"Look inside yourself. You are more than what you have become. Remember who you are."

May 1st, 2014: My 19th birthday, but more than that, the day I first signed my name into the Walt Disney World Company and began my journey as a magic maker. I still remember being so full of hope and excitement. I remember wondering what this new adventure would bring. I remember standing in line at casting and hearing them call my name accompanied by FRONTIERLAND MERCHANDISE...I remember my heart sinking. I didn't know then, how could I, that this was the very start of all my dreams coming true. Learning and growing in Frontierland ended up being one of the very BEST summers of my life. I grew to adore my co-workers, my guest, and my location. I was EXHAUSTED but I was HAPPY. I learned then and there that this Disney thing wasn't just a phase. It wasn't just a dream I had caught and released. It was the beginning of something SO much bigger. I sometimes forget that I got my start there. A lot has happened since then. But if just for a day, I would happily pull on my oversized blue skirt, button up my collard shirt, pull on some tights and rejoin my Ohana at the rickety old porch swing right outside The Trading Post.

Upper/lower zone stock costume

Upper/lower zone merchandise costume

My boys and I in Frontierland

May 27th, 2016: I had my second Traditions class and became an official Cast Member (again). I had SO many expectations for this program. After all, I had already experienced one. How could a second Disney College Program be much different. (I didn't know it at that moment. But I have NEVER been more wrong.) This program I was assigned to help open the newly renovated Disney Springs in merchandise. I was assigned to Zone 1 which consisted of 3 stores; Pin Traders, Marketplace Co-Op, and Trend-D. Work here was MUCH slower than it was within the park but my roommates were a DREAM COME TRUE. I loved each of them so much. They encouraged me to take the free time allotted me by a slow location and use it to explore different locations by picking up shifts in places I had always wanted to work. Because of their encouragement I also had the chance to work at Once upon a Christmas (Disney Springs), Animation Courtyard ( Hollywood Studios), Muppets Plaza (Hollywood Studios), and Cast Connections (Cast Member store). This program really helped open up my horizon and explore the possibilities of doing something other than merchandise. (Such as chase after my Entertainment dreams). While the job itself wasn't ideal, and A LOT of unfortunate things happened at home at that time, I wouldn't change that experience for the world. It gave me the greatest of friends and the motivation I needed to step outside of my comfort zone and really dedicate myself to performing.

Marketplace Co-Op, Disney Springs, Costume

Trend-D, Disney Springs, Costume

Pin Traders, Disney Springs,  Costume

Once Upon A Christmas, Disney Springs, costume

Cast Connections, Disney Cast Member Store, costume

Animation Courtyard, Hollywood Studios, costume

January 30th, 2017: I didn't need a traditions class this time because it hadn't been long enough in between programs. The 30th marks the day I checked into housing but I can't say for sure when I officially became official again. After attending a few auditions by this point I was fairly discouraged to have not received an offer to perform yet. I had always done fairly well but never got the official call. While discouraged I was very please to be offered a role as a CHARACTER ATTENDANT which gave me great access to the entertainment family and a first hand look at performer life. I have to say that being an attendant was by far the hardest role I had at Disney. It was so emotionally draining to be working hand in hand with performers and not be one myself. HOWEVER, it was the BEST thing I could have done to prepare myself for performer life, and I knew it then and thus pushed on. My roommates were amazing and I loved them all dearly. We took a lot of time exploring Florida rather than just the parks. It was a great experience to be able to see the world around me and to not overwhelm myself with the pressure that I felt with work. I know that this experience led me to be ready for what was to come next in my Disney story, and I am SO VERY grateful for it EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.

Welcome to Entertainment Class 2017

Loves to Piglet at Crystal Palace

Cinderella, me, and Princess Elena after a long day of meet and greets

November 9th, 2017: I attended what I told myself (regardless of the results) was going to be my LAST Disney audition. It was too emotionally straining to keep on auditioning time after time, year after year. I flew out to Orlando 2 times in 2 weeks (luckily Sydney was kind enough to pick me up and let me stay with her) (talk about a best friend). I had been told I had FINALLY been put into the hiring pool but all that really meant to me what that I still needed to wait.

