How To Celebrate Your 21st Birthday In Disney World

I recently celebrated my 21st birthday in Walt Disney World and had an absolute blast drinking adult drinks in a place usually connected with children.

Drinking in Disney is involved from vacation planning all the way to the bitter end of the vacation, so here are a few tips from prep time to your 21st birthday to have a magical first drinking experience.

Prepare

Celebrate In Style 

If you’re into wearing Disney shirts or bows, I’m talking to you. I’ve seen some really fun Disney drinking accessories on Etsy. Plus every cast member will compliment you on your accessories.

Here are some really fun accessories to get you in the mood!

You’re welcome to bring a special 21st birthday cup, but cast members must first pour your  drink order into a cup provided by Disney first. Then you can pour it into your own special birthday cup and will always remember whose drink is whose.

Bottom Line – If you love dressing up in Disney-inspired outfits, indulge a little and let everyone know it’s your birthday!

Look up drinks beforehand.

It’s Disney WORLD, people! That means a whole world of drinking opportunities are laid out before you. Awesome right?

Kind of. Don’t expect to just wing it when it comes to drinks, especially when you only have so many days to explore Disney’s “adult beverages.”

Disney offers a world of drinks so search for great alcoholic beverages in the parks or resorts you’ll visit during your stay so you know exactly what you’d like to try.

Research beforehand, especially if you attend Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival, offered in the spring, or Epcot’s Food and Wine festival, offered in the fall. Kiosks are placed throughout Epcot’s World Showcase offering specials (that are mostly not to be missed drinks) that showcase each country’s alcohol selection. Basically, you should know where to save yourself and your party time for selections you would have tried if you hadn’t already drank a lot beforehand.

Here are some articles on how to tackle the Food and Wine or Flower and Garden Festivals.

Disney has restaurant menus available on Disney World’s website and always releases a menu for the festivals online. Plus there are many reviews online of the best drink from each location.

That being said, don’t be afraid to be flexible or try something really different. That’s why so many guests drink around the World [Showcase] at Epcot!

Bottom Line – Do your research and find a few interesting drinks in mind before the big day. This will save you time later and you won’t have to worry about missing out on fun drinks.

Have a Back Up Plan If You Want to Party Hard

This isn’t your regular designated driver sort of plan.

If you get sick after drinking too much (very likely if you go hard in the heat) you need to walk through the park or resort, deal with thousands of other guests and know how you’ll get back to your resort or hotel in your state.

Give yourself some time (or have someone in your party remind you) to sober up if you’ll take Disney transportation like buses or the monorail. You’ll be dealing with other guests and if it’s obvious you’re not in a fit state, the transportation cast will ask you to wait before you use Disney transportation. They’re just thinking of the safety of you and other guests.

Bottom Line – Make sure you have made a clear plan and have someone there you can trust to take care of you if you drink too much. The plan will make everything smoother in case you get sick or have difficulty walking through the park safely.

On The Big Day

Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Carbs. Carbs. Carbs.

That’s already pretty standard advice for those planning to drink. But this is Orlando, Florida in the 90 degree heat where you’ll walk around a hot park for several hours. Do yourself a favor and even bring your own water bottle and some snacks . 

You’re on vacation so don’t worry about eating a little extra. You’ll need to soak up that alcohol with some extra food and carbs do the best job.

Take advantage of the free cups of ice water at every quick service or kiosk location in the parks if you don’t bring a water bottle. This water is ice cold and probably one of the only free things at Disney.

Bottom Line – Take hydration and keeping a full tummy seriously. That’s the top way to ensure a magical time on your big day and on the following days.

Have Fun But Don’t Go Too Crazy  

Especially if your birthday is between April and October – it’s HOT out. And 90 degree weather doesn’t “mix” well with extreme heat. If you want to party hard, maybe wait until the evening.

On top of the heat, you’ll have to walk around a huge park (or several) with thousands of other guests. If you’ve ever visited a Disney park, you know there is a lot of bobbing and weaving through the Disney crowds. Now imagine that while you’re drunk. No thank you.

Your friends or family are not going to want to hold your hair in some restroom surrounded by other guests in the Orlando heat. Not a magical day for you or anyone in that party.

Bottom Line – Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can skimp on the basic drinking rules – be with someone you trust, don’t drink on an empty stomach, etc. and you’ll have a great time.

Don’t Just Party at Epcot

For those of you who are not as well-versed in Disney culture, Epcot is considered by many as THE place to drink and you’ll be asked when you’re visiting that park by almost every cast member.

I actually had my first drink at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom. It is the only restaurant in Magic Kingdom that sells alcohol. What would a French dinner be without a glass of wine? For someone who loves Beauty and the Beast, it was a wonderful memory I will always cherish.

