Say Yes to the Stress

Apparently working in weddings is tough.

Apparently working in Disney weddings can be stressful beyond belief.

Though my two roommates working in Disney's Fairytale Weddings absolutely adore what they do, it is understandable that after a bit of time, some cast members need a change of pace and clientele.

This past week, as we were introducing ourselves to area coordinators and managers in the Youth Programs department, we noticed a picture of Randy in a corner office. Not just a picture of Say Yes to the Dress's star, but a signed picture. With an inscription.

Curious, right?

Though the three of us were left to wonder, we couldn't investigate further until the end of the week. This is when we discovered that the picture owner (who is now a manager) had worked in sales at the wedding side of Disney, and had just recently moved to the Youth Programs a year prior. The best news was this: in working closely with weddings, she was in acquaintance with both Randy and David Tutera. Cherry on top of the (wedding) cake came however when we also found out one of our head directors in Marketing also knows David. Very well. Though David would not sign a copy of his most recent book on Disney weddings because he felt it still had a few steps toward perfection.

I guess this means the next step would be for me to meet them myself. Until that time however,  degrees of separation now complete. Thanks, Disney!

Welcome to My World

Celebration Place

Monday morning, the Celebration interns (the town created by Walt Disney World's corporate headquarters) huddled nervously, waiting for the next step in our new lives. We each had been given a piece of paper that stated a time to meet a coordinator and what to wear. That was it.

We all kept an eye on the overhead clock as 8:30 rolled past, and we sat, waiting in the pristine lobby for the ominous names to appear. The conversation among the dozen interns thinned into a nervous silence as the waiting game continued.

The first set of elevator doors opened with a man beckoning a certain department, causing a couple interns to quickly depart from the group. One by one, the interns climbed into the elevator and disappeared. The three Youth Sales interns waited for a woman named Lorraine. The remaining interns had dwindled to half their populace when a woman came from the doors and called for the Youth Sales department to follow her to the third floor.

With that closing elevator door, the new chapter began.

Disney Magic From the Start

As the new interns, we were greeted with a beautiful sign as we made our way into the Youth Sales department this morning. What a perfect way to start the adventure!

Dancing with the (Blue) Stars

While playing in the park, we encountered this little blue guy showing off his fantastic dance moves. I knew I had to stop and edge my way through swarms of soccer moms and video taping fathers, all with one person in mind. To the person who loves Stitch beyond all else. Except for Elvis.

Colleen, this is for you.

Ohana means Family

Moving back to Orlando was an exciting change. It meant starting a new adventure in life, working for the Big Cheese, and ultimately being in the "happiest place on Earth." Every. Single. Day.

I won't lie. I was nervous. Probably more nervous than I had been the first time I came to Disney last January. I knew the opportunity was limited, so I wanted to take full advantage of it, but not knowing what to expect in the program was daunting.

I missed my friends. And I missed my family. And a 100% surprise factor of who I would share a living space for six months was just short of terrifying. Exciting, but still enough to keep me awake at night wondering.

I moved into the apartment at 8:30 in the morning on Thursday. I think I may have fallen in love with my new roommates by about 8:30 that evening.

There are four of us living in this place we now call home. Four happy voices that share stories from our past and blend them into an exciting future. We all come from different parts of the country, but have an unwavering fascination that will carry us through.

The first roommate is a Pennsylvania native named Dorothy (and yes, the Wizard of Oz jokes have already been set into motion).  She is working in the Animal Kingdom with the stars of the park: the animals. Though she has the odd hours of the bunch (she leaves the apartment before 4:30 in the morning!) she is sure to leave adorable messages on the fridge reminding us to have a good day.

Living with Dorothy is the southern sweetheart of the group, Libby. This little munchkin makes dreams come true with Fairy Tale Weddings. She has a constant smile and infectious laugh, but what can really describe her is her fashion icon: Emma Pillsbury from Glee. Not to mention that when asked about her hair poof (the MUCH classier version than that seen on Jersey Shore) she mentioned "the higher hair the closer to heaven!" Another common phrase that can be heard like clockwork is "Oh my Lanta!" Adorable, right?

