All Our Dreams Can Come True

Bahamas

2011-01-10T09:45:00.002-05:00

It's back to sunshine and palm trees for me.

Yesterday morning at 7:15am, I said goodbye to Saugus after a very short 5 day visit, and made my way to the airport with my dad and brother. The airport was crazy busy, and we didn't even make it through bag check and security until 8:40. The flight was supposed to leave at 9:09, so we would have just made it, but it actually ended up being delayed for about 2 hours, so we were just fine. In the airport, I actually ended up sitting down next to 3 other SAS kids. The 3 of them didn't know each other either, so it was a very strange coincidence. There was also 4 or 5 more SAS kids on the flight, weird, but I guess it makes sense. It gave us all 2 full days in the Bahamas, which I think is a good amount.

Anyway, in the airport I called Dain one last time, and turning my phone off and knowing it won't be back on for months was so, so hard. It brought more tears and re-enforced how hard this will be. As soon as we got to the Bahamas and went through immigration and customs, we got a taxi to our resort, the Wyndham, and checked in. We made it up to our room where I immediately paid for the internet and logged on to talk to Dain again. I also knew I had to go out and meet people, and I knew I wanted to as well. Sitting up here crying really does nothing positive for me. So I went to the lobbyand met some SAS Kids down there for a while. Then my dad, brother and I went to dinner at some sketchy place that didn't know what gluten was and served me bread with my "plain steak with no sides." Eating in these ports will certaintly be no Disney. After that we came back to the hotel and I found a bunch of SAS kids in the lobby, so we started talking and decided to go to the hottub. So I went upstairs and changed, and when I got to the hottub, a bunch of people were in jeans and the ones that weren't had decided not to go in anyway! Oh well. So instead we all made our way over the bar at the hotel casino, picking up more SAS kids along the way. I met a girl that I instantly feel connected to. Her name is Jesi, and everyone kept asking us if we were friends from home, but we had really only met like an hour ago. It feels great to already know a few people, and it eased my nerves a lot. Eventually, Jesi and a few other people that we met, Laura, Issac, and Sam, went to the hottub over at the Sheraton, which is the resort next door..but I left after an hour because I promised Dain I would be back at 11:00 sharp to skype. I am trying my best to balance meeting SAS kids with fufilling my desires of wanting to see his face and hear his voice. It's hard though, because every time I am not occupied I start to cry and I want nothing more than to get on a plane to Detroit and see him. When I was hanging out with those SAS kids, I wasn't thinking about it at all, and I know i'll have a blast on this adventure, I just think the first week will be hard.

Anyway, I went to sleep around 1, and woke up around 9 this morning. I'm taking a shower soon, and heading to the Straw Market with the family. Tonight, some SAS kids are meeting in the lobby to go out, so i'll be there. As long as I keep occupied, i'll stay excited and stop crying. I just keep telling myself the hardest day has passed...and the next 15 weeks will fly by and be the best time of my life.

coming and going

2011-01-08T15:40:00.002-05:00

I had absolutely every intention of writing a "goodbye to Disney" post - detailing the incredible experience I had and the amazing imprint that it left on my heart. However, i've been in quite a rush over the past few days, and suddenly, I am 15 hours away from leaving for Semester at Sea! It's crazy, crazy, crazy!!!

One week ago exactly, I was midway through my very last shift at Disney. I was at Epcot, hanging out with Mickey Mouse himself over at Character Spot, cherishing every moment knowing it was my last. After work, I came home around 10:00 and completely finished packing up all of my things. It was a surreal experience, because at that point 3 of my roomates had already moved out and the other 2 weren't home. A place that was a few months ago buzzing with noise was now empty and abandoned, a realization that this was the end.

After packing up the rest of the eery and empty apartment, I ventured to the first floor one last time to help Dain pack. It took us all night and all morning, but just in time, 1:45 the next afternoon, we finished and were able to leave. So we said goodbye to Chatham, dropped off our ID's, parking stickers and keys, and headed to the autotrain. The next morning we woke up in Virginia, and to Boston with stops in D.C and NYC. The five days were spent packing and prepping for Semester at Sea, while enjoying as much time together as we could before being separated.

This morning, Dain flew back home to Michigan. We spent the night before entirely awake, laying in each other's arms, remembering the memories, crying about being apart for 4 months, and planning our futures together. I parked at the airport and stayed with him through check in and up until security, and walked away with tears gushing from my body and a limp in my step that can only come from something so emotional. I have every faith in our relationship, despite how new it is (we are about to be apart longer than we have been together) but neither of us are in denial of how hard this is going to be. Going into this adventure, I never ever pictured being in this situation. I didn't cry when leaving Disney, and I don't think I would've cried when I left for SAS if it wasn't for this amazing, amazing person who I have grown to love and adore.

After I had a few hours of sleepless tears this morning, and then ran out to do some last minute SAS errands, and changing my focus was exactly what I needed. Though I find myself checking every method of communication constantly hoping it's Dain, I stopped crying and started to regain some excitement that I temporarily misplaced. That isn't to say that I am sad about SAS or in anyway not esctatic, I know how incredible this is and how blessed I am and I am so looking forward to this adventure, I just wish we didn't have to do it at separate times (he is looking into Spring 2012 - which means we will be going through this again in just a year). But now I am home, and both of my extremely packed suitcases have been forced closed and ready to go. And now I am taking a small break before getting started on this carry on stuff. In some aspects, I feel like i've packed way too much, and in some I fear I don't have enough. But, this suitcases are stuffed to capactiy, so I'll be making due. I also, of course, fear I forgot something vital. But whatever it is...i'll learn to live without it. Nothing except for clean water is truly vital.

