Oh hey Summer, slow it down.

But really. Let's get real...

I cannot believe it's basically August now and I am wishing time would slow itself down. The summer will be winding down soon and my last college program will be coming to a close as well as my time with Disney (for now). From here I don't currently know where I am going job wise but I am staying here in Florida for the time being. I will be leasing a beautiful house in Davenport with three other girls. I am super excited, scared, anxious, and stressed about everything going on in my life right now. I don't think I've ever been this stressed out before and I would be lying if I said that it isn't dampening my spirit just a little bit. This will be my first shot at really being on my own but I want to move forward and make it work.

There have been many changes since I last wrote and everyday has been a new adventure throwing me the most awkward curve balls. Although, this summer program was short, I found a new little Disney family in Hollywood Studios, I got to live with some great roommates who I'm absolutely dreading having to leave, I've been reunited with old friends and have met some very special people who have completely turned my world upside down (and for the better), and I finally feel as if I'm actually starting to live for myself. It's a great feeling.

Birthday with the best mermaids :) 

Puppy day with Lauren!

Helpful shoe advice from Cindy. 

Me & J :) 

#2 of 4 Parks 1 day challenge!

Next week will be another CP graduation and another round of "see ya laters." This time of course will be very different. I keep telling asking myself why I put myself through DCP again, even if it was only for the summer. It will tear you apart emotionally so bad and it sounds so dumb but it's all so worth it, (at least in my opinion), and I can't ever put it into words how impactful this all is. As my girlfriend Naudia always says, "Life comes at ya fast." 

Nothing has ever been more true, but I am thankful for every little bit of that time I've been given to grow. 

Next updates coming at you soon.

Stay rad friends.

and as always....

Keep the magic, 

- Chelsea 

Summer Alumni Program!

Hello friends!

It has been such a long time since I've last updated you all on my adventures! I apologize for the delay. Life comes at you fast when you're simply living and having fun. I am well into my college program and it is so hard to believe it is already July and that July 4th has already passed us. I always wish time would slow down a bit so I can enjoy the moment. Then again, I never know what day of the week it is when I'm working for the mouse.

Yay for days spent in MK!

A few updates!

- I can say that I have worked at my favorite WDW park, Hollywood Studios!

- I have 3 wonderful roommates and we live in The Commons Apartments in Disney Housing.  This is the place we wanted because of the washer and dryer inside each apt.

- Being reunited with friends and co-cast from my last program is kinda surreal but I feel really blessed to still be able to have these friends in my life!

- I don't know why, but it feels a lot hotter here than when I was here last summer!

- Being away makes you appreciate home so much more. I do miss my family a lot.

- Hard to believe I have about a month left at Oscars, but I have an interview with casting coming up, so fingers crossed I find employment again.

- I have vlog footage but have yet to get it uploaded. Again, it's been so busy here that I'm either sleeping, working or in the parks playing with friends. I will begin working on them asap! My channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJcApHXNOJTT7XwyME7-Zg

- One of the best things about work is probably meeting guests from Ohio & seeing them get excited that I'm from the Cleveland area from my name tag. Since theres so much excitement & pride in my city going on with the recent Cavs win it's cool to make that home connection.

- Met some cool people here this program, I am already sad some of them will have to eventually leave their program and go back home. Knowing what that's like already, it's going to be hard.

- I unfortunately did not get my program extension, but it's okay because other things are ahead!

- I have a good support system down here, it makes me nervous that I may have to leave and come back again but I'm looking into more opportunities in Florida.

Hey, Stroller Girl 

At Hollywood Studios, I'm a "station attendant" at Oscar's Super Service and Crossroads of the World. I assist with maintaining and distributing strollers, ECVs, and wheelchairs to guests.

While I never imagined having to do strollers and manual labor as a part of merchandise, here I am. We really do work very hard everyday. It's a lot of pushing, lifting, and pulling of the vehicles and it does wear you down after awhile. First week my feet were killing me, but now it doesn't really phase me. It's for sure not my first pick of location but it's alright. Below is my costume for Oscars as well as the many I got to wear in my location.

Living in toothpaste overalls. #mediatoothpaste

Costume before I was switched to Oscars.
Reminds me of Minnie/Lillian Disney!  

The old area stock costume.
This one is used in Animation Courtyard. 

New area stock. Same as main entrance
cast members. Thinking this was
inspired by Emerald City from Oz.

