Memories From the Past

Hi everyone! It has been a long time since I was on this part of my blogs. Lately I have been thinking about my time with the last internship I had while I was in Orlando. Now I know a lot of people might become so sick of me mentioning Disney but let me just say this now while I have the chance. When I was younger I loved Disney movies. They were the only things that would calm me down and later became a destresser while I was in high school and college. The music is fantastic and I feel like I can find refuge in the world of Disney when I can't find it anywhere else. Disney you could say saved me. Let me explain why:

While I was working at EPCOT in 2013 on the Disney Internship Program they have I was blessed to work at the Agent P World Showcase Adventure at EPCOT. At first I was super nervous that I would fail on the dialogue of what we were trained to say to guest, where characters were in the countries, etc. But once I got the hang of it, I became in love of EPCOT! The different cultures there are amazing and quite a learning experience. But that's not why I am telling my stories about Agent P. 

While I was working at Agent P, I came to grow close to some of the most amazing people in the world! The first one I want to tell you about is my trainer Angel. He was so kind and welcoming to me when I arrived for my training. He became one of my favorite trainers there at Agent P. I knew I could trust him with anything and working with him was always a joy. He had a smile that could brighten up anyone who maybe having a cruddy day and he always gave the biggest hugs in the world. I'm not sure if I ever got to say thank you to him when I left but Angel, if you are reading this post; thank you for welcoming me to the Agent P family! Your welcoming helped me feel right at home. 

The next one is a true friend that I love to tell people about; Ronnie. He was a true friend and by all means Disney better make him a full time cast member. He KNOWS his Disney homework. On one occasion I was having a very hard day and I came to work with a very foul attitude; one that is not acceptable around Disney guests. Ronnie knew how to cheer me up and in a very fast way too. Ronnie was assigned to go get the F.O.N.E.S. (only Agent P Cast Members know that phrase) around the countries and decided to take me with him. I had just clocked in and was not ready to go out and face guests who could've blown a fuse in me; but Ronnie had a fun yet respectful way of asking me. At first I was not up to it but Ronnie assured me it would be fun; he was right. When we go to Mexico, he decided to skip and sing Disney songs as loud as he could! Instantly I was no longer mad; but happy. I was surprised to discover that I was skipping and singing with Ronnie while guests could see us having so much fun. They were laughing at us because we did not care what others thought of us, we were in our own world. After Ronnie finished his internship, I was sad that one of the best friends in the world that could bring a smile to my face was gone. When he came with his family to just play at the parks, he invited me to come spend some time with them. I was indeed honored. We spent the entire afternoon at Hollywood Studios and getting to spend that day with him and his family gave me the strength to endure the struggles of roommates and angry guests for a few more months until my family came to see me. Ronnie shows the true magic of Disney and to me he was my own personal Mickey Mouse. Ronnie, thank you for showing me love and letting me get to know you better. 

Danielle; she was the one that got me through a very harsh time in my life at Disney. At this point my roommates where making my life a living nightmare (or as some call a living hell). They were making sure I was treated as an 'It' than a human being. The way my roommates were treating me was starting to affect my way at work. Danielle came right when I was really considering on leaving. She made sure every day we were working that I was okay and always re-assured me that I was loved at Agent P because I had family there and those roommates could not hurt me there. She told me that if I needed someone to talk to, she would be there. She was right. As time went by I felt safer at work than I did at my apartment where no love was given to me. Danielle was so kind enough to let me use her camera to give her some ideas for photography since she had no idea where to look. I'm not sure if she got good ideas but it was a start none the less. Whenever she would go to the parks and if I was off work, she would invite me and we would have the best time ever as friends. She made me feel like I was an actual person and I felt safe around her. Danielle, no words can ever express how much you mean to me as a friend and how you never gave up on me during those dark times! Thank you!!!

