"Seasons Change And So Do We." Chapter 13.

Around this time I remember very well the feelings that engulfed me every morning for breakfast. Sometimes it was lunch because I too skipped breakfast just to make sure I got to work on time. There is something special about waking up to a humid Florida morning and seeing the sun glaze the white buildings outside my Patterson appartment window knowing that in just a few hours I will once again be a part of the magic. My costume would always be on just minutes after waking up, rolling out of that tiny bed from an army surplus store. I slept on the covers because I hated leaving a messy looking bed behind and didn't want to risk leaving something like that on my way out. A quick walk across my living room past a little less than tidy kitchen I stolled casually out the door with my earbuds in and had that music blaring to the bus stop. Along the walk there were palm trees, tropic looking shrubs on my left, random critters crossing my path (such as lizards that do pushups), and some really pretty pink flowered trees over head behind a tall black fence of a neighboring complex. Busses where coming and going with some gaps between them seemingly longer and longer than the last. That's the nature of Disney busses that has plagued every CP since bussing began and even now (according to sources) is still prominent.

I waited there 'standing' in my way-past-comfortable-work-shoes toying with the ipod and the gold doubloon buttons on my vest knowing by that point I was well on time. It's moments like that where I realize how far I've come in this program. This is life as a cast member that most would find incredibly interesting despite its mundane overtone. I was just looking for (Bus A) to chug on down and ship me to the parkinglot of Magic Kingdom. After 600 times it doesn't feel so galmorous, but it's always fun to say after years of childhood waiting to go now nearly dreading it.

*Yep, (walking past the smoking area behind Fantasyland) there's Cinderella smoking a cigarette in a grey tshirt and black sweat pants, just another normal day I'd think to myself.*

We love to think of cast members as anything but human. You are human and you may crack. This is no excuse to pick up and leave because we all heal. I never thought I was tough enough for this and I certainly knew I wasn't after week 3, but I somehow survived and made a vow to look at my Disney struggles as a bridge to cross. "Once you cross that bridge my friends the ghost is through his power ends." I hope you realize how amazing you will feel when this is over.

"A Christmas Miracle?" Chapter 12.

So today is officially Christmas Eve close to the bussiest shopping day of the year. I was thinking of so many ways I could save money and just recently was given a most interesting opportunity to save.

Disney sent me an email informing me that they are way overbooked on CP arrivals in the month of January and they would like me to arrive Febuary 21st which also means I'd be leaving a bit later than expected. Been weighing the pros and cons, but I still can't decide. On one hand I could stay where I am and have a better chance of working at the work location I'm really hoping for. On the other hand if I arrive when Disney will be ready for me, they are willing to offer two free 1 day park hopper passes. This delay in arrival will give me another month of work at my current job and help me to earn more money, also allowing me to visit my friends in New York City to see 'The Addams Family Musical' on Broadway. It's a tough choice, but it's probably worth considering. I have 'til December 31st to decide.

"All Ears." Chapter 11.

There are ears for each of us. It seems like there are new designs cropping up to be sold at the parks every few months. I knew during my last program that I had to find a fitting souvenir for each of my cousins and there was no better way than to pick a pair of Mickey ears. A pair of "Disney Princess" ears, "Buccan-ears", and ones with 'Cars' graphics for the youngest. We had the names stitched to the back to complete them while me and my family visited the park. There are many places to get it done while you stay at the resort. There is a place in Down Town Disney that can do it without an admission ticket required. (A place right across the way at the Christmas store embroiders stockings). My head may be to freakishly large to wear these things, but it's fun to adorn my living space with. And when they have a 'piraty' flair to them, then my house guests can see what I'm about.

On our final day, we will each recieve a free pair of ears with a little gold tassle attached and you can have your name stitched on for free too :) I was only able to get it done for free at the Magic Kingdom, but everywere else is $3. Eitherway it's totally worth it. Most have skipped on the graduation ceremony, which includes no more than standing in line to pickup your deploma, your grad poster, and your ears. There is a free lunch and trivia games to win some prizes. Plus, it's a great way of mingling with your fellow CP's to reflect on the exciting year you've had. Overall, what's wrong with free Disney swag???

