Home from Disney World - Full Trip Report, Pictures & Vi

[Disney Villain]

I read the entire thing, and, as usual with your park reviews, FANTASTIC!!

It made me miss the parks. Did you see Peter and Wendy?

Thank you so much! It took awhile to type and put together, I really appreciate your kind words. Unfortunately I did not meet Peter Pan or Wendy. We looked, but they weren’t out. I have a Peter Pan parade picture posted, and when I upload the videos there are some great Peter Pan scenes in some of the shows and parades.

I feel for you Disney Villain. Fay interrupted my trip as well. Although i did get 3 days of sunshine. Still I am happy You had a Good time. I look forward to reading your trip report. From what people are saying they sound very interesting. I might just have to post my own.

Thank you. I know Fay was bad, I’m glad you got a few days of sunshine though. I hope you had fun on your trip. I for one would be interested in reading your trip report. (btw you have a great avatar!)

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pap64 and Black pearl I’m sorry I did not post it sooner, lol. Well it’s up now, I hope you like it.

[Disney Villain]

David S. thank you so much for the kind words. The rain did put a damper on the experience but we tried to make the most of it. I know, Disney does know hoew to keep everyone calm no matter what is happening. I'm glad they kept everyone happy despite the weather.

[pap64]

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pap64 and Black pearl I’m sorry I did not post it sooner, lol. Well it’s up now, I hope you like it.

Don't worry about it. In fact, I feel bad for hurrying you up. But nonetheless that was a great write up of your trip.

I really loved the character interaction moments. It does seem that both you and the characters had fun with it. The Villains were great. I find the "Maleficent the babysitter" comment both funny and fantastic. Both Lady Tremaine and Maleficent were voiced and modeled by the same actress, if I am not mistaken. So Lady Tremaine saying that Maleficent was a fine woman is a bit like paying tribute to the original actress that performed both roles .

As for Anastasia being a popular character, you have to give Cinderella III credit for that one (and Cindy II if you want to consider it). They did a great job of taking a very hated character and turning it into someone you actually root for. So I wouldn't be surprised if some of the girls that meet Anastasia know her from the sequel rather than the original, and that in a way is very sweet.

You are also lucky you go to WDW in Florida. In Disneyland the Princesses are stuck at the Fantasy Faire, which has some rather dreadful lines and the interaction is very limited.

I also admire how dedicated the characters are. They don't go for the typical "Hey there little boy or girl! Want a picture? HAVE FUN! NEXT!" routine. They actually go the extra mile to feel as if the characters are truly interested in the people they meet, whether they'd be a very young girl or a young adult. I applaud the effort.

Thanks a lot for the detailed report! I just hope that if I ever go to any of the Disney theme parks (whether by myself or as a family man) they are just as fun as your trips .

On a slightly different topic, you always go with your mother and sister?

[Daisy Duck]

Thanks for the taking the time to post everything. I really enjoyed reading your report and seeing your photos. Your descriptions remind me of why I love the parks so much. By the way, Aurora's right--you do look a bit like Aladdin.

[PrincePhillipFan]

Wonderful trip report, Disney Villain! It sounds and looks like you had a wonderful time.

I'm happy to hear that the Tremaine family is gaining a lot more popularity amongst the guests. I remember seeing them outside of Cinderella Castle one time and the woman who played Drizella was hilarious. I hope they only add them more to the character dinners and more meet and greets.

[Disney Villain]

Don't worry about it. In fact, I feel bad for hurrying you up. But nonetheless that was a great write up of your trip.

I really loved the character interaction moments. It does seem that both you and the characters had fun with it. The Villains were great. I find the "Maleficent the babysitter" comment both funny and fantastic. Both Lady Tremaine and Maleficent were voiced and modeled by the same actress, if I am not mistaken. So Lady Tremaine saying that Maleficent was a fine woman is a bit like paying tribute to the original actress that performed both roles .

As for Anastasia being a popular character, you have to give Cinderella III credit for that one (and Cindy II if you want to consider it). They did a great job of taking a very hated character and turning it into someone you actually root for. So I wouldn't be surprised if some of the girls that meet Anastasia know her from the sequel rather than the original, and that in a way is very sweet.

You are also lucky you go to WDW in Florida. In Disneyland the Princesses are stuck at the Fantasy Faire, which has some rather dreadful lines and the interaction is very limited.

I also admire how dedicated the characters are. They don't go for the typical "Hey there little boy or girl! Want a picture? HAVE FUN! NEXT!" routine. They actually go the extra mile to feel as if the characters are truly interested in the people they meet, whether they'd be a very young girl or a young adult. I applaud the effort.