Which one's your favorite? Mines probably the Emerald City or Strawberry costume!

So far, I've been having a good time here and hope I get to continue my journey here. Right now, it's the rush to just figure life out and I've come to terms that it's okay to not have it figured out...but it's still as stressful as ever. I probably do need a good "kick in the teeth," as Walt would say.

I get to work in Tomorrowland tonight and I also have the next three days off for my birthday so I'm hoping that time off will leave me refreshed and ready to get back on my feet again!

Till then loves. I'll talk to you sooner than later! 

Keep the magic, 

- Chelsea

See ya later Cleveland!

Hey all! It's been about a month since my last post but I am so happy to say that I am finally a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University! I am going to miss BW and I am so thankful for the amazing college experience I was able to have there and I owe a lot to my family and friends who made that possible. It feels good to know that the hard work payed off and that pursuing higher education with my learning disability is certainly possible.

Getting that degree was a long process for me since I changed my major midway though my college career (RIP to my English major) and also because I left for a semester to do my first college program last year. Despite having to stay at BW an extra year, it was well worth taking the time!

I probably wouldn't be going back to Florida if it wasn't for that decision I made back in 2014 to spend the semester away. I encourage everyone to try and go somewhere for at least a semester during their college career if at all possible. Whether that be going out of state or going abroad. It will give you such a great opportunity to grow and see the world around you in ways you never imagined. Thanks to that semester away I was able to find myself and it really lit a fire in me to finish school strong.

Nod to my space ranger days!

"The time has come," the Walrus said.  

This has been such a hectic past few weeks and they are about to get even more eventful as I will be on my way to Florida in a week! I cannot believe it's almost time to go.

I will be road tripping from Ohio to Orlando next week with my dad. That is if my little old car can make the long haul down there! Best believe I will be vlogging this trip too because I think it's about to be a fun journey. I am pretty excited to be able to have my car with me and to not always need to depend on the CP bus system.

After starting to pack today it started to click. It feels so strange leaving home and not really knowing exactly when I will be back this time around.

Hello, grownup world I guess. Hello...bills...hello responsibility...hello forever frustration. YAY.

Me too, Snow. Me too. 

The next time I'll be writing I'll be in Florida again! I will have to update you all on the trip down and also eventually put up new content on my new youtube channel, Kinda Like A Fairytale!

Stay tuned!

Keep the magic,

- Chelsea

Internships & Life Updates.

Hey everyone! It's now April and I have no idea how this semester came and went so quickly. I felt like I should update you all on what's going on in my life lately as I did have my interview for the Disney Professional Internships last month which was super exciting and also super nerve-racking!

Disney Professional Internships

Needless to say, I did not experience any movement on my careers dashboard post phone interview stage for any of the internships I applied for. I received NLIC (no longer in consideration). If you don't know what this looks like on the online careers dashboard this is it:

Yeah, not too fun to see. 

The phone screen ended up being for all the PIs I applied for so I made sure I knew which ones were which and which ones were my top choices. If I recall correctly, my recruiter asked me my top 3 choices which were Park Event Ops Assistant, Operations roles, and the Guest Relations roles. The other one was for Human Resources. I also applied to a Summer VFX Production internship with Lucasfilm in San Francisco which was separate from the PIs and I only got as far as the submission stage for that specific one.

I feel like I was most qualified for Park Event Ops (Media & Special Programming) because of my interest and experience with visual media and truly felt that it was a job I could do well in. I remained in progress for this internship the longest until I was NLIC about two weeks ago.  

I had my interview with a recruiter named Maria who guided me through each question and gave me a good amount of time to elaborate on each. Without a doubt I was much more nervous for this phone screen than my CP phone interview because I was going into this blind not knowing too much of what to expect. I tried to answer each question to the best of my ability and I was surprised with how much it did feel like a regular CP interview. In all honesty, I think it was just an okay interview. It was good but it didn't feel great. (If you do great in an interview you will feel it and you will know it). 

The screen lasted about 12 minutes and moved along quickly. Many of the questions Maria asked were situational and centered around my experiences on my Spring 2015 program. Actually, almost all of them were. I love to talk about my knowledge of the parks and my experiences on the DCP so this was quite easy to do. Although, some questions did catch me off guard and after the screening was done I could not stop analyzing what I had said or thinking of all ways I should have rephrased some things to better get my points across. 

