A Not So Scary September Birthday Celebration of Magic! Updated 9/23!!

[katt789]

Katt, I know I've said it before but you know what I'm gonna say it again.
I absolutely LOVE that you have this dream and you continue to follow it.

I truly hope you are able to make the auditions despite the costs. Admittedly I don't know a ton, but what I do know is you love to dance, you're great at dance (10 first places, I mean c'mon), and you love Disney. Sooner or later they're gonna get that.

Now then, as for a guess, my puny memory cannot cannot remember all your ADR's of the past, so I'm gonna go with Chef Mickey as well.

And where oh where is this hotel? Just curious. I know some that are really cheap, so I just have to know.

Fingers crossed that everything will work out. I did some budgetting last night and worked out that I can pay off the May auditions in a few weeks, and then actually get everything paid off in time. Sept might be a little bit of a backpay with that trip, and this is of course assuming that nothing pops up crazily like it usually will, and hours/tips are good at work, but fingers crossed!!

Haha, vote taken!

Here's the link to the super cheap hotel:
http://www.knightsinn.com/hotels/fl...ata=&adults=3&checkin_date=06/19/2013&rooms=1

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Here's the link to the super cheap hotel:
http://www.knightsinn.com/hotels/fl...ata=&adults=3&checkin_date=06/19/2013&rooms=1

OK, yup I totally know where that is. It's actually not too far from the condo I was in last October. I know it's not Disney, but consider it "suffering" to fulfill a dream.

 

[katt789]

OK, yup I totally know where that is. It's actually not too far from the condo I was in last October. I know it's not Disney, but consider it "suffering" to fulfill a dream.

Oh I have no problem staying offsite because I won't be at the parks at all haha. I'm just concerned about the safety of being offsite and traveling alone, haha. I'm now thinking "Quality Inn and Suites Maingate" will be the one I choose....

 

[MagicalMerida]

I hope you can make it for the audition.
Honestly, i can think of no better person be a parade performer or basically just work at Disney!
I'm surprised they didn't hire you as a character, you'd make a great Alice or Tink!
Anyway, i'm going to change my vote from crystal palace to Cape May Cafe because i seem to remember you've done crystal palace before.

 

[katt789]

I hope you can make it for the audition.
Honestly, i can think of no better person be a parade performer or basically just work at Disney!
I'm surprised they didn't hire you as a character, you'd make a great Alice or Tink!
Anyway, i'm going to change my vote from crystal palace to Cape May Cafe because i seem to remember you've done crystal palace before.

Thank you so much! I'm put a ton of effort into the last auditions, and this one too, so I'm hoping it pays off and I'll get to be dancing my way through Disney by September!!

Hahaha! I know I'm too tall for Tink, and on the taller end of Alice's range, so who knows?!

Ill change your vote!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Somehow I missed this update until now!!

Ah the financial aspect of trips totally sucks. And it really sucks to have to put ballroom dancing on hold to do it. That said, it 100% makes sense for you to do these auditions. Like, we already know you'd be the perfect CM and you're an awesome dancer so it seems perfect.

I was actually telling DBF the other day that there were parade auditions in June and you were thinking of going and we were talking about how awesome it would be if we were watching a parade and you were in it. Is that creepy? Sorry if it is! But I told him I would definitely scream Ah that's Kat! And he agreed he probably would too rotfl!!

I think you're perfectly suited for a character but I live by the fact that everything happens for a reason! And the fact that those auditions haven't worked out just means they aren't the right ones!

 

[katt789]

Somehow I missed this update until now!!

Ah the financial aspect of trips totally sucks. And it really sucks to have to put ballroom dancing on hold to do it. That said, it 100% makes sense for you to do these auditions. Like, we already know you'd be the perfect CM and you're an awesome dancer so it seems perfect.

I was actually telling DBF the other day that there were parade auditions in June and you were thinking of going and we were talking about how awesome it would be if we were watching a parade and you were in it. Is that creepy? Sorry if it is! But I told him I would definitely scream Ah that's Kat! And he agreed he probably would too rotfl!!

I think you're perfectly suited for a character but I live by the fact that everything happens for a reason! And the fact that those auditions haven't worked out just means they aren't the right ones!

It really sucks, my instructor/partner and I were both upset last week but luckily next Tues is my birthday so I was going to ask for a class as a present, and then we'd have another 3 or so weeks til I came back from Florida to figure stuff out.

Thank you!