Thanks a lot for the detailed report! I just hope that if I ever go to any of the Disney theme parks (whether by myself or as a family man) they are just as fun as your trips .

On a slightly different topic, you always go with your mother and sister?

Don’t worry you didn’t rush me, you just reminded me to get off my lazy but and finish it, lol. The characters at Disney world are really something special. Those cast members go above and beyond to make the experience something special. They truly embody every aspect of the character; they are the character. I always speak to them as if I’m speaking and having an experience with the character from the film. They also don’t “get out of character” if your older. You could be 92 or you can be 2 and the experience will be the same. It’s truly magical, and it’s something only Disney can do.

My interaction with the Tremaine’s was very funny. I thought of the connection as well. It was a sweet tribute. They have gotten so popular, and you’re right it is because of Cinderella III. All the children know their names, and the facts about them just like do with characters like Cinderella. It’s really amazing. Hopefully Disney catches on, and we see more of them outside the parks.

You are very welcome! Thank you so much for the kind words, I really appreciate them. I hope you have the pleasure of visiting one of the parks. It truly is something out of this world. If you do ever go alone, let me know maybe I could join lol.

For all my Disney trips I usually just go with my mom and sister. When I was two years old my father passed away, so it’s just the 3 of us. I have a big extended family. My mom has a lot of brothers and sisters, and I have a lot of cousins. Sometimes we even go with my grandmother. Every four or five years we all go to the park (almost a group of 20). That is a lot of fun. I love seeing it through my little cousins eyes. That is magical.

Thanks for the taking the time to post everything. I really enjoyed reading your report and seeing your photos. Your descriptions remind me of why I love the parks so much. By the way, Aurora's right--you do look a bit like Aladdin.

You’re very welcome. Thank you for the kind compliments, I’m flattered =)!! I’m glad my report reminded you of your experiences. There is just something about the parks I love as well. It’s something only Disney can do.

Wonderful trip report, Disney Villain! It sounds and looks like you had a wonderful time.

I'm happy to hear that the Tremaine family is gaining a lot more popularity amongst the guests. I remember seeing them outside of Cinderella Castle one time and the woman who played Drizella was hilarious. I hope they only add them more to the character dinners and more meet and greets.

Thank for the kind words! It was a lot of fun. The Tremaine’s are great; they’ve become my favorite characters to interact with. Hopefully we’ll see more of them outside the parks.

[Escapay]

I could live in Disney World, that’s how much I love it. There’s just something magical about the place that you can’t get anywhere else.

Normally I'd suggest you try out the College Program (even if they screwed me over and it's a slave labor operation in disguise. But you're not that corrupted yet so you'll enjoy it.), but only if you're willing to see behind the magic, which I doubt you'd want after reading your entire glowing trip report.

Still, living in Disney World is quite fun, once you get over the first few shocks such as actually *being* in the tunnels, or seeing Cindy getting lunch at the Mouseketeria, or even a simple thing like having your own authentic castmember name tag that says your hometown.

(There's some shocks more shocking than that, but I don't wanna ruin the magic any more than I might already have)

I can’t explain it, but the parks are truly magical.

That settles it, you'll never work for the theme parks. All the magic dies when you work at MK. It's replaced by new magic, but it's just not the same.

Anyway, great trip report and I enjoyed it immensely. And Happy 20th! You're no longer a teenager! Celebrate and go do something reckless but responsible!

Albert

[pap64]

So basically, its like learning that Santa Claus ain't real; You are shocked as all hell, you are depressed, then you finally accept it and later on play along with the myth, only to yearn for your youth ignorance, because it made the world more magical .

Still, I think some of the cast really enjoy what they do. I've seen a lot of character interaction videos and sometimes it amazes me how they are so into it.

I'm sure there are people that love what they do, even if they are faking it.

[Disney Villain]

Normally I'd suggest you try out the College Program (even if they screwed me over and it's a slave labor operation in disguise. But you're not that corrupted yet so you'll enjoy it.), but only if you're willing to see behind the magic, which I doubt you'd want after reading your entire glowing trip report.

Still, living in Disney World is quite fun, once you get over the first few shocks such as actually *being* in the tunnels, or seeing Cindy getting lunch at the Mouseketeria, or even a simple thing like having your own authentic castmember name tag that says your hometown.

