Another month-I can’t believe it! So, so, so many silly and exciting adventures!
I love my job more and more everyday. Recently, I checked out of “Where’s the Fire” (here I host a 10 minute interactive game where guest have to search for fire hazards and learn about fire safety) and “Play It Safe” (this venue is like big play house, I show kids how to crawl on their hands and knees to evacuate our burning house.) Training was so much easier then for the 28 pages of Stormstuck. I had it down after my first 2 days and spent my other two days riding around on segways, watching Caption EO and going to La Catina in Mexico for lunch. It was a good time. I love my new venues and they are both strangely rewarding. The other day, after I had been at Play it Safe for 2 hours there was an evacuation in the other building. Later in the break room we were all talking about it, and the hostess at Paper Making said that when the alarm went off two kids with my “Play It Safe” stickers on looked at each other and said we need to “Get Out-and Stay Out!” and crawled out of the building! Granted it turned out that Innoventions wasn’t actually on fire, but, they had remembered what I taught them! This was almost a week ago and I’m still so proud. I wish I could have been there to see it and give them more stickers. I'm also super pumped because in a few weeks I get to train on Segway!
Typically, I work from 12-7:30pm and so there is never really a reason to go to bed before 2 or wake up before 10. But, this week I also started classes-Corporate Communications and Adv. Studies in Hospitality Mgmt. Both are once a week from 8am until noon which is rough. But my instructors seem great so I’m sure I’ll enjoy them.
Also, just another reason to smile; a couple weeks ago, I donated 11" of hair to locks of love. And since Ive been rocking a curly 50s bob which reacts 1000% better to all of the rain and humidity.
I cant believe I only have 3 more months left! My program ends in January and I’m trying to figure out what I want to do afterwards. All I know is that I don’t want to move back to Michigan in the middle of winter! Right now I’m putting my application in for a few different opportunities; Disney professional internships (in event planning and the Youth Education Series) Americorp (a 6 month community service program in CA focused on youth development) and study abroad program at Debry University in England. I guess only time will tell what 2011 has in store for me, but, I can’t wait.
Just a disclaimer-the absolute highlight of my month is completely dorky but Im not ashamed. Last week in the UK pavilion of Epcot Brittany, Aimee and I were looking through a store and in the back-TIGGER AND POOH! Oh my goodness-caps locks can’t even explain my excitement. So, we get in line, and then…its our turn! I go over to Tigger, and he bounces into the best hug I’ve ever experienced. And I’m so lost in my excitement that I don’t realize how long this hug has lasted. After about a minute and a half I realize that Tigger probably thinks that I’m a huge creep for hugging him so long so I start to release my hug-and (this my favorite part) he just hugs me tighter!!! So wonderful! And then I hugged Pooh, and then the five of us all had a giant group hug (and by this time Aimee and I are almost in tears.) Aimee is probably the only person I’ll ever be able to relate to about this, not even Brittany understands and she was there haha. But it was so special and just epic.
I love my life.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
The past three weeks have really flown by! I've been busy, busy, busy. The apartment in Patterson is gorgeous, and my building is right up front by the pool, which is great. Between my 4 roommates there is never a dull moment.
Ive spent everyday (up until yesterday) doing training to learn my first venue "StormStuck," which is the longest and toughest script in Innoventions (I think its like 28 pages!) Stormstuck is a 4-D Theatre show about severe weather. I know I dont make it sound too exciting, but it actually is pretty cool. And I get to rotate every 15 minutes so I dont really have time get bored I get to; greet guests as they enter and answer questions, talk to my guests before they enter the theatre, deliver my show (my favorite part), and also I get to play a game-show style show called StormKit with kids. So much fun! Innoventions has many different "venues" inside of it, and next week I get to learn my second venue "Wheres The Fire" about fire safety. And if I close I also get paid to I watch "Illuminations" and Im home by 10pm! I LOVE IT!