Ahh! That would be amazing!! I really hope it does happen someday!! Hah, totally not creepy at all. I've straight up told Paige that if I get it, I won't tell her, and I'll plan some kind of surprise for her in Aug and my Mom in Sept, meaning that no one on the disboards would know until then! Haha, it'll prove to be interesting.

I'm really hoping that this is the one, I spent pretty much all day focussing on it and practicing dance stuff and actually have a dance class to go to tomorrow. And I won't lie, I've managed to learn the finale for FOTLK by watching it so many times. I'm ridiculous. BUT, even if this is the one, there's no saying I won't be a character, I'll still have to do my fur shifts, which will be just as amazing, hanging out with Chip and Dale would be great!! And I know they do "type outs" every so often with their current staff to pick new friends of characters, so who knows?!

Fingers crossed!!

And thank you again!

 

[katt789]

Hi team, so I'll probably do another update with some pictures and fun stuff later, but just wanted to drop in and update you on the audition front.

Thanks to me dropping ballroom for the next bit [which broke my heart to do, but sometimes you've got to let go of one passion to pursue another] and getting a raise at work and actually attempting to save my tips [which still aren't much]

I'm managing to go to the parade audition!!!

My Mom was lovely enough to donate her airmiles, which was enough for a one way flight down there, so now I'm paying taxes for that, and the return flight. It's pricey, but still cheaper than the round trip!

I've found a nice hotel off property right down the street from where auditions are held

And I'm not going into the parks It kills me, especially since my flight gets in at 1:30pm, but I'm going to head over to the Publix and pick up millions of uncrustables and just kinda chill. I'm also going to meet up with Shelley, who served us at Tony's and BOG and is now a good friend of mine! Hopefully I can explore some resorts and have a dinner ADR too, but the main focus of this is the AUDITION.

I spent nearly all of yesterday watching "audition tips" youtube videos, most of which are poop, because they're from people who got cut in the first round, but I found a couple of actual retired face characters which was nice! Then I spent some time watching parades and shows to get exactly what they do into my mind.

I'm up this early on a day off as I'm going to some ballet/jazz classes, and have been stretching my butt off recently and practicing old skills. So here's hoping that everything works out.

So, I now put this in your hands. When you see a Disney Parade performer, what's the first thing that comes to your mind? One word, or a whole paragraph, I don't care!

If you were the casting director, what would you want to see from me in the simple 16 count movement combo that would secure me a spot in your show?!

 

[MagicalMerida]

I'm so glad you are able to do the audition!
i hope it goes great! Even if you don't go into the parks, i'm sure you'll still have a magical time! Resort hopping is so fun!
Now for what comes into my mind when i see a parade peformer:
Well there are alot of things i guess, like Wow!, I wish i could do that one day
or they look like they're having so much fun. not much help i guess but yeah- i'm not very good at that sort of stuff

 

[katt789]

I've always loved photopass, and never regretted getting it. However I now have the option of the plus! After looking through some stuff I personally think it's a better option, but Mom currently doesn't. Here's what I've gathered so far

Regular Photopass
-$120 plus shipping
-CD
-Stock photos
-Your pictures
-Borders and edits

Photopass Plus
-$149.
-Special red card recognized means more pics from photogs
-Digital downloads
-Ride photos include: Space, Splash, Buzz, Test Track, ToT, Dinosaur, RnR and Expedition Everest
-two of the dining places we're doing
-Photo cd
-Cd and shipping already included in the price
-Stock photos, edits and borders

I personally just think it's worth it, especially when it works out to almost the same cost in the end!! A twenty dollar increase for all your ride and dining photos, along with more photos because the card is recognized by the pp people.

What are your opinions? Have any of you used it? Do you find/hear that people are getting more pictures because of the red card?

I know, I'm so full of questions today!

Have a magical one!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Ah a surprise for your mom and Paige sounds amazingly magical! I love the idea.

Omg I'm so glad you get to go to the audition!!

Hmm I think the one thing DBF and I consistently comment on about the performers in the parades is their smiles and their energy. Honestly, having not taken dance since I was like 12/13, I probably wouldn't notice if one of their steps was a little bit off or something. But I would notice if they weren't smiling or energetic because 99.9% of them are and it makes it so much better.

As for the 16 step movement thing, I'm not sure how useful my advice is on that front I would just think that the more confident, poised and energetic you look, the better. Again, extremely limited dance background here so sorry, that's the extent of my suggestions!

When in June are the auditions? I'm sure you'll do fantastic! Not going in the parks will be hard I'm sure, but you'll still have a great trip! And meeting up with a friend from WDW is even better!