You'll have the opportunity to purchase several discounted Disney items during your stay, but I strongly advise you to use caution. Dollars tend to get stretched on Disney pay after your rent is deducted from each check. Not only will you have less money, but you'll find that there is less space to put things in your limited appartment. At the least you should expect to ship your items home little at a time in the short weeks prior to leaving the complex. Another great idea if you have limited space in your suitcase or vehicle is to have some of your personal things shipped to your new place once you have your official address.

"The Casting Game." Chapter 10.

In Disney casting (as in life) we can be certain of it's predictable unpredictability. You're first choice might be "Character Performer". You did quite well in auditions and you're just the right height to be *Goofy's best friend*. This is cast member speak for wearing Goofy's costume and playing him in parades, meet & greets, and shows. It keeps the magic in tact for youngsters who maybe listening. One day you read an email that says you were chosen for a role in Entertainment... but as a Character Attendant. For those of you out there who've been offered this job, it means you will be the one escorting Disney characters such as Woody, Stich, Cinderella, or even Mickey himself. Your job will be to speak for those who can't and keep the lines moving at these meet & greets. Where ever there's a Disney character, you'll be right there along side them.

Was it the role you wanted? No. But it's a valuable service to our guests that every one appreciates. I've known many people who've complained about their role as a character performer day in day out. It's a tough job. But it goes to show that nothing is ideal, there's always a catch. Once the role has been cast you can accept or decline their offer, but really there's not much to be done about it. I've spoken with casting directors, both on the phone and in person and all of them tell me the same thing. It's really not up to them. It depends on where the company needs you most. And the process by which the company selects you to fill a certain role is almost completely uncertain. So far, everyone has told me that a computer files our names into a list based on the time of our application and will randomly place us instead of having someone at a computer doing the work. Part of the experience when you first arrive will be to visit the casting office with a bus load of other students. It's a very decorative building adjacent to Downtown Disney with murals, and a room with pillars and gold statues inside of your favorite scenes involving your favorite cartoons and films. Accross the street is "Team Disney" where the CEO's and big time executives of the whole company meet at their Florida base. Once you enter the casting office, there will be a person at a computer to hand you an assignment sheet. This person can also tell you what specific area you'll be working in but maybe not a specific ride, restaraunt, or entertainment location. As an attractions cast member, all they could tell me was Magic Kingdom, Adventureland/Liberty Square which could mean 8 different rides. Quite a nail biter for the next day or two with a sleepless night in between. While at casting, you'll be approved for everything from payment methods to housing contracts. They'll also be the ones to tell you if something about you doesn't quite match with Disney Look guidelines. You'll need to pass this Disney Look inspection or you wont be approved for employment. They may send you to your apartment and have you come back the next day. Although you should probably be well aware of what the standards would be.

So make it your own and keep up the good work until your final day. When all is said and done, Disney will give you a rehire status to reward your successful completion. I myself was hired recently because "The Walt Disney Company" really stuck out on my resume. My intention is not to ruin the magic for my dear readers, it's merely to enlighten your Disney soaked brains. Let's face it, by taking on your new role as a cast member, you'll be fully exposed to what goes on *behind the scenes*/behind the magic. I was there too. No matter what I've seen (and I've seen a LOT), the magic was never completely gone.

"The Bear Necessities" Chapter 9.

I realize that some of my useful tips and tricks can get lost in all the 'filler writing' I've put into my posts. So to clarify, I'm posting this new chapter which is entitled "The Bear Necessities" (aint I clever?) It's meant to detail all of the very necessary items you will need to stock up on shortly after first stepping into your apartment. I'm only giving you a list that I personally compiled through my expierience (brand names can definitely vary depending on current sale prices). Also, if you are arriving by car and can bring these items along, that's great.

-------------------------------------------------

KITCHEN ITEMS:

-Brita Water Filter (pitcher). *faucet applications are not permitted.

-Personal stock of bowls and cups . *helps identify your dirty/clean dishes from the rest.

-Cold items bag. *if you frequently purchase freezer items.

-Sponge or scrub brush.

-Dishwasher soap.

-Lunch box/bag.

-Cold packs. *for cold luches.

-Cheap tupperware containers.

-Ziplock bags.

-Garbage can liners.

-(various non perishable foods).

-------------------------------------------------

BEDROOM ITEMS:

-Small trash can.

-(2) Collapsable laundry bins.

-Clothes hangers.

-Coin jar.

-Folders, notebooks and binders. *Disney has soooo many free pens.

-Alarm clock.

-Desk lamp.

-Combination lock. *for your personal storage locker.