I've had a few great, last minute, SAS updates that I would love to share. I spoke with one of the SAS directors, who has managed to allow me a third, small bag, to bring on board soley for food! I was worried about this at first because I was taking up so much extra space in my regular suitcases due to my celiac necessities, but being able to take a separate bag is so wonderful. Also, I have begun contact with my vicarious voyage class. Vicaroious Voyage is a program that sets SAS students up with a classroom near their home that they can connect with for the duration of the voyage. My class is a second grade class in Lakeville, MA..which is about an hour from me. Yesterday, I recieved a package with a letter and a flat stanely from each student. I am so exicted to connect with this class and truly feel involved in what these children are learning.

I've booked a few trips for SAS, but i still feel beyond unprepared. There are plenty of days where I have no plans at all, and others where I have booked trips, but don't know how to get there and what not. Everything will find a way to work itself out I am sure, but I am still nervous to the extreme. I can't believe it's tomorrow.

Rerouting back to Disney really quick, I cannot recommend the College Program enough. This isn't because I met a boy who has truly changed my life (although this is a definite bonus), but because it truly is the world's most magical adventure. You make people smile everyday, and the personal satisfaction is just so mesmorizing. Many people probably look at the Disney College Program website and think "none of these roles apply to my major," and the truth is, that's probably true. But Disney teaches invaluable skills by forcing you to handle mass crowds and thousands of transactions every day. Cast members learn exemplorary communication skills that are vital everywhere. Plus, it's an absolute blast. When else can you decide you are bored, and go walk around the Magic Kingdom for a few hours? I've built lifelong relationships and memories i'll hold forever.

What an incredible, incredible year.

Until I am at Sea,
Alisa

it's really the end.

2010-12-27T22:25:00.002-05:00

In 6 days, i will be en route home to Boston. It's surreal. I spent most of today packing. I'm trying to my best to separate it by stuff I want to take to SAS and stuff I don't, also surreal. In less than 2 weeks, I will in the Bahamas, on day 2 of my journey around the world. I still don't believe this is all real.

I'm trying to form cohesive blogs that make sense, but my mind is just everywhere. I can't imagine not waking up in Chatham every morning, and I really can't imagine waking up in a ship cabin every morning. But whats even stranger is that the thing I cannot picture most is actually waking up at home. It doesn't feel like home anymore. This being my first experience away from home (I commute to college), I have changed in so many ways and grown so fond of my independence. I've always been tempremental and frustrated with the being older and still having the parental control that so many escape in dorm life, but now that i've broken free, I don't know how in the world I am goign to go back. I know after SAS i will NOT have the money to move out, but it's going to be quite an adjustment. Home doesn't feel like home anymore, it just feels like a place to visit. And that's how I would love it to stay.

Speaking of going home, I beyond excited that my boyfriend, Dain, will be making the trip home with me! He's shipping his car home to Michigan, driving to Boston with me and staying until the day before I fly to the Bahamas for SAS! This adds to the wierdness home factor since he is staying there, and I have always hidden that sort of the stuff from them in a desperate plea for my independence, and even though Dain and I have been together for a while, my parents didn't know until a few days ago. I'm thankful they embraced it so quickly, but I secretly despise that the lines of communication have been opened into a further invase parental strategy.

Anyway, enough of Alisa ranting about living at home, I am halfway through the adventure of a lifetime right now. As one door closes, another is opening. As one chapter ends with sadness, another opens with anticipation for the future. Gosh, going back to school for one last semester is going to be tough!

In SAS news, I've booked some trips and starting to feel more secure with just a little bit more of a plan than completly nothing. However, I am a little freaked out because I just recently realized I missed a required FDP for a class and not only did I not register during pre-sale, but I already paid for a trip that overlaps it! I'm hoping I can get some sort of make up assignment by talking to the professor ASAP when I get into class, especially since its one of the last ports we visit. Either way, the study abroad credits transfer as pass/fail, so whatever.

Schoolwise, I am stressing out in general. I'm stressing out because I currently have an incomplete for the fall semester due to my internship not being over until January. I am supposed to hand in my journal, transcripts and managment evaluations from Disney to the advisor at the start of the spring semester so the I can be changed to a P for pass, but as I will already be in the middle of the ocean, I am resorting to leaving a copy in her mailbox over iwnter break and e-mailing a second copy, and hoping my dad will check up on it while I am internetless. I also am not registered for classes for next semester, and hope the study abroad set up gets through quickly. I am too far away from Salem to actually acess Navigator (our registration program) to check if it gets updated from Florida anyway, but I am freaking out thinking about it. In fact, I don't even know my navigator password anymore since I haven't used it for a long while. Lastly, only 2 of my 4 SAS classes have been approved and officse are closed until spring, when I will be at sea and not able to do this. Honestly, this is the least of my worries because I only need 1 of the 2 to transfer, and as it is Sociology of Relgion and I want it for a sociology elective I think I should be okay. However, my school is notiorus for having the world's most unintelligent adminstration, so I fear problems erupting from my lack of presence that I won't even notice until it's too late.

