Introducing Kyle from Countdown to D23

Hello everyone! We hope you all have been enjoying the interviews with former cast members and our partners. To end the month, we have brought on Kyle from the blog Countdown to D23 (http://silvys.com/countdowntod23). Both Krystal and I are fortunate to be able to contribute to this wonderful blog, along with many other talented writers.

So please, enjoy the following information from Kyle, and tune in at 12pm pt to hear his full interview with myself and Krystal:

What started your passion in Disney?

I have been going to Disney parks since 1988. I was born into Disney and could not be more  happy about it

Have you ever worked for the Disney Company? If not, would you ever consider it?

Yes I worked at Epcot at Le Cellier over the summer of 2007

What makes you feel most connected to Disney?

Disney has always been in my life. Could not imagine my life without it.

Do you have a magical moment from visiting the parks?

A magical moment is every time I can go to the park

How did you and Marc meet?

Me and Marc met when he started his Discast podcast. I did a few segments for him and we    became friends.

What is the meaning behind the blog name Countdown to D23?

I started CDT23 to have a twitter account to follow all the news coming out of the expo. People loved the name and the rest is history

What is your and Marc's vision for the blog?

Our vision for the blog is to have a Disney blog that covers every inch of the company from  the parks, movies, cooking, tech etc

Are you currently looking for any additional bloggers and, if so, what requirements do you have in order to write for the blog?

At this time no but towards the New Year yes we will

Everyone please take some time to look at Kyle and Marc's blog creation at http://silvys.com/countdowntod23. You can also follow them on twitter @CountdownToD23

Full Interview with Chelsea

hank you for listening to today's show. We were so happy and excited to have Chelsea on the show. As a bonus feature, Krystal and I decided to include some extra Q&A's that we did not have time to include on air. Enjoy!

1. When did you initially apply for the Walt Disney College Program?

I initially applied for the DCP in the fall of 2009 for the spring semester. I heard about the program from one of my professors and couldn't wait to apply. I applied the first day the application was available.

2. How did you feel about the orientation/interview for the College Program?

My interviewer was really friendly and made me feel at ease throughout the entire interview. What's really funny is that during my phone interview the smoke detector went off! The interviewer if we needed to reschedule the phone call and I told her that nothing was going to stop me from that interview. I was getting to Disney one way or another.

3. Do you have any tips for our listeners on preparing for the interview.

Relax, take a deep breath, and have fun! They're looking for people who are excited to be a part of the program. I really enjoyed talking with someone who was excited about working for Disney as I am! Don't forget to smile! As silly as it sounds, it really made the interview much easier.

4. What top three roles did you pick?

I was extremely determined to work in entertainment when I initially applied, but I also put attractions as a possible option. I ended up getting a role in attractions that was far better than I could have ever asked for.

5. What role did you have, and what park were you placed in?

I worked at Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom, which was without a doubt the best job I've ever had. I loved every day that I got to go into work as a safari driver. Each and every day was different, every 20 minutes was something new! I learned how to drive a two ton safari truck, memorized an 18 page script, and learned about dozens of animals in less than five days. I was charged by rhinos, had giraffes brush right by the windows, and saw lions roar just a few feet away from me. I loved that job.

6. What was your favorite thing about being a cast member?

I have to pick just one?! I loved, and still do, being a cast member at the happiest place on earth. What was really great was being able to get off work at 5, then rallying my friends to go have fireworks and dole whip in front of the castle. You can't have an experience like that just anywhere.

7. Other than being a campus rep, do you ever see yourself working for the Disney Company again?

Without a doubt! Working at Disney World has become my career goal. I love sharing my experiences with others as a campus rep. In the spring I'm planning on applying for a professional internship for next fall. I'm graduating in May, and I absolutely cannot wait to continue my career with the Disney company.

