Journey to Disney...

~*August 6th- August 10th*~

And so my magical journey to the wonderful world of disney begins!

Road tripping with my family- moving to a new and unfamiliar home- it felt a lot like that time 4years ago when I was leaving for college. Buuuut I was obviously much more excited for this new chapter in my life...! (^w^)
The trip from San Antonio to Orlando was definitely a long one (over 20hours), but it was lots of fun. In our car we packed my mother, her boyfriend (Carlos), Carlos' daughter (Gabby), my brother (Nicky), Coraline, Kassie, and me. And thanks to technology today, I played Harvest Moon practically the whole way, haha! (( I was having withdrawals after Nicky had to take it away from me!))

What made coming to Disney even more exciting (if that's even possible) was knowing how many friends I was going to have while here! Not only would I have the opportunity to meet people from all over the US as well as the WORLD, but there just happened to be a lot of people coming from UNT! One in particular, Darian, has been a friend of mine for years and I was so excited to see him! Although he's still undecided on what he wants to do with his life, I'm always glad to hear how much fun he's having.

Besides hanging with all of the amazing peoples around me, I always love spending time with my mom and everyone. We hung out with family living here in Florida and just chilled out. Of course, when it comes to family there's always drama, but when I was with my mom and everyone was the most fun.

Everyday that I am here at Disney, making magic for all of the little ones I miss my family and even moreso- my Cora! <3 nbsp="" p="">

I can't wait till they come to visit me! I Love my family so much and miss them everyday. The few days we spent together at the start of my program were easily my favorite. I love it here at Disney, but I wish there was a way to have them experiencing it all with me. 

DCP Bucket List...

It's slowly getting closer and closer to August, so naturally I'm all over the place preparing for the big move! While looking on the Disney College Program's Blog, I found a post that included a lot of really good ideas for things to do while at the program! Most of them I already planned on doing (like eating the Kitchen Sink), but just seeing this gets me even more excited for the program to begin!! Ah! It needs to be August already!!

"1. Are you up for a challenge? Try the four park challenge in 24 hours. Visit each park and go on at least one attraction in each land.

2. Spend an entire day, open to close, at each of the parks. This will give you the opportunity to go on each ride, see every show and taste a variety of menu offerings.

3. Have at least one character dining experience.

4. Visit a moderate or deluxe Disney resort for marshmallow-roasting and a movie under the stars.

5. Go to the Magic Kingdom Park for the opening Welcome Show.

6. Watch the Wishes fireworks from inside the Magic Kingdom Park, either from one of the rides or while standing in front of the castle.

7. Go hunting for hidden Mickeys – they’re everywhere!

8. Go to the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and try the “Kitchen Sink Challenge”.

9. Join at least one Disney VoluntEARS event. Bi-weekly trips to the Give Kids the World Village are a great way to get involved. You can sign up through the Disney Service Center.

10. Sign up for Magic Backstage events; a cast member-exclusive.

11. Sign up for at least one class or seminar offered to Disney Internships and Programs participants. World of Culture is one of the seminars that you can sign up for through the Disney Service Center.

12. Head over to Mickey’s Retreat, Walt Disney World’s private cast member recreation area, for some fun in the sun.

13. Eat around the world at Epcot, and if you’re 21 years old (or older) you can responsibly try drinks around the world too.

14. Go on a Disney cruise. You’ll get to see Mickey and his friends in their cruise attire, plus take advantage of discounted cast member rates.

15. Meet all the characters, or at least your favorites.

16. Participate in at least one Disney marathon or half-marathon.

17. Attend as many Housing events as possible.

18. Go see the Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

19. Get selected to be the Rebel Spy on Star Tours, located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

20. Try every soft drink at Club Cool in Epcot.

21. Of course, get your picture taken with both Mickey and Minnie Mouse together.

22. Eat a turkey leg. My personal favorite snack!

23. Eat a dole whip. (Almost everyone else’s favorite snack!)

24. Go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at night and you’ll get to see some amazing animals with high-tech night-vision goggles.

25. On rainy days, explore the Resort Hotels. Each Resort has its own unique theme; this includes a variety of decorations and dining experiences.

26. See all of the parades and shows at each Disney Theme Park.

27. Learn about the people behind the names on the windows of Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom Park.

28. Set up at least one meet-and-greet if you’re looking to further your career with The Walt Disney Company.

29. Make sure to take lots of pictures! You’ll never forget the time you spent here on the program, but looking back at the pictures you took will always keep those magical memories fresh.

30. Most importantly, have fun! This program will be one of the best times of your life; I know it was for me!"

Here's the link to this post- they're always posting new things for everyone and really useful tips for those participating in the program, so take a look! 

https://disneyprogramsblog.com/get-started-on-your-disney-college-program-bucket-list-today/

Pooh's Corner: DCP Character Audition...

Wow, I'm actually pretty proud of myself for keeping up with this! 

Here's the 3rd video of the DCP Application Process! I had fun with this one, mainly because I got to finally have Kassie in a video! I was also super excited to show off the Pooh Bear TsumTsum she got me as an early graduation present! He's so cute! I'm also pretty proud of myself for having recorded this before midnight- see that back there? That's the sun! Wow! But, of course, it's only because I'm currently in Finals and really have nothing better to do, haha...

