Bows n things

As you all know, my bowtique helps me channel the Disney obsession. I've added plenty more bows and also some Rapunzel inspired flowers! All of them available at www.etsy.com/shop/designdreamers
Try and guess the character!

Disneyland 60th Anniversary continued...

I can't explain my excitement for this year.

First of all

These pictures were unveiled on Disney Parks Blog just a few days ago, revealing for certain that the Disneyland castle, as well as Carthay Circle Theater restaurant in DCA, are going to be glitzed and glammed in diamonds for the 60th!!!! The castle is currently undergoing the overlay construction which is sad for the families visiting right now, but oh is it going to be worth it. As the timeline stated earlier for the closure of the castle it was set to be opened up at the end of February, which means it would be open for Dapper Day on March 1st, but nothing has been confirmed on when the diamond castle will be revealed. As my hopes are confirmed for the diamond overlay, it doesn't end there.

My hopes were also confirmed about the amazing LED parade "Paint the Night" coming over from Hong Kong Disneyland. This night time parade will debut on May 22nd when the rest of the celebration is set to begin. Just take a look....

I don't know if it will be the exact same, they may change it up a bit but I cannot wait.

To add to the list of amazing additions for the 60 is a brand new World of Color. While I'm obsessed with the original one and a little disappointed I won't be able to see it again, I have faith in what they can do and what they will make it out to be. This new version, not sure if it's permanent, will be called "World of Color -- Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney". The name says itself it's going to be incredible.

Still to come!

Hatbox Ghost is said to be making a reappearance in the classic ride "Haunted Mansion". For those of you who don't know, the Hatbox Ghost is an original ghost who appeared when the Haunted Mansion opened up in 1969. He appeared in the attic scene as he held a hatbox in his hand which within it, his head appeared and disappeared inside as the bride's heart would beat. Rumor had it he was taken out because he was too scary for the kids, which may have been partially true, but in reality the Imagineers just couldn't get the technology to work the way they wanted. He was soon after removed... but is he going to come back? Only time will tell! I can't wait to look for our long lost friend.

Another night time spectacular that is going to debut on May 22nd is the new fireworks show "Disneyland Forever" a brilliantly reminiscent show going through the years of Disneyland. As old firework shows have had projections on the castle throughout, the buildings lining main street will now be lit up as well!

Disneyland had a preview of this new firework show just a couple days ago and from the looks of it, there won't be a bad seat in the house. While the fireworks do light up the sky and are visible to most of the park (and the houses next door!) you couldn't always see the wonderful effects being projected onto the castle. Now, everyone will be able to see the show. Super excited for this one. Oh wait, I'm excited for all of it.

On top of EVERYTHING we just discussed, we're also going to have all the re-openings of the ride closures. "Peter Pan's Flight", a most beloved ride is getting a revamp and will be opening shortly before the 60th debut. Splash Mountain will be opening up again as well as Soarin' Over California with a new HD movie, Winnie the Pooh, and Matterhorn Bobsleds.

What are you most excited for this year? Are you even going to be able to choose?

Credit for pictures and information....

disneyparksblog.com

hatboxghost.com

micechat.com

"Faith, trust and pixie dust!"

Now that I'm back home and not able to visit Disneyland 20 times in one week... I have to channel my obsession somewhere else.. not easy to do!
Well I have officially opened my own etsy shop!! I'm so excited to get this up and running, where my love for Disney is put into detailed hair bows. Perfect for Disneybounding, cosplay, or even a day where you need a little extra magic in your life. I'll be posting pictures to give you a sneak peek at what I've created so far...

Just a few of my Design bows so far.. To see more please visit my page!
www.etsy.com/shop/designdreamers


 

Disneyland 60th Anniversary

SUCH EXCITING NEWS EVERYONE!!!! Disneyland turns 60 this year!! It's going to be a beautiful diamond celebration! I've heard rumors and stories about what exactly is going to be happening this year and I wanted to share all that I've learned with everyone! (P.s. I am not saying this is all for sure going to happen this is just what I've heard from my own research)

So as of right now we have a lot of closures going on at the DLR. Here's a list of the closures for this year so far....