8. What process did you go through to become a campus rep?

After I finished my college program, I stayed seasonal for a year with Kilimanjaro Safaris. I decided that the next natural step was to become a campus rep to encourage other passionate students to apply for an internship that would change their life like it did mine. I wrote a cover letter, attached my resume and references, and waited (impatiently) for an interview. I actually got a skype interview with the person who would end up being my recruiter. The interview went great, and I was offered the position before the interview was over! After the paperwork was all sorted out, it became official. I was, once again, proud to call myself a cast member.

9. What have you done so far on your campus to spread the Disney magic?

I am currently the only campus representative for my university, as well as the first one that I know of. I love spreading the magic and sharing my love of Disney with others. I hold information sessions about the program, what to expect, when to apply, and what my experience was like. I also paper the campus with marketing about the program. It's hard to go into a building on my campus with seeing a Disney flyer, poster, or table tent. It's the most wonderful job!

10. Do you have a magical moment that happened while you were a cast member to share with us?

I have many magical memories of my time as a safari driver. Something that started as a magical moment for someone else ended up being one of my favorite Disney memories that I will always cherish. I got the chance to give a private safari to a mother and a daughter who were on their dream Disney vacation. The daughter was with the make-a-wish foundation and was ecstatic to see all of the animals on safari. We laughed and talked throughout the whole "two weeks" we were gone, and it honestly made my day a lot better. When I drove back to the dock to let them both off to continue their day, the girl showed me her autograph book that had the signatures of all the characters she had met so far on her vacation. Among them were Mickey and Minnie, Aurora and Snow White, and of course my favorite Disney princess, Cinderella. Opposite Cinderella's page, the girl asked me to sign her autograph book because she enjoyed the safari I gave her. I was so touched by this small gesture, and I'll never forget that young girl who made my day.

Mickey Cupcakes

Hey Everyone! Welcome to this months Bibbidi Bobbidi Bake with Mia. I really hope you all enjoyed listening to the show, and will try out these delicious cupcakes!

What is wonderful about these cupcakes is the small list of ingredients. All you will need is :

1 cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

1 package of Oreo's

1. box of whipping cream

1/2 cup of sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 can of sweetened condensed milk

1 paint brush

Serving: Yields 18 cupcakes

So, what I did first was use a chocolate cake mix (or substitute any other flavor) and added a few dollops of sour cream (this just adds a little extra moisture to the cake, and doesn't leave behind any flavor). While the cupcakes were baking I started to make some homemade caramel. Though this sounds difficult, it's actually really easy. All it takes is putting the can of sweetened condensed milk in a pot of boiling water for 2 hours (you have to make sure the can stays covered by water, and is always laying on its side or else the pressure can cause an explosion). By the end of the boiling process you get a delicious, and rich, caramel.

While everything cools, start making up some homemade whip cream to substitute as frosting. Just poor the whole container of whipping cream into a bowl and start mixing until peaks form. At that point, gradually add sugar and vanilla. Once that is done, whip on high until at your choice of consistency. I like mine a bit on the stiff side, so I whipped it for about 2 more minutes.

After this is done, take a paint brush and dip it into the caramel. From here, take an Oreo and paint a Mickey directly on top of it and immediately put into the freezer for about 2 minutes. While the cookies are in the freezer, cover all the cupcakes in the whip cream and drizzle some of the caramel on top. Then, one the design on the cookie is firm, place the Mickey designed Oreo standing up in the middle of the cupcake.

Upcoming confections - next month I will be featuring a chocolate yule log (also known as Buche de Noel) with hints from Beauty and the Beast. This has always been popular with my family during the holidays, and adds an extra layer of beauty to any holiday table!

My Role - Costuming

As many of you know, my role at WDW was in costuming. During my initial interview for the College Program, I was handed a list and asked to select my top three choices for a job. Costuming was my first choice because I loved the idea of being able to create the magic I felt in the parks. Luckily, they gave me my wish and I was able to work in the costuming department at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

I initially started working at the warehouse for cast members. It was a tiring, long job of scanning in dirty costumes (imagine sweat filled clothes from the Florida heat, or clothes with food dripped all over from Boma and Jiko), and checking out new costumes to cast members.

