Showing posts with label Walt Disney World. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walt Disney World. Show all posts

Monday, June 11, 2012

My Walt Disney World Adventure!


So much as changed since I last updated this blog.

I applied to Walt Disney World in December and got an interview scheduled the same day for the following week.

My dad and I drove up for the interview and back all in the same day the week before Christmas.  I got a job lined up for January during the interview.  Everything moved so quickly. I only had 2 weeks to find an apartment and move to Orlando.  This did not take God by surprise.

On January 2nd, I went to Passion 2012 in Atlanta with my church.  It was there that I met Ben Braziel (Which turned out to be an important part of my story..).  It was great to have that time at Passion to get my focus on God and let Him prepare my heart for my brave new adventure.

My mom and I drove to Orlando to search for apartments the first week of January.  It was a stressful experience trying to find an affordable/safe place so quickly, but God provided just in time and He led me to an apartment that is directly across the street from some of the Disney College Program housing. This seemed to be a clear confirmation of God's calling on me to ministry to Disney Cast Members, as this location is perfect for building relationships with other Cast Members.

On the night before I moved, my new friend from Passion, Ben Braziel came over to help us pack up my belongings.  One thing led to another from our correspondence since Passion that we confessed a mutual desire to keep in contact and pursue each other further. :)

I moved in and started work the next week.  On the first day of work, as I drove up to Disney's Casting building, the song Here for You by Matt Redman shuffled on in my car,


We welcome You with praise
We welcome You with praise
Almighty God of love
Be welcomed in this place

Let every heart adore
Let every soul awake
Almighty God of love
Be welcomed in this place

This song moved me to tears, because it was as if the lyrics directly lined up with the cry of my heart that day and my longing to be apart of the presence of God at Walt Disney World.

The role I was given was part-time in Attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios in the Icon area.  This includes Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Jedi Training Academy, The Great Movie Ride, Star Tours, Muppet Vision 3D, and American Idol.

I started at Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.  It is seriously a wonderful place to work!  I enjoy getting to "make magic" with guest and help them have a great experience when they come to see our attraction.  God really favored me just as soon as I started. He provided me with the hours I needed and by February I was getting cross-trained at Jedi Training Academy, which was a great blessing and definitely brings out the nerd in me!

On February 14th, Ben asked me to be his Valentine and by February 29th we were an "official" couple. :) The timing of God's provision has really blown me away.  Ben came along at the exact right time so that for every step of this journey he has been there for me as a great support and encouragement. He is a strong and godly man and I'm so blessed to be with him!

Also in February a new church plant started called Mosaic at Walt Disney World, a church focused on leading Disney Cast Members into deeper relationships with Jesus.  I am so excited to see what God is going to do through that. I have met a number of couples as well as another young girl like myself on this adventure that have all been lead to Orlando just like me to serve the Lord at Walt Disney World.  We affectionately call ourselves a "Disney Family."  All last year I prayed for God to either send me a strong group of Christian friends in Orlando for support and accountability or for God to give me a man to be by my side for support.  I am so blessed to have been given not only one of my requests but both of them!  It just goes to show that God really can provide innumerably more than we can ask or imagine. Nothing is too big for God!

In March, I turned 25 and got further settled into my job and new life here in Orlando.  Ruthie has had some trouble adjusting to apartment life but she is finally starting to settle down.  She is a great companion for me and I love having her around.  We make sure to visit home enough so that she gets to see her sister, Cali about once a month.  Meanwhile, we go to a nice dog part nearby about once a week.

In April, I found out I was getting cross-trained at The Great Movie Ride!  This was SO exciting!  I have always been fascinated by this attraction. Once I started my training I realized I had gotten more than I bargained for, it is a very complicated attraction and learning it's ins and outs was very challenging.  But Ben was a huge comfort as he helped me learn my lines and gave me lots of encouragement along the way.  After the harsh training, I passed my assessment! There is a tradition at The Great Movie Ride where one leaves their handprint, a quote, and signature on the wall once they complete their training.  I wrestled with what to write all through my training. Finally on my last day I realized that the over arching lesson from my training was that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." So I wrote Philippians 4:13 on the wall. :)

By the end of my training I had been offered a full-time position at the Backlands portion of Disney's Hollywood Studios at The Magic of Disney Animation.  I took the position, leaving my Icon attractions behind.  I was there for 2 weeks and although I met a lot of very nice new friends, I quickly discovered that the schedule (on average, 60 hours a week at 12-14 hour days) of a full-time Disney Cast Member is not conducive to my ministry goals here at Walt Disney World.  I have now transferred back to the Icon area at part-time and am excited about what God has planned for me and for my Disney Family here in Orlando!