Disneyland Resort

Captain EO 11/1/14 to 2/27
Matterhorn Bobsleds 1/7 to 5/15
Haunted Mansion 1/12 to 1/22
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes 1/12 to 2/26
Splash Mountain1/12 to 4/2
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 1/12 to 2/26
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-through 1/19 to 2/27
Main Street Train Station 1/26 to 2/12
Tomorrowland Train station 1/26 to 2/12
New Orleans Train Station 1/26 to 2/12
it's a small world 1/26 to 2/5
Mickey's Toontown 1/26 to 2/12
Peter Pan's Flight 2/2 to 5/7                               California Adventures Muppet* Vision 3D 11/2/14 to 5/31 The Bakery Tour 11/3/14 to 1/26 Character Close Up 12/1/14 to 5/31 Pacific Wharf Cafe 1/5 to 2/5 Soarin' Over California 1/6 to 5/14 World of Color 1/7 to 3/12 Taste Pilots Grill 1/7 to 3/12 It's Tough To Be A Bug! 1/18 to 1/29 Redwood Creek Challenge Trail 1/20 to 3/12 Grizzly River Run 1/20 to 3/19 Luigi's Flying Tires 2/2  to 12/1 Ariel's Grotto 2/2 to 2/27 The refurbishments, while many, are going to be well worth it. Like I said earlier, it's the DIAMOND celebration! Disneyland needs to make this BIG. And these closures are going to help them do that! But you might ask...with all these closures what are we going to do when we planned a Disney vacation during the months of February - March?! Well my good friends if you like the hit movie "Frozen" the closures might not be AS bad as you thought! And my theory (again, not official) is that they have inputted all this lovely Frozen entertainment at this time to distract us from all the closures they are going through. Currently "Frozen Fun" is going on at Disney's California Adventures. This includes... *Olaf's Snow Fest Located in Stage 17 in Hollywood Land, Olaf's Snow Fest is a fun party room filled with music, food, a snow playground and even Olaf himself! Yes, Olaf has come to Disneyland for meet and greets and this is the place to see him. *Frozen Sing-a-long I had seen pictures and videos of this from Walt Disney World in Florida but I didn't expect them to bring it here! Probably a distraction like I mentioned earlier... but it seems to have won the hearts over of many! I haven't seen it myself, but from what I've heard, it's where the Muppets* 3D show used to be. It's a large theater that includes scenes from the movie where the audience sings along and even has appearances by Elsa, Anna and even Kristoff! *Anna and Elsa's Royal Welcome Located in the Animation Academy this is where you get to meet the beautiful sisters, (not located in Fanstasyland at Disneyland anymore) the animation drawing academy has now turned into "Do You Wanna Draw A Snowman?" where you can learn to sketch the characters from the movie. Still more!!! *Freeze the Night! Freeze the Night took the place of the nightly show in Hollywood Land the "Mad T Party". This too is a nightly event with music and fun, from what I've heard, not the best part of the Frozen Fun spectacular Over at Disneyland we do still have some Frozen inspiration... *Storybook Land The wonderfully miniature ride now incorporates Arendelle! *Fantasyfaire Theater Where once Belle and Rapunzel had their wonderfully adorable shows, Elsa and Anna have theirs instead :( I'm personally disappointed because I was such of fan of the fanfaire theater shows but I've heard that the show is amazing and has truly impressed. SO MUCH FROZEN!!! But all this fun will end in May, right around the time that I've heard rumors about the *drumroll please* 60. hour. day. THIS IS NOT OFFICIAL YET ... but there are definitely rumors! And the timeline seems to all make sense. Closing everything from now until May and adding Frozen in to distract guests and then closing all the Frozen down and opening up for the Diamond Anniversary! From what I've heard, the 60 hour day would commence right around May 23rd, but it also may be taken down to the usual 24 hour day that they've had the past 3 years. Either one would be incredible. And you can bet your bottom dollar I will be there. As part of this celebration you may have noticed the Sleeping Beauty Castle will be under refurbishment. I SURE HOPE THESE RUMORS ARE TRUE. A beautiful diamond overlay of the castle. And diamonds decorated all throughout the park. Oh please please please put faux diamonds everywhere.  The best source I've found about this is linked here: http://micechat.com/91544-disneyland-diamond-anniversary/ Coming up a little before that is the ever so wonderful Dapper Day!!!!! Being held March 1st for Disneyland and March 14th for Disney World, this day is a time to dress to the 9's and go spend the day at the park. Mostly taking lovely vintage-like pictures and mingling with other well-dressed guests. This will be my first year attending and I CANNOT wait. More info... here!: http://dapperday.com/ So many exciting things happening this year... I simply can't contain the excitement I have to see all that Disneyland does for their Diamond Anniversary. Credit given to the "Frozen Fun" information: http://variety.com/2014/biz/news/disney-adds-frozen-experiences-to-california-adventure-theme-parks-1201371926/ Credit given to the refurb schedule: http://touringplans.com/disneyland-resort/closures# Sneak peak of our inspiration for Dapper Day..  With all these planned trips to Disney I need to start saving up... My friends and I have found the best way to do this is to get a jar. Any jar will do as long as it will hold the money that you plan to put in. We like to decorate ours to get excited:) But this way the money you plan on saving doesn't "accidentally" get spent on other things. If it's in my bank account, I will more than likely end up spending it. And plus it's fun to count the money every once in a while and see what you've come up with. Even putting spare change in the jar throughout the year adds up! The blue ribbon and Disney World-esque castle decal do have a purpose.... Trip to Florida coming up....? :) The official logo for this year...! Hopefully everyone gets to experience the 60th Anniversary

