3 more sleeps and saying 'See ya real soon'!

Helllllooooo! It's only been weeks since I was able to post last, and I'm sorry about that. In the past couple of weeks I was trying to get my packing list in order (which sadly, isn't easy), and trying to enjoy every moment with my Disney Family as I possibly could. 
I might not always have show just how much I love the people I have met here, but it falls just short of being a bond as close as my actual family. So leaving them...it's going to be so hard.

Recently, I fell victim to either A.)The Stomach Bug OR B.)Food Poisoning ...Whatever it was, was a horrible post-Christmas present. Since getting over this, and returning to work, we had our 'Goodbye party' which was an ice cream social for those of us that attended the Fall Advantage or Fall 2014 Disney College Program if you worked in Merchandise at All Star. 

(Not everyone is in this photo, they split us into two groups

on two different days.) 

These people, that I have spent the last 7.5 months of my life with...they have all truly impacted me in so many great ways, I am so thankful for the chance I have been given to know each and every one of them. #AllStarFamily 

So, to the most important part of this title of this blog: 3 more sleeps

In just four days (3 nights) my mom, sisters, step dad, and best friend will be in Florida for a four day long Disney vacation to all four of the parks!!! 

Then they are bringing me home, back to reality! 

So excited! 

Have a magical day! I am off to pack some more. 

a not so Magical night, with a magical ending.

So, if you are my friend on facebook and reading this then you may have seen my post that was up briefly about my run in with a poinsettia tonight. Which go figure, I am highly allergic too. 
Somehow I managed to rub up against a planet and at some point, it may have been on my sleeve when rubbing my eye, it got in and on my eye...which then swelled up and impaired my vision as my eye grew cloudy until I was unable to see out of it. 
Needless to say I ended up getting an ROS (relief of Shift) and going home to take Bendryl and sleep. 
Only to have ashley come home and give me a letter that read: 

"Thanks Kayla,

I received a heartwarming letter from a Walt Disney World Guest who was touched by the kindness you showed her daughter after their recent visit to All-Star Music Resort. Christina was particularly impressed with how you went above and beyond to make their experience magical even after they returned home by sending them special pins and a personalized meet and greet video featuring Jack Skellington as Sandy Claus from Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. 

Thank you for all you do, Kayla. Your Courtesy, thoughtfulness, and positive attitude elevate the Disney experience for all. 

Keep Making Magic! 

Sincerely,

George A. Kalogridis 

President, Walt Disney World Resort.

This is from Emily's mother, I knew in advanced that she had written into the company about me..because she has since asked if I had heard anything; Well I had, before receiving this. My area manager told me there was a guest letter that had been written in about me, and that her manager Steve (who has written me before about my preformance) was writting me a letter and when she had everything together I would get it. 

This literally made my night. 

I am so unbelievably proud of the way my program is finally ending, or should I say finally working out for me. Thank you to everyone who has always supported me no matter my lack of a positive attitude most days.

Keep dreaming everyone and have a magical day! 

Graduation Photos (Finally) and Saying Goodbye.

So, Today I did a lot of things that I have already done...What makes them special is the fact that we did it with our graduation ears on. Because we finally completed our Disney College Program (Technically) even though we still have 3 weeks left, 21 days exactly. We received our certificates of Completion at our ceremony as well! 

Anyone who has talked to me since the month of December has started knows that I have not been in the Christmas Spirit at all, it's been hard for me to come to terms with that fact that I cannot be with my mom and older brother ... So I've kind of been a scrooge (purposely putting 'I'll be home for Christmas' in all my vlogs)  It's hard. Everyone keeps saying "But you're almost done." But that doesn't make up for that fact that I won't be home for the most important, and my favorite parts of Christmas; Making cookies and putting up the tree.

Anyways: On to happier things! 

Standing in line to meet Santa and this lady starts trying to get my attention, it was just Lauren. So we took a 'Family' photos because she was my sister and my 'Nieces' were joining me in line.

I can't remember the last time I sat on Santa's lap. 

