it's really the end.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 :)

time really does fly when your having fun.

change

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.

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!

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..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

tomorrow

Hey everyone! I know I haven’t updated in FOREVER..but my life has been way too hectic lately! But right now I am writing from the autotrain on my way to Orlando!! I can’t believe this is already here…I am checking in on Monday!! The last month has been filled with such chaos…I had some issues getting a class dropped for the fall, trying to get my courses approved for semester at sea despite registration not being open until October (now that I got classes approved, I really hope I can get in those ones now!!), attending study abroad orientation and trying to prepare for Disney. I still don’t quite feel prepared for Disney, I keep feeling like I am forgetting something and it definitely felt really rushed for me, but here I am, excited and ready to go.
In hometown news, I had my last day at Jordan’s on Tuesday, and I cried and cried and cried. I have to remember how lucky I was to have such an amazing job and try not to let the fact that I miss it already interfere with my journey with Disney. But the Jteam is like a family, and I miss them terribly already. I also miss my babies (2 cats and a doggie) terribly too, but I know they are in good hands and will be okay. Saying goodbye to my family and friends was hard, but saying goodbye to my animals and my job was by far the hardest.
In Disney news, I have two (hopeful) roommates which is really exciting! My arrival date wasn’t eligible for roommate matching, but hopefully we can get together at check in. I’m hoping for a 3-bedroom in Patterson! I’m super anxious to start my job, but super excited too…being a character at Disney will be such an awesome opportunity. I got all my paperwork at school filled out, and I can earn 12 credits while I am there if I take two Disney classes. So I am hoping for Marketing You and Creativity and Innovation! I hope I have enough business attire though…
In Semester At Sea news, I attended study abroad orientation and got my courses approved..the next step is to start working on scholarship and work study applications, start looking over sas trips I want to go on, and try to figure out where-in-the-hell this is going to be funded from.
Through trying to enjoy Disney and prepping for sas, I also have to start studying for both the mtel’s and the GRE’s. Specifically the GRE’s…I can’t take the MTEL’s until I am back in Massachusetts anyway, which wont be until next summer, so I can always study for those on SAS..but the GRE’s I would really like to take this fall at some point…so I really gotta get cracking on studying. I’m gonna have sooo much to do!

Update--Since I couldn't post this from the train (no internet)...i'm doing it from my hotel room in ORLANDO! I am checking in tomorrow!! AND I AM SOOOO NERVOUS!!

it's all coming together

Everything is underway and ready to go...

I had my last final yesterday, meaning the semester is over. After my final, I went to the registrar to drop my summer courses and pick up request to take courses outside salem state forms. I filled out the forms and printed out course descriptions from SSC, then took them to the Soc and Hst departments to get signitures. I stopped by my thesis advisor and my academic advisor's office...but neither were there. So I came home and e-mailed both. Now I am just waiting for the chairpersons of Soc and Hst to sign off on my SAS courses and the SMS chair to sign off on my disney internship. I also told my job I was leaving yesterday. It was honestly one of the hardest things I have ever done. I spent hours after work last night crying. This place is truly amazing to me. You know, people always tell you college is the best years of your life. Mine were, but not because of my college...but rather becausae of this amazing furniture store. My last day is June 8th, and I'm leaving MA on june 11th.

My parnets are becoming more accepting, and my dad is even trying to get the days off to come down to FL with me. At first they just yelled at what a bad choice I was and how dumb I was being, but they've been lightening up which is nice. My mom is planning on coming to the Bahamas with me for SAS too. I thought I was doing both alone, so thats nice.

I went to Study Abroad Orientation at school for SAS, whcih is required before going abroad..so thats out of the way. And I changed all my appoinments to get them in before I go.

Now all thats left to do is follow up on my e-mails and signitures, do some shopping, pack and go to disney. I wish I had a roomate in advance like last year, or even knew anyone really well, but I don't...so hopefully i'll meet people right away! I'm still crazy nervous, and so sad about leaving Jordan's...but im excited for the future too. I have to believe this is fate's plan for me, as much as my heart might still be in Reading Massachusetts.

42 days away...