My roommate Larissa; she was one in a million. I cannot even express how lucky I was when she came into my life. She came when I had only two months left of my internship. But those two months felt like a life time. She was my roommate that shared the same room as me but she treated me as if I actually existed in the apartment. When she was going to go out with her friends, she would ask if I wanted to tag along. Most of the time I would but others I would decline. Lari (her nickname) would listen to me and would give me comfort when I felt alone. I remember on one occasion when she had just moved into the apartment, she invited me to go to a party she and her friends were doing at a different apartment complex. That was the first time I was ever recognized by any roommate in months. I gladly accepted. While we were at that party, I actually enjoyed myself for the first time and I enjoyed being around Lari and her friends. When she worked and if I was at the park I would go over and give her a hug and talk for a few minutes. Even though we no longer work at Disney, she is the only roommate that I have stayed in contact with. Lari, I love ya cutie and always go with the flow! Lol. 

Benji was a true friend. When Benji joined the Agent P family it was so much fun to work with him. On one occasion he and I were going around the countries to get the F.O.N.E.S. and we were just goofing around and having a blast. He had a smile that made anyone forget the worries they carry in their hearts. He made me feel at ease and he always encouraged me to do the impossible. When Benji was in a event called 'Night of Stars' I went to support him as a friend. So many people where there but when they announced who won for best instrumental; Benji won! I was screaming for joy because he did an amazing job with his talent. I remembered him telling me how he loved Steamboat Willie (Older Mickey Mouse version) while we were working one day and how he was a huge Mickey Mouse fan. I knew I had to draw him Steamboat Willie; I did. After I finished the drawing I left it for Benji at work since I wasn't able to give it to him due to me having to go to a section for the fireworks that I had to be at in 10 minutes. He received the drawing and was very happy that he got a drawing of Steamboat Willie. Benji is such an awesome friend and I am glad we got to know one another at Agent P. 

I could go on and on about my friends and family that I came to know through Agent P but that will be a long post for people to read through. But I wanted to show you all some of the friends who had changed my world for the better and I am grateful they did! 

Tips on how to prepare yourself for fun after getting accepted into the Disney College Program

It has been a long time since I've been on this blog but I feel like I need to give some advice to those who are going to be going on the Disney College Program either soon or just got the acceptance letter (via email). Either it be to Disneyland or Disney World, you will be having so many memories that will last more than ten lifetimes. So to help get you prepared for a ton of fun and memories, here is a list of what you could do. 

1. If you are working at Disney World, try to do the ultimate challenge; four parks in one day. Trust me, this one is very difficult and not very many DCP students who did this actually succeeded. I got to three parks before crashing from spending more time on the bus transportation than the parks itself. But it is fun none the less. 

2. Dress up as a Disney character and spend the day in the parks. I caution you all on this one because if you are close to looking like the character itself, they may ask you to leave. So dress up as a character that you do not look close to resemblance or you may get kicked out. The reason Disney does that is to "preserve the Magic" you'll understand when you got through orientation. 

3. If you are there during the biggest holidays of the year, go to the parties they hold at Magic Kingdom. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas Party are the two biggest ones they hold every year. The most rare characters come out only for these parties and the only way in is by paying for the admission for the party. If you did not pay for the party you will be asked to leave so those who did pay will be able to come in. 

4. Take as many pictures as you possibly can! This is how my Disney Side came out while I was working for the Disney company. On my days off, I would go to the parks and take tons and tons of pictures. I actually caught and little girl dresses as Anastasia from 'Cinderella' and it was to precious not to pass up on taking pictures like that because you never see a child dresses as a Disney villain. 

5. See the firework shows! I have seen every firework show at Disney World and my favorite ones have always been; EPCOT's Illuminations Refections of Earth and Magic Kingdom's Wishes show. There is just something about those two shows that have a special meaning in my heart and it is very difficult to describe it to others until they see it for themselves. 

6. Do every popular ride in all the theme parks! The best way to accomplish this is to be there when the parks open. If you go later on in the day it ends up being a 2 hour + wait and that is a huge pain. If you like the front seat it is actually the best spot on the ride because you get front view. I love that on a lot of those rides. 

7. Take a bunch of friends with you when you go the parks. The more people that go with you the better the memories are made. There are some days you want to go by yourself but most of the time its nice to have a friend tag along with you. 

