Countdown: I'm at Disney World and Checking In!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

No more counting down . . . . . I'm here!!! I made it to Disney World . . . well Vista. Haha!

Yesterday was the last day of my 10 Disney Days challenge. I actually had fun and enjoyed watching all the Disney movies. I figured it would help to refresh my memory and figure out where the ideas for many of these attractions themes originate.

Sooooo  . . . Right now, I am currently checking in at Vista doing all this Disney College Program paperwork for housing, security, and work. I should be heading for casting between 9:30AM to 10AM.

Later today, I will definitely try to post a rundown of my day, however, that will be another post late tonight. I will attempt to cover meeting up with my room mates for the first time, what's check-in like with the DORMS system, my role/ location, casting, paperwork, a mini housing review, and whatever I can think of at the moment.

I'm full of excitement and ready to go! I'll probably pass out tonight from all the energy. Well, excuse me while I finish my first day of the Disney College Program.

Pure Pixie-dust!!! 

Oh, and tonight will be the start of my first Program Life post series!!!!!! Since, I am here now and what not. Hooray!!

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Countdown: One More Sleep til Disney

So, this is it! All I need to do is sleep tonight and when I wake up . . . check-in will be here. Just that simple! Actually, I probably will stay up ALL NIGHT due to the excitement and adrenaline. Also, I need to finish getting my hair braided.

I'll try to make myself go to sleep because I am well aware that check-in will be a long day. No one is sure how check-in day will go anymore due to the timing of check-in and casting being assigned. 

 My roommates and I were all assigned different check-in times, but we all agreed that we need to arrive early to beat the rush. The Jan 20th arrival date is suppose to HUGE. I've read anywhere from 1,000 to 1,200 CPs are expected to check-in. 

The Jan 13th arrivals had it really tough with minimal people (well compared to the 20th arrival date) and they still had trouble with background checks and traditions. There were extremely long lines for check-in and casting on the 13th. Many mentioned having 3 to 4 hour wait times and winding lines for Casting.

I refuse to be the guinea pig by show up at my assigned time of 9AM, only to find a long line full of excited college programmers.

Even after check-in and casting, I still need to unpack and go shopping. Then, I got to figure the bus system all over again, venture around Chatham or wherever I am at, and all these other things.

It's going to be a full day tomorrow and I just can't wait! I knew as soon as the 20th got closer I would start to feel the excitement.

I will try to post a check-in report tomorrow night about my check-in experience. I can't wait to answer those million dollar questions: "Can you show up before your assigned time?", "Is Casting on day 1 or day 2?", "Is Chatham really my apartment?", "Am I really in Epcot?" . . . and you get the point.

AHHHH Tomorrow is the day!! ^___^

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1 Disney Day: The Black Cauldron + 1 Goal to Achieve by The End of My Program

This is my 10 Disney Days challenge featuring reviews and notes on Disney movies I have never seen or long forgotten. Included with these movies reviews are tasks that I much complete each Day. The task are Disney or Disney College Program related things.

Sidenote: OMGOSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! One day, just one more day. I have fallen behind on posting due to traveling, but now I am back on track.

Today's Challenge: The Black Cauldron + 1 Goal to Achieve by the End of My Program

MOVIE: The Black Cauldron

Why: I chose this movie because I've never seen this movie. I have no idea what it's about to be honest. I know there is a princess involved (why is she not a Disney Princess), some dark magic, possibly a witch, and other typical Disney fantasy movie stuff. I also feel that some things in Fantasyland and New Fantasyland will be inspired by this movie and another one "The Sword in the Stone". So, I will actually watch both of these movies.

Task: 1 Goal to Achieve by The End of My Program

My one goal to achieve is save $1,000.00. This seems pretty impossible right now. Actually, very impossible. However, I actually do need to come up with this amount. If I don't break 1k than hopefully I can come away with at least a bit over $500.00. 

There are many things I need to buy during the program, for instance, a new laptop and I want a universal annual pass. Which the latter is a want not necessarily a need . . . haha! If I got to universal more than 2 times (which I will because of Harry Potter) then the annual pass will be worth it.

