A Cold and Very Sad Day

Today was a very sad and dreadful day. One of my best friends on the program went home. She was one of the girls in my apartment who I had been close with since day one finally called it quits. This internship can really take a toll on people. I am sad to see her leave and I know my program will not be like it used to. I am just happy that she only lives 2 hours from my house so the first thing I do when I come home is go see her! Her leaving really makes me realize how awesome this program was because I got the opportunity to make amazing friends like Rikki. God knows that I will be very sad for a long time. It always sucks to see someone in your life walk out, but I am happy that she will always be my best friend and future bridesmaid.

In other news it is extremely cold here in sunny Orlando. Even with the sun shinning with no clouds to be seen it was only 59 today. I know that may seem like a nice cool fall day back in Chicago, but keep in mind that I have been living in the land of eternal summer... This is the first time that the temp has been below 80 so my body is in shock mode! At least my costume (uniform) changes with the changing weather. Instead of a dock worker I will now look like an intense downhill skier. I will be decked out in a winter hat, ski type pants, and a heavy winter jacket. And not to mention a long sleeve shirt and a fleece. I will be all bundled up like the kid from The Christmas Story. I can't wait to see how I act when I come home and see SNOW on the ground. I will need to mentally prepare myself for that one.

Since it is quickly approaching Halloween my work is preparing in the best way recreation people know how... Throwing a massive work party for all the kids. This includes 10+ pumpkins that have been carved and have been slowly decaying in our office/meeting area, 300 pounds of candy, and most importantly fun games that we get to play with the kids all Wednesday at work. Yup my job is awesome. I think the best part about getting prepared for Halloween is the role they gave me. I am the official candy test taster. Basically I (and everyone else at my work) get to eat as much of the 300 pounds of candy to make sure it is "safe" for the kids. As unofficial as my role is I am quite okay eating tons of candy just to test for poison and check for razor blades. We have to look out for our guests ;).

Well that is all the updates for now have a magical night everyone!

Pictures Galore!

His first visit pin that he wore everywhere

His very first Disney World ride! The Tea Cups

<3

We had to try the Snails from France at Food and Wine

The interactive dresser in the Belle ride!

Gaston's Tavern

His first Mickey Bar waiting for the parade

Be Our Guest Resturant

The stain glass 

the dining area

The little mermaid ride

Long over due!

So I know my last post was not as great as it could have been so this one will be better (I hope). Since my last decent blog a lot of great things have happened. My wonderful boyfriend David came to visit me for a long weekend about 2 weeks ago. It was his very first time being in Disney World so it was like bringing a little kid to the parks. He automatically fell in love with everything he saw and of course his jaw dropped the first time he saw the castle. It was crazy to think that I had not seen anyone in my family for over 2 months and the weekend with him flew by way to fast! Now I start my countdown to when I see him again in January... A little over 70 days away till I come home for good.
     I am currently in the application process to become a Campus Rep for the Disney College Program at my  school, Aurora University. If I get this position I basically get all the perks of working for Disney without being away from my family. As a Campus Rep I will be in charge of all the meetings and info sessions for recruiting people to the college program. I will also be a mentor to anyone applying or preparing for there semester away. Fingers crossed I get it!!!!!
     Another awesome thing that is happening in Disney World right now is Food and Wine Festival over at Epcot. Basically what is a huge food eating event. Countries from around the world have stands set up around the World Showcase (google it if you don't know what that is) and bring the best and most random food. Although it isn't cheap and it would be more fun if I was able to drink its an awesome experience!
     Many of you may know or you may not know that at the Magic Kingdom there is a big construction project going on... NEW FANTASY LAND! Yes they did tear down Toon Town, but it is for the better. The new Fantasy Land has Prince Adam's and Prince Eric's castles (aka Beauty and the Beast and Little Mermaid). They also have Gaston's Tavern and my favorite the Be Our Guest Restaurant. This is the biggest thing that has hit Disney World since they brought Soarin' to Epcot. Although Fantasy Land is not set to fully open till Dec 6th it is currently open now as their "dress rehearsal". And I have been there over and over again!
    Other than that I am still loving my life down here and Disney and definitely loving the still 80+ degree weather. I am getting a tad homesick from my family and friends but soon my mom, aunt, and sister will be down here for some fun in the sunshine state!!!

