Day 131

...otherwise known as my last day.

I'm officially leaving the program. In fact I'm sitting in the airport waiting for my delayed flight. Mind you I'm early to begin with, so I really can't complain...



Completely emptied the apartment of all my things and stuffed every last thing into my bags.

Decided I ought to wear all my beautiful silly bandz the I've gotten.




People must think I look like a five year old dressed me between the bracelets, my red wellies, and my fleece jacket.

Speaking of gifts from children, my last days with Daisy I received these:


A flower lei and blue flower.

The little boy had waited to give them just to Daisy.

I feel as though there are a million things to say, but I can't think of any of them. I'm anxious to get home. The flight could begin boarding any minute (or in an hour...) so I'm going to go and if I think of anything I'll try to remember it for my next post.

In the meanwhile-

Farewell Disney! It's been magical ^_^

Day 124

As you may or may not know, I am leaving in a week. Not just for a weekend or vacation, but forever. I'm returning to New York and moving into an apartment in Brooklyn with my Darling and my wonderful friend Lani.

When I tell most people this, they react by looking very sad and disheartened. I assure you, I couldn't be happier. Finally, I'll be able to see the people I care about, regularly. I'll be able to hug them and share stories with them, or even just share a room with them. Disney is wonderful, and while it looks very nice on my resume being here isn't helping to further my career along. Being in New York, surrounding myself with production companies, and gaining experience freelancing, that's how I can help to move myself along. So while I am sad that I wouldn't be able to see my new friends anymore, fur and human alike, I'm overjoyed at the thought of being able to open my apartment door to the smell of Lani's cooking and the sounds of Darling typing.

Some of my readers requested that I include more stories in my blog about some of my friends' encounters. So here today I want to share with you some from the past month.

Jiminy Cricket Makes a Friend



The other day while at Rafiki's Planet Watch in Animal Kingdom, my dear friend Jiminy Cricket met the sweetest young girls. Both wearing identical blue dresses, they approached cautiously. The elder of the two was able to feel more comfortable immediately and gave Jiminy a big hug. The younger, however, was still unsure of how to feel. Luckily their grandmother was able to help Jiminy out. She pointed out to the girl that Jiminy might kiss her hand the way he had kissed the lady's before them. (You see, Jiminy Cricket is quite a gentleman and does not shake a lady's hand but kisses it.) Understanding that this may be the way to make the sweet girl happy Jiminy extended his hand forward and very carefully the girl put her hand in Jiminy's. He bent forward and kissed her hand and when he saw that she was smiling and giggling, he politely took her other hand. Then he went back and forth kissing the back of her hands and it made her giggle very much. They were able to take a lovely picture and get an autograph and the next person was shown forward in line.

A little while later the line had died down and no one in the Conservation Station seemed much interested in seeing my dear friend. Near where he stands there are small tables set up where children can sit and draw. Jiminy went to see if any one might want to draw with him. 'Lo and behold, who should he find sitting at the table but the lovely sisters in blue! Jiminy sat down with them and they showed him their drawings. The eldest was neatly colouring in a maze, while the younger was drawing a heart. Grandma explained it was for Jiminy and the girl confirmed with, "Jiminy Cricket is my friend!" Soon after people began to ask for pictures with Jiminy so he had to leave the table, but he blew kisses, bowed and wished them well. The que to see Jiminy was now getting quite long and he was sad that he wouldn't be able to colour with his friends anymore. Then the most wonderful thing happened! After posing with lovely couple, Jiminy wished them off and turned to his next guest. You'll never guess who it was! Little blue and her grandmother had waited in line for Jiminy!! You see, they had something very special to give him.



It was the picture she had been drawing! She gave me the most wonderful hug and her grandmother thanked Jiminy for being so kind and sweet. Jiminy asked me to keep the picture safe for him and to share this wonderful story! I hope you like it!