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2 Disney Days: Swiss Family Robinson + 2 Disney Rides I Love

This is my 10 Disney Days challenge featuring reviews and notes on Disney movies I have never seen or long forgotten. Included with these movies reviews are tasks that I much complete each Day. The task are Disney or Disney College Program related things.

Today's Challenge: Swiss Family Robinson + 2 Disney Rides I Love

MOVIE: Swiss Family Robinson

Why: I always pass up the Swiss Family Robinson attraction at Magic Kingdom, so I was hoping this would encourage me to venture inside the tree. I always pass this attraction up because it looks a little boring and tiring duet to the walk up the tree. I've never seen this movie and I have no idea what's it's about . . . like no clue. Didn't know there was book until I Googled for movie covers. I have a feeling it's about pirates and the sea which is a good thing because I have love things about pirates adventures. Hopefully, I will enjoy this one. It' seems to be a classic.

Task: 2 Disney Rides I Love

1. Spaceship Earth - I adore this ride! It's not a thrill seeker and a little outdated. However, I just love it for reasons. LOL! Since EPCOT is my favorite park and it's the icon of the park . . . it only makes sense that I love this ride.
2. Dinosaur - I'm actually scared of this ride. But, that's the fun part. It never gets old to me. I'm always scared when I get one and one day I will conquer it. This ride is in Animal Kingdom's Dinoland area. It's mostly forgotten because of Everest and the Safari.

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3 Disney Days: The Princess & The Frog + 3 of My Favorite Disney Characters

This is my 10 Disney Days challenge featuring reviews and notes on Disney movies I have never seen or long forgotten. Included with these movies reviews are tasks that I much complete each Day. The task are Disney or Disney College Program related things.


Today's Challenge: The Princess and The Frog + 3 of My Favorite Disney Characters

MOVIE: The Princess and The Frog

Why: I just wanted to watch this for reasons. LOL This movie is recent and I saw it a while back. I didn't see all of it and missed quite a bit of the movie.

Every time it comes on, that's all I see is parts of it . . . ugh I'm really trying to pull it together.

I want to get more familiar with the characters of the movie and the plot.

I don't really know much about Tiana's characters so I want to see what "my" Princesss is like ( yeah I said it).

Anyway, I like the southern soul and New Orleans style theme of this movie.

Task: 3 of My Favorite Disney Characters 

1. Mulan - This is my favorite Disney movie, so of course I love her character. The sad things is, I have never meet her! Every time I would go to EPCOT to see her somehow I would miss her. I am determine to meet her this time around.
2. Stitch - I haven't actually seen the movies completely . . . only bits and pieces, but what I do know is that his character is troublesome. LOL! His bad but it's so cute. I've only seen him act from afar, but again I am determine to meet him.
3. Tigger - He is just pure fun! He literally has the best HUGS out all the characters (I think so anyway). He literally smothered me when I met him, and he was so playful and fuzzy! LOL!

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4 Disney Days: The Hunchback of Notre Dame + 4 Beaches I Want Visit

This is my 10 Disney Days challenge featuring reviews and notes on Disney movies I have never seen or long forgotten. Included with these movies reviews are tasks that I much complete each Day. The task are Disney or Disney College Program related things.

Today's Challenge: The Hunchback of Notre Dame + 4 Beaches I Want Visit

MOVIE:The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Why: I know this is another epic film. Just like Meg from Hercules, I've seen pictures of Esmerelda in the parks. I didn't know all these characters came out in the parks like this at Disney.

Hopefully, I can some rare characters around the parks and during special events.

Anyway, I just wanted to watch this to refresh my memory on the storyline. I'm sure I've seen this before but I cant really remember much about. I didn't even remember Esmeralda.

I'm long overdue for watching this movie again.

Task: 4 Beaches I want visit in Florida

• Clearwater Beach - I have been here before a long time. I really enjoyed myself and would like to return.
• Daytona Beach - This is one of the closer beaches to Orlando, so taking a day trip will be possible. 
• Panama City Beach - There is party bus going here soon. I highly doubt I will be able to get it, but I sure will try.
• Miami Beach - I must take a side trip here even if it's only a day.

Cocoa Beach is also on my list. I plan on doing some travel outside of Orlando.

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5 Disney Days: Hercules + 5 of my favorite Disney Movies

This is my 10 Disney Days challenge featuring reviews and notes on Disney movies I have never seen or long forgotten. Included with these movies reviews are tasks that I much complete each Day. The task are Disney or Disney College Program related things.

