Wednesday, June 15, 2011

How to Get Involved

So I recently signed on my Blog to see what was new in the world, and lo and behold I had comments!

So to answer those comments-

I HAVE NO IDEA!

I'm not trying to be mean, but I seriously can't remember HOW I even got started in the application process for the Program.

Here's the best advice I can give - Go to the Disney College Program site. There they can tell you EVERYTHING you need to know.

(Apparently they are only taking baking/pastry or culinary students at the moment, but just ignore that to find out what you need to know.)

Still confused? Its ok! Contact them! They are fantastic about answering and tackling your questions.

Don't believe me? The day of my audition we had the wrong address. We were completely lost and confused! I called the Recruiting Office and they were able to look it up in 5 minutes.

As much as I'd love to help you all step-by-step, I really can't. It's been a long time - one year in fact.

If you have any character specific questions, questions the people on the phone won't know the answer to (or can't...), PLEASE let me know! That's why I started this thing- to give you guys a chance to see into the magical world of Character Performing. So leave me a comment, and a way to contact you. I'll do the best I can! If I can't answer it, I'll find someone who will!

Love and Magic!!

Friday, October 15, 2010

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 ^_^

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

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!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

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!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

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!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

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!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

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!