After a few weeks of doing that, I was able to move over to the costuming warehouse prepping character's costumes for meet and greats and the Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade. This is where the magic began for me, and though I had many days where I would start work around 5 in the morning, it was worth it to me knowing that I made kids getting an autograph and picture from their favorite character possible.

Near the end of my internship, I was given the opportunity to work at the Festival of the Lion King. While there, I fully realized how magical it is to work for Disney and be surrounded by such wonderful talent every day. The work was fun and entertaining, as we had to be behind the scenes during each performance to assist different characters. There were times I felt as though I could substitute for a stilt walker and perform on my own! The best part of working there was being able to pull back the curtain and see all of the beaming faces in the audience, there's nothing more satisfying than knowing a memory was created because of your own hard work!

Accepted - Now What?

After going through the orientation, interview, waiting period, and finally receiving the acceptance letter to the WDW College Program it finally sunk in that I was really moving clear across country; and that I had lots of questions, as did my parents. What was the housing like, transportation, hours, roommates, weather, etc. At that time the WDWCollege Program did not have as much information available online as they do now (and even if they did, it's always nice to know how to get alternative information), so they provided each intern with the contact information of a campus representative.

With mine and Krystal's campus representative, Jackie, we were able to schedule a time to meet at school and discuss any reservations we may have, and address all of our questions. Since the meeting was scheduled it gave us -and our parents- the chance to write out our top questions and really hone in on what was most important to us before making such a huge jump. Jackie (whom we hope to have on the show at some point, along with another campus rep, Chelsea) was so bubbly and wonderful, and made sure that she brought all of her Disney photo albums to better answer our questions. In the hour or so that we talked it was wonderful to see and hear about the places we'd stay, and get advice on how to select an apartment: I still remember her saying "guys, not to dis them but you do not want to stay at the Vista apartments, choose Chatham." Needless to say both Krystal and I followed all of Jackie's suggestions and were very happy we did.

To me, meeting with a campus rep is an invaluable experience. And I strongly recommend that each intern meet with one before leaving for the program. The Internet does provide so much information, but there is nothing better than face to face interaction to help spark the magic and excitement, and provide detailed answers that will satisfy any parent.

D23 - Worth It?

Like many Disney enthusiasts, I was interested in learning more about the magazine D23 as soon as word of its existence started leaking out. What I learned was that D stood for Disney, and 23 for 1923, the year the company was formed; I also learned it would be an in depth magazine featuring little known Disney information and pictures. For $74.99 I could get a year long membership, that had 4 issues. As much as I wanted it, the price was too steep, but I dared put it on my Christmas list in hopes someone would be generous enough to give it to me: I was lucky enough to have a mother that recognized I needed to be rewarded for my love of all things Disney!

Since receiving my first issue in December 2009 I have received many little "gifts," two certificates, two membership cards, and 7 issues. The gifts have ranged from a watch (nice, not much detail, and was given as a thank you for continuing my membership) to some Epcot patches that I plan on sewing on to my apron. Even though the gifts are small, it is nice to know that a little something extra will be received each time.

As for the magazine itself... The pictures and layout are beautiful, and make it hard to even break open and read for fear of bending the pages. After getting over the initial reservation and looking over the content, it is fairly decent. Each issue has different writers and topics, though some things will always be included - There will always be an article listing some little known fact (plus pictures) about Walt, and there will always be recipes from the parks/Disney chefs/resorts. It also always includes information on the latest Disney movies.

Since I began getting D23, there are been articles about Princess and the Frog, Toy Story 3, Gnomeo and Juliet, Tangled, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. While D23 does include lots of unknown information behind each of the movies, it feels like reading one of the leading entertainment magazines, which I could purchase for $3.99 at my super market, or check out for free at my local library.

Also, some of the magazine feels like reading an advertisement for a travel agency! I know that Disney is trying to do whatever they can to get more visitors, but having a large section of an issue (including the cover) about the Disney Cruise Line was a bit much. Yes, it is nice to know about the new ship, and all of its amenities, but I feel the same information is covered in a free Disney Vacation DVD.