Today's Challenge: Hercules + 5 of my favorite Disney Movies

MOVIES: Hercules

Why: Because I love the show! Like a whole LOT! This is one of the funniest Disney tv shows and I expect the movie will be funny as well.

I remember seeing this (somewhat) as a child, but I honestly don't remember much about the movie. I've seen pictures of the girl (Meg, I think) in the parks for meet and greets, but that's about it.

So, I just want to see what I can expect from her character.

I also could use a good laugh since it's so close to check-in and I'm feeling nervous.

Oh, and I fly to Orlando TODAY!! Woohoo!

Task: 5 of my favorite Disney Movies

1. Aristocats - One of little Disney tunes (that I actually remeber) is the Siamese cats song. They're so cute!! Of course, the movie is an all around classic and very adorable.
2. Mulan - I love this movie for reasons. It's absolutely hilarious, but offers a real lesson about strength.
3. The Princess and The Frog - I love movie because finally African Americans have a Disney princess. Yes, that is a reason to love it! It's about time we are represented. ^___^
4. Nightmare Before Christmas - I have loved this movie since I was a kid and I honestly didn't know it was a Disney movie until THIS YEAR! For some reason, it's making a real comeback.
5. Brave - I didn't know this movie exists until I started the program and saw other CPs talking about the movie. So, long story short . . . I watched it and loved it!!! It was brilliant and funny. I actually prefer this over frozen.

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Countdown: Only 1 Week Left

This is going by fast folks!!! Only one week left until I check-in at Vista and begin my Disney journey. I've mentioned before that I'll actually be leaving on the 15th of January, which is tomorrow, for Orlando, Florida. I will be staying with a friend 5 days prior to check-in on January 20th.

So, actually a bit of my journey starts tomorrow!! Oh, I'm excited. I'll be heading to South Carolina for a few days to chill.

Anyway . . . . Here's a rundown of what I've done so far:

• Documents - About New Hire Documents
• Proof - See About I-9 Documents
• DORMS - Completing DORMS
• Packed - See My Packing List

So, everything is in order. My flight was booked back in October 2013 just 2 week after I accepted the program offer.

Here's how I EXPECT my first day at Disney to go:

I will arrive early to Vista at between 7AM or 7:30AM for my 8AM check-in time. I'm standing in line early, so I can be on the first 2 buses to casting which will hopefully be at 9:30AM and 10AM.

After check-in at Vista Way, I should be boarding a bus to Casting near Downtown Disney. I suspect Casting will take maybe 1 hour to 1hours and 30 minutes. 

I may be out of Casting between 11AM and 12:30AM.

After Casting, the bus will take us back to Vista Way to pick up our luggage from the security area and take our cars (possibly with my roomies) or the buses with our stuff back to the housing complex we were designated.

Once I get off the bus, I will go to my apartment and move-in my belongings. 

In no order, I will go shopping, unpack, decorate, organize my things and chill with my roommates.

I can't wait to see if my predictions and expectations are close to what really happens.

Considering that, Casting is possibly a 2 day things and may take longer than 2 hours. My room mates and I may not all be together at once.

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6 Disney Days: Atlantis The Lost Empire + 6 Disney Merchandise Items I Want

This is my 10 Disney Days challenge featuring reviews and notes on Disney movies I have never seen or long forgotten. Included with these movies reviews are tasks that I much complete each Day. The task are Disney or Disney College Program related things.

Today's Challenge: Atlantis The Lost Empire + 6 Disney Merchandise Items I Want

Movie: Atlantis The Lost Empire

Why: I want to see this because I didn't know this existed. So, when I found out it did exist I didn't know it was a Disney movie.

So, I'm like umm when did this come out? Why isn't it promoted? Where is the merchandise? Charcter meet and greets? Wait, what? What is this about?

Yeah, I'm just completely confused. Haha! For some reason, I expect this to be a good solid movie.

Someone posted on the DCP Facebook group, that it is an extremely underrated Disney film. So, I really want to check it out.

Review: I would do an review, but I'm behind on posting and it's getting hard to keep up now that I'm in South Carolina.

