Hi!!
So two days ago I was off and so was Alexandra! We had a great morning sleeping in and just cleaning up, doing some chores, etc. Later that afternoon we went to Vista Way, visited Walgreens and had a late lunch at Golden Corral.
After that, we went to Universal's City Walk! It's like Downtown Disney but at Universal! We had a lot of fun there- we just hung out, had a few deep conversations and a lot of laughs.
So Friday night was Gay Days at Typhoon Lagoon! My shift was scheduled for 6pm to 3:30am (aka way past my bedtime) so all day I just snoozed and watched The Office. Finally.. it was time.
WELL. Basically the park was rented out for a special event and like 90% of guests were very outgoing, presumably gay guys. It was an absolute blast to work. I was a greeter for most of it and parked for a bit of it- by the end I was absolutely exhausted. It was Danielle, Cody, Zach and I as greeters and Christol and Marissa as cashiers and fortunately Zach gave us a ride home. With a 4:30am bedtime, this was a night to remember.
Saturday... hmmm. I had a shift at 11:30, for which I was exhausted. After work, I went to Downtown Disney with Linda and had Earl of Sandwich (yum) with Linda. We also checked out the new store- Marketplace Co-Op and IT'S AMAZING. Lots of cool, vintage, retro, tiki room/adventureland type merch. Very neat for a Disney nerd like me. That night I went to a friend's apartment and you can see Wishes from their balcony! Very, very, VERY cool. I quite enjoyed that.
Today I had my first parking shift by myself and I DIDN'T DIE OF HEAT STROKE! It ACTUALLY isn't as bad as you'd think it is....... You're always doing something, have to be quick on your feet and it's not boring like greeting. So I'm okay with it. I'm being a bum tonight and just doing laundry and stuff.. wah. I miss Disney parks. I should go to one tomorrow :)
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Pecos Bill
Hi!
I'm writing this blog post today because yesterday I got home at like 1:30 am and I do not stay up that late.
I had yesterday off from Typhoon Lagoon but I picked up a shift at Pecos Bill- a quick service restaurant in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom because I wanted to work at Magic Kingdom!! It was fun! I'm glad I did it. I just bussed tables and stuff but it was fun and I got to go in the tunnels again and visit in the CRT break room.
After that I legitimately had a nap on the Grand Floridian beach.
Then I went to Magic Kingdom with a friend and we rode SPLASH MOUNTAIN DURING WISHES which was AMAZING. We also rode Mansion, Mine Train, Dumbo, Small World, Peter Pan, Big Thunder (x2) and had some ice cream!
I'M OFF TODAY AGAIN AND I DONT KNOW WHAT IM DOING YET SO BYE
I'm writing this blog post today because yesterday I got home at like 1:30 am and I do not stay up that late.
I had yesterday off from Typhoon Lagoon but I picked up a shift at Pecos Bill- a quick service restaurant in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom because I wanted to work at Magic Kingdom!! It was fun! I'm glad I did it. I just bussed tables and stuff but it was fun and I got to go in the tunnels again and visit in the CRT break room.
After that I legitimately had a nap on the Grand Floridian beach.
Then I went to Magic Kingdom with a friend and we rode SPLASH MOUNTAIN DURING WISHES which was AMAZING. We also rode Mansion, Mine Train, Dumbo, Small World, Peter Pan, Big Thunder (x2) and had some ice cream!
I'M OFF TODAY AGAIN AND I DONT KNOW WHAT IM DOING YET SO BYE
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Parking and Such
Hi!
I parked more cars today at Typhoon Lagoon and I passed my parking assessment, yay!
You know what? The weather was manageable, the coworkers were so much fun and so sweet, and I actually had a lot of fun. So there.
After work- I was out by 1:30!- Linda & Ian picked me up and we went to Animal Kingdom. We saw Festival of the Lion King in its new, permanent theatre and rode some rides. John joined us after work and we all rode Expedition Everest. You know when Expedition Everest has the broken track and you have to go backwards? That big broken track part is gone so it literally just looks like you're going to fly off and die if the brakes didn't work. So Linda and I were in the front seat and it was TERRIFYING. I hear the piece is just on refurb- But you could've warned us!
