Life in Walt Disney World

It's surreal living in the Happiest Place on Earth. Most people save up for years to be able to come and enjoy just one day at the Magic Kingdom. Where as I can visit any of the parks or water parks any day of the week for as long or as short as I'd like, thanks to the perks of being a Cast Member.

Here are the top 10 things I love most about being able to visit the parks:

1. Dole Whip - There is a soft serve ice cream made of rainbows and bunnies and pineapple and vanilla. It is AMAZING. You can find it in at Aloha Isle in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom. Or! You can go to the Polynesian Resort where it is self-serve and you can give yourself a ridiculous amount. I love the pineapple/vanilla swirl the best, but it's also quite tasty as just the pineapple soft serve and pineapple juice as a float.

2. Shopping around the World - My friend Jackie and I try to do something we call EPCOT Wednesdays. Basically we go to EPCOT on Wednesday and go shopping! Usually it's window shopping because Disney pays minimum wage, but it's still a lot of fun being able to go shopping in Japan and then go over to England for some fish and chips.

3. Wave Pools - The best one is over at Typhoon Lagoon. It's huge! And the theme there is a deserted tropical island, so white sand everywhere.

4. Getting ridiculously excited over the TTA when it reopened - The TTA (Tomorrowland Transportation Authority) aka the people mover is an attraction that takes you around Tomorrowland as a preview of what you can go see. The COOLEST thing about it is that you go thru Space Mountain. It's pretty amazing when Space is actually running. But since Space Mountain is currently getting refurbished, you get to see the new track! Sometimes you'll even hear Cast Members do some test runs.

5. Going to the parks just cause - Some days I have nothing to do. I have no plans, I don't need to do laundry, nothing. So I'll gather my things together and hop aboard a bus to Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios. I don't go for the rides or the entertainment, and definitely not for the food. I just go for the ambiance. I'll just go and sit around soaking everything up. Not something everyone can do.

6. WISHES - This one technically doesn't count, because I get to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks every night back in Fantasyland. I get a little sad every night I don't get to see the Nighttime Spectacular, or the Halloween version Happy HalloWishes. If you can't get in to Magic Kingdom to see them, I highly suggest going over to the Polynesian and watching the show from the beach. Just be sure to stay near the pool so you can hear the music.

7. Special Events - Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, Welcoming Princess Tiana to the Magic Kingdom. Being down here in Florida, I can easily attend these events. Sometimes they're just a discounted ticket, sometimes they're free. Tomorrow morning, my friends and I are going to go to the Magic Kingdom right when it opens because all the characters are going to come out to welcome Princess Tiana to the park!

8- 10. Dream Along With Mickey (Stage Show on the Castle Forecourt)
Celebrate a Dream Come True (Daily 3 o'clock parade)
Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! (Block Party Bash)
The entertainment shows within the Magic Kingdom. These are really biased because I live in the Magic Kingdom and will sometimes go into work early to go see these shows. But they're so wonderful. They really make me see the magic here. If you ever go to the Magic Kingdom, be sure to see these shows :D

"I Want..." Wednesdays!

This is an experiment. I'm branching out into the blogging world some. Step one are silly little blog memes.

It's weird to think that for everyone else in the world it is Wednesday. Today is my Sunday, my last day off before I go back to working.

I want:
- someone to do all my laundry and return it to its place all neatly folded.
- it to be cold enough to justify steaming mugs of tea under giant fluffy blankets.
- to be less than 50 miles away from my boyfriend.
- a home that is all mine one day.
- a good resume that will help me get a stable job.

The week's question is what I would use a personal assistant for. I would definitely have my assistant run all my errands for me. I'd also have my assistant help me figure out the resume/job thing.

I kept my wants a bit more on the practical side. There are of course the outlandish wants as well.
-I want room for all the DVDs I ever will buy.
-I want to afford an iPhone.
-I want a home that has all Apple products. Nothing Microsoft.
-I want to continue working for Disney, but while living in Utah instead of Florida.
-I want to never have to worry about money while traveling. And I want to travel anywhere I want to at the drop of a hat.
-I want a TARDIS and a sonic screwdriver and especially K-9.

Confusion. aka Real Life

I always thought I knew who I was. Or at least I had a fairly good grasp on who I was. Now I'm not so sure.