However, there are many bars outside the parks, but still on property, that consistently receive raving reviews like Trader Sam’s at the Polynesian or Jellyroll’s on The Boardwalk. I’ve always wanted to go to these bars and can’t wait to return and test them out. Here are some pieces on the best places to drink around property and the top drinks on property.

Bottom Line – Epcot isn’t the only park that serves alcohol so don’t save your drinking party time for solely for Epcot. Be adventurous and try drinks around property!

Ask Cast Members About Their Favorite Drinks

Hey, the Walt Disney World cast has fun off-duty too! They live there year-round and have their own tried-and-true drinks.

If you have on a birthday button that says 21 “ears” most of-age cast members will give you plenty of suggestions without even asking them! You’ll get plenty of suggestions right after they ask you why you aren’t in Epcot. 

Don’t be afraid to ask the cast members for their favorite drinks, especially those in Epcot. Several cast members suggested I try to Dole Whip (a pineapple soft-serve) with coconut rum, a drink I passed on during my planning. I ordered it at the Pineapple Promenade during Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival and it was hands down the best drink I had during the trip. If you’re a Dole Whip lover like me, you need to try this at least once. You can find it in Animal Kingdom and at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort as well.

Most Importantly – Have Fun

This is the most important tip! Sure, the tips above are important to ensuring you have a safe and magical time, but the key is to have fun. If that means drinking a lot, but staying hydrated and making sure you’re eating enough, wonderful! If that means only trying two drinks, amazing! If you’re not a big drinker and only plan on maybe having one or two drinks, fantastic!

So have fun and cheers to your magical 21st birthday! 

---

If you have any questions or comments I would love to answer them in the comments section below! Have a magical day!

How To Ace Your Disney College Program Phone Interview

I’m sure you’ve read up and down the Internet on the DCP, read other blogs like this one and have your top roles listed with their individual reasons. However, these tips are the most basic way to really ace this conversation and show off your best self.

      1.Prepare

When I say prepare, I mean take a step back and think clearly as to why you’d like to do the program. As in be able to articulate it.

In my prep, I created a full sheet to help me out during my interview. Some questions I included on there were:

• Why do you want to do the DCP?
• What are your top roles and why?
• Describe a situation in which you were a team player.
• Describe a difficult situation with another employee.

Here is a picture of my prep notes:

So maybe I went a little overboard. 

Also on there I included a space to put the interviewer’s name. It’s just another personal touch.

On top of prep notes, I gave myself a few positive Disney quotes to keep me going during the interview.

Here are some websites with example questions.

    2. Answer the phone in a nice way. 

I mean more than just picking up and saying, “Hello?” Like you don’t know who it is.

Disney says in advance that the number that will call you will be an “Unkown” or “Out of Area” number. When you’re waiting in that time slot and you see an unknown number is calling you, it’s a Disney casting agent.

So instead of answering in an impersonal manner, say something like, “Good morning / Hi / Good afternoon, this is (name).”

It kicks your interview off to a good start and already makes you seem more personal. Huzzah for great first impressions!

     3.  If you have a dream role, talk about it! 

If you really emphasize a role and why you’d be a great merch cast member, attractions cast member or character attendant. Give plenty of examples on why you’d bring something to that role.

Typically when you show you have a passion for a certain role, the casting cast member will think you’d be great in that role.

In my interview, I talked all about merchandise. I had merchandise examples and talked about how badly I wanted Guest interaction and to create magical moments, so we spent the entire interview on merchandise. It makes it easier for your interviewer to see you, and hopefully place you, in that role. 

     4. Sell yourself.

Don’t just talk about why you want to do the program, talk about why Disney should hire you. Remember, this isn’t just about you getting into the program, this is about Disney hiring an employee who will bring Disney excellence to her or his role.

 If they don’t ask about your top role, don’t panic – insert it in the conversation.

At the end of the interview, the cast member will ask if you have any questions. Instead of a question, mention your top role and how you’d be a perfect fit. It might feel awkward, but you want your opinion to be heard. It doesn’t have to be a long-winded reason about how your life journey has lead you to this role, just a short explanation on why you’d like this role.

     5. Ask Questions

When they ask you if you have any questions, if you can’t think of anything, ask her or him about their Disney journey. You will hear plenty of these stories once you begin your program and it makes you seem invested in other people.

This is just like the beginning of a Guest interaction and it shows you can be conversational and your truly fantastic self.

     6.  Don’t be afraid to make conversation – Have fun! 

My interviewer asked me about things other than the Disney College Program and sometimes we veered off track from the usual Disney questions. It’s just a conversation and you’re testing Disney out the same way Disney is testing you.

Really, this interview is just a conversation to get to know a little bit more about you and your relationship with Disney. So try to have a good time.

Remember, this is your first step talking to a Disney employee to place you on your own Disney journey. So test out your conversation skills and let your passion shine through. That’s what this interview is really about.

