Dare to do what dreamers do

On Saturday I made my first tip to my work location, Disney's Animal Kingdom.  I went with Gisselle and Helen so we could ride Expedition Everest!  It was fantastic to see my home for the next 8 months and take guesses on which costume would be mine!  

We spent a small amount of time exploring the park, but couldnt wait any longer to ride the famous attraction!  Having no knowledge of the ride, I was in for some scary surprises! (No spoilers) ;)  

Having gotten there pretty late from taking the cast bus, we only had minimal time in the park.  Shortly after everest, and trying a chocolate covered frozen banana for the first time, we hopped back on the bus home.  

When we got back to The Commons we took naps and made food.  Only a couple of hours later all of the roommates were home and we left for Magic Kingdom!  This was a special moment because not only was it some of our first trips to the park, but it was the first park trip with everyone.  I was super excited to meet and talk to the boss (Mickey Mouse) as soon as I got in the park!  He said that he was hoping we would show up!  My boss is better than yours.

After meeting Mickey, we went on many rides that I have never experienced before and had a blast.  It was freezing out and I was wearing a skirt, but I was giddy with adrenaline from the coasters!  We all have bonded so much already that we were cracking up to inside jokes the entire time. 

Our main purpose for going to Magic Kingdom was to watch Wishes together.  This was a sentimental moment, considering it was a show about making wishes come true and all of ours just had!  We danced and sung along with tears in our eyes and smiles on our faces knowing that we are all where we belong.  I had a rush of emotions when a Lion King clip to the song Hakuna Matata played.  The following fireworks were brilliant and awe inspiring.

After watching Wishes Toni requested to meet Ariel, and we all wanted to.  So, we got in the very short line to see her!

She was beautiful and charming as anyone would expect of the wonderful mermaid!  

We also caught the parade on our way out of the park, where we started a "USA" chant as the Honor America float passed by.  (The male cheerleaders behind us joined in as well!)  

We left the park and caught a cast bus back to our car at the end of the night.  As soon as we got home (around 1:30) I passed out, knowing I had to wake up for work at 5:30am!

"We're all just children, reaching for our dreams. 

There shining high above us, and even though it seems, so far (so far). 

We put our faith and hope on a shooting star."

and my wish really did come true

Day 6 ~First Day Off~

Yesterday was my first entire day off.  After preparing food for later, doing some house work, and resting I headed to Epcot with my roommates Nora, Gisselle,  and Toni.  This was our first time using our Cast ID's to get in for free!  

The park was even more exciting knowing that we were there for free, and didn't have the stress of trying to fit everything into one day.  We were giddy and a bit ridiculous when we jumped around yelling about our discounts, but hey, two cast members cheered for us as well!  

We went on Test Drive, Spaceship Earth and Maelstorm.  We then sat down to eat at the UK Pavillion.  Eating there was amazing for a few reasons:  

     1. Boys with accents. 

     2. An amazing view of the fireworks 

     3. Being able to wait out the crowds leaving the park

After the show, we left the park and took the Cast Member buses back to our complex, where I almost immediately fell asleep.

Day 5 ~Traditions~

Before I get into today's news, I have to highlight last night. My roommates and I all stayed up until 4am pouring our hearts out to each other and bonding. It was amazing and welcoming and fantastic.

~~~~~~~~

Today was my first paid day at Walt Disney World. This was a training experience called Traditions. 

I wish I could share all of the details about Traditions but that is a secret ;)

This took place in a fantastic building called Disney University.

I met new friends and learned about working for the company.

And I cried tears of joy when I received my ears and name tag!

Day 4 ~At Ease~

Today was the first day I actually felt relaxed and at home.  Moving here on my own, figuring out transportation, and acclimating to a city has been more stressful than I care to admit.  (Still fun, though!)

I finally have all of my luggage moved in and a pillow on my bed.  I took a walk over to the outlets in the morning to get myself dress pants and then attended a housing meeting.  The meeting was longer than I expected but there was plenty of excitement.  I am so ready for the different housing events that are offered throughout the program!

After the meeting I went to Chic-fil-a and Walmart with Courtney, Gisselle, and Nora. (three of my roommates)  I was able to get everything I needed for my bedroom plus food for the week.

Annnndddd I am now out of money. :(

Tomorrow afternoon I have Traditions - a 4 hour orientation class for Walt Disney World.  I'm excited for my first paid Disney activity!

P.S. I'll post pictures of my beautiful apartment here later on.

Day 3

I am beyond exhausted right now so Ill just post some pictures and ramble later!

First attraction of my trip. But how did they make fake Captain Jack Sparrow so freakin hot?! 

Another new favorite - Haunted Mansion!

The beautiful Hollywood Studios

Finished the day with fireworks in Epcot!

I've arrived!

I just finished my second day in Florida. 

~Sunday~

My flight got to MCO around noon on Sunday, at which point I met up with my friend Daphne. Daphne and I spent the day swimming at a resort and exploring Downtown Disney. We made friends, got free stuff, and ate tons of food. Everything seemed like a dream. (cliche but true) We ended the day with the kids menus at IHOP.

~Monday~

I woke up at 5:30 this morning to get ready for my day. I met my fantastic roommates and went to Vista Way to begin the check on process. I spent the next six or seven hours in lines, talking to cast members, and filling out paperwork. One of my roommates, Gisselle, has the same schedule as me so we had plenty of bonding! And by bonding I mean fawning over British accents. 

I finally made it to my apartment at 2pm, and let me tell ya, its perfect! It is very close to the gate, clubhouse, mail kiosk, and bus stop. The rooms are spacious and we have a nice corner balcony. 

Ending the day, I couldn't be happier or more exhausted. Daphne and I are heading to Disney World tomorrow so its time I hit the hay! Night folks.

30,009 People Applied. 2,400 Received Internship Offers. 1 Proud Kat is heading to Disney Workd!

Only about 7% of applicants make it into the Disney College Program each semester.  I still have a difficult time believing that I was one of them!  THIS SUNDAY (that's right, in less than a week) I will be on my flight to Orlando, Florida.

I have taken so many wonderful opportunities in my life, each leading to the next.  I am so unbelievably honored that I get to take this next step into my future.

So what have I been doing in the past couple of weeks while all I can think about is Disney?

• Packing
• Night trip to NYC
• Spending time with Kagiso
• Packing
• Crunches
• Meeting up with High School friends
• Packing
• Worrying about every possible thing
• Still not done packing....

Just a few more days.