I'm a girl of the 21st century. I'm supposed to be empowered in my own right and know exactly where I am at all times. Well guess what World? I don't. Somedays I wish everything was planned out and all I had to do was go down the list, completing each task. I don't know what I want to do anymore.

I thought I wanted to be a Stage Manager. And then I got under so much stress that I deliberately took a step away from the whole theatre world to try and get things under control again. But when I got to Walt Disney World, all I wanted to do was get into Entertainment and work backstage for them. There's still a part of me that wants to continue working towards that goal. And then there's also a part of me that wants to leave it all behind and expose myself to new life experiences.

I still want the 9 to 5 office job. Cups of coffee and stacks of paper to deal with. But the excitement of the theatre world is not something to ignore either.

I want everything laid out in front of me. I just want to go down the list, checking things off as I go. High school diploma? Check. Bachelor's Degree? Check. Safe, steady job? Still looking. I can stay at Walt Disney World in Florida on my own. Or I can look for one back home where I'm surrounded by friends and family.

I know it seems like I keep going on and on about this. But honestly? It's been on my mind for days now. I know I'll find my decision eventually. It's just bothersome for right now.

Until then,
Deep Breaths and lots of tea.

Fantasyland! Philhar Philhar Philhar

Things at Walt Disney World are busy. It doesn't seem like it since I work 5 days a week for at least 6 hours if not more. But it just seems like no matter what I do, I don't have enough time in my day. Making magic in Fantasyland makes it all better though!

Last week was the best week of all because Sandy came to visit! We did all four parks in two days: EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios. On top of all that, we also visited Downtown Disney and saw Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba. Did I ever say I have the best boyfriend ever? Because he is :D We only got to spend a few days together but we had a blast. And of course, I now miss him more than ever.

I've been in limbo concerning a lot of decisions in my life lately. The biggest one of all is whether or not to put in to extend at WDW and try to get into Entertainment and do my backstage work again, or move back to Salt Lake and find a job and continue life there. I'm starting to feel pretty lost and it's starting to drag on me.

But I'll figure it out :D

Who I'd Be

We're approaching the last 4 months of the year! There's always so much family events that I always look forward to. In years past it's been slightly bittersweet for me because it's a lot of family over a small amount of time. Thanksgiving and Christmas are filled with my large extended family and the most AMAZING prime rib that Dad slow cooks all day long. But this year will be different and I'm going to miss them all. This year, I'll be spending it with my Disney family and everyone who comes to visit Disney World. It's hard to be away from them like this, but I will make the most of it.
While I'm away, I plan focusing on me and becoming the person I want to be. And maybe even finding what I want to do now that I've left university and the theatre world. There's so much potential lying in front of me. I can pick which path I want, do what I want, be who I want.

When I was little, I wanted to be an astronaut, a teacher, an architect, or an archeologist. Recently, I've been wanting to experience the 9 to 5 work hours, sitting behind a desk answering phones. I've been exposed to some crazy and unique experiences doing theatre, and I'm ready for a change.

Perhaps I'll get to be the personal assistant of a glamourous up and coming star, or the secretary who keeps things smooth underneath all the craziness of everyone's lives. Maybe I'll abandon all that and be a news anchor or an airline stewardess having adventures above the earth. Perhaps I will be the Taurus I am and earn so much money that I can be comfortable in my materialism and stay grounded to the earth. Something with plants maybe? Whatever I do, as long as I'm happy I will enjoy it.

If you could be anything you wanted, what would you be?

Flying TImes

Up in the air now! I'm beginning this awesome journey to Orlando where I get to work in Walt Disney World. Tomorrow I'll find out where I'll be working and who my roommates are and what my schedule should be like. It's really surreal that my entire life minus my DVDs, my books and my boyfriend all fits into three and a half suitcases and 2 carry-ons. It probably would have fit into less, but I pack extra just in case. I figure that if I already own it and I can bring it, I'll be able to save me some money in setting up and getting comfortable in my apartment.

Even with all the traveling I do, I really dislike airports. Getting to the parking is near impossible, especially if you accidentally end up in long term parking when you want short term. Then there's dealing with checking your bags. Heaven forbid the self-service koisks are down until a certain hour and no associates are there to help you. There's also the chance that something can happen with security and everything gets shut down. Ugh. There are lots of problems that can happen. But you learn to take it in stride, because flying often makes traveling so much easier! I love road trips, but I wasn't ready to drive cross country by myself.