Alot of people say that working for Disney ruins the magic for them, but I think its just making it even greater. Honestly, I think that I everytime I see Mickey Im twice as excited as the time before. And, I really just love those moments where you feel like youve really just made someones day by just remembering their name or telling a little girl just where and when she can meet her favorite princess. And there is always a guest who makes my day too. On my first night working Illuminations, I was walking toward the exit where we wish everyone goodnight with our big Mickey Mouse hands (and I love doing this so much I would do it on my night off) Anyways, it was just a great day, and I was having so much fun.I really did feel like the luckiest girl in the world. And this old man walking behind me talking to his wife, "...a Disney cast member, wouldnt that just be the greatest job, think about it Kathy, you know what...thats what I really want to be someday..." His wife just started laughing at him. Oh man, and I am such a sucker for silly little moments, but I was walking in front of him thinking exact same thing he was saying, and my eyes are getting a little teary.I looked back at his wife who is still laughing, and I say "You know hes right, it is the best job out there!" And his wife laughed some more. But he asked how long I had been working in Epcot, and I told him that it was my very first day-he congratulated me as if he was my father and I was 5 years old and had just learned how to ride a bike without training wheels. That was a moment I'll never forget.
Ive spent everyday (up until yesterday) doing training to learn my first venue "StormStuck," which is the longest and toughest script in Innoventions (I think its like 28 pages!) Stormstuck is a 4-D Theatre show about severe weather. I know I dont make it sound too exciting, but it actually is pretty cool. And I get to rotate every 15 minutes so I dont really have time get bored I get to; greet guests as they enter and answer questions, talk to my guests before they enter the theatre, deliver my show (my favorite part), and also I get to play a game-show style show called StormKit with kids. So much fun! Innoventions has many different "venues" inside of it, and next week I get to learn my second venue "Wheres The Fire" about fire safety. And if I close I also get paid to I watch "Illuminations" and Im home by 10pm! I LOVE IT!
Alot of people say that working for Disney ruins the magic for them, but I think its just making it even greater. Honestly, I think that I everytime I see Mickey Im twice as excited as the time before. And, I really just love those moments where you feel like youve really just made someones day by just remembering their name or telling a little girl just where and when she can meet her favorite princess. And there is always a guest who makes my day too. On my first night working Illuminations, I was walking toward the exit where we wish everyone goodnight with our big Mickey Mouse hands (and I love doing this so much I would do it on my night off) Anyways, it was just a great day, and I was having so much fun.I really did feel like the luckiest girl in the world. And this old man walking behind me talking to his wife, "...a Disney cast member, wouldnt that just be the greatest job, think about it Kathy, you know what...thats what I really want to be someday..." His wife just started laughing at him. Oh man, and I am such a sucker for silly little moments, but I was walking in front of him thinking exact same thing he was saying, and my eyes are getting a little teary.I looked back at his wife who is still laughing, and I say "You know hes right, it is the best job out there!" And his wife laughed some more. But he asked how long I had been working in Epcot, and I told him that it was my very first day-he congratulated me as if he was my father and I was 5 years old and had just learned how to ride a bike without training wheels. That was a moment I'll never forget.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
...its time!!!
Hmm...well, for the past month, Ive definitely maintained my Euro snob attitude. I laugh every time a Kraft "American Cheese" commercail comes on, refuse to go a day without eating bread and all of my favorite stories to tell begin with the phrase "While I was in Europe..." And, Ive definitely been bitten by the travel bug once again, I keep catching myself googling Spain. Hahaha, well I really just can't wait for another adventure. Im getting stir-crazy.
Speaking of which, Disney! Disney will be a crazy, wild, unforgettable adventure starting in just 3 days!!! It needs to be mentioned that I screamed and jumped up and down the day I only had 125 days left in my Disney countdown. Its been nearly 6 months and Ive exhausted all of my Disney fantasies. I just want to be there and experience everything for real. Now there are only 3 days left, it feels...just epic. Waiting is making me anxious. I've researched; Ive read everything, blogs and books. I've nested; I crafted silly projects and bought new clothes and bedding. I even brushed up on all of my favorite G-rated songs. I didn't gain 40lbs, but, Im convinced that I know how a women must feel when she's 39 weeks pregnant...it's time!
