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

February 13th, 2013 (Part 1) - DHS and San Angel Inn

I woke up a little bit before 6 am this morning and went to work. The Beach Club is SO CLOSE to Coronado so it’s kind of the best thing ever.

I got there, though, and I left my nametag in my car. So I changed into my costume in the locker room, ran out to my car, and then went all the way to the front desk backstage area... only to find out that I had to go back near the lockers to the computer room to do my online training!

So basically I watched videos from 7 am – 12 pm. Once I was done, I asked my coordinator of training, Lupe, if I could get an early release. (ER) She said she was actually going to suggest it because I was all finished! I thanked her because my family was in town and she told me to go and have a ton of fun!

I posted on twitter:
Got out of work early and now i gained 2 1/2 hours to spend with my family. What a beautiful day!

I left Coronado very happy and drove to Hollywood Studios to meet up with everyone! They were in Beauty and the Beast so I waited outside for them.

Once we met up, Dea and I ran over to Rock N Rollercoaster to get fastpasses but there were none available, sadly. So we walked back and these three girls came up to me and were like “this is gonna be weird… but are you Jess…?” And I was like “haha do you read my stuff?” And they were like "YES WE DO!!!!"

They were ABSOLUTELY adorable and this was one of my favorite recognitions I have had in the parks. The girls’ names were Courtney, Marissa, and Jenny and they were all down in Disney with their Mom’s staying in Art of Animation. They watched my youtube videos and have just started going on disboards. They were big fans! We just had so much to talk about – they were adorable!! They were inspired to take their trip because of the frump videos!

I’m so glad I had a chance to meet them because it was such a wonderful interaction! They hope to do the college program so I was giving them some tips! I hope they all get to live their dream like I am doing now!

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Then it was Tower time!

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Sammie Jo was working out front so we took a picture together. She was very in character.

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The fastpass line was all the way to the exit but we still decided to wait. It took about half an hour… and the standby was about 90 minutes. It was RIDICULOUSLY busy today. Sammie Jo later told me that there were only 3 out of 8 elevators running today, so that is probably why it was such a long wait.

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We waited in line and became friends with the family behind us. They had two twin girls and a little 5 year old boy and they were from Alabama. They were all ADORABLE. I became friends with them and we talked throughout the entire queue. The kids asked me a ton of questions about the ride and we talked about what characters they met. It was one of the cutest moments of my life. My Mom told me that their Dad was so impressed that I was taking the time to talk to them because a lot of 19 year olds wouldn’t do that! I love kids though so much so it was only natural!

We went on the ride and were all in the same elevator. Unfortunately all of the kids were scared but from my perspective it was a very fun ride! I hope they won’t be too scared to ride it again the next time they come back!

After Tower of Terror I was getting a little hungry. So we went to Starring Rolls and got some mid-afternoon snacks! It was only a matter of time until I was reunited with my red velvet cupcake of love.

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Mom got a fruit tart that actually looked really delicious!

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Dea got a plain croissant and Nana got a chocolate croissant.

After that we did some more last minute 40% of shopping plus a lot of pin trading. It was a ton of fun! My Mom and I got matching Mickey earrings that are BEAUTIFUL. We also got all of Dea’s siblings and her parents their gifts.

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We went around and looked at pin boards all over and even went into Guest Relations. I got Dea into pin trading and she was just loving it! We talked to a CM named Tommy in GR and he told me all about his experience working for Disney thus far. I told him that I was interested in doing Guest Relations in the future and he said that he could already see me wearing the plaid! :laughing: He gave me a lot of great tips and hopes to see me in the future!

Then we left the park, drove back to the Beach Club, dropped off our stuff, and headed to Epcot for dinner. On our walk over it started POURING. So by the time we got to the restaurant we were all soaked and the air conditioner made us freezing.

Due to the rain there was a huge line for San Angel check-in. We had to wait about 25 minutes to be seated, but we finally were. I was getting really agitated with everything because I was STARVING but thankfully food was not far off.

Our waiter’s name was Hector and he was such a nice man. He talked to me about my DCP and such – he was so pleasant!

It took a while for them to bring us our chips, but once they did I was MUCH happier. Those chips are perfection. It’s really not worth eating any other chips during your lifetime besides these ones.

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For dinner I got the Pollo de Rajas which is the dish that Alicia (Leasha_Loves_Disney) RAVES about. I thought I’d give it a whirl… and BOY AM I GLAD I DID. Holy cow, that probably the best chicken dish I have ever had in my life!! The flavors were just so incredible together and the rice was spectacular! All in all I was VERY happy with my decision. I seriously want to go back to San Angel already to have this again!

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My Mom got the sustainable fish of the day which was Mahi Mahi and she was blown away as well!

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Dea got chicken and cheese quesadillas, which they made special for her because they're not officially on the menu. She really liked them!

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Nana ended up getting a steak which was also really delicious! All of us were extremely impressed by our meals!

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We weren’t going to get dessert, but we all split the Chocolate Mousse with fruit. The fruit was AMAZING and fresh and the mousse was fantastic!

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I had an incredible time at San Angel Inn and that food was to die for. TWO THUMBS WAYYY UP!

