We Moved to Disneyland!! Now What ? Stories from New DLR Locals - Updated 1/15

[Maddie2]

Glad to see you kids found a nice place and have made it a comfortable home. I'm sure your folks have a sense of relief about it as well.

As many have said, it's fun to see your fun Disney collections. I see that your favorite vinylmation has the center place of honor. Oh, and I happened to spot an old friend of mine as well - a salty fellow named Neil.

Congratulations on your Home Sweet Home!

 

[heaven2dc]

So glad you are all settled in - your place looks great! You def have motivated me to start looking for a place of my own (currently living with my son and his gf which I love but thinking it is time to find a place soon - been here with them for 9 1/2 months which has helped me get a job and save $$ but feel it's time for them to have their lives back). Hope I can find some great deals up here in Culver City like you've found in Orange County! Can't wait to read the next chapter of your story

 

[Virgoinab]

I'm sorry you had the issue with getting your things. I would have lost it too.

However it looks like you made it through okay, and have been busy making it your home.

Just think what a great story it will be to tell your kids one day, okay maybe not now it does not feel all funny, but it might be one day

 

[albertamommyof4]

love your new place, and great finds . can't wait to hear more

 

[tayalltheway]

Love the "ears" display. What a great idea!

Thanks! We had always just had them sitting around somewhere looking unorganized, so I thought it would be fun to make our own little art-piece out of them

Looks like you are slowly but surely getting unpacked.

Love the ears display too.

Definitely done unpacking now, but it took a while. Glad you like the ears

Think I'm going to borrow that ear display idea for all of mine!

Do it! We just have them stuck up with pushpins. We still take them down occasionally to wear to the parks after all.

That ear hat display is super cool! I only have one ear hat, so it just sits with my tv stand. I've never heard of earthquake proofing a large piece of furniture, but I guess it makes a lot of sense to do in California! And I really like your tv stand with all the room around it for dvds and knicknacks. I spied a baby Kevin from Up, I have one of those too!

And I am glad Tracy converted you to the ways of unpacking quickly, I am the exact same way, I like to be settled in and know where my stuff is instead of having to search different boxes to find what I need.

Your place looks great, it's amazing how you lucked out with all the Craigslist stuff!!

We didn't know for sure what to earthquake-proof, and in the end we decided the TV stand was the only piece of furniture tall/precarious enough. Luckily there were whole kits for it at Home Depot. We like the TV stand too. Unfortunately, our TV is the largest size that fits in the opening so next time we upgrade, we'll need to change setups. I think we got Baby Kevin from Disney Movie Rewards after we bought Up. He's out with our "Easter knicknacks" because he fits in.

I definitely appreciate never having to see boxes when I look around the apartment. Love being unpacked! And yes indeed, we were pleased with our Craigslist haul!

You've done a really great job with the apartment

It really looks like you've made it home and given it your own personalities in super quick time

Thanks! Glad you like it

I recognize the Harry Potter Books on the shelf!

Love your apartment and your resourcefulness! I still fantasize about living near Disneyland and I'm 35 It's so awesomne how you guys actually did it!

Good Job!

Our Harry Potter books always have to have a place of great prominence. Still my number one fan obsession besides Disney! Glad you like the pix of the apartment. I say it's never too late to pick up and move to Disneyland! Maybe you'll get out here someday too!

But I didn't see a picture ANYWHERE of Stupey Doodle!!!!

We really need to get a poster-sized print of her to hang in a place of great prominence. We did make a calendar entirely of pictures of her on Shutterfly this year. I'll have to remember to post a picture of it.

I love the ear hat display! The apartment really looks like home xx

Glad you like the ears! We definitely tried to make it feel like home as quickly as possible, especially after our months of feeling like we didn't quite have a home.

Luvin the disney touches

Thanks! We love our Disney stuff. The collection will probably never cease growing.

Glad to see you kids found a nice place and have made it a comfortable home. I'm sure your folks have a sense of relief about it as well.

As many have said, it's fun to see your fun Disney collections. I see that your favorite vinylmation has the center place of honor. Oh, and I happened to spot an old friend of mine as well - a salty fellow named Neil.

Congratulations on your Home Sweet Home!