After that we all went to Applebee's (by VISTA WAY) and had a nice dinner and good times.
I'm sleepy now bye bye bye but first- THE OFFICE! :)
I parked more cars today at Typhoon Lagoon and I passed my parking assessment, yay!
You know what? The weather was manageable, the coworkers were so much fun and so sweet, and I actually had a lot of fun. So there.
After work- I was out by 1:30!- Linda & Ian picked me up and we went to Animal Kingdom. We saw Festival of the Lion King in its new, permanent theatre and rode some rides. John joined us after work and we all rode Expedition Everest. You know when Expedition Everest has the broken track and you have to go backwards? That big broken track part is gone so it literally just looks like you're going to fly off and die if the brakes didn't work. So Linda and I were in the front seat and it was TERRIFYING. I hear the piece is just on refurb- But you could've warned us!
After that we all went to Applebee's (by VISTA WAY) and had a nice dinner and good times.
I'm sleepy now bye bye bye but first- THE OFFICE! :)
Monday, June 2, 2014
What is "magic" anyway?
So today I was trained to work in the parking lot of Typhoon Lagoon, helping cars park so that their occupants can enjoy one of Disney's water parks.
I know what you're thinking. I was thinking it all day.
How is this in any way magical? Did I even sign up for this?
During my last program, as many of you are aware, I worked at Cinderella's Royal Table. This was a restaurant inside the castle in the Magic Kingdom- about as Disney as you could get. I witnessed countless proposals and princesses were literally my colleagues. I wore a long, flowy skirt that I could twirl around in, I had fake sword fights with little boys and I could say "have a magical day!" to everyone who walked by without sounding out of place. If you could picture a magical job at Disney World- that would be it.
So back to today. In a parking lot. In a water park.
No, it isn't magical. Not like Cinderella's Royal Table was. I'm not going to see a proposal. I'm not going to watch fireworks every night or participate in wishing ceremonies. Today I helped cars park. I won't be remembered as an integral part of their vacation. What I helped them to do won't even be an integral, cherished part of their vacation. Nobody is going to go home and be like "Wow, do you remember how amazing it was when we parked at Typhoon Lagoon?"
But hey. I do always try to look on the bright side and here it is:
What is magic anyway? Really. We talk about this thing called "magic" a lot here- magic for the guests, magic for us. What is the "Disney magic" and where can you find it in the Typhoon Lagoon parking lot?
Here is my wisdom of the day and here's where I tried to find the magic:
We were a bunch of young 20 somethings in a parking lot- and you know what? We had fun. An older lady who works with us dances when she helps cars park. We listen to music and we joke around. I worked with people today from India, Puerto Rico, Florida and more. We shared cultures- explicitly and implicitly- we shared laughs and we had a good time together. A guest driving a van drove slowly by us today and said "you are doing a great job." Really- we got complimented on our PARKING skills!
You know what- to find happiness and joy and to have a good time in a parking lot is magic enough to me. To be able to meet new friends and challenge myself in a way I never expected is quite perhaps the magic of this summer. On top of that- I get to wear a really cute yellow skort when I work parking and my freckles come out in the sun.
The End.
(For those of you wondering, I won't be in a parking lot everyday- just some days! Most of the time I'll be a park greeter as usual!)
After my parking lot adventure today, I headed to the Magic Kingdom and met Alexandra and a few people. We had dinner at Peco's Bill and rode the Mansion and Pirates. I also had an orange dole whip which wasn't too shabby. Then I came home because I'm sleepy and TOMORROW IS AN EARLY MORNING IN THE PARKING LOT OF MAGIC AGAIN.
I know what you're thinking. I was thinking it all day.
How is this in any way magical? Did I even sign up for this?
