Celebrating Fourth of July at Disney?

Independence Day is one of the most popular days for families to spend time together in the Disney parks. Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World have special plans, events, and shows for guests that decide to have their vacation during this patriotic holiday.

Disneyland Resort

For those of you spending the fourth in Disneyland and/or California Adventure, there are a few things to look out for that have been catered especially to this holiday. 

• 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band: An extremely talented military band will perform several times in Disneyland throughout the day on July 4th:
• 3:30 pm - The band will lead the way before the new Frozen pre-parade in Mickey's Soundsational Parade.
• 5:30 pm - During the flag retreat ceremony in Town Square, the band will help retire the flag for the night.
• 5:45 pm - The band will continue down the parade route right after the flag ceremony all the way down to "it's a small world."
• 7:15 pm - The last chance to catch the band will be a full concert session at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.
  
• "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky": From July 1-4 at 9:25 pm, you can catch Disney's beautiful Independence Day fireworks spectacular above Sleeping Beauty Castle. If you want to find spots right in front of the castle, I recommend getting there at least an hour before the show starts. July 4th is extremely busy for Disney, so the earlier you find spots for shows, the better chance you will have in finding a good viewing location. If you can't find a space for you and your family in front of the castle, I also recommend watching the show from Main Street. I watched "Magical" on Main Street just the other day and it was a wonderful location to view the show.
  
• World of Color Fourth of July Pre-Show: At 9:00 and 10:15 pm, there will be a special patriotic pre-show before World of Color. Remember, if you want to watch World of Color in the dedicated viewing area, you MUST obtain FastPasses before the show. I highly recommend immediately heading towards Grizzly River Run to get FastPasses for the show. On busy days, these passes run out quickly, which is something you won't want to risk if you want a spot in the viewing area. If you for some reason don't get a FP for the show, there are dedicated areas for viewing without FPs. Two consistent locations available are in front of Toy Story Mania, and behind a white fence at the top of the bridge near Ariel's Grotto. Ask a cast member for more specifics if you need to find one of the alternative viewing area options. (Note: I will be working this show for July 4th!)

(Last year's 4th of July pre-show for World of Color)

Walt Disney World Resort

There are a few special patriotic firework shows in different parks in Walt Disney World on July 3rd and 4th:

• Magic Kingdom, "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky": This incredible fireworks display will ignite over Cinderella Castle at 9:00 pm. This is probably the most incredible and jaw-dropping fireworks show in all of the Disney parks. I've seen bits and pieces of the show from friends, and I can't even imagine how spectacular it must be to witness in person. You will definitely need to find a spot early for this show if you have a specific viewing location in mind.
  
• Hollywood Studios, "A Rockin' Fourth of July Celebration": The celebration begins at 6:00 pm at the Sorcerer Hat with a DJ to help energize the crowd. At 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 and 10:00 pm, Mulch Sweat & Shears will perform on stage. At 10:15 pm, the rock 'n roll fireworks will ignite the sky above the Sorcerer Hat!
  
• Epcot, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth - 4th of July": Epcot's beautiful nighttime show "Illuminations" will have a new patriotic spin for guests on the 3rd and 4th of July to celebrate America's independence. It will feature a five minute patriotic finale called The Heartbeat of Freedom. Also, throughout the day Disney characters will appear near The American Adventure in patriotic outfits for meet and greets.

Once again, 4th of July is one of the busiest days in Disney. I personally haven't experienced this holiday in the parks just yet, but some compare it to the same kind of crowd as New Years and Christmas time. It is highly recommended to plan ahead which shows you will want to watch, as well as which rides to conquer throughout the day. Lines will be long and shows will be crowded. For those of you planning on braving the parks this day, may the force be with you!

The Disney Tag! (Vlog)

Finally made a new video blog! This is the Disney Tag for 2014, which my friend Raisa tagged me in a very long time ago...hey, at least I kept my word and filmed it eventually!

What other vlogs would you like me to do? 

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Two Haunting "Dream" Covers

Two of my favorite Youtube artists covered the same song for the most recent Disney movie, Maleficent. Some of you might have heard Lana Del Rey's version of the classic "Once Upon a Dream," which even though I'm not a huge fan of Del Rey, I do enjoy her twist on the song. (If you haven't heard her version, listen to it here.)

Sidonie Smith and Traci Hines both created their own covers for this song, in two very different ways. Sidonie used her talent on the viola while Traci focused more on her voice. However, both versions are beautiful and definitely worth watching.

Sidonie Smith:

This is definitely one of my favorite videos from Sidonie. I love how she made it different with the viola, and I'm always blown away by her makeup and costumes in her videos.

Traci Hines:

I love how Traci added a little of her as Aurora, showing both the dark and light side of this song. Traci is just so ridiculously talented I can never get over it.

What do you think of these covers? How do you like the new versions of "Once Upon a Dream"?

Make sure to check out Sidonie and Traci's Youtube channels for more amazing covers and music!

Big Hero 6 -- OFFICIAL TRAILER

The official trailer for Disney's new animated film, Big Hero 6 was recently released! Take a look!