8. If you want to hunt down characters that are only out for certain hour of the day, get a shirt or autograph book to have as a memento. The characters at Disney World Magic Kingdom are more likely to be out in the morning and leave at 2pm. These ones are the more difficult ones to find. 

9. There will be tons of CDP events just for the college students who are there on the internship and I advise you all to go to them if you can. There is one that I loved the most was when I graduated the Disney College Program. We go to have free food (they have this in a lot of events), got to take pictures with the fantastic six (Mickey and the Gang), got our own Mickey Mouse graduation ears, a diploma showing we did it, and getting to spend time with friends we made while living or working with them. 

10. For those who are going to work At Disney World, make sure you go to Universal Studios Orlando to do the Harry Potter experience. That is one of the fun things I did that was not Disney related. I never got to do the newest section since they were under construction while I was there but I've made plans to be going back to do it. 

11. Do St. Augustine and the Fountain of Youth if your in Florida. I never got to do those while I was there but it is a definite must. So many CP students carpool there since it is cheeper to do that then pay a taxi (which will cost you and arm and a leg). There is so much to see and do there so take the chance to go if you can. 

12. If you are working during May, Star Wars Weekends are ones to never forget!!! I went in 2013 and I do not regret not missing the chance since I got there towards the end of it. But hey I got to see Warwick Davis the weekend I went. I told him that he was amazing and rocked. He looked at me and said that I rocked too and loved my support for him. I mean come on HE'S IN HARRY POTTER!!! 

13. I could go on and on of things to do but this is the most important thing that I can give you is to have the best time of your life while you are there because those small yet simple memories you make, last forever. 

I hope these things will help you and even though there will be hard times every now and then but just remember when you set foot onto the busses every morning that YOU are changing someone else's life better when they are having a hard time in their own lives. I wish you luck and have a fun time on your internship!!!! Below are some pictures of what you could expect to have for yourself or some that never occur very often! 

The castle light up at night. 

Getting to meet-n-greet with Mickey and Minnie.

Meeting Pinocchio at Magic Kingdom.  A kid photo bombed me in this picture. 

Splash Mountain. 

Animal Kingdom Tree of Life. 

The famous Cinderella Castle. This was on my last day on my 2011 Disney Internship. 

The 'Partners' statue that stands proud in front of the castle. 

The view of the castle on the bridge going over to Liberty Square. 

The statue of Cinderella fountain that is on the backside of the castle.

During the Star Wars Weekend I went on the Star Tours ride my 1st time and I was the Rebel Spy!!! 

Meeting Anna and Elsa the first day they came out before the release of the 'Frozen' movie. 

Having breakfast at Ohana's with fellow Disney College Program cast members. This was right before we all had to say goodbye and go back to the real world of school, jobs, and reality. 

Christmas Eve 2013 at Magic Kingdom. 

One of the many signs welcoming you to the happiest place on earth. 

Lights, Mortars, Action show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

The one time that I've ever seen the castle multi-colored. 

Hades at the College Disney Ball that ONLY College Program students could go to. This was amazing to get a picture with Hades even though he's huge!! !

Graduating the 2013 DCP! I earned my ears and diploma. 

Me and my friend Ronnie on Splash Mountain late at night. we went twice with no one to stop us!!!  

A Blast into the Past

It has been quite a while since I got on here to talk more about my adventures in the past experiences I had as a CP. Many of my friends know that I got the privilege of doing the Disney College Program in 2011 and then in 2013. I know that I have mentioned a lot about my journey in 2013 but now we blast into the past of my first program in 2011! 

Not a lot of people know the story on how I came across this program but this is the back ground story. In 2011, I had seen the Disney College Program reps walk around campus and town trying to get people's attention on doing the program. At first I had mentioned it to my parents but weren't fully interested in it until I had mentioned it again in the fall of 2010 when the reps came to my work area to hang up a flyer on the Disney CP. This time I had mentioned it to my parents again hoping that they would listen but yet they thought I shouldn't do it. Until the unexpected happened... When they were on their way into town to get some pumpkins to carve with the family they were discussing on which store to go to and decided to go to the one that would soon change my life forever. 

