The Best Part

I am constantly asked: "what was your favorite part?" There is no way that I could answer that question in a normal conversation. 

The best part were the people that I not only became friends with, but completely fell in love with. As a strong believer in fate, I know that this world brought us together on purpose.  And when I say I fell in love I don't mean in a boyfriend girlfriend way. I mean that I found several individuals I want to spend the rest of my life with. I found people who know and understand every one of my quirks. I found people who forgave my worst flaws and helped me recognize my greatest strengths. People who would do anything to help me in a time of need. People who make me laugh and cry and and scream and dance. 

The best part is that even those I didn't have a chance to fall in love with brought joy and knowledge to my life. The people who I knew for 7 months but never saw outside of work. The people who made me a part of their vacations and family memories. The people who stopped to thank me or tell me that I'm doing a good job. The people who understood that Disney was my job, but making magic is my passion. The people that I only had the pleasure to know for a month but made a lasting impression on me.

The best part was my roommate, who always listened and never judged. Who told me the truth when I needed it. Who stood by me even when I felt I didn't deserve her.

The best part was the nights I spent in someone's livingroom playing card games and laughing. The nights I spent with a large group of the friendliest girls and guys I've ever met. The nights I spent with my very best friends. The nights when I didn't get home until 5 am and I still wasn't ready for them to end. The nights I spent hours in a restruant talking and talking about anything that came to mind.  The nights when it didn't matter what we did or where we went as long as we were together.

The best part was my long phone calls from home. The phone calls that brought me closer to my mom, even when she was states away. The phone calls that helped me to learn about myself and my family.  The phone calls with my best friend from home who I continue to love and feel as close to as the day I left.

The best part was the support I recieved from all over.  The friends and family members who read my posts and viewed my pictures. Those who showed me that I am incredibly loved, and lucky to have people who care about me.  Those who followed my journey.

The best part is that although I had heeps of support, I was finally independent. That I earned my own paycheck and paid my own bills.  That I made my owns decisions and took responsibility for my own mistakes. 

The best part is that I can keep writing for hours about everything I did, learned, witnessed, tasted, created, and felt but there will still be more favorites. That this post could be a novel if I only had the time.

The best part of my Disney College Program is that even the absolute worst moments came with magic and love.  

The best part of The Disney College program is that I am sitting in a coffee shop tearing up as I write this, and I can't ever finish this post.

The Final Days

My final weeks at Disney were challenging. I found myself working in a new location, under new management, and with new, harder challenges. Working at the Frozen Sing Along had its ups and downs. The first week was the worst. I found myself going home crying because I thought that I couldn't handle the negative guest interactions and high stress environment. But I adapted, I learned, and I grew a thicker skin. 

Somehow in a short period of time I became close with a few of my new coworkers. I enjoyed making magic and dancing at the frozen fireworks.  I turned negative situations into positive ones, and I found ways to have fun in this new work place: receiving four Fanatic Cards in the process. 

My last week was one of mixed feelings. It felt strange leaving from a place where some of my coworkers still didn't know my name. I was sad when my managers didn't recognize me in my normal clothes all while those I consider family still remain at Animal Kingdom. I was happy to be going home, to finally sleep in my own bed, to see my family and cuddle with my dog, to take a break from working! It also made me sad to be leaving some new coworkers that I would have been great friends with had I been given more time. 

I spent the entire last week with Erin and Jackie. We went to all of the parks and went to many attractions. The best part was going to Animal kingdom one last time. We said farewell to the best coordinators I could have asked for and watched Festival of the Lion King one last time from the VIP section. Timon sent us goodbye kisses and we left our home.

There were more tears when our Frozen coworkers started posting that they are thankfull for us! 

My last day in Orlando was extra special. Some of my friends decided to celebrate my birthday 3 months early. They made a card and had it signed by my favorite disney characters. They sent me an extra awesome picture with Mickey. 

Despite my telling them I'd pay for myself they bought me lunch, cookies, and a smoothie. My flight was delayed 3 hours but I wasn't upset - that meant spending 3 more hours with them. We met up with more friends at the Boba Tea place and talked, laughed, and relaxed. When it came time, we made our way to the airport. I must have hugged everyone at least 3 times. I didn't want to let go. But it was time to go home, so I took my bags and said "see ya real soon."  

At bag check the clerk gave me a $100 gift card to spend on my next flight - making it possible for me to go back and visit Orlando sometime in the near future! I immediately called my friends to tell then I'd be back.

I cried as I watched the plane take off. My 7 months of fun, learning, working, and loving has really come to an end. I ou hope to remember that it wasn't just a dream.  

The people I met on the Disney College Program are the most beautiful, caring, empathetic, intelligent, like minded, diverse people I could imagine meeting. Together we overcame long hours, tough days, and intense challenges. We celebrated wins and mourned losses.  Together we grew and at heart together we shall always be. I don't have one home anymore. My heart has pieces in Florida, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, China, Indonesia, and many other places. 

Coming home is hard, but I couldn't be any more thankful. 