I'm also stressing out about needing to pack everything in just 4 or 5 days, and see all my friends who I haven't seen because I've been in Florida, and show my boyfriend around a city he has never been to before. I haven't made a packing list, started the book SAS recommends we read before we get on the ship, or even bought everything I need yet. Gahhh, this small overlap is so stressful! I know I am going to forget more than 1 thing...but hopefully it will be stuff I can buy in port! I also haven't researched what foods I can eat in each port with my allergies, ughhhh SO MUCH TO DO, SO LITTLE TIME TO DO IT.

As Disney comes to an end, I find myself cherishing my job more and more. My days with Mickey Mouse used to be incomparable to the ones with Donald. I love that duck so much, but I've learned to love Mickey just as much. The admoration, adornment and love that he gets is just incredible. I know I am making magic and memories. And it is such a rewarding feeling.

I love my life.

2010-12-22T13:49:00.002-05:00

I am sitting on the floor of my bedroom with two suitcases in front of me. In one, I am putting the things that I will no longer need. In the other, I am putting things I hope to take with me on a 4 month trip around the world. It's a surreal kind of feeling. As one journey is coming to a close, another is coming to a start. By the time I actually get home from Disney, I will have about 4 days to go through everything from here that I hope to bring, along with everything I have already put aside to bring from me, and unpack just to repack. I haven't made a packing list. I am just sort of winging it. Four days is not enough time for this. Normally I would be stressed to the max right now, but truthfully, I find myself thinking that if I forget something, than it probably isn't important enough that I cannot live without it. I cannot believe that in just 19 days I will beginning this journey around the world, and in 12 days I will be getting in my car to drive from Orlando to Boston. I have 7 shifts left at Disney - an unreal feeling. But I know this isn't the end of my journey with Disney. I am unsure of in what capacity I will be back, but I will be. Even if I never come back here to work again, everytime I visit the parks on a vacation I will remember my journey. I will never again look at a character or a mascot in the same way, and I will truly always cherish the amazing feeling that this job has given me.

Looking back, not getting that managment position at Jordan's was the sole greatest thing that ever happened to me. It's funny that sometimes what seems like a huge upset, turns into the greatest reward. Seeing what has happened over the past few months between my old world and my new, I am so grateful with this journey and this experience. My life has been forever changed becasue of Disney. To anyone reading this that has even thought one time about doing this program - DO IT. The Disney College Program has changed me in more ways that I could ever have imagined. And i've had the time of my life doing it.

2010-12-13T14:52:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe that in less than in a month, I will be aboard the mv explorer sailing towards dominica, the very first stop on a trip around the world.

But, with that rapidly approaching, it means the end of this disney adventure is near. A new, more detailed entry is on the way, but for now I will leave it at this: I would not change the last seven months for the world. This has been incredible.

2010-12-02T14:29:00.001-05:00

with exactly a month left at disney, i am completely overcome with the feeling of loss.

here's to the next month, let's end this thing with a bang.

semester at sea classes!

2010-11-05T16:33:00.002-04:00

so registration for next semester was on monday. per usual, i set my alarm and sat down to fight the masses and the internet to get the classes i wanted. the difference was that instead of logging on to navigator, i was logging on to myvoyage, instead of registering for classes on mwf or tr, i was registering for classes for a days and b days, and instead of registering for courses on salem state's campus, i was registering for classes on the mv explorer! it still hasnt hit me that these classes i just registered for are classes i'll be taking while sailing around the world. it's unreal. i know that one day i will just wake up and all of a sudden i am going to realize that in just 2 months i will be embarking on a trip around the world.

but, anyway, here's my schedule:
A days:
8 - 915 Sociology of Religion
920 - 1035 Global Studies

B days:
8 - 915 Sex and Gender in a Cross Cultural Perspective
135 - 250 World War II in Asia

so, i haven't had class every day since 2007. And having class every day at 8am certaintly isn't a bonus. But i'm taking amazing classes and i'm taking thme while traveling the world. somehow, i think sacraficing sleep will be a bit easier to deal with than normal :)

2010-10-31T13:05:00.001-04:00

time really does fly when your having fun.

change

2010-10-19T10:00:00.002-04:00

at the disney college program live recruiting presentations, they often refer to the cp as "the journey that will change you"

i realized last night how true that really is. i've grown stronger, more independent, more assertive, less timid, more outgoing, more honest and more open than ever.

though i have no intention of writing here exactly what these changes have been, i can promise you that they are huge.

now, i'm sure this isn't "the" journey that will change me, since i'm pretty sure semester at sea will also be a huge changing point ;) but i'm beyond proud of everything thats become of me in the past 4 months, and i cant wait to see what else comes.

this program has truly changed my life.

2010-10-18T15:18:00.000-04:00

i learned in class today that mickey mouse is the #10 most recognized icon in the world.

i cannot explain the immense amount of satisfaction, pride, and fufilment this gives me.

i have the most amazing job in the world, and i am so lucky.

half way!