I will probably scratch the reviews from now on, to make things easier for me until check-in.

Task: 6 Disney Merchandise Items I Want

1. Tea Pot/Mug/Casserole Dish from the Gourmet Mickey Collection - See it!
2. Disney Tops Tinker Bel Tie Tank Tee - See It! / Belle Sequin Tank Tee - See It!
3. Three Circle Swarovski Crystal Mickey Mouse Necklace by Arribas - See It!
4. Drinkware - Stitch Glass Mug, Tumbler Mug, Pilsner Glass, and a Coffee Mug
5. A 2014 Walt Disney World T-shirt for my year at Disney - See It!
6. Mickey Mouse Ears & an Autograph Book

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7 Disney Days: Beauty & The Beast + 7 Things I Want to Do with My Roommates

This is my 10 Disney Days challenge featuring reviews and notes on Disney movies I have never seen or long forgotten. Included with these movies reviews are tasks that I much complete each Day. The task are Disney or Disney College Program related things.

Today's Challenge: Disney's Fantasia + 7 Things I want to try with my roommates

MOVIE: Beauty & the Beast

Why: I want to watch this movie again because I believe it was my first Disney movie. I'm unsure because it was between this and Snow White. I haven't watched it since maybe the second time I saw it as a kid . . . that's a long time. I want to rewatch this over again. I remember when I first saw it . . . I thought to my self, "I've never see anything like this before . . . what a strange movie."

Review: This movie brought back a lot of memories. enjoyed it from beginning to end, Of course, I am now excited to try "Be Our Guest".

This is truly a classic Disney movie. The characters are so cute and loveable. It's a strange love story about falling in love with a beast that's actually a Prince. LOL! Now, wonder why I was fascinated by this story as a child. WTF?? 

But again, it's a classic! Now, I'm in like this nostalgic mood. I can feel my childhood coming back. I will definitely have to visit Belle. Oh!! Of course, I now need to see Beauty and the Beast Live on stage at Hollywood Studios. Yep, I'm excited!

7 Thins I Want to Do With My Roommates

1. Family Dinners - Even though we will be extremely busy during the program, it would love to have a sit down dinner every now and then with my roommates.
2. Daytrip - Let's go somewhere, anywhere! The beach would be great!!
3. Craft Night - We talked about this a little bit and decided to maybe make our own t-shirts or something. I seen this in another CP video and thought it was great idea.
4. Holiday Party - There's not that many holidays during the spring, but we should be able to come up with something. Let's see there's Mardi Gras, Valentines Day, St. Patricks Day, Easter, Cinco de Mayo . . . wait that's a lot of holidays!
5. Karaoke Night - Ahhh! A fun night of singing and crazy shenanigans. Perhaps Bdubz (Buffalo Wild Wings) is in our future.
6. Fancy Dinner - At least one! A nice dinner somewhere on property.
7. Park Together - It's REALLY difficult throughout the program to gather ALL of your roommates and head for the parks. On my last program, my roommates and I only went to the parks together ONCE during our entire program. That was in Animal Kingdom only! So much for bonding. LOL!

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8 Disney Days: Song of the South + 8 Orlando Attractions I Want to Try

 

This is my 10 Disney Days challenge featuring reviews and notes on Disney movies I have never seen or long forgotten. Included with these movies reviews are tasks that I much complete each Day. The task are Disney or Disney College Program related things.


Today's Challenge: 8 Disney Days: Song of the South + 8 Orlando Attractions I Want to Try

Movie: Song of the South

Why: I actually don't know much about this movie. I think the theme for Splash Mountain comes from this film. Not, really sure. I expect a butt load of singing and dancing maybe . . . then again, I really just don't know. LOL! Maybe it'll be a good one. I'm keeping my expectations really low for this film.

I did get word that this movie has a slightly racist undertone to it, so I really want to see what all the hoopla is about with this movie.


Review:

Okay, I finally watched it, but not the entire thing. The movie is 90 miniutes long and I got through 3 minutes of the movie. I literally feel asleep half way through the movie. I skipped through the rest of it and got the basics of the story line . . . kind of.

The movie was alright. It was a little sad, but the film had many positive notes. What I did love was the singing of some classic Disney songs. I loved hearing Uncle Remus say you can move or leave, but that doesn't mean your problems are gone. Being in a new place does bot guarantee happiness. Your problems can follow you or you will eventually create new ones.