We're definitely happy to have found some place to settle down for a while. We're very pleased with our choice

Glad you enjoy our Disney collection. Duffy would have thrown a fit if he wasn't in the center

So glad you are all settled in - your place looks great! You def have motivated me to start looking for a place of my own (currently living with my son and his gf which I love but thinking it is time to find a place soon - been here with them for 9 1/2 months which has helped me get a job and save $$ but feel it's time for them to have their lives back). Hope I can find some great deals up here in Culver City like you've found in Orange County! Can't wait to read the next chapter of your story

Best of luck with your home search! I know it's not easy, but we were able to prove to ourselves that by looking hard and long enough the right place was out there. Hope you keep enjoying our tales.

I'm sorry you had the issue with getting your things. I would have lost it too.

However it looks like you made it through okay, and have been busy making it your home.

Just think what a great story it will be to tell your kids one day, okay maybe not now it does not feel all funny, but it might be one day

Yeah, it was definitely a trying experience getting everything moved, but at least it all worked out in the end. And now I already got to share the experience with all of you reading, so at least it made for a good story

love your new place, and great finds . can't wait to hear more

Thanks! Can't wait to share more, and hopefully it won't disappoint

 

[AussieDisneyNut]

What a saga! I'm sorry that your Disney career dreams are on hold, but hopefully you are enjoying whatever you are now doing. Sometimes, working for your "dream" company can take the magic out of your dream, so perhaps it's for the best at the moment. I actually work for my "dream" organization (museum) and although I love working there, I find that I don't spend much of my leisure time there, as it is now work. Go figure!

Looking forward to hearing the next chapter and hoping you are still enjoying the Disney magic

 

[flamingglobessigmund]

I was finally able to catch up on reading the story of your journey & move to OC. You probably don't recall my long ago reply, but we moved here too last year. I'm sorry the Disney jobs didn't work out, but I'm glad you & your wife found employment. Also you got passes! We didn't get ours until Sept 2012. It's been really nice (to put it mildly) to be able to run over to DL for a few hours during most weeks.

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[PrincessInOz]

So sorry that the Disney jobs opportunities didn't work out this time. Hope it works out in the future.

But at least you're a lot closer to the Mouse!

 

[Sherry E]

I have not had time to catch up with everything other than an occasional peek-in to see the apartment choices and to learn that there was a possible Disney job for Tracy...which didn't work out. You will both eventually get in, if that's what you both want. I know you will! It must not have been the right time yet, but it will happen!

This made me think about employment with Disney, in general, and what I've 'heard' about it through the years. I hope you don't mind if I share it here, but it seemed to be a good place to share it!

I've known people who have seemingly gotten into Disney jobs fairly easily, both in the parks and behind the scenes, and yet it still seems to be very hard to get hired! Plus, there are so many different levels and branches of Disney employment - the Burbank-Glendale jobs (which could include ABC or could include Disney Parks), the Corporate jobs in Anaheim, the jobs actually at DLR, the entertainment jobs inside the parks, the Vacation Club offices, the jobs at the hotels, etc.

I used to think that it would spoil the magic for me if I worked for Disneyland, and that I would have to work for a non-parks aspect of Disney if I worked for them at all. Back when I was a kid, working for Disney seemed like an unattainable fantasy anyway (even though I've always lived in SoCal, which is forever attached to the entertainment business and many folks have jobs in entertainment offices all over town).

Then, I heard that it was supposedly a nightmare working for Disney and it temporarily shattered any illusions I may have had.

Then, a friend of a friend began working for Disney (in a non-parks division) and she was with them for years. It didn't seem to be a nightmare! It was a great job! In fact, this person actually left that great job to work elsewhere! But she eventually went back! Even after she left her first job and worked for a non-Disney company, Disney took her back because she had been a good employee during her previous tenure! Ultimately, her particular job was cut because her particular department was closed and she moved on to another company.

I asked this person-who-used-to-work-at-Disney to point me in the direction of anyone in HR that she used to deal with, or anyone she knew. A contact, a name. Something. And that was a dead end. I began to think that if a person who used to work for Disney couldn't help get me in, then I may never get in.

I've been told on more than one occasion, by Cast Members and others, that "once you're in, you're IN." Once you get past the barriers and walls and get into the Disney empire, the sky's the limit and you can move all around to different branches and different positions. You can even leave a Disney job and then return again, apparently, and still have an advantage over newcomers!

