"See you real soon!"

Today I got a really wonderful email. It was titled "See you real soon!" and you know what? I WILL see them real soon! The email was all about checking in - what we need to have with us, wear, how long it will take, where we will go, and what those first few days should look like. According to the email:

Day 1:

Arrival and Check in: Family and friends are welcome to join you and can wait in one of our common areas while you check in. Due to limited space they may not proceed through the check in process with you. You can expect to spend approximately 90 minutes checking in and completing your housing and I-9 paperwork. Attend 45 minute mandatory housing meeting in the Housing Office, #300. Your specific housing meeting start time will be scheduled upon arrival.

Day 2:

Finalize On-boarding processes and attend Orientation in the Casting Theater. Attend Disneyland Resort Resource Info Fair: 5:30-6:30 P.M. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet and learn about many of the different Organizations and resources available to you as a Disneyland Resort Cast Member

Day 3 or 4:

Attend Traditions: Your first paid day of work, you will meet your on-boarding Specialist, receive a training schedule and other information to begin on the job training. You will have the day off whichever day you are not scheduled to attend Traditions.

So all in all, I'd say pretty freaking exciting! I check in at 8am (bright and early, but at least that gives me plenty of time to unpack and figure out what I need to put back in storage) and then I get to spend the day getting to know my lovely new roommates! I'm also happy to know that Day 2 will not be super busy, so I'll probably be able to join the parents as they frolic around the parks. Awesome.

The email also reminds us to arrive with the "Disney Look". Luckily, today JC Penney had a massive sale and I was able to complete my "business wardrobe". For anyone who is curious, that wardrobe consists of a pencil skirt, some slacks, long shorts, button up blouses, sweaters, and a few dresses from Anthropologie that definitely have a sophisticated look. After reviewing the "Disney Look" email I am confident that those will be more than adequate for the few times we have to be dressed professionally. To be honest though...I sort of enjoy dressing up. I keep saying I'll most likely just wear my costume to class, but who doesn't love an excuse to wear a great outfit?

So anyway, that's all the news I've gotten recently. 25 days until check in! I'll update as I learn more, but until then...see you real soon!

The Road to Tomorrow!

Quick update - only 1 month until I head down to Anaheim! I am so excited I can barely stand it. I just have to get through this paper, my sister's wedding, and a fantastic vacation to Disneyworld and Harry Potter World! (What a horrible life I lead)

Last week I auditioned for the Aladdin show at DCA. I've auditioned for Disney a few times in the past and never made it anywhere. I always sit around at auditions for a few hours, go in, sing my 16 bars, and get dismissed with a "thank you for your time". In the past I haven't always sung my best, so I always blame my lack of advancement on that; however, this time, I totally ROCKED "Just Around the Riverbend". I mean, it's a pretty easy song, so there's no way my singing ruled me out. So I have now reached the conclusion that I am just too tall to perform for Disney. Which sucks, because there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.

On the other hand, I also auditioned to be a host for Innoventions - a job that doesn't have a height requirement! The audition included more waiting (of course) and then we auditioned in groups of 10. We were each asked a few questions about ourselves, then given one of the monologues to read. It was pretty easy and fun - I just got to be myself! Only problem? Training is for three weeks starting August 7th - non negotiable. Fiona's wedding? Saturday August 7th. There is NO WAY I am missing that. So when they called to offer me the job, I unfortunately had to decline. Major bummer. But it would also mean that I wouldn't get to participate in the college program anymore. No college housing with awesome roommates, no classes, no fun activities...no. I am happy with the decision I made.

And maybe I can audition again in 6 months when my program is over. If they wanted me once, why wouldn't they want me again? :)

Feel free to take pictures of the elephants - they all have their trunks on

Hello again, friends! I got some more information in the last few days that I thought it might be nice to share. On Tuesday my friend Emily was nice enough to show me the college program apartment she is currently living in, and boy, was it nice! It was certainly spacious enough for 5 girls (although I am a tad concerned about where all my clothes are going to go!) and all the appliances and furniture were in great shape. I am so excited to have a nice oven!

So anyway, I toured a 2 bedroom that's meant for 5 people. The living room was pretty big and their apartment had a great view of the parks. She told me that she can see the fireworks every night! They were provided with a couch, armchair, table and chairs, and TV stand. The bigger bedroom had a bunk bed and a twin bed, walk in closet, and attached bathroom. The other room had 2 twins, and then bathroom is a few steps away. Both rooms come with a pretty large dresser. I think some smaller drawer/shelving units are going to be necessary.

I think the best info I got was that the apartments are definitely within biking distance. The girls told me that you get paid $2 every time you ride your bike to work, plus it may just cut some time off of my commute. At the very least I'd get exercise and some extra cash, so I am definitely in.

I can't wait to get down there to decorate and settle in. Being at Disneyland was practically torture. I've ridden the rides enough times...I want to get in there and start working! I think I've decided to attend the Aladdin auditions, but no matter what I will be working at Disneyland in the fall and nothing could make me happier. :)

Heigh ho, heigh ho, it's off to work I go!

Work Location Wish List!

#1 Jungle Cruise!