Otherwise, I am not a real fan. It was great to see the inspiration behind Splash Mountain which will be going under refurbishment for a week. It was very nostalgic and made me excited for Disney.

8 Orlando Attractions I Want to Try

1. Ifly Orlando - Indoor Skydive
2. IceBar - Orlando - An entire bar made of ice
3. Fleaworld Flea market - Suppose to be America's Largest Flea Market
4. Universal Orlando
5. Tantelizing Taste and Tours - A food tour of Orlando
6. DRIP Orlando - Check it out!
7. Sea World/Aquatica
8. Shopping - Florida Mall and The Premium Outlets

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Countdown: The Big 10 and a Challenge

I am now officially starting the real countdown, I mean the big ten! Okay, so I know DORMS is suppose to come 10 Days out, but I swear Disney is counting it differently. Anyway, my housing registration has been completed. Hooray! As you there are already CPs at Disney, they checked in on Jan 8th, but there is another group coming on the 13th. That's right another group is about to check-in and gives us a report see the reports. I can't wait.

So, I actually leave for Orlando in just 5 days!!! I'll be staying with a friend in Orlando until my check-in day. However, as soon as I arrive, we'll be headed back up to South Carolina to stay with her Dad. My side-trip to South Carolina will be the first off my personal blogs post.

I'm excited too see South Carolina more in depth. Usually, I just pass through that state and head for North Carolina and Virginia.

As you can see, today is the day I start my 10 Disney Days countdown challenge. This challenge will end on the 19th, the day before check-in. Once I check-in on the 20th, I will attempt to post a summary of my day. I am doing this challenge to get myself in the Disney spirit, so I can increase my excitement about my arrival.

Next up, is to packing my things and making final arrangements with my room mates via Google Hangout this Sunday around 8PM.

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9 Disney Days: Lilo & Stitch + 9 Disney Shows I Want to See

This is my 10 Disney Days challenge featuring reviews and notes on Disney movies I have never seen or long forgotten. Included with these movies reviews are tasks that I much complete each Day. The task are Disney or Disney College Program related things.

Today's Challenge: 9 Disney Days: Lilo &Stitch + 9 Disney Shows I Want to See

Movie: Lilo & Stitch

Why: I have seen bits and pieces of Lilo & Stitch, but not enough to tell you the plot of the story. I also can't tell you the names of any other characters. So, I've decided to re-watch both Lilo & Stitch the first movie from beginning to end.

Review: So, I actually had tears during some parts because it was just so adorable. I couldn't hold in my emotions. I really loved it! I see a lot of CPs in the Facebook group use the word "Ohana", and the word has an even greater meaning now that I've have seen Lilo & Stitch.

It was just a really sweet film with a very strong message about family. Disney kept it very realistic with the characters looks, voices, and personalities. They didn't try to make them a perfect family. . . Nani and Lilo had a broken family with problems, but still filled with love. *that sounds cheesy* I thoroughly enjoyed the movie from beginning to end and even watch some parts over again. Lilo is also a really cute little girl. She was full of personality and just plain different.

I just can't get over how adorable Stitch is during this film. Every time Stitch talks I just get fuzzy and happy because he's so adorable. He's is definitely one of my favorite characters and I will make it a point to see him at the parks.

The major thing about watching Lilo & Stitch is it made me want to visits the Polynesian Resort (and Disney's Aulani Resort) to eat at Ohana's and just hang out around the resort. Maybe sit on the beach with a dole whip and watch the fireworks.

9 Disney Shows I Want to See

1. Find Nemo: The Musical DAK
2. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
3. Wishes Fireworks at MK
4. Lights, Motor, Action Extreme Stunt Show
5. Beauty and the Beast Love on Stage
6. Cirque du Soleil La Nouba at DTD
7. Disney Electrical Parade at MK
8. Illuminations at EPCOT
9. Fantasmic! at DHS
10. Miyuki - Japanese Candy Art - Not really a show, but I really want to see this!

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10 Disney Days: Wreck-It-Ralph + 10 Disney Snacks I Want to Eat

This is my 10 Disney Days challenge featuring reviews and notes on Disney movies I have never seen or long forgotten. Included with these movies reviews are tasks that I much complete each Day. The task are Disney or Disney College Program related things.