The magazine is also relatively small for being so expensive. Each issue has about 60 pages, which may seem like a lot but taken in to the context of only receiving 4 a year, I would expect something much larger and more detailed.

I have been very lucky to receive D23 since December 2009 (it was renewed by my mother for me, gotta love her), and I still eagerly anticipate it every quarter; however, if it was up to me to purchase on my own I would have to say that I would pass. The high price, and information easy to find in other places would make me want to save my money for a rainy day, or other Disney purchases.

The Disney Inspiration

I just thought I would share the first Disney article I ever wrote (it actually got me accepted into a few colleges):

Walt Disney is someone who has greatly inspired me with his passion, creativity, and the promotion of family friendly entertainment. His contributions bring smiles to peoples faces and create memories that last for lifetimes; additionally, his parks have become internationally known as a favorite family vacation spot. Walt Disney has also become known for his insistence on perfect work performance for his cast members, which has created a positive guest experience for over fifty years.Since I was young, my parents began taking me on short trips to Walt Disney's theme parks in California and Florida. The most memorable trip I had was when I was fifteen (an obvious age when teenagers and parents do not get along) for a week long trip to Disney world. It was one of the first times in years that my whole family enjoyed themselves after being caught up in the magical experience that Disney has to offer. At every stop we made, the cast members were open, friendly, and more than willing to do whatever it took in adding that special touch to our memories - on the day we left I vowed I would one day work at Disney world.Because of the promise to myself I began researching possible job opportunities and found an internship available to college students. For three years I waited, and when I finally turned eighteen I applied. A few weeks later I was given an invitation to view a special presentation on Disney values and what the internship entailed. Immediately following would be an interview. Thankfully, the presentation confirmed my beliefs that this was an opportunity for excellent life training and, armed with the new information I had received, the interview went well and I was offered a position on the spot: Six months later I was living my dream in Orlando, Florida. Once my training had been completed I found that I had been placed in the costuming department in order to assist characters for parades and shows at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Being able to the families enjoy what I had assembled, and what the Disney team had created are some memories that will always stay with me. On occasion, I was given jobs that dealt directly with guests and learned how to rise to the challenge by making each of them feel special, to make each family wish to return.While there, I began to realize all that Walt Disney had dreamed and created: He had dreamed of building a park where science and the world was brought to main stream families. Unfortunately, Walt Disney would never see the completion of the park, but soon after his death EPCOT (The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) was built that featured a hands on science center and the World Showcase (this features eleven different countries presenting their own food, entertainment, and merchandise). From there, Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom were to follow - each with their own educational value from following one's dreams to seeing animals in their own environment. Now that my internship has been completed, I have been inspired to make my own magic for my little family, I have learned how to give every employer I have had the best pieces of myself, I have also learned how to take every situation (whether good or bad) and turn it into an educational experience. Most of all, I have been inspired by the aspirations of a man who has created a legacy that exceeded his expectations by creating a universally known name and symbol, being one of the most popular family travel destinations on three different continents, and by realizing his dream of having a place where families could come together - and, maybe most importantly, a place where everyone remembers the magic of being a child

Overtime

One of the things I enjoyed most in working for Disney is all of the overtime opportunities available. Unlike a normal job, overtime at Disney is not just for extra money, but it is also a chance to try many different park roles.

For example, when I first found the site that listed all of the overtime openings, I was shocked to see I had a chance of working at La Nouba, and accepted it right away. It was one of the most unique Disney experiences I had, and I'll never forget getting lost backstage, and having one of the French clowns redirect me. In working there, I got to spend my evening working concessions, taking tickets, and cleaning up the theater. During showtime we all took turns watching the live performance. One of my favorite things about working there is that each performer came out to thanks us for our help.

One of the other jobs I did was security at Club Motion in PI. Doing security is never something I saw myself doing, so I knew I had to give it a try. Sure enough, it was not a role I was good at, but I will never forget the rush of helping rules be enforced at a club. Also, the cast members there are some of the nicest and most welcoming I have ever worked with.

