Jambo!

As I mentioned in my last post, I extended my program in an Attractions role. Well, I will be working in Africa on the Kilimanjaro Safaris! I am beyond excited!

It's definitely bittersweet though because I love my apartment and the girls I live with now, but I am the only one extending. So on January 4 I will be moving across the street to Chatham... and I have no idea who I'll be living with!

Ch-ch-ch-changes.

Oh. Heyyy. I have a blog, don't I?

So it has officially been like a month and a half since I have updated this thing. We've gotten an influx of new CPs at Hollywood and Vine, and thankfully they're all pretty cool. It kind of makes up for the loss of some of our awesome Spring Advantage people, like Michelle and April.

Work is... work. Some days are better than others. I now know food and beverage is not my calling. Unless, of course, by food and beverage you mean coffee shops. Then it's completely my calling.


I've learned a lot about myself on this program and I'm only about halfway through. And there are a couple of things I'd do differently "next time around," whenever that may be...

• Live in Chatham or Patterson in a one or two bedroom. Vista is old, and six girls in one apartment is too many for me.
• Only check off roles that I am truly excited about, not just ones I think I could handle for the sake of getting into the program.
• Bring a car. Granted, one must have a car in order to bring it with... whatever.

Speaking of next time around, I'm basically back to square one and I have absolutely no friggin' idea what's happening with my life after January 3. I'm definitely going to apply to extend, but three things can happen there:

1. I am granted an extension in Entertainment. Easy decision: I stay!
2. I am not granted an extension. Easy decision: I go seasonal and go home!
3. I am granted an extension in Character Attendant or Attractions. Decision more difficult!

So yeah. I'm applying to five (count 'em, five) schools to transfer to, but not until Fall 2011. So if my extension is denied there are a whole bunch of things I could do with those seven-ish months between the end of my program and whenever I start school.

Also, budgeting is still hard.

So, um, I guess that's kind of it for now. Anything you guys are itching to hear about?

Info Post #11: Alumni Advice!

one. Florida weather is beautiful, but it can also get chilly and rainy, so be prepared for that! Pack some sweatshirts, a light jacket, and an umbrella and rain gear. It will pour, so be ready for that. Rainy days are also a prime time to play in the parks, so take advantage of them. Of course, if you get caught in a sudden burst of rain when you're already at a park you could always rock a Mickey Poncho...


two. Make sure you understand the whole Disney Look thing before you get down there, as it will make things like check-in and Traditions much smoother for you and everyone else.

Now, to be clear about this: you do not have to be dressed in Disney Look at check-in, but they will check you there for things like natural hair color and make sure you don't have any visible tattoos or non-standard piercings, etc etc etc. I think you can wear piercings to check-in as long as they can be taken out when you need to be in Disney look, but I'm not sure.
At Traditions, however, your attire needs to match Disney Look completely or they won't let you do it that day. For the full guidelines, check out this section of the College Program website. Everything you need to review before your program is there!

three. Take advantage of all the CP has to offer! In addition to taking full advantage of the parks (like going for a few hours just because you can), go to the events held for CP participants (pool parties, Grocery Bingo, etc) and special Cast Member tours (like behind the scenes tours of attractions and more) while you're down there. The special tours tend to fill up really quickly so check the Hub often. It's a great way to meet new people and just chill. In fact, check the Hub daily so you don't miss out on any of the great opportunities down there.

four. If, like me, you won't have a car down there, pay attention to the bus schedule because it changes sometimes. And always take an earlier bus! Even if it gets you to work an hour early, you can bring your costume with you and chill in the parks as a guest for a little bit. Better to be an hour early than get half a point for clocking in late!

five. If you are also like me in that you freaking love shopping and will be there for the fall program, try to hold off on buying souvenirs until the holiday discounts kick in - they go up to 50% off! There's also a merchandise liquidation sale called SALSA (Spend a Little, Save a Lot) that happens in the Epcot parking lot - get to it as soon as possible because there's always a line to get into the tent but it's definitely worth it, as it includes merchandise from all around the resorts and parks and it's not all just Disney stuff, either.

six. Network! This could mean going to an event specifically for networking (either a CP one or one at Disney University) or just establishing and maintaining good relationships with your managers. It will make your job easier while you're there and help you out in the long run if you ever want to come back for another program, a PI, or start a career with Disney.

seven. Be open and put yourself out there - don't just hang out in your apartment if you're shy. Developing relationships with your fellow Cast Members not only gives you a social life, it makes working that much more enjoyable. Almost everyone down there is in the same situation as you: new environment, new experiences, new people. Make the most of it!