I have met some great Cast Members working at Disney's Hollywood Studios and made some great new friends!  I am thrilled to be living near one of my best friends and roommates from college, Brittany Findley.  We try to get our dogs together and hang out as much as we can! I am so blessed to have such an amazing job and the support of both my real family, my Disney Family, and my boyfriend, Ben while I carry out God's call on my life.

Now that God has made it clear that I need to be part-time in order to perform my ministry goals, I will be trusting Him to provide for me finically.  He is able.  Please keep me in your prayers as I pursue God and listen for His leading as I start my ministry at Walt Disney World.

PS. On a side note.  Ruthie and I start therapy training next week with a great trainer who used to train dolphins and sea lions at Sea World.  I am excited about her future.  I am grateful that God has opened this door for me to serve him with my dog as we hope to be a great encouragement to those who are sick or lonely in hospitals and nursing homes one day.

And that's what I've been up to...I'd love to hear and update from any of you who read this on how your year is going!

I'm looking forward to seeing what God does with the latter half of the year.  :) He is faithful.

Friday, November 4, 2011

My Journey

My Journey

On May 9th of 2009, I graduated from Mars Hill College.

From August 12, 2009 - August 12th, 2010, I participated in the Disney College Program at Disney World and Disneyland. I had the time of my life! A passion was totally ignited within me for guest service and making magic.

Though I worked at the two happiest places on earth, I was lacking a sense of fulfillment. I was happy, but my deep inner joy and purpose was missing. I had taken God off the throne in my life and started living for me. My goal in life was to do whatever I thought best for me, in order to have the most exciting, epic life possible. The problem with that was that it was MY plan and I had left any plan God had for my life far behind me.

On August 15, 2010, at the end of my year with Disney, God called me home to Dublin, Georgia. I knew there was a void in my life and God gave me the strength to put Disney on the back burner so He could fix me. He knew I needed an overhaul, to get my priorities straight, before I could get back on HIS plan for my life.

On January 1st-4th at Passion 2011, through the power of the Holy Spirit and God's word spoken through various Christian leaders, God totally turned my life around, refocused me, and showed me that my whole purpose in life is to glorify Him. He took my confusion, bitterness, and void and threw it out and gave me a fresh start and a new perspective.

On February 25, 2011, while watching the fireworks from the Polynesian resort at Disney in Florida, God put a calling in my heart to return to Disney, pursue my passion for guest service, and be a light for Jesus there.

On February 28, 2011, I found a fb group for a ministry called the CP Apartment that is a group of Disney College Program Alumni who's, "mission and goal is to permanently infuse a christian and evangelical presence in the Disney community." News of this ministry and following their Facebook account all year has been such a great encouragement to me and kept me enthusiastic about what God is going to do and is doing even now.

Ever since then God has had me on a journey of discovering His purpose for my life and how He intends to use my passions for His glory. All year God has provided me with a very steady, full time work through baby sitting, nannying, child care, chauffeuring, dog sitting, and now an out of the blue job at Vision Savers. None of which have I applied for or sought out! They have all just fallen in my lap. ...Yea...I know. Cool!! I've literally worked a whole year of odd jobs. It's been a great ride and allowed me the flexible schedule and free time to pursue God.

God has given me the dedication to work hard all year to save for an eventual move to Florida, to pursue this calling. The plan: save money, find, apply, and get a job at Disney, move to Orlando. I felt as though I should give myself a whole year to save a significant amount of money, enjoy the freedom of non-disney life, spend time with my parents, and prepare myself spiritually by seeking God like never before.

Well folks, the year is almost up and my time to apply for jobs that start in January is fast approaching. I have found myself getting nervous.

