DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM - A Spring 2013 Adventure! *COMPLETE* 11/20

[Joanna71985]

I'm pretty sure I've said this before- but I really need to try the food court from AoA! That pasta thing sounds really good.

Plus, I need to try more restaurants on property. I have soooo many I need to try!

 

[hutch0830]

I love, love, LOVE this TR. I'm just sooo glad you're finishing it! You are such an inspiration. I love how you're following your dream and taking this big leap!

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Spent the evening catching up with all your wonderful updates! Thanks, Jess!

 

[DnA2010]

Just like everyone else, love this report soo much!! I can't wait to get tucked up in the evening so I can catch up as I am right now!

I know this is about you DCP, but we can all only hope that you will update us as things go along I feel so much more in touch with WDW eventhough it's been a while now since we were there

Thanks again Jess!!!!

 

[Amerangel89]

OMG UPDATE HEAVEN!!! I had a deliriously happy morning reliving our Disneymoon through your pictures and updates! Jess updates in marathon form are the absolute best!

My hubbie and I are looking forward to starting our first trip report, and it was all inspired by years of reading your reports! You seriously do bring so much magic and happiness to all of us who are so far away from our happy place. God bless you!

My favorite part of your updates? #bloodonthesaddle

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGROTFLOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love me some good ol' Country Bear Jamboree!

One quick question if you find you have the time to answer...what camera do you use for those GORGEOUS pictures around New Fantasyland? My goal is to save up for a great new camera for our next trip. But seriously, y'all's pictures are like...perfect.

Thanks so much for everything that you do, yet again! I don't know what I'll do when you won't be updating anymore b/c you freaking LIVE IN DISNEY!

Oh, one more question (if you have the time)...has staying in the magic 24-7 (virtually) made it any less magical? I would be so scared that everything would lose its sparkle if I worked for my favorite company ever. That concern is seriously the only reason I'm not working there right now!!!

Thanks for enriching our lives, you little Disney !

 

[tanksmyboy]

Thanks so much for continuing to take us along on your journey! Love the report and look forward to every update

 

[JessicaFaye508]

OMG UPDATE HEAVEN!!! I had a deliriously happy morning reliving our Disneymoon through your pictures and updates! Jess updates in marathon form are the absolute best!

My hubbie and I are looking forward to starting our first trip report, and it was all inspired by years of reading your reports! You seriously do bring so much magic and happiness to all of us who are so far away from our happy place. God bless you!

My favorite part of your updates? #bloodonthesaddle

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGROTFLOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love me some good ol' Country Bear Jamboree!

One quick question if you find you have the time to answer...what camera do you use for those GORGEOUS pictures around New Fantasyland? My goal is to save up for a great new camera for our next trip. But seriously, y'all's pictures are like...perfect.

Thanks so much for everything that you do, yet again! I don't know what I'll do when you won't be updating anymore b/c you freaking LIVE IN DISNEY!

Oh, one more question (if you have the time)...has staying in the magic 24-7 (virtually) made it any less magical? I would be so scared that everything would lose its sparkle if I worked for my favorite company ever. That concern is seriously the only reason I'm not working there right now!!!

Thanks for enriching our lives, you little Disney !

I love your enthusiasm!

I use a Nikon D3100! I got it a few years ago though so I think that the Nikon D3200 is the most recent version now!

You'll be able to keep up with picture updates on instagram No worries!

And no, it actually has made Disney MORE magical to me. It is a huge focus in my life and something that I care about deeply. I have the opportunity to learn more about the parks, the history, and the operation on a much deeper level by constantly being there and being immersed in the experience. Since I am involved that deeply, the magic just keeps growing! It was the best decision of my life to move here and I couldn't be happier!

 

[Valgoof]

I forget when you started at CSR, but were you there during the Grainger convention in February? I know in the past, it was crazy and crowded but heard that it is not as bad now. Trying to decide on our resort and love the look of Coronado!!

 

[ferret42]

Jess, you are a great photographer. Speaking as someone with years of experience, I'm wondering if it bothers you as much as me when someone thinks its all about what camera you use... I've seen that comment many times on her e... You would never say to a chef, what a great meal, what kind of stove do you use? or ask a great singer what kind of microphone they used. You could put several people near each other with the same exact camera and they would all get different images...

