and after some serious searching, we were finally able to locate one and have functioning internet again, hurray! After setting the router up, we discovered the internet however is painfully slow. I was able to finish my homework and that’s all that mattered. We made dinner together and watched a movie, which was some great roommate bonding.

Day 5: Wednesday February 3

We were going to do the Kitchen Sink today, but discovered that you need a reservation to do that and booked a reservation for March. We did some shopping for the apartment together and some of the other roommates had housing meetings, so while they were doing that, we cooked dinner again so that’d it’d be ready when they got home. After dinner we went to Disney Springs and ate ice cream at Ghirardelli’s then looked around the shops. It was such a great night.

Day 6: Thursday February 4

I lounged around the house most of the day and decided to go with Brooke and Caitlin to Disney Springs for a little bit before my housing meeting. I got to experience the Florida rain. While walking to the Commons for our housing meeting, Brooke and I got drenched in the downpour. Back home we never see that much rain that fast, and I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. The housing meeting was fun and we headed back home to get ready for Traditions the next day.

Day 7: Friday February 5

I finally became a Cast Member today. I had Traditions and it was magical. I don’t want to give too much away, but it was definitely the best orientation I’ve had. I choked up so many times during that class realizing that I get to be a part of creating magical memories for other guests, and how much Disney means to some people. Once we got our Blue ID’s that prove we’re Cast Member’s (CM’s from here on out) Brooke and Caitlin wanted to head to Hollywood Studios. I was lame and stayed home to take a nap, but then changed my mind and decided to catch the next bus out to the park. Hollywood Studios was so fun. We met Darth Vader and Minnie and then decided to catch a bus over to EPCOT. EPCOT was a great park. We walked around the world first and met Aurora as well as Aladdin and Jasmine. Aurora was such a delight to talk to, she even named us her three new fairies. While walking around the world, we stopped in the American Pavilion to talk to Brooke’s CP friend and ask him where we catch the bus to head back home. After drawing us a really complicated map, he just offered to meet us when he got off work and he’d show us the way. We headed over to Mexico and rode the little boat ride there. Afterwards we went and rode Spaceship Earth which was a nice little break. We then headed on back to meet Brooke’s friend, who wasn’t there. Once we’d realized we were going to miss the bus we decided to ask a CM where to go. They showed us backstage and we got lost, but eventually found our way and thankfully caught the bus on time and made it home so Brooke and Caitlin could get to bed for their early morning training sessions tomorrow.

Day 8: Saturday February 6

I had today off, and I was going to play in the parks but it’s been raining all day and I’m not about that life. Kayla and I went out to Disney Springs to do some shopping but went home when it started down pouring. I didn’t pack any of my boots, and I’ve yet to buy tennis shoes so I was miserable. We got home and the girls decided to go out to the parks, but I decided to stay dry and stay home. I’ll start training tomorrow at 7:30 in the morning and then I’ll probably go watch the Super Bowl, so nothing too eventful planned for tomorrow. That’s it for now folks. I’ll update next week!
Have a Magical Day! 

DCP Farewell Photos

So last month I had some farewell photos taken by the fabulous Emma Flemming. This was such a fun photo shoot, so I'd thought I'd share with you some of my favorites. In just 2 weeks I'll be on a plane flying to Orlando and I couldn't be more excited. It's crazy how fast the time is flying by.

 I love the lighting in this picture.

 These glitter ones are my favorite. They remind me of pixie dust haha.

 Here is another picture I am seriously obsessed with.

 Like seriously, I LOVE this picture.

2 more weeks to go... ready or not here I come!

Updates on Life

Hello Everybody!
2016 is finally here and I am 21 days away from starting my DCP adventure. I had a photo shoot the other day for some farewell photos and they turned out amazing! I'm such a sucker for getting my picture taken and a Disney farewell was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I messaged one of my photographer friends and we went downtown and took some pictures with some vintage suitcases and my giant Minnie Mouse ears. I will post the pictures later today when I get to my computer at home. It was cold as all get out, but totally worth it in the end. This winter has been pretty brutal down here. I always joke that I live in the land of eternal summer, and I do most of the time but this winter has been so cold. I can't wait to move to Florida if only for the slightly warmer weather for a couple more weeks. I'm not sure if I can handle the humidity, but there's no way around that I guess. I'm sure after living in Florida during the summer I'll come to appreciate the dry heat we have back home.
I started a vlog and you can find that here. My student refund came and one of the first things I did was buy a video camera. I love writing and plan to keep blogging my experience but I realized there's some things that are hard to capture in words and that is where my vlog will come in handy. I also decided to dye my hair blonde. I was going to dye it back to my natural color which is dark brown and I was kind of dreading that. I was talking to my roommates about that when Kayla convinced me it'd be worth keeping my roots up for Disney and that we'd just make time to go get it done together since I won't have a car. Speaking of cars, mine decided to break down on the way home from California which was not fun at all. The bright side is since I'd only bought it in April it was still under warranty and everything was free to fix. What a pleasant surprise.
I turned in my two week notice and Bath and Body Works and my last shift with the company will be Wednesday. I'm sad to go but I know that I can always go back once my run at Disney is done which is a great feeling. Since I still need some money to live off the first few weeks in Florida I'm still at my call center job. It's getting harder and harder to work just because I'm so excited for Disney, but I need to stay strong for 3 more weeks haha. I'm going to miss working with such great people, I just hope they're all still around by the time I come home. School starts tomorrow and it's a weird feeling since I'm only taking one online class. I kept forgetting that school was starting back up so quickly. Rehearsals start back up tomorrow for a show I'm co-directing and I can't wait to see what progress was made over the break. I'm just thankful I can see opening night of the show before I leave for Vegas to catch my flight to Orlando.
That's about it for now folks, see ya real soon!
-Becca

