Rhino in Wonderland

Just a Disney World cast member alumni writing some things.

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Meet Your Blogger: RhinoGrl

If you're ever in a situation where you need a trivia partner and the themes are Disney, 90′s Sitcoms, fashion trends or gaming, I’m your girl! I started blogging for a college class and I have actually had so much fun posting some of my first blogs but now it’s time to tell you a little bit about me (if you're curious lol)

I’m RhinoGrl and I am currently a college student, about to graduate in Marketing! Its been a wile ride so far and let me tell you, (classes don’t get easier the more educated you are).

My favorite TV Show is Friends and That 70′s Show. I have watched all the episodes so many times and yes, I embody Hyde and Rachel. (They're hands down the best ever). I think I love these shows because they offer that sense of nostalgia that you can almost envision yourself in their shoes! I love the fashion in the shows as well and have noticed how my style is very similar to theirs on these shows. NO SHAME!

The celebrities I look up to most are Jim Carrey and Hillary Duff. Both have been very prevalent in my life growing up. Although I’m a bit younger than they are, I appreciate the talent and wholesomeness they have shown and all the laughs they’ve given me! I always wanted to be Hillary Duff with the mannerisms of Jim Carrey when I was younger. The Grinch IS ME.

I am also a Disney nerd or a ‘Disnerd” if you will. I love everything Disney. Besides growing up enveloped in Disney culture, I also finally lived my dream of performing at Disney World! I grew up aways wanting to be a part of the Disney Company and it wasn’t till I was older that I realized that it was actually possible! I auditioned for the entertainment role they were looking for at the time, waited a few weeks and finally got my dream job! I had the time of my life for a year and I earned SO much more about the Disney Company and the magic it brings people that I’ll always cherish.

My favorite Disney Characters? Its such a hard thing to choose because I love so many! But…

Chip and Dale

Jessie from Toy Story

Alice

And Stitch

They’re all so imaginative and full of life and bring that child-like heart that we all should grab hold of.

Well, that’s some random information about your blogger! See yah soon!

[catchymemes]

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Me now that I’m Animal Crossing Trash <3

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A Disney Cast Member’s Top 5 Things to Experience in Animal Kingdom

Go visit where the wild things are at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida! Honestly, this park used to be my least favorite to go to as a kid for some reason but now, as I’ve gotten older and have worked at Walt Disney World I LOVE ANIMAL KINGDOM! There is so much to do from the Kilimanjaro Safari Tours to rollercoaster to amazing dining to the most beautiful shows!

Of course, it goes without saying ride as many rides as you can and watch all the shows you can because there’s so much to do! But these are the more lesser known things that are a MUST DO and Exclusive.

Since working at Animal Kingdom and realizing the subtle and wonderful quirks it has to offer, here’s a Cast Member’s guide to the top 5 things to experience in Animal Kingdom! (Don’t forget to say “Hi” to Chip and Dale for me!)

1.     Watch the Monkeys in Asia

In Asia, you can have a real life feel and an up-close experience with the Monkeys in Asia. When you walk into Asia, there’s a jungle gym where many different types of monkeys interact with each other, swinging around, eating fruit, grooming each other and just monkey around! The jungle gym looks like a part of the foliage around the park so it may be tempting to just look and walk through to the next area but if you stay and look up, you can see the coolest interactions, just like they would in the wild! My favorite is when they start yelling at each other over food. Reminds me of family! (lol)

2.     Visit the Tree of Life during the Awakenings

The Tree of Life in the middle of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is hard to miss and it’s a staple to the park. It’s Iconic. Standing at 145 feet with over 800 branches, it is also home to 300 carved-in animals! Nighttime is special though. Watch the tree COME TO LIFE in The Tree of Life Awakenings. It’s is a show featuring stunning visuals of animal stories that are a symbol of the diversity and beauty of Earth. This one is really cool to watch. It happens approximately every 10 minutes at night until park closes so there’s lots of opportunities to see it.

