The Road to Disney
How in this great wide world did I end up here? Since when did I want to live in Florida and be part of this huge company? I guess always. I've always wanted to do something different from everyone else. So I looked into all sorts of things and decided on this. The Disney College Program is a program that Disney has put together both in California and Florida. I chose Florida because it's at least on the East Coast and closer to home. I've received an offer to work in Attractions at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. And honestly I have no idea what that even means. I've never been to Florida. Well... I have been to Florida but I was ten years old and went to Universal Studios. So I guess I've just never been to Disney World. So I have no idea what to expect from here. I don't know what "Attractions" even means. Is that a ride or a show or a game or what? I hope that it's a ride because I would love to learn about some of the mechanics of rides. I really always wanted to know how roller coasters work and everything like that. But what if it's a show that I have to watch over and over and over all day long? What if I hate it? I guess for now I'm stuck where I am because I can't really take it back now. I have to go to Florida and do this Internship Program and get it over with. This should be exciting...
Check-In
This week was check-in. I have no idea how to describe it here. I guess it's just like my first day of anything - I'm busy taking in every sound and sight. Way too busy to remember why I'm actually here. The flight was ... scary. This was my first plane ride ever and I came here alone and didn't really know what to expect. Luckily I have some friends that wanted to guide me through the whole thing. I'm so glad for that too, because I'm really not sure what I would have done if I didn't know that the plane would sound so loud and scary. Anyway, I feel like an adult here. Not an adult that just left for college and will see her mom and dad every now and then - no, a real adult. And I'm not sure if that makes much sense but it's the truth. I got on a plane, took a shuttle, and checked into a hotel all by myself. With my own money and ID. It's empowering to know that I can actually do these things. After my first night in a hotel alone I took a cab over to the housing complex where I need to check in. It's called Vista Way in Lake Buena Vista in Orlando. I know it's a lot to remember but I've been studying this place in preparation for months now. It was really scary and exciting all at the same time. I met this girl Sophia today who I've talked to online and we decided to room together in an apartment with 4 others. So we're staying in a 3 bedroom apartment with 6 people, and let me tell you - it is SMALL. That's alright though, I'm used to sharing space just like at school. And since I flew I didn't really pack very much. Anyway, the check-in process was very smooth. I got here around 8:30am and got into line with Sophia and we just followed instructions. I got this booklet that tells me all about the apartment complexes and the rules and where to find what. They are very thorough with us. We had the day to get settled and put things away and then we start Traditions (which is the beginning of training and EVERY Disney Cast Member participates in Traditions) and learn were we work and how to get there and everything else. We also have busses for everything. There is a full bus schedule just for CP's (that's what they call the College Programmers) that will take us anywhere on Disney property and to hot spots like Wal Mart, the post office, and essential other places. I don't really know what I think about it here. I just know that it is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. But cold. I'm very surprised with how cold it is here but I guess it will get warmer as the months pass.
These Laundry Machines Look Familiar (Comparing Disney to LC)
So far I don't see too much of a difference between here and LC. The rooms are small and cramped, all the neighbors are loud, and the laundry machines are the exact same. I have a laundry card that looks quite similar to the one I need for school and I find it a bit entertaining because it seems like I'm still there sometimes. Minus the fact that I know no one here. I don't really have much experience with making new friends. I did that my freshman year of college and it sort of just flowed from there, but I haven't had to introduce myself to anyone new in a very long time. As outgoing as I can be, when it comes to new people I am probably the most shy and awkward person you've ever seen. I can't usually keep it together when it comes to talking about myself to a new person. I am very nervous about starting work and getting into the swing of things. Everyone that I've met so far has already been here before and I have not. I've never been to Disney World and I don't really know how to navigate myself around here. It seems that everyone knows all about all four of the parks and what rides they want to work at and which characters are where. I feel so lost in this new place. Disney is so popular, I sort of forget how big it is because it's always been incorporated in my every day life. I don't really know how to stop and just sort of take a look around and see how everything is shaped from the ground up. I know this sort of seems like I'm rambling but it all makes perfect sense to me. Orlando and Lynchburg share a lot in common in my mind. They are both new and beautiful places with thousands of new people. And I have no idea what I'm doing here. But things worked out so well in Lynchburg that I'm hoping the same will happen here in Florida. I know that I can make it through this. And even though I don't know anyone yet, I'm hoping things turn out well here and I can make some great friends and learn some great lessons.
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