(There's some shocks more shocking than that, but I don't wanna ruin the magic any more than I might already have)

I actually am really interested in the College Program. I was even thinking about signing up for this spring/summer. I realize that I’ll never look at WDW the same afterwards, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I really do make WDW seem like it’s God gift to man, don’t I, lol

I’ll admit if I saw Aurora eating in the Mouseketeria without her pink dress on I’d get a little upset. She means a lot to me, lol. Haha, Don’t worry about ruining the magic, I’ve come to realization that it’s not really real. I guess I just still like to pretend it is. I actually find the behind the scenes stories very interesting. If you’d ever want to post more things like you have above I’d be thrilled to read them.

Also, I’m sorry about what Disney did to you. I remember reading your story here and being angry. I still can’t believe they did that. One little mistake (away from guests) and all the great things and success’ you’ve accomplished don’t matter anymore. I’m sorry that happened.

Anyway, great trip report and I enjoyed it immensely. And Happy 20th! You're no longer a teenager! Celebrate and go do something reckless but responsible!

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Well actually I turn 19 today, lol. I guess I’ve been pretty confusing, for the past week I’ve been referring to myself as 19 and saying my birthday was this Sunday. lol, I’ll keep your advice stored away for next year!

pap64, the actors and actresses really embody the character. It really is something you can’t find anywhere else. These people must love what they’re doing. I know if I were ever fortunate enough to be a character I’d feel the same way.

Just to re-cap...

Trip Report:
http://www.ultimatedisney.com/forum/vie ... ht=#404736

Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/disneyvault ... _zhWYcY3iQ

New Video (will be updated all this week):
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p ... 68DF82988C

[Ariel'sprince]

Questions-
Giselle is threre?.
WALL-E is there?.
Pixie Hollow is open already?.
Where's Ariel now?.
Prince Caspian stopped being in the parks?.
There was something for the Sleeping Beauty PE?.
Any Giselle merchandise?.

[pap64]

I say the characters must love what they do because I've played characters myself (not Disney characters, mind you, but characters for plays and such).

Last year I was "The Big Bad Wolf" on a play us education students did for a special assignment.

Days prior to it, we were getting tired of it. There was no time, budget was non existent and our teacher was pretty demanding. On top of that, the girls playing the pigs forgot to pick me up a wolf's mask at the costume store, meaning I had to improvise and came up with the crappiest wolf costume ever.

Moments before showtime I was nervous. But once I started acting I was loving it. I improvised nearly 95% of my routine and was having a blast. The more the kids laughed the more into character I was.

Even when I was running away due to my tail being on fire I would do things like stopping, saying hello to the kids, and continue running.

The performance was so effective I was "the big bad wolf" for the entire year. Even the adults called me "wolf"!

I also played Santa Claus. I gained a GREAT deal of respect towards anyone that does characters for a living. I did Santa for 3 or 4 school parties. Since I couldn't dress up at school I had to do it at home, meaning that my mother would drive me while I was in costume, gaining the attention of A LOT of people. It was embarrassing as all hell. And when the show didn't work I lost motivation.

Most of the time the kids loved the show, but there are always a few little pricks that try to ruin everything. I couldn't even hide and have a proper lunch without some kids banging at the door in hopes of seeing me out of costume.

But when it worked everything was amazing. Even when the kids knew who I really was they loved it and played along, asking for pictures. I think I might have been the only school teacher who would dress up as Santa or any character to try and make them happy, no matter who they are.

Forgive me for going very off topic, but what I am trying to say is that the job the characters at the Disney parks (and any theme park for that matter) do is not an easy one. It takes a lot of patience, tolerance, creativity and love of the character and the children in order to make the experience work. But I know from experience that when it works you can't stop. And from what I read from your report (as well as the videos I see on YouTube) these actors know that and they love it.

[Daisy Duck]

Escapay wrote:

That settles it, you'll never work for the theme parks. All the magic dies when you work at MK. It's replaced by new magic, but it's just not the same.

Besides working for the parks, I've often wondered if the magic may wear off if one were to visit the parks too often. For example, if someone lives in the Orlando area, has a season pass and can visit whenever he likes, would a visit to the parks then become less special because it's so accessible or because it becomes too familiar? I have the possibility of moving to Orlando (I'll probably end up elsewhere), but I actually thought about that. Hopefully each visit to the park, no matter how infrequent or frequent, remains magical.

Back on topic though, it was great seeing the video of the parades. I've never seen the day parades as I've always been on rides at those times. It's great seeing characters all together from so many classic films.