2010-10-15T17:51:00.003-04:00

i know, blog, i've been neglecting you. i've been going through a lot of turmoil lately, and it's been hard to truly keep my mind focused upon disney. i've been going through a period of intense loniliness. i've made amazing relationships here, but my situation is so temporary i question what the future will hold. i thought i would have certain people in my life through this and forever, but maybe this isn't going to be the case as much as i hate it.

anyway, the first 4 months of my disney college program is done, and i have 2 and a half left to go. in some regards it truly feels like ive been here forever and that i've been doing it forever. i've become totally comfortable in my job. this is something that i am not so excited about. while other people have been getting trained in parades and shows, i've been doing the same old, same old. truthfully, i love my job, i really do, and i don't mind not getting trained in a bunch of stuff since i have no intention of making disney a career like a solid amount of people here do, though i would have loved the experience of at least one trained event. i am looking to moving on, though i'll miss my experiences, life and friends here oh so much. it still seems like i have quite a while left here, but i know it will fly by, because the truth is, i'm moving out 11 weeks from sunday. that isn't so far away...

i finished my first disney education course, creativity and innovation, and am now taking two more, marketing you and disney hertiage. i am beyond excited and in love wtih disney heritage..it's all about disney history and that is right up my alley. and though marketing you has more work than creativity did, i'm learning a lot of useful information from it. it's all about practicality, how to market yourself and find a career you love. it's extremely useful.

i took the gre exam, and though i didn't do as fantastic as i would have hoped, i stressed myself and devoted too much of my short time here on it to take it again...and i am beyond thrilled to be done. having free time again is fantastic. there is still a lot i want to do here, but ive come to the realization that i probobly wont get it all done at this point. i really want to go to the kennedy space center though!! i need to find a chance!!

a lot of changes are happening at disney right now too, and i want to experience it all, but, once again, i never seem to have the time. epcot is having its annual food and wine festival, and its amazing to see all the different cusines despite how limited the menus are. i've tasted wine for the first times! the festival also has a concert series, where a different artist plays each night (most artists play for 2 or 3 nights) at the american adventure pavillion. so far, i've gotten to see kool and the gang, sugar ray and sister hazel..and hanson is coming next month and i'm making sure i get the chance to see that. i also got to go to mickey's not so scary halloween party at the magic kingdom last week, and it was a blast! still looking for a time to go to horror nights at universal though! a new show staring repunzel and flynn rider opens next week, and a new show at hollywood studios opens in 2 weeks, both of which i need to make time to see!

semester at sea is getting closer and closer! i've done alot of the technical preparation, like sending in forms, getting shots, applying for visas, buying suitcases and travel supplies, ect, but i have barely planned or researched anything to do in ports. i need to do it, i know, i just think i need to come to the realization that it's all as close as it is. i started my journey with semester at sea in may of 2009, when i applied for the summer 2010 voyage. i then moved my voyage to spring 2011 as soon as its itinerary was announced. when i started the process, it was so far away that i have yet to wrap my mind around the fact that it is so close. also, disney has robbed me of all of my money, but made the conscious decision to live it up here and there, and worry about my finances when i get back. i'm only going to live this year once.

anyway, back to disney, reflecting on the past few months i realize how much i have really changed. one thing i notice is my "bordem factor." i NEED to be constantly active now. it used to be that i cherished days where i had nothing to do and could sit at home relaxing all day...now i get bored just watching a movie because its too long to be sitting and doing nothing. my life has become a series of go-go-go. i love it, but its certaintly different. my opinions of people have changed, my independence has evolved and flurished, relationships have changed and my goals have become more solidified. yet some things have stayed the same. i am still shy, still held back, still proud, and still not one for late nights.

all-in-all, the disney college program has been an incredible journey. it's hard work, and there are times when i look at a weeks schedule and am overcome with a feeling of dread, but i've never had such a social, busy, outgoing, jampacked, exploratory, awesome life. i would recommend this program to anyone.

not yet..

2010-10-07T22:03:00.003-04:00

Once more this is not my intended-to-be long and in depth half way point reflection post.

This post is about relationships. In the last four months I have met, spoken to, spent time with many, many different people from around the country and around the world. Though some of us find ourselves spending time together now, we know this is not a relationship that will still exist years down the line. This entry is dedidicated to those relationships that will. I can honestly say with certaintly that I have met three people down here who will be in my life forever. For such a short period of time, I feel blessed to have formed such strong bonds that will last me a lifetime. People come in and out of your lives through your different chapters, and only a few characters will be reoccuring. You three have meant and will continue to mean so much to be throughout this experience and beyond. So thank you.

Laura. I am forever thankful that you found me on facebook about 2 weeks before we moved in and asked if I wanted to room with you. You are my best friend down here, and I feel so blessed to have you as a roomate. We may be as different as two people can be, but we get along so well and I never get sick of being around you. You are awesome (and pretty). Love you.

Justin. We may go to the exact same school, and spent the last 20 years living 15 minutes away from each other, but we never would have met if we didn't come to Disney. I can't wait to hang out back home with you, where we can enjoy our Kelly's Roast Beef and risk our lives parking in Okeefe together.

Emily. Funny how similiar dietary restrictions can bring two people together. But even though we may have initially bonded over our gluten-free lifestyles, we've grown so much closer. I can't believe I met you only two months ago. Here's to the next three months of continuing to expand our friendship, and a lifetime of gluten-free friendship.

Thank you. I love you guys. The Disney College Program will give you some of the strongest ties of your life. These three people are proof of that.

hello october

2010-10-06T18:37:00.002-04:00

eventually i will get the motovation to write a "half-way" blog, but today is not that day.

but the half way point of my college program has come and gone. in some ways i feel as though i've been here forever, and in others that i just got here. the end still seems too far away to seem real.

some sas updates

2010-09-22T09:52:00.002-04:00

My Disney College Program will reach the half way point in just a few days...so I will shortly be doing a disney related blog...but for now, some sas stuff.

-Visa Applications are in the mail! I had a mini heart attack when I came home from FEDEX to see a post on the facebook group about waiting because they wont be valid..but thankfully it seems that only applies if you are doing them on your own, and I am going through the SAS recommended company. I also applied for more passport pages, so to get them done all together and in time I had to do it pretty early.

