"In My Heart is the Memory"

So it seems like forever since my last post... and it has been. Yesterday was the last day of my college program and I absolutely don't believe it. I have been so grateful for all of the people I have met on this incredible journey, especially everyone who works at the Tank. You have all been so kind and wonderful and I am blessed to have each of you in my life. Now I'm headed back to Texas for a bit while I figure the rest of my life out. I thought I would be ready to go, but at this point I can't really say goodbye. I've decided to stay seasonal with the company and so I'll be back (probably sometime in August). I have absolutely loved every minute working at Disney World, which is something few people say at the end... so they tell me, but I'm not finished yet, so I'm not really saying goodbye, just see you later.

As far as my Environmentality class, it was a huge success! I got to meet some manatees and dolphins and I got a perfect attendance award!

Also a big thanks to those who made the trip to come visit me, Angie, Susan, G.T. and Sarah. I hope you had as an amazing a time as I did. For those of you who wanted to, but couldn't, not to worry, now you have plenty of time.

So to all my people in Dallas and Wichita, see ya real soon!

And to my wonderful Disney Family...

“Good bye may seem forever. Farewell is like the end, but in my heart is the memory and there you will always be.”-The Fox and the Hound

It's Not Easy Being Green

So I just got out of my first Environmentality and Sustainability class. Gotta say, I'm super excited! My facilitator is quite a funny guy and very energetic, so it seems like the hours are going to fly by. I'm not exactly the biggest tree hugger in the woods, but I certainly do like learning about environmental issues (especially wildlife) and I want to own a Prius for goodness sakes, so there. To be quite honest, I really only signed up because we get a behind the scenes tour of The Seas at EPCOT, which means MANATEES!!! However, there's a lot more that I'm interested in, so this will be fun. My class is full of science majors, so I'm an odd one that's for sure, but it's a throwback to Environmental Science at UD. I'm also curious to see the educational tie-ins that I could possibly use in my social studies class.

Other than that, I've been working like crazy. Times fly at the water tank. Our ride has been staying open later and later, which is great for me because it means more hours. I work 40-45 hours a week, but the other cast members who work with me make the time go by so quickly! Cannot believe I'm already a month and a half in! Seems unreal! Miss all those far away from me and hope everybody's as happy as I am!

God bless!!!
Monica

Earning My Ears

Hello Family and Friends!

Just a few quick words to let you know, I'm still alive and loving my new job! I earned my ears two weeks ago at the Water Tank at Disney's Hollywood Studio's Backlot Tour. This means I don't have to drive (yay) and I do get to blow stuff up!!!!! I'm having a blast (pun intended) so far! I rotate jobs with my co-workers so I have several positions that I fill, from Director (giving the spiel about how we make special effects) to Assistant Director (working with volunteers, etc) to every other job like Greeter (what it implies, standing outside saying "Hi There!") in between. Not going to lie, it's a busy day but I got lucky compared to some of my other CPs (College Programers) because the ride closes by 5 every day, which means I'm outta there by 5:30 at the latest.

In my down time, I've been hanging out at the parks and doing some shopping. I also finally got some much needed car fixes! I like Orlando a lot, it's a fun new place to explore. I also found a parish that I really like in a city called Celebration, FL, which I just recently found out was actually designed by Walt himself. Doesn't surprise me one bit because when I was driving all I could think was, Wow! It's like I jumped into an episode of Desperate Housewives. Anywho... for those of you who want to see my costume, don't get too excited, but pictures are coming. Not bad, considering I have a friend who works at Dino Land and her's is possibly the worst.

I love and miss you all! God bless!
Monica
P.S. to all my UD friends... Raise a glass for me! Happy Groundhog Day! I'm drinking in spirit!

Met My Boss Today!!!

I am officially a Disney cast member!!! I had my traditions class this morning. In it, I got my first look at backstage Disney and even a visit from the "Big Cheese" himself ;) Most importantly I received my name badge complete with extra pixie dust! Now I'm headed to Hollywood Studios and Epcot for the first time ever!

I Can Go the Distance

So after 18 hours in a jam packed Chevy Aveo and my awesome "Road Trip EXTREME" mix, I made it to Vista Way right next door to the entrance to Disney World in Orlando! Yesterday was crazy! I left the Mangan's in Tallahassee at 5 am (Thanks Mary for letting me crash!) and hit the road for 4 hours.

I arrived at Vista around 9:15 and got in line, shocking for Disney :). As I was standing in line I met several people including my new roommate Laura. She is from Chicago, IL and also a History Teacher to be! Match made in heaven. I received my job location, I will be working in Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM) in the Backlands. Because I had to take a drug test, my guess is I will be doing the studio tour which includes driving trams filled with 250 people!!! My family got a good laugh out of that as driving is not exactly my excellence, haha. Laura and I are in a 3 bedroom apartment with 4 other girls (6 total). We are all over the parks and doing various jobs and I'm really looking forward to getting to know everybody better. Judging simply from last night, we're going to have a lot of fun. I also went to the Casting office and got my first glimpse behind the scenes, or backstage as they call it. I will be having my Disney Traditions class on Friday at 8:00 am and will get my pass to the parks!!! Since I don't have work until Sunday, I can go to the park on Saturday and explore, super pumped! Anyway, that's my update for now, once I have everything nice I will post pics of my digs (as Mom calls it).
Miss you all, but not too much!!!

Thanks For the Love

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm so excited to start working my dream job at Disney World in Orlando and I thought the best way to keep all my amazing peeps in the loop about what I'm up to would be to start a blog... as so many do. I can't guarantee that it's going to be witty or entertaining, but if you're curious about what I'm up to, I'll try to keep up with it as much as humanly possible.

So far, here's what I know about what I will be doing at Disney:

• I will be arriving (somehow) to Orlando on January 15th between 9-11 am... still figuring out the details
• After checking in, I will be moving in to the Vista Way apartment complex, the oldest and cheapest of my 3 options, woo hoo! I will also be one of the first of my roommates to move in WOO HOO!! because I chose an Attractions Only day.
• On that note, I will be working with the Attractions Cast Members
• My job description: Attractions Cast Members are responsible for greeting guests, loading and unloading attractions, operating sophisticated ride systems, delivering narrations of varying lengths in front of large groups and providing audience control. Attractions hosts and hostesses may also have the opportunity to work both indoors and outdoors.
• FINGERS CROSSED FOR JUNGLE CRUISE!
• I will work between 30-50 hours a week depending on how busy the park is
• I can take two courses during my time (FO FREE!) One of which will definitely be Disney Heritage, which is literally a class on the history of the Walt Disney Company [sigh] and the other, I have yet to pick, but will probably be something to do with education... can't imagine why, haha :)

Anyway, as I find out more, I'll keep you all updated!