Wow, I can't believe the CP is only 42 days away!! All of this happened for me so fast. A month ago I was sure I was declining this opportunity as I was very confident I would be getting the promotion I applied for at my current job. And as we all know, I didn't...and here I am. I haven't even told my job I'm leaving yet..I've been waiting to tell the head manager before everyone else because I feel as though I owe it to her to tell her before she finds out from everyone else. She's been there for me through everything, and the first time I did the CP she let me take a leave of absense to come back after despite that being against company rules. I'm not going to ask to come back this time...she risked it once for me and this time i'll be gone a lot longer, with 2 extra months at Disney and then 4 more months at sea. But I really need to see her soon, otherwise i'll have no choice. We have mandatory staff meetings tonight, so hoepfully she will be there then. I'm nervous to tell her, primarily because that makes it real that i'm leaving...and soon. Jordan's has been the highlight of my college career. I've hated the actual college part of college, but I started at Jordan's my freshmen year and it has been amazing since day one. I work with the most amazing people, have so much fun at my job, and just feel so blessed to have had the last 2+ years there. I wish I didn't have to grow up so that I could stay there forever - and honestly, thats why I went for management..to stay there forever. But since that didn't really work out for me, I have to say goodbye. I'm excited for the future, but it will be one of the hardest things I have done to say goodbye. The only thing that will be harder to say goodbye to is my cat, Sunshine.
Sunshine is very, very sick, and I have a bad feeling she won't be here anymore by time I get back. She's been my cat since the day she was born. She was born to a stray cat living in my grandmothers yard, and we knew from the second that cat got pregnant that we were going to take the kittens. We would have taken the mother too, but she ran away every time anyone approached her. It was horrible taking babies from a mother, but those kittens would not have survived living there. Anyway, I met Sunshine the day that she was born - it was august 1st, 1998 and my grandmother called and said the kittens had been born - I was 9. We went over and the kittens hid in teh bushes, but we saw them. We went over every day for the next month, and slowly the 5 kittens started coming out to see us. On September 1st - my first day of 4th grade - we went over after school and took the kittens and brought them home. At this point one had already died, so we knew we were doing the right thing by taking the other for. Each of the kids (my brother and I, and our two neighbors) picked out a kitten to be ours - and I choose Sunshine. She's been my baby ever since. I fed her, slept with her, pet her, played with her, and for the past year got up at 530 every morning to give her insulin shots. But she's very very sick, and isn't getting better no matter what medicine we give her. I know that when I leave it might very well be the last time I see her. And that kills me.

Anyway, I set out for this post to be an update post - not a "what i'll miss" post. There will be one of those, with Sunshine and Jordans at 1 and 2, but this was meant to be more of an update. So, today after class I'm meeting with the CP advisor at my school to get everything figured out for Disney. Then I have my work meeting where I'll hopefully tell Lori I'm leaving, if I see her. On Tuesday, I'm talking to my honors thesis advisor and telling him I need to push back my thesis for an entire year because I won't be in Salem. I'm nervous about this - and hoping he will still agree to be my advisor in a year, but I guess it's not the end of the world if he says no. Then, on Thursday I am attending the study abroad orienation. I should be attending this in the fall, but as I will be about 10 states to the South, thats not really possible. So they will show me how to get everything straightened out for semester at sea and get my classes approved. Classes end this week, but finals stretch until the end of next week, so offices will be open to get this stuff figured out I hope. And then I'll be good to go. I gotta do lots of Disney shopping though, but i'll have time. This summer was supposed to be filled with 2 summer classes and an honors thesis - but since I'm graduting a semester late rather than a semester early, it isn't filled with anything until I leave. I'm sad and nervous about leaving, but excited for this adventure. I thought I had my whole life planned out - but now I'm just as clueless as ever - and that scares me.

On a side note - Captain EO is back to disney starting in July. I LOVEEEE MJ <3 <3.

I don't re-read what I write before I post it, so I apoligize for the spelling/gramatical/structural errors, and my rambling. I just find it more real if I go with the flow rather than stop to revise. I could revise at the end, but I don't care that much :).

<3 Allie

Mean Disney Girls

This Rocks. Like Glen Coco.

audition

So this is a bit backwards, but as I was writing about my role yesterday, I thought maybe I should write an audition entry. I know that before I went to the auditions, even though I wasn't taking it that seriously, I still tried to read up on what to expect, so maybe this will help future auditioners.

Preparing for the audition:
I didn't do anything extra special to prepare for the audition. I read a lot that people were doing stretches and practing their animations (ill talk about this later) but I didn't do anything special. I am not in fantastic shape, but I do go to the gym so I did have some physical stamina. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to work out more, do extra streches or practice animations, but its not something to entirely stress about.



Clothes for the Audition:
I put a lot of focus on what I was wearing to the audition. I wanted to look good, while being comfortable, approiate and able to move. Here's what I went with:


-Yoga Pants from Aerie. These were perfect! They are super cute, but form fitting to show off my moves, not too hot, and affordable. I am an aerie enthusiast, i love everything they make, and this is no exception. I wear these pants all the time since because they rock.
-Striped Tee. I didn't wear that striped tee exactly, but I bought a form fitting one from XXI forever. It was like $8 or something ridiculously cheap, and if was long enough so I didn't have to worry about it riding up while dancing, but tight enough as to show my shape without being too clingy. It was a perfect choice, although I wish I had brought something a bit brighter because the black was a bit much for a disney audition.
-Jazz Shoes. I bought these specifically for the audition because I was stressing out a lot about shoes. I got them for $17 on ebay, so it wasn't bad..but it wasn't at all necessary. Sneakers will sufficice, and a lot of people there were wearing them. If you have jazz or dance shoes, I would recommend wearing them, but I wouldn't buy them just for this.

