My Week in Disney!

Here is to recap what has happened to me here in Disney from the past week :)

Warning: Please excuse the horrible grammar, I wrote this at 1am. Thanks.


Sunday: My Dad got my car ready and packed while my Mom and I did some last minute shopping for shoes! I practically hugged my brother, Shawn 6 times before I could get myself out the door! I wasn't so excited at the time because I bawled my eyes out a couple of times because of the fact that I would be on my own!
My Dad drove my car while my Mom drove her van up to Orlando! I sat with my Mom in her car surfing the internet with her iPhone :)
But of course something had to happen on our way up there with my car! We ended up taking a quick pit-stop 30 minutes away from my home so my Dad could fix what he needed to fix! An hour later we were ready to hit the road! I must say it was quite the adventure and wasn't so bad as I thought it would be! 3 hours flew by so fast! :)
3 hours later...
-We end up at Disney's Pop Century Resort to check in! Once we got to our room we dropped off our bags, I changed ever so quickly, and we darted out the door for Downtown Disney! There I was anxious to meet my new roommate! When we got there we met up with her at Bongos, but since my Dad wasn't a fan of it the last time we went we ended up switching up the restaurant. At the House of Blues we went to have some really good regular American type food, lol. Brittany and I sat next to each other and chatted away getting to know each other. Matt came to the restaurant as well but just in time to order what he wanted to eat, he ended up sitting next to my Mom and across from my Dad! I was so happy to see my Daddy and Matt talk to each other :)
Before I knew it dinner was over and we were parting ways with Brittany! But I knew I was going to see her just 8 short hours away! :)
My Mom, Dad, Matt and I browsed around Downtown Disney at this car showcase! It was pretty neat! I took some pictures as well...
Soon after we decided it was time to leave Downtown Disney as well and headed for our hotel for the night.

Monday: I have no idea how I opened my eyes at 5am, but I did it anyway! I was eager but not so much because I was more stressed about getting in line on time! I showered, dressed, brushed my teeth, had my Mom braid my hair and I grabbed all of my bags so that way my parents didn't have to grab my belongings when they check out. My Mom drove me down to the Hilton Resort where Brittany was staying, once we got her we headed straight to Vista Way! And of course Domi (me) did her research and knew that people would be waiting in line by 6am and low and behold...There were 15 people waiting in line! Now 17 including Brittany and I!
So for an hour and a half Brittany and I chatted again about the things in life we enjoyed and also about some mindless things that probably didn't relate to anything!
Around 7:30am the security guards let us through the gates and all the way down to the Welcome Center! Everyone was smiling and so excited to see us, welcoming us while writing down our names for a name tag to wear! Since I have two "i's" in my name I got two Mickey's! :) The line moved very quickly! We just had to sign a paper here, give a paper there, more moving throughout the line- everything was so organized! We got our house keys and that was the best moment in my life EVER! Brittany and I first wanted 6 girls in a 4 apartment but we ended up with a 2 bedroom! But I seriously don't mind it at all! I love it! It's nice and quiet! Once all the paperwork was done it was time to go to Casting!! Yay! There we were to learn what our roles are! Lucky for us, we were the first group at Casting so that itself took no time at all!
At Casting they led us down a hallway and had us lined up against the wall, each of them asking our name to put down a sticker on the folders we received that had the location of where we were to work at..one of the girls approached me and asked me my name...here was the moment...she looked at me and asked, "Do you love kids?" I replied "Of course I do!" and she just placed the sticker on my folder and said, "You are working at THE MAGIC KINGDOM IN FANTASYLAND!"
You have no idea as to how excited that made me! It was my favorite park out of all the parks here at Walt Disney World and it the land that has the most little children running through! I was truly excited! There was a lot more things to do at Casting but soon after all of that was done Brittany's Aunt and my Mom and Dad picked me up and we headed over to Chatham (That's where we live!)
The best part about being early is that Brittany and I got first pick when it came to our rooms! Of course we chose the biggest room with the biggest bathroom and walk-in closet! :)
We started to unpack all of our belongings! I must say it is so surreal when it comes to living on your own! I could finally do things the way I wanted to!
My parents then soon left as well at Brittany's Aunt, and we sat there just so excited that now we finally live on our own!