Speaking of which, Disney! Disney will be a crazy, wild, unforgettable adventure starting in just 3 days!!! It needs to be mentioned that I screamed and jumped up and down the day I only had 125 days left in my Disney countdown. Its been nearly 6 months and Ive exhausted all of my Disney fantasies. I just want to be there and experience everything for real. Now there are only 3 days left, it feels...just epic. Waiting is making me anxious. I've researched; Ive read everything, blogs and books. I've nested; I crafted silly projects and bought new clothes and bedding. I even brushed up on all of my favorite G-rated songs. I didn't gain 40lbs, but, Im convinced that I know how a women must feel when she's 39 weeks pregnant...it's time!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Europe, Michigan and Disney Dreams
For the past two weeks, I haven't sprung out of bed every morning. I've just lied there lost in all of the places I've never been to and all of the experience waiting for me. I hate to admit it, but its the truth, lately, I've been a shameless daydreamer. Yesterday, in the middle of a great place in the book I'm reading the author made a slight reference to a Greek god, and I spent the next forty minutes on a night boat to Crete. Since my return from Europe, my head has been in the clouds.
I wish I could explain it but, the entire trip was beyond words. Six weeks filled with; the perfect people, incredible places, once in a lifetime experiences and so much to discover. Salisbury, London, Paris, Chartes, Versailles, Bacharach, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Munich, Dublin, Howth-what I wouldn't give to go back.
But it's also been nice to be home. I went up with my family for a great Forth of July on the lake complete with plenty of time on the beach, in the boat, tubing, smores and fireworks. Perfect.
Also, Ive been working on a few epic projects:
1.
I have this insane idea that if I can live for 2 months out of one backpack, then 2 suitcases for 4 months should be no big deal. I dont think Ive ever really realized how much stuff I have. Its wrong for me to complain that I have too much, but honestly, its heartbreaking having to give away so many things that I have emotional attachment too. But, it must be done-Im taking 2 suitcases to Florida.
2.
Im such an awful person, until now I hadn't even printed any of my pictures from Italy and Greece last summer. So Im working on another impossible project; taking all 4000 pictures (this summer and lasts,) picking my top 250 and scrapbooking them all before I leave. This is no small undertaking my friends.
3.
Trying to see everyone Ive ever known and loved in Michigan.
4.
Obviously alot of Disney research and daydreaming about my first few days there. I cant wait! And I half expect that I will actually explode when I get there. I've heard that 6 months of anticipation will do that to you.
I wish I could explain it but, the entire trip was beyond words. Six weeks filled with; the perfect people, incredible places, once in a lifetime experiences and so much to discover. Salisbury, London, Paris, Chartes, Versailles, Bacharach, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Munich, Dublin, Howth-what I wouldn't give to go back.
But it's also been nice to be home. I went up with my family for a great Forth of July on the lake complete with plenty of time on the beach, in the boat, tubing, smores and fireworks. Perfect.
Also, Ive been working on a few epic projects:
1.
I have this insane idea that if I can live for 2 months out of one backpack, then 2 suitcases for 4 months should be no big deal. I dont think Ive ever really realized how much stuff I have. Its wrong for me to complain that I have too much, but honestly, its heartbreaking having to give away so many things that I have emotional attachment too. But, it must be done-Im taking 2 suitcases to Florida.
2.
Im such an awful person, until now I hadn't even printed any of my pictures from Italy and Greece last summer. So Im working on another impossible project; taking all 4000 pictures (this summer and lasts,) picking my top 250 and scrapbooking them all before I leave. This is no small undertaking my friends.
3.
Trying to see everyone Ive ever known and loved in Michigan.
4.
Obviously alot of Disney research and daydreaming about my first few days there. I cant wait! And I half expect that I will actually explode when I get there. I've heard that 6 months of anticipation will do that to you.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Linkedin Alumni Feedback
On a Linkedin College Program Alumni Page I asked almuni "If you could go back, what advice would you give yourself?" Here are my first three reponses:
"The program was one of the best experiences that I have had. My internship required me to participate and seek out aspects of the business that were not part of my day to day job. For example, I worked in a shop but was able to spend time with the visual department for the park. Seeing these other aspects helped me understand the business from a bigger scope. I would also ask to work in other areas of the park for the added experience. One a fun note, take a camera, spend your free time enjoying your new friends and the parks!"