[Prince Charming 12]

As I was perusing your trip report, I came across your interaction with several villians at Disney's Hollwood Studios which brought back a fun experience of my own during my last visit. Since you are BIG villian fan, I thought I would tell my short story.

While I was sitting along the parade route watching and photographing Spectromagic, the Queen of Hearts came up to me and extended her hand palm down. Thinking nothing of this because I have had similar experiences with numerous other characters, I immediately shook her hand and greeted her! Figuring that she would continue to walk along and "work the crowd", I picked up my camera to resume photographing the parade. To my surprise she remained standing there, with her hand extended. Hmmm......ok I guess she wanted another hand shake so I obliged, but she was still standing directly in front of me and shaking her head and presenting her hand palm down. Ahhh I get it, being a prince ( ) I should have thought of this sooner - you want me to kiss your hand! Well, I commented, "I have never kissed a villian's before but there is always a first time." Kiss. She covered her face, as if to express a blush, then waved and walked on. Of course no one snapped a picture, because we were all in shock!

While this one encounter lasted probably less than a minute, it is one that I will never forget. I must agree that the Disney characters really do bring a lot of joy and make the park experience fantastic!

Thanks for posting your report; I enjoyed reading it.

[Escapay]

So basically, its like learning that Santa Claus ain't real; You are shocked as all hell, you are depressed, then you finally accept it and later on play along with the myth, only to yearn for your youth ignorance, because it made the world more magical .

Pretty much, yeah.

I'm sure there are people that love what they do, even if they are faking it.

Faking It 101 is vital for any castmember.

I actually am really interested in the College Program. I was even thinking about signing up for this spring/summer.

You should! A bright young kid like yourself is what Disney looks for! Plus, once they hear that you love the place, they'll know that you'll actually enjoy the job (no matter how great or crappy it is).

Also, it'll probably be better to finally have them pay to keep you around for several months instead of you guys paying them to visit for a week.

I realize that I’ll never look at WDW the same afterwards, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

Yeah, that's the sacrifice we all have to make. When I went back this past July it was a bit surreal to walk in there as a guest and to know that I only had a limited time to see the place. Made me miss working there even more, even if I got treated badly the last time I was there.

I’ll admit if I saw Aurora eating in the Mouseketeria without her pink dress on I’d get a little upset. She means a lot to me, lol.

If you’d ever want to post more things like you have above I’d be thrilled to read them.

I'd love to post more of them, but there's some things I've seen that I really shouldn't post about (especially the infamous "Which two Disney Princes have I caught making out in the locker room after a parade?" which I'm sure I mentioned on UD before).

Here's a story I've likely posted before, but I always love remembering it because it shows just how quickly castmembers go in-and-out of their Disney persona...

One day, I was walking the tunnels to get to work and I saw a tour group (where guests are led around by a guest relations tour guide who explains what the tunnels are and takes them to other backstage areas). They had stopped by the entrance of the Main Street Pedestrian Walkway, just as I was coming down one end and Cinderella was coming down another. As soon as she saw them, she had to go into her Cindy character - perky, happy, with that singsongy voice. And she had to stop for a little bit to talk with the tour guide person. But as soon as they said their goodbyes and she was walking past them, she just rolled her eyes and had a "God, I hate that" face. I saw the entire thing and couldn't help but chuckle to myself when she did that.

I’m sorry that happened.

So am I, though I've gotten over it. I actually re-applied for the summer program this year, and all went well with my re-interview and everything (the person I interviewed with said that it looked good for me since I was honest about my termination and also about why I wanted to come back). Unfortunately, the one technicality that prevented me from going back was the fact that I didn't have a job (because any rehires-from-termination had to have a steady job for the past 6 months or year, and since I was fulltime student I didn't have time for a job). I actually called them to ask why I got rejected from the program, and the coordinator I spoke to said that that was the only thing (no job) that kept them from rehiring me. Frickin' bastards...again.

(Sorry if it seems like I'm making the whole company sound awful. My relationship with the Mouse House is always fluctuating between "they fired me, but I can't hold the bad judgment of a small group of people against the whole company" and "they fired me, they're still bastards regardless if a good deal of them are actually nice people")

Besides working for the parks, I've often wondered if the magic may wear off if one were to visit the parks too often. For example, if someone lives in the Orlando area, has a season pass and can visit whenever he likes, would a visit to the parks then become less special because it's so accessible or because it becomes too familiar?

You can always ask Ames (blackcauldron85). She lives minutes away from Disney and goes there often (we've actually hung out a couple times, and she frequently hangs out with Mason).