He asked me what I wanted and I said "My dog.." and he said "Well where is he?" I told him where Lucky was and he said "Well, dogs like it in New York and you'll be back there soon enough." 

He then asked Ashley what she wanted for Christmas to which she replied "Nick Jonas." 

Santa shook his head and said "I'm not going there.." 

Needless to say, Santa and I were very Disappointed in Ashley. 

We obviously couldn't miss the chance to see Mickey! 

and taking loads of adorable photos with our main mouse.

Then we took this. and bawled our eyes out. 

Because Mickey knew just what to do when we turned 

around. The connection we share because of him is amazing.

he also said we are his "Long-lost Cousins" 

Our interactions with Rapunzel were anything but great this time. 

She was good and all but she really has done the Disney "Love and shove" method.

However, this interaction alone made my entire life. 

This photo will probably remain my favorite from the program for a very long time.

BUZZ LIGHTYEAR OF STAR COMMAND

Let's face it, we are getting married. 

The contemporary Ginger Bread Castle. Inspired by 'It's a small world' 

With a frozen twist

Goodbye may seem forever...

Farewell is like the end...

But in my heart is a memory...

and there, you'll always be. 

Saying goodbye will be bittersweet...I don't know if I am as prepared for that as I thought I was. 

There's so much from here that I am going to miss, at the same time there is so much from home that I am excited to be back too.

And soon the dream will end, but for this moment lets pretend it won't.

Today, I accepted my Certificate of Completion from the Disney College Program. Which means, I graduated. Wow. In just over six months my life has changed so many times, from picking up my stuff and move thousands of miles away, to learning to live with five strangers that you are not always going to get along with....This program has impacted me in so many ways, as have the people I have met on it. I'm not the same girl I was when I left New York on May 18th 2014. 

Although one thing does remain the same, my life is still and utterly unorganized mess. I can't grow up 100%, I'm like 85% there. 

So, here's some pictures of my Magical Day at the Graduation Event today! 

Congratulations ladies, we haven't been Termed...

....YET....

After over an hour wait, we got to meet Mickey and Minnie all

dressed up in their caps and gowns. How cute are they ?

I couldn't have pick a better group to Graduate with than these guys. 

Thanks for making our day perfect everyone! 

My program isn't over yet, just 25 days left, so I'll save the sad and sappy stuff for my 'ta-ta for now' blog. Thank you again to everyone for today! 

Can't believe the program is slowly making its way to the finish line.

FAQ

So I thought it was about time I did this, I originally was going to do a video for this on my youtube channel... but finding time to sit down and film is getting progressively harder as my program slowly starts to come to it's end. 

So Lets do this: 

Q: What is the Disney College Program? 
A: The Disney College Program is a national (and International) internship program that is run by the Walt Disney World Company at the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland resort. You live on property for three months up to a year and work for the company. You can earn up too 12 college credit hours. 

Q: Do you get paid? 
A: Yes, We do get paid. We make Florida minimum wage. But we do also pay rent each week out of our pay checks. 
    - For my apartment that contains 6 females, in Vista Way, we each pay $89.00 a week from our paychecks. Vista is the cheapest of the four apartment complex's you have the option of living in. 

Q: Can you get me into the park for free? 
A: Yes, I can. However, there are rules to this. We get what are called maingates/Guest passes. We get three of them that we can use up to 6 times. We cannot use them every day, there are days called 'Blackout dates' that our Guest passes cannot be used. This is due to expected high park volume. 

Q: How can I apply do to the Disney College Program? And what do you have to pay for? 
A: You can apply online at this link http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/default/ 
A: You do have to pay for this program. You pay $300.00 as your down payment on your housing and the rest goes to raise money for the events that housing holds for you (ex: Welcome events, grocery bingo, movies nights, and graduation) You must also provide your own transportation from your home to your new housing in Florida. Whether that be flying or driving you are responsible for the cost of that. 

Q: Do I have to be a certain age? 
A: You must be at least 18 years of age, and have completed at least one semester of college before you are eligible to apply for the program.