Todays Challenge: Wreck-It-Ralph + 10 Disney Snacks I Want to Eat

Movie: Wreck-It-Ralph

Why: I didn't know this game existed until early February 2013. It was released on November, 2nd, 2012. I came across it when I started watching TV again (LOL!) and happen to catch a glimpse of the DVD commercial on Disney. I thought the previews were super cute and wanted to give it a try. The concept of them game seems very different from any other Disney movie. A whole word of retro and vintage video games . . . I'm down!

Review: This is absolutely one of the most underrated Disney movies ever! It's so freaking adorable and cute!! I laughed way more than I thought I would during this movie.

The characters were memorable and cute. The names are perfect . . . Vanellope von Schweet and Zangief! Disney really went all the way with this one. The solider Oreos and the police doughnut named Dunkin really got me!

The world of Sugar Rush was just awesome with chocolate puddles, popcorn and candy corn as the audience, trees made of candy cane and so much more. I really loved this movie a whole lot. I will definitely add to my favorites list.

Unfortunately, this movie isn't really fawned over like Frozen and Brave. Some movies just get so much attention . . .  some deserved, some not so much. I would be really surprised to find any Wreck-It-Ralph merchandise in the Disney stores. It seems like after certain movies are released in Theaters they receive little to no attention after the DVD release. This was released in 2012 and a year or so later this movie seems long forgotten. *sigh*

10 Disney Snacks I Want to Eat

Classic Dole Whip

Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar

Warm Cinnamon Roll from Gaston's Tavern MK

Sweet & Spicy Chicken Waffle from Sleepy Hallow MK

Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake from Isle of Java DAK

Mickey Ear Hat Toffee Brownie from Writiers Shop DHS

Chocolate Macaron Sandwich at L'Artisan de Glaces France

Hand-Dipped Corn Dog from Fantasy Fare Food Truck at Downtown Disney

Cronut (A combo of Croissant and a Doughnut) at EPCOT

Norway's School Bread

Honorable Mentions: Turkey Leg, Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich, The Mac & Cheese Burger, Churros, Soft Mickey Pretzel, Chocolate Covered Frozen Banana, Pork Shank, Funnel Cake, and a Mickey Rice Krispy

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Disney Challenges: 10 Disney Days

I've decided to do a fun Disney countdown called, 10 Disney Days, to help make the week before check-in more festive. For some reason, I'm feeling a bit nervous jumping back into the program for a second time. I think this a good way to start my Disney adventure.

My challenge will involve watching Disney movies that I have never seen before plus some old ones I have long forgotten.

OFF TRACK

I am one of those people who watch movies and cannot remember the songs or music from the movie, supporting character names, a pet name, a location in the movie, quotes or lyrics. There are some people out there that can quote movies and sing the entire song from a movie, I cannot do that. LOL! So, I need to refresh my memory on Disney movies.

I also don't care for seeing movies twice. If I do, it has to be a huge gap . . . like huge. For example, I haven't watched The Lion King since it came out when I was a kid.

THE CHALLENGE

For my 10 Disney Days challenge, I will be watching one Disney movie each day with a mini review plus some notes about the movie and post what each task next to the movie indicates.

My List + Task

• Jan 10th - Wreck-It-Ralph + 10 Disney Snacks I Want to Eat
• Jan 11th - Lilo & Stitch + 9 Disney Shows I Want to See
• Jan 12th - Song of the South + 8 Orlando Attractions I Want to Try
• Jan 13th - Beauty & The Beast + 7 Things I want to try with my roommates
• Jan 14th - Atlantis The Lost Empire + 6 Disney Merchandise Items I Want
• Jan 15th - Hercules + 5 of my favorite Disney Movies
• Jan 16th - The Hunchback of Notre Dame + 4 Beaches I want visit in Florida
• Jan 17th - The Princess & the Frog + 3 of My Favorite Disney Characters 
• Jan 18th - Swiss Family Robinson + 2 Disney Rides I Love
• Jan 19th - The Black Cauldron + 1 Goal to Achieve by the end of my program
• Extra Movies: Planes 2, Sword in the Stone, Ratatouille,  Oz the Great and Powerful + Other Classics

The "10 Disney Days" challenge will begin Jan 10th and finish on Jan 19th - the day before check-in.

