Pixie Dust and Magic is All You Really Need

Alight, I have a cute story that I need to share about the Boutique since this blog is about my adventures that happened there. One time I had a princess that was five years old. She was not believing any of the stories I was telling her of the boutique. She told me I was just a girl in a costume doing her hair and that pixie dust was nothing but glitter. It really broke my heart that this little girl thought this way. However, this did not break my spirit, I continued to tell her that I was a Fairy Godmother in Training and asked me to show her some magic if I was a real. So I told her I would but she would have to wait a while since I was in training and only had a little bit of magic to use throughout the day. So she saw me put her comb that I was using in her chair and we talked and laughed and someone did her makeup and we moved on. At the very end, right before I revealed her in the mirror, I moved the comb to the other side of her chair. I turned her around and she smiled and laughed at how pretty she was. Right before she stepped down from the chair, I asked her to look for her comb. She looked to the place she saw me put it and looked at me shocked that it had disappeared. I then told her to look on the other side and her eyes got wide when she saw the comb. She was so amazed that I had done real magic and it made really believe that the "glitter" in her hair was in fact pixie dust. She gave me a big hug and kiss on my cheek. It was really cute and again this is just another reason why I loved my job.

 

 

Transportation

- Transportation -

Disney transporation is interesting. A lot of questions come about whether or not you should bring your own car down with you. Disney has there own transportation system to get you to where you need to be. Busses to and from work places (parks, hotels, downtown disney, water parks, etc)  typically run every 30-45 minutes. The bus system, run by American Coach, takes you where you need to go whether that be to work or to go play in the parks with friends.

 

 

First hand look at the bus systems

 

 

This link descibes the bus system and bringing your own car down with you. My roommate had her own car that she bought down fom Maryland. I did not have a car.

https://disneyprogramsblog.com/?p=279

  

Also tip number 5,509, make sure you make it your bus ten minutes before its scheduled departure time. I got lazy and because my building was so close to the bus stop, I would cut my time really close which sometimes resulted in me missing my bus. That is bad. Especially when you are trying to get to work by a certain time. Also, tip #5,855, don't get on the bus that will get you to work right on time. Go a few busses before that one so in case your bus is late or doesn't come on which happens more than you think, you still have time to make it to work on time! If this doesn't make sense now, don't worry, once you arrive and start using the system, it becomes very clear to you.

 

I did not have my own car and I got around fine. Again, since I lived at Chatham, I would just walked to the Outlet mall, less than ten minutes, and take either a city bus to where I wanted to go or take an I-Ride Trolley. The I-Ride Trolley was my first choice of transportation and it brought me all the main Orlando attractions including Outlet Malls, Internation Drive, Sea World, and Universal Studios. And because you are a cast member, it only costs 25 cents to ride it.

 

Events

Now, living at Disney housing isn't all about going to work and coming home. Don't worry. Disney does enough things that you will always be entertained. I will have seperate posts about everything they do, but popular events are Night of Stars and Grocery Bingo. Also, the bus system takes you to Walmart, Publix, and The Florida Mall. There are also field trips to various places throughout your program like to Busch Gardens. ^^

Disney Housing

Long Slide Warning!

 

- Housing -

 

Alright, back to helping people prepare for the Disney College Family. I just had to rant about the joy of Disney's Hollywood Studios. A lot of people also have questions on Housing options at Disney so I feel as if this is a pretty important part of the DCP. Now I will talk about housing options for the CP in Florida since that's what I have my experience in.

Housing is not scary. I am a only child who has never lived away from home before. My freshman year in college, I did live on campus, but I was twenty minutes away from home and never stayed over on the weekends. Disney makes you feel very comfortable, no matter where you decide to say. Security is very tight in fact. There are security guards stationed at every entrance of the housing complexes and you must show your housing I.D. to get through security. Even if you decided to bring your car with you, your car even gets its own identification badge on the window. You must sign in all guests which means they need to have I.D. with them and no guests are even allowed in after a certain time at night. Also security guards make rounds throughout all the buildings at different times in throughout the night.

 

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I stayed in one bedroom apartment in the Chatham Square Apartments which was the best decision I ever made. I loved them.I had a balcony and our apartment was huge. I just had one roomate who also worked at the Magic Kingdom Boutique (who currently is a campus representative at her college), and we lived a simple life. Also, it was a three minute walk from my apartment to the bus stop which was nice because I am lazy.