Have a magical morning :)

Long time no post!

Sorry for not posting in awhile. This post is dedicated to Jordan who harassed me to post it. So I guess what everyone wants to know is what have I been doing lately. I have been super busy working and started my Disney class. A little bit about my awesome class. My class is called Enviromentality and Sustainability. It is all about how Disney saves the environment. It's awesome mainly because I have so many field trips. We are going to Animal Kingdom to meet zoo keepers and the animals that you see on the safari ride. We also get to go to Epcot and swim with the two dolphins and manatees that Disney owns. Simply stated this class is amazing. Work is work still chilling on the dock. Tonight is Halloween inservice for lifeguard. There will be more details on that once I actually figure out what I am doing in it tonight. I promise I will blog more since I still need to explain how awesome Food and Wine Festival. Have a magical night!

Pictures, Pictures, PIctures

Feel good moments at Disney World

The other day at work something truly magical happened. I was working at Port Orleans outside of the cashier box playing with the kids like I normally do when rentals are slow. A mother and son walked up and was wondering if they could rent a surrey bike. For those of you who don't know what a surrey bike it is like 2 bikes side by side and it looks super cute. While I was talking to the mom she told me a story from a long time ago that melted my heart (she also allowed me to share her story online). Her son was born almost 5 months premature and had developed autism at a very young age. When her husband realized the amount of energy it would take to raise his son he left her on her own. The mom always dreamed of taking her children to Disney World, but realized that it would take a lot of saving up. When her son Devin turned 10 years old she finally had the money to go. They decided to stay at Port Orleans because it was affordable. Once they arrived they walked passed the bike rentals and Devin automatically feel in love with the Surrey bikes. So everyday on their vacation they rented a Surrey bike so he could ring the bell. Unfortunately because of his disability he is unable to pedal the bike so his mom did all the work which is quite a workout. Even though it was hard she rented one everyday just to see Devin smile. Their vacation came to an end and they had always planned to come back. 10 years later they came back to Disney World and Devin requested they stay at Port Orleans just so they can rent a surrey bike everyday. So that brings us back to present time. As I was getting them set up on their bike Devin was smiling and clapping and ringing the bell like it was the best thing ever. When they came back from their ride the mom thanked me and asked if I would take a picture with Devin because he loved how nice I was. So the next day at work they came back to rent a Surrey bike like usual. When they came back from their first ride Devin wanted to go again. His mom was really tired out, but she wanted to make her son happy so they went again. They came and Devin requested to go around just one more time, but his mom was just to tired since she is the only one who can pedal. Meanwhile there were 3 soldiers standing by listening to the mom tell her son she couldn't do it again. The 3 soldiers stepped in and said that they had been thinking about renting out a Surrey bike and asked the mom if Devin would like to go on a 4 seat Surrey bike with them so the mom could rest. Devin was so excited he got to go again and the mom was in tears. I have never witnessed something like this and it really gave me hope that their are people out there who are looking out for others. I was truly blessed to meet Devin and his mom along with the 3 soldiers. I simply love my job!
Have a magical afternoon :)

Time is flying by!

I cannot believe that it is almost October already! I seriously feel like it was just yesterday that I was moving in and saying good to mom. Now I am almost half way though my program and never want to leave. Time here goes by so much quicker than anywhere else in the world. I swear an 8 hour shift at home felt like it would drag on for days, but here I work 8 hours everyday and I am shocked at how quick it goes by. Must be something about the Disney magic. Enough about the time lets talk about the weather. It feels like it is the middle of July here. It is constantly close to 100 degrees out everyday, but luckily the humidity factor of the weather is gone! It is funny to see pictures of people back home who are in jeans or boots and I am laying out by the pool. It is crazy to think that I will have to leave this wonderful weather for the dreadful Chicago snow in only a few short months. But lets not think about going home just yet! I am still spending every hour I am not working at the parks with best friends here. I seriously don't know what I would do without their craziness! Well I don't to waste a beautiful day indoors so I guess its time to go lay by the pool!
Have a magical day!