During my last program, as many of you are aware, I worked at Cinderella's Royal Table. This was a restaurant inside the castle in the Magic Kingdom- about as Disney as you could get. I witnessed countless proposals and princesses were literally my colleagues. I wore a long, flowy skirt that I could twirl around in, I had fake sword fights with little boys and I could say "have a magical day!" to everyone who walked by without sounding out of place. If you could picture a magical job at Disney World- that would be it.
So back to today. In a parking lot. In a water park.
No, it isn't magical. Not like Cinderella's Royal Table was. I'm not going to see a proposal. I'm not going to watch fireworks every night or participate in wishing ceremonies. Today I helped cars park. I won't be remembered as an integral part of their vacation. What I helped them to do won't even be an integral, cherished part of their vacation. Nobody is going to go home and be like "Wow, do you remember how amazing it was when we parked at Typhoon Lagoon?"
But hey. I do always try to look on the bright side and here it is:
What is magic anyway? Really. We talk about this thing called "magic" a lot here- magic for the guests, magic for us. What is the "Disney magic" and where can you find it in the Typhoon Lagoon parking lot?
Here is my wisdom of the day and here's where I tried to find the magic:
We were a bunch of young 20 somethings in a parking lot- and you know what? We had fun. An older lady who works with us dances when she helps cars park. We listen to music and we joke around. I worked with people today from India, Puerto Rico, Florida and more. We shared cultures- explicitly and implicitly- we shared laughs and we had a good time together. A guest driving a van drove slowly by us today and said "you are doing a great job." Really- we got complimented on our PARKING skills!
You know what- to find happiness and joy and to have a good time in a parking lot is magic enough to me. To be able to meet new friends and challenge myself in a way I never expected is quite perhaps the magic of this summer. On top of that- I get to wear a really cute yellow skort when I work parking and my freckles come out in the sun.
The End.
(For those of you wondering, I won't be in a parking lot everyday- just some days! Most of the time I'll be a park greeter as usual!)
After my parking lot adventure today, I headed to the Magic Kingdom and met Alexandra and a few people. We had dinner at Peco's Bill and rode the Mansion and Pirates. I also had an orange dole whip which wasn't too shabby. Then I came home because I'm sleepy and TOMORROW IS AN EARLY MORNING IN THE PARKING LOT OF MAGIC AGAIN.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Let's Start this Blogging Thing
Hello everyone!
Well it's June 1st and I'm officially settled so I decided it's high time I blogged!
THE JOB
What do I do? I'm a park greeter at Typhoon Lagoon! Basically I stand by the "touch points" and assist guests as they scan their MagicBands or tickets to get into the park. I also check coolers for alcohol and glass, as well as act as an "Exit greeter"- greeting guests as they leave the park. I am (as of tomorrow) also in the Parking Lot in a cute yellow costume helping guests find places to park their cars.
LOTS OF MOVIES
I've seen Maleficient, X-Men and The Neighbour all at AMC Downtown Disney.
SPACE MOUNTAIN BROKE DOWN
I got stuck on Space Mountain with Alexandra and we got to see Space Mountain with the lights on! Very neat.
CHARACTER MEET AND GREETS
I've met Anna & Elsa (!!!!!!!!, thanks to the fast pass they gave me when Space Mountain broke down), talking Mickey (!!!), a stormtrooper, Chip & Dale, the fab 5 a few times, Winnie the Pooh, Captain Hook, Queen of Hearts, Pinocchio, Max, Aurora, Lilo, Stitch, Snow White.. I thiiiink that's it?
FRIENDS
As usual, I've been making a lot of friends and meeting all sorts of people. The people at work are so kind and so welcoming and very laid back. I am happy to work with them. I'm also enjoying catching up with old friends from my last program! :)
HOTEL HOPPING AND EATING
I've swam at the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge and I've had food at the Wilderness Lodge, Art of Animation and Fort Wilderness (Hoop de Doo!!)
MINE TRAIN
I was able to ride the new Mine Train (and the last of New Fantasyland to open) 7 times before it opened to the public! It's ADORABLE!