eight. Go to the special events that happen during your program! For Fall and Fall Advantage, this means Epcot's Food and Wine Festival, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and all the Christmas events around WDW like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. It's worth it to splurge on international treats (and wine, if you're over 21) at the Food and Wine Festival and pay for a discounted CM ticket to MNSSHP. In fact, since my birthday is in October I want to celebrate it by going to Food and Wine during the day then hopping to MK for MNSSHP that night!

nine. Be financially wise. A lot of people break even because they'll just spend their money paycheck to paycheck, but it is entirely possible to budget, watch what you spend, and walk away with money saved. Take advantage of CM discounts at Disney restaurants, but try and cook for yourself when you have the chance, or bring your lunch to work instead of buying it at the Mouseketeria. Even cooking your own meals and saving leftovers is cheaper than buying frozen ones all the time. Just be mindful of the fire alarms when you're busting out your inner chef.

ten. If you're under 21, don't even risk it with alcohol. It's the number one reason for CP termination. One guy extended into spring and was terminated a few weeks after extending for this. It's just not worth it.

eleven. Price Management/security in the apartments can be pretty hardcore - don't hang a towel out to dry over your balcony, put a pair of shoes outside to dry, or leave your door cracked open if you're running out for a second if you want to avoid warnings from them.

twelve. You don't have to be absolute besties with your roommates. Sure, it'd be nice and make things a lot easier, but it's possible to get along with/live with someone without being best friends.

thirteen. You're working in the most magical place on earth, but it's still a job. It will have its pros and its cons, so be ready for that. Guests are sometimes grumpy and unreasonable, CPers often get long shifts, and you're on your feet all day. But on the flip side of that.... you're working in the most magical place on earth and you get to give guests the experience of a lifetime! Just be sure you go in with realistic expectations.

fourteen. Going along the lines of tip thirteen, you're working in the most magical place on earth, so have fun with your job! Talk to the guests and ask them how their trips have been going - even a simple "hi, how are you?" can put a smile on people's faces. Especially if you're working a shop at a ride exit, talk to the guests waiting for their family members to come off.

fifteen. If you will be lucky enough to have a car down there, bring a GPS!

sixteen. If you have things you want to accomplish/do on the program, like for example seeing the Hoop Dee Doo or seeing every resort, make a list before you go! You'll get so busy once you're down there that it will be very easy to lose track of these kinds of things.

seventeen. TRY A DOLE WHIP!

eighteen. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy what is sure to become an unforgettable time in your life!!

nineteen. Try a Dole Whip float (only after accomplishing seventeen.)

twenty. Go ahead and get a second pineapple-y treat. You know you want to... classic Dole Whip or Dole Whip float, though? These are the questions that haunt CPers...


Thanks to flickr for the pictures and the lovely people on the DisBoards for advice, specifically everyone who responded to my questions. :)

formspring.me

Not a question, but I saw an addition to the Character Look-alikes section and thought of you!Female Character Look-alikes between 4'10" and 5'8" tall for roles including: Cinderella, Aurora, ARIEL, The Disney Fairies.They'll be looking for you!

This totally made me smile! Thank you! :D

im so excited to apply for the program,i go to the school meeting next week, how long is the process after that?

After the campus presentation you get to apply online, which includes a web-based interview. If you pass the web-based interview, you'll be instructed to schedule a phone interview. You have like 48 hours or something to schedule it, and then the interview itself will generally happen within the next week or so. After that comes the hard part - waiting! Disney says 4-6 weeks... people have heard sooner but some have had to wait that full 6 weeks. But it shouldn't take longer than six weeks to get your decision!

You're really cute. :)

Haha, thank you.

What does FGIT stand for?

Fairy Godmother in Training - it's what they call the Cast Members who work in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! :)

Is there a vlog in the making?

Eh kind of. I am SUPER swamped with schoolwork right now. Gross. But as soon as the quarter ends I'm going to start vlogging again! :) Earliest would be like the week after next....

I've been reading (stalking) some spring people on FB, and sometimes they get to Disney and really dislike their roommates. Are you worried about that at all?

A little bit, which is why I'm trying to find a whole apartment before I head down there lol. I get along super well with the 3 girls I have found (hi Jenn, Sara, and Tracie!), but we're still looking for two more...

ask me stuff!

Info Post #10: Ten Things! (with added bonus!)

So I realized I totally had this idea because someone already did it.

That someone being John Henselmeier. And Magical Matt.