What do you guys think? I'm personally quite excited to see an animated super hero movie. I'm glad they're kind of taking a break from the princess field for a little bit after all the Frozen hype...plus, super heroes are more my style. ;)

Disneybounding in Disneyland! (Part One)

Something I've really grown to enjoy doing in the parks (or sometimes just any day for fun) is Disneybound. If you're not familiar with Disneybounding, it's when you create your outfit similar to something related to Disney. The most common Disneybounds are modeled after various characters, such as Mickey, Ariel, or Anna and Elsa. Sometimes you can even dress similarly to Disney attractions or resorts! (I've seen a Tower of Terror Disneybound that I'm dying to try!)

Since I started working in Disneyland and coming to the parks for fun on my days off, I've Disneybounded twice with different friends. The first time I took my roommates into the parks for fun for my roommate Diana's birthday. Each of us had a Disneybound for a different character that we pulled together the night before. I was actually really impressed with what we were able to create!

(From left to right) Erin was Mickey Mouse with her sweatshirt, Emily was the Genie from Aladdin, I was Flynn Rider, Diana was Killian Jones/Captain Hook from Once Upon a Time, and Imani was Briar Rose. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get an actual picture with Flynn because his line was way too long by the time we were done watching the Beauty and the Beast show in Fantasy Faire. We made do with what we could, and I found these posters of Flynn and even tried to smolder! (Keyword: tried)

My second Disneybound attempt in Disneyland was when my lovely friend Raisa came to visit. She was Bounding as Anastasia Tremaine from Cinderella, and I was finally able to dress up as my favorite character: Megara from Hercules!

I actually bought this dress last year for Dapper Day during my college program, but decided it wasn't necessarily "dapper" compared to some other dresses I found afterwards. It was rather difficult to re-create Meg's massive ponytail and curls on such a hot day, but I tried my best! (It looked better before this picture with Daisy.)

Raisa and Anastasia!

The Tremaines recognized Raisa's Disneybound immediately. I may have mentioned this before, but if you ever have the chance to meet these crazy sisters, do it! They're so entertaining to interact with and meet.

On this same day I actually was able to finally meet my wonderful friend Tera! She was visiting Disneyland for her first time with some of her friends, and they all decided to Disneybound as well! We had dinner at Ariel's Grotto, got to meet all the princesses, rode a few rides, visited Mad T, watched World of Color, and SPRINTED to Big Thunder with one of my coworkers to cast preview the attraction before it opened back up to the public! It was so much fun!

(From left) Meg, Mary Poppins, Minnie Mouse, and Ariel!

Disneybounding has definitely become one of my favorite things to do in the parks. It's so much fun dressing as some of your favorite Disney characters with clothes you just happen to find in your closet or casually come across at the mall. It's a super fun way to interact with characters if they recognize your outfit, as well as when other cast members notice you dressed as a certain character!

I felt like this was an appropriate post to share on Disney's official "Rock Your Disney Side" 24 hour event today. If you're braving the parks, make sure you stop by Monsters Inc, Mike & Sulley to the Rescue tonight to see me! I have a full on graveyard shift until 5:30 in the morning....wish me luck, and have fun everyone!

DCP: All About Shoes

My lovely shoes for QSFB

Every cast member has a specific dress code to adhere to called the Disney Look. Under these requirements, hair must look natural and well groomed, nails painted a neutral color (or not at all if you work with food), and your costume for work must always be the right size and wrinkle-free. While Disney supplies your costumes for you, the one aspect of your costume that you might have to buy on your own is your shoes.

Some people preparing for the DCP may wonder what kind of shoes they will need to buy for their program, but unfortunately Disney does not tell you where you'll be working until the day of your check-in. The type of shoes you will need depend on your role and your location, since each costume can require different colors or kinds of shoes that match with what you're wearing.

Those participating in foods (quick-service and full-service) are provided with shoes within the first couple days of training. You will either receive black or white non-slip shoes, depending on your location and the costume. I'm going to warn you right now...the shoes that they give you are extremely uncomfortable. It took me about two weeks to even break them in...and after a couple months they were almost falling apart. If you can possibly find an affordable pair of non-slip black or white shoes on your own that are more comfortable, I highly recommend it. While I was able to survive those first few weeks of breaking them in...working eight hour shifts for five days each week made my feet throb almost every night. Make sure you also buy arch supports or Dr. Scholls to help make your shoes more comfortable...they basically saved my life during my program.

If you aren't participating in food and beverage during your program, you will need to buy your own pair of shoes for work. Most roles simply require black or white shoes (usually black). However some positions with heavy theming such as Jungle Cruise or Kilimanjaro Safaris require special shoes like hiking boots. You will receive specific information about what shoes you will need to buy within your first few days at Disney.

For Disneyland specifically, attractions requires all black shoes made with all of the same material. When you wear pants, you must have black socks. If you decide to wear shorts, you must have white socks. Some costumes for girls require panty-hose or tights, which you'll discover within your first few days of training and orientation.