I just met with a CM at the Disney Vacation Club offices at DLR last December (not for an interview, though), and she said, "Why don't you work here? You have a great smile, a nice demeanor and disposition, and you love Disney." I had to kind of giggle because I know it is not as simple as all of that! If only it were...

One CM told me to try to start out in something that is easier to get into at DLR, "like Vacation Planning at the Parks." Then, once you're in that position for a while you can transfer or get promoted.

Another CM told me to try to get into one of the Burbank-Glendale Disney jobs first, just to get a foot in the door, and then that will pave the way to Disneyland-specific jobs (either in the parks or out of them).

Yet another person once told me to find a temp agency that has a contract with Disney (there are a few), get assigned to a Disney job and get your foot in the door that way.

Any way you slice it, it seems to be very easy to get in to Disney for some folks and very hard for others, and there isn't always much rhyme or reason to it. But...everyone agrees that once you're in, you're IN!

Good luck to both of you! I'm glad that Tracy got a job that she loves!

 

[Cheshirecatty]

WOW!--just WOW! to your experiences in trying to get your foot in the door!

I found myself racing through your post to find out WHY in the world they could possibly not have called you both right in for an interview.

I'm glad you gave us a "we're not working there yet" heads-up at the beginning of the up-date, or I would have had a fit at the end to find that out!

Persistance, Persistance, Persistance! It will pay off in the end.

Like SherryE says, where there's a will there's a way! Hang in there--it will happen for you when the time is RIGHT!!

 

[heaven2dc]

I've learned so much from reading your Disney job-hunting post and from another poster that I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever be lucky and get to work for Disney. I have applied 3 times to the College Program and turned down and also applied to the Professional Internships. Last year I was still being considered for 3 PI's up until the very last week and still haven't given up. I am currently "in progress" for an undergraduate internship and two positions at the Glendale/Burbank locations and anxiously awaiting an interview. I moved here in June 2012 with the hopes of somehow getting at least an interview with Disney for a corporate position, Professional Internship or getting into the College Program for Front Desk or any hospitality role (even though I'm much older than the majority of applicants, my recruiter was very positive in my interview saying they hired someone in their 70's and to never give up on my dream). I definitely hope both of you do not give up on your Disney dream of working for such an amazing talented company! I have been pursuing this dream for almost 10 years and now that I live in the area, I'm more excited than ever to get my foot in that coveted door

I truly appreciate you writing about your experiences so far - your experiences have encouraged me in many ways! And I can't wait to read about your first full day at Disneyland!!

 

[tayalltheway]

What a saga! I'm sorry that your Disney career dreams are on hold, but hopefully you are enjoying whatever you are now doing. Sometimes, working for your "dream" company can take the magic out of your dream, so perhaps it's for the best at the moment. I actually work for my "dream" organization (museum) and although I love working there, I find that I don't spend much of my leisure time there, as it is now work. Go figure!

Looking forward to hearing the next chapter and hoping you are still enjoying the Disney magic

Sometimes that's exactly how we feel when we think about working for Disney. I don't think it would ruin the magic per say, but we'd never want to get to the point where we didn't want to spend our free time there because it felt like going to work. I think for the time being, everything worked out for the best. We'll see what happens in the future when it comes!

I was finally able to catch up on reading the story of your journey & move to OC. You probably don't recall my long ago reply, but we moved here too last year. I'm sorry the Disney jobs didn't work out, but I'm glad you & your wife found employment. Also you got passes! We didn't get ours until Sept 2012. It's been really nice (to put it mildly) to be able to run over to DL for a few hours during most weeks.

Looking forward to reading more!

Glad you got all caught up! I'm glad you and your family have been able to enjoy the parks as well. I certainly know what you mean about it being great to head over for a few hours whenever the mood strikes. We've been averaging about 4 times a week since we got our passes and we still love it each time! Maybe one day we'll be there at the same time and we can say hi. Hope you keep enjoying our stories!

So sorry that the Disney jobs opportunities didn't work out this time. Hope it works out in the future.

But at least you're a lot closer to the Mouse!