-I went home to visit for a few days last week, and got a bit of sas prep shopping done which was rather nice. I have 2 rolling duffel bags, a backback and a bunch of travel supplies.

-All of my financial aid applications are in. The only thing that concerns me is that I had to send in a written essay for the diversity abroad scholarship rather than a video essay because (a) I don't really have a functioning video-producing application and (b) even if I did, the internet connection at Chatham would probobly be too slow to upload anything to youtube, and if it did it would take like 3 days. I hope this doesn't hinder my chances. Though I won't be upset if I don't get it...i'd be upset if it had something to do with not being able to do a video.

-All of my forms that are avalible are filled out and in the mail! It was a minor war trying to get my financial aid paperwork filled out by the Salem State offices, but it's done, and it's in the mail! So yay!

I still have lots of planning to do. But I'm taking the GRE exam within the next few weeks (whenever my schedule permits) so hopefully I can do well enough to be done with it and move on to SAS planning!

I can't believe this is really happening!!

things that become acceptable when you live at disneyworld

2010-09-16T18:41:00.003-04:00

1) going to see toy story 3 at midnight
2) going to see toy story 3 on ice
3) learning, and randomly performing whenever possible, the hoedown throwndown
4) decorating your bathroom with buzz lightyear stickers
5) having a woody tablecloth
6) carrying a buzz lightyear backpack
7) wearing minnie ears on a regular basis
8) watching lilo and stitch 3 times in a row
9) having donald duck as your ringtone
10) and woody as your text tone
11) having miley cyrus as your #1 played on itunes
12) knowing every high school musical dance
13) staying in because a new episode of wizards of waverly place is on
14) getting camp rock 2 the day it comes out
15) randomly starting to sing disney songs
16) going to a piano bar and requesting a disney medley...then rocking out to it
17) spending a couple hundred dollars on random mickey apparel
18) a whole lot more...

changing times

2010-09-11T22:17:00.004-04:00

Your life will change on this program. No matter how much you tell yourself you will keep all the relationships at home in tact...that nothing will change...it will. You will plenty of times feel homesick, alone, lost, confused, afraid, frustrated and angry. You will hardly talk to some of the people you used to consider yourself so close too, and the even with the ones you do your relationships will change. Yet don't let this deter you from doing this, or anything else you might want to do. Life is about taking risks, changing, evolving, discovering, adapting and growing. I've done all of these things here. Who knows where i'll end up when I go back home. I truly believed that I could keep the relationships I had back home as strong as they were...but the truth is, distance IS an issue. Even though I know nothing will be the same when I go home, I don't regret my decisions to follow my dreams for a minute. I have truly changed in the past few months more than I could have ever imagined. I know that as the next few months continue I will continue to change and when I get back I won't be the same person I was when I left. I knew this going into it, but I didn't exactly realize how much these changes would change things everyone around me too. So advice to anyone reading: The Disney College Program has, so far, been hands down the experience that has changed me, made me grow up and evolve and challenged me more than anything I have ever encountered. Though it's heartbreaking to keep trying to hold on to relationships that are falling apart, or trying to convince yourself that these people are still a part of your life when you don't know anything about them anymore, I cannot recommend anything more. Regardless of what adventure it is, Disney, Semester at Sea, or something completly different, go for change, break out of your shell and do something impossible. Just be aware of the consequences going in...and maybe these roadblocks won't be so emotional.

vaccines

2010-09-10T22:39:00.002-04:00

I got my semester at sea vaccinations yesterday. The whole experience of discussing the risks of traveling and what to expect in certain areas with the doctor made it all the more real to me. I really need to start planning what I am going to do...winging it probobly isn't the best option.

journaling

2010-09-06T19:03:00.004-04:00

For my internship credits at school I have to keep a journal of all my experiences here at Disney. I'm trying to find the words to describe everything that this internship has done for me and everything I have so far experienced. What have I come up with?

So far, this intership has been the most exhausting, overwhelming, pressured, time consuming, challenging, physically demanding, eye-opening, exploratory, rewarding, amazing experience I could have ever imagined.

This is anything but a 7 month vacation. I work more hours and longer days than most of the full timers and haven't had an adequate amount of sleep since I got here. I have 2 days off a week, one of which is spent in a classroom. On the other day off, I find myself not catching up on sleep, but rather waking up just as early to fit all that i can into the day (for example..i've been to the wizarding world at universal 7 times..). This is hard, hard work, and a real wake up call into what 13-hour days, 5 days a week feels like. On the other hand, I wouldn't trade the last few months for anything. Every single day I bring smiles to peoples faces and I can't help but feel a jolt of happiness everytime I start to feel down. Memories of children's faces are forever implimented in me. Just the other night my second huge magical moment occured. It was the last family of the night at Character Spot at Epcot, so when the family got to the end of Goofy's line, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Pluto (who the family had already seen individually) jumped out to take a group shot with the family. Sometimes the families are excited, and it's even worse when they aren't, but this was particuarly special. It was a family of 3 - a mother, a father and a child, probobly about 3 years old, and as soon as the other 4 characters came out all 3 of them broke into tears. The child was smiling from ear to ear and went aorund in a circle hugging all the characters and saying "I love you ___" by name. The mother couldn't even speak, she kept trying, but tears got in the way. And the father just kept saying "thank you, thank you." And as we gathered to take the final photo, surrounded by the entire photopass and attendent team, the song "miracle's happen" started to play. I had tears running down my face for the rest of the night, as I'm sure the family also did. I went to sleep that night with tears in my eyes and a grin as bright as that little girls. It's moments like that that completly justify how truly demanding being here is.