But to answer your question from my own experience, yes, I think sometimes the magic can wear off if you visit the park too often as a guest. Before I started the Disney CP program, I had been to WDW 8 times and it had gotten rather tiresome for me because there weren't many thrills left for me (of course, I was also a brooding and moody teenager...). Working for the parks may have cost me some of the original magic of being in a wonder world, but it gave me a whole new magic that allowed me to appreciate the fact that I could both work in a wonder world and play in a wonder world. It's a complicated thing to explain. Like, I eventually appreciated the park more once I learned what it takes to work in it. Also, I hate saying it, but sometimes it's a lot more fun playing in the parks with fellow castmembers than with family.

Albert

[pap64]

I'm sure there are people that love what they do, even if they are faking it.

Faking It 101 is vital for any castmember.

Let me see if I can be a cast member...

*Puts on a big smile

HELLO AND WELCOME TO WALT DISNEY WORLD, WHERE DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE! IF YOU BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART ANYTHING WILL BECOME A REALITY! OUR MAGICAL CAST OF CHARACTERS ARE WAITING FOR YOU, OUR SPECIAL GUEST! PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SAY HELLO TO YOUR FAVORITE DISNEY PRINCESS AND EVEN MICKEY MOUSE!

ONCE AGAIN WELCOME TO THE MOST WONDERFUL PLACE ON EART oh man I can't do it! I can't say this with a straight face.

[Daisy Duck]

Escapay wrote:

But to answer your question from my own experience, yes, I think sometimes the magic can wear off if you visit the park too often as a guest. Before I started the Disney CP program, I had been to WDW 8 times and it had gotten rather tiresome for me because there weren't many thrills left for me

Thanks for your input, Escapay. I guess I shouldn't complain then if I don't get to go to Disney World as often as I'd like. It will make the next visit that much more special. Despite some disappointments, I'm glad that you were eventually able to gain a greater appeciation for the parks after your work experiences and still enjoy visiting them.

[Escapay]

oh man I can't do it! I can't say this with a straight face.

Thanks for your input, Escapay. I guess I shouldn't complain then if I don't get to go to Disney World as often as I'd like. It will make the next visit that much more special. Despite some disappointments, I'm glad that you were eventually able to gain a greater appeciation for the parks after your work experiences and still enjoy visiting them.

No problem, and I hope you do end up moving to Orlando. Nothing's more fun than an impromptu weekend in the parks (thank god for annual passes and free entrance via cast member IDs...).

Albert

[slave2moonlight]

Wow, no rude guests? That sounds like a dream trip! I'm amazed at how many characters you got to meet! Guess it was 'cause of the weather though. I've been there many times (though I don't get to go every year and I'm having a droubt lately, my last trip was in 2004), and though we usually see more characters than on each previous trip, we still don't see too many and especially very few face characters (I think that's what the princesses and such are called...) outside of parades and shows. I have yet to experience the sort of interaction where they talk to you about other Disney characters and stuff like that (we always seem to experience rushed line situations), but then maybe I'd be too shy for that sort of thing. I actually took a look at your pictures hoping you caught one of this particular Wendy/Alice cast member I have a big crush on from her YouTube videos, ha, but no dice. In general, I have a love for Ariel much like your love for Aurora. Ariel and Tink, actually. I have never me them at the parks though, but in the parks I do tend to really like Alice and Wendy in particular (though I haven't had any interaction with them). I also actually met Belle last time, and that left me crushing on Belle specifically for some time after, even if it was another rushed line situation.

Anyway, great report. I feel like you about the parks, except I can't say I prefer them to the films because I don't think the park would mean much without the films. Still, I LOVE it and love taking in every little moment! The sights, sounds, smells... We usually drive there (all the way from deep south Texas), and I always try to stop at the Disney Welcome Center in Ocala if it's open, and even that is exciting for me as a sort of teaser to the parks, along with the Disney radio station they have or used to have as you'd get closer to the park area. Unfortunately though, I have yet to stay in a true Disney resort, but hopefully next time. I do have to say though, that for me the parks were in their prime in the late '80's and early '90's, which I guess coincides with Disney's Renaissance of theatrical releases (not to mention television; it was just a great time for Disney all around). Only thing is they seem to have far more characters out now.

I love your stories about the step family of Cinderella! I wish I could have seen that, especially Anastasia's reaction to the little girl! I wish I knew someone to go to Disney World with that was as into it as me, ha. My family I don't think would even appreciate the character interaction or understand it. Oh, that was a really cute Cinderella you met! And Hatter sounds like a Riot!