---

To get you in the prepping mood, here is a link to Be Prepared from Lion King. Don’t tell me you weren’t singing this song in your head the whole time.

If you have any questions or comments please leave them in the comments section below! I would love to help and hear from you! Have a magical day everyone!

Top Disney College Program Questions Answered Podcast

 

Instead of a text post, I’ve decided to experiment with a podcast this week!

In this podcast, I answer the top questions I receive about my Walt Disney World internship. Here are the questions and time marks:

1. Application Process – 0:25 – 5:45
2. Role and Work Location – 5:50 – 8:50
3. What it’s like working in Magic Kingdom for the holidays- 8:50 – 11:35
4. Merchentaining on the job – 11:35 – 12:00
5. Best Guest Stories/Magical Moments – 12:00 – 16:50
6. Getting paid – 16:50 – 17:45
7. DCP During the Holidays – 17:45 – 19:50
8. What is it like to live in Disney World for five months – 19:50 – End

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please post them below! I would love to hear from you! 

---

If you’re new to the blog, here is some background info on my program:

For the fall 2015 semester, Frontierland merchandise in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom became my home on the fall 2015 Disney College Program. On top of having front row seats to the magic, Rachel had hundreds of opportunities to make magic every day.

For five months I had perfect views of every Magic Kingdom parade, Wishes and front row seats to Mickey’s Not So Scary and Very Merry Christmas parties. Everyday I got to say “Howdy” and “Have a zip-a-dee-doo-dah day to Magic Kingdom’s guests.

Five Things To Know Before Your Disney College Program

You’ll be going on one of the biggest, most magical adventures of your life and don’t lie, you’re freaking out. In good and bad ways. On one hand, you’re about to spend four to seven months of your life in The Most Magical Place On Earth. On the other hand, you’re freaking out about your potential location, roommates, classes, friends, housing, Transtar, etc.

Below are the five questions that made me most nervous in the months before my program and now I wonder why I ever worried in the first place. Hopefully this will help soothe your nerves from an alum’s perspective.

 

What if I don’t make any friends?

This was my biggest concern going into my program and the biggest joke just after the first night with my roommates.

You think you won’t make any friends out of the thousands of Disney people on your program. What are you going to talk about? Where will you meet them?

It’s OK.  You all came here in the name of Disney to work in a Disney park to be around fellow Disney people. You already have a few things in common. Trust me, you will make plenty of deep, lasting friendships.

If you’re still worried, here are some fun icebreakers:

• What’s your role or location?
• Which complex do you live in?
• What’s your favorite (Disney sidekick/princess/song/any possible Disney thing)

What if I don’t have any money?

You are all working low-paying jobs on the front lines in the parks with Guests every day. No one has money. Everyone is poor, unless s/he is receiving help from a parent or friend.

But you will have enough money, even during the slow seasons. Sure, you might have just enough to buy groceries, gas and maybe two or three meals in the parks but you won’t be alone. And you will laugh and complain about it along with the rest of your friends and roommates.

Bottom line – Everyone will cut corners with you. Everyone will be cheap with you so it definitely isn’t as bad as it seems. I suggest bringing a good amount of money with you before your program so you can treat yourself and buy everything your apartment needs during the first few weeks of your program.

For the most part, money won’t limit you in your experiences. Before my college program, I disregarded money and though I would take plenty of tours and eat at all the MK restaurants. Two months into the program, I realized that wasn’t going to work. However, you’ll make the most of it and be able to explore the parks for five months.

What if I don’t like my role/location/co-workers?

Bottom line -It is what you make it. It’s all about your attitude toward your role or location.

Some people have destiny shine upon them and are given a perfect package as soon as they begin. Others might not have a wonderful first impression and have to adjust to what might seem like consistently angry Guests, a complex location or difficult coworkers.

You will find ways to love your situation, even if you begin with a bad impression. Nothing is perfect in any placement; everyone has to work around kinks. At least you will have a big Disney family, like roommates, coworkers or random friends you make on the bus, always waiting to hear some seriously juicy complaints.

ButI promise you’ll find ways to make it work. Maybe it’s trying your absolute best to make every Guest smile, make a coworker’s day or kick serious bottom in your role.

Trust me, you will make it work. If at first you don’t succeed, try; try again because Disney will not move you to another location, my friend.

Here is a story featuring Kaela, a CP who had been placed at Disney Quest in Disney Springs (Downton Disney – it’s difficult to let go, friends). She really wasn’t into her role at first and after a few weeks, she learned to absolutely love it!

What if I don’t like my roommates?

You and your future roomies met on Facebook, you created a DCP roomie group chat and are about to move in with a total stranger for five months. Yikes.

Bottom line – I can’t stop you from worrying, but I guarantee everything will work out and you will have friends.