Most of my wish list was chosen because I’m a fan of the costumes in that land or attraction, but in spite of jungle’s less than adorable outfit it’s still my number 1 pick. Jungle is one of the few locations where I would get to play a character. Guest interaction is extremely high, and it would allow me to utilize my theatre roots. Plus, who doesn’t want to tell bad jokes all day? Dream come true.

#2 Fantasyland

Ok this one is purely for the costumes. I adore the little flowered lederhosen and the beautiful green peacoats with toggle buttons in the winter season. Plus, I would get to experience children at their happiest….especially if I got the opportunity to work Storybook Land. That was one of my favorite rides as a child. I would LOVE to create that magic.

#3 Midway Mania

Another ride where I love the costumes. Cute gaucho pants, plaid, blue bow ties and straw hats? Plus the ride is so much fun.

#4 Tower of Terror

I would love to be able to get into the creepy character on TOT. I always love it when I get a CM that’s super into it, so it would be great to do that for other guests. Plus the bellhop costumes are pretty cool. I love the hats.


So those are the 4 locations I would love to work. I’m praying I don’t get stuck in Tomorrowland or Toon Town. It would be nice to work in DCA because at least I would get off relatively early every night, but the dream is to work in the Disneyland park. A friend made a call to a higher up on the Jungle Cruise and recommended that I get placed there, so cross your fingers that works. Whatever happens I’m just excited to be working for Mr. Mouse!


Side note, I read about some auditions for Aladdin in DCA. I’m considering attending…even though I can’t be Jasmine (stupid height) I could potentially be cast in the ensemble. Not sure if I’m not allowed because of my placement in the program though. Also, I’m supposed to be back in NorCal by then, so that could cause a problem. Hmmmm…difficult decisions.

Don't forget to bring your death certificate...

Been a while since I posted. Sorry about that. Been busy doing nothing (and by nothing I mean talking on Skype, watching TV, shopping too much and going to Disneyland. Best nothing I can think of)

But anyway, I've got some updates on Disney news!

Update #1:

It seems I have found myself some roommates! 4 other girls and I have decided to try to wrangle ourselves the same apartment so we can have girly, Disney, goofy fun from August to January. I'm rather excited. My actual roommate seems to be a replica of me...right down to the height. I'm hoping we can sing duets for youtube videos and exchange disney trivia all year.

Update #2:

Received an email from housing telling me I need to decide how I'm going to pay. Slight problem...already paid in full for housing. Even got it on my credit card statement. So I'm currently trying to deal with that so they don't try to charge me twice or worse, kick me out!

Update #3:

The Fall Advantage program has begun! I'm using my facebook stalking skills to decipher some tips about what the program is actually like...found one guy who is a Jungle Cruise Skipper, so there is still hope that my dream will come true. I wonder if I can call them and tell them what a brilliant actress/comedian I am...maybe that will convince them. :)

Update #4:

That's really it. Disney is getting into the summer season which means the park is filling up, and my pass is about to be no good. How will I survive just over a month with no Disney? Must go next week to get my fix. Disneyland is a drug.

Only 76 days until I move in. Can't wait!!!

Hang on to your hats and glasses - cuz this here's the wildest ride in the wilderness!!!

Right now I should be writing a research paper on the rhetoric and ideologies of FDR. It's due in just over 24 hours and I haven't really even started. I mean, that's not really a new trend for me - I usually write papers the day before. And I have done some research, so I think I should be ready to start writing the actual paper in an hour or so.

But I just can't find the motivation. I graduate in just over a week, and this is one of the last assignments I have left. I have to give a speech, write this paper, and take my final. And then basta. No more college. Ok that's a lie...I have to write a large paper this summer to complete my requirements, but I just can't seem to bring myself to acknowledge that yet. I desperately want to be a part of the graduation hype, and as long as I still have work to do this summer, I can't!

I don't really know what to do about the whole classes aspect of the CP. I feel like there are definitely some interesting things I could learn from them, but the idea of taking more classes and having homework again after I've been so looking forward to being done makes me feel sick to my stomach. I've never been a big fan of school....how could I possibly go back when I've just finished?

I guess it's just something I'll have to figure out once August rolls around.

Non Disney Related Post

These last few days I've been planning a trip with my family to Florida in order to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando is actually offering a really great package deal that offers hotel accommodations, park tickets, a meal at the three broomsticks, a city walk pass, transportation, and best of all, early entrance to the park every day! Because the park will only have been open for about 2 months at that point, I have a feeling the early admission will be essential so I don't have to wait 3 hours in line for every ride.

Here is the link: http://www.universalorlando.com/Florida_Vacation_Packages/bf/harrypotter.aspx?ComponentId=13187&SourcePageId=7805#5

I've also been hearing a lot of great things about the park. This is a review I read on the food: http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/45398045.html#cutid1

All in all, I think it's going to be a simply magical experience and I can't wait!

Of course we'll be stopping at Disneyworld while we're there (we have vacation club points to spare...so why not?) and I just know I won't be able to get away without participating in the American Idol experience again.

So now I have three wonderful things to look forward to in August! Fiona's wedding, Harry Potter World, and DCP. Can the months go faster please?