♛ The Princess and the Blog ♛

I'm Hannah and I am participating in the Disney College Program for Spring Advantage 2016. I will live and work for the worlds most magical mouse from January to August in Orlando, Florida. Feel free to follow along on the adventure of a lifetime with me! Follow @HannahBeggins !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs'); .ig-b- { display: inline-block; } .ig-b- img { visibility: hidden; } .ig-b-:hover { background-position: 0 -60px; } .ig-b-:active { background-position: 0 -120px; } .ig-b-32 { width: 32px; height: 32px; background: url(//badges.instagram.com/static/images/ig-badge-sprite-32.png) no-repeat 0 0; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and (min--moz-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and (-o-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2 / 1), only screen and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and (min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and (min-resolution: 2dppx) { .ig-b-32 { background-image: url(//badges.instagram.com/static/images/[email protected]); background-size: 60px 178px; } } free website hit counter code

[meandthemouse]

A very interesting week! 2/26/16-3/4/16

This week has been very exciting and brought a few changes to my college program. To start the week off, our apartment went through some changes. One of my roommates was very ill and decided it was best for her to head home. We were all so sad to see her go, but I know we will all meet up again soon! 

Not having one of my closest friends here anymore, defiantly shook me up a little. Adjusting to this new change has been interesting. We are now waiting for a new roommate assignment and that should come in the next few days. 

Work has been crazy the past few days! On Wednesday we had some serious technical difficulties and had no cash registers to ring people up on. But my cast members and I worked together the best we could, and we got through it and still made an amazing number of sales! I am so fortunate to be on the Westside at Disney Springs! All my fellow cast members are great and I couldn't imagine working anywhere else on my program!

Because of our hard work on Wednesday, I received another Four Keys card! They are great tools to totally lift your spirit! I then receive another one the next day by a guest leader, who was just filling in. She really appreciated how interactive I was with the kids that came into Superhero Headquarters! 

Park wise, the flower and garden festival has started! Epcot is filled with great sculptures and beautiful flowers all over the place! Animal Kingdom is getting ready for its new nighttime show, River of Lights. It starts April 22nd and I can't wait to see it! 

My Disney classes come to an end next week, but in my Hospitality class last week, we got to tour the Presidential Suite at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and it was just spectacular! The Animal Kingdom Lodge has four different Savana’s where they have giraffes, zebras and a ton of other animals roaming around! The Presidential suite has the most amazing view overlooking one of the main Savana’s. 

Above is the view from the balcony, and below is just one of the common areas in the suite!

The next day I actually got to eat at Sanaa in the Lodge and it was so good! I’ve never had African food before but it was so different and totally delicious. 

Above is the bread service at Sanaa, it was so delicious and defiantly a must have!

I love every part of my program and I can't imagine ever leaving Disney!

[meandthemouse]

I’m Back! 2.20.2016

I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry, I’ve been gone so long! The DCP craziness has defiantly taken full effect, but I have loved every second of it! I work usually five days a week, but for the next few weeks I will have Monday’s and Tuesdays off. I started my Disney classes on the 15th of February and they are really interesting! I am so excited to learn the ins and outs of this company!

I usually work nights at Disney Springs, so that gives me time during the day so do whatever I want. I sometimes venture over to the parks for a few hours, or do adult things like grocery shopping or laundry. Having access to the parks whenever I want is great! I don’t have to rush and try to fit everything in because I have so much time! I defiantly have gone to Magic Kingdom most, but I still haven’t done everything!

Something that really took my breath away was the Hollywood Studios Star Wars Firework! They were so incredible; I have never seen a better fireworks display! If you ever get the opportunity, defiantly check them out! It is something you don’t want to miss.

As far as work goes, I have spent the most time in Candy Cauldron and Star Wars Galactic Outpost. I really like work in both of them, but Superhero is still defiantly my favorite, because I can’t hide my inner Avengers fan.

I am so happy that I have this opportunity to be here, and I can’t really see myself leaving. I don’t know what will happen after August, but I really see a future here for me!

From now on I’ll make sure to update more!

See ya real soon!

[meandthemouse]

Training Week: 1.20.16-1.26.16

It was been a hectic week. Everyday this week I had on the job training, and man was I tried. 

The good part about working at Disney Springs is that I usually work at night, so I get to sleep in. So a few days this week I was able to sneak away to the parks before heading to work. 

All of my locations are really cool, but I have to say my favorite is Superhero Headquarters. While training at Superhero, I received my first Four Keys Card! Here at Disney, this is a pretty big deal. 