-Dry erase board/planner/calender.

-Towels.

-Large bottle of asprin. *you'll see why.

-Cough syrup and throat lazenges (or theraflu capsules). *you will be ill at some point.

-Hand santitizer. *for obvious reasons.

-TOILET PAPER.

-------------------------------------------------------

With all this close at hand you won't likely have to run on a last minute errand especially when you're feeling sick or just dead tired. Some of these items I found especally useful since I never thought to bring or buy one in the first place which meant I was making waaaay too many trips to walmart. During your first week there may not be much time at all to shop and I know it's a lot to aquire in a short time. But anything you get from this list will be usefull enough I guarantee.

I would probably put the water filter on priority because I found that Florida water is a bit funky tasting.

"Reliving the Dream" Chapter 8.

This post certainly did come late, but it has been a crazy year. Even though my writing is amatuerish at best, I think it's always nice to share every bit of information you can no matter the form or structure of your writing. Others like myself have posted vlogs on youtube, but I think this is more where I belong. I hate seeing myself on video....

Last time I was here, I posted a few lengthy answers to the most popular questions to be encountered as a cast member in the Disney parks. If you've already read that post and read it's full length, I thank you.

There are a few updates I would like to clue my readers (if any) on what has been happening.

1. I have officially accepted my invitation to rejoin the college program at The Walt Disney World Resort as an attractions cast member.

2. My day of arrival is January 19th, 2011.

3. I will be DRIVING and kissing that American Coach nightmare goodbye.

4. Will be staying a total of 7 months (Jan.-Aug.) which is called the Spring Advantage.

"Q&A at MK." Chapter 7.

After me and the other two in my group were finished with the ride through of both Pirates and Jungle Cruise, the next stop was costuming, where all Magic Kingdom cast members receive their 'costumes' (aka uniformed outfits that are specially made for our individual role.)

If you too have been to the park, you might've walked along the main pathways going from land to land and seen many cast members wearing a white shirt, black tie, and blue vest with gold buttons walking around or standing by a collection of strollers. That costume lets you know that they are there to help you answer certain questions and hopefully make your day much easier.

The questions you will most often encounter as a cast member will be the following:

(#1. Where are the bathrooms?)

#2. What time is the 3 o'clock parade?

#3. Where can we go to see Mickey Mouse?

#4. What time does the park close?

#5. Where is my stroller?

#6. Is this ride scary?

#7. ¿Hablas Español?

#8. What is this ride?

#9. Where is the exit?

#10. Where's the handicap entrance?

#11. Can wheel chairs go in?

#12. How fast does this ride go?

#13. How long is the line?

#14. How do I get to Main Street?

etc. etc.

The list of questions could go on and on, but there's simply not enough time to go through more than these. Luckily I've answered them enough to know where everything is. They aren't in any particular order, but "Where's the bathroom?" always tops at number one because it is the most asked question of all.

Here is the reasoning behind most of the obvious questions. But the reason for asking may be different than what you may think. Don't lose your temper if you have to repeat yourself three times in a row. We've all been there and feel your pain.

#1. Bathrooms are clearly marked but blended in to the surroundings because we don't want to boldly advertise where people do their business. Restrooms can be found in some of the obscure corners of the park, hidden from the main walkways. Simply point out the nearest one to your guest. Ask a fellow cast member where it is before hand, or map it out when you're not working.

#2. Yes, of course the three o'clock parade begins at 3 o'clock. But I've found out that instead of pointing out the obvious and making them feel stupid, you should politely deliver this appropriate response: "The parade begins on Main Street at 3 o'clock. Then it reaches Liberty Square at 3:15 or so and ends at Frontierland around 3:30." It lets them know where they will be when the parade has already started so they can catch the beginning without maneuvering through large crowds.

#3. Mickey Mouse had a special meet and greet in Toon Town, but since the new renovation to Fantasyland is underway, I unfortunately don't know. But ask your coordinator/manager. They are kept up to date with these common knowledge questions daily and will usually keep you updated as well.

#4. The park closing schedule varies from day to day. Summer park hours are pretty long and once fall/winter rolls around, Weekends can be pretty long too. Review the white board located in almost every break room to see the park hours, estimated number of guests, parade times, etc. But the one thing Disney has ingeniously provided for cast members is a small booklet that can provide you with every bit of info you need. It's called a "Tell-A-Cast" and can be found in almost any break room or in the tunnels. (we will discuss tunnels later.)