"When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier."

I know it's been forever since I have posted! After I received my job at Disney, life was hectic and amazing all at the same time! I worked two jobs and was trying to make ends meet. This was, after all, my dream... and I was living it!

As you could have guessed everyone wanted to visit and go to Disneyland, for the perks I'm sure... but also because they wanted to see my new life. Most everyone I know and love live in Utah so a trip out to California is not a weekend getaway! This required me to take off time at work, change my schedule constantly and plan things ahead! Don't get me wrong, how grateful I am to have so many supporters in my life.
My Mom and sister came to visit me sometime in September and I couldn't wait.When taking my Mom to the airport at the end of her vacation, something felt completely and utterly WRONG. Of course I'm going to miss my Mom and homesickness is completely understandable and expected, however, this was one of the worst feelings of my life. I pushed it away and continued on with my day to day tasks, but simply couldn't shake it off.
Meanwhile, working for Disney was so much different than I thought! Getting to see how the magic is created is absolutely incredible. It was hard. But so worth it. I will be eternally grateful for everything I have experienced. As a Photopass Cast Member we worked hand in hand with our wonderful friends from beloved Disney movies as well as a roll called Character Host. It was a wonderful trio. Spending time in Mickeys house with the mouse himself, watching the children run through the door and capturing those moments on film was incredible. One day I was scheduled as a "breaker" which simply meant I would travel to different destinations throughout the park for an allotted amount of time so the Photopass photographer at that location for the day could take their breaks. This day was one to remember.

To start out the day we would head to our headquarters for Photopass where we would gather our equipment and hear the news of the day. You walk a lot as a Disneyland Cast Member and the backstage area is quite large! So as a safety precaution I thought it was very neat that they require you as part of your shift to go down to the stretching room and follow a simple warm up video. You will be standing and walking so much that day, so you have to keep your body and mind energized and refreshed. What a cool system to incorporate, they truly care about their cast members.
I joined the hustle and bustle of the park that morning and got to shrink down to the size of a pixie to hang out with Tinkerbell and her animal talent friend Fawn! Though my time was short, I would be back later to help out again. (Shrinking down and going back to normal size is exhausting! Ask Alice!!)
After my first round as a pixie I was privileged to walk over all the way over to Toontown and see Mickey Mouse! Shooting with him is always the best time. If you haven't seen his beautiful home take some time on your next trip to take a tour, Mickey was filming a movie at the time and had taken a break to see all of his loving guests. You just might see him if he's not too busy!
After that I was honored to fly over to Arendelle in Fantasyland and see the beautiful Queen Elsa and Princess Anna. Seeing them interact with the sweet little kids was indescribable. They had waited an awful long time in line too so it was well worth it.
Back to Pixie Hollow I went! This is definitely a must see when visiting Disneyland especially if you've seen the new Tinkerbell movies. Located just to the right of Sleeping Beauty's castle, you can shrink right down into the blades of grass and meet the fairy herself. Tink spends so much time with each guest and it was truly amazing to see their interactions. Usually Tink has one of her fairy friends that you are able to visit with too!
Since this was right around Halloween I got the awesome opportunity to go see Jack and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas! They make appearances starting in October and all the way through the first week of January. They're located over by their re-designed holiday ride Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square.
At the end of the day I was exhausted. But never had I experienced so much Disney magic in one day. I'm sorry to say that was my last day as a Cast Member, the burden of my feelings when my Mom had gone back to Utah hadn't left. As much as I tried to convince myself that I simply missed my family, it seemed to be much more than that. It was a gut feeling that something wasn't right and I needed to go back to Utah. So I did... it was a long journey to get where I am today but I'm finally back home, settled back into my previous job, and still as Disney obsessed as before. Whatever you have heard about working there "ruining the magic" is completely untrue. It made it all the more amazing for me.
But don't you worry!!! I'm still an annual passholder and have multiple Disney trips planned this year!!! I will continue to blog about the wonderful things I have experienced with Disney as well and tip and tricks that you can experience with your own friends and family!