Q: Do I get to choose where I work? 
A: No. When you apply you pick your top ideal roles, and then during your phone interview they go over what these roles entail more in depth and they ask you questions based on events you may face in that role. 
   - When applying there is a page that lists all available roles, and gives a brief description of all the roles. 

Q: Can I leave the program early?
A: If you leave the program for any reason before your departure date it is considered 'self-terming' (Quitting) if you quit you can not list the program on any documentation because it will not show that you were here. The only way to leave the program without self-terming is to complete it. Unless: Your college semester starts earlier than the program finishes. Then and only then can you get whats called 'early release' where they move your departure date back a couple weeks to allow you time to arrange for transport home and to settle in for school. 

Q: What happens if I get fired?
A: Getting Termed is almost too easy to do, if you do get termed you have 24 hours to remove all your belongings from property and turn in your housing I.D, Key, Maingate, and Blue I.D. If you fail to leave property on your own you will be removed. If you fail to return the above listed items or costume pieces you will be billed. (Keep in mind, they do have your credit card used for application saved on file until you have completed the program.) 

Q: Can I let other people use my Cast discount?
A: Absolutely not. You are the only person the discount is to benefit. When paying for a purchase using your discount the form of payment must come from your hands, You are not allowed to receive any amount of money from anyone with you at the time of purchase. 

Q: What's the Difference between 'Wellness' and 'non-wellness' ?
A: In the wellness apartments that means you and everyone you live with is under 21 or chose to live with people under 21. Wellness apartments are not allowed to have any alcohol in them, discovery of alcohol will result in termination. Non-wellness means everyone living here is over 21, and alcohol is allowed. 


Those are the main questions I have been asked lately, if anyone has anymore questions don't hesitate to ask! 

Happy Birthday Walt.

"I only hope that we never lose sight

of one thing - that it was all 

started by a Mouse."

-Walt Disney

Disney has always been apart of my life, maybe not to the extent it is right now, but whether it be watching the Disney Channel on days I was 'homesick' from school with my Grandpa OR watching Disney movies a thousand times over because I always wanted to be in one. I think everyone has a secret love for Disney and what it brings to the table. 

I am so thankful for the man behind the mouse, for this opportunity, and for this literal dream come true. 

So, Happy Birthday to Walt Disney! I hope you find the changes the company has made over the years to still reflect your original dreams. Because everyone knows where this company started so long ago. 

  

Car Accident & Starbucks & corner talk

So for those of you that do not follow me on Twitter, or that did not see my facebook post from last night I was in an accident. My bus (Transtar H1) T-boned a car that ran a red a pulled out in front of us. Thankfully everyone on the bus was okay, for the most part, a couple bumps here and there. Myself, I smashed my face off the window, and today my back is a little sore. But that's to be expected, and things could have been a lot worse for us. The other car on the other hand, was not so lucky. The driver was removed from the car, unconscious, and put on a backboard and then stretcher to go to the hospital. We haven't heard anything about his condition. His car is probably totaled. I mean... our bus hit it, hard. 

Thankfully, again, everyone on the bus was okay. The driver made sure and the cops that got on the bus individually asked each passenger if we were alright. 

Amber met me at Vista Way's bus stop, waiting nervously for me to get off the bus, and helped me carry half my groceries home. Can't help but think if I wasn't trying to be a grown up last night and hadn't gone shopping that I wouldn't have been in that situation.

Amber stayed at my apartment last night, and probably will tonight, because once again she is having roommate drama. So thus we of course had to go on a Starbucks run to claim our free drinks. I mean, who doesn't love free Starbucks? 

(Tis the season for free Starbucks.) 

On the short walk back from Starbucks Amber and I met this cute little Canadian couple, that were in their 60's, and we stood on the corner and talked to them for a good 30 minutes at least. 

They were asking us about Florida rent to which we responded "We know nothing about Florida went, we are here on the Disney College Program" Then we started talking about the benefits of working for Disney. We got into all the different processes of applying for the program; personality testing. To which they told us they were not surprised we passed the personality test, because we were both were fit to be 'Ambassadors for Disney' 

For once in our program we both actually felt like what we were doing here was right. 

They were so nice to us both and it felt nice to actually be praised for the work we do here. 