Sydney and I after the audition! We felt the success called for Texas Roadhouse  

November 27th, 2017: At 1:00 pm my life changed. I got a call from casting. They wanted ME. They FINALLY wanted ME. I was completely ecstatic and felt unbelievably blessed (as I still do).

My Welcome Letter 2017

January 6th, 2018: I had my FINAL Traditions class. I sat and learned with such pride. I felt over the moon when people asked what I would be doing for the company. To be honest. I did, at times, forget my roots. I forgot about the sweat collecting on my face after long hot days at Big Al's in Frontierland, I forgot about the hours filled with the folding of 100+ shirts in Market Place Co-Op, I forgot about the heart wrenching moments as an attendant where I had to watch others do what I felt could be doing. I got cocky. It took me up until training to realize that I was not special. I was blessed, AND, that I would be required to put in more effort and work than I ever had previously for the company. I wasn't sure I was ready but I soon found I in fact was, and that every single moment was worth it. I love performing with Disney. It is my absolutely favorite thing to do. It is constantly in my heart and on my mind. Currently going from Full Time to Seasonal has been the HARDEST thing for me. When I am away my heart is only seeming to function at 50%. One day soon I'll return full time but until then I am beyond BLESSED to have the perfect role for me in the most wonderful company ever.

Everyday: I am BLESSED

I tell my Disney story to ease the hearts of those with the company who aren't doing exactly what it is that they want to do. It took me 3 College Programs and 8+ auditions to get to be right where I want to be. It's not easy to do a job you don't absolutely love but I am telling you right now. EVERY STEP YOU TAKE IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. You can't give up. You've got to keep trying. When you finally get to where you want to be, REMEMBER WHERE YOU CAME FROM. Turn around and help the next one along. YOU WILL GET THERE ONE DAY but until you do embrace where you are and what you can learn from your current role.

"Good Food is like Music You can Taste"

Three cheers for Character Dining! As a performer I have worked at plenty of these locations with my cute little pals but it wasn't until I started working at them that I felt the need to visit them as a guest. I am seriously forever changed by character dining experiences.

Chef Mickey's: Breakfast
Location: Contemporary Resort
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, & Goofy

This is one place you will for sure need a reservation for. We got ours about a month in advance. My mom, two sisters, Emily, and I all attended this meal together. It was honestly such a fun and memorable time. I loved LOVED loved the character interactions. They seriously make these meals. Character dining experiences are all you can eat which really makes it worth the money. We stuffed ourselves with every single food item on the buffet line. I was in LOVE with the cheddar potatoes. I also really liked the waffles and dessert options. It was pretty loud which I wasn't the biggest fan of but over all I was so pleased with this experience. I give it a 7 out of 10.


Crystal Palace: Lunch
Location: Main Street- Magic Kingdom
Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, & Tigger

Having worked personally in this location I was not expecting much. Most people working in this location are not huge fans of it simply because there is not a whole lot of space. It makes moving around pretty hard especially with people constantly getting up to get food. I was not sure that I would like it much more as a guest as I do as a CM. I was SO wrong. As a guest this is one of the cutest places to get character interactions as well as pretty good food. I loved the music and the marching as well as seeing my favorite 100 acre woods pals. The characters were on top of meeting guest in a timely manner and the food was always fresh and refilled. Our waitress was quick to fill drinks and check us out when we were ready. I also really liked the desserts. Like. A lot. I give it an 8 out of 10.

Loving the cute honey pot shaped dessert

Piglet with Katie and I

Garden Grill: Dinner

Location: Epcot- The Land 

Characters: Chip & Dale, Mickey, & Pluto

This was another location I had previously worked at before eating at. I brought my mother with me when she came to visit. I love working at this location and thought it would be fun to get to sit and try the food as well as check out the cool rotating deck that the guest sit and eat on. This is a pretty cool little place and honestly I feel like it is SO overlooked. It is really cool because it is on a rotating disk that slowly takes the tables around in a circle and shows different parts of the building including parts of the Living with the Land boat ride. Our waitress was UNBELIEVABLE. She was seriously the best waitress I had ever had on Disney property and as you all can visibly see, I eat on property A LOT. The food was UNBEATABLE. The price was well worth it. The roast beef was my favorite and the potatoes were mom's favorite. The dessert was Strawberry shortcake and cookies. This was also an all you can eat dinning but because of the rotating tables the waitress/waiter brings all the food straight to you. I love that feature. It made it easier for us to be at the table waiting for the characters come by. The character interactions were equally impressive. I loved this place so much that I have been back again multiple times. Which says a lot because there is still so much for me to see. I give this place a 10 out of 10. 