What's done is done though and it just means it wasn't my time. 

On a side note, I am super excited for my friend Raquel who landed a PI this month! I used to work with Raquel n Tomorrowland so it's exciting to see one of my own succeed! We get to be in Orlando together again which is awesome. 

Raquel's last night of her program! :( 

With that all said, I am keeping my fingers crossed for the next application season as it will be my last opportunity for a PI. I'm hopeful for great things to come!

Current Internship: LGBT Center 

A few quick updates about what I do at The LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland. First off, the staff here is great and makes you feel like you are a part of something important. I don't think I've ever worked with a more down to earth group of people before. 

Throughout the semester I have been working on visuals and learning strategic marketing strategies to rebrand The Center. I also help with projects centered around social media and researching ways in which we can effectively reach and communicate with our diverse audience. 

I acquired the internship from my university advisor who suggested I check out their opportunities for communications students. As a person who has been individually discriminated against in my past, I developed a passion for supporting human rights campaigns, feminism, and defending LGBTQ people so The Center felt like a good fit for me. As an ally I also wanted to learn more about the community and I can definitely say that I have within the few months I have been employed and for that I am so grateful. I've learned that people want to be heard, and I think the most important thing you can do for others is listen to what they have to say. I've met some really cool people who have some great stories to tell. 

Working for a non-profit is something I could see myself doing in the future. I feel like being part of a non-profit organization lets you use more of your creative self and that is something that is so important to me. It has taught me to work for an organization you at least have some level of passion for, to speak up for yourself, and to not settle in life. 

Just about three more weeks at The Center then I am finished with my program!

Other Quick Updates

- As of today April 10th. There are 27 days until graduation (43 until my next CP).

- I have a new camera specifically for vlogging now so I'm thinking of rebooting my youtube channel & uploading new content starting next month.

- My boyfriend Gideon received a job offer with Busch Gardens, Tampa entertainment! So I guess we are both moving to FL now??

- It's definitely crunch time and I don't think I've ever been more anxious to graduate. Home stretch, let's finally do this thing.

Well, this post is getting kinda long so I'm going to wrap this up! What should I talk about next time?  I want to know.

Till next time!

Keep the magic,

-Chelsea 

Character Meet & Greets: The Do's & Don'ts.

A majority of people who have been to a Disney Park at least once know it's perfectly fine to meet a Disney Character no matter what age. As a young adult, I still get way too excited to see Mickey and for a child I know that excitement can sometimes be through the roof. Character Meet and Greets can be fun for children and adults alike. Characters can make a visit feel complete, help us create lasting memories, and give us great stories to tell for years to come.

Ok, Gaston still terrifies me tbh. 

Character greet at Hollywood Studios!

Getting mauled with hugs & kisses, always great.

Although, some guests may not know exactly what to do though when they get in line to meet characters. Sometimes there's the fear of being awkward, and there's those many, "What do I do...what do I say, where even am I?" moments.

No fear! Here are some quick guidelines to successful meet and greets and how to make your next visit with Disney friends as magical and as stress-free as possible! This is my quick collection of the Do's and Don't of Character Meet & Greets:

The Do's: 

• Plan ahead: Pick up a times guide or if you are in WDW you can also refer to the My Disney Experience App on your smartphone. A list of the available characters will be listed and when and where they will be out & about for that day. Also, get there early. Characters are only out for short periods of time & the lines will eventually need to close.

• Have your stuff ready!: Autograph books, pens, cameras, smartphones, whatever it may be, have it out and ready when you're in line before you get up to the character.

• Be patient & considerate: Everyone is waiting in line too and is likely just as excited as you to see your favorites. Be kind to your line mates as well as the attendant. They are working hard to make sure the meet is as enjoyable for all and that the line gradually moves along.

• Help strike up conversation: Most of the time characters will guide the conversation and greet, but it's also nice to already have something to mention or talk about. Ask about their day, a lot of the time they will ask you about yours. (Unless you're meeting Gaston, he's too into himself and rightly so).

Talk about points from their story from where they left off or ask what they are up to. They are usually more than happy to share their fun stories with you.

Characters really do enjoy the fan love.

- Also, if Princess Tiana or Tigger or whoever is your absolute favorite, tell them, make it known!









• Strike a pose: When it's photo time, you can then suggest an appropriate pose. If you're not sure, ask the character what they think, they will know exactly what to do!