Nervous? But that's ridiculous! Have I somehow diluted myself all year into thinking that I have been in control of this first part of the plan, making the money? Because, in reality it was God alone who provided me with those jobs, it was nothing I did on my own. He did it all. So why then should I even question or worry about Him providing the job and making the move to Orlando possible!? I shouldn't! I absolutely shouldn't worry. As 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, "Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it."

So why worry?! God has proven Himself faithful on my behalf time and time again! I was lost and He found me when no one else was looking and He turned my life around for His glory. The best is yet to come!

One of the reasons I fell away when I worked at Disney before was the crazy schedules that led to lack of church or christian community. I have been praying for quite some time now that God would either eventually provide me with a husband who can help keep me accountable and on track with God as I venture out on my own or that He would provide me with a community of Christians in Orlando that can be my support.

On October 30th, I found out that a church that I had been following on Facebook and hoping to attend whenever I relocate to Orlando, is actually opening a campus on Disney property in early 2012 that's sole purpose is to cater to the needs and schedules of Disney cast members and equip them to be a light at Disney. Wow. God answers prayer!!

So why should I ever worry!? God is faithful. :) Thanks for reading and following my journey. Please pray for open doors and favor at Disney as I apply in December.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Welcome Fall! Here's what's up!

It's October 1st, the air is crisp, and I'm listening to Christmas music! ...yes I know..I'm weird. I have the mindset that Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are all one big holiday and I tend to celebrate them in a swirl of holiday goodness.

This is absolutely my most favorite time of year!

Here's a quick update.

I recently realized that God has provided me with steady work from the moment I moved back home to Georgia last August, up until now and at least until January. I am truly blessed. And each of those job just fell into my lap. How I've managed to turn babysitting into a full time job is beyond me. It's been a fun ride. I have definitely learned a lot about kids and come to many conclusions about any hypothetical parenting I may end up doing one day.

I will be applying to Disney World in December. I am praying hard that God will open a door for me to start working as a Cast Member again in January. I know I'll need money to make the transition to Orlando, so I have been saving money like never before! God is definitely teaching me about discipline and self-control this year. I now wake up early, care about my eating habits, save money, care about being on time to things (well...sometimes ;P), and run three days a week! I am SOOO not into any of those things, it just goes to show that God really does answer prayers. I have prayed to be more disciplined and it's clear that God has been helping me to become more diligent. I am amazed, because it's definitely not by my own will power, that's for sure! I'm just so glad that I'm developing these good "grown-up girl" habits before I move out on my own!

I am happily, hard at work dreaming up and collecting for my future apartment on my own. My kitchen is going to be retro 1950's style with lots of red and some black and white checkers, like an old soda shop. I've already started my collection. My whole christmas list is filled with cute kitchen necessities and decorations. I guess I've become a legit woman now that I'm enthused about kitchen gear. Sheesh...I truly thought that day would never come. I can remember thinking my sister-in-law, Becca was absolutely nuts for putting kitchen stuff on her Christmas list. I have seen the light now though. Haha! My living room is going to be filled with framed photographs of very lush, green nature scenes for a black and green modern nature look.

Ruthie Fu is getting SO big! Also she has already started losing her baby teeth and getting her adult teeth in. It's amazing how quickly puppies grow! The tooth fairy visited her the night she lost her two front teeth and I am going to take her trick or treating in costume on Halloween. I'm basically raising her like a human child...it's pretty intense. Haha. She even has her own little hoodie. She knows how to sit, lay down, and play dead when I say, "bang". It's extremely cute.

So that's about it for me, I am thoroughly enjoying this time living with my parents and raising our two puppies. Life is good. I can't wait for all the holiday fun that is just around the corner!! There's excitement in the air.

Here's a slice of what's to come: Halloween, Putting up the Christmas tree, Thanksgiving, The Muppets Movie, The California family comes to stay for a WHOLE MONTH (and possibly Jon and Mallory too!), Applying for Disney, Christmas, and Passion 2012....to name a few. Let the good times role. :)

Sunday, July 25, 2010

One year as a Cast Member.

Hello!

