Young Hearts Run FREE

As recent college graduates, we love free things. It seems to be ingrained into our very being, instilled into every strand of DNA. We cherish each free pencil, embrace lumpy free pillows, dream of free food.

Eeyore has the right idea

It is a way of life. The transition from broke college student to cash-strapped young professional has not been easy, especially with outlet malls around every corner (curse you VS, Express and NY& Co outlets!)

Any chance of free or discounted items is seen as a God-send. Free food? Yes. Free hugs? Yes. Buy one, get one free? Not so much.

On Friday morning, the Youth Sales interns huddled into the individual cubicles to prepare for a full day ahead, when a new message popped into our email box: Free Posters in the Resource Center of the Celebration building.

Kristin and Stephanie had the right idea of booking it downstairs. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal, maybe one or two cutesy little posters, nothing fancy. I have never been more mistaken.

We should have known something was amiss by the hoards of people anxiously waiting for the elevator doors to open. And when they ran to the stairwell, we knew this was big.

Free posters of a movie and show I have never seen.

The Poster Give-away was the most organized free-giveaway possible. It wove in and out of the entire Resource Center, utilizing all six (rather enormous) rooms. It was a battle to tooth-and-nail to get the good ones. And yes, it was a vast majority of recent college graduates serving as interns. Desperate times call for desperate measures. If only we had been Miley Cyrus or Sorcerer's Apprentice fans, as those seemed to be the only posters untouched.

Though we arrived shortly after the 9:30 email went out (Lord help you if you arrive an hour later!) most were picked over when we got our place. However, we did managed to pick up a few good posters. Kristin and I begged for Enchanted posters, and I also brought home a few others to adorn our living room wall.

The tales of Land of the Free doesn't end there, however. There is a part two of the (now) obsession of all things complimentary, and it's name is Grocery Bingo.

Last night, Disney Housing provided College Program, International Program, and Professional Interns the opportunity to win groceries with Bingo.

It is a good concept in theory, but not so much in practice. Kristin and I spent two hours of our lives attempting to beat the 90% of participants that were International Program kids, but to no avail. The quest for free items wore out and we walked away empty-handed.

I am very bitter. Next time I plan on using my Certamen skills to swat out the competition.

Confessions of a Former Fairy Godmother

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was a magical place, whether the white rabbit was hopping by for a visit, or pirates had once again stolen Cinderella's crown from the display. It was a place full of memories and infectious joy, where smiles were seen on princesses and queens alike.

Over my time as a Fairy Godmother-in-Training, here are a few of the most memorable stories told to princesses:

Who had a crown taken by pirates?

1. Don't ever look in the mirror before your hair is done. Why? Tinkerbell will turn your hair green. She doesn't like peekers!
2. That cold slimy liquid in your hair is not "gel." It's Stitch's spit. And yes, there is a story behind that.
3. As your fairy godmother, we never use regular makeup. Only crushed rosepetals for rosy cheeks, and sugarplums for your lips. Eat your heart out, cosmetic industry.
4. That knocking on the door isn't just anyone trying to get in. It's Prince Charming. But since he has forgotten his house keys once again, he should be renamed Prince Forgetful.
5. Yes, I can name all seven dwarves. And tell you what each one had for breakfast.
6. Where do we fairy godmothers live? Well, you may have seen that nice lovely castle in the center of the Magic Kingdom...We live on the third floor in pink matching bunk beds, of course.
7. There is no such thing as "glitter." There is, and will only be, pixie dust.
8. If a dress or crown is missing in the castle, it's due to curious pirates. Make sure all your jewels and watches are still with you when exiting the boutique!
9. We don't have cars in the Magic Kingdom. We have Magic Carpets.
10. When your fairy godmother says you are beautiful, it is the absolute truth.

Let the Memories Begin

"Good bye may seem forever. Farewell is like the end, but in my heart is the memory and there you will always be." -Walt Disney Company

Disney Spring Vacation '11

In May 2010, a tearful farewell was said to the place I had called home for five wonderful months. The place where wishes and dreams came true. The place where anything was possible. Goodbye to the castle, the laughter, the magic. Where else in the world do you have the opportunity to change lives in just a smile, transform a day with just a word? Being a fairy godmother-in-training had been an opportunity of a lifetime, with so many tales of beautiful little princesses and their fantastic families.

Even before my recent May graduation from the University of Missouri, I was sure that I was set for whatever "the real world" would bring. So I began to plan, to organize my life, all the while secretly pining for Mickey to take me back.

And then, that fateful day in April. The phone call that commenced in a sputtering blur (in my part) but ended with a "And you have a magical day!" The phone call that told me to grab my Mouseketeer hat and celebration button. The call that told me there was still magic to be found.

And here I am. One week left in Chicago before the great adventure happens once more.

Let the memories begin!