Daisy Gets an A



This story is much shorter but equally sweet. While in Town Square in Magic Kingdom, Daisy Duck met a little girl who wanted an autograph. Daisy knelt beside her and showed her as she signed her book. Upon returning the book and pen to the girl, the girl began to write on the page! Daisy was worried the girl's parents would be upset if the girl drew over Daisy's autograph (they'd come all this way to get it after all!), so she began to reach forward. She stopped, however, when she saw what the girl was doing. When the girl finished, she showed Daisy. She had put a nice big "A" on the corner of the page! I guess she just wanted to make sure Daisy knew she really is the top of the class!

Lilo Fishes for Compliments

I have two Lilo stories I would like to share.
At Ohana's at the Polynesian Resort, Lilo met a couple. The woman was quite excited to meet Lilo and tell her that Lilo had in fact helped a young child she knew how to speak. In fact, she had taught him how to say "peanut butter sandwich!" The woman then proceeded to explain that everyday the child would ask for a peanut butter sandwich, and when the woman would ask, "What about tuna?" the child would respond that that would be an...



Lilo was very happy when she saw the woman reenact this whole scene. Not just say it, but actually get upset about the tuna. It was quite touching.



The second story involves a young boy. He adored Lilo very much. So much, in fact, that when Lilo was going around the restaurant she was stopped by the sounds of a family calling for her. She approached the table and discovered that one of the boys at the table had something he wanted to say to Lilo. He couldn't have been more than five, so when he stood on his chair he was eye level with Lilo, who we all know is larger than life! He stood there and began to sing.

"Yooou are sooooo beauuuutifuuuul, tooo meeeeeee"

Lilo was so happy she gave him a big hug and didn't let go for a very long time.

Though I don't have a good story to for this one, i simply wanted to share this photo of my friend Daisy at the Halloween Party.



Isn't she lovely? I'm glad i got the chance to be with her there before I go.

I'll try to update again before I go. I'll probably relay some more stories if anything adorable happens and will keep you up to date with my traveling and moving in. Then perhaps I'll rename the blog or start a new one, about my new life in New York City.

Until then-

Love, Kisses, and Magic!

Day 100

One hundred days! What a milestone!

This evening I was lucky enough to be able to pick up a Parade Audience Control shift on Main Street and help to open up the park for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!



It was amazing to be able to stand in the middle of Main Street, decked out in the Halloween Gear, wishing everyone a Happy Halloween! Seeing the kids all dressed up, and the way they light up when you refer to them as Princess or Pirate or Buzz! (There were a LOT of Buzz Lightyears)

My favourite costume had to be either the little boy dressed as Pinnochio, along with his mother as the Blue Faerie and father as Geppetto; or the little boy dressed in the classic Pumpkin costume. I told him that he MUST see Donald Duck's costume. They would be so cute together!


Originally posted on Disney Parks Character Blog.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is only on select nites, so be sure to secure yourself a ticket ASAP! It's so much fun!

Day 77

My, oh my! It's been ages since my last post.

I had since gotten back in the groove of working only to find myself happily interrupted in it by the visit of friends! Joe, Chris, Jaymie, and Alix came for week in lieu of our usual annual vacation. We went to Universal and every Disney Park. Alix spent her birthday in Magic Kingdom after reliving her 5th birthday at 1900 Park Fare with Mary Poppins!



All in all, I would say, it was a most wondrous week! And while I was sad to see them go, I was happy to get back to sleeping in my own bed.

Now, in just a few days time, darling will be flying down to visit. ^_^ I can hardly wait!

I chose tonite to write, not just to update you on recent going-ons but also to share this little anecdote.

This evening, while at Crystal Palace, my dear friend Piglet met the sweetest young boy.



Upon approaching the table Piglet learned from his attendant that one of the boys present (there were two, brothers) was scared of the characters, but still wanted to say hello. Both boys were quite enthusiastic in their waving and salutations; it was difficult to tell that which one might be scared. So Piglet stood behind their mother and happily waved to the young boys. The older of the two got up and gave Piglet a very good hug. The second boy stated in his seat and was firmly opposed to all proposals to hug Piglet or give him a high five, but still very happy just to wave and say hello. Piglet then gave the eldest brother a high five, then turned to the mother. After getting a high five from her, he tried his luck with the younger son. Still staying a good distance away, he put his paw out and the boy high fived him! It was clearly a momentous occasion, as one could tell from all the cheering and clapping. The young boy, still smiling the same wonderful smile he'd been wearing the entire time, looked at Piglet and politely said, "Yay! Could you please leave now?"