One girl at my audition was actually wearing a tinkerbell dress! Most people were in sweatpants, a tee and sneakers, but she deffinitly stood out. Just make sure your comforatble. And DO NOT wear jeans.

Getting to the Audition:

Leave plenty of extra time to get to the audition. I left for the train 2.5 hours before check in, when the train ride is only about 25 minutes. However, you never know what delays you might have no matter what mode of transportation you are taking, and you still have to find the place, so better early than late. By time I drove to the T, got on the train and made it to Boston, I had an hour before check in. However, this place was hidden and I walked back and forth with my phone GPS over and over unable to find it. It took me 45 minutes, but eventually I found this hidden jem and headed in. So make sure to leave time for these mishaps.

When I actually got the audition space, everyone was cluttered in a waiting area, taking turns changing. Talk to the people around you. I spoke to a couple girls who I hung around with the whole audition, and it made things a lot easier having someone to talk to, practice with during the audition and end up in your group at the end.

The Audition Itself:
The Audition began by everyone filing out brief paperwork, just basic info. Then we took the papers up to a cast member at a desk who gave us a number, and got in a second line to have our photos taken and heights measured. Then, we were told to by 2 Disney Cast Members to sit down while they made a few announcements. They welcomed us, and pressured us not to be nervous. They explained the process of the audition. This particular one would consist of animation - acting out certain scenarios, and a dance routine. Other auditions can vary, and some include costume try-ons for certain people, but this did not. We would practice animation for a bit as a large group, then in groups of 25. After, we would learn the dance routine as a group, then in groups of 25. After, we would all be sent out of the room and brought back in in groups of 6 to actually audition.

Everyone stood up and we were given different scenarios to act out. I'm not sure I am allowed to disclose what the scenarios were, so I won't. But I've heard different ones of meeting a characater, being a character, shopping in the Magic Kingdom and stuff like that. So we did that to music a few times as a large group and then as smaller groups.

After that everyone, there were 75 people at my audition, took to the floor again to learn the dance routine. It was taught in counts of 8, and there were about 8 counts. The dance starts off very easy but gets faster and harder, and a lot of differnet types of dance styles are included. After a few runthroughs we were told to line up against the walls of the room and groups of 25 came to practice with more room (this is all done by number).

Then, we all lined up on the stairs by number and were taken in to audition in groups of 6. The audition itself consisted of 2 animations going right into the dance (no break), a 30 second rest, then back into round 2 - the same thing all over again. If anyone was chosen to learn the advanced dance they would be asked to stay (no one in my group was) but everyone else was given a thank you and a piece of paper that said we will know within 4 weeks.

Audition Tips:
-Don't worry so much about the actual choreography. People were practing and stressing about it left and right, but the truth is that the cast members dont really expect you to know every move after just a few times.
-SMILE and HAVE FUN. Thats the most important thing. If you are enjoying yourself, it doesnt matter if you mess up, your happiness will show.
-OVERANIMATE. in the animation portion, make everything big. If you don't feel silly, your not doing it right.

Seriously, I cannot stress enough that the most important thing is to have a good time. I didnt know the routine well, I didn't do it close to perfect. I am not a theater major nor do I have lots of experience. I didnt bring a headshot or a resume (or have one), but I still got the role. Just do your best and have fun doing it.


The Post-Audition Experience:
It took about 3.5 weeks to hear the results of the audition. You will hear either way by e-mail, but it won't be right away. Auditions have to finish and then everyone must be evaluated. The cast members take notes during your 6 person audition, but you dont get to read them or know what they thought. I got a call about 2.5 weeks after my audition from the casting department saying I did a great job and if I would be wiling to swtich to fall advantage to further my chances, as there are more roles for that season. This might not always happen though, so don't stress if you do or do not get a call.


Like i've said a few times, the audition isn't something to stress over or to spend hours upon hours prepping for. Just have a good time and you will be okay.

Hope this helps!

-Allie

role

I think I'll talk a little bit about my role - character performer!!

I got accepted for the role over a week ago, and the shock still has worn off...how in the world did I pass this audition? I haven't performed since high school, and even then I was never the lead. I'm a freaking history major in college, and I don't really see myself as the outgoing go-for-the-gold type. How in the world did I get this opportunity? I feel so blessed, but still, so suprised.