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Continued in Next Post
 
February 13th, 2013 (Part 2) - IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

We started walking out of the park and it was getting a lot chillier. However, there were only 15 minutes until IllumiNations started and there was a great spot open on the bridge between the UK and France. We decided that we wanted to stick it out and wait for the show because Nana really wanted to see it!

It was definitely worth the wait because we had a great view and the show was incredible as always! It has THE BEST soundtrack in the world.

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I LOVE this one:

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I was super pleased with the beautiful photos I got during this show!

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Then Nana and Mom went back to the room and Dea and I went to the Yacht Club gift shop. The cast members in there had AMAZING pins that I just had to trade for! I was so excited.

Then it was time for bed!

Continued in Next Post
 
Hey Jess. Me and my family checked in at Coronada Springs on the 9th. It wasn't too busy around 10:30am. I looked for you to say "Hi" and Congrats and Good Luck but I must have missed you. I showed my DD your picture from Halloween. She liked to flip. She wanted to meet Belle's "twin". All week we looked for you but no luck. Anyway we are home now so Good Luck with the program. Might run into you in March 2014.
 

Sounds like you had a lot of fun with your family! It must've been such a different trip for you being able to share about your experiences on the inside. I love how your Nana wanted you to give a good report about that steak. How adorable!

And as always ... oh dear, those pics of those onion rings??? YUM!
 
I wish my kitchen looked like the one in your villa! I really want to stay at the BC one day (and hopefully soon!), but please tell me the comforter and curtains look better in person than they do in the pictures, because they just do nothing for me.
 
Being addicted to pins is not a bad thing AT ALL. I mostly spend my time looking at them on ebay… and then I end up buying like 10…

That Tiki Room shirt is awesome.

Awwww that Tigger is so cute!

Your one bedroom villa is GORGEOUS. And that bedspread is too perfect.

MMMMMM ice cream and milkshakes!

I think you have the best job ever. It sounds like it is going well so far!

Your pictures of the Beach Club are BEAUTIFUL. It really is one of the most gorgeous resorts.

I have never been to Tutto Italia! The food looks DELICOUS. We usually just go to Via Napoli but I think it is time to switch it up!

I heard it was really busy these days! Probably because of Valentine’s, school vacation, and President’s Day weekend.

DYING OVER YOUR RED VELVET CUPCAKE.

I REALLY need to try San Angel Inn! …and by that I mean THE CHIPS.
 
I'm glad to hear you got to spend a lot of time with your family while they were visiting! I'm loving following along with your report, you are really making me regret not doing the CP haha.
 
Love the updates! So glad you were able to spend so much time with your family! Too bad about R&R:( I was wondering how crowds were that week since I've been reading its been very busy. Can't wait for more:)
 
A few things:

I heard about your report on the weekly Podcast and that is how I found your report. Once I caught up I decided to read your other reports. I happy to announce that I am now addicted and am half way through all of your reports. So thank you for sharing your experiences with everyone.

Part of me wishes I can go back to college and do the College Program. Since I am crawling toward 40, it is refreshing to read about your adventure!

I love your food shots! They are awesome and now I really want to try Via Napoli.

Maybe we will run into you in April when we take our baby to WDW for the first time. He will be turning one the week we take him. We are also getting his hair cut at the Magic Kingdom!

Keep up the good work!
 
I haven't even read your updates yet, but when I saw they were there I got weirdly excited. I'm a dork!
 
I'm loving this report. I can totally see you staying long term at Disney. You are a perfect fit.
 
omg girl r u holdin out on me ? LOl Why didn't I know that you have youtube vids? I am a certified youtube a holic!!!!!i need to know how to get to your channel PLEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
 
Yay for updates and a lot of them, thank you Jess! Super happy you got some great family time and made very good use of your 40% discount! So excited to hear more and loved all the pics in Epcot!:thumbsup2
 
cheekypoppins said:
omg girl r u holdin out on me ? LOl Why didn't I know that you have youtube vids? I am a certified youtube a holic!!!!!i need to know how to get to your channel PLEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Search "frump" and it'll probably come up. I think my username is singmeasong52 :p
 
I didn't realize you could ask for balloons. I will remember that for my check in at POR this April. My 2 YO loves balloons! Jess, thanks for sharing all your Disney wisdom. You're threads help spread a lot of Disney magic!
 
As I said to you before... I love how even though you have now moved to Disney, you are still going on Disney trips. LOL.

As I was reading these updates I was thinking... I wonder if any Cast Member has ever kept such an extensive close record of all their trips/love for Disney before. Possibly in a personal diary, but I think I would have come across it if it was on the internet. I've never seen this detailed an account of a College Program before either. I would not be surprised in the least if Disney wanted you for some kind of observation/record keeping/study kind of job. Like the people who examine what goes on at the parks and what guests are liking or disliking. It's just a thought. When I think of the thousands of people it takes to run Disney behind the scenes... it's crazy! It will be so interesting to see what you end up doing in the future!
 
Hi Jess!!

Olivia and I will be following you on your DCP adventures! She's already determined at the age of 10 that she is GOING to participate in DCP!!!

Have fun! Can't wait to hear how the face character audition went!

Aimee
 
I'm always so excited to see that you have a new update! There just so much fun to read. It sounds like you are having so much fun with your family. I can't wait to hear.
 














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