Cutest. Thing. Ever.

There are so many wonderful stories like this. I must get better about sharing them.

One of my favourites I heard from Goofy. A girl of about 4 or 5 approached him and in her sweet british accent asked where the bathroom was. After receiving directions from him she said, "Goofy, I have to go to the bathroom. Will you go wee-wee with me?"

Apparently her parents were very embarrassed, but everyone else thought it quite hysterical.

Well that's all for now. Hopefully I'll be diligent enough to write again in a week after darling has left. We'll see.

Love, kisses, and magic!

Day 42

Sitting in the airport.



On Thursday I hopped on a plane and made my way back to New York. I spent all of Friday chaotically getting ready for my Darling's Surprise Party and when he came home early, ran upstairs and tried to hide the mess I had been making while baking cookies in the kitchen. Luckily he just thought it was his housemate attempting to bake cookies. He was completely surprised and it couldn't have been better.

Spent that evening catching up with all the wonderful people who came to the party (let's face it, there wouldn't have been a party without them, so thank you all very much!). Saturday, Darling and I joined my parents at my grandparents house for a wonderful barbeque, then proceeded to see my sister's show at SUNY Ulster. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was amazing and I highly recommend it to any and all who can see it. We left the show with Lani and Kevin, and went to the diner for a quick bite to eat.

And now it is Sunday and I'm in the airport waiting for my flight. It's been a whirlwind of a weekend, but it's been a great one.

It's strange coming home after 6 weeks to see how unchanged some things are. Other things, however, have changed a great deal. My bedroom is still mine, but it's been rearranged and there's something about it that makes it feel slightly odd. Olivia will always be the my younger sister, and yet she's grown up so much. I've watched it happen over the years, yet somehow in the past six weeks I missed something. Be it her birthday, or her losing her braces, I don't know. She's definitely more of a woman now tho. She's beautiful.

I try not to talk too much about my personal life on this blog. It's intended to be here for people as an informational source on life working at Disney and living in Orlando, however I can't help but spend just a few moments addressing my wonderful relationship with Darling.

We weren't certain how we would fare under the pressures of a long distance relationship. We approached the situation more than cautiously. The first week was definitely hardest. Acclimating to the new environment and trying to realize that I wouldn't be seeing him in person for some time. But every nite we skype. On my days off we IM during the day. I'll text him when I'm bored at work, and every now and then he sends me just a little "Hi :)." I couldn't stand not seeing him for another 6 weeks tho, not when he's been this wonderful to me. So I decided to come down this weekend and while I was here, host a surprise party for him in honour of his 25th birthday. I'm glad he enjoyed it, and I'm so glad that I came. Now it's only 6 weeks until we see each other once again, and knowing that we've already gone that long once makes it just that much easier. So thank you Darling, for everything you've done. You've been a comfort to me even when you weren't here to hold me and kiss me good nite.

Point is, for those of you coming who are wondering how on earth you're going to be able to do the long distance relationship, this is my advice- Relax. Don't panic and worry yourselves out of a relationship before you've even tried it. It's do-able if both people are willing to make it work. And remember, just be happy :) . It helps more than you'd think.

It's strange to me how Orlando seems like a second home already. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to live there. But it's somewhere I feel comfortable now. The people, the environment, the atmosphere. It's in my blood now.

My schedule has become less chaotic to me now. This past week and this week coming have similar shifts for three to four days in a row.

Jesse will pick me up from the airport and I'm hoping we'll go out and have some bonding time ^_^

I love my Orlando family! See you all in a few hours!

Day 32

I've officially been here for a month! Yay!