3.     Donald’s Dino Bash

If you love Chip and dale as much as I do, be sure to dance on over to DinoLand U.S.A where the “Prehistoric Party of the Century” happens! There’s a bus in DinoLand that you will see which is where you can actually go dance with Donald, Chip and Dale! Not to mention, Chip and Dale are dressed as Dinosaurs so it’s the CUTEST sight to see! These shows happen every 20 minutes on the hour I believe and are so fun. It’s a definite must do when you’re in Animal Kingdom!

4.     Ride BACK ROW in Expedition Everest

All I have to say is this is a must. The coaster itself is such a fun ride with the Yeti surprising you at every turn but NOTHING beats the back row! Its hard to explain but trust me, do it. You’ll love it. Oh! Another secret to this ride (if you’ve read this far) is the best time to ride this ride is when the night show Rivers of Light is showing at night… there is a SIGNIFICANT decrease in line size so if you don’t care about missing the nighttime show, save this ride till the end!

5.     Rub the Flaska Reclinata in Pandora

Not many people know about this one so bare with me. As strange as this sounds, this is one of those things that not many people know you can do and it is seriously one of my favorite thins! “What the heck is that?” you ask? I’ll tell you!….. The Flaska Reclinata is a specimen statue found in Pandora. It is at the front entrance and to the unknowing eye, looks like another well-crafted statue that is intended to be a gateway between Discovery Island into Pandora BUT because you took the time to read this post, I’ll let you in on a little secret: You can rub the glowing side on it and cause it to spit water on passers by! No one will even know its you! You can see the ground is wet bellow it but it simply looks like rain water that hasn’t dried yet. So next time you’re in Pandora, find the Flaska, put your hand on the glowing, red side and watch what unfolds! Sneak Attack 100

[rhinogrl]

So I Moved to Florida and Here’s What I Noticed..

So, I recently moved to Florida where the sun never stops shining. 

To be specific, I moved to Sarasota which is south of Tampa on the west coast side of Florida. I moved here about 9 months ago and have been enjoying it ever since. Where I live is a very new and vibrant little area and it’s increasing in value literally every month. There’s neat shops, restaurants and bars with outdoor seating and pretty much any store you’d ever need like Home Depot, Super Target, Whole Foods and more and all within a downtown-feeling area. It’s all pretty cool but its offered me a different experience than my home life in Atlanta. Now, of course, I’m no Florida expert at all so my experiences are merely from a fresh Florida resident’s experience rather than a seasoned veteran’s but I like to think I’ve been there long enough to have noticed a few big differences between the two areas!

So here are the biggest differences I’ve noticed between Sarasota, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia

1.     Visiting the Beach

I’m about 15 minutes from Siesta Key Beach which is really sweet when I want a place to kick back, do some homework or drink a few brewskis (responsibly of course). The beach itself is really pretty and is a really popular beach of choice for both locals and tourists. In Atlanta, you don’t have the luxury of just “popping over to the beach” like you do here. If it rains for a tourist who planned a vacation and wants to spend every moment they can on the beach to make it worth it, well that really sucks and I feel for them. For me, its now a mere “Eh, ill just come back tomorrow”, which I never had before just visiting Florida. Visiting the beach when you live here is just like a regular Tuesday in Atlanta.

2.     Working at the Beach

It’s a very different environment working on the beach. There’s many burnt people for starters.  I also found out before moving here that an MTV show called “Siesta Key” is filmed here which, I have noticed working in Siesta Key, tourists LOVE to bring up to you for some reason. I worked at Gilligan’s Island Bar for a bit which is a bar just around the corner from the beach. “Do the people on Siesta Key come eat here?” was a question asked a lot. 

Working at the beach has its positives though. You meet lots of great people and get to know the locals very well. Northerners or “Snowbirds”, if you will flock to the beach during the winter months to escape the cold and snow of the north. They are so happy to frolic in the sun and make for a really good time. 