So getting back to my journal, I may not be learning how to lead cooperate meetings, design a plan of action or work on a major project, but I'm learning so much more about happiness and fufilment..you can be overworked and overwhlemed to the point of feeling like you can't even move any more...but if you are doing something that makes you happy, you'll always find a way to prevail. Though I miss my job at Jordan's like crazy, this journey has so far been the greatest adventure I have ever had....and I still have 4 more months. Plus a semester traveling around the world.

it's the time of your life

2010-08-25T21:32:00.004-04:00

everytime im starting to feel down, lonely, tired, overworked, stressed, pressed depressed, regretful or at all negative...all i have to do is put on Corbin Bleu's "Celebrate You" and my mood is instantly uplifted. I suddenly feel enchanted, energized, blessed and estatic. I'm so lucky. And even though I am super rushed for time, trying to balance enjoying the moment here at Disney while focusing on the huge amounts of stuff that needs to be done for Semester at Sea and my future (GRE's, honors thesis, ect), I think i'm doing a fairly decent job. I'm not sure how much I have to update on. I haven't gotten so much accomplished. I've found a travel clinic to get my shots done at, but so far Disney has not given me any shifts that allow me a visit. I'm in attempts to learn how to make videos to make a video essay for the Diversity Abroad scholarship, butmy technological skills continue to be none. And I'm also trying to live every moment here at Disney. There is still so much left to do and see. Seaworld, Jellyrolls, Resort Hopping, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Kennedy Space Center, Miama, Cocoa Beach, Bush Gardens, Dance Hall, Blue Man Group, Cirque, House of Blues, Ale House, Via Napoli, and so much more. I've been here for 2.5 months, and I feel like i've done so little. Time is creeping up on me. I've also done barely any Semester at Sea planning..and I really, really need to get on that. My first class, Creativity and Innovation, finishes in 2 weeks nad we have a huge project and presentation I haven't started yet. This life is EXHAUSTING...but I know I will look back and think of what an amazing year this truly was. I try to never forget how blessed I am for all of this.

it's the time of your life
you don't want to stop
it's your change, live it up
and in everything you do
celebrate you

basic plans of attack - sas

2010-08-06T11:08:00.002-04:00

A week ago I had no idea, at all, of what I wanted to do in ports on semester at sea. I've been doing some research, and have started coming out with some basic ideas. Certaintly nothing is set in stone, and I need to do lots more research, but here's a bit of the stuff I came up with.

Nassau, Bahamas
This is where SAS takes off from. I haven't done any research about here at all, but I know I want to stay at the Atlantis and lay on the beach for a while. And hopefully meet up with some SAS-ers at some point! Also, theres some health food stores down there that I'm hoping to pick up some gluten free food to take on the ship with me.

Rosseau, Dominica
Tram has been researching a few different bumpiing tour options. Being an island in the Caribbean, this is something I very much want to explore. We are only in Dominica for a day, so I don't know how much time there will be for other exploration, but as long as I get to try some of the fun fruits I'll be happy :)

Brazil
The itinerary changed, AND WE ARE GOING TO THE AMAZON! I'M SOOOO EXCITED! I have no idea what exactly I want to do, but I get to visit the Amazon!! AHHH. River rafting maybe? And hopefully seeing some animals and exploring the rainforest. Ahh, I don't know, I have to do more research, but I AM SO EXICTED.

Takoridi, Ghana
Still not many ideas. I know for sure I want to do at least 1 service visit here. But I don't know what else.

Cape Town, South Africa
GO ON A SAFARI!!!! I also want to visit Robben Island, explore the Jazz clubs, visit the winelands, go horseback ridding, and do a service visit. I'd also love to do skydaving, cage diving. All-in-all, thrill attractitions! Plus, I hear Cape Town is like gluten free heaven, so I will be eating A LOT since I won't get to experience many of the foreign cuisines.

Port Louis, Maritius
Only one day here. I wrote about some plans a few entries ago. But i'll mention again. I want to visit the giant market, The Bazaar, and a mountain/race track called Champ de Mars. If time permis, I'd also like to do a service visit,and visit the the History Museum.

Chennai, India
One of the sample field practica's that are up include a 3 day homestay, which if it's still offered on the final schedule, i'd love to do. I also want to do a service visit and a child labor trip. And of course, visit the Taj Mahal, Delhi and Agra Fort.

Singapore
We are only in Singapore for a day also. A former roomate of mine is from Singapore, and I asked her for some suggestions. She said the big things right now are Marina Sands Bay and Universal Studios Singapore. Although either would be cool, they are too touristy in my opinion to do on a single-day visit. So instead, i'd really like to visit Dempsy Hill if its close to where the ship is docking. Geylang also sounds nice. It's the local red-light district which sounds neat. I found a half day Singapore city tour online for only $25 which seems cool, or maybe a Zoo tour or a Safari. There's also the Singapore flyer, which is the country's version of the London Eye.