A magical ride on Splash Mountain

Last is my own darling roommate, Karen, another dream maker in Fairy Tale Weddings. She is wonderfully amazing beyond words. Karen and I were the first ones to move in, and it was pure luck (and helpful suggestions by our mothers) that we decided to take a room together rather than split off. She provides sage advice from decorating tips, to life conundrums, to wardrobe malfunctions. Karen also has proven to have the unique talent of folding ponchos into nearly impossible sizes. Truly, it is more applicable than any college degree. What is really amazing is that we did not know each other before this program, as we had been on the same College Program together. And lived in the same apartment building. And (wait for it) had been in the same small marketing course. What an example of fate stepping in to see you through!

I am extremely lucky to have such a wonderful family system back home, and now, an amazing start to one here in Orlando. My Ohana keeps growing!

Sacre Bleu! Invaders!

The Beast's castle is underway and looking mah-vehlous for the 2012 opening. Can't wait!

Darth Vader does Disney

Guess what?

Disney's Star Tours is now up and running. Did they alert the public with an ad showing kids playing in the ride, or demonstrate how fun the new refurbishments are now that they are (completely?) changed?

That would be nice, except this is Disney.

The result? Darth Vader goes and spends a day at Disneyland!

Irish SPF

It's finally summer. To many, this means soaking up the sun, walking outdoors without worry of massive amounts of sunscreen, or spending time outdoors without consequences. To those of us that have skin that will resemble a lobster without proper protection, it means the time has come to smell like a cheap coconut tree.

The battle between Mother Nature continues...

Sun: 2
Meg: 0

I think the only step to take would be those Banana Boat butlers with the umbrellas. Think I can craigslist them?

Harry Freakin' Potter

Orlando has many different attractions to offer tourists: Sea World, Busch Gardens, Universal, Disney, and countless others. It's a challenge to check everything off the "must see" list, whether the Orlando vacation is six days or (in my case) six months.

I didn't have a chance to see Universal when I was part of the College Program. I have wanted to go to Orlando's Universal Studios for a few years now, having only been there once as a child. Since it has been more than a decade between visits, I really can't remember anything about Universal except for the Jaws ride (and no one wants that as their only theme park memory!)

When the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened, I thought it was high time, and my duty as an Orlando civilian, to pay Harry and his gang a visit.

Was it worth the wait?
Yes.

Was it everything I could have wanted and more?
Yes (though I wish there was actually room in the shops to move around let alone breathe!)

Was the butterbeer wonderfully amazing?
Ohhhh yes.

Harry Potter is the new reason to visit Universal. As soon as the park opened at 8 a.m. we bolted in the direction of Hogwarts' magical spires, along with the countless others with the same idea in mind. We visited the ride inside Hogwarts first, where the wait time jumped from 40 minutes to 80 minutes. The interior of the castle was absolutely incredible, with an attention to detail that would make J.K. Rowling smile with pride.

We attempted to walk through the Hogsmeade shops, but between the frowning cast members and swarms of tour groups with color coded shirts, the shops were stifling and overcrowded at best. Despite this, it was still a magical experience to feel transported to Hogwarts. I would recommend going straight to the Harry Potter castle ride first, followed by the Flight of the Hippogriff, and topped off with a glass of Butterbeer while strolling the shops. If there is sweltering heat (as we experienced) or rain, don't expect to find shelter inside.

If you have a chance, grab an ice-cold Butterbeer, climb aboard Platform Nine and Three Quarters and pay a visit to Harry Freakin' Potter!

I Would Walk 500 Miles

Or maybe I would just drive the 1, 200 miles to Orlando.

Still, 20 hours, six states, and many cramped muscles later, we made it! My mom and I drove in record time with the help of Belle (the car) and Gaston (the GPS). We were greeted late Sunday afternoon with a bristling temperature of 101.

Welcome to Florida!

Goodbye until Tomorrow

It's hard to say goodbye to family.

A goodbye feels like forever.

On Thursday, the Regina girls had one last "HYEA-zzah" before heading to Orlando. These girls have been my family and my support system through the years, and I am so blessed to have them in my life. They are so talented and I cannot wait to see what their futures bring.

I can't write more without feeling lost without them, but I will say this: it's not goodbye. As Mickey says, "See you real soon! Why? Because we love ya!"

How the 100 Acre Woods Roll...

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!