#5. You should know...It's your job to know where everything is, right? You're a Disney cast member!!!! That's what the guests are thinking in their heads, but actually they need to do a little searching. Even when standing directly next to the strollers they will wonder if it is the right place to park them. At Pirates, sometimes we had to move stroller parking from outside to inside because of the rain. Naturally this will confuse the average guest. "I parked outside and now it's gone?!?!" But if he/she stopped shouting and looked past me standing at the building's entrance he would see that the mass collection of strollers is right behind me parked to the far left and right. But people don't always put strollers where they should go (of course). They will be found in many places, which gives you the authority to move them into the proper parking area. If the guest makes a fuss, please contact your coordinator.

#6. "No the ride is not scary, it's fun! Disney wouldn't have approved if the rides were not meant for children." But Disney would prefer you stick with the following response to this question....Example: "This ride contains darkness, drops, loud noises, and disturbing images." But please elaborate with the guest. When they ask, they don't want mystery. They want to know if something wont make their bad ticker flat line. ^^^---^^---^^------------------------- Pirates of the Caribbean has a drop, but it's barely as tall as it is from the floor to the ceiling of the queue area. It's very brief, and the rest of the way is very slow with gentle turns to the left and right. If someone is still not convinced, it's better to say that this ride probably isn't for them and ask that they wait for the rest of their group to exit. The last thing you want is a paranoid guest causing a scene, putting a halt to ride operation due to panic and injury. Little Children especially, if they refuse direct the parents to the exit from the loading area.

#7. Speaking a second language is a HUGE plus. Disney is host to tens of thousands of people per park per day and has been labeled the world's number one destination on several occasions. I've encountered more Spanish speaking people than others, but French and German are also among the top five. Italian, Portuguese, and sign language are also helpful languages. If you can fluently speak any of these languages, please make it known during your interview. It may help your chances getting in.

#8. Be blunt, not harsh. Guests are allergic to reading signs. Even standing at The Haunted Mansion with the eerie music, sounds of crashing thunder, the gravestones and eerie lights in the windows? They wonder what ride it is. I'll give most people credit, their universe doesn't revolve around all things Disney like mine does. But how can someone avoid seeing the giant black sail out front that reads "Pirates of the Caribbean"?!?!

#9. Ask if they're looking for the ride or park exit.

#10. For most rides, it is in line with everyone else. But you will be informed on all emergency exits, procedures of assisting G.W.D's (guests with disabilities), and evacuation procedures. It is imperative that those with a mental disability be directed to the proper entrance. Those who have mental disabilities often have difficulty in large crowds, enclosed spaces, load noises, or extreme changes in their overall environment. If someone brings you an orange "Guest Assistance Card" read it carefully. You then need to ask the above questions to be sure they can't simply enter through the standard queue to avoid causing a back up. Sometimes it's easier (aka more efficient) for people to follow the crowd, but it's not all that important. If they seem nice. Go ahead and make their wishes come true.

#11. Most rides are wheel chair accessible. If there was a ramp going up to the loading area, it should be okay to send wheelchairs through. Just have them make sure they can transfer from the chair to their car/boat/whatever with or without assistance. If they say without assistance, that is terrific. If they say that they'd better have some help, tell them that only family members may assist them. And if not, they must give you permission without encouragement. If they simply cannot transfer, they cannot ride. Most rides aren't able to carry passengers and their chairs for safety reasons. The park spent hundreds of thousands just testing the ride over and over to ensure that every scenario is taken into account.

#12. They are not designed to kill you with excessive speed. But sometimes speed is the guests one and only fear. Please inform them if the ride is even mildly fast so that there are no surprises. Guests can be very short fused with a cast member if they feel they've been lied to. Give them no reason and no excuse, so that when a manager is called to address a potential issue the guest will feel stupid and you will be clear.

#13. There is a magical clock that keeps the guest informed of how long the estimated wait time is. Our most popular rides on the busiest day can have nearly a 2 hour wait time. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad seems to be the top contender. Pirates has the bragging rights to achieving over 1,000,000 guests through the ride in just one month, the highest ever for any MK attraction. Oh wait, but there's another side to this question. The guest really wants to know how looooong the line is. It makes more sense considering the guest in walking on crutches. Plenty of people are going through the line on scooters, with canes, or with obvious minimal use of their legs. Someone with bruised ankles doesn't want to round the corner and find another 100 feet or so of line left to go through before reaching the entrance. Give them your honest guesstimate and maybe check up on them later to see if it's moving well enough along for them.