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
I got to work a shift at Hollywood Studios doing crowd control for Star Wars fireworks! It was a lot of fun.
LIVING
I live in Patterson in a one bedroom apartment but with 3 of us girls- hello bunk beds. I'm on the top bunk, a great friend of mine Alexandra is on the bottom bunk and in the single bed is Rebecca from Germany. :)
I worked today 8:30-2:30. It was Typhoon Lagoon's 25th birthday! This meant special things for the guests like unique drinks, cupcakes, a DJ, hoola hoop competitions, Mickey and Minnie and more. I started off at a touch point for awhile and was having fun because I had fun neighbours with me.
Later my coordinator Regina asked if I would mind standing at a table in the main entrance with little paper fans that kids could colour- so of course I was like YES. I was able to colour with guests for awhile until it started to DOWNPOUR.
Now when it rains at Typhoon, it's great, because people leave and it disrupts the monotony of the day. So that was fun. I was soon able to clock out.
After I clocked out I took a guest bus to Art of Animation and had a little snack. Then I took a guest bus to Hollywood Studios to return my fireworks crowd control costume and to pick up parking costumes. Now I'm back at Patterson- it's still super rainy and I suppose I should get groceries sometime tonight but we'll see. For now- I think I'll just watch The Office.
Well it's June 1st and I'm officially settled so I decided it's high time I blogged!
Highlights of the Program so far:
THE JOB
What do I do? I'm a park greeter at Typhoon Lagoon! Basically I stand by the "touch points" and assist guests as they scan their MagicBands or tickets to get into the park. I also check coolers for alcohol and glass, as well as act as an "Exit greeter"- greeting guests as they leave the park. I am (as of tomorrow) also in the Parking Lot in a cute yellow costume helping guests find places to park their cars.
LOTS OF MOVIES
I've seen Maleficient, X-Men and The Neighbour all at AMC Downtown Disney.
SPACE MOUNTAIN BROKE DOWN
I got stuck on Space Mountain with Alexandra and we got to see Space Mountain with the lights on! Very neat.
CHARACTER MEET AND GREETS
I've met Anna & Elsa (!!!!!!!!, thanks to the fast pass they gave me when Space Mountain broke down), talking Mickey (!!!), a stormtrooper, Chip & Dale, the fab 5 a few times, Winnie the Pooh, Captain Hook, Queen of Hearts, Pinocchio, Max, Aurora, Lilo, Stitch, Snow White.. I thiiiink that's it?
FRIENDS
As usual, I've been making a lot of friends and meeting all sorts of people. The people at work are so kind and so welcoming and very laid back. I am happy to work with them. I'm also enjoying catching up with old friends from my last program! :)
HOTEL HOPPING AND EATING
I've swam at the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge and I've had food at the Wilderness Lodge, Art of Animation and Fort Wilderness (Hoop de Doo!!)
MINE TRAIN
I was able to ride the new Mine Train (and the last of New Fantasyland to open) 7 times before it opened to the public! It's ADORABLE!
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
I got to work a shift at Hollywood Studios doing crowd control for Star Wars fireworks! It was a lot of fun.
LIVING
I live in Patterson in a one bedroom apartment but with 3 of us girls- hello bunk beds. I'm on the top bunk, a great friend of mine Alexandra is on the bottom bunk and in the single bed is Rebecca from Germany. :)
OKAY NOW THAT YOU'RE ALL CAUGHT UP..... Welcome to June 1!
I worked today 8:30-2:30. It was Typhoon Lagoon's 25th birthday! This meant special things for the guests like unique drinks, cupcakes, a DJ, hoola hoop competitions, Mickey and Minnie and more. I started off at a touch point for awhile and was having fun because I had fun neighbours with me.
Later my coordinator Regina asked if I would mind standing at a table in the main entrance with little paper fans that kids could colour- so of course I was like YES. I was able to colour with guests for awhile until it started to DOWNPOUR.