I have recently made the decision to leave the Walt Disney Company for a time after my college program ends. It was a very hard decision. But it was mine to make. I am SO glad I did it. I have thoroughly enjoyed this year inside the company from coast to coast. I have learned so much. I am not at all closing the book on Disney. I just know that I need a break from the insanity that comes along with being a Cast Member. I will miss all the perks and making the magic, but I think I will be back so it's not as if I'm saying goodbye forever.

I know that my decision may have come as a shock to anyone who keeps up with my life. Here's a brief synopsis of what went on in my head: First I really wanted to stay with the company, but I knew I needed a break. When I went home for my brother's wedding, I applied to Georgia College and State University (GCSU). I then applied to be a Disney College Program Campus Representative, allowing myself time off, while remaining a Cast Member and getting to live at home. I would give myself a break and take some French classes (a passion that has been on the back burner for far too long). Then I'd go back to Walt Disney World in January after I was sufficiently refreshed. The perfect plan!

When I found out that there were already too many campus reps at GCSU, I was devastated. My perfect plan was ruined. What would I do?! I e-mailed the head of the Disney College Program who made an exception and decided to let me in for the "full" fall session of the program at Walt Disney World. I was soooo excited. She made an exception for ME!? WOW. I am eternally grateful. I miss Walt Disney World so much, this really was a dream come true. I was all set to go. Still feeling like I needed a break, but trying to cover the feeling with my excitement for Walt Disney World.

Then I had a set back. After many realizations and frustrations in my current role, my eyes were opened and my heart got a little broken. I know I've always put the company on a pedestal. The realities of big business and politics hit hard. Anyways now I know that being a Cast Member or an employee for any company is really what you make of it and you have to take the good with the bad. I can't be bitter just cause I had a few set backs. I know what the company stands for and was built on and NO ONE can destroy that for me, no matter how much corruption, bad attitudes, and naysayers I run into along the way. It was a painfully good lesson for me to learn. I will always love the Walt Disney Company! I won't let anyone else destroy the magic for me.

This lesson came at the perfect time, just before I had to make my final decision about whether or not I'd return to WDW for a 3rd and final college program. On that same day I got my acceptance letter to GCSU. I had already been toying around with the idea of backing out. I think my set back made me re-evaluate. It allowed me to open my mind to other avenues and life outside of Disney. When you are a Cast Member, it's as if you eat, breath, and sleep Disney. It's easy to forget about the world around you. I have sacrificed a lot in the last year and put a lot of things on hold. I think my set back and good advice from family and friends gave me the freedom to let go of Disney. After much deliberation, I logged onto the Disney College Program website and clicked, "decline".

I recently worked the 55th anniversary of Disneyland and then went into the park to celebrate with my family. Cast Members and characters rushed out and sang an danced to "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" in front of the train station. I shed a tear that day, I have had the best time of my life so far working for the Walt Disney Company. My last day will be exactly one year from my original hire date. It is bittersweet, but I am confident that I am doing exactly what is best for me at this time.

If I am supposed to continue my career within the Walt Disney Company, God CAN and WILL work it out. I don't need to be holding onto the things that I love so tightly anyways. I don't think that's healthy. So I think letting go was the wise decision.

I am coming home. *biggest sigh of relief ever...followed by an extremely peaceful feeling*

Friday, July 2, 2010

Vlog 22

Check out my latest video blog filled with tips, updates, and encouraging words.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

It's June ALREADY!?

Hello World.

A lot has happened since I last wrote to you. I work at Autopia at Disneyland, I go to Sovereign Grace Church and Rock Harbor church when I can, I started a bible study that meets in my living room, I have some pretty cool friends here, I have started learning to swing dance, my brother Jon got married to Mallory, I went home for 8 days and got to see my amazing family, my dog, and two of my bestest friends in the whole world.

I am nearing the end of my college program. 8 months really wasn't that long after all. Though I really value the experience I am gaining here, I am finding out more and more that I left my heart at Walt Disney World. It's where all of my Disney enthusiasm was born and It's where I fell in love with the Walt Disney Company. It's the place I want to pursue. I miss working at Kilimanjaro Safaris, I miss going to Jelly Rolls, I miss going to Epcot and eating at Sunshine Seasons, I miss going to property control, I miss looking at the pin books at guest relations in each park, I miss Philharmagic, I miss all the weird little things.