It's quite all right. We're definitely happy just being close to Disney even if we're not working there! And maybe someday we will still end up as cast members. We shall see

I have not had time to catch up with everything other than an occasional peek-in to see the apartment choices and to learn that there was a possible Disney job for Tracy...which didn't work out. You will both eventually get in, if that's what you both want. I know you will! It must not have been the right time yet, but it will happen!

This made me think about employment with Disney, in general, and what I've 'heard' about it through the years. I hope you don't mind if I share it here, but it seemed to be a good place to share it!

I've known people who have seemingly gotten into Disney jobs fairly easily, both in the parks and behind the scenes, and yet it still seems to be very hard to get hired! Plus, there are so many different levels and branches of Disney employment - the Burbank-Glendale jobs (which could include ABC or could include Disney Parks), the Corporate jobs in Anaheim, the jobs actually at DLR, the entertainment jobs inside the parks, the Vacation Club offices, the jobs at the hotels, etc.

I used to think that it would spoil the magic for me if I worked for Disneyland, and that I would have to work for a non-parks aspect of Disney if I worked for them at all. Back when I was a kid, working for Disney seemed like an unattainable fantasy anyway (even though I've always lived in SoCal, which is forever attached to the entertainment business and many folks have jobs in entertainment offices all over town).

Then, I heard that it was supposedly a nightmare working for Disney and it temporarily shattered any illusions I may have had.

Then, a friend of a friend began working for Disney (in a non-parks division) and she was with them for years. It didn't seem to be a nightmare! It was a great job! In fact, this person actually left that great job to work elsewhere! But she eventually went back! Even after she left her first job and worked for a non-Disney company, Disney took her back because she had been a good employee during her previous tenure! Ultimately, her particular job was cut because her particular department was closed and she moved on to another company.

I asked this person-who-used-to-work-at-Disney to point me in the direction of anyone in HR that she used to deal with, or anyone she knew. A contact, a name. Something. And that was a dead end. I began to think that if a person who used to work for Disney couldn't help get me in, then I may never get in.

I've been told on more than one occasion, by Cast Members and others, that "once you're in, you're IN." Once you get past the barriers and walls and get into the Disney empire, the sky's the limit and you can move all around to different branches and different positions. You can even leave a Disney job and then return again, apparently, and still have an advantage over newcomers!

I just met with a CM at the Disney Vacation Club offices at DLR last December (not for an interview, though), and she said, "Why don't you work here? You have a great smile, a nice demeanor and disposition, and you love Disney." I had to kind of giggle because I know it is not as simple as all of that! If only it were...

One CM told me to try to start out in something that is easier to get into at DLR, "like Vacation Planning at the Parks." Then, once you're in that position for a while you can transfer or get promoted.

Another CM told me to try to get into one of the Burbank-Glendale Disney jobs first, just to get a foot in the door, and then that will pave the way to Disneyland-specific jobs (either in the parks or out of them).

Yet another person once told me to find a temp agency that has a contract with Disney (there are a few), get assigned to a Disney job and get your foot in the door that way.

Any way you slice it, it seems to be very easy to get in to Disney for some folks and very hard for others, and there isn't always much rhyme or reason to it. But...everyone agrees that once you're in, you're IN!

Good luck to both of you! I'm glad that Tracy got a job that she loves!

Thanks for sharing your experiences! I think it's fascinating to hear about how different people have gotten involved in the company and their experiences. I think all the different departments spread all over SoCal definitely confused us when we were trying to decide what exactly we wanted to do. Obviously, we had first thought of the Burbank/Glendale area for our move, but then changed our minds. Partly, I think that the fact we're not working for the company but are still learning more about Disneyland every day as locals will mean that when the time seems more right for us to work there, we'll be a lot better informed than we were this time around. If we still want it to happen someday, I think we'll find the right time and the right jobs for us.

WOW!--just WOW! to your experiences in trying to get your foot in the door!

I found myself racing through your post to find out WHY in the world they could possibly not have called you both right in for an interview.

I'm glad you gave us a "we're not working there yet" heads-up at the beginning of the up-date, or I would have had a fit at the end to find that out!

Persistance, Persistance, Persistance! It will pay off in the end.

Like SherryE says, where there's a will there's a way! Hang in there--it will happen for you when the time is RIGHT!!