Hiro & Baymax are always ready!

• Can you bring gifts for characters?: I know some people are curious about this one & the answer is yes! It can be anything small from a drawing, note, photo, sweets, etc. Characters love getting gifts, and honestly who doesn't?

• Be nice & play nice: Being nice to them isn't hard. Thank characters for simply being them and coming to hang out with you when your meet wraps up.

The Don'ts: 

• Ask strange personal questions: Don't ask Pooh or a character attendant if he's "hot under there" I couldn't tell you how many times I've been asked this by adults and I worked in merchandise. Also, asking "Are you a girl or a boy?" Minnie is a girl, Mickey is a boy....Think about those questions for second, think about where you are... just don't.

• Play rough: You wouldn't do it to a random stranger you just met, so don't grab ears, tails, noses, whiskers, whatever they may have.

Ouch, Minnie!

No touchy please :)

• Excessive photo taking: If you're in a larger group, try to take one photo and refrain from 100000x individual photos. If you'd like individuals be ready, because it'll be like rapid fire.

• Monopolize characters time: Everyone wants their chance to interact and so do the characters. When you say goodbye try not to linger too long. Buzz needs to recharge his batteries eventually and little Johnny is about to spring a leak waiting in line behind you. Just be mindful:)


Have any memorable meet & greet experiences? As always, I want to hear :)

Till next time, be sweet to your characters and remember to keep the magic!

Happy greeting! 

-Chelsea

Post Disney Depression.

What the what?

So I know there are some people who I have worked with who have returned home from their programs after working a full year at WDW. There are some who are currently on their programs right now, or maybe you're beginning your first program in the fall.

For the seasoned cast members, you know about "Post Disney Depression." For the new ones, let me warn you, as ridiculous and far off as it sounds...it's the realest thing ever. You'll go through it and it's no walk in the park.

For most, the few months there become such a huge part of your life. It's strange and hard to describe how that happens but it just does.

The program is what you make of it, and I always tell participants who are about to leave for their program, Do NOT make friends in Disney...because in the end you fall in love with these people and then you will be forced to part ways across the world. Don't do it. (but goodness, actually do it though please).

All I can say is the people you befriend during your experience will definitely set the bar extremely high for your future relationships.

My two roommates Kaitlin & Jenna.

Kyle! One of my first T-land friends.

My sweet Krista. One of my best friends!

With time it gets easier, but then again, it doesn't.

There will be some Disney song you hear, some commercial that pops up on the television, or you may find yourself scrolling through your photo albums on your phone and start to smile and then turn into a hot mess and start to cry (guilty as charged). Maybe you recall a memory with a CP friend over the phone long after you have returned home and the emotions start to uncontrollably wash over you.

There are so many little Disney easter eggs in life that will be constant reminders of it all and how much you will want so badly to rewind time just so you can experience it all again.

See Ya Laters & Coming Home.

I was able to get an early release from my program, about a week earlier from my original departure date, so my last night of my program was spent in Magic Kingdom with a few of my coworkers and friends. The day consisted of saying goodbyes and hitting up some of my favorite spots. We caught the big three: Celebrate the Magic, Wishes, and Main Street Electrical Parade while naturally sobbing between each one.

At the very end of the evening we were about the only guests in the park as we made our way out of Main Street and stood there standing at the main entrance staring at the railroad and floral display. My heart sank down to my feet. It's that awful lingering feeling of "you know you'll be back, you just don't know when."

Most of all I kept asking myself what am I going to do without these people I've come to love so much?

Time is almost up. :(

See ya later Magic Kingdom!

I didn't actually realize how much of an impact it was until I was finally leaving. I was dropped off at the airport by my friend Dan and my two roommates Kaitlin and Jenna who absolutely became my world. We held onto each other for a few seconds and cried until I was hurried along inside by an airline porter. My plane ride was only two hours but it felt like the longest trip ever. 

Trying to hold back tears, I touched down in Cleveland, got off the plane and was greeted by my mom. I saw her and immediately started to cry as she held onto me and told me she was happy I was home. I could feel people looking at us in passing near the baggage claim and probably thinking we were having the sweetest mother-daughter moment and that I was so overwhelmingly happy to be back. In response, I remember exclaiming out loud in between sobs that, "I didn't want to leave."

Now that I think of it, I'm like, oops I'm a terrible daughter, and wow, it's actually pretty funny now.