Once they were at the store they saw the reps and saw how they presented themselves to my parents and when I got home from work I got the most unusual response from them. They had told me that it was no coincidence they had chosen to go to that certain store but that the Lord NEEDED me to apply for this program. So I took the opportunity and the rest is history in the making. After a long time waiting for the response from Disney the day I would find out if I was to go or not I was in the doctor's office due to an injury from falling down some cement stairs that almost fractured my ankle. My little sister called to tell me that I had a letter from Disney and that I had to get home ASAP. Yeah I was in the office for almost 3 HOURS!!!! 

After all was said and done, I realized that Satan was trying to stop me from going by doing that to me but the Lord KNEW I was ment to go to Disney for a reason. As to why I needed to go I am still finding the answers as to why. But once I was home, my little siblings and parents were around me all of us were on the edge of our seats (almost like a mission call opening) as to see the decision. Once I read the letter quietly without a hesitation in my voice that is the most famous phrase EVERYONE hears "I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!!!" It was such a joy to know that I was FINALLY having my own wish come true since I have always wanted to go to Disneyland or World as a child. 

When I arrived at Disney World, that is when my own magical journey began in only four months. Below is just a glimpse of that program! Enjoy!!!

L to R: Ben, me, Jess, Carissa, Jane, Jeff and Kortnee

L to R: Chris, me, Jess, Carissa, Jane, Jeff and Kortnee

Ben was not happy that Aurora was taller so he got up more and this was his content face that HE was taller now. 

A Pirate's Life for Me anyone?  

L to R: me, Kortnee and Carissa on our way to Traditions

L to R: me, Carissa, Jess and Jane on the bridge to Adventureland

Jane trying to be like the 'Scream' guy. She won out of all of us. 

Carissa trying to do the 'Scream'

Jess now giving it a shot. 

Me trying but I would say I was an epic fail!

Thunder Mountain anyone? It is the best!

Mickey Mouse made from flowers. This is in January! WHAT!!

The tain station to Magic Kingdom. You go under this to begin your day there. 

L to R: Carissa, Jess and Chris on the monorail showing off their "First Time Visit" buttons.

Jane and I showing ours!

Welcome to Norway at EPCOT. It is January and you can see what I am wearing besides snow clothes. I would soon work at EPCOT in 2013! AGENT P!!!

In China with my umbrella to give me shade!

Visiting Mulan for the first time. 

Kortnee at Animal Kingdom during a rain storm. FREE reign for us!!! 

One of the best roomies at Disney EVER!!! Later in 2013 we would be back there with Kort's fiance and little sister. 

The best ride EVER! It is VERY popular at the AK.

Pluto and Goofy meeting me for the first time in Dinoland USA. 

The theme for the 2011 year. And man that meant a lot to me. There is not a day that I think of Disney. 

Ariel and Prince Eric metting me for the first time!

Rupunzel! This was just shortly after the movie came out and I have to admit I did not see it until I was at Disney World. I got an ear full from a lot of people. 

FLYNN RIDDER!!!!!! It is VERY difficult to get a character to look DEAD ON and they NAILED IT!!!! 

My camera caught the famous "Smolder"!!!! 

Giving Pascal a kiss

He wants to come with me now!

Rupunzel LOVED my braids and Flynn wanted hair  styling tips  before this picture. Rupunzel warned me to have a frying pan around when he's near. 

A two hour wait for them was SO worth my time!!!

Terrance playing with my braids for almost 5 minutes. I was trying so hard not to blush.  

I really liked this Terrance!

Tinkerbell!

Rosetta and I. 

Peter Pan and I! 

Pinocchio came out for a short time and I got to meet him! 

My first official broadway! 

I would soon see this AMAZING broadway!!!! NEVER in my wildest dreams did I think I would see this one!

Me with a few of the CP's at the West Side Story broadway

A better view!

This was not planned AT ALL! They just did this while were waiting to get on Rockin' Roller Coaster. 

Gosh I sure do miss these amazing people!

Ben decided to wear these on the ride. Don't ask. I STILL don't know why but I still laugh when I see this picture. 