July 4th was amazing. We went to The Boardwalk and were able to see both Hollywood Studios and Epcot fireworks. The 5 minute tag they had added to Epcot's Illuminations was brilliant. Though we couldn't hear the accompanying soundtrack and narration it was still a marvelous site.



I had my first dining experience. On the following day, July 5th, I was immediately pulled from my spare position to work at Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary. The first set I was practically shaking I was so nervous. In addition to it being my first dining experience, it was additionally my frist time working dining with a tour group taking up half a room! Everyone wanted individual photographs and autographs, and they were all taking their time about it. Fortunately there weren't loud or rambunctious, there just a great deal of people in bright green shirts taking up the first room! The captain did compliment me at the end of the shift tho, saying that I had done particularly well for my first time. I was very happy and relieved to hear it.

Since my shift didn't end till 3 and the dining shift ended around 1, when I returned to base I helped out the costuming people. First sorting Goofy's gloves, and some of the bloomers for one of the parades. Then I got to help one of the costumers, David, put together Tiana's gown. Oh, My, Goodness. It is sooooo gorgeous. And HEAVY! There are three layers to the initial skirt and then she has to wear a sort of dress on TOP of that. There were, I believe, 4 or 5 hoops in her skirt, each significantly larger than the last. (After we had put together the skirt I went under it and felt like I was a lamp and her dress the lamp shade.)



I've heard many of my fellow character performers say that face characters can be kind of snobby and stuck up, because they feel they are above us. I like to think that this isn't the case and it's simply that we perceive them that way. However I couldn't help that notice that when I was in costuming with David, goofing around, when an Ariel came to get her dress she gave us this kind of... look. However, determinded to kill the stereotype, I complimented her on her bag, which happened to have many Disney autographs on it, all in different colour markers. She immediately smiled and was pleasant. So, perhaps they only act this way because they think we don't like them. I don't know, I have hope yet.



Originally posted at Win Blog .

Going on this thought, I came to the realization that perhaps other cast members felt this way about ALL character performers, Face and Fur. I've been trying to say hi and smile at people as I pass them backstage and noticed that some seem surprised, others smile back, and others just look at me like I'm crazy, if they look at all. I hope we don't all come off as snobby :( .

Last nite we went out to celebrate Jesse's birthday and our one month anniversary as official Disney Cast Members. We previewed Taste of Africa at Animal Kingdom, which was a blast! I highly recommend it to anyone who will be visiting Disney World. Essentially, following Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade, vendors come out and offer all sorts of food, music, attractions, and more. There was a live band, and a WONDERFUL MC/DJ. It was staggering to see how many people work for Disney (It was a cast member exclusive event). Especially considering I know many people who had no idea what it was and many others who didn't come.





After that we went to the Cheesecake Factory, which was delicious and then to a bar called The Peacock Room. I didn't realize you could still smoke in bars in Florida, so was surprised by the smell of cigarette smoke upon entering. Oh well. I'm doing laundry today.

Yesterday, before all this partying and celebration I had work with Stitch in Tomorrowland. I hope I get the shift again because it was a lot of fun. My attendants, Kurt, who looked like a Ken Doll, Erin, and Anna, were such fun. They made it a very enjoyable day. The Performance Supervisor, or something like that, came and evaluated all of us. She said that she liked how I personalized my time with each of the guests, adjusting to them. It was nice to know that my efforts are noticed. She did note that I needed to put more energy into my character portrayal. I completely agreed with her and we had a nice discussion about sleeping and eating, two things I have yet to get on a regular schedule and am therefore feeling a little worn and less energetic than usual. She completely understood, which is good because I feared I sounded like I was making excuses. She was very sweet and I'm glad that she enjoyed what I was doing on set.

Well I think that's all for now. I'm going food shopping today, woot.

Have a magical day!

Our Apartment!

I can't believe I've been so silly as to forget to share our apartment with you! Since I've made this video we've all definitely become more comfortable in the house and it isn't as stark looking.



Enjoy!

Day 19

Ee gads! It's been ages since I last posted. Well, since last post I've completed Order of the Phoenix, Book 5 in the Harry Potter Series. I've also completed my first week of work! Yay!