Magic Shines Through

The past week of my program has been tough, to say the least.  As many of you know, It's Tough to be a Bug is going down for refurbishment until August.  About 3 days ago I was given my training paper for Adventurers Outpost in Animal Kingdom.  Although this is not the most thrilling job, I was happy to be staying in Theater Ops with my friends.  Unfortunately, only 2 hours later I had a meeting with my manager who told me I would be deployed to Hollywood Studios instead.  I was upset to discover I now only had 2 more days working at my home, rather than a month.  My time with my bug family had been cut short and I was not happy at all.  I said many tough goodbyes to seasonal and part time cast who I will not be seeing in the parks at all.  Before I knew it I was giving my last spiels (which I rocked) and crying like a baby in the office.  I have become unimaginably close to the people that I work with and the place in which I work.  Today was my orientation at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

But it's not all bad.  Hollywood Studios happens to be my favorite park to visit as a guest.  I love it's themeing and many of it's attractions.  This park is home to my second favorite attraction: Hollywood Tower of Terror.  I will be working in the new Frozen Summer Fun event - at the sing along in the Premium theater, and at the parade and fireworks.  I enjoyed having orientation with all of my fellow bugs as we are taking over the studios.  On our tour around the park I experience the Great Movie Ride for the first time with some of my best friends! Even in an ugly costume I believe I will make some great memories in this new location.

This week came to a magical end just a couple of hours ago.  Most of the CPs and ICPs found their way to the Tree of Life just before park close.  Our managers provided us with Mickey Bars and we had a party in the office.  Once our last guest show was over, the most magical moment of my program occurred - we had a CP only show.  Lillian, one of my coordinators, started the show with a beautiful spiel thanking us for all that we've done and giving us our blessing.  As Flik appeared, all of us instantly began reciting his lines.  In fact, we said every line of the show in unison!  We cheered at the happy parts and screamed at the scary parts.  When Hopper was supposed to come out, I jumped out in front of the theater and played out his part from memory!! Not only is that something Ive always wanted to do, but it's something no one else will probably have the opportunity to do in the future.  As the show came to an end we gave Flik a standing ovation.  With tears in our eyes and grins our faces we said goodbye to our home of the past 5 months.  At this point picture time commenced and we eventually made our way out of the park.


I cannot express how entirely thankful I am for every single bug  Ive worked, played, and laughed with.  I now have an incredible family that extends beyond 8 countries and dozens of hearts.  And it's not over yet!! It's time to make some more magic in my final days at Walt Disney World.

My Weird Self

Disney has made me so much more confident in myself. I feel comfortable  approaching people and starting conversations and being my weird self. Speaking of weird, Gis and I got a stroller in Magic Kingdom last night. Also, a man told us his wide is a mean drunk. Then we saw a boy fall face down and his mom turned around to say "he dies all the time. We arent worried." We were then on the monorail with the sassiest family ever. We had a great time dancing, strolling, and interacting until park close.

I love this place.

Life as I make it

I absolutely love it here.  I never realize just how unhappy I was until I came to Orlando and saw what life could be. Every day I am given a reason to feel good about myself. I do my job well, make lifetime memories for people from all over the world, and most importantly - am undoubted myself. Working at Disney is great for a person like me because it is encouraged to dance and act and sing and have fun. The only dull moments are the ones that you don't make fun.  

My favorite part of my role is making magical memories for individual guests and families. I live seeing smiles on children's faces and even bigger smiles from their parents. It is amazing I know that these complete strangers will remember me and my attraction for years to come. Also, my picture has been added to quite a few albums!  

Sometimes something unexpected happens and the guests make my day magical! Yesterday a father with his family gave me Maris gras beads for no other reason than out of kindness. Another guest came up to tell me that I am "The S. H. I. T." Not to mention the guest who told me that I inspired her to apply for the program when she for home!  

My co cast members are great. They are kind and welcoming and inclusive. Most importantly, they don't judge anyone because of their age or how long they have been with the company. The tree is a family and I couldn't be happier anywhere else.

I love being able to live completely on my own. I have alway acted independent , but now I actually am. I am living off of my own paycheck, saving money for school, and making my own decisions. Of course, I still call my mom and Amanda all of the time for advice, to brag, and because I could never really be without them.

I have made friends from all over the world including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Spain. And yes, I've already started planning trips to those places!

I love Disney, the tree of Life, the people I have met, and my new life. 

With every new day I fall even more in love with my self.

More Adventures

Working Update

Working here the past few weeks has been amazing, stressful, fun, difficult, and enlightening. I am surprised by the amount of rude an disrespectful guests I have worked with. I have witnessed more meanness and ignorance than ever before. But, I have also seen many more kind hearted souls. I make priceless connections with guests and cast members alike every day that I am here. I am learning about other cultures such as those from New Zealand, Spain, Mexico, Australia, an other parts of America. I have learned a lot about myself: my strengths, leadership style, weaknesses, and characteristics. I am forming amazing friendships, experiencing new things, and falling in love with Orlando.