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