Now when it rains at Typhoon, it's great, because people leave and it disrupts the monotony of the day. So that was fun. I was soon able to clock out.
After I clocked out I took a guest bus to Art of Animation and had a little snack. Then I took a guest bus to Hollywood Studios to return my fireworks crowd control costume and to pick up parking costumes. Now I'm back at Patterson- it's still super rainy and I suppose I should get groceries sometime tonight but we'll see. For now- I think I'll just watch The Office.
THANKS FOR JOINING IN ON MY DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM EXPERIENCE!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Disney ICP Bucket List
1. Duvall’s Parasailing at the Contemporary Resort
2. Duvall’s Tubing at the Contemporary Resort
3. Explore Fort Wilderness Campground
4. Explore Animal Kingdom Lodge
5. Stay at a monorail resort.
6. Disney Bound at the Magic Kingdom
7. Ride Test Track (I can’t believe I have never done this- well, actually, I can.. it was down for refurb EVERY time I was at Disney World, including 3 months during my first college program)
8. Locate the Wonders of Life pavilion at Epcot.. I’ve never noticed it before!http://www.yesterland.com/erasing.html
9. Go to the Orlando Farmer’s Market
10. Go to another church besides the Catholic Church I normally go to, at least once.
11. Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party. This is a maybe, and pending availability & funding.
12. Four Parks in One Day.
13. Chip and Dale Campfire at the Fort Wilderness Campground.
14. Princess Fairytale Hall! I haven’t been yet.
15. Meet Elsa & Anna from Frozen.
16. Go to Jelly Rolls and Atlantic City Dance Hall- explore the Boardwalk both at night and day!
17. Go to Typhoon Lagoon during the day (I have only ever been at night during a special event). Ride Crush’n’Gusher!
18. Busch Gardens (depending on time and money!)
19. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
20. DisneyQuest or Cirque du Soleil
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Goodbyes are Difficult: ASU Edition
As many of you know (actually, I have no idea if anybody reads this, let alone knows this, but anyway), this past year I've had the honour of serving as the Vice-President Communications for the Acadia Students' Union for the past year. It was a position I had my eye on since first year but I never imagined it would be a reality, let alone the amazing one it has been.
This past weekend has been our executive changeover retreat. I can't really go into what exactly was said but let me tell you- it was very emotional and reflective. We also have our last meeting of the Students' Representative Council tomorrow, after sitting on this committee for the past 3 years. I am just going to miss this job so much- it has taught me to be the best version of myself and has completely changed my hopes and dreams for the future. It's scary- I don't know what I'm doing in September yet and I'm scared it won't be as amazing as this- but I have faith it will all work out.
So, just a note to my fellow executive members who have become family. I'm not sure any of them will see this (Darcy probably will) but I would be amiss if I didn't say something to you all:
Matthew: You are an amazing leader and you have served the student body in more ways than anyone will ever know. Thank you for being the rock of our team and helping me find my voice, I will never forget that.
Coltan: I have never met anybody as positive and optimistic as you. I am so happy we had such a successful business relationship as well as an amazing friendship. Thank you for being such a support.
Andrea: Your honesty, intelligence and how real you are never ceases to amaze me. Your tendency to go above and beyond expectations have inspired me in so many ways this year. I know you are going to go far.
Darcy: What can I say about you- you have been my sister throughout all of this. We've cried, we've laughed, we've been angry and we've been elated. You've taken a very difficult, obscure position and made it into something approachable and I admire your thankless, tedious work on senate committees. We can sob and watch Wishes together on June 16.
Ian: Our alpha wolf- thank you for being there always to ground us and support us in all our shenanigans. You have taught me so many things about organization, management and leadership. I will miss our morning conversations!
This wasn't just a job this year- it was a lifestyle. A lifestyle I will miss incredibly. Thank you for my friends and family that weren't in this little student politics bubble that had to put up with me talking about it so often.
Best of luck to the new ASU Executive- we leave our beloved jobs in your very capable hands.
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