In my case, one of my roommates became my best friend. I didn’t go into the DCP looking for lasting friendships, but since check-in day, it felt like I had known her my whole life.

On the other hand, I knew CPs who hated their roommates but still had a blast. You might take a leap of faith on a stranger and it doesn’t work out. No problem. You will have plenty of work friends, even a few CPs, to hang out with off work. My co-cast in Frontierland merch became my family. I visited them whenever I was off work, hung out with them a few times and had a blast!

So if your roommate situation doesn’t work out, you’ll be fine. It just means you’re meant to hang out with a different set of peeps.

What if I get homesick and want to go home?

You’re in the Most Magical Place On Earth with hundreds of other CPs who share one of your biggest passions. You will be fine!

This is a tough question, though. I promise you will get homesick sometime during your program. But you will have a huge Disney family (friends, roommates, co-cast etc.) to support you and remind you why you came and what you bring to the team!

I participated in the Fall 2015 program and missed all the holidays with my family. My family couldn’t visit me. And it was hard. I cried on Thanksgiving and skyped my family on Christmas morning Instead, I got to create magic on those holidays and mutter this really sucks to my friends.

But everyone is in the same boat. My roommates and I decided to cheer ourselves up and have a secret Santa, which was so much fun!

If you do choose to participate in the fall program, create some fun memories and traditions with your roommates! Have a huge Thanksgiving potluck with your roommates and co-cast, spend $20 on a Secret Santa or dress up and take amazing holiday pictures with your friends!

 

Do you have any worries or doubts before your college program? Comment below so I can help!

How To Celebrate The Holidays On The Disney College Program

Now that you’re spending at least four months in Walt Disney World, you have an incredible chance to explore all the holiday magic the parks have to offer!

Having participated in a fall program, the holidays were definitely the highlights of my time in Disney and would love to share some traditions I participated in or heard about:

Halloween

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 

Only the best Halloween party you’ll ever attend! This party embraces the softer, sillier side of Halloween with all of your favorite characters, incredible Halloween fireworks that surround Magic Kingdom and the best parade Disney has ever created with the catchiest music and the best characters.

So gather your roommates or co-cast, think of a fun group costume theme and go trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom! It’s a blast! Attending a Not So Scary party is essential on a fall program. Plus, cast gets discount tickets the first month of the parties!

Candy, Candy, Candy! 

Put out candy in front of your apartment or bring some to your work location! This is a great way to make some holiday magic outside of your job. Every holiday at Disney can be a little hectic so spreading some holiday cheer is a great way to make friends and know you’ve made a fellow cast members day.

 

Thanksgiving

Holiday-Themed Merchandise

This goes for any holiday, but there is some really cool holiday merch out and about and available for a limited time.

Cast gets a 40% holiday discount so there is no excuse for not buying some fantastic merchandise to help you celebrate every holiday in Disney style!

Disney Family Potluck

Invite some of your co-cast or keep in just among your roomies, but go all out and have an incredible feast! It could be making all Disney treats, a holiday dinner at a nice on-property restaurant or just some pre-made stuff from Publix, but here is your chance to give thanks with your friends at Disney.

Thanksgiving Dress-Up

Go to the parks dressed as the famous Disney turkey legs or pilgrims! It’s a fun idea to celebrate with some friends and be silly in the name of being away from your families during the holidays. But who am I kidding, you guys work at Disney so you’re obviously open to being pretty silly in the first place.

Bonus points if you make really cute turkey Mickey ears!

Christmas

Secret Santa

Draw your friends’ or roommates’ names from a bowl and get them something nice for under $20! You’ll be away from your families so it’ll be fun to carry on holiday gift-giving traditions with your friends. Plus it’s really fun to guess who your secret Santa is! My roommates and I did Secret Santa and had a blast deciding what to get each other and pretending to be oblivious as to who our Santa was.

Stockings

Instead of Secret Santa, every roommate can get something small for each other and place the gift in a stocking. If you’re really close with your roommates and want to give something to everyone, this is perfect. It’s so fun to wake up on Christmas with a stocking, even if you’re not with your family.

Personalize An Ornament

This might be the only opportunity to participate in the Disney College Program, so go ahead and purchase a personalized ornament to celebrate! Having picked up in Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, I can say the artists over there are incredibly talented and are happy to work with you.

To have an ornament personalized, pick out the ornament you’d like (I went with classic Mickey ears) and take it to the two registers inside located closest to the Castle hub. There are several sets of registers in the store but those are the only two at which you can place a personalization order. You’ll fill out a form for information such as your name, details you’d like on the ornament and your requested pick-up time. From there, go have some fun in Magic Kingdom until it’s time to pick up your order.