3.     People and Driving

I’m just going to come right out and say it: I’m sorry but Florida residents CAN NOT DRIVE and DO NOT know what to do as a driver. Not all of course, but enough to make this a category on my list of differences. Call me callous or rude but when you’re involved in a hit-and-run and NO one stops to see if you’re ok and even has the audacity to HONK at you to get out of the road, I’d like to say I can say that. Yes, people in Atlanta have lots of road rage and are essentially Speed Racer on I-85, there is at least some level of driving etiquette when it comes to an accident. Here, I have noticed lots of slow drivers, braking for no reason, wrong side of the road driving and people that just are overall spazzes on the road. I was hit and no one stopped. I was honked at and then yelled at in a 4 lane intersection when I got out to get my bumper off of the road… That’s driving in Sarasota, Florida.  

Have you experienced any differences in Florida if your not from there?

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How Cool Are Disney’s Magic Bands, Really?

To answer that briefly, extremely cool.

The Walt Disney Company has always aimed to be trendsetters and when they make a move, it impacts the social world. The impact and well, “magic”, that they have on society. The move was the launch of a great innovation known as “Magic Bands.” Disney introduced Magic bands to replace paper printed tickets and to serve as a parking ticket, room key if staying at one of our hotels and essentially, your BEST friend at and around the parks.

They are also customizable as well! from solid color bands to limited edition personalized bands, there’s so much fun to be had sporting your own Magic Band. My first band as a Cast Member was a yellow Chip and Dale band. To this day, it is the only one I use because I love it SO much. Magic band have a way of creating a little bit more magic for the wearer.

Magic bands also track your personal data to continually work on improving the park experience for everyone. Using a Magic band, a park goer can link their credit card, hotel reservation, parking tickets and other featured access to make their vacation run a little smoother. Some speculate that there are some privacy concerns that the band constant tracking presents but rest assured, you, the consumer is in control rather than the device, through the My Disney Experience” App. With that information, the Disney Company can efficiently run day to day operations to meet the demands of consumers. Their social status continues to hold supreme and a prestigious position in the community and market.

Another cool thing about the band is that if you misplace your band, it will be remotely deactivated in the same manner as you lose a credit card. Magic bands help create an easier, convenient, and fun atmosphere for ANYONE visiting the Disney Resorts. This, paired with the App, the “My Disney Experience” creates the easiest time for you visiting the parks. Between reservations, shopping or even linking your photos taken with Photopass at Disney, you can access it all thanks to the Magic Band!

So yeah, this is how cool they really are.

[rhinogrl]

Stuck Inside? Here’s The Top 4 Best Games to Play on Xbox

Lately, there has been a crazy virus going around called the Corner Virus or COVID-19. It has gotten people into a TIZZY. So much so that iv’e been out of toilet paper for the past 3 days because finding that prized TP is next to impossible! But, TP problems aside, we are being asked to socially isolate ourselves which, yes, can be hard but hey, looks like you finally have some down time to play that console of yours that you've otherwise been to busy to play! I love games and have play MANY different types in my lifetime from first person shooters to MMO’s to strategy games.

“What games do I play?! Theres so many to chose from!”

Don’t you worry, here’s my top 5 list for games to lay during this hopefully short social distancing period we’re all going through.

1. Overcooked 2

In this game of skill, players (up to four) must showcase their cooking skills by grabbing the correct ingredients, cooking them all while creating the given orders correctly in a given time. Each level provides challenges along the way and keeps you and your partner chefs running around the play area until the timer runs out. This game is such a great way to kill time and you also have so much fun playing it. Its great for the whole family.

2. Payday 2: Crimewave Edition

Payday is a first person shooter with a twist. You can fly solo and play with bot teammates or get a team co-op team together to complete a multitude of criminal heists. Bank robberies, diamond stealing and drug smuggling are a few heists you can try and complete to earn XP and build up your character. Along the way, you will earn cash that can be spent on new heists, loot or new gear to make you the best criminal in the game. Its a fun game to play and even offers stealth heists for those who like sneaking around. 