It becomes even more real when you finally step back into your room, dorm, apartment, house or where ever you previously lived and see that nothing has changed since you left but also so much.

Chin up. Spit-spot. 

People ask me, what do you do now that your time is over?

You suck it up, put on a smile, and work hard at where you're at now. You just move on, but you never forget about all the things you learned and the memories you gained that will last a lifetime.

I still have many moments where I think of a good memory, or think of situations where I should of done this, or should of said that, but then I realize that's simply life, and I'm so thankful for that.

Ways to deal.

Here are some ways I deal with PDD! The major keys.
Hopefully they may help you too if you are currently experiencing the same kinda thing.


• Talk with your Disney friends: Texting, calling, facetime, facebook, instagram. Virtual communication is amazing. Use it. When I feel down I usually message a friend from my program to catch up or revisit some old memories. It's a good way to keep in touch too and maybe plan a trip to see each other again. After I talk to my friends, I usually feel so much better. Latch on to that support!

• Plan another visit!: Whether it's with a friend in another state or to any Disney park. Planning can help ease the stress and homesicknesses and give you something to look forward to.

• Create stuff: Videos, blogs, discussion groups, albums, etc. These can help you share your memories and also physically creating gives you something to do and gives you an outlet to tell your story and hear others out as well.

• Disney songs or movies: Ok, so this might trigger some emotions in the worst and best kind of way, but there's nothing better than kicking back and listening to a favorite song or re-watching a Disney film.

Hang in there. You're not alone and never alone.

Are there any other ways you deal with PDD? I want to know. :)

Keep the magic,

- Chelsea

New Beginnings.

Hi everyone!
Here I am. Welcome to Kinda Like a Fairytale.

If you have been following my social media for a few years, you will know my blog name stems from my sister blog called Kinda Like an Artist which is still active on tumblr. I will be keeping up with this blog so I can record and share my experiences within my new adventure with my Disney College Program, career moves, and much more. Since being back, I have also been getting a lot of questions from numerous people and peers regarding insight on Disney College Programs. I hope this blog can also serve as an information booth as well!

Some few things about me to start...

 Name: Chelsea

 Home planet: Ohio

 Major: Broadcasting & Mass Communications

 Current Job: Receptionist & LGBT Center Intern

 Fun stuff I do: craft, eat pastries, thrift & sing

So What's New Suzy Q?

Well, I have been back home from Florida for well over seven months from my first college program. My role was in Merchandise and my location was in Tomorrowland inside the Magic Kingdom. I did this for seven months during the Spring 2015 season and had the time of my life. Everyone I know is most likely tired of hearing it from me, but I miss it so much. I will for sure share some of my memories through my posts before I begin summer alumni in May. I can't stop saying it, but time goes by too fast! The next thing I know, I'm making plans to return this year which I am super excited about and hopefully making the transition to a new career after my time on the program ends again.


I have a lot of exciting things going on in my life currently. I am about two months away from earning my degree and graduating with my bachelors. I love my school. Baldwin Wallace University is the best place to be. I know I will miss it once I am gone, but I can honestly say I am ready to move on to new experiences and meet new people. There is so much to think about and it feels like everything is happening all at once. It's sometimes so hard to keep up.

First day as a space ranger!

Traditions!

Growing up is so scary, but oh so exciting. The world awaits!

A new story begins!

I was accepted for the Summer Alumni Program last month. My role is.....(cue drum roll)....you guessed it! Merchandise.

Despite the hectic days and late hours, I loved working in Magic Kingdom my previous program. It will always be home. I feel like working there made me a much more disciplined person, but I am hoping for a different location this time!

I also applied to a couple Professional Internships with Disney. I am in progress for all of them and in submission for one so far. I have a phone screening for the Alumni Only Human Resources Internship in WDW this coming weekend which is exciting. I have never experienced a PI phone screen so I am hoping it goes over well. Even if I don't get an offer from any of the positions I still think it will be a good experience just to interview! That is also another cool thing for those of you who are interested in the DCP. If you complete a program you are eligible to apply for tons of alumni only internships with the company.

If there are any suggestions for the blog or anything you would like to hear about, let me know! If you are in the application process or have been accepted, let me know that too! Kinda Like A Fairytale is very much for you as it is for me. I am so excited to start this new journey and hope you will follow along with me.

Till next time!

- Chelsea