Finally.... Graduation!

So the day we’ve all been waiting for finally came! Graduation from the Disney College Program which took place at the Disneyland hotel Grand Ballroom! The night before my Aunt Susan and Uncle Ron came to witness my graduation, so we met up at Rainforest Café for dinner which was amazing by the way. Then they dropped me off at my place so I could get ready for my big day.

Next Day: I woke up with excitement on my face and I was all ready to go within the hour. I went downstairs to get a ride from Steph and we were on our way. When we arrived we signed in, I met up with my aunt and uncle, and then I went to the back room to get my ears! And after I got them, I began taking tons of pictures with my friends and before I knew it we were lining up for the ceremony. Then, it began. About 300 of us graduated overall. The ceremony started up with a very funny “Disney joke speech” opening with two CP’s (College Program).

Then our program’s office manager did a speech congratulating us on our success and work we did throughout the program. Then he introduced the 2010 Disneyland Ambassador Quinn Dubois who also gave an inspiring speech. Then our instructor Paul Solis congratulated us on our hard work and effort towards our classes.

Finally, another speaker came up and then the calling of the names began and we received our Mouseters Degree with an honor! And then Mickey aka Big Cheese came out and officially congratulated us then we all lined up to get pictures with him too. Overall, I’m excited that we did it but unfortunately, we still have to work through the holidays. Bah Humbug!

A Night of Memories

So right before graduation, the College Program has a dance or a “CP Prom” as most call it where everyone can dress up and dance the night away. Ours was at the Paradise Pier Hotel in their ballroom and it was a blast! More of a workout actually, but I had fun! I went with my friends Bahar and Jessica (we got ready at Jessica’s). I wore my Jack Skellington dress of course. When we got there we took some pictures in front of the college program poster and of course they had the free photo booth!! That was fun! Then we grabbed some food (including Mickey shaped chocolate covered rice krispies) and punch, dropped them off at the table and headed for the dance floor. Well, Jessica brought her Mickey with her haha!

So we danced to all different songs throughout the night (I had to take random breaks because it wore me out for the most part) and I even dance with a few friends and towards the end of the dance, we got a great photopass group photo!

Last Day of Class/VoluntEAR's event/last dinner with a friend!

So for our last day of Blended Learning Series, we volunteered at the Orange County Food Bank by creating as many food boxes that we could in 3 hours. The last College Program did just over 1500, and we did 2013! WHOOT!  For the first half, I began the line by putting up the boxes, that was a fun workout! Then I handed my job over to Breanne (fellow cast member and classmate), while I grabbed a box cutter and opened up plastic wrapped pantry foods for other workers, and did some random running around. Overall it was fun and definitely a great work out! Unfortunately, this was the last night for my good friend and fellow cast member, Megan. She has family issues and had to leave early so Katie, Megan, and I had our last dinner at Red Lobster with gift cards provided by my awesome Aunt Regina and Family! THANKS AGAIN!!!!!

Walt Disney Studios Tour

The information provided was a lot for me to remember so here is the Disney website about the history of the place and how it grew and why it’s home to many of our favorite movies they created: http://studioservices.go.com/disneystudios/history.html

We started our tour by the Hyperion building, the original and first building to the studios. Some information I can remember is that the atmosphere is like a college campus; the cast members prefer it that way. Sometimes when they are filming, the actors/actresses are eating at the local café there as well. When we toured, 2 ABC TV series were filming (can’t remember the names). There is a theatre there that was recently remodeled and currently reopened back up.

Across from this theatre, there is an office building that used to be the big animators’ building. The window shades are on the outside so that way each animator can get their own light that they needed and the shades captured the light better when outside.  =>=>=>=>

Then we walked into this building (I think) and down a hallway filled with TONS of pictures, original drawings, paintings (including background paintings for Lion King, Sleeping Beauty, etc.) Then after this, we headed towards yet another building (yes there’s a lot and no I don’t remember their names). This one has 6 160 ft Dwarfs (oxy-moron) “holding” the roof up and Dopey is above them “holding” the top layer up. Now on your way into entering this building, there is a walkway with many numerous people who was rewarded the “Disney Legends” award. Now some have just the name and others have their handprints in them. It means that those who have the handprints were awarded the award while they were alive. When W. Kimball was rewarded, he made his look like he had 5 fingers and 1 thumb. (He was a funny man).