Disney honors The Four Keys: Safety, Courtesy, Efficiency and Show. These Four Keys are how Disney makes great experiences for all of their guests. 

I received my Four Keys card for Show. We are able to play games at some of our locations and at Superhero, we play Tesseract Toss. Kids have to toss our special Tesseract’s into a containment unit. 

One of my trainers saw how I was interacting with some of the kids and she wrote out a Four Keys card for me. Hopefully this is the first of many Four Keys that I will get! 

[meandthemouse]

Day 9: Work Location Reveal 1.19.16

Tuesday I had my first day of training! I was scheduled for Our Town, which is a very special Disney Springs know it all course! I also found out my work location finally and I am so happy with what I got! I will be working at 4 different stores in Disney Springs. 

1) Disney Quest Emporium 

Disney Quest is a 5 story interactive theme park experience. It is filled with virtual reality and has the most insane arcade games ever. I will be working in the Emporium there, that sales lots of standard Mickey Mouse and Disney gear!

2) Candy Cauldron 

Candy Cauldron is a Snow White themed sweet shop! In the front window of the store, you can watch some delicious candy apples being made and when you step inside, you are surrounded by a sweet smell. I am so excited to work here! Though I won't being making the caramel apples, or the chocolate marshmallows, it will still be an awesome experience. 

3) Super Hero Headquarters 

I am now an agent of S.H.E.I.L.D! In this shop we sell all the coolest Super Hero gear you could ever want. Being a huge Avenger fan, I was so pumped to find out I would be working as an agent for S.H.E.I.L.D. 

4) Star Wars Galactic Outpost

Welcome to the hub of all things Star Wars. Being a new fan of Star Wars, I am so excited to have been placed here. It is so cool to see all the new things that fans want, like the droid BB-8 but also see their parents purchasing Princess Leia merchandise. This store has everything!

I am so happy with my work locations and I am glad I will get to rotate around, that why things don't get too repetitive!

[meandthemouse]

Day 8: Monster’s U 1.18.16

Monday I had the whole day off again. All of my roommates had work, but only friend Antonio had the day off too. I started the day by going to get my nails done. Afterward I went and got Antonio to take him to his first ever Chick-Fil-A experience. I created Chick-Fil-A magic that day, he loved it. 

I went back to the apartment and cleaned up a bit before my roommates came home. A few of us headed out to Hollywood Studios, but we didn't stay very long. We only shopped for a little and went to meet some of our friends at Buffalo Wild Wings.  While at Hollywood, I finally found a Monster University hat and I was thrilled. My favorite purchase so far.

After BWW we all just hung out before headed to bed because most of us had an early morning. 

[meandthemouse]

Day 6 and 7- 1.16.17/1.17.17

On Saturday, 4 of my roommates and I had Welcome to Operations at Disney University. I was scheduled for 7:30 until 2. Again, our alarms went off at 5:30am and we were out the door by 6:45. Welcome to Operations was interesting, we went over a lot of stuff in a little amount of time. We learned about safety and making some magical moments for our Guests. After about 4 hours of Welcome to Ops, we were dismissed for lunch and three of my roommates headed home. 

My roommate Maria and I are both Merchandise cast members so we had to stay for additional training. That only took about two hours, and after that class, we were free to go home. When we got home, I immediately headed for a nap, because 5:30 am wake up, is my nightmare. I slept for about two hours and I woke up feeling human again. Some of my roommates had headed out to Epcot, but they were headed home soon and I didn't really make sense to go over there for only thirty minutes. When they got home, we all had a chill night and all went to bed exhausted. 

On Sunday some of my roommates had training, but I had the whole day off! I woke up early with my roommates Megan and Morgan we went to MK with our friend Kyle. We were there from 8:30 until about 12:30, before Morgan and I headed home. When I got home, my roommates Alyssa and Jenna were home from training and Alyssa and I went to run some errands. 

That night we all made a big dinner. We made chicken Parmesan and pasta, and I felt very proud of myself. I felt like an actual adult making dinner for everyone and it actually tasted delicious.

After dinner we went over to the Polynesian for another Dole Whip, then we took the monorail to MK for Wishes and to ride a few rides. We got Pixie Dusted and I bought my first magic band. We don't have our official main gate passes yet, so I really can't use it, but it was so pretty and I wanted it now! 

I feel like I end all of these posts by saying it is all so surreal, but I still don't feel like I live here. It feels like a vacation and we’re all going to go home soon.

