Let the Memories Begin

Hello all! 

Sorry it's been so long, Florida/Disney life is non-stop work & fun - more fun than work, really :) 

Let's see, where do I begin?

Since my last update, I was assigned to the All-Star Resort Arcade until March 20th, and then I'll be moved to Disney's Blizzard Beach Waterpark! I'm excited about moving to the sunshine - staying inside all day is really wearing on me. And, I'm in desperate need of one of those famous Florida tans :) I work with a variety of people, and I'm really able to use what Spanish I know to help with both guests & fellow Cast Members. I'm getting to interact with adults & kids alike, and I'm loving it. I wasn't too happy with where I was placed, but I am determined to make the most of it & make sure I'm making sure guests have the most magical experience as possible.

Earlier this week, Abby, Courtney, Zach, & I went to Hollywood Studios to ride Tower of Terror (twice in a row, because since Zach works there, hooked us up), Rockin' Rollercoaster (even cooler the second time to ride it), and Toy Story Mania. As if we weren't already exhausted enough, we headed over to Magic Kingdom!!! For the record, Space Mountain is terrible. I still feel like my equilibrium is all out-of-whack. Someone just might have to pay me to ride that ride again. After a few rides, we met up with another one of our roommates, Tonya, and continued our fun-filled day in the park (ie Splash Mountain, Toontown, Meet & Greet with TIGGER!, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Carribean, and dinner at Cosmic Ray's, where we visited with another roommate who was working). We finally met up with Ashton, and we did some shopping at the Emporium, followed by the most amazing light and firework show I have ever seen. So amazing, in fact, I cried like a little girl. This place really is magical and I just can't get enough. 

The next day, we crammed the last two Disney parks into a day - Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Zach, Jamey, Ashton, and I hopped in my car and headed to Animal Kingdom, where we went on the Safari tour, the Everest rollercoaster (LEGIT!), watched "Nemo-The Musical," and the Lion King show. In-cred-ible. I seriously got goosebumps. Next up was Epcot, where we rode Spaceship Earth (really ended up being more like naptime), and walked "Around the World," which gradually turned into us desperately searching for a place to eat dinner. The final choice? Dinner in Mexico. I was seriously craving Mexican food and it was a MUST. After killing time with a junior high-esque game of Truth or Dare by using an App on Ashton's phone, we watched Illuminations, which was cool, but nothing like the incredible light show in Magic Kingdom. After leaving Epcot, we had the bright idea of going to downtown Orlando. So, even after exhaustion of what seemed like we'd already walked a million miles during the day, we danced the night away downtown. 

Today, I once again, tried to get a darn lanyard. Apparently a Cast Member lanyard with Cinderella on it is almost impossible to find) and I went with Abby to Disney University to check out Company D (basically like a Cast Member gift shop) annnnnd I almost fought a girl for the last Cinderella lanyard. For real. I had to hold myself back from taking her out. Kidding. But seriously... 

To end my day on a good note, Abby, Courtney, & I went to dinner at TGI Fridays. I ordered quesadillas only for the waiter to tell me they were out of stinkin' tortillas. And this was after I got my purse strap twisted around the hood of my hoodie, almost accidentally hanging myself in the middle of the street. I'm just that awesome. Oh, and then we got into a conversation about Disney Princesses and the fact that Jasmine is the only Princess that isn't the main character of the movie. I then preceeded to ask "So, who is the main character of Aladin?!" Yeah. Awesome.

Now, for my most Magical Moment: A couple of nights ago, I had to close the arcade. A few hours before the arcade closed, a little girl came up to the counter with her parents. I was asking where they were from and I was insistent on spending a lot of time interacting with this particular family. I had a gut feeling that this family was special. The little girl was one of the prettiest little girls I have ever seen. She was all dressed up in a Minnie Mouse-themed outfit and looked precious. Once she had redeemed her tickets and picked out her prizes, they started to leave. I told her bye and to enjoy the rest of her first visit in Disney World. Her Dad stopped in his tracks and turned around. He, then handed me a purple rubber bracelet and preceded to tell me "Pray for Ava. She has terminal cancer and it's inoperable. But, you have made today perfect for her." I immediately started fighting back tears as I told him that they were in my thoughts and prayers. I touched a little girl's life by simply doing my job, which is to make each guest feel special. Disney is where I'm supposed to be and I will continue to make magic happen for as many people as possible. 

(Here is the link to Ava's website: Pray for Ava)

So, I'll be working for the next few days, then I'm off on Friday to (hopefully) head to Cocoa Beach for the day. I need some sand and sun in my life :)

Until next time... :)

XoXo