The Longest Ride at Disney

I recently got stuck on the longest ride at Disney. 


I know what you're thinking, she has to be talking about Tower of Terror... or Its a Small World... or Kilimanjaro Safaris... maybe The Great Movie Ride?


No. I'm talking about the elevator inside of Cinderella's Royal Table. Inside of CRT, there are four elevators. The Royal Elevator, which takes guests from the lobby to the second floor dining room, the Princess Elevator, which brings Cinderella and her princess friends from backstage to the CRT kitchen. The third elevator is the elevator to the Cinderella suite, and the fourth elevator is the CRT kitchen elevator. This fourth elevator is the longest ride at Disney. 


To get from the first floor prep kitchen, through the second floor break room, and the third floor main kitchen you have to sit through nearly a full minute of pops, snaps, creaks, and squeaks emmiting from the elevator shaft, warning you of your impending doom. Normally, this elevator, while loud, works just fine; however, that is not always the case...


I was bringing the dirty linen cart back from the utilidoor, and hopped on the kitchen elevator to ride it back up to the main kitchen area. We made it to the third floor, the doors wouldn't open... and the elevator went back tot he first floor... then back to the third floor... then back to the first floor... then in between the first and second floor.... then we stopped. 


For those of you who don't know, I am bat shit terrified of elevators. I have an anxiety attack just thinking about getting stuck in an elevator. All I can see is a horrible, devastating plunge to my doom down the shaft and flatten at the bottom like a pancake.


The elevator door jammed, so all I can imagine is the elevator plummeting to the bottom, to my doom... it was horrifying. 


Fortunately, after prying the doors open I was allowed to eat chocolate mousse and recoop from my elevator panic attack. Nothing calms the nerves like excessive amounts of sugar and repetitive napkin folding! 


Aside from my brush with death (ha, okay... maybe not quite) I'm starting to settle in here nicely. I work 50+ hours per week, and am aiming to save for a Spring Break trip with my wonderful boyfriend :) I'm heading home in a mere 38 days for my mid-program visit, the time is flying. I can't wait to see everyone and lay in bed next to Ali. It's the simple things that keep me going. 


The job is easy, very easy to get the hang of. For the most part, my coworkers are all pleasant people... I work with a fair amount of older adults. One of my coworkers is in her 80s, bless her heart! Working for the mouse, making magic for guests... let the memories begin! 

We Create Happiness!

I am now officially a Walt Disney World cast member! I've joined the ranks of over 60,000 WDW cast members and it was a long, exhausting day with an exciting end!


I saw Cinderella Castle for the first time in eight years, and it's just as magical as the first time I saw it. That's one amazing thing about Walt Disney World, it truly is timeless. No matter how old you are, the magic of Disney sweeps you off your feet time and time again! It has a little more power over me this time around since I'm lucky enough to be spending nearly 40 hours per week inside Cinderella Castle for the next five months, which is something many people around the park envy!


The day started out EARLY, catching the bus to Disney University at 6:30 this morning, and heading to a 4.5 hour long lecture about Disney History and what it means to be a Cast Member at this amazing company. I also got the honor and priveledge of meeting my boss... I'm pretty sure Mickey Mouse is the best boss there is! Seeing Mickey Mouse is always exciting, no matter your age, and seeing the entire classroom erupt into thunderous applause and squeals of excitement when that mouse strolled through the door just goes to show how exciting one little mouse can be!


After a LONG afternoon of lecture, I skipped back to my apartment and had a nice Skype date with my one and only :) I don't know what I would do without the wonders of skype. Getting to see Ali's face every day makes being away so much better than if I couldn't see him. It's almost like being there, just not nearly as good! I'll be home in seven weeks to visit, I can already tell the time is going to fly!!


Ashley, Maggie and Sara all had afternoon Traditions, so we got all dolled up and hit up Magic Kingdom to watch "The Magic, The Memories, and You!" projection show and let me tell you, if there's one thing you need to see the next time you come to Disney World (aside from visiting me of course) is this show. It's only fifteen minutes long, right before and after "Wishes" and it is bar none spectacular. I was so memsmerized I couldn't even manage to snap any photos!


Ashley and I decided to hit up her new home away from home, SPLASH MOUNTAIN, instead of watching the remainer of "Wishes" after Tinkerbell zip lines off Cinderella Castle (which is terrifying to witness, that's one brave girl!) We got SOAKED, but it was fantastic! I've forgotten how much detail goes into the Attractions at WDW, it's really something.


The rest of the week is going to fly by! Tomorrow I get to sleep in (FINALLY!) with a Food and Beverage Core class at Disney U, which is thankfully only three hours, then overloading on Rock N' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, followed by Fantastmic with my ever so lovely roomskie. I have my eight hour long "Once Upon a Time... Is Now!" Magic Kingdom orientation on Friday starting at 7:15a (another EARLY morning... bus leaves at 6:05a!!)