It can get pretty hectic in Christmas Shoppe around the holidays so I’d recommend going either before the holiday season or arriving earlier in the day to have an earlier pick-up time. Remember, the artists can only personalize on a smooth surface, meaning no glitter or fuzz on the part you’d like personalized.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Cookies, Christmas songs and another fantastic parade? Yes! Mickey’s Very MerryChristmas Party is a blast where you get to have fun wearing shorts this close to Christmas.

Having participated in the fall program, most cast members and Guests said it is not a must-do for fall CPs. Not So Scary is definitely a must-do but the majority of Guests and cast members thought Not So Scary was more enjoyable.

New Years

Watch The Fireworks

If you’re off work at midnight, that is. If you happen to be off work for New Years, watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from a Magic Kingdom resort hotel. The parks are craaaaaazy so you probably want to watch them from a more fun location. My favorite is the Grand Floridian dock in front of Gasperilla’s but the Polynesian beach or Contemporary/Bay Lake Tower bridge are also wonderful spots.

Go Crazy with Party Hats and Streamers

If you and your roommates have to work that night, celebrate before-hand. Blast some fun music, don that glittery party hat and blare those annoying horns! It’ll be close to the end of your program, so you can reminisce with your roommates and friends and sing Auld Lang Syne together. It’ll be emotional, but it’ll be great.

Warning to those working in Magic Kingdom: Christmas’ ‘Silent Night’ is over. On New Year’s Eve, MK doles out horns that will be blowing all night long thanks to excited Guests, particularly children.

 

What are your favorite holiday traditions at Walt Disney World? Leave a comment or question below with some of your favorite holiday traditions, stories or questions!

How (And How Not) To Thank Disney Cast Members

If you’ve visited Walt Disney World before, you know how dedicated the cast is to going above-and-beyond for every guest. Every guest has had a magical moment made by a cast member or at least a time where the cast served a huge help.

It’s become a trend among guests to thank cast members in more ways than just a sincere thank you. (And the cast LOVES it!!) If you’ve ever hesitated on thanking the cast is a more creative way, go for it!

Here are some fun and creative ways to thank cast members during your visit:

How To Thank The Cast

Give A Card

Thank you cards just make you feel good to give them to kind cast members who have helped make some extra magic on your vacation. Plus, it’s a wonderful way for the cast to remember guests and their interactions.

I have kept mine from my college program and keep them on my desk to remind myself of the kind guest and make myself feel better. I promise the cast member will definitely keep whatever cards you bestow upon them and will feel truly appreciated.

The Downlow:

• They feel great to give away.
• Fun way to encourage interaction between children and the cast.
• The cast member will be over the moon and will treasure it.
• Wonderful if you want to thank multiple cast members

Here is a link to give you some ideas

Get Social With It – #CastCompliment

Now you can thank a cast member in 140 characters or less! Mention the name of the cast member and their location (example – Rachel in Frontierland merch, Alex in Splash Mountain or Yang in Sunset Blvd. merch) and say how s/he has helped you. The cast member and his/her leadership team are notified and still get the warm fuzzy feelings of a compliment.

BONUS – Take a photo with the cast member and post it in the tweet!

The Downlow:

• Great if you’re in a hurry and don’t want to stop by Guest Relations
• Feature a photo of them in the tweet. That cast member will feel so famous!

Take A Photo With Us

Even just taking a photo with us will make us feel special and will help you remember your experience with us. It’s a great  memory that will remind you of the kind and giving cast Disney parks are famous for.

The Downlow:

• We’d prefer to take a picture WITH you or members of your party. It feels a bit strange if it’s just a picture of us.
• Even though we don’t get to keep the picture, we will definitely brag about it later to our fellow cast members.

Come Back And Visit

If you return to the park in which you met the cast member, come back and visit! Always ask for us in our location to see if we’re working at the moment. If not, ask to see a coordinator to jot down that you visited. S/he will be sure to let us know you dropped by. And it’ll feel amazing to that cast member!

Note – This is particularly great for resort cats members if you stay on property. The resort cast members I’ve met always brag about being able to see a family all week and ask them about their stay throughout the party’s vacation. Resort cast members, particularly merchandise cast members, LOVE seeing families throughout the week. You can even ask them about their schedule to come back and visit them at the right time.

The Downlow: 

• Come back and see if we’re working if you return to the park or resort.
• If we’re not working, let a coordinator know you visited so we’ll know you thought about us to stop by.

Take The Traditional Route – Give A Great Service Fanatic Card

In the old days, guests’ only outlet for recognition was at Guest Relations.  It’s still available to guests, it just requires a bit more time on your part but it’s totally worth it. You get to make not just one, but TWO cast members’ days if you give a Four Keys Card at Guest Relations. The cast at Guest Relations hears complaints all day but you lucky guest gets to give them some sunshine and remind them why they’re GR cast members – to help people.