Almost There!

Hey ya'll!
Just wanted to update you on what's going on. We are officially 33 days away from check in and I am just getting more and more excited as the time ticks by. It is so crazy to think that 2015 is almost over and before I know it I will be working for Disney. My roommates and I were talking about how we remember when hitting 99 days was a milestone and now we're all one month out from leaving our homes and starting the journey to Orlando. I can't believe that I'll be turning in my two week notice at both of my jobs here within this next week or so, it feels like just yesterday I'd been accepted and was chatting with my coworkers about how I didn't think I would accept the offer. I am so thankful that I said yes! Just recently I had a classmate from high school pass away and that got me thinking (a dangerous pastime, I know.) I was thinking about his life and how much he'd manage to accomplish and how little I've actually done. The DCP is my one chance to change that.
I will be booking my flight within these next couple days and before I know it, it'll be time to pack my bags and leave my home for six months. I'm leaving so much behind but I know I am gaining so much by doing this program. I am almost there and I know that once I'm in Florida time is going to fly even faster than it did while we were all waiting for check in day to come. I have so much to do in order to prepare for the move and so little time left to get it finished. Just right now I'm sitting on bed looking at my room that I need to start boxing up, with no idea where to start. I've always been so afraid of change and it's surprising even to myself that I'm actually going through with this. I will actually be moving in 28 days. But even if I crash and burn, even if this program isn't all it cracks up to be (and I doubt that will happen) at least I'll be able to look back and say I did it. I don't want to be the girl who talks the talk but never walks the walk. Walt Disney once said "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." That is exactly what I am doing. I am done talking and not doing. I can't wait to see what adventure is in store for me.
I am so close I can taste it. 33 days and counting. I'll try and post again before the move if I have time but if not I will definitely post when I get out there! I will talk at you later. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll!
It is now 66 days away from the start of my DCP adventure and with each passing day my excitement continues to grow. As I sit here on my bed with my laundry that desperately needs to be folded listening to my Pentatonix Holiday station on Pandora, I can't help but think of everything I have to be thankful for. First and foremost I am thankful for my incredible support system. My parents have been amazing about the whole DCP, in fact when I start to question if I'm making the right decision my mom is the one who tells me I should go and enjoy the experience. My best friend Ashley is one of my closest friends, and has been for the past three, almost four years. She has been an incredible friend to me, and to be honest she deserves her own post. I get choked up when I think about the fact that I'm leaving her behind for six months and she's not going to be there when I'm having boy problems and need to grab Menchie's or retail therapy to talk about life's problems. Saying goodbye to her will be the hardest goodbye. I am so thankful that I've met five amazing girls to be my roommates. I know these girls will be my biggest support system and they'll help the fact that I'm leaving behind my friends back home.
I am thankful for the opportunity I've been given to do the DCP. I have been given the chance many others were not given. Thinking about myself and who I am, I relate so much to the Disney Princesses like Belle, Ariel and Rapunzel. I've been stuck in my small town for the past 18 years and I want nothing more than to escape. I want adventure, I want a new experience. I want to look back at my life and be able to say I did the thing I was most afraid to do. I escaped my small town, even if it was only for six months. I want so much more than the life I have here. Here it's comfortable, I know the people I see on the street. I want the unexpected, to put myself out there. I'm ready to meet new people from all over the world. I'm excited for the whole experience and I'm so lucky to have been selected. It may not have been what I planned but it is all working out in my favor.
I have so much more to be thankful for. I have a house that may be falling apart in some places, but it's a roof over my head. I'm thankful for my amazing family and friends who support me in everything I do. I have friends who I hold so dear to my heart that I can't fathom not living in the same state as them for six months. I have the chance at an education and I attend school in one of the most beautiful places in the country. I have a car to drive and clothes to wear. I have not only one but two amazing jobs and in 66 days I will have the best job of all. My life is not perfect but there's so much to be thankful for. Have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.
See Ya Real Soon!
-Becca