These are just a few of the several overtime jobs I did - there are too many to give details about! Overall, it is a wonderful Disney given opportunity to learn more about your job skills. And it's a great way to bring home wonderful memories!

Security

Right after receiving the initial acceptance letter from the WDW College Program, I realized (courtesy of my parents) that I did not really know much about what the program living conditions were: Was it safe? How private were these apartments? Was there security?Admittedly, as a naive 18 year old I made a lot of assumptions that Disney, being a giant family corporation, would make sure things were fine and tried to put my parent's minds at ease. They won out, though, and I was forced to do some research. Back then there really were only 2 resources available - the College Program website and speaking with your school representative. Both assured my parents that there was plenty of security everywhere, and they weren't kidding. 

The first thing I noticed on arrival was the fencing around the apartment complex. From the front, there are large (and I mean large) brick walls that are near impossible to climb. Also, at the entrance/exit (only one way in and out, folks) there is a security booth with several guards. It is their job (and trust me, they do it well) to check the id of every single person entering the complex whether they're driving or walking- If you happen to lose your apartment id, or forget it at home, they will send someone to your apartment to verify your identity. The back of the complex does not have the brick walls, but instead barb wire fencing to keep intruders from trying to climb in. My own apartment (located at Chatham#23203) was located at the very end of the property, and had that fence as it's lovely backyard view, I hated it then but understand and appreciate it's use now.

One of the other things that Disney does for it's interns, is make each person sign a contract that shows the rules they will abide by for their 6 month term. In that contract, we each had to agree to security making random checks for drugs, any form of paraphernalia, overnight guests, and alcohol (for those under 21). Disney is very serious in not allowing underage drinking and even has separate housing up front for those of legal age. That's not to say that minors don't sneak in and drink, it's impossible from stopping everyoccurrence, but those guards do their best. And, as mentioned before, the exit is located next to the entrance with guards making sure no drunk drivers leave the complex.

The apartment complexes also require all non Disney guests sign in at the front gate, and provide ID (they actually photocopy the ID and keep it on file), and make each guest aware of the hours they are allowed to be there (between 1-7am anyone who is not an intern has to leave the property, no overnight guests allowed for any circumstance), and monitor the logs constantly for sign out times. If it appears that your guest did not sign out before 1 am, they usually send someone to check the apartment and escort that person out.

Another thing thing Disney makes sure of is that all of their apartment complexes are well lit during the evening hours, as are all areas for bus pick ups and drop offs, and every cast member parking lot. And their on the job security is incredible. For example, I worked at Disney's Animal Kingdom and usually had to be there between 4-5 am daily to prep costumes for the day. Anyone who has been to Disney's Animal Kingdom knows that the park is huge, well backstage is even bigger. The walk from the front gate to the costuming warehouse was 1/2 mile, and usually it had to be done in the dark. Disney made sure that there were lights scattered along the walk way, and bike and buses were also available for quicker, safer transport.

All in All, Disney does the best that they can to provide safety to the thousands of interns they have every year, and every parent should be reassured in knowing that this company will spend what it has to, to keep each person free from harm. It would be irresponsible for me to say that rules were never broken, and accidents didn't happen, but Disney does do its best.

Life Skills on the College Program

I opened up my Facebook page today, and noticed a posting from the Disney College Program. Their message today was simply "what life skills did you learn on the program?" I quickly put down my response of the basics about learning how to manage a bank account, get along with others, and have more fun. After clicking submit, I really started to think about my time in the program, and what others coming after me could benefit from. In other words, what else does this program contain that would make a student want to move far from home (at least it was far in my case), and go into a completely known world.