Day Five of training was fun, but somber. We missed our trainers from the first four days, but were very excited and nervous to be moving on to the next step- working. We did autograph assessments and got feedback on our performances on set. Overall it was a good day.



This is Carson. He was adorable and we were all so happy to take a picture with him on our last day of training. I was getting to know my friend Mickey on this day.

The next day, full of nerves, I went to Epcot and did my first day on my own. It wasn't nearly as terrifying or scary as I thought it would be. In fact, it was quite easy and calm. I got to know Daisy very well. She's so sassy! What a diva!



Since then I've made friends with Donald and I helped Minnie work at the Character Spot in Epcot. (Don't tell the others, but I think she's my bff.)

I can't think of much else to say at the moment. It's been interesting adapting to a dorm-like lifestyle. My roomies are amazing. I've spent quite a few hours with Elise. Lindsey and I are hoping to do the Boardwalk someday soon, or even just grab some books and tea and chill at the Learning Center. I don't see much of Mel, but when I do we always have a good giggly conversation.

I booked a hotel for my friends who are visiting mid-August. I cannot wait!

I'll definitely update you as more occurs. I'm hoping for more pictures soon!

Hope you all have a magical day!

Day 9

My, oh my. So much has been happening. Training began on Saturday and it's been a whirlwind of fun and learning. So much information has been thrown at us at once it's hard to know where to start.

I suppose most of it isn't share-able, either due to its content or it just simply isn't interesting enough, but i'll do my best.

During my days off we saw the Electrical Light Parade and the Nightastic Fireworks.





Then we began with our first day of Training on Saturday. Most of the day was taken up with getting to know each other, doing computer lectures, and the like. We played a game similar to "The Price is Right" which involved us guessing prices of costume pieces. DId you know that Minnie Mouse's classic yellow shoes are worth $610? And they are the cheapest?!? Her shoe collection is worth more than Sarah Jessica Parker's! After this, we did get to begin to work with partial costume, Heads and feet. VERY strange.

Day two of training consisted of similar activities except we were in full costume this time. We stayed indoors and practiced "sets," which is onstage time with guests. Interacting with them, doing autographs, taking pictures/posing with guests, &c. It was a GREAT learning experience.

Day three of training I became VERY good friends with Minnie Mouse. We went and greeted guests up at Epcot, which was sooo much fun. Through the sweat and the heat and more sweat, I still managed to find myself smiling most of the time. One little girl ran up to Minnie carrying a Minnie Mouse doll! It was wonderful to see and enjoy with her.

Today, day four of training, we put together our costumes at Hollywood Studios. We then did warm ups and then did a tour of the Entertainment department at Magic Kingdom. After this we made our way to Epcot where my friend Stitch and I greeted guests during three separate sets. Even through the rain and the following humidity, it was a blast.

Friday, which will be day five of training, the last day of training, we will be doing an "assessment" to help the trainers gage how ready we are to perform. It's a bit nerve-racking, but thankfully I have two days off. Saturday will be our first day sans trainers. I think everyone in my group is a little freaked about that.

That's all for now. I'm going to get back to reading (Harry Potter, Book 2. Finished Book 1 yesterday).

Hope you're all having a magical time out there!

Love and Kisses,
Your Pal Lindsay

Day 3

Wow.

So much has happened since arrival on Monday it's hard to remember where to begin.

We arrived at the Vista Way apartments promptly at 9 o'clock and there were already quite a few other college program students already waiting. We went through a line, filling out paper work, getting a photo id done, and being assigned our new apartments! Luckily I saw my awesome roommate Lindsey in line and we were able to meet each other and decide on a apartment together. We decided on a two bedroom in the Vista Way apartment complex.

We collected our parents and met back up at the apartment where we began moving in. Even though we're on the third floor it wasn't much trouble getting everything up the stairs because we had the extra help. Lindsey brought nearly her entire room with her. My side of the room is still pretty bare looking but I'm sure as time goes on I'll personalize it more.