On a side note: I heard from 'my guest' Emily and her family again last night. Her mom wrote into the company about me sending Emily that video of Sandy Claws (Jack) from the Christmas party. She said the company told her they would reward me for my actions. How exciting! She also asked if I could mail them two 'I'm celebrating' buttons and of course I said yes. 

So on that note. I hope everyone has a good day, as I plan to do nothing but lounge around and complain that my face hurts. 

Have a magical day! 

P.S. Also, the vlog will be up shortly. It's been uploading since 10:30 this morning. 

Update: Life.

So I will be the first to admit that I have been a tad bit radio silent lately, and I apologize for that one. After Amy moved out Libby and I switched rooms the same day. So that Libby could have her own space to do as she pleased. It came as no surprise to the rest of us when we found out we were going to be getting a new roommate on Dec 1st. 
She moved in yesterday, I only met her briefly that morning. Her name is Erin and she is here on the Culinary Program, which is just a bit different that my program. She's going to be working at the boardwalk bakery for her program. She seems really nice, and her mom was wonderful. 

Yesterday Ashley and I helped Lindsey move into her new house down here. Which was fun, and oh my god the home cooked meal that came with it was to die for. So good. I haven't been that full in weeks. 

Today I am piecing together my vlog so look for it! 

Sorry to keep the update short, but the vlog will cover the rest of it. 

Have a magical day!

Friendsgiving and a new roommate

So instead of doing Thanksgiving with our families this year we did a "friendsgiving" similar basis, lots of food, laughing, its just a really good time. 
We found out we will be getting a new roommate on Dec 1st. So today we have a cleaning crew in our apartment to make sure everything is up to code for when she arrives. 

Basically I just wanted to update everyone on why I have been so busy lately. I've been working a lot and trying to set my room up the way I want it. So it's been a busy time. 
My thanksgiving day vlog will be up sometime over the next week, hopefully. I do have more adventures planned for this week. so it may just end up being one big joint vlog of several events. Including my DCP graduation. 

keep your eyes out for more updates! 

Day 185: Change is in the Air

Not a lot has happened lately, my last adventure was to the outlets with Amber on Tuesday. So nothing crazy. But as I sit here writing this a lot is about to change. Tomorrow my roommate moves home, due to health reasons. I'm sad she'll be leaving but I recognize that this is what she needs. 
Trust me when I say sitting here watching her pack her stuff has been a strange experience, and it's bringing up all the emotions I am sure I will face when I finally say goodbye to everyone in January. 

From the first time I spoke to Amy I knew we would be friends, at this point we are not always friends but we are always there for one another. We may butt heads a lot, but every friendship has those moments. I remember saying "I'm glad I found someone like you." back when we first decided we would be rooming together on this intense journey we decided to take. 

The first time I ever actually got to go enjoy the magic kingdom was with her,

and we shared a lot of 'firsts' throughout this experience being the only two 

who had never been to Disney before.

and somehow 99% of our photos look like this.

Of this. 

We are a lot a like personality wise, and I think that's one of the only reasons we ever 

butt heads. I wouldn't change who I picked to room with me if I had to do this whole program again.

If I hadn't lived with her who knows how my program would have been. 

The long nights, the heart to hearts at 3a.mm, the sobbing in the movie theater when we saw the fault in our stars. The screaming and yell over the stupidest fights. We are basically family. 

I can't think of a better photo to end this on. The first thing we ever did as a group.

Other than lay around the pool and play cards, was go to Downtown Disney. All of the photos we 

took that night were horrible but they mean something to us now. Knowing that this is where we started this amazing journey we are now on. 

So long story short, I am really going to miss you Amy, you've sometimes been an awful roommate and sometimes been an amazing roommate. I want you to be okay, and if that meas going home and having a 'lifestyle' change as you just put it from the other side of our room than so be it. 

I hope you find everything in life that you are looking for, and don't forget to keep dreaming. 

I love you, and I will miss you so much. 

In other news as well, I will be switching rooms with Libby so she can have her own space. 

Have a Magical Day everyone!