Exactly one year ago today, I hopped in the car with my mom and sister as we began our journey to Florida where I would participate in the Walt Disney World College Program. I am so grateful for the experience and wish I could go back and do it all over again. I always told my mom as a kid that I would “live at Disney World” someday and for 5 months, that is exactly what I got to do. Without that internship, I would know a lot less awesome people and would not have the amazingly magical job that I do today.

Let me tell you from personal experience how true Walt’s words were those many years ago: “All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney

bibbidibobbinaboo:

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with an exciting evening of fun, games and dancing at DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive theme park in the Downtown Disney area. Discover 5 floors fueled by electronic Disney innovation and imagination—including virtual reality, 3D encounters and classic video games—and ring in the New Year.

Your fun-filled evening includes:

• Access to all DisneyQuest attractions and video games, including Virtual Jungle Cruise, Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters and CyberSpace Mountain
• A DJ dance party, complete with party favors
• A New Year’s Eve countdown and a confetti drop at midnight
• A coupon for a personal pizza, hot dog, kid’s hamburger or a chicken Caesar wrap, as well as chips and a fountain soda at FoodQuest

It’s a fun-filled celebration that’s sure to delight every member of the family—from younger Guests to the young-at-heart.

This was so fun to be a part of this year. As sad as I was that I had to work on NYE, the fact that we LITERALLY packed the building to capacity and danced around with Chip & Dale as the countdown commenced and shared a safe, family-oriented NYE together made it so worth it. Even the fact that we stayed hours after to clean up all of the confetti. I miss my CP Home Away from Home.

Truth.

(Source: disneycpproblems)

My answer:

Alright, I’ll do my best to answer these in order:

1. I believe both Chatham and Patterson are great properties. I live in Patterson, which I love, though it’s a tad on the pricey side. However, Chatham is right across the street and where the bus stop is. So, if you plan on using the bus, I’d highly recommend Chatham. Everyone I’ve talked to that lives in Chatham loves it. Both Patterson and Chatham are quiet and clean. :)

2. As for the bedrooms, you don’t get to choose how many you get.  Whenever you get there on check-in day has somewhat to do with it, but it’s honestly the luck of the draw. If you’re an easy-going person who doesn’t let much get to them, I’d say you could handle a 3-bedroom with no problem. I, unfortunately am not one of those and even my 2-bedroom is sometimes too much for me, lol.

3. I say this a lot: the networking that the CP allows you to do is incredible. ESPECIALLY if you take Disney classes. Every single class leader or speaker I have had has willingly given their contact information and an invitation to speak with them about how they can help you get to where you want to go in the company. While they all have closer ties to the parks, obviously, they almost always have footholds elsewhere in the company and I’m legitimately surprised as to how open they are with their advice and willingness to help out. 

4. Your free time is totally up to your job. It’s typical to have 2 days a week of and possibly less during peak seasons. I began my CP working around 50-60 hours a week which then decreased to 30-40 and will soon pick back up again in December. So, depending on the types of projects you had in mind, you could definitely have free time to do things as long as you prioritize and are willing to get less sleep than normal, lol. ;)

And finally, 5. I am clueless when it comes to merch. I know that World if Disney is the store no one wants only because it is ridiculously massive and always crowded. I’m sure Magic Kingdom stores are fun to work in and the specialty shops like the Christmas stores and other stores with themes would be fun. However, I work Attractions so I’m really not the best equipped to answer merch questions.

I hope I was able to answer your questions and help you out a little bit. :)

To my followers, do you have any more advice to add to my response? I’d greatly appreciate it!  

I had Traditions today, which was magical. Lots of learning, a quick trip into the Magic Kingdom, a visit from Mickey and I got my Disney ID and name tag! Hooray!

I must add, however, that I had a very unpleasant experience with an Entertainment cast member, but I’m trying to forget it and blame it on the horrible heat and humidity today. People all have bad days, I guess. 

I’m flipping exhausted, have to get up to take Mom and sister to the airport in the morning, finally move into my apartment, and then I start my first day of training at Downtown Disney! I can’t wait! 

10 Days! 

(Source: un1cornss)