Soon our other two roommates joined us. Melanie and Elise, along with her mother and friends Lindsay and Frankie. Yes, another Lindsay.



After a couple hours of getting settled we had to attend Casting where we filled out even more paperwork and we fingerprinted. Once we finished here we returned to the apartment once again. While we were gone Frankie set up the internet for us (Thanks Frankie!). We continued to unpack and settle in and then decided to do some shopping. We went to WalMart and Stocked up on the basics, and each bought some food. When we got back we were all exhausted but still really hyped up from the day so we stayed up a bit later and eventually all went to bed.

Yesterday we had an Orientation in the morning which was fun but the room was freezing! Later that day we all attended an information session on the classes available. I don't think I will do any for the summer but might do some of the seminars and workshops in the fall.

After learning about the learning opportunities we all changed and went to the pool party! There was dancing and games and a whole lot of fun.



I danced with some of the people I met, Jesse and Iman. They were both INCREDIBLE dancers. Jesse rooms with another guy we met on day one- Zach. After all the partying died down, we sat outside the pool and talked with some CP alumni. Later we went to meet Elise's friend from back home- Mike and his roomie Mark. Once we decided to head on our way back we stopped and Zach and Jesse's place and stole them away back to our apartment where we played Apples to Apples.



It was a fun nite.

This morning I attended Traditions with Mel, but we were eventually separated. Lindsey and Elise are there now. It was 4 1/2 hours long, but mostly enjoyable. I don't want to spoil it for anyone that hasn't gone through it yet but I will say a couple things. This is where we got our official Disney IDs which will serve as our passes into the park. We also received our name tags. I won't say much else so I don't ruin anything but I will say to wear shoes you feel comfortable walking in.

I don't begin training till Saturday and will probably just continue to make the apartment more home-like over the next couple days, so I probably won't update for a little while.

Just to let you know- from here on out there will be things that I won't be able to talk about. There is a policy of confidentiality at Disney and I would hate to ruin the magic. I will post whatever I can tho, and make sure you can all experience as much of this with me as possible!

I'm hoping to do a tour of the apartment and get more pictures, so I'll post those soon!

And so we've arrived...

11:00 a.m.

Hello from 20000 ft!



We're on our flight to Orlando! (They have WiFI on planes now?!?!?)

6:30 p.m.

Hanging out in the hotel.



Do you think I packed enough?



Flights went very smoothly, and we rented this cute little Ford Focus.
Walked to dinner and then did some shopping for the soon to be apartment. Might go out to the pool later, but for now we're taking it easy. :)

Almost there!

Hello all my magical friends!

Tomorrow morning, at hours I like to think don't exist, I will be departing for the airport to begin my wonderful Disney Adventure! On Monday I will check in and meet my WONDERFUL roomie Lindsey from Woodstock, Georgia!

So for now, farewell and sweet dreams NY! I'll see you in a couple months!

Love,

Lindsay

Character Performer-Mouse

A couple days ago I checked the College Program website to make sure that they had changed my role from Main Gate Operator to Character Performer. Indeed they had, but they had done more than just that. They had written the following-

Character Performer-Mouse

Scared to make an assumptions as to what this may mean I spoke briefly with a friend of mine who was "friends with" Dale. She explained to me that it may mean that I am playing multiple roles within the Mouse height range, including, but not limited to, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, &c. Excited but still wary of this analysis I called the Disney Recruiting Center this morning. They gave a similar response, adding that the Seven Dwarfs are also in this category, but also noting that I will not be assigned until I get there.

So all in all, not much progress was made in figuring out what role I will be participating in, other than there's a good chance there may be multiple characters. My hope at this point is still for Mouse itself, be it Mickey or Minnie, but no matter what I'm sure I will have a magical time!

Disney College Program Audition Results!

On the morning of April 21st, exactly four weeks after my audition, I received an email with this heading.

It read as follows:

"Congratulations! You passed your recent Walt Disney World® Character Audition and will be invited to participate in a Character Performer Role in the Disney College Program!!"

Yay!!!