Basically, you write how amazing the cast member is on the card and how they helped you. You need their name and location. By location I mean the land/street they work on AND their line of work (ex – Frontierland merch, Sunset Blvd. custodial or Be Our Guest quick food service – lunch).

The Downlow:

• Time-consuming but worth it.
• Great if you want to thank just one cast member
• You bring joy to the Guest Relations cast member by bringing some positivity and sunshine to their day as well as the cast member who created a wonderful experience for you.

Write A Letter or Email After Your Visit 

Guest letters!! If a cast member really made some serious magic on your visit, please write us a letter! The recognized cast member keeps a copy of the letter and gets to go to a special party for the cast who received guest letters! It’s truly considered an honor as a cast member to receive a letter and I’m sure it feels wonderful to write one.

Letter Address:

WDW Guest Communications
PO Box 10,040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

Email Address:

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

The Downlow:

• Requires more time.
• But is so worth it because you get to make a cast member’s day and Disney will write back to you.

How Not To Thank The Cast:

I won’t go into great detail on the how not to thank cast members because they’re pretty self-explanatory. Keep in mind, they might be self-explanatory but I’m writing these because they’ve been offered or have happened before.

Tip Cast Members Or Give Money

If the cast member accepts the money, it could probably get her or him fired. It’s a huge no-no to the cast. Instead, just give a sincere thank you or say thank you in one of the ways mentioned above.

Tell  Someone Outside Our Land/Area Or Line Of Job 

I’m sure the cast member in a different line of work or location is happy the cast has given you some great memories. However, s/he probably doesn’t know the cast member you’d like to thank. S/he will probably tell you to go to Guest Relations and give a Great Service Fanatic Card to thank the cast.

Give us gifts that cost money 

I’m just talking about expensive gifts or any gift over $5.

Exception – Candy on a card is wonderful. A Mickey plush you bought in the park? Not so much. We have to ask our leaders and coordinators if we can keep gifts. Of course, usually it’s a yes because the gifts are usually small items like a pin or candy.

Exception – Characters – Any Disney character loves to receive gifts! They love that their story has impacted you in such a way as to brings them gifts. For example, a bow for Rapunzel (help tie up her hair) or a crayon depiction of Mickey on his birthday! Of course, keep the gifts small and appropriate.

Give Coupons To Your Business 

No joke, it’s happened to me. A guest was thankful I helped her find an item and she bestowed a coupon to her bar. When we’re onstage, we’re part of the show and that means we’re working. It feels inappropriate, particularly because it has to do with money and alcoholic drinks. This is a family park, people.

And that’s a wrap! Now you have some fun ideas on how and how not to thank cast members. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to post a comment below!

How To Fall In Love With Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Don’t tell me Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a half day park or that it’s the one you have to get out of the way for a morning. There’s nothing to do there and it’s not the typical magical Walt Disney World experience are the top complaints.

If you’re like most guests, you try your best but Disney’s Animal Kingdom just doesn’t make the wow-factor cut. Here is how to truly enjoy Animal Kingdom:

Take your time

Ok, not every guest has days to explore the parks. But give yourself a few hours to immerse yourself in the park. Each park was built to be immersive and I think Animal Kingdom does the best job.

I encourage you to really take in the atmosphere. The park is arguably the richest in detail and each path leads to a new adventure. Unlike every other theme park, the slower you go in Animal Kingdom, the more you will see. I know it’s hard. You have your favorite rides and your plans but take a few hours to slow down.

Be open to new experiences

Yes, that means go to “the bird show” or “the petting zoo” (not realistic descriptions of either experience). Trust me, they’re not just cheap and cheesy time wasters.

Take the Wildlife Express to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and explore how the animals receive care, zoom in and around animal exhibits with some hidden cameras and be surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. Just walking down the path to Rafiki’s is an adventure filled with tamarins and lush jungle leaves. Attend Flights of Wonder and be immersed in a 30-minute funny entertainment experience featuring birds. No show is the same.

Find your adventurous side

Actually give yourself leave to find your way down some jungle paths. Try to count how many animals you see on the Tree of Life. Actually ask questions about the animals you see and learn some fun conservation party tricks. My Animal Kingdom experiences have been made of little moments like these and I’ve completely fallen in love with the park.

Don your binoculars and camouflage and go on Kilimanjaro Safaris two or even three times! No safari is the same, the animals make sure of that. As a self-proclaimed safari aficionado, I’ve ridden Safaris up to three times in a row because each time is different.  Tip – To have a shorter wait, go later in the day to be able to hop right back on.

Joe Rhode, Animal Kingdom’s head Imagineer said the park was made to have adventures. There’s a reason the cast tells you to have a wild day!

---

Most guests want the most magical jam-packed experience money can buy. Because it doesn’t boast over-the-top magical experiences (Magic Kingdom), have incredible dining options (Epcot) or lots of thriller rides (Hollywood Studios), most guests pass up Animal Kingdom and ask why it’s in The Most Magical Place On Earth.