Here's some things I've discovered on this flight today:
☄ Always always always make your laptop accessible regardless of the size of your carry-on bag. Especially if you plan on watching movies or need to charge your iPod since you totally forgot to plug it in last night.
☄ If you already know that your carry-on fits best under the aisle seat, don't request the window seat.
☄ The rule of wearing your biggest shoes is the best. But at the same time, also factor in the ease of removing your shoes for going thru security. While those ankle boots might take up more space in your luggage, how long will it take you to get through the security check points with a family of four with screaming children behind you? That's why I picked ballet flats.
☄ If the airline you're flying with can offer you a small pillow, take it! Don't use it to sleep on. Stick it behind your lower back for added support. Also, lean your seat back just a little bit as soon as you can. Just a little bit in case the person behind you is using a laptop and wants to use their tray table (speaking from personal experience).

What are some travel tidbits you've discovered yourself? And how many bags do you think you could pack your life into?

New Paths

On Tuesday, I am embarking on a new journey into the unknown, to a land of perfect childhood happiness. Also known as Walt Disney World. I'm going for six months doing the Disney College Program. I'll be a Cast Member in the role of Attractions.

There's a lot that I'm going to be leaving: holidays with family, the boyfriend, etc. But in the end it'll all be good for me. I'll get to network and meet new people all while being in The Happiest Place On Earth!

I'm going to have so much fun! I can't wait! Plan on updates from Orlando, Florida for the next little while. You can always email me at klauran@gmail.com as well, or find me on Skype (username: laii__).







Okay, I lied. I'm not as happy and excited about going. I mean, it will be great. I'll get tons of opportunities, not to mention lots of time spent in the parks, and I'll be in warm sunny Florida instead of frozen Utah during the winter.

Every now and then, you have to accept all the unfortunate circumstances and just wallow in the sadness. So you'll have to excuse me while I wallow in mine. But just for a little bit. I promise.

-Leaving the boyfriend. Almost two months isn't enough time.
-Working thru the holidays and not even being able to think about going home to family
-Missing Dad's slow cooked Prime Rib for Thanksgiving.
-My extensive DVD collection. I only need to bring clothes and linens since the apartment is fully furnished.
-Leaving all my friends.
-Missing out on fun filled fall functions (alliteration bonus!)
-Oh, and did I mention not liking leaving the boyfriend?

Now, Thanksgiving will be okay. Since Michelle is off to college at JH, Mom and Dad are planning on having the holiday in Florida instead of Utah. Still no prime rib dinner though, but I'm sure we'll make do. DVDs will also be okay. I mean, they're just material possessions. But I wouldn't be a Taurus if I didn't like my material goods.

It's friends and the boyfriend that are the hard ones. But there are other ways of staying in touch. This blog for one. And email and Skype and Facebook. Electronic interaction, however, doesn't make up for face-to-face conversations.

A lot of things suck, but it will get better. Going to Disney is good for me, and I can't let anything get in the way of that. Besides, from stories I've heard about this internship, I'm going to have so much fun that the time will just fly by.

Indulgences

There are few things I indulge in. Bowls of phơ everytime I travel, nice pairs of brightly colored heels, TV on DVD collections, and soaking up every opportunity to be the geek that I am.

Last week, my friends and I had tickets for the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Seeing as we're all twentysomethings, the most brilliant plan for us was to dress up. We had Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley, Fred and/or George Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Susan Bones, two Dementors and a Muggle. We got in line around 7p and had planned to sit in line and play card games and generally make fools of ourselves until at least 11p. What we didn't know was that the theater would let us in to our theater around 10p so that they could open the lobby up for two more lines for the 12:20a and 12:40a showings.

The movie itself was most excellent. It definitely catered more towards those in the audience who had read the books since they glossed over a few plot elements that were superfluous to the main plot line of the story. I really did enjoy the new scenes they added in that weren't in the book. I still feel that this movie failed a bit as the beginning of the three parter ending, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to see the next two movies. But you can be sure that I will continue to dress up as a Hufflepuff each time.

