030 - 4/22/10
I promise I haven't forgotten about this blog. I'm just not really in a blogging mood lately. Hopefully in May things will get back into the swing. Who knows. I'm sorry! I just feel like I'm only doing this for myself, and it seems pointless.
029 - 4/19/10
This everyday thing is definitely harder than I originally thought. Well, today is D! This letter was also really hard.
D
Company D
So, the odd thing about this picture is that I found it on flickr, but I actually know the guy in the picture! So weird! Anyways, Company D is the CM store. Things are super discounted, and there's not only merchandise from the parks, but also furniture and such from the resorts. This was probably one of my favorite places to go. There is also CM only merch, which is pretty cool. Word to the wise, however, I would highly suggest not wearing a CM shirt or anything of the sort around Anaheim/DLR. People won't think you're cool, especially considering a majority of them either work there, have worked there before, or know someone that works there. It's definitely more of a fun "back at school/home" thing to have. That's just my opinion though.
D
Company D
So, the odd thing about this picture is that I found it on flickr, but I actually know the guy in the picture! So weird! Anyways, Company D is the CM store. Things are super discounted, and there's not only merchandise from the parks, but also furniture and such from the resorts. This was probably one of my favorite places to go. There is also CM only merch, which is pretty cool. Word to the wise, however, I would highly suggest not wearing a CM shirt or anything of the sort around Anaheim/DLR. People won't think you're cool, especially considering a majority of them either work there, have worked there before, or know someone that works there. It's definitely more of a fun "back at school/home" thing to have. That's just my opinion though.
028 - 4/14/10
Sorry for not posting for the last few days. I've been in a real funk. Luckily, I'm out of it now! You know what that means!
C
Carnegie Plaza
These are the apartments that a majority of CPs live in. During my program, a few lived next door at Broadway Arms, but I never went over there. From what I heard, the were basically the same as Carnegie. The apartments look a lot nicer online. At least, in my opinion (and about everyone I know from my program). I've heard that some rooms now have bunk beds in them, but that is also new since my program. The apartments are all 2 bed/2 bath. They also have a washer/dryer in them. Its only one machine, and it both washes and dries. Except, your clothes never actually get dry. They will always be damp when you take them out. Its just because of the style of machine it is. It can be frustrating. Also, the elevator is extremely slow. I took the stairs almost every day, and I lived on the top floor. To be exact, I lived in the apartment on the top left in this picture. I even had the elevator break down with me in it a time or two. Not a very fun experience. Now, don't get me wrong, I didn't mind the place. However, the fact that I was paying $636 a month to live with three other people seemed like a rip off to me. From what I've heard though, the rate has gone down.
Cast Member Christmas Party
By the time the CM party rolled around, I had already been termed from my program. However, I managed to come down to go to Ellen the same time as the party. Usually, the party falls on at least 2 different nights, so that all the CM can attend. I think that every CM is given two tickets, but can receive more depending on the number of dependents they have. There are usually two types of parties. First, there's the mix-in party, which means that both CMs and guests are in the park at the same time. Then, there are the private parties, which are strictly CMs and the people they've brought with them. During the parties, you get 50% off merch and 35% off food (except ODV). You also get a free ornament and photopass picture! The parties were definitely a blast (I got to go to two) and something I would recommend doing!
C
Carnegie Plaza
These are the apartments that a majority of CPs live in. During my program, a few lived next door at Broadway Arms, but I never went over there. From what I heard, the were basically the same as Carnegie. The apartments look a lot nicer online. At least, in my opinion (and about everyone I know from my program). I've heard that some rooms now have bunk beds in them, but that is also new since my program. The apartments are all 2 bed/2 bath. They also have a washer/dryer in them. Its only one machine, and it both washes and dries. Except, your clothes never actually get dry. They will always be damp when you take them out. Its just because of the style of machine it is. It can be frustrating. Also, the elevator is extremely slow. I took the stairs almost every day, and I lived on the top floor. To be exact, I lived in the apartment on the top left in this picture. I even had the elevator break down with me in it a time or two. Not a very fun experience. Now, don't get me wrong, I didn't mind the place. However, the fact that I was paying $636 a month to live with three other people seemed like a rip off to me. From what I've heard though, the rate has gone down.Cast Member Christmas Party
027 - 4/12/10
So, I found out this morning that a guy I graduated high school with was killed in Afghanistan. Kind of an upsetting start to my day. I think I'm going to put off the next letter until tomorrow. Sorry everyone.
026 - 4/11/10
I can't believe I forgot to post yesterday! I was so tired, I fell asleep about ten minutes into SNL. Well, that means I made it 25 days posting without a break. I'm really enjoying blogging, and obviously 27 of you are enjoying me blogging too! Any who, today is the letter B!