Settling in to have an awesome experience! :)

Greetings from Patterson Court

While I can't claim photo credit for the above shot (I used google!) this is a shining example of what my new apartment looks like. I live in Patterson Court, the newest Disney housing complex, and I love it. Once my roommates and myself get a little more settled in I'll post photos of the apartment.... it's kind of in complete chaos right now! There are six of us, three bedrooms, sandy colored walls with white trim... and PALM TREES outside my window (and a cow/horse, we're not quite sure).

I have five roommates. Ashley hails from Massachusetts, and we share a room. She played Daffy Duck at Six Flags, and she's a fire cracker! She'll be working at Frontierland Attractions in the Magic Kingdom.
Maggie grew up in New Jersey... where "we pump fists... not gas." She's legitimately NEVER pumped her own gasoline, which boggles my mind! It's amazing how different two towns a thousand miles apart can be! Her role is Quick Service Food and Beverage at the All-Stars Music resort.
Sara is from Mississippi, and Laura is from Tennessee, and they BOTH have the most adorable Southern accents you've ever heard in your life. Sara is working quick service food and beverage at Pinocchio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland, and Laura will be working Main Street Operations at Magic Kingdom as well! (We're a MK heavy apartment.)
Mariela, from Puerto Rico, is on her second CP, and she'll be reprising her role as photopass in a new home park, represneting Patterson 6201 at Hollywood Studios.

My role in Disney's show (yes, that's what it's REALLY called. I don't get hired for a job, I am cast in a role) is working at Cinderella's Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom... which means I work at the site shown below...

It really doesn't get much more Disney than Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom!!

After a long, long, LONG day... I'm ready for bed in my new digs!

A bit of Florida madness!

My first photo from my big move! Aww ;)
I'm officially in Florida, slightly homeless and itching to unpack these bags containing my life for the next five months... but this hotel is pretty fab!

I left Fargo Thursday afternoon, and it was the hardest day I've had in a VERY long time. Saying goodbye was really tough, it felt like my heart was being pulled from my chest. As cheesy as it sounds, I did leave my heart back in North Dakota, but I have an amazing man to keep it safe for me until I come back to him ;). Ali's steadfast support and words of encouragement is something I am SO grateful for!

After gaining some of the energy I've lost over the past few days, I had the opportunity to explore Celebration, Florida (pictured above). This town is straight out of the Stepford Wives, a picturesque construction of small business and quaint little houses, each with a porch to encourage everyone to be good neighbors! This town is a vision of the Walt Disney Company to represent the quintessential American town, with family-values and safe neighborhoods. To put it lightly, if you don't mow your lawn, the city will do it for you and charge you a fee! Celebration also has one of the top ranked Thai food establishments (as ranked by the country of Thailand!) called Thai Thani, which was nothing short of fantastic.

After a power nap, I was able to take my first steps onto Disney property. This photo is one that ALL people end up taking a photo of when they drive into Disney World, but it's necessary! Where Dreams Come True!

Today's theme ended up being "Emily's Cultural Food Experience" and "The Aunties Contemplate Purchasing Child Leash for Emily." Thai for lunch, and Cuban at Bongos in Downtown Disney for dinner! The food was, once again, fantastic, and the service was phenomenal... if you're ever in the area I recommend hitting it up!

Not surprisingly, Downtown Disney (the only Disney property you can hit up free of charge) on a Saturday night was hoppin', and my mother, the aunties (Beep and Carol) and myself walked to the giant Disney store to start my search for Aladdin themed merchandise for my very own Prince Ali back home, (mine's WAY better than the original!). Apparently, this store and my subsequent escape from their line of sight brought about the discussion of whether or not they make child leashes large enough to fit my body to prevent future wanderings. Even at 21 they still worry about me being distracted by shiny toys just long enough to forever be seperated... thank god for cell phones!

Tomorrow is a gator cruise in the swamp followed by terrorizing Disney's Hollywood Studios, Helms' Women style! I'm meeting my roommate tomorrow evening, and check-in is early Monday!

And know wherever I am, I'm missing you!

Lucky

It's 2:49a on Wednesday, which means I leave tomorrow for my Disney internship, and if I were to say I have an overwhelming amount of thoughts and emotions cycling through my head on a constant loop... I'd be putting it lightly.

BUT that's not what I'm going to focus on. I'm not going to shine a spotlight on the amazing adventure to come, I'm not going to talk about how excited I am to embark on this new life chapter, and how thrilled I am to include you all in it... I'm going to talk about luck.