The first positive is pretty self explanatory - working for a top company like Walt Disney World will definitely help when creating a resume. Even if you have zero job experience prior to the College Program, that will be an attention grabber, and for good reason. After completing the application, interview, Traditions, training, and then working in the fast paced parks for so many months anything else will seem easy. Literally anything. Not only that, but any future company knows the WDW reputation for requiring excellence from all of their cast members. There is no slouching, frowning, leaning, back talking, laziness, or bad attitude allowed. People who make it through the grueling process are those who can create magic for all guests, and actually want to do it. These are the people who are willing, wanting, and waiting to go the extra mile. Now why wouldn't any employer want those qualities?

Another positive is the transition into the real world. Technically, we cast members lived on our own (as in, away from parents and schools) but are still in Disney provided housing with excellent security guards, and common sense rules to provide extra safety. It's a start though, it's a real tool to learn how to get along with roommates, cook, clean, do laundry, pay bills (although rent is taken, automatically, from each check), and get to work on time. Oh, and lets not forget having a bank. Disney provides a banking service from a company called Vista. For some (like me) it's a first to have a bank account, and Disney does what they can to educate. On the first day of being on property, Disney required all of us to attend an orientation, and part of that was teaching us how to fill out a check, balance a check book, and sign up for a bank account. Also, Vista has some very helpful bankers that will sit down and explain even more about budgeting and what not.

Something else to definitely keep in mind is the life lasting friendships that come from the experience. Every person you meet will be unique, and contribute something to the person you will develop into over the course of the internship. My former roommates, for example, are still friends of mine. We don't necessarily communicate every day, or very often, but they are always on my mind. We check up on one another via Facebook, and chat by text occasionally. At the birth of my daughter, I received gifts, cards, and congratulations from them, and with each achievement they have I make sure to share my happiness. Other friends met in Traditions, and on the job, are still part of my life with fairly regular life updates. Each of them mean so much to me, and helped make my time in the College Program special, and bearable when times got hard. And I will never forget them.

I think, though, that the biggest things that can be gained is self confidence. After going through so much, you will know that you can do anything you set your mind to (with the right amount of effort and work, of course). Not only that, but knowing that you were one of the fortunate few chosen to be in the College Program, that you have so much passion a Disney recruiter can see it during their brief interview, is more than enough of a confidence booster.

All in all, so much can be gained by applying. Not all that I have listed are "life skills" to most people, but to me they are. I cannot imagine a better program for life preparation, and some day, when my daughter turns 18, I hope she'll follow in my footsteps and give it a try.

A Personal Disney Outlook

"Somehow I can't believe there are any heights that can't be scaled by a man who knows the secret of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C's. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Constancy and the greatest of these is Confidence. When you believe a thing, believe it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably." - Walt Disney

The paragraph listed above is one of my favorite quotes given by Mr. Walt Disney. I decided to share and write about it this week because 1. I think it's deep and meaningful, and 2. It's a quote that has helped others find their way, and I am hoping to be inspired to greatness by it as well.. As most people know, the way to achieve goals is by following a belief system - for me (and many others) that belief system is in God. I also think, though, that action needs to be put along with belief, and the four verbs above cannot be beaten when it comes to success.

For example, in studying Walt Disney and his many ventures, I know that he had the curiosity to study and surround himself with intelligent people. By doing that, he was able to be one of the first to mix animation and actors in films (the Alice shorts), came up with the video cameras still used in animation today (the multi plane camera - used to add depth to films - first used in Snow White), and created some of the worlds most loved cartoon characters (Mickey Mouse anyone?). At the time Walt Disney was making his dream a reality, our nation was going through the Depression and war. Even with the difficult circumstances, he had the courage to continue, persevere, and turn the hard times into something amazing (take a look at Bambi, which was released after the start of WWII).

Later on, Walt Disney continued his dream by creating Disneyland - a place for the whole family, a place where dreams come true, and the stresses of the world melt away. He knew, deep down, that the venture would be a success even though he was risking everything financially. When Disneyland officially opened, he was proven right: All the risk was worth it! Since its opening, the Disneyland Resort (and later on, Disney World) has seen millions upon millions of happy visitors, and is one of the worlds top destinations with parks popping up all over.