#14. Its plain enough to follow the maps direction. Everything is closer than it seems in the Magic Kingdom. But guests will often comprehend the usage of landmarks. That's what the benefit of Spaceship Earth is to Epcot or The Tree of Life is to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Therefore, Cinderella Castle is the the ultimate landmark for a guest who has lost his/her way. Tell the guests to find Cinderella Castle in order to find Main Street because the two face each other at the hub.

"What Will I Be?" Chapter 6.

The tension drove me insane. Where would they put me to work? I woke up early that day when we would be told our work location. Not too specific because we were only told what park and what area of the park.

(Attractions) was the role selected for me at the beginning when I received a confirmation email. But that could mean so many different places at any of the four parks and even one spot at Downtown Disney. Me and my roommates boarded a bus to Casting just outside of Downtown Disney and as we drove I secretly crossed my fingers in hopes of one particular ride.

'The Haunted Mansion! Oh please, please, please put me at The Haunted Mansion!' I repeated over and over again in my mind. No where else would do.

One thing that most people have to realize when it comes to being cast in your role, the whole thing is a coin toss. You can be selected for Quick Service Food and Beverage, but who knows where that will be, if you'll have more than one location, or how long you spend at each location? For those who have been chosen in the role of (Attractions: MK, Ad/Lib.) which is short for: Magic Kingdom, Adventureland/Liberty Square. This means that you are assigned one of the rides in those two lands. Ad/Lib. are in the same area and I believe it's been that way ever since the beginning. All of the attractions listed are possible for Disney CP's to be placed in.

Adventureland:

The Enchanted Tiki Room.

Robbinson Family Treehouse.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin.

Jungle Cruise.

Pirates of the Caribbean.

Liberty Square:

The Haunted Mansion.

*Three of Adventureland's attractions are linked together and have you wear the same costume. These are: Tiki, Treehouse, and Aladdin. Jungle Cruise, and POTC have their own individual wardrobes.

*NOTICE how I mentioned that Liberty Square has only one ride for CP's and it so happens to be "The Haunted Mansion", probably one of Disney's most popular attractions. It never used to be open for CP's, but that was changed only a short while ago. There's a chance you may get there but it's pretty slim. Mansion hires maybe one U.S. college student per semester unless the student from last semester decided to stick around for an 'Extension'. If you get selected for this special role I hope you find some joy in it because thousands of others want what you have.

I recall being in a group of three students, two guys and one girl, led by a Disney Attractions Trainer (whom was probably the nicest trainer ever) to our location and finally to costuming. The only girl in my group wanted desperately to work at the HOP or "Hall of Presidents" mainly because she was majoring in government. The moment had arrived and we were handed our costume information packets that explain what accessories are appropriate for our roles that meet the 'Disney Look' standard.

I was handed the first packet. When we each had one grasped in our eager hands the pristine envelope was torn away leaving a three paged stapled booklet with the first page showing a picture of our costume. The two standing at my right were both given the same "skipper" costume which meant they would be assigned to *Jungle Cruise*, an entirely outdoor attraction requiring books of spieling that frankly wouldn't be something I probably couldn't handle. I was last to open my envelope and almost didn't recognize the costume I saw.

I said, "I think it's a pirate..." I was right.

Pirates of the Caribbean.... I was soooo relieved, but I was also slightly disappointed. I had my whole heart set on Mansion to the point where anything else probably would've devastated me. None the less I received it with full appreciation. It turned out to be my trainer's favorite ride.

"Glad to have you aboard, mate", she said.

"First Visit to the Park" Chapter 5.

Just after me and 50 other students attended our introductory meeting at Disney University, we were finally given our I.D. badges that allow us to enter the park for work and for pleasure. When students go to work, they carry both their housing and work I.D. with them. The bus drivers who provide free transportation to the parks have to check your housing I.D. to let you ride and Security at the parks needs both housing and work I.D.'s to let you go to work. If you are without either one, you won't get fat at all. So most students wear special cast member lanyards to carry both around their necks. It's harder to lose that way while its around your neck, but when you're not using it, make sure you keep it somewhere you can see it everyday. After the meeting, you have plenty of time to find yourself one of these lanyards that are issued exclusively to cast members. Wear 'em proudly.