*Cheese alert* However, if each guest took their time and explored the paths, s/he would find a different kind of magic, the magic of nature. Cheesy, but do you think the Imagineers would waste millions of dollars on a park that wasn’t brimming with its own unique magic?

Top 5 Magical Places To “Go” In Walt Disney World

I don’t have to tell you Disney is hectic enough without crazy restroom experiences.

We’ve all had crazy bathroom experiences. Someone gets lost. Someone cuts in line that is out the door.

Here are the top five stress-free and beautiful restrooms in Walt Disney World:

5. Rafiki’s Planet Watch – Disney’s Animal Kingdom 

 

This smaller restroom is fun to go in just for the ambient noises (playing through the speakers people, come on). Rafiki’s is all about the protection of our natural world so it’s only natural that music doesn’t play in the restrooms. Instead, monkeys and elephants call to each other across the jungle and jaguars growl in the bushes.

Listen for a few minutes and see if you can identify each animal call! You can literally hear nature calling!

Why it came in #5: Little traffic and a fun music theme but little design in regards to the wildlife theme.

4. Any Resort Restroom – Particularly Deluxe Resorts

Any resort restroom, particularly the deluxe resorts have calm and beautiful restrooms in their lobbies. The restrooms are beautifully themed and don’t have much traffic since most people spend most of their time in the parks. If you’re going resort hopping, always check out the restrooms. Here are my favorites:

• Grand Floridian – next to the entrance of 1900 Park Fare

• Animal Kingdom Lodge – toward the back of the lobby on the right

• Polynesian Village – near the entrance to Captain Cook’s

Why they came in #4: Calm and beautiful themes but most guests spend most of their time in the parks, not in the resorts.

3. Restaurantosaurus – Dinoland, U.S.A., Disney’s Animal Kingdom

 

Dino-themed restroom playing dino-themed music? Yes please! A modern and prehistoric twist on some classic rock songs plays throughout the restrooms. Step outside and into the adjoining Restaurantosaurus and check out the fun dinosaur theme throughout the restaurant.

 

Why it came in #3: Fun music and theme but the theme doesn’t pervade the restrooms like numbers one and two. (No pun intended.)

2. Tangled Restrooms – Fantasyland , Magic Kingdom

 

These restrooms are so beautiful and magically themed, everyone stops to look at them! Inside, Rapunzel’s hair and paintings wind throughout the restrooms. Outside, wanted posters of the various villains found in The Snuggly Duckling are posted on walls and doors. Be sure to come back at night when the lanterns gleam and glow!

See if you can find a frying pan and a few Pascals. Pascal loves playing hide-and-seek and he’s really good at it! See how many you can find! Hint: look at the grassy area by the phone charging stations and on the back of Momento Mori!

Why it came in #2: Beautifully themed, hands-down but can be hectic with the number of people and strollers outside.

1. Gaston’s Tavern – Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom

Directly behind Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland are the most themed and calming restrooms. Charming Beauty and the Beast instrumental music plays in a provincial-style tiled restroom. Even the lighting is themed! These are most certainly the most charming restrooms and even a wonderful place to calm down in the chaos of Magic Kingdom.

 

Why it came in #1: Calm, beautiful and spacious with little traffic and themed music piped in? The perfect restroom to make a pit stop or take a break from the rush of Magic Kingdom!

Heroes and Villains – What You Missed on the Disneyland 60th

After the wowing opening number set on Main Street, U.S.A., the program switched to The Dolby Theater and my heart sank. For two minutes, celebrity after celebrity was announced to appear in the program.

“Oh no,” I thought. “This is a star-studded show. It’s going to be all about the stars and and not about The Happiest Place On Earth at all.”

And I was right. Here are the top five highlights and lowlights to the Disneyland 60th Special:

Villains/Low lights

5. Clothes not usually allowed in the park swishing around on national TV

As soon as the program started, there they were – the female dancers, or should I say the female dancer costumes, what remained of them anyway. The costumes for men were dapper and spiffy, suits and ties, and the women are clad in beaded nothings up and down Main Street. Just how Walt would’ve wanted it, right? The performers were outstanding, I just wish the women were given as dapper costumes as the men.

4. Few and far between actors with Disney experience 

Ok all of the actors shown are or have been on ABC or an affiliated network before. But very few of them were actors we usually associate with Disney. True, Dick Van Dyke and Josh Gadd (we’ll give another nod to them later) wee featured but most other stars were Jimmy Kimmel, NeYo and Tori Kelly type celebs. Bring on the Imagineers and Disney movie stars, people!