It went on to explain that my "Responsibilities may include: Portraying specific costumed character roles; working in hot, confining, heavy costumes with limited range of vision; communicating non-verbally to Guests; signing autographs and posing for photographs; and interacting with Guests outdoors and in dining establishments. Some participants may have the opportunity to perform in parade and/or puppeteer roles."

It did not give an specifics as to which character I would be "friends with" (this is the proper terminology I am told), but nonetheless I'm extremely excited.

Will update when I have more to report. In the meanwhile, have a magical day!

WDW College Program Character Performer Audition

Hello World!

I just got back from the WDW CP Character Performer Audition in Boston, and I must say, it was amazing!

Before I give you a step-by-step detailed description of my day, just one word of advice, literally-

SMILE!!

Ok, so we arrive in Boston at around 10ish and sign in begins at 10:30. After some confusion about where to go and a quick call to the Disney Recruiting Center, we find our way and I make my way upstairs. Before I know it, I'm sitting in a dance studio with 74 other people (mostly females), filling out the very basic audition form. After getting through the long line and being assigned a number (61), getting my height measured, and having a picture taken we all sit down and listen to Gail, the choreographer. Gail is this incredible energetic woman who stands about 3 inches shorter than me. She's not in the best of shape, but you couldn't really care less once you see this woman "animate." To "animate," as Gail explains to us, is to make your character come alive with your physical movement and facial expressions. Be bigger than big, and energetic as heck (but keep it controlled). We practice doing the first part of the audition a couple times. This means "animating" through two stories. First, you are to meet your favourite character in Disney and interact with him/her/it. Secondly, you're hungry and need to get food. Animate the WHOLE way through. We learn that this is actually what we will be doing before we do the dance, the choreography of which we learned next.

It starts really simply with a few knee pops and some easy hops to the side, and slowly, every 8 counts, it gets just a little bit harder. By the end you realize it wasn't going to be as easy as you initially thought and some people look a little freaked out. However, as Gail assured us, they weren't looking for everybody to be a professional dancer (though some were, like the 4 girls who had been in front of me in line, numbers 57-60. Eek.), what they were looking for was to see how well you could hold your own through the piece. Be energetic, be happy; if you mess up, go with it, don't break character. Basically, OWN IT.

Ok, so after learning the dance we practice our two animated stories, which couldn't have taken more than 2 or 3 eights each, and then go straight into the dance. I should probably note that the song was a pop rock version of Someday My Prince Will Come, and, surprisingly, the more I heard it, the more I loved it. We learn that we will repeat this scenario twice when the actual audition part came.

The hardest part was the waiting. Being 61 was nice cause it meant I was near the end so hopefully I was easy to remember after they left, but it was awful having to wait for the first 10 groups to go. We went in groups of 6. (Luckily for me dancer-chicks 57 - 60 were not in my group, this made me feel much more comfortable.)

Finally, after who knows how long, group 11 (that's me!) goes in. Gail places us in a staggered line. Kelly, who had measured us, and given a brief description of the job before we got started, sits at a table with our applications in front of her, and a pen in hand. Gail, thankfully, does the dance with us. Although I probably could've done it without her, it was nice to have the reassurance she was there to look at if I blanked out for a second.

We do the animated stories into the dance combination twice. Then Gail asks us to just stand and smile. I'm not really sure what this was about, but I think it's to see if any of us could play "look-alikes" (princesses and the like). None of us get asked to stay, so I guess I'm in the running for a costumed character, and we leave.

The entire process was really comfortable. Even though I was nervous I don't think it got the best of me this time. I stood in front while we were all learning, and I never dropped my smile. Even if I wanted to I don't think I could have, it was just so elating to be there.

Anywho, for you potentially character performer auditioners, now you know! It was easy and fun. Best advice I can give is to smile and just have fun. Don't be afraid to look silly. If you do look silly, you're probably doing something right.

We'll hear back in 2-4 weeks as to whether we were cast or not. *fingers crossed!*

That's all for now, I hope everyone has a magical evening! I'll be sure to report back as soon as I have news!