Tuesday- We had an entire day off to just do nothing and be lazy! But Brittany and I took the opportunity to go ahead and get registered for some Disney Seminars and Courses they offered! When we got back I went to the front where security was and signed a paper to allow Matt to visit, so that way when we got to the gate they would allow him access inside.
Matt came over to be our "quote" man for our cable because we had no idea if we should run it all over or not. After an hour or so I decided to go to Downtown Disney with Matt, there we explored all over and I took a ton of photos!
After our awesome adventure, we headed back to my place so he could take his car to go home! But of course there was a possum just running around! So Matt, being the gentleman that he is, walked me to my door :)
And that was my Tuesday!

Wednesday: Wednesday was Traditions! It was where we learned of Disney's culture and as well as the traditions we have here at Disney! I met a girl there named Colleen and she was a total sweetheart! :) She actually reminded me so much of Vicki and Sleeping Beauty!
During Traditions we were given the opportunity to go through Disney secrets and explore the Magic Kingdom! While at the Magic Kingdom something magical happened in Fantasyland! (of course!) I got Pixie Dusted as well as the girls in my group! I felt so special! And I could not wipe the smile off of my face!
That evening I went home with a Traditions Mickey figure that I earned for participating in the program! :)

Thursday: On Thursday I had a class called "Once Upon A Time Is...Now!"
We learned the ropes of the Magic Kingdom and all of the History that went into building the Magic Kingdom! Our leaders for this class was Ed and Rae! And I must say that these two are an amazing pair! At first I didn't think I could get my one-on-one with them...but of course lucky for me we ended up having the opportunity to go on the attraction "The Haunted Mansion" and of course my scaredy cat self was too chicken to continue on the entire ride! So when we got into the beginning room that closes and gets dark in I walked over to Ed and I asked him if there was any way that I could not ride the attraction because of my deadly fear of the dark. He said it wasn't a problem but we would have to wait after the doors opened. So the attraction started and Ed put his arm around me and jokingly said "Oh she fell into me I swear!" looking over at Rae who laughed as well as a couple of my classmates, lol. But apparently I was shaking so I think he knew I wasn't lying! Once the doors opened Ed and I took a Cast Member exit out of the attraction. So for 7 minutes it was just Ed and I talking and getting to know each other. And I valued those 7 minutes to get in good with someone who was already so far in the company as an Engineer.
After the whole exploration of the Magic Kingdom, we were met up with our trainers to get our costumes, once we got our costumes I went home. Later on that evening Brittany and I explored the wonders of park hopping!
I went home with a smile on my face and dreamed of Princesses and Pirates :)

Friday- Friday was a long day for me...it was training! It was pretty much a day of learning the ropes and getting a feel for the work location in itself. It was truly a long LONG day...and hot!
But the best part about the day was when I was quiet for all of 5 hours..and suddenly my shell broke! Thinking back on my Laser Quest skills, realizing that this is a whole new place with the ability to be able to talk to ANYONE and ANYONE would talk back to you because you are in DISNEY WORLD!
I approached a Mom who had a pin on that said "Happy Birthday" and her name on it! So I wished her a Happy Birthday as she was taking a picture of her kids and I said to her, "Let me take a picture of the three of you while you wear this Birthday Hat!" So she did and I told them to say "Cheese" as loud as they could! But only the Mom did but I told her that was the point! To get a lot of attention since it was her day :) She thanked me and said she could have sworn she has seen someone like me before! So apparently I have a twin, haha!
When I got home I was dead tired and was a lazy butt! But I did manage to put together a lasagna for my roommates and I, and it was a hit! They all loved it :) I am now Chef Domi! :)