Ho Chi Minh City
This is quite possibly the place I am most excited about. As a history major, I've learned about the Vietnam War time and time again, but never have I heard any more about this country. I want to visit war memorials and monuments, explore the Chi Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh's house, the History Museum, The Army Museum and any political stantions I can get myself into. I also want to visit one of the schools for the imparied, the FDP sample guide talks about a school for the deaf, school for the blind, and school for the disabled...any trip that I can get into I would like to do. There are also 3 day trips to Cambodia, but I think there is too much in Vietnam that I want to do to spend 3 of 5 days out of the country.

Hong Kong/Shanghai
I mentioned before that I wanted to visit Disney Hong Kong. And some more things that I want to do is to explore Bejing, and Sleep on the Great wall! Not sure what else, but I have a lot more exploration to do.

Kobe/Yokohama, Japan
VISIT HIROSHIMA.
I'd also like to do a YMCA service visit, attend a baseball game, visit the Hot Baths, and see Tokyo.

Hilo, Hawaii
I'd love to go snorkling. I'd also love to visit the volcanos and the history museum.

So, I still have a lot more research to do, things to price and book and ideas to generate, then narrow down. I also have a hope to visit all the Chinatowns in each port. I think it would be amazing to just see how one culture can fuse into so many, but adapt to different societies and integrate differently.

Anyone want to start exploring any of these ideas with me?

159 days, I think!

some of my new best friends

2010-08-05T20:12:00.007-04:00

i've made about 15 new best friends here at disney, and up to 40 more coming my way. I don't have pictures with all of them, but here are some.

and some of my other new friends that i've forgotten to take pictures with (silly me!)

i've also gotten to explore mickey, minnie and donald's rather extensive wardrobes...which are pretty awesome.

im feeling like a star you can't stop my shine

2010-07-31T21:24:00.003-04:00

i'm addicted to this song.

anyway...on to buisness.

Let's start with Disney.

Time is truly flying here...I can't believe it's almost August and i've almost been here 2 months! There's so much i've done, but so much more I want to do! I've been to Universal 5 times, ridden Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom 11 times in a row, been on all 3 mountains at Magic Kingdom, Braved tower of terror twice, performed in things people can only dream of doing. Yet i haven't been to Jellyrolls, any citywalk clubs, Seaworld, the beach..or even the Chatham pool, Mickey's Retreat, or any of the resorts.

I passed the 30 days out of training mark, which means i can be scheduled in dining. And boy have I. I'm in dining 4 out 5 days this week, and 4 out of 5 next week. But hey, that keeps me away from the Judge's Tent, so I'm all for it. Previous to this week, I've had about 60 percent of my shifts there. Which, concidering the fact that I ahve a global role and can be put in any park, having 60 percent in one location at one park is a HUGE amount. And I very much dislike it there, so I'm glad to be away for a while. Contemporary dinner shifts require me to be there for lunch coverage, but it's only 1 40-minute set...so I can suck it up for one set. I've done dining once when i was a spare, and loved it...so I'm looking forward to it. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is that most of them are very early shifts. I have 2 shifts starting a 6 this week, another starting at 645 and another at 8. And next week I have two 630's and 2 730's. However, add another hour to that AT LEAST for time to take the bus. I have a car down here, but I try to take the bus as much as possible because (a) i'm paying for it anyway, and (b) to save money on gas. I do use my car to go anywhere besides the park, its worth the gas to skip the Publix and Walmart buses though.

Roomate-ville is still doing really well. There have been some frustrations and such among everyone with certain people not pulling their weight, but personality wise we all get along and don't fight, which is awesome. I hate having to pull my weight plus other's weight, but i'd rather do that than have 5 spotless roomates and hate all of them.

My class, Creativity and Innovation is going really well too. My midterm is coming up next class, and I can't believe we are already this far into it. Registration for the fall session is next week, and I'm hoping to get into Marketing You, and maybe the exploration series about Disney Heritage aka History of Disney :)..i'm starting to have history withdrawals...i'm such a nerd. There's also some awesome workshops coming up this month that I want to go to sobad! But so far i'm working during all of them!! :(. I haven't been to ANY yet, and I want to take advantage of these opportunities!

I got to go home to Boston for a few days last week. It was a quick visit, I landed at 10am on Tuesday and left at 4pm on Thursday, but it was nice to see my friends and my kitties...and my jteam!

Semester At Sea:
While I was home I finished and mailed all of my scholarship essays, which is awesome. But there's still so much more to do. I want to start planning what to do in each country. I have a few ideas, but not much. I know what I want to do in Maritius though! That's the one country I'm most excited about because it's such an unheardof land. We are only there for a day, so its a rush...but here's what I want to do:
-Firstly, I want to go to the Bazaar. The Bazaar is a huge and popular market for both tourists and locals. I want to visit a lot of markets on this trip beause its such an awesome way to see cultures.
-Then, I want to go to Chinatown. I've made a goal to visit as many Chinatown's as possible. It seems like every place in the world has a Chinatown, and i'd love to do an expirmenet to see how Chinese culture adapts to different societies and how each Chinatown of the world is similar or different.
-Champ de Mars - This is a mountain and racetrack. It's not the tallest mountain, but it's tall enough to offer the natural views, plus the racetrack and picnic areas are hugely popular, where the Signoux, the major mountain, is more of tourist destination.
This will probobly take my entire day, but if it doesn't there are also some historical landmarks or museums I would love to visit!

I also want to visit Disneyland in Hong Kong. Living at Disneyworld has changed how awesome the parks are.

Anyone interested in any of these things with me?

Plus, there have been some great ideas floating around the group, most planned by Tram, which sound awesome...so i'd love to join some of those!