Kristin also gave me the following tip:

If you decide to live with people you don't know (or even some you have met before), you may start as friends, but it is okay to not be best friends with your roommates. It's a nice plus, but being able to adjust to many living styles is hard and you don't HAVE to be friends, you can still be compatible roommates.

And last but not least, a formspring question!

Ah, I just got accepted! Your blog has been great to read and comfort me while I've been waiting. Now onto the CP audition!
Oooh yay! Congrats and break a leg!! What role were you accepted for?


p.s. don't forget about the poll if you haven't voted yet!

i oughta come up with a witty title for formspring posts.

Your young, why do the cp during all of the construction?

...well this is an odd question. For one thing, it was always my intent to do the CP my sophomore year of college. And for another, somethings is ALWAYS being refurbed in WDW. This just happens to be a particularly big thing.

can only cp's be apart of fantasy land fashion?

Nope! It's open to anyone interested in style and the college program. :) Email me your info at abbywdwcp@gmail.com.

what is your favorite cp blog?

Favorite? Geez. Wow. Um... I feel like I'm insulting all the fabulous blogs I follow by picking just one. I follow like 30 CP blogs right now and I'm sure the number will only increase. But if forced to choose one, I really like The Purple Folder by John W. He hasn't updated since 1/27, but he has great themes and it's a very interactive blog, with lots of polls and commenting, which is great! I highly highly recommend checking it out - well written, entertaining, and informative. http://thepurplefoldercp.blogspot.com/

When I accepted, there was a lot about not being able to room with friends on different programs. Have you checked into if you're able to room with FA CPs, if you'll have a different departure date? Just a thought.

Yep! Most of my roommates were actually able to select their arrival date before me, and it was the same one. :) But we definitely freaked out about this before, haha.

ask me stuff!

Info Post #6: Living (The Apartments)

So I thought it was about time I write another info post, seeing as the last "official" info post I wrote was October 27. About that...

I think I covered the various steps of the application process pretty well. I wish I had enough knowledge to write info posts about what to pack/how to prepare to travel down to Orlando and check-in day, but... well, I don't. There are a lot of packing lists floating around the Disboards College Board, and Marina wrote an absolutely fantastic and detailed post about her check-in process.

So what else is there to think about before your program besides the application process? Where you want to live, of course! There are four housing complexes for the College Program, but one (The Commons) is only open to international students. So that leaves you with three choices: Vista Way, Chatham Square, and Patterson Court. (At least I think it's called Chatham square - I'm so used to calling them Vista, Chatham, and Patterson that I'm not sure of Chatham's full title!)

Vista is the oldest of the complexes, with smaller rooms and cheaper rent. It also has the reputation of being the "party" complex and very social. However, since it's the oldest, it's a bit run down compared to the others. And I think the crazy-party reputation is, like many rumors and reputations, at least a bit exaggerated. Vista features 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

Chatham has the biggest rooms and 2nd most expensive rent of the 3. Generally, whereas Vista has this kind of crazy "Disney Gone Wild" reputation, Chatham is quieter. There are parties, but they aren't as, shall we say, rambunctious. It's a good middle ground between Vista and Patterson, socially. However, it IS more expensive than Vista and has this weird green carpet, if that's an issue for you. You can keep the price down by trying to get a 3 or 4 bedroom - the 4 bedroom apartments in Chatham even have 2 fridges! Chatham features a full range of apartment sizes, from 1-4 bedrooms.

weird green carpet

Finally, Patterson is the newest of the complexes and therefore considered to be the nicest by many. Its rooms are a bit smaller than Chatham's, but the rent is higher because, well, it's newer. It's known for being very, very quiet. It's also important to know that, unlike Vista and Chatham, Patterson does not have its own bus stop. If you have a car, that's fine. If you don't, it's a potential issue.

Here's a diagram I found to illustrate the difference in size between Vista and Chatham (I haven't found anything for Patterson, sadly.)

For the official word on the "Living" experience of the CP, check out the Housing section of the CP website. (And try not to cry when you remember that the application page is still all sad and down.) HOWEVER. Those lovely decorated bedrooms they show you in the 360º tour? Yeah, not allowed. You're allowed one bulletin board per participant or something like that, and many of the inspectors are very, very strict about this rule - you can fail housing inspections for having a single extra thing up (even something like a calendar), from what I've heard. There are still ways to make your apartment cute and livable, even with one measly bulletin board for decoration.

Personally, I'd love to live in Chatham for my program, in either a 3 or 4 bedroom - thank goodness they put two fridges in the four bedrooms!