3. Sims 4

The Sims games are a classic. If you want a good amount of design and customization and essentially, creating a virtual life full of people and animals and buildings, Sims is your game. I can spend HOURS on this game and always want to try something new. The possibilities are endless and the creativity never stops! Gain “Simoleons” from your Sims by participating in life by holding a job or starting a family or just even hosting a party. Watch your sims start out as a child and grow up to be an elder and take out all kind of crazy Sim -life things like forgetting to eat and passing out :)) 

4. PUBG (PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS) 

PUBG is a action-packed online multiplayer battle royal that is bring realism to the game play. 100 players in each game parachute down and scavenge for weapons and gear and battle to be the last person or team standing. As the game goes on, the playing are gets smaller, forcing players to engage with each other and fight to win. This game is pretty fun. The learning curve is sort of high but what better time to start learning than now?? 

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Dear Unkind Disney-Going Humans:

Recently, I saw this on Facebook and typically, I’m not one to post opinions on things I see, but I felt the need to bring these insensitive comments posted a few days ago and share my two cents on the topic, a Disney Cast Member Alumni. PSA! Slight read ahead but I’d like to put in my two cents on this subject: 

So bottom line, this is not ok.

This kind of stuff makes me sick.

Cast members build some of the best memories, the strongest connections and the happiest times working at Disney. This is their life. We’ve grown up immersed in Disney. We’ve loved these characters and have embodied the morals each character’s story has brought us! Me personally, I have had children get out of a wheelchair and hug me who have NEVER gotten out of that wheelchair before!! These memories are why we get emotional! This is why. Screw you for not understanding the true power of Disney.

These are hard times but regardless of that, this is no way to view someone in love with the Disney culture.

Don’t call them immature or rude or “here to ruin your magical moments” because in the end, you’re the only one that can ruin the magical moment for yourself. Everyone has their own personal connections to Disney so don’t you DARE throw your problems on someone else who’s living the HAPPIEST moments of their life and staying young at heart.....

I’ve cried visiting Disney and taking a picture with my girl Jessie after I left my job at Disney and was yelled at by THIS kind of mom saying they hope their kid doesn’t grow up to be like me.... all I have to say is, “well, your child will have a sad life then.” 

To the ladies above and the lady who tried to hurt me, I have to say that I hope my child grows up to love people for who they are. I hope my child grows up to have passion and love for something that makes them happy. I hope my child stays young at heart for as long as they can. And I dare someone challenge their emotions. 

Be nice people. Be nice to ALL people. You don't know where they come from or what they're going through. We all have our own personal connections to things in this world and it is out of line and extremely insensitive for people to think their problems outweigh others. 

And to the Cast Members who lost their jobs at Disney, I am so sorry. I know how upset you must feel and the heavy hearts you all feel. But time will heal. Disney will always be a part of you and when the storm calms, there will always be a place for you at the Happiest Place on Earth. 

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Walt Disney’s The Polynesian Village Resort: Say “Aloha” to a Tropical Stay

Credit: Disney Parks.com

Let me tell you, first hand, if you haven't stayed at The Polynesian Village Resort or even visited you’re missing out! The Polynesian (or the Poly as we cast members would call it) was a rustic yet tropical home away from home. It is located next to the Ticket and Transportation center leading to Magic Kingdom. It is connected, by Monorail to the trifecta: The Contemporary, The Grand Floridian and The Magic Kingdom. From the tropical palms to luau parties, The Polynesian has been a crowd favorite since 1971.

My favorite thing to do at the Poly is sit by the pool and enjoy one of the many Dole Whip drinks like the “Spiky Pineapple.” Dole Whip is the GREATEST creation if you haven’t tried it. It’s a pineapple soft serve yogurt dessert that will have you wanting more and more! At the Poly, you can add booze to your Dole Whip to create some amazing treats for you and the adults with you. If you're looking for even more of a tropical vibe, take a few more steps from the pool to the sandy beach by the 7 Seas Lagoon. This majestic gateway to the Magic Kingdom park offers you a large variety of fun-filled activities like fishing, boating and more. The outdoor ambiance is beautiful from sun-up to sun down.