"I cannot stress enough the importance of taking at least one of the free classes offered to College Program participants. I was part of the pilot program for the Leadership Exploration Series. Through this class, I had the opportunity to meet the "Who's Who" running Disney. Several offered to write recommendation letters for me. The experience is invaluable. The classes are short and typically once a week. Take advantage of them! One thing that I would advise doing that I had neglected to do is to keep up your seasonal status. At the end of your program, you will be labeled seasonal in the system. You will be able to call and schedule to work seasonally. When this runs out, you'll no longer be in the system. If you should want to go back, you'll have to reapply all over again (or in my case, re-audition for Entertainment). Don't make the same mistake I did! I certainly regret not keeping up with my seasonal status. Good luck and have fun!"
"Surprisingly Amanda, the same advice I knew and gave myself back then which is what I also heard from CP Alumni - make the most of all that the experience has to offer! Don't limit yourself to just the work (earning), education (learning), or housing (living) components. If you're passionate about the Company and want to pursue a career with Disney, network. Learn best practices from Leaders and your future peers. Find a mentor who will take the time to develop you & give you honest feedback. Get involved in what we call the "Disney Difference" offerings - volunteer in the Central FL community, join a diversity or Cast Activities group, etc. Definitely make time for fun & friendships (I still have fond memories and close friends eight years later), but take advantage of all the opportunities the internship programs have to offer. I promise you won't regret it. "
"The program was one of the best experiences that I have had. My internship required me to participate and seek out aspects of the business that were not part of my day to day job. For example, I worked in a shop but was able to spend time with the visual department for the park. Seeing these other aspects helped me understand the business from a bigger scope. I would also ask to work in other areas of the park for the added experience. One a fun note, take a camera, spend your free time enjoying your new friends and the parks!"
"I cannot stress enough the importance of taking at least one of the free classes offered to College Program participants. I was part of the pilot program for the Leadership Exploration Series. Through this class, I had the opportunity to meet the "Who's Who" running Disney. Several offered to write recommendation letters for me. The experience is invaluable. The classes are short and typically once a week. Take advantage of them! One thing that I would advise doing that I had neglected to do is to keep up your seasonal status. At the end of your program, you will be labeled seasonal in the system. You will be able to call and schedule to work seasonally. When this runs out, you'll no longer be in the system. If you should want to go back, you'll have to reapply all over again (or in my case, re-audition for Entertainment). Don't make the same mistake I did! I certainly regret not keeping up with my seasonal status. Good luck and have fun!"
"Surprisingly Amanda, the same advice I knew and gave myself back then which is what I also heard from CP Alumni - make the most of all that the experience has to offer! Don't limit yourself to just the work (earning), education (learning), or housing (living) components. If you're passionate about the Company and want to pursue a career with Disney, network. Learn best practices from Leaders and your future peers. Find a mentor who will take the time to develop you & give you honest feedback. Get involved in what we call the "Disney Difference" offerings - volunteer in the Central FL community, join a diversity or Cast Activities group, etc. Definitely make time for fun & friendships (I still have fond memories and close friends eight years later), but take advantage of all the opportunities the internship programs have to offer. I promise you won't regret it. "
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Recent Updates & Part of My Disney Wish List
So, on Monday I posted a tread about "Documenting your Disney Memories" and I found a lot of scrapbookers in the CP. I was overwhelmingly excited with the many exciting responses and we now have around 80 people in the group. :) This morning, I posted on the Making Memories dicussion topics, "What was your first Disney memory?" The memory can be anything Disney related it doesnt have to take place at the parks. Im going to do something special with your responses so stay tuned! And take a look, all of the responses so far are just adorable! Also, after Easter, the group will have the opportunity to order special College Program Pre-arrival pages kits. They'll make the perfect introductory pages of your Disney CP scrapbook and will give us all something to focus our Disney engery on while we wait for our arrival dates. I will also be posting several special how-to scrapbooking blogs for beginner with step by step instructions for completing your those scrapbook pages. So even if you've never scrapbooked before feel free to check it out, I really love this project:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=106947329332646&ref=ts
I really want to thank everyone for being so wonderful, (even though I dont actually know any of you in person) you all are such genuine people. Its making me even more excited about starting this program than I ever thought possible. I already feel like Fall 2010 is one big community family, and I just can't wait to meet all of you :)
Some other things I look forward to doing on the program are:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=106947329332646&ref=ts
I really want to thank everyone for being so wonderful, (even though I dont actually know any of you in person) you all are such genuine people. Its making me even more excited about starting this program than I ever thought possible. I already feel like Fall 2010 is one big community family, and I just can't wait to meet all of you :)
Some other things I look forward to doing on the program are:
- Sitting under the stars
- Laying out by the pool
- Making great friends
- Swimming with dolphins
- Sky Diving
- Drinking my way around the world the day I turn 21
- Hot Air Ballon Rides
- Learning some spanish
- And my one out of the park crazy Disney wish is to spend a night in Cinderella's Castle. That'd pretty much be the highlight of life.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Man, why is March always so crazy?
