It's Not Goodbye, It's See Ya Real Soon

For the past week I've been looking at my life the past few months. Did all that really happen? Did I really have my first adult desk job (internship though it was)? Did I really graduate college? Did I really leave all I knew and loved in Gainesville to come back home to Orlando where most I loved were gone? I've learned so much about myself, made mistakes, made big decisions, made plans. How--in such a short time--did I grow so much as a person?

Everyone experiences the Disney College Program in their own way. Who are we kidding? Everyone experiences everything in their own way--but let's just say, for me, the Disney College Program was my segue into adulthood. It was the in between of college and the real world. It was a time when I got to make mistakes and a time I got to learn about myself. If I wasn't ready to enter the real world when I left college, I'm certainly ready now.

“So long CP Housing! I can’t say I’ll miss your constant ID checking, inspections, signing in guests or having a curfew for those guests, but for 7 months you were home, and for that I am grateful.” – Facebook Status, 1/3/12

If there’s anything you can learn from reading this entire blog it’s that CP Housing and me did not see eye-to-eye. As a 23 year-old, I didn’t take kindly to be told exactly how I was expected to live, how often I was supposed to clean, when I could have visitors over. I’ve done dorms, on-campus apartments and my own apartment—CP living conditions are the worst for the price we pay.

Though Patterson Court is lovely, quiet, and homey there is absolutely the worst internet and cable. Halfway through our program they decided to cut half our channels. Even though we had wireless, our internet was so pathetically slow that watching any sort of video on your computer required hours spent loading it. If I really wanted to see a missed episode of Glee or Merlin then I had to set it up to load before I went to work, go to work, and then pray that the internet didn’t disconnect while I was gone.

We had the nicest security guards. Even though I hated that I had to stop every time I came into the complex, our guards were always nice to me and welcomed me home. Please, if you’re currently on the program, or about to go on the program, be nice to the guards. Smile, wish them a nice day, and don’t just treat them like a checkpoint. I always felt very safe and secure at Patterson, so that was a plus.

“Daddy, I’m 16, I’m not a child!” – The Little Mermaid

The negative is, of course, signing in guests. As someone from Orlando, I have a lot of non-CP friends who I wanted to show my new apartment to, but most of which never saw it. We were limited to 3 guests a day, and they had to be out by 1AM. So many times I’d have a friend over and have to keep an eye on the time and they’d have to leave almost always before the night would have naturally ended. That is certainly the part I won’t miss about CP Housing.

I will never miss Inspections. It is my full belief that if you are paying for an area to live than it is your right to live in that area as you see fit, so long as you leave it the way it came (like the way most apartments work). I did not appreciate having to find time in my crazy work schedule to then go crazy with cleaning.

When you’re a CP I feel like you constantly live in fear of being termed for some silly reason. I used to joke that I wanted to write a book: “Disney College Program Termination Obituaries” and it would document the ridiculous ways CPs got termed (both deservedly and non-so). I heard stories of whole apartments being termed because they needed to make room for new CPs. Price Management held extra surprise inspections to see if anyone broke a small rule that would normally get overlooked, but that week happened to be cause for termination. One night we had a letter saying that our apartment was being called in for a meeting (one of our roommates was having problems with the rest of us) and I honestly thought that I’d leave the meeting without a job.

I honestly don’t think anyone should be termed for housing reasons. I could understand if we didn’t pay for our housing, but we do. If they want to kick someone out of housing, then fine, but that person should be given the option to find alternative housing before they make them lose their job. Just my opinion, really.

“I didn’t make it all the way through the third grade for nothing.” –The Rescuers Down Under

I took 2 classes on the program: Discovering Guest Relations and Discovering Leadership. Taking classes after already graduating was, for lack of better words, an odd decision. Still, I’m glad I took these classes. I ended up dropping one of them because I needed the extra time, but I did earn my Mousesters Degree in Guest Relations. There were certainly times when I wondered why I was sitting in a classroom on my day off in Disney Look-approved clothing, but I did take something very valuable from my time in that classroom. There is no company I respect more than the Walt Disney Company. They treat their guests so much better than most companies are even expected to treat their customers. Though I’m not sure if I’ll be staying with the company, I know I’ll take their values with me every where I go from here on out. That’s what I learned from my class.