So here's what my job entails, according to the cp website.
Character Performer
Responsibilities may include:

• Portraying specific costumed character roles
• Working in hot, confining, heavy costumes with limited range of vision
• Communicating non-verbally to Guests
• Signing autographs and posing for photographs
• Interacting with Guests outdoors and in dining establishments
• Potential to perform in parade and/or puppeteer roles
• Must pass audition for this role.

So I went to the auditions in Boston on March 24th. At that point I was on restricted rehire for the comapny and hadn't even heard if my status had been lifted. I'm from a Boston suburb and didn't have class on the day of the audition, so I kind of just figured what-the-hell? I'll hop on the T and check it out, it will be a fun experience. A few weeks later I got a phone call saying I did a great job and would I like to swtich from Fall to Fall Advantage. I planned on studying abroad in Spain this summer, but I said if there were no other options I would take it. And now I'm Fall Advantage. I'm not going to Spain, but I'll spending a semester at sea, so I'll be okay, and i'll be a character at disney!!

Characters at Disney are based on height. Although I am 5'1, the Disney cast members running the auditions measured all of us and the heights, like the costumes in Orlando, varied. So, although I didn't hear what my actual height was at the audition, I was given a mouse height upon acceptance, which means I was measured at 5'0 or below.

Mouse height characters can include:

• Mickey
• Minnie
• Donald
• Daisy
• Lilo
• Stitch
• Piglet
• Brer Rabbit
• Dopey
• Pinnochio
• Jimminy Cricket

and more. It's hard to find a definite answer on what characters I may be, but this seems to be a pretty solid start. Anyway, its really exciting and I can't believe I am getting this opportunity. I just decided I was doing to CP though, so I'm really behind on the whole prepping process..and I haven't really met anyone yet which is kind of unforutante, but hopefully i'll meet a bunch of people in the next month and when I get there!

That's all for now,
-allie-

an introduction

Hi! I'm Alisa, and I am a 21 year old college student from Boston. I've lived at home my entire life, not even dorming at college...but I'm about to branch out and have an amazing ten months. I recently got accepted to the Disney College Program in Orlando as an attractions cast member, but I found out only a few days ago that I was accepted as a charceter performer based on my audition in Boston!! I never expected to be offered this role...I haven't performed in years and I went to the audition simply becasue it was in Boston this year and I figured it would be a fun experiecne...and it was, and I feel so blessed to have gotten this opportunity. I was originally a fall participant, arriving 9/1, but got switched to fall advantage when I got the role of performer, arriving 6/14. I don't have roomates yet, so if anyone reading this is 21+ and arriving june 14th and wants a roomate, let me know!! Anyway, I will be staying at Disney until January 3rd...but part two of my journey starts very soon after. I haven't figured out the specifics yet, but by January 12th I will be in the Bahamas boarding the MV Explorer to spend a semester at sea. Aboard the explorer, I will be visiting (not in this order) the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Japan, South Africa, Ghana, China, India, Vietnam, Maritius, Singapore and Hawaii, eventually disembarking in San Diego on April 24th. Obviously, being away from my home school the semester before studying abroad is causing A LOT of problems...even already...but I am determined to make this work no matter what it takes...this is too amazing of an opportunity to give up. I was supposed to graduate from college a semester early, in fall of 2010, but these opportunities are worth staying longer, and at this point I probobly will end up graduating a semester late, in fall of 2011. However, it's worth it for the experience.

I had some hesitations about doing these things, and heres why.
(A) I brielfy participated in the CP in fall of 2009. And I mean briefly. Like, I didn't even make it out of training. I was very, very, ill, and because of that my whole experience was tainted and I was miserable. Also, my heart was still in Boston, at this wonderful place called Jordan's Furniture, where I have been lucky enough to be employed by since March of 2008. So, I left Florida and happily skipped back into the wonders of Jordan's.
(B) Like I said above, my heart was in Jordan's. I fully planned on graduating in December and making a career there. However, I recently applied for a management position, and did not get it...making me re-think my options.
So now here I am. I dont have a plan of where I want to go with my life anymore, and I am spending a year longer than I planned to in school. But I am getting two of the most amazing experiences anyone could ever wish for, and I feel so lucky for all of it.

So my blog will be about the next year of my life. One year from now, to the day exactly, I will be arriving in San Diego finishing my journey with SAS, so what a perfect time to start my blog. This blog will chronicle my experiences in Disney, and with Semester at Sea. Thanks for reading!!
Alisa

--And I'm sorry for the bad design. I'm working on making it nice, but I suck at this stuff!!!
--And, if anyone is interested, i write a gluten-free blog as well (http://glutenfreesaugus.blogspot.com/). I'm pretty sure no one has ever read it as I've never advertised it or anything, but why not start now.