This semester is flying by. This week I get to present my research on Arts and Culture during the Undergraduate Symposium. I've been working on it day and night the past few weeks. I actually made a huge countdown list for my wall, here it goes:
2 Weeks until Easter
4 Weeks until the end of the semester
8 Weeks until Europe
(Disney is just 4 weeks after I get back!)
I am so excited for the Disney College Program, I booked my plane ticket within the hour I found out about my acceptance. I leave on August 9th, and I'll be working in Attractions. I put in a request for The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show in Hollywood studios. Next to Lights, Motors Actions it's my favorite show. I feel like if I worked Lights, Motors, Action I would probably kill myself trying to replicate their stunts. But no matter what I'm assigned to I'm sure I'll love it.
I am also applying for a Winter Disney Professional Internship. So after I finish my Fall program August-January, I would be promoted to new role (Disney calls all of its employee's "cast members", and each job is considered to be a "role")hopefully in Event Planning or Theatre (Jan-June). By next spring I will also have enough credits to graduate so I will be ready for a full time job. My ultimate goal is to plan special events at Disney, so VIP receptions, fundraisers or weddings. Or to work any role at the new resort opening Fall 2011 in Hawaii ;)
Lol, my brain really does operate completely through time lines. But if I don't have something to look forward to or work towards it's hard for me to stay on track with things that are happening in the present and I get really anxious. And I'm a pretty busy girl so it's really important for me. I've been working 2 jobs all year plus some babysitting on weekends. College is expensive. Once I'm not paying rent I'll have a change to actually save something. I've also become a representative for Mark products. The link to my online boutique is below, there's even a coupon for free shipping, check it out!
http://abeck.mymarkstore.com
And for my CP friends, I need you advice! I really want to get a scooter, do you think this would be a good means of transportantion in FL?
Thanks for stopping by!
2 Weeks until Easter
4 Weeks until the end of the semester
8 Weeks until Europe
(Disney is just 4 weeks after I get back!)
I am so excited for the Disney College Program, I booked my plane ticket within the hour I found out about my acceptance. I leave on August 9th, and I'll be working in Attractions. I put in a request for The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show in Hollywood studios. Next to Lights, Motors Actions it's my favorite show. I feel like if I worked Lights, Motors, Action I would probably kill myself trying to replicate their stunts. But no matter what I'm assigned to I'm sure I'll love it.
I am also applying for a Winter Disney Professional Internship. So after I finish my Fall program August-January, I would be promoted to new role (Disney calls all of its employee's "cast members", and each job is considered to be a "role")hopefully in Event Planning or Theatre (Jan-June). By next spring I will also have enough credits to graduate so I will be ready for a full time job. My ultimate goal is to plan special events at Disney, so VIP receptions, fundraisers or weddings. Or to work any role at the new resort opening Fall 2011 in Hawaii ;)
Lol, my brain really does operate completely through time lines. But if I don't have something to look forward to or work towards it's hard for me to stay on track with things that are happening in the present and I get really anxious. And I'm a pretty busy girl so it's really important for me. I've been working 2 jobs all year plus some babysitting on weekends. College is expensive. Once I'm not paying rent I'll have a change to actually save something. I've also become a representative for Mark products. The link to my online boutique is below, there's even a coupon for free shipping, check it out!
http://abeck.mymarkstore.com
And for my CP friends, I need you advice! I really want to get a scooter, do you think this would be a good means of transportantion in FL?
Thanks for stopping by!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)