They all receive this statue that looks like: Mickey’s sorcerer hand holding a wand, with stars and streaks coming off it and the castle top incorporated into it.

Also, there is a Partner’s statue that you can actually touch and take a closer picture with, and a bench with Roy Disney and Minnie there too that you can also take a picture with. Now inside this building was (besides a Starbucks, Bob Iger’s idea), a bunch of actual props from past Disney movies. They had a dress from the most current Alice in Wonderland, Gabriella’s dress from Enchanted, and numerous hats including: Johnny Depp’s, Marry Poppin’s, an original Mickey Mouse club ears, and even Walt Disney’s hats too! Now another room had Disney’s archives (ok a VERY small version of the ACTUAL archive), because this one was like a library room. It had Donald Duck brand products, Mickey watches, and props again from the movies.

They had the Wardrobe, and Mr. Tumnus frozen statue, the water globe from Marry Poppins movie, the cursed coin from the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, MANY MANY books that were published throughout the years, and figurines too.  This was my favorite part and the fact that they had original pictures and actual corrections from Walt himself!

Lilly Belle Train Car Tour

Ah the Disneyland Train, and the Lilly Belle Presidential Train Car. The park is full of neat and exclusive things you can do including, honking the horn on the monorail, riding with the captain on the Mark Twain Steam boat and the Disneyland Train. One of the things I took advantage of was not only riding on the train for the first time, but riding on the Lilly Belle Train Car. It’s a beautiful Victorian style car custom made just for our dearest Lilly Belle. Now as for all special happenings, you have to ask in advance and the same goes with Lilly Belle. First thing you do is head to the Main Street Station.

 Ask a conductor if there would be a possibility of riding on Lilly Belle. From what I understand, if a guide can be spared, you’ll likely be allowed. So I was spared and came back for my 4:00 guide of the Lilly Belle. You even get special tickets when you get on too!

Trivia Question: Who is Lilly Belle?

Fun quick facts: The Lilly Belle had been a smoking car - we were told that this was Lillian Disney’s smoking jacket. It was originally Walt’s, but he didn’t seem fit to it so he gave it to Lilly. Walt and Lillian both smoked. As some may know, Walt died of lung cancer. The effects of smoking weren’t as widely known in years past. Remember, Mickey Mouse was created in 1923 - Walt served in World War I. We’ve sure come a long way on understanding the effects of cigarettes.

 The Lilly Belle is decorated with beautiful mahogany and select hardwoods.

 The seating is upholstered with red mohair and stained glass panels in the upper windows fill the coach with a veritable prism of colors. Antique furnishings, polished brass lamps and fans, and custom made wool carpeting complete the Victorian atmosphere. Everything is so beautiful and it gives me that warm comforting feeling. Lilly used to take her grandchildren in her a lot. Walt and Lilly both really enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren.

The Dream Suite Tour!

This month’s college program event was to take an exclusive tour of the Dream Suite. What is this Dream Suite you ask? Well it’s a suite (OMG no way?!) that is in the Disneyland park above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It was originally built for Walt himself. It’s 2200 sq ft and was designed as a place for the Disney’s to entertain friends at the park. It was completed in January of 2008. We started the tour going down the hallway that had some watercolor based paintings by Dorothea Redmond of the first concepts for Walt's Apartment (which is what this area was originally planned to be.)and some offices where there was a cast member always if the guests needed any assistance during their stay. After we got down the halls, we got to see the first bedroom.