 

There are three housing Options that you can choose from. Tip number 5,202, find out all you can about your housing options before you go because once your check in date arrives, they ask you up front what housing complex you want to be in so make sure you know! You don't want to be placed in one that is not compatible with your personality. I know that sounds weird, but each complex has a reputation, so know what you are getting into.

 

1.  Vista Way  - Vista Way is the oldest and largest housing complex. It was the only housing complex for about 30 years until Chatham Square opened in 2000. It also has the lowest rent of any of the complexes. It has a pool, jacuzzi (don't use it!), and has a bad reputation as being the party complex. Now, I promised that I wouldn't be biased in the blog and just tell the facts, but the fact is that Vista Way shows its age in the upkeep in the complex and again, I cannot stress enough that this the parrrrtyy complex. I have friends that either loved this complex or hated it. There is no inbetween. A plus side of Vista Way is that they do have their own bus stop inside the complex and they are conviently located near some popular fast food venues and a Walgreens, which can always come in handy.  It also has a computer lab and a little library you can rent out movies and books from.

 

2. Chatham Square - I lovvved this complex! Every building is set up a little different and a lot of them have balconies. Some are even set up like townhomes which is really nice. Also, all the major events for the College Program like graduation and Thanksgiving Feast are held here out on the field. The bus stop is right outside the front gate so no matter where you live in Chatham, you are never a far walk from the bus stop. It's the second oldest and the apartments are beautiful. In terms of partying, it is middle of the road. My building was always super quiet. I also love the landscaping. Laundry buildings were spread out throughout the complex and you never had to walk far to get to them. It's just a nice complex. It is right across the street from Mickey's Retreat which is a  nice little recreational place for cast members and located inside the living community of Little Lake Bryan, which is about ten minutes away from Vista Way.

 

3. Patterson Court - Patterson Court, also in the living community complex of Little Lake Bryan, is the newest complex. Built in 2008, it is known as the most pristine of the complexes and as the retirement home of the Disney complexes and also has the newest appliances as well as the highest rent. The bus stop is at Patterson Court so you do have to walk to Chatham, but the walk is only about ten minutes. My good friend lived in Patterson and her apartment was beautiful, she just hated the walk. ^^

 

 

Alright, now again, everyone has their own different opinions of the aparment complexes. I am not a Vista Way girl. I don't like partying at all. I chose Chatham because of how close the bus stops was. I also like Patterson and Chatham because both are close to the International College housing complex, The Commons. I liked this because it was nice to be so close to international students and interact with people from all over the world. I also liked that Chatham and Patterson are both a few minutes walk from the Outlet mall which was nice for shopping, eating, and also transportation to other places other than Disney areas. I loved going to Universal Studios and International Drive on the busses that left from the Outlet mall. Now if you live in Vista Way, you too can come to this area, you just have to take a Disney bus to The Commons or Chatham then walk. Sorry, couldn't find a map that showed where all the College Program Housing is.But if you follow that road that winds past The Commons and turn left at the highway, Vista's about ten minutes away. Vista is right up the street from the main Downtown Disney entrance just to give you an area of where everything is.

 

Alright I found this on Wikipedia and I couldn't describe housing better myself....

"Each participant has the opportunity to choose to live in a one, two, three, or four bedroom apartment with two people sharing a bedroom. The cost of housing is deducted automatically from the student’s weekly salary. The cost of housing varies depending on the location of the student’s program. In Florida there is a program assessment fee of 100 dollar as well as a housing and administration fee for 200 dollars. In California the program assessment fee is 100 dollars, and a security deposit of 200 dollars as well as 560 dollars in housing and assessment fees. Students are expected to follow certain guidelines in the housing complexes, and the Disney Company has set up certain policies. Roommates are assigned by gender and age. If a student is under the age of 21 they are placed in a “Wellness Apartment”, or one that is deemed dry. All of the apartments are non-smoking in all areas."

 

Also, with the first initial housing fee, you do not pay your first two weeks rent because of that fee. Disney wants you to collect money before you are dishing it out for housing. I paid about $95 a week for my one bedroom in Chatham just to give you an idea of cost.

 

Here is a the link from Disney that decribes the Living situations too.

http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/program-components/living/

 

 

 

 



My Favorite Park

 

Alright, this post I know isn't very informative, but I have had a couple of questions on what park is my favorite at Disney World. Hands down, it would be Hollywood Studios although it will forever be known to me as MGM Studios in my heart.