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Last week was also the epic Laser Tag overnighter. Laser Tag brings back memories of junior high. Piling into cars to play war for a few hours shooting. My cousins even had a set that you could play with at home. Hallways became the front lines in our little wars. So being able to play all night long was something I was quite looking forward to, even if we had to drive all the way out to Provo to do so. We had some great playlists going on and there was lots of great people to play with. Most people got annoyed at the large group of high schoolers that were my sister's friends, but I thought they were great fun to play with. Mostly because my sister is very good at laser tag and was quite sneaky as she ran around shooting people.

Regardless of how fun it was, the sole reason of going to this laser tag place is because just a few blocks away is this little diner called Sammy's that serve the most delicious pie shakes. They take a slice of pie and throw it into a blender to make a shake. They are quite amazing. Not very healthy for you, but amazing nonetheless.

☄☄☄☄☄
I live at being a geek. That's why I knitted my own Fourth Doctor scarf from Doctor Who, why I'm working on my Hufflepuff Quidditch socks. I've learned long ago to take my geekness and embrace is fully. I slip up every now and then like any other person, and in doing so I just reaffirm how much I can't ever try to hide this facet of my personality.

A return to Cedar

Earlier this week, I went back to Cedar City. Yeah.. back to where I said I wouldn't go, but always end up anyways. I really do like Cedar City. It's beautiful and the canyons are gorgeous. But I hate the town. It's just too small and limited for me to live there longer than the 3 years I was there. But I went back for the Utah Shakespearean Festival.

Their Summer Season this year consisted of The Comedy of Errors, Henry V, As You Like It, The Secret Garden, Foxfire, and Private Lives. I managed to get tickets for the opening nights of the shows in the Adams Memorial Theatre (Comedy, Henry, As You Like It) and then tickets for the preview performances for the shows in the Randall Jones Theatre (Foxfire, Private, Garden). This was perfect because how else do you introduce someone who has never been to USF than to take them to Opening Night? Sandy had never been to USF, let alone Cedar City. We saw all 6 shows in 3 days. They were amazing! I had such a great time. Sandy had fun too, even if he did have a tendency to fall asleep during the shows . :)

While we were down there, I got the chance to meet up with some friends over s'mores! That was definitely one of the benefits of staying in one of the Kamping Kabins at the KOA. Not only was it the cheapest place in town to stay, but there was a firepit out front. The KOA wasn't the Ritz, but it was quite nice. While we were there, The Pastry Pub opened up again! It's been so long since I had their delicious amazing food. It's like tradition for Festival goers to eat there after a show. Best food ever!

Besides meeting up with friends and eating at the Pub, I took Sandy up to Cedar Breaks to check out the view. I love it up there so much! It's a great place to get away from everything and just be for a little bit. There's only one drawback though. It's so high up that even if it's over 90 degrees F in Cedar City, it'll be cold up at Cedar Breaks anyways. So remember to pack a jacket and don't be silly like I was :)

June recap

I've finally achieved the perfect lackadaisical existence that is desired by most high schoolers. I wake up when I'd like and do what I'd like. I spend my days laying out in the hammock while Oscar runs around on his leash.

This past month has been a wonderful time though. The episode of Price is Right that I was on aired on CBS on June 15. Candace, Abe and I were seen almost every time they showed the audience. Having bright pink and blue shirts really helped that. Adan and I volunteered at Pride Festival this year. It was interesting to say the least. When the queens come out to play in Utah, they really come out. It was definitely an amusing experience. And then last week was the Utah Arts Festival. I went with Sandy and Camie and Erin on Friday to wander about and to see John's band The Wailing O'Sheas, which covers Flogging Molly and the Dropkick Murphys. Sandy and I went back on Saturday so I could see Children's Dance Theatre perform. It's still odd to be watching CDT performances after all these years.

I've been on a bit of a James Bond kick the past few weeks. Thanks to the encouragement of friends and their heckling that I had never seen one all the way through, I have now seen Dr. No and Goldfinger. I meant to watch more than just Connery movies, but that's the way it ended up. Bond movies are highly amusing and have some highly interesting views on Asians. Particularly how they wear too much blush and look like white women in black wigs.

Things are so good right now I often forget that I have no job or that I'm moving to Florida soon. Granted, I'm kind of not thinking about Florida right now. This weekend should be lots of fun though! Fireworks with friends and possibly a grilled pineapple for the Fourth. And then down to Cedar City on Monday with Sandy to catch the Utah Shakespearean Festival Summer Season.