[meandthemouse]

Day 5: Traditions- 1.15.16

The day was finally here! We were always told that once we go to traditions, we become a real Disney cast member! So Friday morning we all woke up bright and early, well, technically the sun wasn't out yet. We got up at 5:30 so that we could get all dressed and ready, and still make the bus at 6:40am. With everyone in their best business attire, we made it to Disney University. 

Once in our groups we watched some incredible videos about how Walt started the company. They showed us some montages of the magic we can make, and we learned a few company secrets (Shhhh). Usually in a traditions class you get to take a field trip to the Magic Kingdom (MK) and learn about the incredible details that go into making Disney World what it is. But unfortunately for us, there was a tropical storm warning and the weather was not participating for us. So already dresses in our ponchos to head out to the park, we had to turn back around to the classroom.

After a failed attempt to go see MK, we got a special visit from the boss himself. Mickey came to deliver our company name tags! I was so excited! Let just say a lot of tears were shed throughout the traditions course. 

After traditions three of my roommates and I had the rest of the day off. The other two had the later traditions class, in which they got to go to the Magic Kingdom. My roommate Morgan and I decided to be adults and do our laundry. Just as we had got all our clean clothes back to our room, and we thought everything had gone off without a hitch, I realized I made a mistake. I had forgotten to take my name tag off my traditions dress and had washed and dried it! My beautiful Disney name tag now was bent, I couldn't believe I forgot to take it off! Luckily it is still wearable and I can get a new one on Tuesday.

That night we headed out to Magic Kingdom for the first time as cast members. We ate at Liberty Tree Tavern (YUMMMM) and then watched the Electrical Parade. After the parade we headed back to the Castle to get a good spot for Wishes. Wishes is the end of the night fireworks at MK and it is so incredibly magical. We watched Celebrate the magic first, which is a beautiful light and video show that they portray on the castle. Wishes came next and I cried a lot. It just seems so surreal that we are actually here and this is our new home for the next 8 months. I am so happy to be able to have this experience, and I can't wait to see what lies a head.

[meandthemouse]

Day 4: “The other park” - 1.14.16

Early Thursday morning, me and my roommates headed out to Disney World’s best frenemie, Universal Studios. Alan Rickman, the actor who portrayed Professor Snape in the Harry Potter Series, passed away just the day before and it was pretty great to get to go to the park and celebrate his life. 

When we entered the Park, we were told Tina Fey was in the park today and that sent me into a panic. I love Tina Fey and at every turn, I had my eyes pealed for her. But I had no luck finding Tina, but I did find Lisa Kudrow and Ellie Kemper. They were shooting an episode of The Unbreakable Kimmy  Schmidt, and I fangirled really hard! 

Unfortunately they weren’t taking pictures with anyone but I was able to sneak some.

After Universal we just all had a chill night together before we had to get up bright and early Friday morning for Traditions!

[meandthemouse]

Day 2&3: Shopping and Housing Meeting - 1.12-13.16

On Tuesday my roomies and I all had nothing assigned to us on our itineraries, so we ventured to Walmart. After 3 hours and walking up and down every single aisle, we were finished. With everything we might have needed for our apartment and tons of groceries in tow, we went back to our apartment. Later that night, we headed over to the Polynesian Resort and got our first Dole Whips of program. There is one Bucket List Item checked off! 

On Wednesday, we all had our housing meetings. In these meetings, they give us all the rules on what to do and what not to do in our apartments. No drinking, no drugs, no weapons, all fairly standard. After our housing meeting, all 6 roomies headed out to the Yacht and Beach club to take on the Kitchen Sink Challenge. 

What’s the kitchen sink? Well, its this 

and in this incredible dessert is

 ½ cup fudge topping, warmed ½ cup butterscotch topping, warmed ½ cup peanut butter topping, warmed 1 medium banana, sliced in 1/2 –inch slices 1 cinnamon spice cupcake (2 ½ x 1 ¼-inch), quartered 1 angel food cupcake (3 x 1 ½-inch), quartered 2 4-oz. scoops vanilla ice cream 2 4-oz. scoops chocolate ice cream 2 4-oz. scoops strawberry ice cream 1 4-oz. scoop mint chocolate chip ice cream 1 4-oz. scoop coffee ice cream 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup ¼ cup marshmallow crème ¼ cup strawberry topping ¼ cup pineapple topping 1 14-oz can dairy whipped topping 1 brownie (6-inch x 6-inch), quartered 1 regular-sized (2 ounce) candy bar, quartered 4 chocolate cookies with cream filling 1 tablespoon sliced toasted almonds 1 tablespoon dark and white chocolate shavings 1 tablespoon chocolate cookies with cream filling, crushed 1 tablespoon chopped jellied orange slices (approximately 2 large slices) 1 tablespoon milk chocolate chip morsels 1 tablespoon peanut butter chip morsels 1 tablespoon chocolate sprinkles 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles ½ cup drained maraschino cherries

We stuffed our faces and finished in 15 minutes, which we were very proud of. With the Kitchen Sink done, that is two bucket list items checked off! 