When I was in middle school, I went to Disney World on a school field trip. We only went to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, but I always have had a love for HS. First of all, my favorite ride is Tower of Terror. I also love Rockin Rollercoaster, Indiana Jones, and pretty much every ride at HS, especially The Great Movie Ride. If I ever did another College Program, I would love to work attractions at The Great Movie Ride. I rode that ride so much that I could almost give the entire spiel.

 

 

However, like I said, HS is my favorite park. I loved the Pixar parade and I love the Citizens of Hollywood that would perform. They make me laugh every single time. Lights Motor Action is a blast and The Indiana Jones Show makes my heart race every time. Actually, the first time I saw the Indiana Jones Stunt show, I was picked to be a volunteer in the show. It was epic and I was mad I did not get a picture of me being a spectacular terrified Cairo citizen if I do say so myself.

Also, HS is home to one of the most popular rides at Disney World....Toy Story Mania! The fast passes run out by noon. As the name suggest, this is a 4D attraction as you ride with the poular characters of Toy Story doing mid way style shoot'em games. This ride is very popular with younger pirates and princesses,  but makes me sick unfortunately. It spins too fast. I am a wimp. I admit it.

I even bought these cute Disney ears to remember my time on Tower of Terror.


 

 

Another Apology for the Masses

Alright, I know I have said I was going to keep this blog up and running. I have neglected a few months. When I made the promise that I was.....well, that doesn't matter does it? Recently, I have had a lot of things going on. Between school and all the jobs I have at school (being an RA!), I have not had a single chance to think about Disney until recently.

One of my resident's friends is about to prepare for her interview tonight and I told her everything I knew about the Disney College Program and my expereinces with it. I also told her some useful links on facebook that will help with some of her questions and ease some of anxieties. It made me really want to update my blog about what has been going on.

 

Just some updates:

a. Unfortunately, I did not get the Campus Representative role at my school. The recruiter sent me a letter expressing the fact that there were no more available spots for the upcoming school year. Disappointed....yes, but I will apply again. If it's one thing Disney taught me, it's to keep trying until you succeed. Look at that, Disney taught me a listen.
 

b. I am for sure doing a professional internship with Disney. I just looked at their website and didn't know they offered so many PI oppurtunities. I think I am really interested in doing something with Human Resources. Dream Job right there.

 

c. I went on a trip to Disney World in May to visit my friends that still work for Disney. I went to all the parks, saw all the parades, and it made me miss being down there a lot. I also went to visit Universal Studios with the annual pass I still have from last year. It was a perfect week I spent there with everyone. To the end the week off on a high note, I even booked reservations at Ohana's with two of my greatest friends in the world and had breakfast with Lilo and Stich (my two favorite Disney characters). Hehehe...Stich kissed my forehead.

 

More Help for those Confused Souls

I am a little confused on what I want to do with Disney. Like I said before, I am already planning on doing another program my senior year but I really want to do entertainment or be a character attendant. I loved the Boutique, but I want to try something different.

Deadlines as a campus representative are coming next week. I recieved my email a few weeks ago that I should know about interviews in the weeks to come. I am crossing my fingers that I become a campus representative.

When your college program ends, you have the choice to stay down there and continue with Disney a seasonal cast member or to extend your program depending on your record card. Unfortunately I couldn't extend because I had to come to Michigan to finish school.

Another big Disney endeavour is after I graduate, I really want to sign up for a professional internship which you are only allowed to applied for after being in the Disney College Program.

--Here are some useful links--

Disney College Program - Both California and Florida

Entertainment Auditions

Disney College Program Alumni

See when the Disney College Program Presentations are coming to a College near you! ^^

  If you plan on auditioning for the Disney College Program, then there is the link to the cities that are holding auditions. The rules are on here too. You have to apply for the program and list entertainment as a role first. Here are some popular roles at Disney too. Enjoy! ^^

 

And We shall Resume

When I left this blog, I had just mentioned that I had become sick. I was out of work for ten days and ended up avoiding the parks since I was on medical leave. One of the rules at Disney is if you call out, then you are not allowed to go to the parks. Depending on your leader, you could get terminated from the program. So after I left the hospital and went to the Boutique to tell my leaders and give them my Doctor's note, I was required not to work for a whole weekend. There really isn't much to do when you have no car and you aren't allowed to go to the parks. This was also before I bought my annual pass to Universal. So I went to Downtown Disney a lot. I took some pictures with my friend and then went home and moped.

I moped around my apartment. I moped to my rooommate and then I called my friend and moped to her. And then I took like 50 showers and moped until I went to sleep. That was my exciting weekend until I got back to work.