This video is pretty self-explanatory. What I love about the program is how they try to make everything real easy to understand. As mentioned, the audition process was very simple. Now, going in, I had completely different expectations- I had seen another video that said we would talk with the casting directors and be measured 1st, then go into the dance audition, all in a big group; however, we did things a bit backwards. I'm certain it was because there were so many applicants, they had to really divide and conquer. After signing in, Kassie and I were sent to a small dance studio with approximately 20-30 others. For the next few hours we sat around, talked, got to know each, and even played a few group games. Eventually we were taken into a larger studio to meet with the choreographer. We learned a very simple 4-step dance routine to a remix of "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride," and as soon as we were done learning, he sent for the Casting Director. She sat at the front of the room while we performed in groups of 4 across the floor. There was enough space for 3times through the steps, and when you reached the end, you had to scurry away to allow room for the next group. And that was it. After a few minutes of deliberation, the Casting Director called out some numbers- the lucky few stayed for the next round and the rest of us left. (Although I have an idea as to what happened in the following hours of the audition, having not experienced it 1st hand, I'd rather just leave it there). And this is where my DCP Character Audition Adventure ends...!

Thousands upon thousand of students across the country were trying for the few hundred spots available as a character audition, so I was totally ok with not making the cut. Honestly, I had a blast. I got to meet some cool people and geek out about Disney- what could be better?? What I do know, is at the end of my Fall Program I will totally try again! 

I would also like to add, for those of you unsure whether you should try the audition or not: DO IT!! I promise you'll have a lot of fun! Also, don't be nervous. I was lucky- 2days prior to the audition I received my Acceptance Letter, so I wasn't nervous at all walking into the audition. Sure, I was a bit shy when it came to the actual performance, and of course I tripped all over myself, but I didn't care- I knew that no matter what I was going to Disney! Remember: the choreographer and casting directors are all super nice and truly want to see you succeed. And even if you screw up, just keep smiling! 

The role I really want isn't a Princess, like most girls I know, but a Parade Performer. So in the next year, I'll be sure to work harder than ever at my dancing skills and trying NOT to be shy when it counts the most! (^-^) 

Pooh's Corner: DCP Application Process...

  2nd Video of my Disney College Program Vlog Series: Pooh's Corner! In this video I go through the application process for joining the program, as well as address the reason behind the Vlog's Title. Here's the one thing that I forgot to put in the video about the process: It's very important to sign up EARLY! You have to remember that thousands of students are also applying all over the country and spots fill up fast! As soon as the application opens, sign up as soon as you can!

  One other thing that I took out was me talking about the filming process of these videos. Basically, for the time being, I will be using my computer until I can get a proper vlogging camera, so please bear with me! And who knows, maybe I'll actually record one of these videos with natural lighting at a decent hour when I don't have to try and be quiet?? 

Dreams Come True...

I finally got to upload the first video for my Disney College Program Vlog! The recording is a  bit shaky, the lighting sucks, and I'm completely scattered-brained throughout most of it- but I had fun making it! I recorded this on March 18th, and it only got uploaded on April 9th... How sad... But now that I have a computer to use I'll be sure to create more of my DCP Vlog Series: Dreams Come True! I'll also be sure to figure out how I can make it better... (-u-) I'm looking into cameras that would be better for Vlogging, but it may be a while till I can purchase one. For now, though, here is my first video!

The Final Stretch...

  Surprise, surprise- I haven't posted anything in MONTHS even though I said that I would... Well, here we are again, and in a different year. But most importantly, in the final months of my Senior Year at The University of North Texas! 

  Everyone keeps asking whether I'm excited or not- of course I am! I'm excited to finally be DONE with school! After 16years of constant schooling I am so ready to move onto the next chapter of my life! Sure, I may be scared to "grow up" and have to start doing "adult" things like paying more bills and finding a way to live on my own- but I am SO ready for something else in my life! It's been a bit difficult this past year, though, mainly because my heart just hasn't been into it. I never want to go to classes (unless they're my Theatre classes) and I hate having to do my homework. Plus I'm having to juggle all my classes (18hours) and work && labs- it's a whole lot of work & I am exhausted! There's also the added bonus of having easy access to constant distractions (Social Media & Netflix) and my distractions almost always win the battle...! (-u-) 

  Anyways, yes, I am excited to graduate! But what I'm even more excited for is what's happening after I graduate: DISNEY COLLEGE! After all these years of hoping & dreaming of the opportunity to participate in the Disney College Program, I made it in!!! My current roommate, Kassie, also made it- so not only will I be living the dream working at Disney World, I'll be able to experience all of the magic & wonder with one of my best friends!! The program is actually one of the main reasons why I'm back to blogging. Throughout the program I'm wanting to Vlog, so naturally having a blog going alongside the postings would be relevant. I'm not too sure how it's going to work (mainly since I've never Vlogged before) but I'll figure it out! I can't wait to get started- I actually already have the 1st video ready for my to edit & post in the upcoming week! So, here's the beginning of my Disney Vlog Journey, and the continuation of this whole "Blogging Thing" <3