Once again, if you're participating in the program and you're worried about shoes, don't stress! You'll receive all the information you need once you arrive. If you need to buy shoes (or choose to buy shoes instead of the ones they provide for foods), you can usually find some that you need at either WalMart, Payless, or Target. There's a outlet mall right around the corner from some of the apartments in Florida that you can visit as well!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Interview a CP: Caitlin (Entertainment)

Entertainment is an extremely popular role for people applying to the DCP. When Caitlin volunteered to participate in an interview, I couldn't say no! I added a few questions at the end specifically for her role that some of you might want to know. Enjoy!

What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?

I was a character performer! As a character performer, I was a global cast member so I could work at any of the parks. I spent most of my time in Magic Kingdom and Epcot!

What was a typical day like at work?

Because I could be at any park, each day was different! Typically I would get to work, have an hour to warm up and gather everything I needed for the day. Then I would hop on a van and be driven to my location which was either in the park at a meet and greet area or at a resort dining location. I would have a day full of creating magical memories, broken up by frequent breaks and lunch, and then head back to the base, drop off all of my work items, and head home! 

Is this the role you originally wanted? If not, are you happy you got it?

I originally was placed in the role of Full Service Food and Beverage before I attended a character performer audition. I was hopeful to receive an entertainment role, but I would have been perfectly content in my original role! I am so happy that I was chosen to be a character performer. It was the most magical experience and I am currently still working as a seasonal entertainment cast member!

What are your favorite and least favorite parts about your job?

My favorite part of my job was creating magical moments for the guests as well as cast members. There were many times when I would sit back and think.. wait... this is my job?!! The obvious struggle and worry with being a performer is working in heat. As long as you stay hydrated, you will be just fine!! I can't really think of anything I would classify as least favorite. There were tough days, but then I would remember how many people would love to be in my shoes and how blessed I am to have received this role!

Any specific magical moment you want to share? 

I have so many magical memories from my college program! One that sticks out in my mind happened one day when I was driving to work. It was pretty early in the morning and I was still not quite awake, kind of annoyed that I was up that early. I pulled up to the window at the cast parking lot and the little old man looked at my ID and he said "Now you go out there and create some magic!" That was a reminder that no matter how early it is, or how tired I may be, ultimately I am there to create happiness and magic for everyone who enters into Walt Disney World. No matter what your job is, you can create magic for cast members and guests every day!

Caitlin's good friends the Tremaines!

What made you want to do the DCP?

I always have loved Disney World and all things Disney. My sister and I stumbled upon a recruiter at a career fair and just decided to apply! It was a spontaneous decision, but I am so glad we went for it. Who wouldn't want to work for such a prestigious company? I did my program the fall of my junior year, so it was a nice break from school to have fun and branch out. 

Is there something you wish you would have known before doing your program?

I think that a lot of people go into the program thinking that it is going to be all fun and games and not an actual job. The college program is definitely an actual full time job and you will be working at the wee hours of the morning and late into the night. I remember the first few weeks my roommates and I were in bed so early because we were exhausted from work. We all quickly adjusted to our new lifestyle, but I would advise everyone who plans to participate in the program to be ready to work. 

What advice would you give to those who want to participate in your role?

I would say be persistent! If you have your heart set on being a performer and you don't make it the first time you audition, keep trying! It is all about timing. You might be the perfect fit for a role, but they are not in need of that specific role when you audition. If you are blessed with receiving this role, enjoy every moment of it! 

Any advice for the character performer audition? What should someone expect when they audition?

I would say first and foremost go in with a positive attitude! Never think that you are guaranteed the role because you have theatre experience or that there is no possible way you could be a performer because you don't have any dance experience. Just go and try your best with a smile on your face! My audition was two years ago, but I assume they are still run the same. There were about 300 people there, so we were split into two groups. We first learned a short, basic dance routine, practiced, and then performed in small groups for the judges. There was a cut and then we did an animation exercise. This consists of the casting directors giving you a scenario and you have a certain amount of time to prepare and practice acting out the scenario without talking (like you are a fur character). Then you are put in groups and perform your animation. After that you are taught a more technical dance. Don't let that scare you! I have no technical dance training at all, so do not feel like that is required. You will practice and perform that in groups and then you are done! Overall it is a very friendly, welcoming audition environment!

Here's just a few tips:

1. Go in with a positive attitude.

2. Don't stress about it! Keep an open mind and have fun. Whatever role you have at Disney will be amazing!

3. SMILE! Even if you are frustrated at the audition and are having trouble catching on, fake it til' you make it. 

4. Wear something comfortable and figure flattering. I wore yoga pants, tennis shoes, a bright colored tank, hair pulled back and make up that highlighted my features.

What advice would you give to people who are interested in doing the DCP?

I would say GO FOR IT! Some people are skeptical about moving to a new state, having a full time job, living with strangers... it is all about the experience and working for the Walt Disney Company has been the best experience of my life so far!

If you're a current or past college program cast member and would like to share your experience, email your name and role to thedisneyden@yahoo.com to participate!