 

[JessicaFaye508]

July 29th, 2013 - San Angel Inn and the Disney Store!

This morning after I finished a project for my class, Lindsay and I decided to head over to Epcot.

One of the things I knew I was going to miss most about my DCP is driving around with Lindsay and singing our songs. SO SAD. I was not okay with it ending. ):

We got to Epcot and walked to Mexico. We wanted to see if we could go to San Angel Inn for lunch, and we got seated right away! Yay!!

We started off with the chips, of course!

Only about 5 minutes after we got the chips our lunches were brought to us! I got the Tlacoyos de Chilorio which were really yummy! They were from the appetizer menu and they were corn cakes with black refried beans, pork, queso fresco, sour cream, and green tomatillo sauce!

Lindsay got the enchiladas which she LOVED. She let me have her left overs and wow, they were just as good as I remembered!!

Then we went over to Test Track and got in the single rider line! It only took about 20 minutes to get though the line. We did get split up and literally no one in my car talked. It was so awkward! Then in Lindsay's car, there was a little boy who was crying the whole time because he "had to go potty." LOL #singleriderproblems

After Test Track, it was SO hot and we had to go back to the mall to pick up our Disney tanks that we ordered last time, so we went over to the Florida mall. We got a bit distracted and went to Garage first where I bought 2 REALLY cute shirts for school. Then we went to Hot Topic and picked up our shirts, and we also found REALLY cute princess and Little Mermaid tees. HOT TOPIC YOU HAVE TOO MANY CUTE THINGS. Seriously. You're taking all of our money. Lindsay officially bought her 10th little mermaid shirt. No one is mad.

Then we of course had to stop at the Disney Store. We spent a lot of time admiring the merch... especially the Barbie dolls! THEY HAVE EVERYONE. Even Gaston!

Lindsay was SO HAPPY because there was so much Little Mermaid merch.

Then we left the mall and went back to Patterson. I grabbed my movies and computer and then I went over to Ryan's apartment. He made us dinner and then we watched Aladdin and The Little Mermaid!

Continued in Next Post​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

July 30th, 2013 - My Disney College Program Graduation

I had my last class this morning and then Lindsay, Alex, and I headed over to our Disney College Program Graduation! I literally can't believe that it was already graduation day. DIDN'T I JUST START MY PROGRAM?!?

We got there, got in a huge line to check in, and then we headed over to another line where we got our diplomas! WOOOHOOO! I want to frame that and put it on my wall in my new apartment! We also got a little treasure box which was very special!

It was SO HOT and I was super hungry so we decided to eat next! They had FANTASTIC food. I got a hot dog, macaroni and cheese, pulled pork, corn on the cob, and baked beans. Everything tasted AMAZING. Way to go, Disney internships and programs! You seriously know how to throw a party.

We ate under one of the tents and enjoyed our food. Our original plan was to go to Universal today after the graduation, but the lines for everything were so long. Plus this was a once in a lifetime experience. So we decided to scrap that idea and just enjoy the graduation.

We played some Disney trivia and won some little iPod speakers! While in the first line I answered the question of "which resort has the Pepper Market?" CORONADO SPRINGS OBVIOUSLY!!! Then when we went back after eating, I answered the questions of "Which resort is considered to be florida's northwest" which is WILDERNESS LODGE! And then the last question I answered was "How many ride vehicles are on dumbo?" 16!!! I gave the two other speakers to Lindsay and Alex! Yay prizes!!

So then we got our Graduation Mickey Ears! MAGICAL!! I have been seeing people get these so many times and now my time has finally come. I seriously can't believe it. I have never been more proud to wear a pair of mickey ears in my whole life.

We had to have a photo shoot. It was such a proud moment in our lives!!

The princesses and our castle.

Happy day!

To continue on with the celebration, we got in line to meet with the boss and his leading lady. I have never seen them wear such adorable outfits. What an iconic picture. Mickey and Minnie, thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime. This is only the beginning of our adventure together!

After that we got in line with the other group of characters. It was Goofy and Pluto switching out with Donald and Daisy. I had my heart set on meeting Pluto and Goofy. We waited in SUCH a long line and by some miracle we were THE LAST GROUP to meet Pluto and Goofy. THANK GOODNESS. God, they were so cute!!!

My boys!

After that we went back to Patterson.