Glad that my disclaimer kept you from being too disappointed to find out we're not working there That was my intent!

I definitely think that when it's the right time, we'll make it work, if that's still what we want. Right now, it may just be better for us to be locals/frequent guests, getting to just enjoy the parks rather than working there. We'll see what the future holds!

I've learned so much from reading your Disney job-hunting post and from another poster that I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever be lucky and get to work for Disney. I have applied 3 times to the College Program and turned down and also applied to the Professional Internships. Last year I was still being considered for 3 PI's up until the very last week and still haven't given up. I am currently "in progress" for an undergraduate internship and two positions at the Glendale/Burbank locations and anxiously awaiting an interview. I moved here in June 2012 with the hopes of somehow getting at least an interview with Disney for a corporate position, Professional Internship or getting into the College Program for Front Desk or any hospitality role (even though I'm much older than the majority of applicants, my recruiter was very positive in my interview saying they hired someone in their 70's and to never give up on my dream). I definitely hope both of you do not give up on your Disney dream of working for such an amazing talented company! I have been pursuing this dream for almost 10 years and now that I live in the area, I'm more excited than ever to get my foot in that coveted door

I truly appreciate you writing about your experiences so far - your experiences have encouraged me in many ways! And I can't wait to read about your first full day at Disneyland!!

I'm so glad reading about our experiences has helped you in your job search. It sounds like you've had quite the experience yourself! I hope that everything works out for you and that one of your prospects come through As for us, I think we'll end up there if and when the time is right, which just wasn't right now.

Hope you keep enjoying reading about our shenanigans, and I can't wait till I finally get to share our experiences in the parks!

 

[PrincessInOz]

I'm showing my age here.....I certainly recognised that house (Where is "The Plane! The Plane!?"). That's one heck of a gardens.

Sounds like you are settling in to life in the fast lane in OC.

 

[junmatno]

Was the Fairfield Inn you stayed at the one across from the park? Just wondering about that breakfast : )

 

[Linda67]

Great updates and a fascinating insight into trying to get a job at Disney and the whole interview process

When I bumped into you both I was dying to ask if you were working for Disney but I didn't want to spoil the story!

The thing is you are now living really close to your happy place and if working for Disney is on the cards for the future then great, but if not, you still can get the Disney magic with those (hopefully soon purchased) APs

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

I think the thing we can't imagine as kids is that the adventure of building the life you want can be just as exciting and harrowing and any pirate saga or fairytale. I find it really wonderful that you two have followed your hearts, even though not everything has worked out as you might have wished. I am looking forward to reading more about your adventures.

 

[lego606]

I'll have to keep an eye out for you two while I'm there! Loving this TR

 

[franandaj]

I've been MIA for a while, but glad to catch up on your report. I've known many folks who have worked for Disney, but most of them have been musicians, so they hire out of a whole different pool for them than the other cast positions.

I'm enjoying reading about your exploits and who knows, we may meet out at the park some day. We don't get there as often as it seems that you do, but we are out there! Maybe we'll run into each other!

 

[hurleysweety]

Well I sat down at 9pm to do some planning for an upcoming trip and 1 hour and a half later I've read through your entire thread! And it was great. You certainly tell your story well! So after 27 chapters...here's my two cents!

You caught my attention when you talked about your trip to Qdoba and being able to pass for high school students. My husband and I, now 27 and 29, volunteer with high school kids and often are mistaken for students and not the leaders! And we run into that when we go to events where there is a student rate - movie theaters, local plays, etc. It's a blessing, but man was it not fun when I was 17 and looked 12.

I have so much respect for your persistence and your willingness for adventure! From NY to CO to LA - talk about different cultures! After reading it, I feel like I traveled with you.

Thank you for sharing the details of your interview process with Disney. I'm sure those who are looking for info will benefit greatly. To me, honestly, phone interviews just sound plain awful, but it sounds like both of you handed them very well albeit realizing they weren't going to lead to anything further. I would have been a nervous wreck!

I hope that someday you'll both find the perfect jobs at Disney - being so close to the parks and consistently checking, you never know! And it looks like you'll have a lot of us visiting you in the parks (or hopefully the front desk at the hotels!) after reading such a unique story!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[tayalltheway]

I'm showing my age here.....I certainly recognised that house (Where is "The Plane! The Plane!?"). That's one heck of a gardens.