I vowed that if I ever made it to the resort, I would ride The Haunted Mansion first thing, no question. I'd always been a huge fan of the ride even thought I've never been able to see it.

"Then why get so crazy about it?", you may ask. Well, thanks to these travel shows like TLC, Discovery and Modern Marvels Disney really loved showing me what I was missing. And though I was a newbie to the park, I stil managed to find my why around. After all, the layout of the various lands is simple enough to navigate the way Walt himself envisioned it should be.

I had originally gone with a roommate of mine but we parted ways after reaching the T.T.C. (Ticket and Transportation Center) monorail station. He wanted to turn around and go home to have dinner with another roommate, but he said it was okay if I wanted to go on my own. So I did. After a minute or two of the classic monorail car spiels and the view from high on the cement track, I stood with mouth slightly agape staring at the Railroad. I'd seen this classic entrance before at a local theme park here in Iowa, but it can't compare to the real deal. Music was everywhere the moment I stepped out of the car. Behind me was the late with a fresh boat full of guests. There before me was 'Lilly Belle', one of the trains that circled the Magic Kingdom.

I traveled down Main Street U.S.A., past the fire station, emporium, confectionery, Kasey's Corner, and the Hub. The castle was illuminated in bright blue with the Partner's statue (Walt and Mickey facing Main Street and the Railroad ) glowing in bronze. Through Cinderella Castle would be Fantasyland, but I knew I was looking for Liberty Square. Long story short, I found The Mansion cloaked in darkness with a splash of occasional thunder and lightning. Then I wandered around until I discovered Pirates of the Caribbean. Little did I know how this first ride on 'Pirates' would be one of hundreds I would make over the next seven months.

"Patterson Court" Chapter 4.

Patterson was the idillic apartment for me. On the second floor I had the view of two palm trees from my bedroom window at the foot of my bed. The very first time I woke up in my new room I was reminded of where I was thanks to the shadows of those spear like branches. The beds weren't very comfortable my first night in there in Patterson. The mattresses looked like floatation devices now filled with bed springs instead of air. Beside the bed was a quaint little nightstand for anything you needed immediately beside the bed. I would keep medicine, toiletries, and books in its drawers, a lamp and the dreaded alarm clock on top. We had one dresser divided in two halves with three drawers for me and three for the roommate. My closet had a locker for keeping valuables but I would have to supply the lock with my own combination. Mine was building one; easy enough to remember, right next door to the clubhouse and the pool. My biggest regret is never having utilized the pool more often but I was very busy with work and during the winter months swimming wasn't the first thing on my mind. Even though it would typically stay at 50 degrees, once you've been used to the Florida weather being 90 or 80 any lower difference can feel drastically cooler.

(*Disney provides a coat for work that fit with your costume theme. They also issue rain coats for the rainy fall season. And if you lose the rain coat, don't worry. It's a four dollar replacement fee. I can't say the same for the winter coat unfortunately, just keep track of it.)

(WORD OF ADVICE: As a cast member you may find yourself wearing costumes with more than one layer. For example: pirates wear a long sleeved shirt, vest and a coat during the winter season. Some prefer to own multiple name tags for their costume to eliminate the need to change one tag from coat to vest, from vest to shirt, etc. Nametags cost about 5 dollars, and I believe you can order as many as you need.)

"Visiting Vista Way" Chapter 3.

My check in date was June 15th, 2009.

It seemed like hundreds were checking in about the same time. People left their suitcases under a tent, being guarded by security just outside the check-in office. Inside the office was a maze of blue dividers that wove around stopping at the individual stations. There was a station to pick up the information packets, a place to pick up the apartment key and your housing I.D. Once you were done filling out basic information you had to find a bus pronto that would take you to your apartment complex. (I chose 'Patterson Court' which is the newest of the four. There other three are Vista Way, The Commons, and Chatham Square.)

(*Guide books are provided to give you every bit of information you would need during your stay in Florida. Items found in the book include: Maps of each complex, a list of acceptable ways to personalize your individual space, a list of different restaurants and shopping centers, etc. You may also find a list of services personally recommended by the company such as transportation, dentists offices, optometrist, and different hospitals/clinics in the area.)