The graduation was SO fun. It was such an amazing way to wrap up our program. It was magical and I really enjoyed it. They really tied in the graduation aspect with Disney so seamlessly and did such an incredible job throwing us this event. It was a very sentimental day and I absolutely loved every minute of it!

When I got back to Patterson, I uploaded my most recent pictures on my camera to my computer, and then I suddenly just felt SO exhausted. I think that extreme heat was getting to me. So I laid down in my bed and next thing I knew it was 5:30 pm!

I woke up and then met Ryan over at Boardwalk! We we ordered a whole pizza for both of us to share. It's like $4.89 or something for a slice of pizza anyway... so we just bought a whole pizza and split the cost and it only ended up being like $8 each. That's SUCH a better deal with WAY more pizza. My rule is to always go for the option with the most pizza. It's just common sense.

We sat there and enjoyed our delicious dinner. Then once we were done I justified my craving of a strawberry cupcake. It was my celebration cupcake for my graduation and it was PERFECT.

While we were sitting there, a little blonde girl came up to me and was like "hi are you Jess? My sisters told me to come say hi." And she was Emma, Rachel and Katie's little sister - the British girls I met the other day!! Rachel and Katie and their mom all came up to me too and they were SO excited to see me again!! I seriously can't believe we ran into each other twice on their trip! They are one of the nicest families I have ever met and it really put a big smile on my face to see them again. Their mom was so sweet and the girls were so excited again! I am so happy we got to have one more little run-in!

Then we started walking down the Boardwalk and I saw Patrick, the cast member who made my birthday button! I was like, "PATRICK! HI! YOU MADE MY BIRTHDAY BUTTON FOR ME BACK IN MAY!!" And I showed him the picture of me and him on my phone and he was like "oh yeah, I remember! It was you and your Mom up in Dundries!" YES!!! It was so cool to see him again. I will never forget him!

Then after that we walked through the Boardwalk gift shop and did some exploring. Then we walked to the Yacht Club and hung out over there. Being at the Yacht Club makes me so excited for Christmas for some reason. I JUST CAN'T WAIT FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREES.

Then we went outside and took some pictures. We were playing around with the settings on my camera and tried to take some fancy pictures.

We stayed there until IllumiNations ended!

Continued in Next Post​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

July 31st, 2013 - The Departures Begin...

Today I worked from 6 am to 4 pm. It was a busy, busy day!

It was Alex's last night so I wanted to make sure I saw her before she headed out. I met her and Lindsay at Town Square Theater right after Wishes.

They came in and we were all fake smiling because we knew it was Alex's last night. I gave her a goodbye present which was a purple and blue Ariel scarf. She loved it!

We all took some pictures together and I wished her the best of luck and told her to come back soon! Alex is such a sweetheart and I am so happy I got to know her. I wish we could've hung out sooner but all of the times me, her, and Lindsay spent together this past summer were SO much fun. I'm going to miss her a lot.

We gave our final hugs goodbye and then they left. Once they were gone and I just started CRYING.

Unless you do the Disney College Program, it's hard to understand the emotions that come with it. I guarantee that when you are signing up for this program, you are signing up for an emotional roller coaster. In the best way possible, of course, but still, it's pretty intense. First off, you're ripped away from your "normal life" at home and get placed in this fantasy world of perfection. Then after a while, the magic turns into your reality and some of it can become routine. It's still magical but at times you can get homesick, frustrated, and confused. It's very common for CP's to "not know what they want to do with their life." All the while you have those incredible days you spend with the people you meet from all over the world. You make these memories and make these friends and go on these adventures. Then all of the sudden, time starts flying. You gradually realize that it's the last month, the last week, and the last day. And then it hits you that this life and that this chapter is over. It hits you like a ton of bricks because no one really knows where you're going to go next.

So ultimately, the end is hard. It's really really hard. Why would you sign yourself up for that kind of pain anyway?

Well let me tell you why.

IT'S WORTH IT.

You will talk about your College Program for the rest of your life. I have talked to managers who said the best time of their life was their CP. Ryan still talks about his CP like it happened yesterday when it reality it was 3 1/2 years ago. I know that this is a portion of my life that I will NEVER EVER forget.

It was the most incredible experience I could possibly ask for.