 

3. The Disneyland Applause App was a dud

Here is what the app was supposed to do:

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/02/join-the-celebration-online-during-abcs-the-wonderful-world-of-disney-disneyland-60-on-february-21/

The app supposedly infused with Made With Magic technology was a big flop. The opening number worked and was very promising with fun details of the parade floats and fireworks to interact with. After the first number it stopped working. The app I was so excited about, tweeted about for days and the pre-recorded show suggested to download throughout the show didn’t work after the first number. Read: disappointed.

2. Disneyland ABC Special

Since ABC hosted the program, I knew ABC ads would abound but I wasn’t expecting an entire special to overdose the audience on ABC. From the presenters to ads in the special itself, ABC was obviously puffing itself up. At least half of the speakers were actors only associated with Disney thanks to their role on Modern Family, Once Upon a Time or Scandal. All amazing shows but it felt like ABC overshadowed the real reason for the special.

1. Almost none of the show was IN Disneyland.

In a Disneyland special, you’d think the program would be set mostly in the object of the show. Nope, the show was only in Disneyland five times, for four musical performance and one showcase of a giddy Josh Gad in Walt’s apartment and the Disneyland dream suite. Most of the time was spent in The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood announcing various ABC stars to talk about Disney in some way.

 

 

Heroes/Highlights 

5. Showcasing classic Disney characters

From characters to ear hats, Disney characters were got some love during the show. Kermit T. Frog made a guest appearance and Jimmy Kimmel donned a Dumbo ear hat. I expected more, but at least they got a little love.

Here is Kermit and Tori Kelly singing “Rainbow Connection.” It’s OK, you can cry too.

4. When Dick Van Dyke “Stepped In Time”

About an hour into the program, out come celebs singing remixes of Disney classics. Apparently we’ve “Got A Friend” in NeYo and Dick Van Dyke pulled out some of his old moves with the chimney sweeps. That was exactly what I wanted from the show – a mixture of modern and nostalgia of the old magic.

(Van Dyke makes his appearance at 1:15)

3. The Tidbits of Disney Magic

Despite the Dolby a Theater as the main venue, video montages and touching photos of Disneyland were tossed in. They have to throw the Disney fans a bone here. Clips showcasing Disneyland’s first day and Walt’s dedication to Mickey brought the real magic to the program. They reminded us of Walt’s dream and dedication to Mickey and a place where parents and children could experience s touch of pixie dust together.

 

2. The Sneak Peaks 

The program featured two glimpses of the future Star Wars Lands in Disneyland and Disney Shanghai. And they were awesome. But I already knew the information presented. That being said, I did enjoy the visualizations and concept drawings featured.

1. Walt’s Apartment 

Out of the two-hour special, a five minute segment really hit home. I teared up when Josh Gad gave a tour of Walt’s apartment facing Main Street USA. The hashtag, #Disneyland60, became flooded with tweets about Walt’s lamp permanently burning above the firehouse so cast members would know he will always watch over his biggest project and dream.

 

That’s what I wanted to see the most. The biggest letdown of the program was that it was just an ad for ABC, not a tribute to a man and his dedication that identifies the American Dream. Audiences got more sentiment and a sense of wonder out of five minutes than the two-hour special.

See Ya Real Soon

I haven’t worked for The Walt Disney Company in 12 days. And I’m just now writing a post. I hadn’t had my first real breakdown since coming home and it hit hard while I wrote this.

My last week of the college program was such a whirlwind of events and emotions. There were a lot of “lasts.” Last time in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, last time seeing the castle at night, last ride home with my best friend, my last Wishes and my last bumpout.

The people are what really make the experience and I was given the best imaginable group of cast members. During the last week especially, our leadership teams said what an amazing group we were. The CPs were all kind, funny, genuine and became a caring family during our months in The Frontier. Our leadership team was exceptional; whenever I mentioned my location to a fellow merch cast member they gushed over our coordinators and leaders. I cannot thank the Frontierland cast enough for becoming my family.

It’s strange to think of a corporation as a family but Disney really felt like my own ohana. Everyone, whether I worked with them or not, was so willing to lend a hand. There is a bond between cast members; as soon as one heard I worked for the mouse we’d laugh and swap stories.

I soaked up every moment and took advantage of my time but in the end it doesn’t feel like it was enough. I fell in love with Orlando, The Walt Disney Company and its cast. Each night I watched and sang along with Wishes I recalled how lucky I am that my wish came true. And yes, I definitely got misty-eyed during many a Wishes.

Every guest who asked about the DCP heard me say it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I worked hard and got to live in my favorite place on Earth for four-and-a-half months, made lifelong friends, met friends from around the world, accumulated hours of laughter in my prairie girl costume, made many magical moments and discovered myself.

To everyone who made this possible and to those I met during my program, I cannot thank you enough for giving me the best four months I’ve ever had. I miss you every day and can’t wait to see ya real soon.