One of the three different aspects of the program is 'Living. You will have the option to stay in one of the four apartment complexes provided by Disney. That also means you will be assigned a roommate. There are one bedroom apartments out there, but you may still be sharing with one other person so it's crucial that you and your roommates get properly acquainted and find some common ground. Everyone pays for their portion of the rent out of each paycheck, which is flat rate and all of the utilities; water, cooling, pest control, and electricity are included in the rent.

(*'Flat rate'-means that the cost of rent will not increase or decrease. So you can allow the AC to run constantly and not worry about throwing away any extra cash. You do have the ability to live 'off campus', but you would be responsible for finding your own means of lodging. Considering that the rent should cost no more than $350 a month without extra expenses, I would highly recommend it as the simpler option.)

After all the boring paperwork and tiresome traveling around Vista, Patterson and The Commons, I had met all of my roommates. Most of them were great and we got along pretty well over the next 6 months. All I can say is that communication is crucial. One only needs to address the issues and confront the offending roommate with them. Again, find your common ground and work together to reach a happy solution. If one cannot apparently be reached, then please seek the help of a Housing Manager.

"The First Night" Chapter 2.

I strolled into the tropically themed hotel lobby and checked in at the front desk, asking for a wake up call at 8 o'clock a.m. to be bright and early for check in with Disney housing. Later, I found myself reclined on a queen bed at the Holiday Inn Sun Spree directly across the street from the Vista Way complex outside Little Lake Bryan. My television was on, and I was utilizing the free wifi service to update my facebook. I didn't quite have the energy to view or test the swimming pool, nor could I see it from my window, which overlooked a gas station next door. Not the most luxurious of accommodations, but I was too busy concerning myself with the tasks ahead, where to find food.

(I had no cash on me because I neglected to check on which airport I would be landing in. It was The Orlando/Sanford and it was located almost 45 minutes from my hotel. There was no shuttle so I had to hail a taxi. The cost was incredibly bad and it's too embarrassing to talk about. I'm ashamed of myself.)

I decided to walk to the Wendy's across the street which was packed full, FULL of people. It was one of the most humid evenings I'd ever experienced and by far it wasn't the last I would see in Florida. The trek there from my room was one of the longest and most awkward walks I'd ever taken. There was no sidewalk for a good portion of the way and several guys chilling in front of the Seven Eleven were watching me. Luckily they were uninterested in where I was going and resumed their muddled conversation amongst themselves while I got further away. I maneuvered through the cross walk and made it there to see all the long line comprised of fellow College participants and regular folks waiting for their order. I waited a total of one hand a half hours to get my lukewarm food. *Added to my incredible luck, the machine was totally out of ice* So I ate my late room temperature dinner in the tranquility of my suite. After a shower, I retired to bed. Tomorrow was definitely going to be a better day.

"It Begins Here" Chapter 1.

I drove over a hundred miles to attend what Disney called an E-Presentation. Watching a video montage of the collective theme parks and different classic films and listening to the different cast members past basically filled up the whole of an hour. There are several places to end up in the Disney company when you apply for and internship. There are positions at many rides and resort hotels, jobs in the restaurants and beverage carts, or selling those famous Mickey ears at merchandize locations. I knew where I wanted to end up. I wanted to be a character dancing around in a parade or on a float. I wanted most of all to be placed in The Magic Kingdom.

After the presentation I was interviewed by a pleasant woman from the casting office in Florida and talked for what seemed like forever about random things. 'Where did your interest in Disney begin?', she asked. 'What is your dream role with us at the Disney World Resort? Do you have a special skill? Have you ever been away from home before?' There was far too much to say. I would talk about every thing and any thing I could to sway her decision to let me in. I poured on the charm and the magic to make my eloquent speech more and more heartfelt. Once the conversation had ended I struggled to catch my breath. I felt like I might've said too much and thought that I blew my chances forever. That's it. Now I'll never fulfill my dream.

Six weeks passed, then another few days. I was told that I would hear back from her (my recruiter) in less time than what had already passed. I called again and was told that she was just coming back from vacation. She seemed groggy and uninterested in my reason for calling. But still, I chimed into the receiver with a cheery attitude in a typical 'cast member way'. I told her that I still didn't get confirmation and after a brief pause.....'Okay, you're in.' And even though the gift came wrapped in a sulking tone and piled high with jet lag, I celebrated like I had won the lottery. My purple folder came in the mail shortly after and I studied up on the necessary paperwork that would need to be done and saved up the cash.