THANK YOU to everyone for being so supportive, it means the world to me to have people understand.

'All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them' -Walt

I have such exciting news for everyone, I'm going to be a Cast Member at the Disneyland Resort!!!!
AJDKDWAEJqwelklrj2j3RJSAF(JQ1i3j!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I cannot even explain my excitement.

But. I need to go back and explain.

So Felicia went back to Utah and my new roommate Ashley and I unpacked and got settled into our new apartment.
My secondary interview was last Thursday, August 8th. It was with the manager of the Photopass department. At the same location, I went to the casting center and arrived at about 9:40, my appointment was for 10 AM.

Oh and by the way, while I was walking in, I looked up at a window just next to the doors of the building and I was startled by a life-size Sully peaking out the window! Since Felicia had just left, and we had just gone to Disney as Sully and Mike I just knew it was a sign. She was still there with me, cheering me on!

 This time, when he called my name, he also invited another girl to come into the same room with us. So I suppose it was a type of double interview, group session thingie. She and I were asked a series of questions pertaining to what experience we have with cameras, our past job experiences, our favorite character, our favorite ride, etc. I answered to the best of my ability, and I'll be honest, although I am pretty tech-savvy, I don't have a ton of experience with those big ol' fancy cameras. I just smiled, tried to answer the questions as promptly as possible and spoke clearly. At the end of the interview, he informed us that we would know either the next day (Friday) or the following Monday. He also said that if he didn't see us fit for the photopass position he would send our information back to the regular casting members and they might be able to find another spot for us. We were excused, and the waiting game began!

At this time, I was also called in for an interview at a hotel just down the street. I figured if I got the position at Disney, it was only a part time and everyone knows how the cost of living is here in Cali. I had a secondary interview at the hotel right after I had finished the one at Disney :)

I didn't hear anything on Friday, which didn't surprise me, but still frustrating! Ashley and I had a wonderful weekend though, decorating our apartment and going to the beach :)

Before...

Shoot that's really blue....!!!

AFTER!!! Isn't it charming. I can't stop staring at it. We're so awesome.

Beach day :) We went to Huntington and TK Burgers. SOOO good.

And then we painted our entertainment center as well!!! Our apartment is going to be so cute. We have more crafts in the process.. :)
So she kept me pretty busy and preoccupied. Thanks Ash for not letting me go nuts :)

Sooo Monday came around!! I waited all day, since I have nothing else to do at the moment, and at about 4:15 I called the hotel, left a message for the manager, then called Disney casting center and was on hold for about 20 min. I hung up, and called back and was on hold for another 25 or so minutes. While I was on the phone, it turned 5:00 and at 5:04 it said they were closed and I would have to try tomorrow. Disappointed, I thought "I'll call them first thing in the morning". I won't lie though, I haven't worked for two weeks. I'm starting to get concerned about money and plus I'm bored just sitting at home. Netflix is my life right now people. Well.... at about 6 pm when I wasn't expecting any calls because everyone was closed down for the night.... I got a call from Margee!!!!!!! That was my first interviewer by the way. And she offered me the position!!!!! I WAS SO EXCITED. No that's not even the word, I can't explain my happiness. She gave me all sorts of information about paperwork and emails and blah blah and I was just ecstatic. I don't start until September 5th but that's ok! I'M A CAST MEMBER!!!!!!! We set up a day next week to go in and do all the paperwork, and at the end of the call I was thanking her profusely. She congratulated me and that was it! :) Guys. DREAMS DO COME TRUE. I'm going to get all cheesy for a minute but oh my goodness it's so surreal!!
So I would like to let you know, I have seen so many videos, blogs, instagrams etc about auditions and Cast Members and such and I know that pay is a personal thing, but for me, when people just said "It doesn't pay the best but it's definitely enough.." Well that just didn't cut it for me, it's hard to make such a crucial decision to drop your life and move out of state not knowing if you're gonna be able to pay rent. Or even eat. So yes, I will let you know that when I first applied for the food position, the pay was somewhere in the 10/hour range and the photo pass position was 9 something. I applied for the food position for the pay, who wouldn't if you had the choice... (unless, in my case, there was a position for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique because it's my dream to work there). After Margee told me I was better suited for the photo pass position I wasn't disappointed at all, but just knew I would have to get another job (I already would have to do that anyway, haha) When she called me back to offer me the position it was offered in the ten range instead! Which is wonderful!! I can't guarantee that pay for anyone else of course, and I'm not sure how they determined it, but I'm so happy that it's even better than I thought:) And of course I'm going to be paid riches in experience, happiness and magic. :)