All the parks in one day?!!! Unbelievable! I could never do that! Too much time getting from one park to another. Plus, when I go it always takes forever to do one thing because of the lines, even when it is raining. We always (or at least usually) try to stay for 5 days at the parks, 1 day each and an extra day back at the Magic Kingdom. We've tried using the extra day for park hopping (always get park hopper passes), it we didn't like how much time was spent going from one park to another. We only do it if we missed something or things we really wanted to do. And we still never get to everything!

I'm so sad the Pocahontas show is closing! I never got to see that one. I rememer only seeing Tarzan Rocks, the Festival of the Lion King, and the Bird show (the hostess was gorgeous! That was probably around 2001 or something though).

[Black pearl]

Thank you DV for that wonderful report, I read the whole thing. Your report is probably the closest to disney land I will ever get, it was lovley & you did a great job in sharing the magic of disney land & how you feel about the place. I'm glad you had such a sweet, lovely & magical trip inspite of all the rain. Thank's for all the pic's & videos that you took the time to share with us, I have not had the time to watch all the videos properly but I will. I liked the pic's of the princess's, i love their dresses. Did you manage to get any thing pirate? I did not see any when I looked, it does not matter if you did not take any, I am gratefull for all the one's you have put the effort in sharing with us. I look forwards to your next report. (If you do one again)

[blackcauldron85]

It's fine about not getting to tape the HSM show, Mike! Thanks for thinking of me, though! This just means that I need to head down to DHS sometime and watch it for myself!

I really like your positive outlook on things- you seem very unselfish, like when you were more concerned about other people's vacations being dampened by the storm (pun sort-of intended!).

That's awesome that the cast member lipsynched with you- that's great guest service!

I agree- Philharmagic is AWESOME! And I'm surprised that there was no line at Peter Pan's Flight- I don't think I've ever seen it without a line.

Now if there was a Hannah Montana/Jonas Brothers ride (both of whom I love)

I love them both, too! Yay! And I wonder if you just gave some execs at Disney an idea or two...?

[Toy Story Mania] was a fun ride but nothing special. I definitely would not put it on my “to do” list.

Wow, really? I haven't been on it for a few months, but I loved it when I was on it!!!

I had a big smile on my face while reading all of your character interaction stories!

LOL @ the picture with the Tremaines! That's classic!

My jaw totally dropped at the picture with all the villains!!! I mean, you said they were all there, but it's one thing to read about it, and another to see it!!! Very cool!

Aww, the picture of Snow White laughing is too cute!!!!

Lol, your sister took a picture with the balloon salesboy! That's cute, though! How did that happen- did she just say, "Hey, can I take a picture with you?"? Was he surprised?

Your parade pictures came out great!

I agree with Aurora & Daisy Duck (UD's own Daisy Duck, that is! )- you do sort of look like Aladdin!

Daisy Duck, I moved to Orlando 4 years ago, and I have an Annual Pass (even though I haven't been going as often as usual lately), and I don't think that the magic wears off at all, and I worked there a few years ago, so I've seen the behind-the-scenes stuff). I enjoy playing there 100% more than I did working there, but I just like playing more than working, lol. It's just such a magical place- it's like a safe, magical haven, where all your cares don't matter, and you can just be a kid and have fun!

Albert, people need to have a full-time job to be in the College Program? That makes no sense to me- a lot of full-time college students don't work to focus on school- I stopped working in my sophomore year to focus on school, so I know how that is...I love Disney, too, but I have mixed feelings sometimes...like when I went to Casting in the spring and they wanted me to "come back when you have a steady job for 6 months to a year"...I guess it's a little similar to the CP thing you mentioned, but, anyhoo, it made me cry, and made me upset with Disney for not hiring me.

My behind-the-scenes cast member story is that I saw Cinderella in her sweatsuit (but her hair & makeup were done) eating with the Mad Hatter in the Mouseketeria. Good times. I was jealous, though, because I was a lowly Merchandise Hostess who wanted so badly to eat with the characters, but I didn't know them, so I didn't. Not being in the College Program but being college-aged and working at WDW can make for some lonely lunches, especially if you're not outgoing enough to talk to strangers...I mean, I had my friends at WDW that I would hang out with, but if you don't have break at the same time, you eat by yourself...

And, I haven't actually hung out with Mason "frequently"- the only time I've seen him since he's been here is when I hung out with all of you together. I haven't been to WDW much at all lately- Bobby & I did go to Animal Kingdom a few weeks ago, though.

Great report, Mike! Thanks for sharing!!!