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Countdown: Only 2 Weeks until Disney World

Ahhhhhhhhhh! So close, yet so far away! I can't believe it . . . . tomorrow people start checking-in. I wasn't feeling the excitement before, but now I'm feeling it because I look forward to the check-in reports from the Jan 8th arrivals.

January 13th, is the next arrival date, so more reports will be posted in the group. I know there are many blogs and videos but much of that is extremely outdated. It's like . . . if your not currently in the program NOW . . . . your information is outdated because there are so many changes during the program.

Anyway, as for my arrival date . . . I got my first email 30 days out - prepare for your arrival, another email 20-23 days out - See Ya Real Soon, and I should get another email from Disney soon.

Today, I should have receive my DORM registration information. The DORMS email 10 days from you arrival date sometimes it's earlier than 10 days.

After my roommates and I complete DORMS, there will be nothing else to do but wait for check-in and prepare for my arrival. One more thing, I actually leave on the 15th, so my adventures will start a little early.

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Countdown: 20 Days More Days

I'm so jealous of the January 8th arrivals, they have less than 10 days until check-in like . . . Oh My Gosh!!! So, I have 20 days til check-in, but the excitement hasn't really hit me yet I don't know what's wrong with me. *sigh* Perhaps, I'm nervous even though I've done the program before. Hmm . . . don't know. Anyway, to details, according to the Disney onboarding website . . . .

10-20 Days From Arrival

Start Thinking About Housing/Roommate Preferences

Incoming participants may have the opportunity to indicate preferences for apartment complex, unit size and/or roommates. Pre-registration begins approximately 10 days prior to check-in day.

Complete Hire Documentation

You will need to complete your Hire Documentation prior to your arrival.

Bring Proper Vehicle Documentation

Participants are allowed to bring a car and parking at the apartment complexes is free of charge to housing residents. Please be sure to bring the proper documentation required to secure a parking decal.

Bring a Canceled Check

You will need a blank check from your checking account to set up direct deposit for your weekly pay.

Pack

Review the list of suggested items to bring as well as the list of prohibited items.

The Room mate preference step is actually under the 30-60 days out list, but should be under 10-20 days out. I believe that is a typo on Disney's part since, it clearly says you will receive DORMS 10 days from your arrival date.

The January 8th individuals have already completed the DORMS system. No one seemed to have too many issues with the system. There was a little bit of chatter for a few days, but then the noise died down. I believe the DORMS system is only open for maybe 10 days. If you do not register within that time frame you will be put in line to complete it at check-in. This is not concrete . . . . matter of fact read it here. Make sure you read the comments section.

I've completed my new hire documents. As for the void check, I have decided to sign-up for Disney's payroll card and after a week or two I will change it to my bank if I do not like the payroll card. I will be flying into Orlando International Airport, so I have no need for bringing vehicle information.

As for packing, I haven't started. *don't judge me*. I have seriously been putting it off until the last minute. I leave January 15th, so I'll probably start on Jan 10th. Perhaps, next week I will post an ultimate packing list and tips.

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Countdown: 1 Month until Check-In Day

Okay, so there are 30 more days until check in! My god, just a month, I was just worried about passing the phone interview. Here I am, preparing for my departure and check-in day.  At this point., there is nothing else to do. In the DCP Facebook group, many people still have not received their new hire documents. They are on the way, for those still waiting, you can receive them 2 weeks prior to arrival.

I recently got an email from Disney, which I will post soon, about my fast approaching check-in day. The email was nothing special. Fun fact, back in 2007 when I was waiting for my check-in day, I got an email similar to the one I got the other day about my arrival. I got the email on the same exact day, December 19th, so crazy . . . . right? So, if things keep lining up like this, I expect 3 more emails from Disney. One saying "See ya really soon", "the DORMS" email for roommates,  and "You're almost there" emails. This is just a wild guess. I kept all my emails from 2007 from when  I first applied for the program. So, I am using these as a reference because not much has changed since I applied for the program. 

I am so glad, there are people checking in before us because I am hoping they will tell us about check-in day, how DORMS really works, and if casting is really broken down into 2 days.