Saturday- I had a Merchantainment class this day and I must say I had no idea it was even Saturday- haha!
In this class we learned how to use their POS systems and such! I made some more new friends, got to eat at the Mouseketeria in the Magic Kingdom and then wrapped up with an Assessment I got on "A" on :)
Once it was all over, I drove home and lazed around, realizing I had a ton of free time, I decided to utilize it by going to visit Matt! So I took a trip down to where UCF is to find Matt's house, I only got a little lost but I found the house eventually! Honestly, I didn't even hang out with Matt, I spent most of my time with his roommate, Dan, because Dan and I went shopping for some groceries so he could make dinner! On top of that I needed to buy Matt and Mike medicine since they are both sick! So it was quite a fun day! I got to bond with someone who I have never really bonded with before, had some amazing soup and drove back home to get some awesome sleep!

Sunday- Today was my real first day on the registers and really interacting with the guests! I met my Trainer, Michael, who I must say is an amazing trainer! Plus I was his first trainee! :)
We really got to know each other and what makes it even better is that I found a friend in him! :)
He let us sneak and watch the "Wishes" fireworks which made me cry, but was so amazing! There were so many magical moments I had given to children just by pixie dusting them and calling them either "Princess" or "Pirate"! It was truly magical! It was also a long day! But well worth it!
Tomorrow is my last day of training (today technically) but I cannot wait to see how the day goes!

Stay tuned on my blog! :)
I will try to update more frequently...
I did say try :)

xoxo,

domi

7 days to go.

I am so excited I can hardly keep it together!
I got myself a roomie! Now I am stoked that I will be meeting her on Sunday before check-in day!
I am hoping we can get in line by 5:45am! I want to us to be one of the first people there so we can get what we want! Hopefully about 4 more roommates then we'd be set!
This week is crunch time! Time to shop till I drop with my mommy!
Monday is my last day working at Laser Quest till come January! I am sad but happy at the same time! I will be coming back so that's a plus!
I shall be back with pictures for future postings!
It'll be all about packing of course :)

Well it's time for bed now, this is my second to last day of work!

xoxo,

domi

What to pack?!

Time is counting down and now is when I will be posting as often as possible!

In this post I'd like to go over some packing guidelines!

First, know what you want!
Imagine how you want your side of the apartment room to look, something simple or cozy or maybe even busy! Everyone is different! Choosing certain bedding designs pretty much scream out the type of personality you have. Or in my case, calmly shows you who I am.
It has been pretty difficult to figure out what to buy since I am roommate-less, unfortunately. But that won't bring me down! (Even though I feel down about it) It's like being picked last in a game of Dodge-ball, but that's not the point.

So here is my "what I need" list to keep track of everything...

1. Pillows (Body pillow, normal size pillow)
2. Pillow cases
3. Bed Sheets
4. Comforter
5. Duvet for my comforter
6. Bed Side Table Lamp
7. Alarm (preferably old school ringing in my ear alarm)
8. Rug
9. Blanket
10. Night light (I am one of those people who are afraid of the dark)
11. Curtain (I don't really enjoy being while blinds, it's kind of Hospital like..)
12. Laundry Basket
13. Some art for the walls to make the room more cozy
14. Calender


Bathroom:
1. Soap Dispenser
2. Toothbrush holder
3. Bath rug
4. Night light in bathroom ( I am not fond of turning on a bright light in the middle of the night)
5. Shower curtain (I know they have one but having your own would be fun)
6. Shower Caddie
7. Hamper

When it comes to kitchen supplies I think I'll wait till I find out who my roommate will be then go from there.
If I am missing anything please feel free to give me some more things to add to my list! Pack wouldn't be a problem since I am driving up there!


I will post up some picture later on as my pile of belongings continue to grow and put into tubs of storage!
Just less than 14 days now till arrival!

Time is Running Out!