Mom, Mickey, and Myself

"Fish are Friends, Not Food."

Chefs De France: Dinner
Location: Epcot- French Pavillon

Whitney Beech and I at Chef De France

For Valentines (Gal-entines) Day my roommates and I decided to go someplace a little fancier than we'd ever been on Disney property. France is the place of love, right? So, there was really no better place to spend our time for the heart shaped holiday. The restaurant itself is beautiful. It is clean, cute, and very fancy for a theme park. It really made me feel like I was in France. Our waiter was not the friendliest but his accent made it easy for me to overlook. It is a very pricy place to eat and since I wasn't very hungry anyway (from eating all of the V-day candy I could) I simply ordered the Salade aux lardons et croutons. It was very fresh and honesty pretty good for a salad. I of course then wanted dessert after. I chose the  Gateau au Chocolat. I was again, not dissapointed by this sweet treat. I give this experience a 7 out of 10. 

Gateau au Chocolat

Mom and Daniela at Pop Century Resort

Pop Century Quick Service: Lunch
Location: Pop Century Resort

I won't lie. I never really have expectation for the value resorts and especially not for the food. I have always been knocked off my feet with surprise though. The pizza at Pop Century Resort really needs to be called out. It is really good. Like, really good. Its quick and easy to grab and go as well as easily feeds a family of 4. My sisters, mother, and I snacked on a pizza at least twice when they came to visit. The pizza is great. The service is great. The location is way out of the way just for a good pizza but should definitely not be over looked if you're staying at the resort. 



T-Rex: Dinner
Location: Disney Springs

Whitney, Alexa, Emily, and I

I am a Rainforest Cafe girl. Its just a known fact that my family loves to eat there. Its our favorite place at Disney Springs to grab a bite to eat. I figured that I would check out T-Rex on the other side of Springs with my roommates one day just to see what its all about. I am a huge Dinosaur lover, after all. First off, it is one place you will for sure want to get a reservation for. We waited for FOREVER. We didn't think about a reservation so it was totally our bad but it's for sure not a place you'll want to skip making a res. for. Once we finally got seated we quickly ordered with our very rushed waitress. I have to say that the actual theme of this place was AMAZING. We checked out each section of this location and I was personally in love with the animatronics and theming. I believe it to very well done. The food took a pretty long time to get to us. I had the Colosso Beef Nachos for Two. It was pretty decent but honestly I think the ones at Rainforest are much better. I wasn't in love with the actual dining of this place but the experience is really what saved the score on this place. I give it a solid 5 out of 10. 

Biergarten Restaurant: Lunch

Location: Germany Pavillon

I won't pretend that I wasn't surprised by this place. I am not a picky eater by any means, but I don't exactly go looking for crazy new foods to try either. I was a little apprehensive when Katie's family invited me to go eat with then at Biergartens. I had heard great things about it before but was not really sure that I wanted to waste money on food I wouldn't enjoy. Wow. I was SO wrong. I LOVED this place. From the waitress to the live entertainment. I would go back in a heart beat. The food was serve yourself buffet style and I am so glad it was. It gave me a chance to try everything and I did. It was honestly one of the best dining experiences I have had. I easily give it a 10 out of 10.

Grateful to the Causer family for allowing me this experiance

Everything is better when it is Mickey shaped.