Just monkeying around before we get on the Toy Story ride. 

Kortnee showing off her little tiara for her birthday. 

At the Celebrate A Dream for CP's only. 

While I was in Orlando, my cousin Carter and Aunt Linda came and I got them into DIsney for free and in return they got me into Universal Studios for free as a thank you. I had a BLAST going there. It feels like you are actually in the movie!!

One of the views before the castle ride

My first butter beer!!!!! IT WAS DELICIOUS!!!

L to R: me, Hogwarts conductor and Carter

A turkey leg that was the size of my head. According to Carter. 

A happy kid in the candy store! Gotta love Honeydukes! 

Right after we had gotten off Jurassic Park ride. The drop was HUGE!!! (think 2 splash mountains put together)

This shows how wet we really got!

Makeup smearing off... Check. Hair soaking.... Check. Having the best time EVER? Well uh, YEAH!

This made me giggle when Carter was a bit more preoccupied 

I had to do this because I wanted my own family there with us that day. 

Warning: Going into Haunted Mansion will make you the 1,000 ghost. 

Colonial Mickey while we were waiting for the hall of the presidents show!

Faces to Splash Mountain

Yeah Carter and I were raised on the ORIGINAL Star Wars! Missed the ride in 2011 but got SUPER lucky to do Star WArs Weekend in 2013. 

This night I got to spend it with Brandon who was Robert Pattinson's stunt double at the time. He was the nicest guy I had ever known. 

Thanks Brandon for letting us chill with you! 

MEKO!!!! Love this furry little guy!

Me with the Goofsters

Chip n' Dale

Kenai from 'Brother Bear' and I

Thumper and Ms. Bunny with me

Me with the Big Mouse!

Minnie and I

Brer Bear and I

Donald Duck and I

Terk and I 

There are some amazing animals to see at Animal Kingdom

The Tree of Life. This was right outside the area I worked at. 

I took this when the sun was setting and the castle began to light up. 

Tiana and Naveen with me at MK

Buzz welcoming me to the Flower and Garden Festival. 

My personal favorite one!

All made from flowers 

The faires from Pixie hollow watching over

Beautiful. Tink and her friends were there to meet and greet in the back ground. 

Tink!

Silvermist

Rosetta

Terrance

All flowers. This smelt so good. I thought of my mom when I saw this. 

Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip

Belle and Beast

Cogsworth and Lumiere with Chip hidding

Aladdin on Carpet

Goofy

Donald

Lady and the Tramp

The seven dwarfs

with Snow White

Panda Bears in China

Trolls in Norway

Rafiki and I

Jiminy Cricket and I. He NEVER comes out

Chris got a surprise from Molly and I one night. 

Mad fan? Uh maybe.

The Grand Floridian outside view

This is a shirt and I just DIED when I saw this

You get lost SUPER quick if you have no idea how to get around. 

Houston and I on my last day before I had to go home. I had to say good bye to him before I left. 

Outside to see Wicked

Wearing the OZ glasses. 

The stage before the show. I had to turn my camera off right after I took this. 

In front of the sign. 

My cute cousin Trenton running to give Mickey hug. 

My aunt and uncle came down to see me. When they got married my aunt had promised me that she would take me to Disney one day. Well turns out I took them to DIsney World for free. 

Trenton and Tanner on the Safari ride. How cute they are!

Goofy pointing to his picture on Trenton's shirt

Trenton holding his shirt to let Goofy see better. 

Loves from the Polatis crew

Tanner LOVED Donald Duck and when I had set him down. BAM he was already at Donald Duck holding him in the biggest hug ever!

After a LONG day. Tanner was out cold. 

Trenton playing the drums. 

He sat in the VERY front of the ride on Expedition Everest! What a trooper! 

Me with the best couple in the world!

Wait a second! Where did this family come from? The Thuesons are at DINSEY WORLD!!

Smile with Tigger

LOVE this girl to bits! I was SO glad I got to see them when they were in Orlando for a few days!

Rob and I on my last night at Disney World. We were taking funny pictures

Good bye Disney WOrld, I will 'See Ya Real Soon' in 2013!!!