I called my doctor, who doesn't offer the shots necessary, so I have to find a clinic down here in Orlando. I've also started making a list of things I need to buy. So slow and steady I am making progress on this.

Off to Chef Mickey's I go,
Alisa

Adjusted at last.

2010-07-13T17:52:00.006-04:00

the first month here is so hectic i haven't had time to do much of anything, let alone blog..but i have some time now..so here it is!!

it's really overwhelming getting used to the entertainment world. the thing about it is that everything just runs so much differently in entertainment than in the rest of the company...and performers are global, unlike any other role. that means that we work EVERYWHERE..all 4 parks, both waterparks and in dining at the parks and resorts. It crazy to get used to it all, and i'm still having to go in everyday and ask the base for directions because i still don't know what i'm doing most of teh time. It's still my "first time doing this shift" all the time. Almost everyone is super nice and helpful though, which is really good...though i won't lie, there are some not-so-nice ones. it's also hard because every location and park just have their own ways of doing things, and ways of wanting things done...so its an adjustment, and its VERY overwhleming, but i've worked in all 4 parks and in dining (no water parks yet though) and am starting to feel more adjusted which is nice.

i wish i could talk more about my role, but i really can't. i get to do a lot of hanging out with mickey, minnie, and donald, and the occasional playdate with pinocchio, annie, and today piglet. epcot is my favorite park to work at, but i really like the studios too, although most of my shifts are at magic kingdom. prefrencing just happened where we got our color codes and got to input what things we might be interested in training for.

housing is good. we had inspection today, and passed. they didnt like that we had things on the walls though. they are so boring bare though!!!

i'm taking a disney college education course called "creativity and innovation" which isn't that bad. it's not amazing, but not bad either. i'd recommend it. i'm planning on taking marketing you during the fall session.

i went to the wizarding world, and it was AMAZINGGGGGG. and i can't wait to go again!!!

semester at sea update -
i started writing some scholarship essays. the itinerary changed to include TRAVLING DOWN THE AMAZON!!! and i have yet to do research for any of the countries, which i really need to start doing. things are finally starting to have a normal flow around here though...so i'm going to start the prep process.

i'm also getting back into a routine which is nice. i hadn't gone to the gym in a long time bc i was just so everywhre and busy, but i went twice last week, and plan to again thursday and saturday. i dont need to be a body builder or marathon runner, but i like the feeling of being in shape and not being sore all the time from standing. i started prepping for the GRE exam, which i hope to take in november, and have been keeping up pretty closely with my two required journals (one for school credit and one for creativity and innovation). i'm a few days behind, but nothing huge.

update is here!

2010-06-27T19:50:00.002-04:00

let's start with check in...

i met up with laura and evy, two girls who i met on facebook and wanted to room with, at vista at 8am, right when they opened the gates to get in. We were very early in line, maybe only 20 people ahead of us. There was no apartments in Patterson open for this check in day, so we got a 3 bedroom in Chatham instead. We got really lucky, because most of the apartments were in vista and very few people got Chatham. After we got our assignemnts we checked out the apartment real quick then went to casting and did all the paperwork and stuff. The rest of the day was free, so I went to target and chilis with my dad before he went back to Boston.

the next day we had a housing meeting bright and early at the Commons. After my roomates and I went over to the outlets and did some shopping, then we just hung out in the apartment and got to know each other.

on day 3 we had traditions. since it was such a small check in there wasnt an afternoon session and we were all in the early morning one. after traditions we went to Epcot and mostly hung around World Showcase.

I was off on day 4, and so was one of my roomates, Phelan. So we went to Animal Kingdom. She had never been and I hadn't been since 1999, so it was really exciting to go. It started downpouring pretty quickly though and all the rides closed..and stayed closed. Phelan and I were the only ones trudging through the rain!! but it didnt get us anywhree since everything outdoors was closed and dinosaur was broken down! We were planning on going to the studios after, but it didnt ever stop raining, so we went to the apartment and listened to stories of Laura and Evy's first day of training (all four of us are character performers, and Tommi was a full time character for 2 years, but is now in merch).

I started training on Day 5. I'm not really allowed to talk about it, but it was pretty boring on day 1. There are 5 days total of training.

I should have had day 2 of training on Saturday, but I had a class that started so I didn't. The class i'm taking is called Creativity and Innovation, and it's every Saturday from 9-1. It's kind of nice actually becasue it means that I will generally have Saturdays off. The instructor is named Frank, and he has a phD and taught at CFU, so these classes are deffinitly the real thing. After class I went to Epcot, again, with Phelan, where, again, it poured for hours and we had to go home early.

On Sunday I had day 2 of training. I then had day 3 on Monday and day 4 on Tuesday. Some nights I went to the parks, but training was really exhausting!! I had a day off between day 4 and day 5 of training, so I was able to go to the parks and go grocery shopping and stuff. After getting through day 1, the other 4 days of training were really fun. I wish I could talk more about it...but I can't.

I finished training this past thursday, and on Friday I had my very first shift. It was 12 hours long and very nerve-racking, but I made it! I then had Saturday off because of school, and then had my second shift today at Magic Kingdom!

Once again, I'm sorry I can't write more about training or the job...I know I was reasearching this stuff and couldn't really find anything, but now I know why. It's hard work, but definitly worth it. And there's a lot of fun opportunities in the Entertainment department.

week one

2010-06-23T20:12:00.000-04:00

i promise i will update on it! i promise! im just sooooo tired all the time here!! its so exciting but super tiring!