I don't know when or how or by what means I will migrate back to Walt Disney World, but it's what I've got my heart set on right now. We'll see what happens and what God has to say about it. I'm trying to keep all my options open though. I'll try to keep you posted.

I have been having some technical difficulties with my video blog but I think I got them all worked out and I've uploaded a few videos. They are a little rough around the edges but I wanted to just hurry up and get some out there because I've had a lot of footage with guest stars lately that I needed to go ahead and put online. So check them out if you're looking for some entertainment, here.


So, my brother Jer has informed me that I should write more about my life as a cast member. What does the general public want to know about it? It's hard to know what to write about because I am in the middle of it so I don't often think about what is now second nature to me. Any questions or topics that anyone would like to hear more about?


Monday, December 21, 2009

Saturday, June 13, 2009

60 days and counting...

It's hard to believe that in 60 days I'll be working at Disney World with unlimited access to all 4 parks whenever I feel like going. WTF!?! Crazzzzzzy!

Not too much has been going on...

Here's another video update!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Video Blog!?!


Check out my new youtube account!

I am now a video blogger...crazzzzy!

So, I didn't realize how ridiculously shy I am.  I can do all sorts of stupid silly things in front of a camera....but when it comes to being serious...I need some practice.  I wonder if there is any deeper meaning to that...do I not take myself seriously enough?  Maybe that's why I always have trouble getting everyone else to take me seriously!  Hmm...who knew you could learn so much about yourself just from making a video blog.  :-P


My new video blog endeavour is made possible by my brand NEW MacBook!! Yay!

Also I have a NEW hair cut!  It's super short.  I've always wanted to cut it this short...It definitely takes some getting used to though.  I go back and forth between loving it and hating it...I'm quite the indecisive woman.  

We'll see what comes of this whole video blogging thing...I'm just testing the waters.  

Sunday, April 26, 2009

And the winner is....



I chose to do the college program at Disney World in FL
!

CA was just wayy too expensive and unrealistic. Maybe I could transfer there later...but for now I'm very content with my decision to go to FL. I'm excited to be living there again...especially since it will be near my extended family which I don't get to see very often. I will be there from August 12-January 2. :) In the mean time, I'm going to try to get my old retail job back at Nordstrom in the Mall of Georgia. I hope that works out so I can make some money before I go to FL.


13 days til I graduate!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Lyrics.

I got accepted into the Disney College Program at Disney Land in California! Now I have a decision to make. FL or CA?

Whether or not I like a song usually depends on whether or not I connect with the lyrics in someway. I love lyrics. I get pretty darn impatient with songs that have really long intros because I love the lyrics so much. I totally think in song lyrics and movie quotes. So when I was trying to put into words how I am feeling about getting accepted into both Disney World and Disney Land College Programs...these words came to mind from the musical Wicked:

That's why I couldn't be happier
No, I couldn't be happier
Though it is, I admit
The tiniest bit
Unlike I anticipated
But I couldn't be happier
Simply couldn't be happier
(spoken) Well - not "simply":
(sung) 'Cause getting your dreams
It's strange, but it seems
A little - well - complicated
There's a kind of a sort of : cost
There's a couple of things get: lost
There are bridges you cross
You didn't know you crossed
Until you've crossed
And if that joy, that thrill
Doesn't thrill you like you think it will
Still -
With this perfect finale
The cheers and ballyhoo
Who
Wouldn't be happier?
So I couldn't be happier
Because happy is what happens
When all your dreams come true
Well, isn't it?
Happy is what happens
When your dreams come true!

-Glenda the "Good" Witch


It's really interesting how this has all hit me. My dreams have come true...I should be bouncing on the walls with excitement, right!? I'm learning that dreams are pretty scary once they become reality...that's when you have to think about all the little details like money and time! Either way I'm going to miss thanksgiving and Christmas with my family. Either way I'm missing out on priceless time with my nephew, my pets (especially my dog, Molly, she's getting pretty old), and my family. Either way I'm moving out and who knows if I'll live at home again. Either way I'm becoming an adult! Just as the song says "'...Getting your dreams, It's strange, but it seems, A little - well - complicated. There's a kind of a sort of : cost,There's a couple of things get: lost"

Yesterday I was leaning towards Disney Land. Today I'm leaning towards Disney World. There are pros and cons to both. Ultimately I need to spend time praying and asking God what HE wants me to do. For all I know HE might not even want me to go to either one. I need direction...I've always struggled with praying for things...perhaps this is a great opportunity for me to conquer that.