More specifically, I am so fucking lucky. Not only do I have the opportunity to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, but my support system is amazing. I dare you to find a more solid base than mine. I have my family... my dad, my momma, and my spectacular older brother. I have a boyfriend, Ali, who stands by me and supports me, my friends who have all send me off with a smile, a hug, and words of encouragement... extended family, on top of my soon to be Disney family. I have never felt more gracious and appreciative in my life.

If I'm being honest, I'm 100% terrified of what's to come. I want my boyfriend, my family, my friends, to be there to hold my hand and reassure me that everything is going to be okay. I know I'm strong, but the thought of not being quite strong enough lingers in my mind. And then, amazingly enough, I think of all the spectacular people in ND/MN I'm saying "see you later" too, just for now, and I know I'll be okay.

How lucky am I to have what I have? I must have drawn the right cards from the deck, because even with how terrified I am of what lies ahead, I've never been more sure of myself and the choices I've made.

A fond farewell to Fargo, ND! I'll see you all in early October! Until then... keep logging on and reading my updates. I'll say hello to Tropical Storm EMILY when I land early Friday!

My Mother.

My mom is my best friend. I know a lot of people say that about their mothers, but it really holds true for my mom. For as long as I can remember, my mom has been my teacher, my advocate, always in my corner to remind me that I'm never to old to snuggle up and tell her what's wrong, but she's also never been afraid to give me a push to do what's right. My mother has always allowed me to make my own mistakes, never criticizing me for the poor choices I've made; instead, she uses them as an opportunity to help me learn, grow, and become the woman I am today. The things my mother have taught me are varied: from teaching me to ALWAYS decorate in odd numbers, teaching me that you should always use the bathroom before you put your snow pants on, how to check if spaghetti is cooked through (throw it against the wall) to things that are a bit deeper... such as always standing up for what you believe in, keeping family first, never regretting the choices you make, and learning from your mistakes. When I was trapped in an abusive relationship, my mother was there to ease my pain, get help, and remind me again and again that what happened was NOT my fault. When I was afraid to apply for an internship that would move me halfway across the country, she reminded me that no matter how far away I was, she and my dad would always be there for me, only a phone call away.

I know there is nothing I could ever do that would show my mother how much she means to me, and how thankful I am for having her in my life. There is no diamond large enough, no flower bright enough, no painting beautiful enough that could reflect the degree of gratitude I have for her. When I see my mother, I feel at home. When I see my mother, I feel safe. And when I see my mother, I know there is nothing that could replace her in my heart.

Perhaps most important of all, my mother has taught me that no matter what, I can always come home. Even though I'm an adult and living on my own, she calls me to tell me she loves me, that she's proud of who I am, and most of all I will NEVER be done learning from my mother. I know that every child on the planet thinks that their mother is God's gift to humanity, and the best mother on the planet, and I don't doubt that to them... she is. But to me, my mom is more than my mother, she's more than the person who taught me to tie my shoes and who sang me a lullaby when I was fussy... my mother is my pillar of strength, and I'm proud to be her daughter.

"Remember Beloved, God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked." -Ezekiel 18:23

Anyone who knows me can reaffirm the following statement: I am, in no way, shape, or form, a religious person. I do not attend church service, I don't receive any of the sacraments, I don't believe in organized religion, and I find the Church to be corrupt.  That being said, I do identify with Christianity (well, the idea of Christianity, not the practice) and I do consider myself a Christian, no matter how non-practicing I may be. 


I've been thinking on it, and everyone in this country and across the world is aware of what occurred on May 1st, 2011. After ten years of searching, the United States has finally won the world's longest game of hide and go seek. Call me a pessimist if you wish, but I truly never believed we'd find him. Ten years of searching through mountain caves and he winds up being at a compound worth millions of dollars in a Pakistani city. Who'd have thought?


As I read countless facebook status updates and received text messages celebrating the death of Osama bin Laden, I began to process my own emotions and gauge my reactions. How did this make me feel? I, for one, am not a supporter of the death penalty here or abroad. I realize that his death was the only guarantee of keeping the world safe from his terror. But I did not want to celebrate with the rest of the world. I felt relief that he is dead, and am proud of the SEALs that risked their lives in this operation, but I don't feel like celebrating death. That's what he did when the towers toppled over in a cloud of fire, smoke, and shards of glass, ending the lives of thousands. Do I want to be grouped into the same category as him? Not a chance in hell.


Am I sad that he's gone? Not in the slightest. He was a horrible, wicked person. He murdered thousands of people, and truth be told, he deserved what he had coming to him... but that idea does not make me smile, or make me want to cheer.... it makes me terribly sad for the world we live in.  Where death of another human being, no matter how wicked, brings rejoicing in the streets. 


I have to ask, after ten years, two wars, over 900,000 deaths, and over $1,000,000,000,000 dollars in expenses for the War on Terror in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the globe, we've managed to catch our number one man. Is it worth it? That remains to be seen.


This man's death is the start to a multitude of possible consequences.