 It’s design was inspired by Adventureland with the Victorian style as well. Every room (except the bathroom) has a "Good Night Kiss”. It is a special feature that transforms the room into something Disney Magical. The master suite's transforms the room into an Adventureland paradise, with just a touch of Peter Pan thrown in. Shadows of ferns and leaves appear onto the corners of the walls, making it seem as though your bed is in the middle of a jungle clearing. Then of course we saw the bathroom which has swans, and a double sink! There was also a walk-in closet too. But the best part about the bathroom was the bathtub! It was definitely made to relax in with a replica of a stained glass window created by Louis Comfort Tifany, titled "Aurora - Young Woman at a Fountain", and the light show that goes along with it (and of course they put a hidden Mickey into the show).

Then we headed into the living room which turned out to be really close to what Dorothea designed. They had a “fireplace” with a castle iron design in the front and the “fire” sparks fireworks ever so randomly. There is neat dishes and vases around and yes the vases are glued to the table to prevent the children from grabbing and dropping. There is also paintings of the 2 castles that inspired Walt for the Sleeping Beauty Castle: Neuschwanstein which is in Balvaria, Germany (I toured it in 2007) and Château de Chenonceau which is in Paris, France. The good night kisses here happen As the clock strikes a designated hour the room is filled with the music from such well-known Disney tunes as "When You Wish Upon A Star" from Pinocchio or "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" from Cinderella. When the clock plays "Let's All Sing Like The Birdies Sing" (a popular tune from the Enchanted Tiki Room) The glass chandelier in the middle of the room was made in Turkey, and designed to match fabric used in the suite.

In the “Kids” suite, it is clearly Frontierland inspired. There is a gas fired lamp from Disneyland Paris, and an original Cinderella Franklin stove with original Cinderella motif (using the same flame 'technology' of the burning town in the Pirates ride downstairs). There is also a picture of the Disneyland park, and it has lights put in behind it to show what it would look like at night every now and then. There are two chairs at the foot of each bed that are from Walt's last movie "The Happiest Millionare".

This "Good Night Kiss", begins with the model train, which is named the "John Gritz" after the imagineer who is responsible for much of the Disney Magic in the suite, “breaks out” of its case and rides around the shelf that surrounds the room. As it passes different “toys” (model boats, miniature horses, adventure books, figurines, etc.) that are all Frontierland based, they become animated. The German band begins to play, a horse nods its head, the model ship sounds its horn, and the train returns to its case. I think it’s the best “Good Night Kiss” in the entire Suite.

Check this video out for the Good Night Kiss: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ggAzWqwDaA

Finally, we headed out on the balcony that the winners who stay can enjoy Fantasmic. The balcony is furnished with chairs and tables, and the "W" and "R" initials wrought into the railing to honor Walt and Roy Disney have been enhanced with gold leaf. Overall, this was so memorable and would be a fantastic place to stay!

A little trip from here to there.

After our lunch, we drove towards Olvera st, which is like a little Mexico in L. A. and is the first street built in L. A. It was a neat little area with tons of shops and unique gifts. They also had a yummy restaurant to eat at with a Mariachi band too!

Then we finally headed to Santa Monica Beach, and happened to get a hotel right by it! After we checked in, we headed to walk along the beach and see the famous pier at night; it was beautiful! Then we headed back inside, slept well-ish, and then went back out to see it during the day. My mom really enjoyed it and I was happy to allow her to finally see the Pacific Ocean for the first time! She collected some neat shells (including a baby sand dollar), walked around and then we headed back to drop me off at my place, while they drove back. It was really awesome to see my mom and bring her to Disneyland since she has always wanted to since I was young. Thanks mom and Susan for coming to visit when I needed it most!

Mommy's First Visit!

When staying at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels, you can take advantage of the Magic Morning. What is Magic Morning you ask? Well, it’s basically you get into the park an hour before the actual opening. We did that, by walking from the hotel to the Monorail stop in Downtown Disney. Again, I had to get the very back so my mom could see better. She was fascinated throughout this entire trip may I remind you. When we got off in the park, I told both of them to take advantage of the “emptiness” of the park because it wasn’t going to last. Our first attraction we went on was Nemo’s Submarine Adventure, the 10 minute adventure under the sea. Then we headed towards Fantasyland and my mom wanted to go on King Arthur’s Carousel. I showed her some more attractions that they had in this area, and then we did the Sleeping Beauty castle walkthrough and then went through the castle to get some pictures out front.