B
Baja California Mexican Grille
This is, hands down, the best Mexican food I have ever had. The restaurant is located in the same strip mall as Von's. It's literally less than a five minute walk from Carnegie Plaza (the apartments CPs live in). Not only is the food amazing, but the prices are super cheap. The employees are really nice, and they have a yummy little salsa bar. Definitely a CP hangout. At least, it was on my CP.
Blue Sky Cellar
The Blue Sky Cellar is located in DCA, where the Seasons of the Vine Theater used to be. The Cellar opened on my CP, which was really cool, because CMs and APs got to view it before the general public. Basically, the Cellar is a really neat area where you can see the future plans that the WDIs have in store for DCA. When it first opened, the main attractions on display were the Little Mermaid ride, Cars land, the renovation of the Paradise Pier, and World of Color. Periodically things change in the Cellar, so I'm sure that the place is completely different now. It's definitely worth checking out, even if you only go once.
B
Baja California Mexican Grille
This is, hands down, the best Mexican food I have ever had. The restaurant is located in the same strip mall as Von's. It's literally less than a five minute walk from Carnegie Plaza (the apartments CPs live in). Not only is the food amazing, but the prices are super cheap. The employees are really nice, and they have a yummy little salsa bar. Definitely a CP hangout. At least, it was on my CP.Blue Sky Cellar
025 - 4/9/10
So, I'm getting a little burnt out on my blog. Nothing very exciting is going on it my life, at least, not anything Disney. I've decided I want to mix things up a bit. I've seen a lot of different ABCs or Top Ten lists about WDW, Disney (as a company), movies, and songs. One list I haven't seen is for Disneyland! I've decided that I'm going to attempt to do the ABCs of DLRCP, or at least, my experience from 2008. I'm hoping it will give some insight to those of you doing the program at Disneyland, and even give those of you doing WDW some ideas for next time you go to Disneyland! Today I'm going to start with A, and I guess we will see where it goes from there!
A
Apple Pie Caramel Apples
Now, let me just start by saying, I'm not at all a caramel apple fan. One day, however, a fellow CP was raving about how good these specific caramel apples were. If I remember correctly, the apple is dipped in caramel, white chocolate, and cinnamon. That might not be 100% correct though. All I know is that it is heaven on a stick! You can get them anywhere that sells caramel apples on property. Well, if you're lucky enough to find one. A friend of mine when to DLR over Christmas and searched high and low for one for me, but was unsuccessful. So, even if you don't like caramel apples normally, I highly suggest trying this one!
Animation Academy
This is probably the most underrated attraction at DCA. In fact, I didn't even know it existed until I went to the park with a friend and they wanted to go to! The Academy is located in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot, inside of the Animation building. That building in itself if a place I could spend all day sitting in. I would recommend taking a look around one day. The building itself is pretty underrated, which is sad, considering the amazing display on the walls of different Disney movies and songs. My favorite is definitely the Toy Story bit. Anyways, back to Animation Academy! The attraction's name really says it all: you're taught how to draw different Disney characters. Before you enter the room, you can ask the CM working the front which character they're getting ready to draw. Depending on park hours, some characters may be repeated throughout the day. Usually, there are about 12 different characters through the day, and the classes are held every half hour. While on my program, I went a few times, and even got to know one of the CMs that taught the class. In the end, you get to keep the picture you've drawn, and the CM usually gives their's away to a guest. I was lucky enough to get one of the CM drawings, simply because I sat in the front row. One thing for all of you Nightmare Before Christmas fans, from October to December, they add Jack Skellington to their list of characters drawn. If for nothing else, this place is great to go to for a free souvenir!
A
Apple Pie Caramel Apples
Animation Academy
This is probably the most underrated attraction at DCA. In fact, I didn't even know it existed until I went to the park with a friend and they wanted to go to! The Academy is located in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot, inside of the Animation building. That building in itself if a place I could spend all day sitting in. I would recommend taking a look around one day. The building itself is pretty underrated, which is sad, considering the amazing display on the walls of different Disney movies and songs. My favorite is definitely the Toy Story bit. Anyways, back to Animation Academy! The attraction's name really says it all: you're taught how to draw different Disney characters. Before you enter the room, you can ask the CM working the front which character they're getting ready to draw. Depending on park hours, some characters may be repeated throughout the day. Usually, there are about 12 different characters through the day, and the classes are held every half hour. While on my program, I went a few times, and even got to know one of the CMs that taught the class. In the end, you get to keep the picture you've drawn, and the CM usually gives their's away to a guest. I was lucky enough to get one of the CM drawings, simply because I sat in the front row. One thing for all of you Nightmare Before Christmas fans, from October to December, they add Jack Skellington to their list of characters drawn. If for nothing else, this place is great to go to for a free souvenir!
024 - 4/8/10
My washer just ate my brand new comforter. I'm extremely upset about this. Here I am, just trying to do some laundry, and the machine ATE it! Maybe I can exchange it, even though I got rid of the bag already. Seeing as how my mom works at JCP and all.