Greetings to all!
I just have about 36 more days to go before I leave for Orlando!
I am quite excited, nervous, sad a bit about going! But I am mostly sad about not having a roommate to share the experience with at the moment. I am not really one who wants to room with someone randomly, I would really like to get to know someone before living with them. I have many flaws when it comes to the comfort level of my room at night and I want to be sure that they are completely 100% cool with me and my nightlight and fan!
If you are still looking for a roommate for the 8/23 check in day please comment me and let me know!
Unfortunately I have to sound desperate since there is not much time left to spare!

xoxo,

domi

Update!

Just to let everyone know that my blog is under construction...
Finals are just around the corner and I have 2 weeks worth of tests! Woo hoo!
In the meantime I am just looking forward to the Disney Send Off party the CP alumni here at my college is having for us!
It's pretty exciting :)
I can't wait!
Soon pictures will be up! And as of right now I have to go! I will discuss more Disney things later on!

xoxo,

domi

Roommate Survey :)

A roommate survey, I am looking for someone to live with! It'd be great to get to know them before arriving in August!

1. Your name?: Dominique
2. Are you legal (over 21)?: I will be turning 21 during the program. But not on my arrival date
3. Male or female?: Female
4. Gay, straight, bi (optional): Straight
5. Where do you live?: Florida
6. What role will you have at Disney?: Merchandise
7. What are your arrival/departure dates/program (fall, fall advantage, fall quarter)?: 8/23/2010 Fall
8. Which apartment complex would you prefer to live at? Patterson or Chatham
9. How many roommates/rooms would you like? (1-7 roommates, 1-4 rooms)?: 5-6 roomies
10. Do you like to party? Will you be hosting parties in your apartment?: No, I am not a big party goer, so I won't be hosting any parties.
11. What's your favorite food, and more importantly, can you cook well?: I love spaghetti, and yes I can cook & I have been told I cook well :)
12. If your friends could describe you in three words what would they be?: Kind, loyal, Fun
13. What kind of music/movies do you like?: I like all kinds of movies, except the dumb ones at times..lol
14. Do you smoke, and if so, inside or outside?: No
15. Do you drink? (socially or alcoholic): No
16. Are you a night person or a morning person?: Afternoon-ish person
17. Are you driving or flying down?: Driving UP!
18. What do you do for fun?: I love to go shopping & I'm a photographer so I love taking pictures :)
19. What is your favorite quote?: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind"- Dr. Seuss
20. What are you most excited about in being in the WDWCP?: Being able to work in the parks and meeting new friends! :)
21. Favorite things to do when not working: Relax and go to coffee shops, read books or go to the beach and/or shop :)
22. Name one good quality about yourself: I am organized, lol
23. Name one bad quality about yourself: I can be a bit OCD & I have a bad habit of being a bit protective of my belongings. I am willing to share as long as I get what I share back.
24: Your college: Broward College
25: Your major: Psychology
26. Any medical conditions (optional): None
27. Are you messy/tidy?: Tidy
28. Anything else you want to state: I am afraid of the dark, so if you can deal with a nightlight then we're good, also I can only sleep to white noise, so if I have a small fan running, that's the reason why. I am easy to get along with as long as you are willing to accept that I laugh and smile a lot and realize that what you see is what you get. I am easy going and I trust easily.
29. Favorite Disney movie? Snow White
30. How many times have you been to Disney? A lot.
31. Favorite park? Magic Kingdom
32. Favorite ride? Tea Cups :)
33. Favorite show? Lights, Motors, Action @ Hollywood Studios.
34. Favorite resort? All Star Resort is the only one we ever stayed at. lol
35. Favorite dining? Not sure yet.
36. Favorite character? Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Snow White, Ariel, Jasmine.

The Beginning of a Dream..

So...it is official as of 9:03am, I am now going to be a Disney Cast Member!
I am so excited!!! I didn't expect an email so quickly! Although Merchandise was a role I wasn't choosing as first pick but I don't care!!!!!!!
I AM GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!! :D




I now officially work for the Mouse :]

P.S.- I will be creating a new blog, under the same name just a different one separate for my Disney experience.
So keep checking for updates!!!

M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E!!!
MICKEY MOUSE!

xoxo,

domi