[meandthemouse]

Day 1: Check In -  1.11.16

So the day was finally here, it was time for my DCP to start. My check in time was 9-10 am and most of my roommates had that same time. At check in, we found out our apartment, our work location and our schedules for the next few days. 

We were all thrilled when we got our first choice apartment, Patterson Court 3 bedroom 3 bath! I spent the night before check in tossing and turning because of a nightmare where we got stuck in bunk beds! To say we were thrilled would be downplaying the excitement. 

I found out my work location will be Disney Spring! Disney Springs is the new name for what used to be called Downtown Disney. Disney Springs is under so much construction and they are revamping the area so much, it is going to be incredible when it is completed! I will be working in the area around Cirque Du Soleil, Disney Quest and House Of Blues. When I know exactly where I am, and what I will have to wear, I’ll let you know. 

After Check In, and quickly moving things into the apartment, three of my roomies and I had casting. Casting is that beautiful building that you pass on your way to Disney, and you’re not really sure what happens in there. 

Told you it was beautiful...

After an adventure of getting on the wrong bus to Casting, we finally made it. At casting we did our background check, a ton of other paperwork and we got to meet the man who started the DCP! It was really crazy to see that he still worked for the Mouse and he still was so involved in a process that he started.

I got my training schedule at Casting. I have Traditions on Friday(1.15.16) and I’ll do a whole post on what Traditions involves. But that is where ever receives their real Cast Member pass, and our Main Gates to the parks. Saturday I have my first day of merchandise training at Disney University. Then I have off Sunday and Monday, which means I can go explore the parks! My Training continues one Tuesday and Wednesday at Disney Springs. 

At the end of each week on here, I am going to post a Woody’s ‘Photo’ Round Up! In these posted I will show off all of the pictures I have taken that week. 

I am so excited to finally be here and it all still seems so surreal that this is going to be my new home! 

[meandthemouse]

Disney University

**exclusive photo of me on the first day of classes

So you heard me right, I’ll be going to Disney University! During my Disney College Program, I have the opportunity to take some amazing courses that are specific to this incredible company. All classes are optional, but I thought what the heck, I’ll never get to do this again, might as well give it a try. 

When we got the e-mail that registration for classes was coming, I started to research and see what options I had.... and there was a lot.

Disney offers Collegiate Courses that can be brought back to our college as credit, but because I am graduating in December, I wasn't so interested in those. A lot of students have to enroll in these in order to keep their place in school, or to keep a scholarship, and I wasn't  going to take that away from someone when I don't need the credit.

Disney offers Distance Learning which is great for people who are taking courses through their college online while they are in the program. These students will have time each week where they can't be scheduled to work, so they can focus on school. Again this is great, but not something I need. 

I set my focus on a Seminar- Disney Exploration Series and tried to narrow down which ones I wanted to take. Disney offers about 8 different seminars the college programs can take and they all looked incredible. The classes last 4 weeks and we only attend once a week for two hours. I finally narrowed my search down to two courses.

Disney Heritage 1901-1954: This is where we get to learn more about the man behind the magic. This class also teaches you about some of the ideas that never came to be, both in animation and in the parks.

Disney Hospitality and Guest Services: This course is where you learn about how Disney goes to infinity and beyond to make sure the every guest has a magical experience. 

I am so excited to learn as much as I can about this company and I can't wait for it all to start. As of right now I have

until I start my adventure! As I get closer & I am  starting to  purchase  all the stuff I will need (want) for my apartment, I have to pinch myself to realize I am actually getting to do this amazing internship! I can't wait to be working for and learning from this incredible company 

[meandthemouse]

What is the Disney College Program?

This is a question I have gotten numerous times since announcing that I had been accepted. So I am going to use this post to explain to all my family, friends and anyone else who may stumble upon it, what the DCP is.

The Disney College Program is a paid, 7 month, highly selective internship that the Disney company has had since 1981. Disney offers various job opportunities for participants in addition to classes on a wide range of Disney themed topics, which are optional. 

So why am I doing the program?