Today, I attempted to get some things figured out with my school about transferring and the College Program and such. Wow, that sure was a joke. I'm confused as to how someone can work in Career Services or the Advising Center and be absolutely no help. The advisor I spoke to told me that it would be pointless to get my AA in Washington, considering it most likely won't transfer to Florida. That was the only useful piece of advise I got all day. Basically, the people that work at my school are completely inept and I just need to talk to the people at UCF to figure out the route I need to take. Career Services also had nothing positive to say about the program, which really irritated me. The woman was complaining about how she has internship paperwork from Spring that still hasn't been signed by Disney. The way I look at it, that is the responsibility of the person doing the internship, not Career Services. I could get that paperwork signed in less than 24 hours if I needed to, simply because I know who to talk to! I told her that I had a complicated situation and her response was, "Of course you do. EVERYTHING with Disney is complicated!" Actually, that is the least of my complications. I feel like maybe I should be doing her job, since she obviously doesn't seem to know what she's doing.
OK, enough of my ranting. Today has just been a frustrating day. On a Disney note, I've made a decision. A lot of people really enjoy pin trading, but I've just never been able to get into it. However, something that really does excite me are Vinylmations! I've never actually seen one, as they were introduced to the parks after my last visit. They seem so cool! I've decided that with every paycheck (maybe every other), I'm going to purchase a Vinylmation. They just seem like an awesome collectible, and the designs are amazing! The Parks Collection seem like they would be my favorite, but I'm really excited to find out more about Vinylmation Jr. Do any of you have something you'd like to collect or already do collect that's Disney related? Do any of you collect Vinylmations?
Another thing I collect are seasonal Mickey ears. On my first CP, I waited until November 1 to get Halloween ears (stupid, I know) and searched high and low to only be unsuccessful. A woman in line ahead of me at WOD literally had the LAST pair of the adorable pumpkin Mickey ears I was hunting for! It was a devastation of sorts to say the least. When I went down to visit for Christmas, I made sure I got a pair of snowman ears, which I love! This program, I'm going to make sure I don't wait until the last minute to get those ears! Oddly enough, about a month ago the Disney Warehouse at the Supermall had those pumpkin ears! They were like $5! Of course I bought them! It still isn't the same though. It's like the difference between buying a shirt for $40 at a concert, or waiting until you get home and buying the same exact shirt for $25 online. They may be the same exact thing, but you know it just isn't the same.
Today, I attempted to get some things figured out with my school about transferring and the College Program and such. Wow, that sure was a joke. I'm confused as to how someone can work in Career Services or the Advising Center and be absolutely no help. The advisor I spoke to told me that it would be pointless to get my AA in Washington, considering it most likely won't transfer to Florida. That was the only useful piece of advise I got all day. Basically, the people that work at my school are completely inept and I just need to talk to the people at UCF to figure out the route I need to take. Career Services also had nothing positive to say about the program, which really irritated me. The woman was complaining about how she has internship paperwork from Spring that still hasn't been signed by Disney. The way I look at it, that is the responsibility of the person doing the internship, not Career Services. I could get that paperwork signed in less than 24 hours if I needed to, simply because I know who to talk to! I told her that I had a complicated situation and her response was, "Of course you do. EVERYTHING with Disney is complicated!" Actually, that is the least of my complications. I feel like maybe I should be doing her job, since she obviously doesn't seem to know what she's doing.
OK, enough of my ranting. Today has just been a frustrating day. On a Disney note, I've made a decision. A lot of people really enjoy pin trading, but I've just never been able to get into it. However, something that really does excite me are Vinylmations! I've never actually seen one, as they were introduced to the parks after my last visit. They seem so cool! I've decided that with every paycheck (maybe every other), I'm going to purchase a Vinylmation. They just seem like an awesome collectible, and the designs are amazing! The Parks Collection seem like they would be my favorite, but I'm really excited to find out more about Vinylmation Jr. Do any of you have something you'd like to collect or already do collect that's Disney related? Do any of you collect Vinylmations?
Another thing I collect are seasonal Mickey ears. On my first CP, I waited until November 1 to get Halloween ears (stupid, I know) and searched high and low to only be unsuccessful. A woman in line ahead of me at WOD literally had the LAST pair of the adorable pumpkin Mickey ears I was hunting for! It was a devastation of sorts to say the least. When I went down to visit for Christmas, I made sure I got a pair of snowman ears, which I love! This program, I'm going to make sure I don't wait until the last minute to get those ears! Oddly enough, about a month ago the Disney Warehouse at the Supermall had those pumpkin ears! They were like $5! Of course I bought them! It still isn't the same though. It's like the difference between buying a shirt for $40 at a concert, or waiting until you get home and buying the same exact shirt for $25 online. They may be the same exact thing, but you know it just isn't the same.