The biggest lesson I take from all of this, is that Walt Disney had the confidence in himself, his team, and his family to make a world wide franchise and success. He believed in himself, and never looked back. If this worked for the Disney empire, I believe it can work for me. My plan is to find out what will work best for me and my family, to keep us strong and in tact, pursue it, and look back with no regrets.

Creating the Dream - The Interview

Growing up, I was always surrounded by Disney images - the main movies my family watched were either classics or Disney animation, and the dolls I had weren't Barbie, but the princesses. From how my family tells it, at an early age I would pretend to be a different Disney character each day and only answer to that character's name. My love for all things Disney stayed fairly steady until junior high hit: at that point, Disney seemed uncool and even childlike. Not something I wanted to associate myself with. For a few years, things were rocky and I walked away from myself, high school came and I met Krystal. She shared her passion for Disney with me, and told me about casting opportunities with the company. I started looking for all the Disney information I could find, wrote papers about the company in college, and started making plans for the future.

By 2005 both of us had completed high school and were of age to apply for the College Program. I still remember sitting at the college library computers, filling out the application. It had asked for employment information, and I remember thinking that I would never be accepted as all of my work, to that point, had been volunteer only. Still, I decided to complete the application, and go to the orientation. The worst Disney could say to me, was no. And if they did, I promised myself I'd be back.

A few weeks after completing the application, Krystal and I headed up to one of the community colleges in our area for the College Program orientation. Anyone who knows both of us knows we like to talk and have a good time. The ride up Bellevue Community College was different: We filled the car with Disney theme park music, and exchanged hopes that this would be our ticket into the Disney company. It took about 45 minutes to get up there, 45 minutes of not knowing what came next, or what to say.

We finally reached the campus, and headed into the room for orientation. It was filled with other college hopefuls, many of whom were dressed in suits, dresses, and brought along resumes and portfolios. We all gathered together and listened to the presentation, and watched the film for about 20 minutes. Then, our presenter, Bryan, requested we all leave the room so he could start the interviews, which would be conducted in groups of 3. Krystal and I waited in the cafeteria for over an hour. Then, finally, our group was called. The 3 of us went in (I believe the other girl's name was Julia) and sat in front of Bryan, trying to maintain our calm and quickly prepare answers. I remember that any thoughts I had prior to entering that room quickly left me. Internally, I was panicking, hoping that Krystal and Julia could keep talking so I could come up with something original to say. My turn suddenly came, and Bryan asked me why I wanted to work for Disney. All nervousness left, and I was able say that Disney was my dream. I had been pretending to be a part of their company since I was 3 years old, had researched it in high school, and wanted to create the magic I experienced on all of my trips. Bryan smiled, and then moved on to ask the other girls new questions. One of the last questions he asked me was what role I most wanted and why. Before I answered, he gave me a sheet with the listing of available roles along with a description. My first choice was being in costuming, because I wanted to be behind the scenes and create the magic, to let other kids see the characters, believe they were the characters, and take that memory home with them after their trip.

The other girls gave their answers, and then Bryan took a moment to look over our applications again. He finally looked up, smiled, and said he was going to do something unusual, and that we could not tell anyone else from the orientation, but that he would like to extend the opportunity of working at Disney World to all 3 of us. Bryan then said that, though none of us had much work experience, that we made up for it in our passion. He felt we would be a true asset to the Disney company, and he hoped we would accept the offer. After a few moments of just staring, all I could do was nod and say yes over and over again.

We left the room trying to contain ourselves, and not show our true excitement. Somehow, Krystal and I made it to the parking lot without saying a word. Once in her car, we let loose screaming, bouncing up and down, and calling random people - I actually remember leaving my now sister-in-law a voice mail shrieking "I did it, I got in, I'm going to Florida!!!!!" We ended that day with making future plans, and started coming up with how we wanted to decorate our Florida apartment. I still remember the ride home and the shock I felt: the shock at how one interview, and one man, could change my life forever and give me a chance at my Disney dream.