“What do you want me to do? Dress in drag and do the hula?” – The Lion King

I remember when I first checked my record card and saw that I’d be in Frontierland Merchandise—my first thought was that God-awful skirt. A couple days before move in I went to visit. I can’t remember any of the people I saw, save one: one of my best friends from the program, Stacey. At the time, Stacey was being trained on the porch, and she was on her own. I didn’t introduce myself or anything, I just watched. (Creepy, I know, sorry Stacey!).

“Follow the strums of the banjo music and the smell of the smoked turkey legs and it will lead you to the old-time wild west of Frontierland. The crash of the cascading water of Splash Mountain and the screams of the guests in the runaway trains of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will entice you to see more of America’s pioneer homeland.” - wdwinfo

I had no idea what to expect in Frontierland, but I know now, without a doubt, that I lucked out on my location for this program. First of all, Frontierland’s in Magic Kingdom, one of the most popular theme parks in the world. Magic Kingdom changes with the seasons, having special events for Halloween and Christmas that make our time go a little too fast.

“Welcome home to the night, when you’re sure to get a fright. From us you’ll get a trick and not a treat.” – Mickey’s Boo to You Parade

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is without a doubt the most exciting in park event at Magic Kingdom. Complete with Trick-or-Treating, Villains galore, and a parade that’s sure to knock your socks off, the party is worth every penny. I, unfortunately, did not dish out the money to go to this event, but I now know what I should save for next year. As for working it, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had at work. I loved seeing all the guests in their costumes and making “Best Costume” buttons. I loved playing with our Glow Merchandise and having Glow Sword fights with our younger guests. Halloween is quite possibly my new favorite holiday.

“It’s a very special time, and the magic that you’ll find, on that Once Upon a Christmastime.” – Disney’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is magical. There’s really no other way to describe it. Now, I’ve had memories from my past with my parents going to this party and being wowed. This year I loved the snow on Main Street and the castle light show and the fireworks, although I’ve decided there really is no better firework show than traditional Wishes. I didn’t work as many Christmas parties, but I know they weren’t nearly as fun to work as Halloween. In the end, I was glad they were over. I’m also not a huge fan of the parade, though give me snow on Main Street any day of the year.

“First rule of Leadership: everything is your fault.” – A Bug’s Life

The managers in Frontierland are so awesome, and the people we worked with are so unforgettable. If you ever find yourself down on the Ol’ Frontier, make sure you peek in the stores and say hello, have a few conversations and make your day just a little better. One interesting observation was how often there would be a complaint about one of the company policies. I’d always listen to my fellow cast members, but in the end my education from my BS in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism would kick in and I’d realize why those policies existed. I feel this understanding made it easier for me to stay happy on the job, as well as have a few ideas up my own sleeves.

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” – Walt Disney

Anyone who’s followed this blog, or knows me personally knows how much I hated my HOH shifts when I first started. 5AM is not an ideal time to wake up, and heavy lifting and hard labor is not what I signed up for when I was offered a role in merchandise. Still, with keeping a happy face and a positive attitude I not only got through them, but eventually ended up loving them. In fact, as you’ll read later on, I’ll be spending even more time in HOH coming up. My one piece of advice I would push on all CPs is to never dismiss the job you’re given: you could end up loving it, and if nothing else you’ll have the knowledge that you had the strength to complete this particular hardship.

“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” – Walt Disney

I love Magic Moments. I loved having the ability to make someone’s day special by having them fill out a postcard to their favorite character or making them honorary sheriff of Frontierland. I loved making someone feel special. Our job was fun, and that’s really what’s most important. We don’t make a lot of money. Even knowing this going into the job, I didn’t realize how broke I’d be at the end of it. We’re there to make people happy and to have fun. The idea is that if we’re having fun than our guests will have fun.

“Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat? Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete?” – The Little Mermaid

One of the awesome parts of being in Merchandise is pin trading. Now, I’ve been in Orlando for most of my life, and I’ve pretty much avoided pin trading, but once you get started, even with pins that aren’t your own, you really can’t stop. Eventually I started buying my own pins with my discount and starting my own collection. For the most part I just got pins that made me smile, but I did like to collect all Peter Pan pins, and eventually had a lanyard just for those pins. For Christmas, my mom had a friend make me a lovely holder for those pins, as seen below. Now I’m a pin trading addict.

“Ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind, or forgotten.” – Lilo and Stitch

But forget the area, forget the magic moments, forget the hardships. Frontierland would have been nothing without the amazing people I met. There were the full-timers who have been with the company for decades, a few even before I was born! There were the part-timers and seasonal workers who were all so great to work with. Most importantly were my fellow CPs who made every shift a thousand times more enjoyable. From nights when we sang Christmas carols, to mornings when we praised the first riders of the day; from last-minute proposals to cast ride photos; from shouting at Jack Sparrow to crying during wishes—work will not be the same without this amazing group of people. No other group I’ve ever worked with would be half as understanding to sit down and listen when you’re crying about something. No other group would do their best to help out a fellow cast member with a broken foot or a bad back. No other group goes out of their way to make sure you have a good day, to make sure you leave work smiling. I would not have survived some days without this group of people, and I will forever miss them.

Aside from work, there were plenty of good times to be had. Funny how Disney Cast Members can bond so well after a day at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure—honestly, the level of service is simply just not the same, though the rides are great fun. I think if the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was not at Universal we wouldn’t have visited nearly half as much.

The IHOP on 535 must survive solely on Disney Cast Member coming in after park close. Our last night there we saw groups from Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, as well as our own group. IHOP nights were a highlight of our program, filled with lots of yelling, lots of food, and enough laughter to fuel a huge city (Monsters Inc joke =P).

“No matter what happens, I’ll always be with you, forever.” - Pocahontas

My sole regret from this program is the mindset I had entering it. A recently graduated, native Orlandoean, I wasn’t planning on making friends. My goal was to work hard, save money, and make it far in the company. For the majority of my program I focused on friends outside of the program, mostly so I didn’t have to worry about saying goodbye. I realized too late what my friends on the program mean to me, and I feel I didn’t have enough time with them. For the most part I’ve held back tears during this week of goodbyes, but this is the time for losing it. I’m sorry I didn’t get to spend more time with everyone. I love you all, please visit often. I will always be grateful for the time we had together, and I miss you all so much right now.

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” – Mulan

Being an Orlandoean CP is really a different experience. I get to go home whenever I want, so I don’t have that separation everyone else has. I know the area well, so new experiences for others are every day chores for me. I know how most Orlandoeans view Disney and the College Program, so for the most part a lot of Full-Timers and Part-Timers forgot I was a CP, because I acted different around them. I didn’t form bonds outside of work because if given the option, fortifying existing friendships from home was more important than forming new ones from people I’d lose so soon.

“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it.” – The Lion King

The most important thing I’ve taken from this program is the importance of knowing yourself, knowing what you think and why you believe what you do. There’s an importance in staying true to yourself and knowing when to act certain ways. I’ve learned so much about myself, my weaknesses and strengths, my inner policies, my goals and aspirations—and I don’t think I would have learned that without the help of my peers and leaders. So again, thank you everyone.

“Life’s not a spectator sport. If watchin’ is all you’re gonna do then you’re going to watch you’re gonna watch your life go by without ya.” – The Hunchback of Notre Dame

So, “What’s next?” you may ask, and I honestly don’t have a straight answer for you. I’m officially a seasonal employee, and the HOH manager requested I pick up shifts with HOH the coming months. Meanwhile, I’m looking for a job elsewhere, and for the first time I’m looking in Orlando as well as away from it. I’ve decided that now is the time to take risks and if I play it safe I won’t get where I want. So I’m at home now, saving money for my own place, and my limit is 6 months. I’ve given myself that limit to get back on my feet and find a job that will enable me to support myself fully. Prayers, kind thoughts, and job offers are appreciated.

I know, I know, this entry was long. Too long almost. Yes, it’s another one of my famous, useless essays, but I can think of no better way to end this blog—for this is the end of Have Faith in Dreaming. I thank the many of you who read my updates—and my mother especially for always commenting. I hope to create a new blog of some new adventure, if my dreams of sailing ‘round the world come true. ‘Til then always have faith in dreaming. There will always be hardships, but if you smile through it all and fight through the pain, the rewards will be greater than even you can imagine. Think of the happiest things, have faith in your dreams, and always let your conscience be you guide!

Best Wishes from WHO?

For those of you who don't know, and trust me, there are many who do not, the week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest week of the year at the Walt Disney World Resort.

I know, many think it's summer, because, let's face it, summers are busy and hot and crowded. But in the summer, at least, there's a divide as to when families may take their vacations. Some prefer July, others take June or August.

