Sunday, December 21, 2014

Magic Kingdom Vacation Planning HERA Pilot

One of the things I loved the most about my role was all of the opportunities that I had. Near the end of my program, I had the opportunity to be involved in a Vacation Planning pilot test. One of my managers told myself and two other Epcot CPs that we were going to be part of the Magic Kingdom HERA pilot. The three of us, along with 3 CPs from Hollywood Studios, 3 CPs from Animal Kingdom, and the Magic Kingdom CPs were going to be trained on HERA -- which stands for Handheld Entitlement and Recovery Application. This is an app on the iPad which would allow us to sell tickets and redeem will calls.
I loved being able to use the iPad to walk around and help guests!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Tourist Day

My roommates Stephanie, Tess and I had been talking about dressing up like total tourists and running around Magic Kingdom, so on our last day off all together -- that's exactly what we did! We went all out with our matching shirts, Mickey ears, MagicBands, pin trading lanyards, backpacks, fanny packs, 1st visit buttons, and upside down maps! I dragged them out of bed early in the morning so we could get there at rope drop to see the park opening Welcome Show! We met characters, rode some of our favorite attractions, and just had so much fun! We offered to take pictures of families, and even witnessed a castle proposal! I had my DSLR camera with me and took tons of pictures of this couple, and then emailed the photos to them later! We had SO much fun in the kingdom and it was a perfect way to spend the day together! Here's some of my favorite pictures from our Tourist Day!
Tourist Day in the Magic Kingdom!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Winter Formal

Every year, the Disney College Program hosts a Winter Formal for all of the internship participants. This year's formal was at the beautiful convention center at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort!  The theme was In the Courtyard of Good vs. Evil.

There was a wonderful buffet dinner, dancing, and it wouldn't be a Disney party without characters!

The character meet and greets were so much fun because the Disney villains were in attendance!  I had never met some of these characters so I loved getting to see them! Mickey and Minnie were also there in their royal attire, which was absolutely adorable!
Maleficent

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Graduation Day Photo Shoot

After the DCP Graduation, some of my friends and I went to Magic Kingdom to celebrate! We had our own little photo shoot in the Rose Garden, which is one of my favorite places to take pictures in the Magic Kingdom. I absolutely love how the pictures turned out and will treasure these photos forever!

DCP Graduation Day

Today was the Disney College Program Service Celebration! The graduation is hosted by the DCP events team at one of the apartment complexes, and celebrates the completion of our program! When we first arrived, we were given our certificates, photo box gift, and our graduation Mickey ears!
I earned my ears!

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Christmas Day Parade Filming

Every year, I've always watched the Disney Parks Christmas Day parade on ABC, and this year, I got to be part of the filming! The filming for the parade and concerts is done over a 3 day period at the Magic Kingdom, and also in Disneyland as well. Cast Members were able to sign up for tickets to the filming.
My roommate Jordan and I at the filming!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Main Street PAC Shift

Tonight, I got to work another Parade Audience Control shift at the Magic Kingdom! This time, my shift was on a regular operating night which meant I got to wear the famous red bow tie!
The Main Street PAC Costume

Friday, December 5, 2014

The End of the Beginning

One more month.

One month from now, I'll be on the road back to Texas, yet I'll be driving farther and farther away from my home. I won't live minutes from the most magical place in the world. I'll be leaving all of the wonderful people I've met and I'll be leaving the happiest months of my life.

And as it gets closer to the end of my Disney College Program, it's extremely bittersweet. This program has been everything I'd ever dreamed of, and so much more. But I know that if I want to get back down here permanently, this program has to end. You can bet that I'll be finishing school as fast as I possibly can, because I'm already looking forward to when I can come back to Disney!