I 10000000% say go with photopass plus. I love love love the pictures we got from it in January. The photographers definitely take more pictures when they see the red card and they also offered us magic shots more. A lot of photographers told us, "Make sure you ask for magic shots whenever you stop for a picture!". We did 2 character meals where we got the package and they put the picture on your CD but also give you the printed copies. I didn't think it would make a difference to me having the print package since I had them on the CD and could print them on my own, but it's actually really nice to have the printed ones to take home. And the 1900 Park Fare ones came in a really fancy and cute folder (that also has the recipe for strawberry soup on it!).

The ride photos are fun too. There's always some funny ones that I want to buy but end up thinking it isn't worth it so I love having all of them, even the bad ones are fun to remember

 

[Disneyluvr81]

Hi!!

I don't really post a lot but have thoroughly enjoyed reading both yours and Jess's numerous trip reports. I hopped over to see when you would be going in September because our tickers are so close and you will be coming in the day we leave (boohoo for leaving but at least we were able to add an extra day just to be able to do the 1st MNSSHP! )

We did Photopass+ in January when we were there for the Marathon and even though we were only in the parks for not even 3 full days we more than got our monies worth just by being able to add the ride photos. With the pics being like $15 or $16 (maybe they are $20 now - I can' remember) for the digital download, you add 2 ride pics and you've already surpassed breaking even for the cost difference over the regular Photopass. Especially since you have character meals planned that you get the package with thats an even bigger benefit. We have 2 character meals planned for September but even without, will be getting it again. Too us it was worth it - we love our ride pics.

I don't remember any of the photographers treating us differently with the card but then again I had marathon brain that weekend. Most of my memories of our time in the parks is fuzzy from that trip hehe!

We aren't big parade watchers but from the few times we have watched, the parade performers that always seem to catch my eye are the ones that genuinely seem like the are having the time of their lives and are not just going from one 8-count to the next. Something that I don't think you would have any problem with because you always seem so upbeat and enthusiastic when it comes to Disney and performing. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for your audition next month - you definitely deserve it!!

Can't wait to hear more of your plans!! I'm going to put in a vote for Cape May too for your first ADR!

 

[shan23877]

I'm here! I'm guessing Chef Mickey as well, and for the record-I stole the idea from Marissa!

Great intos! I won't guess who you're dressing as for MNSSHP, that just wouldn't be fair. I love all of the pictures of your mom enjoying WDW, and I really love that she does gymnastics. Your mom rocks!

 

[shan23877]

I'm with Courtney. I notice the parade performers energy and smiles. The ones that truly seem to be enjoying the parade are the ones I love.

 

[katt789]

Ah a surprise for your mom and Paige sounds amazingly magical! I love the idea.

Omg I'm so glad you get to go to the audition!!

Hmm I think the one thing DBF and I consistently comment on about the performers in the parades is their smiles and their energy. Honestly, having not taken dance since I was like 12/13, I probably wouldn't notice if one of their steps was a little bit off or something. But I would notice if they weren't smiling or energetic because 99.9% of them are and it makes it so much better.

As for the 16 step movement thing, I'm not sure how useful my advice is on that front I would just think that the more confident, poised and energetic you look, the better. Again, extremely limited dance background here so sorry, that's the extent of my suggestions!

When in June are the auditions? I'm sure you'll do fantastic! Not going in the parks will be hard I'm sure, but you'll still have a great trip! And meeting up with a friend from WDW is even better!

I 10000000% say go with photopass plus. I love love love the pictures we got from it in January. The photographers definitely take more pictures when they see the red card and they also offered us magic shots more. A lot of photographers told us, "Make sure you ask for magic shots whenever you stop for a picture!". We did 2 character meals where we got the package and they put the picture on your CD but also give you the printed copies. I didn't think it would make a difference to me having the print package since I had them on the CD and could print them on my own, but it's actually really nice to have the printed ones to take home. And the 1900 Park Fare ones came in a really fancy and cute folder (that also has the recipe for strawberry soup on it!).

The ride photos are fun too. There's always some funny ones that I want to buy but end up thinking it isn't worth it so I love having all of them, even the bad ones are fun to remember

Such long replies!! Gotta do them separately, bahaha...

Hahaha it's pretty awesome, I'm still trying to figure out how I'd want to do it, or if I'd be able to do it in the parks, it'd definitely require some help! Haha.