Grand Floridan Cafe: Brunch
Location: Grand Floridian Resort

Sydney at Grand Floridan Cafe

Sydney and I decided to have brunch one day at the Grand Floridan Cafe. We need a reservation (as is expected), which was totally fine. It was great to not have to wait for seat. We had wonderful placement right next to the window that overlooked the beautiful scenery of the most high class resort on Disney property. Our waitress was kind and quick. I ordered the Cafe Sandwich. It was an open faced turkey breast sandwich. It was so freaking delicious. Sydney had the  Lobster 'Thermidor' Burger and I had a taste, it too was fantastic. We don't normally have room for dessert but the food was so good that we decided we wanted to have a taste of the dessert as well. I had the strawberry cheese cake and Sydney had the fondu plate. Again, I was far from disappointed. Overall I give this dinning experience an 8 out of 10. 

Cafe Sandwich

Lobster 'Thermidor' Burger

Strawberry Cheesecake

Fondu Plate

Olivia's Cafe: Breakfast
Location: Old Key West Resort

Eating at Old Key West Resort was never something I would have picked for myself since the resort is a little out there. I went with my roommates for breakfast and I have to say that I was pretty impressed with this little hidden treasure. The service was fantastic. The decorations were cute. The food was amazing. The location was beautiful. Everything was great. I had the biscuits and gravy meal with eggs and sausage. Sydney tagged along and had the french toast meal. Both were amazing. Both were filling and tasty. Again, the service could not have been beat. I give this little gem an 8 out of  10. 

French Toast Meal

Biscuits and gravy meal 

Kona Cafe: Dinner
Location: Polynesian Resort

Roommate date 

Let me start off by saying that I love the Polynesian Resort. It is my favorite resort and I love every part about it, so, it was no surprise when one day Emily and I decided to go on a roommate date for dinner at Kona Cafe. It was easy to make a last minuet reservation and actually hoped on the monorail from Magic Kingdom over to eat within 30 minuets of getting hungry. The service was quick and consistent. I was a little disappointed in the food. It wasn't very flavored. I got the Asian Stir Fry and Emily got a sort of sushi. I have to say that while I am NOT a fish eater I did try some of Emily's sushi. It was actually pretty decent. I think if I ate fish I would have really enjoyed her meal. It had some sort of mango sauce which really made all the difference. I would give this place a 6 out of 10.



Port Orleans Quick Service: Snack
Location: Port Orleans Resort

One day a Alexa, Sydney, and I decided to stop at Port Orleans just so we could try their famous beignets. I know it was only for a snack but I have to say how very impressed I was by them. The cast member taking orders was so kind, helpful, and hilarious. The cast member getting our beignets was quick and made conversation with us each individually. I basically died and went to Heaven eating the delicious beignets. I ordered mine with strawberry sauce though I think I would have been just as pleased with the caramel sauce. I seriously would go back out of my way just to get a taste of these tasty treats again as well as try anything else they were serving just to be treated so well again. I give this experience a 10 out of 10.

The best Beignets

Calories Don't Count at Disney

Don't think for a second I've forgotten about the food reviews. I've thought about typing it all out for a long time now, I just get lazy. It happens. Anyway-

For starters I have:

Bongo's Cuban Cafe- Dinner
Location: Disney Springs

I had big expectations for this restaurant but was pretty disappointed in every way possible. We had a large group but was still seated rather quickly so it did start out pretty good. We were seated in the middle of the restaurant so maybe that is why, but IT WAS SO LOUD! It was dark and loud which made it hard for a group of new friends to really talk and get to know each other. As a hispanic person I LOVE Spanish food and was really looking forward to it. I had the chicken empanadas. They were dry and not very full. They were pretty expensive for just the two of them. I tried Amy's rice and chicken but was equally disappointed in the quality of her meal as well. The rest of the group seemed to have a similar opinion on their experience. Our waiter was kind but not very on top of our drinks. I would give this experience a 3 out of 10.

Empanadas

Chicken, rice, & beans.