Today is Tuesday, I called the hotel this morning and was offered a position there as well, wonderful things are happening! I hope it only goes up :) As usual, if anyone has any questions, please talk to me! I wanna help in any way I can.

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Tell everybody I'm on my way!

New friends and new places to see
With blue skies ahead, yes I'm on my way
And there's no where else that I'd rather be

Tell everybody I'm on my way
And I'm loving every step I take
With the sun beatin' down, yes I'm on my way
And I can't keep this smile off my face

'Cause there's nothing like seein' each other again
No matter what the distance between
And the stories that we tell will make you smile
Oh it really lifts my heart

So tell 'em all I'm on my way
New friends and new places to see
And to sleep under the stars and who could ask for more
With the moon keeping watch over me

Not the snow not the rain can change my mind
The sun will come out wait and see
And the feeling of the wind in your face can lift your heart
Or, there's no where I would rather be

'Cause I'm on my way now
Well and true, I'm on my way now

I'm on my way now
I'm on my way now
I'm on my way now

Tell everybody I'm on my way
I just can't wait to be there
With blue skies ahead yes I'm on my way
And nothing but good times to share

So, tell everybody I'm on my way
And I just can't wait to be home
With the sun beating down yes I'm on my way
And nothing but good times to show

I'm on my way
Yes, I'm on my way

**************************************************

So I have news for everyone!! I applied for a food position last week on disneycareers.com I know I said I wasn't gonna apply again until October but I was sitting at work one day and since I was moving in about a week I thought I might as well try. I applied first for a photopass photographer position and when I got to the end I cancelled it. I then saw a position for food and beverage steward and went for that one just because of the pay. I applied on Friday afternoon so I didn't expect a response till at least Monday. If not later on. 

I did get a response on Monday :) I got asked to an online interview. I completed that and then got asked to schedule my in person interview! My friend Felicia and I were planning on going on vacation to Disneyland the 28th- August 1st already and since I would be moving at that time as well it would be perfect timing if I got the job. 

Saying goodbye to my puppy :( 

We got to Fullerton Monday morning and moved into my new apartment. My interview was at 2:20 that day at the Disneyland casting center. This is the same building I went to for my last interview and the same area as the last audition I went to for parade performer. It's 700 West Ball Road right behind Disneyland. 

I checked in with the front desk and sat down. There were 3 nice guys waiting for their interviews as well.

When my name got called I realized it was the same woman I had interviewed with last year! We sat down and began the interview and about 10 minutes in she pointed out that we had met before :) it made me smile that she remembered me! She said she wanted me to be a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique hostess and she would try everything to get me in. Unfortunately there weren't any positions open:( but in the end she gave me a secondary interview next Thursday with the manager!!:) she told me I had more to offer as a photopass photographer and that is what my interview would be for. I owe so much to her. She's helped me immensely along the way. 

What I wore:  

I decided to wear that red dress I wore to my first audition. It's kind of 40's-esque but not too much and has pockets so it's not too dressed up. I wore my hair straight and I wore sparkly vans to add a little flare :) 

My advice: if there's anyone else out there that is striving to be a cast member as much as I am, please don't give up. Apply for anything you can with your qualifications and after four months you'll earn your ears and can transfer to something else, or stay in your current position if you end up loving it! The only thing you can't transfer to is entertainment but they do hold 'in house' auditions for cast members so you have a better chance!!! If you have any questions about anything don't hesitate to ask.