There are 20 days until I graduate. Yay!!!!!!

I'm doing my Senior Seminar Presentation on Monday! Ahhhh! I keep going back and forth between being crazy nervous and being really calm about the whole thing. I just want to get it over with! I've been freaking out about this for about a year...I can't believe it's finally here! Yikes!


Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Prickly

I graduate in 23 days. I love that. Really I just love that this whole stressful time will be finished. It's making me find fault with everything and everybody...it's not the Jenny we all know and love. I just need some alone time lately just to de-stress. Soon the stress will be over...I just hope I don't go too insane before it does.

BTW...Guess what!?
I got accepted into the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL! Heck yea!
That's pretty freaking sweet! I'm still waiting on Disneyland in CA (my preference). But either way I suppose I'll be working for Disney in the fall. You would think I'd be crazy excited right? I'm actually seriously nervous and scared of the commitment I'm about to enter. But I'm sure I'll do great and love it.
I think I just have random commitment issues sometimes...anything long term scares me. Which is why I dislike committing to long term projects...I like short term goals. They are so much less scary and do-able. I suppose that's just my personality...maybe I don't believe in myself enough or something...who knows.

In other news...


I got my cap and gown!! Yay!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check this out...My brother's band, Stellate, is in AP magazine!! He's the second one from the left. I'm so freaking proud! I carry the pages around with me everywhere I go.


ALSO... A friend of mine, Ashley Griffin, is a graduating art major and I'm in her art exhibit this weekend at my college (sadly I can't be there)! She took photographs of a bunch of people with a creative item that defines them. (I took a picture with the t-shirt quilt that I made this past summer.) She made the person black and white and bumped up the contrast of the item. It looks pretty awesome...I'm so proud of her! Here's one of the invitations:


My photo of the invitation is pretty crappy...but you get the idea!


I also finished my senior seminar paper...but I don't have a nifty photo for that yet.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Florida or California?

It's been wayyy too long!

I will be graduating college in 51 days. That is, if I can pass all my classes. I can honestly say I'm a little worried. But I'm trying not to think about it. I am so completely over biology. It's draining the life out of me...it's so hard! I will be so relieved once I've completed these last three biology classes I'm taking. Also I'm taking a decorative and wearable arts class...aside from being lots of work...this class is pretty easy.

I had previously applied to the Disney College Program at Disney World in Orlando, FL. I have not heard anything yet, except for a letter telling me that I should know by April 17th. I know that some people have already been rejected or accepted. I am on spring break though...away from my PO Box. I called the mailroom, but alas...still no letter.

My brother, Jer, is possibly moving out to California to pursue his film making dreams. My cousin and his wife are quite possibly moving out there as well. That got me thinking about Disney Land in Anaheim, California. So I have applied and had an interview with the college program at Disney Land as well.

Who knows where I'll end up. Now all I have to do is wait until April 17th. I'm not a fan of waiting.

I'm also looking for a summer job here in Georgia from May to August, if anyone knows of any!

In other news, I turned 22 last friday! I don't feel as though I'm qualified to be 22 yet! It feels weird! I went to the Magic Kingdom for my birthday. It was awesome. I got in for free and they gave me a pin that says "Happy Birthday, Jenny" ...so all the cast members kept telling me "happy birthday" all day.

The next day we went to the beach where I got scorched! I am not a sunscreen user...I just can't wrap my head around the idea of the sun being bad for me. That just can't be! I love the sun!

While in FL, I stayed with my Aunt Cindy and Uncle Vic and hung out with my cousins Paul and April and their spouses Kelly and John. I finally got to meet my cousin April's son, Dante...he is 18 months old and really well behaved. I love the Berry/Tomassoni's! I wish I loved closer to them so we could hang out more often!

I'm about to go be a good aunt and hang out with my sister-in-law, Becca and my nephew, Grant. Grant is 4 months old and super cute!

Spring break is going great.

I'll try to be better about updating.