Sounds like you are settling in to life in the fast lane in OC.

Very good! I finally looked it up on You Tube so now I sort of get the reference. The gardens were definitely impressive. It was crazy knowing we were surrounded by L.A. while in that quiet expanse.

We're definitely adjusting to the O.C. lifestyle. Getting more used to it every day!

Was the Fairfield Inn you stayed at the one across from the park? Just wondering about that breakfast : )

Ours was not the one across from the park, but was about 20 minutes away on the border of Fullerton and Placentia. I would imagine that the breakfast is pretty similar at all the Fairfield Inns though.

Great updates and a fascinating insight into trying to get a job at Disney and the whole interview process

When I bumped into you both I was dying to ask if you were working for Disney but I didn't want to spoil the story!

The thing is you are now living really close to your happy place and if working for Disney is on the cards for the future then great, but if not, you still can get the Disney magic with those (hopefully soon purchased) APs

Glad you enjoyed reading about our exploits! That's funny that you didn't want to be spoiled when you saw us

I definitely think that now that we're here it will be much easier to get a job if the right one comes up, and in the meantime we're very happy just being AP holders!

I think the thing we can't imagine as kids is that the adventure of building the life you want can be just as exciting and harrowing and any pirate saga or fairytale. I find it really wonderful that you two have followed your hearts, even though not everything has worked out as you might have wished. I am looking forward to reading more about your adventures.

Very true! We definitely make every effort to take the leap into fun adventures, but we always find that nothing turns out exactly as we planned. And that's what makes life interesting!

I'll have to keep an eye out for you two while I'm there! Loving this TR

So glad you're enjoying reading along! Please say hi if you ever notice us in the parks

I've been MIA for a while, but glad to catch up on your report. I've known many folks who have worked for Disney, but most of them have been musicians, so they hire out of a whole different pool for them than the other cast positions.

I'm enjoying reading about your exploits and who knows, we may meet out at the park some day. We don't get there as often as it seems that you do, but we are out there! Maybe we'll run into each other!

Yeah, the audition experience for working at Disney is a whole other ballgame (I've been there too!), but it was interesting getting our insights into how regular casting works.

We generally make it out about 3-4 days a week for a few hours. If you ever see us, be sure to say hi!

Well I sat down at 9pm to do some planning for an upcoming trip and 1 hour and a half later I've read through your entire thread! And it was great. You certainly tell your story well! So after 27 chapters...here's my two cents!

You caught my attention when you talked about your trip to Qdoba and being able to pass for high school students. My husband and I, now 27 and 29, volunteer with high school kids and often are mistaken for students and not the leaders! And we run into that when we go to events where there is a student rate - movie theaters, local plays, etc. It's a blessing, but man was it not fun when I was 17 and looked 12.

I have so much respect for your persistence and your willingness for adventure! From NY to CO to LA - talk about different cultures! After reading it, I feel like I traveled with you.

Thank you for sharing the details of your interview process with Disney. I'm sure those who are looking for info will benefit greatly. To me, honestly, phone interviews just sound plain awful, but it sounds like both of you handed them very well albeit realizing they weren't going to lead to anything further. I would have been a nervous wreck!

I hope that someday you'll both find the perfect jobs at Disney - being so close to the parks and consistently checking, you never know! And it looks like you'll have a lot of us visiting you in the parks (or hopefully the front desk at the hotels!) after reading such a unique story!

Can't wait to hear more!

I'm glad to have captured your attention, though I hope I didn't throw too much of a wrench into your vacation planning

That's funny about you and your husband being in the same young-looking boat. It still drives Tracy crazy that people think she's 14, but I don't mind looking young. Better than the other way around in my opinion!

We definitely have had our fair share of adventures and experienced lots of cultural differences. Right now, we're very happy with where we are, luckily

Glad you enjoyed reading about our interview process (however short it was). Even though it didn't turn out perfectly for now, I'm confident we'll end up working there someday in the right jobs for us if we decide that's still what we want. In the meantime, we love being locals, and we LOVE running into our readers at the parks. Meeting people who know our story is one of the coolest things that ever happens, so even as guests that's really fun.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you keep enjoying!