Do you love Lilo and Stitch? Yeah, me too! Here at the Polynesian, you can hang out with Lilo and Stitch and see what trouble they’ve gotten into lately! This is a perfect time to meet them and get your pictures taken without a huge line. There’s also a cute store inside the Resort where you can buy some neat Disney merchandise as well like a Hula skirt Stitch Plush! What’s not to love about that?

For dinner, enjoy an unforgettable luau experience with an all you can’t enjoy, family style feast complete topped with some Polynesian dancing! There’s Hula dancing, Polynesian drummers and even fire dancing! It’s a little on the pricier side, but if you’re willing to spend a little more money on dinner, this is TOTALLY worth it! I love this show so much and Disney, once again proves its top in entertainment for the whole family! Jump on down to the open-air theater in Luau Cove and get ready to immerse yourself in true, Polynesian culture.

To finish off your magical evening at the Polynesian, the best place and I mean the BEST place to watch the Happily Ever After firework show in Magic Kingdom is at the Poly. On the beach, there are speakers hidden throughout the foliage where you can hear the music and soundtrack to the fireworks just as you would if you were in the park, but without the crowds and tight quarters. It’s really a pretty sight to watch the fireworks there. 

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Rhino in Wonderland: Confessions of a Cast Member

“Happily Ever after” is the saying right? You dream of a special moment in your life and you do everything in your power to make it happen and you live happily ever after? Sometimes, it may seem like a silly, made-up phrase that really is only found in fairy tales or Disney Princess stories, but in my my world, the phrase couldn’t be more true. I have a confession to make: I found my happily ever working at Walt Disney World.

 I worked in entertainment at the parks which, in my opinion, was the BEST job I could have been offered. I got to perform. I got to share and build memories with people I had never met before yet I felt like I had known them my whole life. It’s a very humbling experience being a performer at Disney. Did you ever have a favorite princess? A favorite character from a movie? I know I did! Stitch, Cinderella and Jessie are a few of mine, but of course, it is VERY hard to just choose one or two! People have grown up immersed in the Disney culture, falling in love with character’s and their stories. They visit Disney and their favorite characters come to LIFE! Seeing a 50 year old’s smile go from ear to ear the same way a child’s does just melts your heart and you realize how important your job really is. 

I confess, yes, not every day was pixie dust. There were those days where you really would rather be in your bed, watching Netflix in the AC apartment. Some days I wondered why I was doing the job I was doing but its only human when you’re working long hours and not to mention in the Florida sun. But somehow, seeing the happiness you brought to guests who came to see you put your mind at ease and you would quickly realize why you're doing what you're doing!  

I used to work many different shifts from Magic Kingdom to Epcot from Fort Wilderness to the Contemporary Resort. Long hours were a normalcy for a cast member at Walt Disney World. Sometimes, you would get scheduled a shorter, 4-5 hour shift, but there weren't too many of those. Disney is a very professional company and everything has to be the best and close to perfect. I learned SO much about time management as well because Disney does not mess  around when it comes to being late. To this day, I appreciate all those skills I learned and all the long hours I spent working because I realize how much it bettered me as a person.

Working in entertainment at Disney was the best thing I could have done. I learned so much about myself in the process and even more about the world around me. So many cultures, coming together to share their love for Disney, from all over the world is beautiful. Having a Make-A-Wish child come visit Jessie and Woody because that’s the only movie they watch on repeat is beautiful. The friendships I made and the people I worked with are all still cherished and beautiful. I found my Happily Ever after working for Disney and will forever be grateful for the amazing memories I was so lucky to have.

[rhinogrl]

Top 5 BEST Treats You Don’t Want To Forget To Try At Walt Disney World

We all love the snacks Disney has and with SO MANY options, its hard to know where to go and even what to get! Do I snack on something sweet? Something I have to sit down for? Or do I just want a alcoholic drink and call it dessert? There’s so many options but I have chosen the top 5 best overall treats to help you narrow down your choices and that you don’t want to miss out on!

1. Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches

A straight icon to Disney is the Mickey Ice cream bars but the ice cream sandwiches are where its at! Piled high between two chocolate, mickey-shaped cookies is a sweet vanilla ice cream that is so yummy! Its comes wrapped so its an easy pick up at and food and beverage vendor.

2. Chocolate-Covered Pineapple Skewers

If you're travelling to Disney’s Animal Kingdom or even Magic Kingdom, you have to try the Pineapple skewer! This snack is a really refreshing twist on a classic treat: Its a huge pineapple chunk that is dipped in chocolate and is on a stick! My favorite place to get this is in Hamarabe’s at the outpost but you can also find them at Big Top Souvineers in Magic Kingdom. I love this snack so much. It is probably a favorite of mine. Don’t forget the napkins though, you'll need them!

3. Mickey Pretzel with Cheese

This iconic treat is one that anyone can enjoy around the parks. It can be found around the Walt Disney World Parks as well as at a few of the Disney resorts like the Contemporary, next to Magic Kingdom. Shaped like the boss man himself, this soft pretzel comes with a side of melted dipping cheese and is easily eaten solo or shared with a friend. This one is one of my favorites every time I go to the parks.

4. Werthers Original Caramel Popcorn

Everyone loves popping some popcorn in their mouth espacially when waiting on a ride, but this popcorn is like NO OTHER. Its found in Germany at the “Karemell- Kuche” in Epcot’s Around The World. This fresh corn is popped and the smothered in the fresh melted caramel and BOY can you smell it all across Germany. Get you a bag of this and you won’t be disappointed. 

5. Mini Corn Dogs

You can find these amazing little guys over at Casey’s Corner at Magic Kingdom. Its a perfect pick-me-up snack or even a light meal before you head on over to Space Mountain. These now come with a side of melted cheese sauce for your dipping pleasure so no need to order it separate anymore!

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Disney World Fashion: How to “style up” for the Mouse.

Everyone dreams of going to Walt Disney World especially when you're in love with all things Disney. But, a huge question all of us avid Disney princess or storm trooper lovers face is “now, what to wear?” Florida, is HOT. Even in December when the heat is a little more forgiving, temperatures can still reach high 70′s! 

Never fear, I’m here to show you how to style it up for your trip to see the boss man, rain or shine!

First, we start the with the ears. Ears can be a way to show off your favorite character and let everyone know whats up! Ears can be store bought, customized by someone else or customized by you! Pair those ears with a Disney tee or tank. I always choose a Character crop top or a simple tank top. The ears paired with a tank top is such a killer look, especially when those ears are on POINT.

Don't forget those high waisted shorts! High waisted shorts are not only cute but they are super practical when going from ride to ride, walking all over the park. They keep all the “goods” inside when sitting on ride seats or down to eat in the HOT temperatures so you don't have to worry about being uncomfortable. Then, throw on a pair of Converse, Filas or Vans to top off your outfit! Being comfortable walking around all day is ESSENTIAL to a day at Disney. These shoes not only are very versatile with any outfit, but offer a “comfy casual” look that doesn't make your feet scream.

On occasions, I have worn a dress to he parks if I’m doing something special like taking pictures all day or just hanging around ( I only did this when I was a cast member though) because I had access to the parks for free so I didn't feel rushed to do anything in particular! This is also a great outfit to wear especially on a hot day: Cute yet effective.

Also, just an added extra, throw on a 90′s-style fanny pack to carry all your things in! This way, all your things can be in one place allowing you to be hands free! I always put my Fuel Cell, my camera and my chapstick in mine and it makes my park experience so much easier!

Boom! There you have it, the perfect style for and Disney Park! These will offer you the best style when eating a Mickey Bar, riding Space Mountain or giving a cuddle to your favorite chipmunk! You’ll look stylish, fun and most of all comfortable all while enjoying your magical day.