The families who come in the winter aren't as lucky. They have 2 weeks to choose from: the week before and the week after Christmas. So many people think the week before is busiest... that families want to be home for Christmas, so they'll do their vacations and then go celebrate with their families. But think about it: how many YouTube videos have you seen with children finding out Christmas Day that they're leaving for Disney World soon? December 26th is a traveling day. December 27th it hits like a Gaston punch. WHAM! People everywhere, people pushing, people waiting in line, people buying jackets because they thought Florida is always warm, people buying ponchos because they thought Florida is always sunny, people eating at restaurants because Disney offered free meals if you got your hotel and tickets through them. People, People, People!

So you'll excuse me if I don't post again until after my program is over. This is my last day off and I plan on enjoying the rest of it.

Real quick, I just wanted to share one amazing present my sister got me this year. During Thanksgiving a friend teased that he was going to see Alan Rickman in Seminar while he was in NYC. (Alan Rickman, if you don't know, is God. Ok, no, not really, but he has been a constant celebrity crush since I was 3... seriously). Well, my mom, hearing this, told my sister (who lives in NYC) that she should go to the theatre and get something signed saying "Thank you for loving me since you were three." My sister isn't the type who would stalk a celebrity, but she did send a letter to the theater to Mr. Rickman to let him know how I felt. A couple weeks later the mail at our PO Box had a package with a return address for Rickman in NYC, inside a signed Playbill from Seminar saying To Rory, Best Wishes, Alan Rickman. AHHHHHHHHH!

My mom also noted that there is a hair in the tape on the envelope. I'm certain it's just an assistant, but Mom thinks we should get some polyjuice potion to see who it is. Oh goodness =P

Til next week!

The Last Days with Price Management

Today started like any normal day off. I took an ROS last night, which means Release of Shift. It shows up on my record card, but no point value added to it. Honestly, as long as it doesn't happen all the time, I think an ROS actually says a lot on your card. It means that you tried to come in, even though you were sick, but couldn't make it through the shift. In means that you tried.... if you just work through your shift there's really nothing to show for it.

Anyways, so today started like any normal day off. I woke up after sleeping in and could hear my roommates out in the living room. We talked a little, and I noticed they were cleaning... nothing too out of the ordinary since I thought we had inspections tomorrow. I put stuff in the trash and they told me not to, but I said I'd take it out before I left for home today. They reminded me to take down my board and I said I would, before I left. At about noon there was a knock on the door and two people from Price Management came in saying they were here for departure inspections. 2 of my roommates left this week, so I figured they were just checking their rooms... but then they changed our air filter, like they usually do, and they started going into all the rooms. I looked at my one roommate and asked if they would come again tomorrow and she just stares at me. "No, these are our inspections... it's the 15th."

Wow. Was I out of it. For the first time I was not even near ready for inspections. My bed wasn't made, there was a slight mess in the room, my second cork board was on the wall, there was trash in all the cans... and we still passed. They even gave us cookies. Wow. Let's look back on my first inspection, when we cleaned the place like crazy, when it was spotless, when I stayed up after a 4am shift because I didn't want to make my bed messy... and basically the same results. This just goes to show you how much we all seem to be over it.

At work it's more about getting through the day than making magic moments. We hang out more because suddenly the time is disappearing. In 19 days most of the friends I made here will be leaving to go all throughout the country (plus side: I know people all throughout the country now!).

Once all is said and done I'll have a full blog post reflecting on my time with the college program. But for now, looking at the experiences I've had, the friends I've made, the multiple roommates, inspections and curfews, the real question is: Was it all worth it?

Yes. A million times over and over again. No regrets. Yes.

Stitch was Lost, Now I Am

I'm so afraid of the future--I'm excited for it, but still afraid. I feel like any time I make some sort of gain in my life I then move 2 steps backward.

I can go out and have a good time, but I lament two things: 1) I just don't feel like me at these parties and 2) The people who make them most fun are leaving me in January.

Sometimes I look at my life and look at my choices and have to wonder what the hell I'm thinking. So then I ask people what they think, and they all tell me a million different things. The truth is, only I know what's best for me, even if it doesn't seem like it to everyone else. I have friends who make similar mistakes, but it's their choice to make them, their lesson to learn.

Sometimes it's just time to let go of control. Let go and let God. It's a power struggle at first, but eventually it's ok. He knows what's best after all.

My manager warned us not to get sick the week before Christmas... and I woke up this morning with a knife in my throat. I'm starting to cough a lot again and I just don't feel up to being at work, but I have to otherwise I'll have nothing in January.