Even Miracles take a Little Time

On March 8th, 2016 I attended my very fist Disney audition. I had never been more scared and more excited in my whole life about anything. (Which is saying a lot because I do a lot of scary things). I remember walking into the small dance studio in Bountiful, Utah and KNOWING that there was nothing else I wanted to do with my life than to perform for Disney. The summer of 2014 I had participated in my first Disney College Program and while it was the HARDEST few months of my life at that point, I left there knowing that I would be back one day. I carried that hope in my heart and allowed it to drive me forward into the next two years and motivate me to gain the courage to attend an audition.
Have you ever felt lost in the world? Knowing who you are but not really knowing where you belong? Wanting to be where you're expected to be but being pulled to the most unrealistic of places? I have. I've felt that my whole life. Stepping into my first Disney audition was the first time in my life that I have ever felt that feeling go away. Dancing, animating, and laughing out loud at the thought that I had never felt more meant for a place than I did in that moment. I attended 7 MORE auditions (in 2 years time) after that. SEVEN.
I know that number is nothing compared to so many others, who have attend many more than I, before finally getting an offer. I am very fortunate that 8 was my lucky number.

This post is for the dreamers. This post is for those who believe. This post is for the people who have ever been told that their dreams were unrealistic, un-accomplishable, or unfavorable. For those who have been told to be an ADULT or to GROWUP. For those who have been misguided by the idea that in order to be a contributing member of an adult society you must be miserable and bored. That you must make money over happiness. That you must take stability over adventure. That you must remember your resume in every step that you take. That you must be a parent, spouse, or provider before you are allowed to have a peace of mind in who you are becoming. YOUR DREAMS MATTER. YOUR GOALS MATTER. YOU MATTER....& there will always be people who do not understand your choices. You DO NOT owe them an explanation. You do not owe them a roadmap to your dreams that explains each road you took to reach your destination and why you took them.

A few Sundays ago in fast and testimony meeting a member of my ward stood up and talked about how he quit his job and school in order to follow a dream. He said that no matter where this dream took him, wether he reached it or not, he would never regret the risk. His dream meant that much to him.
I cried. I knew the feeling. I remembered the jobs I struggled through with Disney just to get a chance at one day performing. I remembered the dance practices and my aching knees and feet. I remembered working hard to save money to fly/drive to any and all auditions. I remembered pushing back graduation dates so that I could just get one more DCP in. I remember waiting for months to hear about audition results and crying when they didn't match my expectations. I remember skipping events for extra sleep before auditions, passing up snacks so that I could be healthy, and killing my hair and watching pieces of it fall out just to get it into Disney look. Those were miserable memories. But you know what else I remember? I remember sitting on the floor in an audition room in Orlando and hearing the worlds, "you're in the hiring pool". I remember running out to Sydney sitting on the floor with tears in my eyes as I hugger her and shared the news. I remember getting a call from casting on a cold November morning and getting a job offer. I remember my fist day of training and meeting my trainer Raevon and thinking that I was finally home for good. Most of all, I remember my first debut day, I remember kneeling in the hot sun as tears mixed with sweat ran down my face as I hugged my very first child guest. I remember the pain, but man oh man, do I remember the joy much, MUCH, more.

I've had my moments where I have forgotten my dreams. When I have fallen to the idea of realism and contentment over the idea of unrealistic yet accomplishable and joy. I've tried. I have tried to be content with the worlds idea of adulthood but I am just not that kind of person, and I know I can't possibly be alone.

If there is one thing that you get from this post friends, let it be this, YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. YOUR DREAMS ARE YOUR DREAMS FOR A REASON. (They weren't just given to you to help pass time with day dreaming, they are apart of you for a reason). I don't believe that God gives us passion and dreams just so that we can wave at them as they drive by us living our mediocre lives. No matter how long they take. No matter how much work you have to put in. YOU CAN MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE. I know I did.

"If you can dream it, you can do it"

WELCOME 2018.

I know this post is a bit out of order and I have so much to fill in in-between. It has clearly been a while since I've posted but I realized I never wrote about my current life.

Guys.
I'M FINALLY A DISNEY CHARACTER PERFORMER.

We all know I've wanted this for forever and have worked so hard for the last 4 years. Audition after audition was beginning to get me down but my FATHER IN HEAVEN MAKES MIRACLES HAPPEN. I know this without a doubt. I have been so blessed in my life in so many ways and this job is really just a leaf on the tree of all that He has done for me. I'll write more a little later on (and possible bring back my vlog) about my audition, training, and life as a FULL-TIME (and now seasonal) performer.