I choose to apply to the DCP because I am still not 100% sure of what I want to  be when I’m older. After fast tracking through my Elementary Education AA and finishing a semester early, I figured it would be best to decide if teaching is really what I want to do before I start another journey towards a degree. With an open semester and a variety of different opportunities, I decided to focus all my attention on making it into Disney. I researched and researched for 8 months before it was finally time for Applications to come out. 

How does the application process work?

I applied on the first day of applications (Monday), waited one hour before getting an email telling me I had moved onto the next step. I took my web Based Interview with shaking hands and a pounding chest. After clicking an answer to a question about how I handle stressful situations, another screen popped up that said Congratulations. It was now time to schedule my phone interview. Wednesday morning I woke up, gathered up my study sheets and waited for the call. I was on the phone with Nancy for 26 minutes and 16 seconds. At that point I had done all I could do and now I just had to wait.  

Exactly three weeks later I got the news! I had been Accepted! 

Where am I working?

I wish I could tell you! I won't find out where exactly I am working until January 11th. On the morning of check in I find out my work location and which apartment complex I am going to live in. The role I got when I was  accepted, was Merchandise, so I could work in a park, in a hotel, in Disney Springs or really anywhere they want me! I will defiantly keep you posted!

Where will you live?

The Disney College Program has 4 apartment complexes. Vista Way, Chatham Square, Patterson Court and The Commons. All apartments come fully furnished and you can have 2-8 people in an apartment. Currently I have 5 roommates, making us a 6 person apartment. Our first choice in complexes is Patterson Court, in a three bedroom apartment. But again, we won't know for sure where we live until we arrive!

What is the point of the DCP?

I think the reason for the DCP is different for everyone. For me, it is a way to see if I am interested in having a career other than teaching. It is a great resume builder, having a huge company like Disney on my resume will look great anywhere I want to apply. This program also opens so many doors if I ever wanted to return to the Disney Company. Plus, you never know who you will meet at Disney World, the networking world is at my disposal! Plus, who wouldn’t want to live in the most magical place on earth?

So there are some basics of what the DCP is! If you have anymore question my ask box is always open! Have a Magical Day!

[meandthemouse]

My Adventure Is Out There

Welcome to my very own adventure book, or my bucket list for my DCP. So here is a big list of 

Enjoy! 

1) Try a Dole Whip

2) Attempt to conquer the Kitchen Sink

3) Ride every ride in the parks at least once

4) Backstage Magic Tour

5) Ride Space Mountain & Haunted Mansion with the lights on

6) 4 parks in one day

7) Attend all 4 rope drops at least once

8) Meet a celebrity

9) See every show and every Parade

10) Take a cheesy Main Street balloon picture

11) Get Pixie Dusted!

12) Conquer all the Mountains in one day 

13) The kiss goodnight

14) Be the Rebel Spy

15) Try the Beverly at Club Cool

16) Take an animation class

17) Sit front row at Fantastic

18) Animal Kingdom Safari Tour

19) Bowl at Splitsville

20) La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil

21) Characters in Flight

22) Visit the wedding pavilion

23) Watch Wishes from a boat

24) Take a trip (Disney Cruise or Disneyland :))

25) Try the Gray stuff (The dishes say it is delicious)

26) Hoop-dee-doo musical revue

27) Watch Magic Kingdom 4th of July Fireworks

28) Dapper Day

29) Starlite Splash

30) Shop at Cast Connections and Property Control

31) Visit Mickey’s Retreat

32) Pick up  PAC shift

33) Devil’s Den

34) VoluntEARS

35) Become a Wilderness Explorer

36) Take Disney Heritage 

37) Attend Graduation 

38) Stay at Port Orleans 

39) Eat at every country in the world showcase 

40) Celebrate my birthday in the parks (June 28th) 

So here is my list for now! Things may be added or subtracted! From today November 8th 2015, here is how long i have until Check In! 

Follow along on my adventure with me! 

[meandthemouse]

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Walt Disney said that. My new boss said that, because Walt Disney is my new boss! 

On September 16th 2015 I received a very special email. 

Exactly three weeks after my phone interview, I was accepted to participate in the Disney College Program (DCP) for Spring Advantage 2016! From January 11th to August 4th, I will be living in the happiest place on earth!

This blog is to share my journey with family, friends and anyone interested in the DCP. Feel free to ask me any questions you have about the program, about my journey or about the interview process.

I have wanted to work for this magical company for so long and I feel so fortunate to have been given this opportunity! I can't wait for my fairytale to begin and for you to come along on the journey!