So that, my friends, is why I started bawling when Alex left. Not only did one of my best friends from my program leave, but that means that soon Lindsay is going to leave. That means that soon I am moving out of Patterson Court. That means that soon it is time for me to move forward with my life. This chapter is closing but it's a chapter that will never, ever be forgotten.

After my emotional moment, Ryan and I went to the Contemporary, got dinner, and then headed home. I needed a good night's sleep!

Continued in Next Post​

 

[leshunlenese]

Unless you do the Disney College Program, it's hard to understand the emotions that come with it. I guarantee that when you are signing up for this program, you are signing up for an emotional roller coaster. In the best way possible, of course, but still, it's pretty intense. First off, you're ripped away from your "normal life" at home and get placed in this fantasy world of perfection. Then after a while, the magic turns into your reality and some of it can become routine. It's still magical but at times you can get homesick, frustrated, and confused. It's very common for CP's to "not know what they want to do with their life." All the while you have those incredible days you spend with the people you meet from all over the world. You make these memories and make these friends and go on these adventures. Then all of the sudden, time starts flying. You gradually realize that it's the last month, the last week, and the last day. And then it hits you that this life and that this chapter is over. It hits you like a ton of bricks because no one really knows where you're going to go next.

So ultimately, the end is hard. It's really really hard. Why would you sign yourself up for that kind of pain anyway?

Well let me tell you why.

IT'S WORTH IT.

You will talk about your College Program for the rest of your life. I have talked to managers who said the best time of their life was their CP. Ryan still talks about his CP like it happened yesterday when it reality it was 3 1/2 years ago. I know that this is a portion of my life that I will NEVER EVER forget.

It was the most incredible experience I could possibly ask for.

​

You are so right!
Six years later it was still one of the most amazing things I have ever done! I remember when my parents came to get me, I cried! I was the only one left in my apartment because everyone had gone or moved when they extended. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to live and work in my favorite place! I'm happy I have FB to keep in touch with some of those guys!!

 

[sue_88]

Going with the option of MORE pizza does make perfect sense!!

I love reading about your experiences. And will be sad when the report is at an end. It has been really fun just to read about so I can't imagine how much fun it has been to live it in person. I will be really excited too if I ever see you at one of the parks!!

 

[katt789]

So glad that you've gotten to have all these amazing adventures!! I'm also super glad that you're continuing it, and that while you've been down there you really have taken advantage of the fact that you're IN Disney! You really do belong there and I'm so happy to see you pursuing more of a life there, it's so great!!

Thank you for sharing all of this with us! If I was a few years younger you'd for sure have me convinced to do the CP, but one day I'll be down there no matter what!! I hope the rest of the good byes weren't too crazy and that things are going swimmingly now!

 

[__disneygirl]

YOU'RE MAKING ME EMOTIONAL JESSICA.

8 days from now you and I will be somewhere in Disney World probably causing some kind of riot due to our extreme shared Disney love and epic fabulousness. I wish I could post an emoji here so I can use the fabulous girl in pink. This one will do:

Seriously though that was a really good wrap up post but it's not even the end yet so I guess I'll say it was a good pre-wrap up post. I love the graduation pictures so much. Days like that are so weird... like when you know you are doing something that will be an epic life moment to you in a year, 5 years, 50 years... ahhhh. OH LIFE.

 

[Joanna71985]

I love the CP graduation update! The pictures from Graduation are great

And I want to say- everything in that post is totally true. I can't believe my first CP was almost 9 years ago! I still keep in touch with friends from that program (and even work with some still). The hardest part was definitely having to go home afterwards (which is probably why I did 6 CPs before going FT), and saying goodbye to friends.

 

[xDisneyAngelx]

Congrats Jess!!! WE <3 YOU! Will you be back to the DCP next year?

 

[Millie12591]

Congratulations, baby-girl! You are a CP graduate!!

I just hope one day I'll be able to get my daughter to do the program. She talks about it and talks about wanting to work for Pixar some day.

I bet if I have her read how amazing your experience is she'll never look back, she even talks about getting married there in WDW some day. Who knows!! 14 is the perfect age to dream about a Disney wedding.

 

[Credit Man]

Congratulations on your graduation, Jess. The only thing worse that being on an emotional roller coaster is when the ride comes to an end. Thanks for the "E" ticket ride!!!