The biggest thing I guess I'm going to have to remember is energy and smiling and just being awesome bahaha. Auditions are June 20th, and it'll be great to just have a relaxing half day down there and to actually be able to buy a case of uncrustables to bring home

WHAT?!? I've totally skipped out on the 1900 pictures every time I've eaten there, well, better go back some trip with the ppp haha! I think I'm just going to tell my Mom that I'll pay the difference between the two pp's, its not that much anyways!

 

[wiigirl]

I'm here! I'm guessing Chef Mickey as well, and for the record-I stole the idea from Marissa!

Great intos! I won't guess who you're dressing as for MNSSHP, that just wouldn't be fair. I love all of the pictures of your mom enjoying WDW, and I really love that she does gymnastics. Your mom rocks!

 

[katt789]

Hi!!

I don't really post a lot but have thoroughly enjoyed reading both yours and Jess's numerous trip reports. I hopped over to see when you would be going in September because our tickers are so close and you will be coming in the day we leave (boohoo for leaving but at least we were able to add an extra day just to be able to do the 1st MNSSHP! )

We did Photopass+ in January when we were there for the Marathon and even though we were only in the parks for not even 3 full days we more than got our monies worth just by being able to add the ride photos. With the pics being like $15 or $16 (maybe they are $20 now - I can' remember) for the digital download, you add 2 ride pics and you've already surpassed breaking even for the cost difference over the regular Photopass. Especially since you have character meals planned that you get the package with thats an even bigger benefit. We have 2 character meals planned for September but even without, will be getting it again. Too us it was worth it - we love our ride pics.

I don't remember any of the photographers treating us differently with the card but then again I had marathon brain that weekend. Most of my memories of our time in the parks is fuzzy from that trip hehe!

We aren't big parade watchers but from the few times we have watched, the parade performers that always seem to catch my eye are the ones that genuinely seem like the are having the time of their lives and are not just going from one 8-count to the next. Something that I don't think you would have any problem with because you always seem so upbeat and enthusiastic when it comes to Disney and performing. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for your audition next month - you definitely deserve it!!

Can't wait to hear more of your plans!! I'm going to put in a vote for Cape May too for your first ADR!

Hi!!Oh my gosh, being spoken of alongside Jess's awesome TR's makes me so happy!! She's a fantastic person and such a good tr writer! Glad that you are enjoying and are coming out to say hello! Ah boo!! Just missing each other, what time are you leaving?!?

I'm definitely wanting the plus, I just need to convince my Mom into it as she's hesitant of the extra money, even though it's just not much and I'm sure I'll just end up paying for it!

Thank you!! And thanks for the tip, I'm definitely going to work my little butt off for all of this!!

 

[katt789]

I'm here! I'm guessing Chef Mickey as well, and for the record-I stole the idea from Marissa!

Great intos! I won't guess who you're dressing as for MNSSHP, that just wouldn't be fair. I love all of the pictures of your mom enjoying WDW, and I really love that she does gymnastics. Your mom rocks!

I'm with Courtney. I notice the parade performers energy and smiles. The ones that truly seem to be enjoying the parade are the ones I love.

Alright, I've writen ya down for CM's then!!

Aahaha, well, that's only one costume! I'm getting another one for the party with all three of us going! Lawl.

Sounds good!! Hopefully I'll be out there workin it by the time you guys are down. At the very least I should be in town by your trip if things go well!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

...And BOOM goes the dynamite! Outstanding. Glad you're getting to do these auds.

First thing that comes to my mind for a parade performer? A smile (happy; having fun) and honestly, eye contact. I love when parade performers make some form of connection with the audience, however brief it is. Whether it's direct eye contact, a wave, anything that connects them to me is what I most remember.

Though I have no direct experience with PP+, I have heard that the photographers love that red card. I did have the Attractions+ for the ride photos so I can definitely comment on that. The best part about that is in you don't have to choose which ride photo you like best (if it's something you would ever buy anyway). You just get 'em all. I found it an astounding deal.
So my vote is for sure PP+.

 

[Disneyluvr81]

Hi!!Oh my gosh, being spoken of alongside Jess's awesome TR's makes me so happy!! She's a fantastic person and such a good tr writer! Glad that you are enjoying and are coming out to say hello! Ah boo!! Just missing each other, what time are you leaving?!?

I'm definitely wanting the plus, I just need to convince my Mom into it as she's hesitant of the extra money, even though it's just not much and I'm sure I'll just end up paying for it!

Thank you!! And thanks for the tip, I'm definitely going to work my little butt off for all of this!!

Our flight leaves at 2:15pm on the 11th, so I am guessing will be on the dreaded ME bus around 11 or 12. Definitely have a love/hate relationship with that bus...the drive back to the airport is the worst!