I'm so lost right now. Prayers appreciated <3

The Joy of Giving

I went to EPCOT alone today.

I'm not saying this as a form of self-pity or looking for condolences. In fact, it was a wonderful experience.

I knew I wanted to see Neil Patrick Harris in the Candlelight Processional, and I knew most of my friends would either be working, or not in town to see him. My parents were going out the one night I had the opportunity to go, so I trudged along to EPCOT after work today to wait in line.

I got to the park at 3:30pm. Already the line for Candlelight was into the Italy Pavilion, almost to Germany. The first show was at 5, and there was a slight chance we would make it. Once in line another woman stood behind me. Not one to stand on my own, I started a chat with her... and then the people behind us. It wasn't until 6:30 that we finally got to sit for a show, and in those 3 hours I got to talk with these lovely people. One of my friends in particular would laugh at how Disney Cast Member I was... giving hints for what to do, sharing stories from my adolescence. Once the woman behind me had her daughters join them (one in 6th grade, the other in 1st) I spent my time asking them about their vacation, about school. I learned who their favorite characters were and what was their favorite ride. When talking with the couple behind the family I learned how they met, where they were from, what vacation they were planning next and how long they've been together.

I got to sit with all of them for the show, and it really reminded me of the magic of Christmas: bringing all sorts of people together under one common goal of joy and peace. The two little girls are planning to visit me on the Ol' Frontier on Wednesday, and I can't wait to add a little magic to their trip!

Today I learned a bit more about myself, and gained a bit of confidence in my own abilities. I was having a hard time getting in the Christmas Spirit this week, and Mom suggested to do so by doing something for others. I have some ideas up my sleeve, so excited to be able to perform the magic of giving.

You've Got a Friend in Me

As this program winds down I'm finally realizing how difficult it will be to say goodbye.

Those friends that you can call and walk straight over to their apartment won't be around. Those friends who are there at work to listen to your problems, to give advice, to let you cry on their shoulder, who always seem to have the answer... who make each day better, who make life better... they're all going back to their lives, and I'm here. It's a small joke, that whenever they come back, I'll be here to say hi.

I'm not sure I can do goodbyes just yet. Love to everyone <3

Oh, So That's Why We Keep Journals

I'm cleaning my room at my parents' house, figuring out what needs to stay and what needs to go. In doing so I found a journal. It's not long, as a often don't finish my journals, but it's interesting, and certainly one I never plan on throwing away or forgetting. But I'd like to take this time to tell myself something:

Dear Me of the Past:

It gets better. In so many ways you are correct. But you have to remember you're not always right. You need to let go and realize you're not always in control. You have so much to learn, so many experiences to encounter. You're going to meet new people, you're going to re-meet old ones.

Some of your predictions are going to come true, but not in the way you think. You think college is a huge, daunting experience, but you'll get through it just fine. You say that you're going to study hard and not just skate by, but let's be honest, skating by is how you work best. You say you're a bit of a loner, but you'll find yourself meeting all sorts of new people, and opening your mind to realizing that right and wrong are much more blurred in the real world.

You say your world is going to end, but I promise, it continues. You don't think you'll get through it, but I promise, it will pass. You'll find yourself in familiar territory, but this time you'll know what to do. You'll laugh more.

When you want to complain, your journal won't be the first place you turn to. You'll have new sources like Blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. Just remember, when you go back and read your journal you won't be proud of what you wrote. And remember that when you post complaints on Blogs, Facebook and Twitter a lot more people will read and remember them.

Just always remember: life is full of trials and complications. Each day brings new difficulties, and there will always be times when it seems like your world is crashing, but you'll go back and see that you got through one thing, and you can certainly get through another. It will all eventually be ok, and you'll be stronger for it.

Take life one day at a time. Look for signs from God, He does know what's best. Follow your heart and don't be afraid to let it break. You'll learn how to repair it, and ice-cream is not always the answer (as much as you want it to be).

Always remember that your family loves you and sticks with you no matter what. As you continue to expand your friend circle, never let the older ones slip by the wayside: they're just as valuable. Don't be afraid to let people in. Don't bottle things up.

Most of all: be proud of who you are. Stand tall. You're going to speak your mind--people will admire you for it, others won't. So long as you stay proud, none of it will matter. Keep your moral conscience, stick with your gut, and hold on tight--life's a roller-coaster and you're never going to want it to end.

Love, You from the Not-So-Far-Away-Future <3