Yes, I saw on Facebook that casting maybe a 2 day thing for some CPs. So, yeah I am just waiting at this point.

Not much else to say until DORMS is released. I have a feeling DORMS will be a little hectic because CPs are having such a difficult time completing the new hire documents . . . the DORMS paperwork may be worse for some participants. 

I knew things would speed up around Christmas. After the Christmas holiday, things will be moving so fast because the first group of CPs will experience DORMS and check-in day. The Facebook group will become ten  times more active.

That's all for now. An update will come at the 20th or 10th day or as things progress forward. Until then, I will continue my bucket list post. A packing list and arrival timeline will be posted in the future.

Peace!

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Countdown: 40 days down, now what?

Time certainly flies around the holidays. With Black Friday shopping, being stuffed with turkey plus pie, and preparing for Christmas I have been a little busy.

Now that some time has passed, that means it's getting closer to my departure day (Jan 15th) and check-in (Jan 20th).

With only 40 days out, there's not much to do Disney Recruiting wise, since I am still within the 30-60 day phase according to the onboarding website. I have already completed my new hire documents that arrived in  my email long before the Thanksgiving holiday. The real deal comes about 10-20 days out from your arrival date, which I will post when it's time.

I have only received a very very late education email from Disney about registering for courses, which I did on November 11th, 2013. Everything that can be done has been done!

Right now it's time to find room mates (if you haven't already or prefer to go random), complete your new hire documents (must be done before your arrival date), start that DCP bucket list, plan out your packing list or start buying a few things for your apartment and do deep research on: program policies, disney look, money/pay, the Orlando area, and anything that comes up.

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Countdown: 60 Days from Pre-Arrival

It's been about 10 days since I lasted posted about breaking the 70 day mark. That seems like it was a long time ago, but of course it's only been 10 days. 

According to the Disney Onboarding website, 30-60 days our from your arrival, you may receive or do the following:

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30-60 Days From Arrival

Complete Course Registration

Review course information and register for classes online.

Review The Disney Look

Our appearance standards are an important part of our company's heritage. You are expected to review the full Disney Look guidelines prior to arrival. You must be fully compliant with the Disney Look guidelines when you arrive.

Start Thinking About Housing/Roommate Preferences

Incoming participants may have the opportunity to indicate preferences for apartment complex, unit size and/or roommates. Pre-registration begins approximately 10 days prior to check-in day.

Prepare for a Swim Test (Lifeguards only)

Lifeguard Cast Members are strongly encouraged to complete a practice swim test prior to arrival. The swim test consists of:

• Swim 200 yards (183 meters) freestyle or breaststroke
• Retrieve a 10-lb (4.5 kg) brick from the deepest section of the pool (minimum 8 feet / 2.4 meters)
• Tread water with hands out of the water for two minutes

Your official training and certification will be handled in Florida.

Play Mission:Timekeeper

Test your Disney Heritage knowledge throughout this interactive game. Use your log-in information and password that you used for this site to launch missiontimekeeper.com.

My arrival date is Jan 20th and so far I have registered for classes (I've been wait-listed for Disney Heritage), reviewed the Disney Look (I might need to buy new glasses), have my housing/roommate preferences (found my awesome room mates via Facebook), Prepare for swim test (I don't need a swim test  - I CANNOT swim) and Play Mission: Timekeeper ( I have not completed the somewhat boring Mission: Timekeeper game).

I might add the Timekeeper game to my Pre-arrival To Do List or bucket list since Disney Heritage is out of the question. I'm convinced it won't open up. Although, I may decline the class, so I can have my other off day and the remaining part of my day on Tuesday after Exploring Guest Services.

Oh! Some people have already received their New Hire Documents. They say it's not going by arrival dates, I disagree because . . . only Jan 8th and Jan 13th arrivals have received their paperwork. No other dates have received the new hire documents. Although, there have been some "Dashboard" problems for some Jan 20th arrival participants, I don't know if it means anything or not.

They say when your Dashboard goes from "Post Offer Stage" back to "In Progress" your papers could be on the way.

Anyway, according to this timeline Disney provided on it's website, everything is in order! Bring on the 2 month wait . . . after Thanksgiving . . . this will be a breeze . . . I hope!

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