It was during this time that I got the bright idea to go home and to prove to my mom and grandma that I did not die from being in the hospital and I was in fact alright. I planned my trip home the second week in August and was able to switch shifts with some of the other FGIT's so I could fly home for three days and see my friends and family.

One of good friends, Tamara, who worked Outdoor Food and Beverage at Animal Kingdom decided to take me to the beach in Tampa. We went along with my other friend Justin who worked Merchandise in Frontierland. We were suppose to go to the beach in Tampa, but got lost and just kept following signs that told us there was a beach and ended up at the St. Pete Beach which was about a hour away from Tampa. Why we just didn't stop and ask for directions is a matter left unsaid.

Tip number 5,012.3, make sure you know someone with a car if you did not bring your own. It makes your life easier. You can get away from Disney for a while and that can be a good thing. Sometimes you need a Disney free day. Go to the 50,000 beaches that Florida has and watch the sunset. Don't think about the mouse.

A Great Video on What to Expect

 

One of the reasons why I chose to make this blog was to tell people my adventures working with Disney, but another reason was to inform people what they should expect when they are thinking about doing the Disney College Program. I found this really good video on the you and tube called Disney College Program Unplugged and it had some great information on it. I know when I first started applying, I found tons of videos on the process to get into the program, but not so many videos on what to expect once I was down in Florida. Happy Watching and props to my 16th subscriber. Yeah, I see you. You thought I wouldn't notice it. I probably just lost my 16th subscriber with that creepy remark. Story of my life.

Recap....

Alright, before I tell you of all my adventures, here are a couple pictures of where I worked. I worked at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for all of you who are just joining my blog. It is located inside Cinderella Castle across from Cinderella's Royal Table.

I also had a chance to spend some time at Downtown Disney's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. As a Fairy Godmother in Training, you are able to pick up some extra shifts at Downtown Disney. Since I was a college program participant, scheduling would deploy me down there sometimes and so I got a chance to know some of the people at both locations and got a chance to compare the two Boutiques.

Working at the two locations was completely different. The language for what you called certain things was different. Like wishing well and going to the dungeon. Both meant you needed to go to the bathroom, but it depended on what Boutique you were at. Also way things were run was a little different. The costumes were different as well. Instead of a blue vest, you would wear a red vest at Downtown Disney. I would haveto say I liked Cinderella Castle better. Only because that is where I spent most my time so I got use to it, but the people from both locations were great and of course the Princesses were sooo cute no matter where you were. ^^

Where do I Even Begin?

Well first of all, I want to put up a lot of the pictures I took while I was down there. Like the one from the castle. This picture is one of my favorites.

First things first though. I need to make another check list for all the stuff I did while I was down there. I went horsebackriding, bought an annual pass to Universal Studios, went to Halloween Horror Nights, ate waaay too many Dole Whips, bought too many Disney souvenirs, and had the expereince of a lifetime. Some days were harder than others, but I miss every single part of it. I especially miss the Princesses and coming home with some really cool stories from the day. Again, some good and some bad. I miss my fellow cast members more than anything though. Miss you FGIT's! ^^

It was pretty cool going down for Fall Advantage. If you are going back and forth about which season you should apply for, I would suggest Fall Advantage. It you get to see Disney through the seasons. I saw Disney crazy with people during the Summer, quiet as a ghost town in September, rowdy and spooky during Halloween Boo to You celebrations, pumkins galore for Thanksgiving, and sparkeling with crystals and snow on Main St. for Christmas.

Well....Better Late than Never

It has been two months since I've come back from the Disney College Program. I never realized how hard it was to keep up with school and work and make sure I updated my blog. I googled Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and this was the first website I saw and thought that it was time to update it (even though it's done with). I figure it will still be a good tool to use for people who want to find out more about the Disney College Program. I also want to continue with Disney and just applied to be a Disney College Represenative and plan on doing another program verys soon, so there will be plenty of things to talk about. Besides, I need a captive audience to rant to because my friends are tired of hearing about Disney. I thought it was me, but when your friends say they have to go take the dog out when they don't even have a dog, I think it's time to stop talking about it, so at least I have my 15 followers! Woot! Shoutout to the them! That made me feel cool. Don't judge me.

I will definately make an effort to update the blog with all the things I did in those six months and also talk about some future Disney endeavours. Can I get Woot Woot Woot! (I think I took that one too far. I am wayyyy to excited about this).