After that, we headed towards the main Entrance because my mom soon realized that this was too much walking than she was used to, so we headed through Town Square and guess who we saw?! Chip n Dale! I bought my mom an autograph book so we began filling it and they were the first. Now, I planned ahead and got my mom her first visit button and when Chip saw that, he gave her the biggest hugs and kisses ever! It made me (and my mom) so happy!



So we got the wheelchair, and headed towards Adventureland to go on some rides. We went on Soarin (a popular favorite), Indiana Jones (my mom said never again!), Big Thunder Mountain (my mom enjoyed that one slightly better), and tempted to go on Pirates, but WOW was it crowded (too much for my mom), so we decided to head back to the hotel to rest up, get dinner, and watch World of Color.

After a good nap, we headed into Downtown Disney and ate at the Jazz Kitchen! It was really good and then we headed into California Adventure to watch World of Color! It was amazing and I started crying during the show but it wasn’t because of the show… miss you Mariah.

Our second day we picked out a few things that we wanted to hit before heading out so it was easier to do. We headed towards Toontown, and went on Peter Pan’s flight along the way. But before that, we went by Snow White’s wishing well, because her majesty was there; she was in a decent mood that day. So when we got into Toontown, we saw Goofy! And of course took some photos with him! Then we explored Toontown for a bit, and then went to go visit my boss, Mickey!

It was exciting and when we got out, we saw Pluto! Our next mission was to go on my favorite attraction (Haunted Mansion Holiday), and Pirates! We were walking down Frontierland, and saw Woody and Jessie! They were on their way back and I recognized the host, and said hello and Jessie saw my mom and gave her a big hug, and Woody looked at me and “said” take a picture, so you know I did! Then we finally went on the two attractions, snapped some photos in front of Entrance and headed out for some lunch and then to the Beach!

Perfect Timing!

So on November 10, a day that started out just like any other day, I get ready for work and head there. 15 minutes before I clock in, my cousin calls and I answer. She called to inform me that our cousin Mariah, one I used to be really close with, passed away at 2:18 this morning. I became in total shock that I had to go home and I couldn’t believe what just happened. Rest In Peace Mariah, so young, free spirited, and is going to be severely missed.

Fortunately, my mom and my aunt Susan just happened to be visiting for the next three days so that worked out for me. I was my mom’s first time coming to Disneyland, the beach and California in general! We were going to stay up at the Disneyland Hotel. They arrived later in the day; luckily, I spent the day with some good friends to keep from being lonely.

 

When they arrived, they checked into the hotel and I waited for them to come get me. When they did, I gave my mom a huge hug! Then I gave my aunt Susan one too! After that, we headed back to check out Downtown Disney for a bit (and my mom danced a little :-)) and then to the hotel to get a good night’s sleep and prepare for our adventure for the next 3 days.

ElecTRONica

So for those of you that are TRON fans, you would love to be at Disney California Adventure’s Hollywood Backlot area when the lights go down, and the grid lights up; because that’s where the fun begins. But what does one call this fun? Well, Disney calls it: ElecTRONica! So what do you do there? Well according to the Disneyland website:

You plug in to ElecTRONica and assimilate into the virtual world of TRON: Legacy, the new Walt Disney Pictures' film opening nationwide on December 17, 2010. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, this high-energy street festival ignites Hollywood Pictures Backlot with fun for the whole family.

Welcome to the Grid

Enter ElecTRONica and emerge digitized. Journey under the Recognizer and get swept into The Grid, where a live D.J. spins techno and dance music. There are some fun activities, clothing, dancing and live entertainment including:

·         Check out TRON: Legacy 3D Sneak Peek.

·         Watch Sirens groove to the beats of Daft Punk and others, while digitally projected Lightcycles zoom around you.

Lazer man was awesome!

·         Face off with enemies and allies at Flynn's Arcade, which Flynn’s Arcade tokens.

·         Try incandescent concoctions at the End of the Line club.

·         Be amazed by an eclectic array of street performers, including laser and martial artists.