But Peter, How Do We Get To Neverland?

You asked for more words. Get ready for more words. Words, words, words.

Here's a random little snippet into my life. My vocabulary is very strange when I think about it. I use terms like performer, set location, backstage, onstage, casting, director... I use those words daily. And they all have one thing in common. Entertainment. People come to Disney to be entertained. Sure, they also come to escape their problems and have family time and all that jazz. But the main reason they pick Disney above other places is entertainment. You can take a trip to the beach and escape your problems and have family time. But the beach isn't set up strategically to engage all of your senses, make you experience magic, and take all of your money, all with smiling faces to reassure you that you're happy about what you're doing. People turn to Disney for entertainment. But I wonder if they ever realize how much entertainment they provide in turn? My job is to entertain, but I find myself feeling more entertained than anyone at the end of the day. 

When I get home, or even when I come off set, I always have a hard time remembering the details of what just happened. Especially when I'm with Tinker Bell. There's so much talking that happens, usually by Tink, and there are so many guests, that it's a huge challenge to recall specifics. Some things stick though! Here are a few that I can recall off the top of my head.

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Wendy, talking to a young girl: "Is that your mother? Oh, I'm sure she's a wonderful mother! Does she tell you stories? My mother tells me all kinds of stories and then-"
Mother: "Oh, just ask her your question already!"
Wendy: "Oh! Did you have a question, dear?"
Little girl: "Yeah.... Does Nana slobber?"
[In case you haven't seen Peter Pan recently, Nana is Wendy's dog. She also acts as the Nurse Maid to the children.]
Wendy, laughing and surprised: "Does Nana slobber?! Well... she is a dog. So I suppose yes, she does from time to time. But don't worry, she cleans up after herself very well. Do you have a dog also?"
Little girl: "Yes."
Wendy: "Does she slobber?"
Little girl: "YES!"
Wendy: "I thought so. Does she act as your nurse maid as well? And clean up after you and your sister?"
Little girl: "Definitely not!"
Wendy: "Do you clean up after her instead?"
Little girl: "Yup!"

Father holding his terrified toddler: "Here Minnie, will you try holding her? She's a little afraid."
Me, because Minnie is not rude like I am: No...?

Three little girls came to meet Tinker Bell. The middle girl is dressed like Fawn, who is one of Tink's friends. She is the mediator. The youngest is slightly more shy. The oldest disagrees with anything Tink says.
Middle girl: "Hi Tinker Bell! Who do you think I'm dressed as by looking at this picture on my dress?"
[The picture is of Fawn.]
Tink: "Fawn, of course! She has a dress just like that. Is she your favorite?"
Middle: "Yes! I really like her."
Youngest: "I like your puffs on your shoes!"
Oldest: "They're pom-poms."
Tink: "Actually it's dandelion fluff, and thank you!"
Oldest: "Pom-poms."
Tink: "Dandelion fluff..."
Middle: "How about we agree that it's both?"
Oldest: "No, because those are pom-poms."
Tink: "No, it's dandelion fluff. Were you there when I collected it to put it on my shoes? Nope. I didn't have pom-poms, whatever those are. I had dandelion fluff. So that's what's on my shoes. I thought it was cute."
Oldest: "Well, Silvermist is MY favorite."
Tink: "Cool! I'll tell her you said hi!"
Youngest: "My favorite is Tinker Bell..."
Middle: "My favorite is Fawn, but also Tinker Bell! But I also like everyone else."
Youngest: "I like Tinker Bell..."
Tink, to the youngest: "I like you too, come stand by me!"
Oldest: "Silvermist is still my favorite."
Tink: "And there's still dandelion fluff on my shoes."
Oldest: "Pom-poms."
Tink: "Nope. How old are you? Because I'm pretty sure you're not old enough to know everything yet."
Oldest: "I'm 9 and anyway you're like 50 years old but somehow you're still only like 18 so how does that even work?"
Tink: "Well, fairies don't measure age like humans do. We just focus on changing the seasons since that's our job."
Oldest: "Yeah? Well that's weird."

Dad of little boy who looks A LOT like Peter Pan: "Tinker Bell, he really likes you. Big fan! He watches Peter Pan at least once a week!"
Tink: "Wow! You know, you kinda look like Peter Pan! Actually, you look A LOT like Peter Pan! Wait... Are you Peter Pan? Did Zarina make pixie dust that makes you look younger? You're Peter aren't you?!"
Dad: "Show her how you crow like Peter Pan."
Little boy proceeds to make a sound with his mouth that reminds me of a cricket, not a rooster crow.
Tink: "Oh. Does it always sound like that?"
Both parents: "Not at all. Silly. Your rooster crow!"
Little boy: "OH! Okay."
He makes the rooster crow just like Peter Pan.
Tink: "You are Peter Pan, aren't you!?"
I'll add that he had a great big grin on his face the entire time.

Mother with an infant: "Tinker Bell, can you hold her?"
Tink: "Oh, my Tinker Muscles aren't really built for that, but she can sit here by me."

While Tink is interacting with a few little girls and a mother who keeps shooting down anything Tink says, this happens:
Toddler puts her hands on Tink's chest: "I like your boobies, Tinker Bell."
Tink held the little girl's hands the rest of the time.

Picture the cutest little blue-eyed, blonde boy you can. Now picture him with an adorable grin on his face. Now picture him standing next to Tinker Bell while she's knelt down to him.
Little boy: "I've seen your movies!"
Tink: "You have?! You must know a lot about fairies then, huh?"
Mom: "You and Peter Pan are his favorites, Tinker Bell."
Tink: "We are? Flitterific!"
Little boy: "Yeah." [don't forget the grin]
Tink: "But not the pirates right?"
Little boy: "Yeah." [grin]
Tink: "Because Captain Hook smells like codfish."
Little boy: "Yeah." [grin]
Tink: "Are you just going to say 'yeah' to everything I say?"
Little boy: "Yeah." [grin]
Tink: "Cool! Let's see.... Am I your favorite?"
Little boy: "Yeah." [grin]
Tink: "I knew it. Hm... Am I the best ever?"
Little boy: "Yeah." [grin]
Tink: "Great! Am I the fastest flyer ever?"
Little boy: "Yeah." [grin]
And then suddenly...
Little boy: "But I don't like you in winter. Don't go to winter. Winter is not good."
Mom: "He saw the movie about you and winter."
Tink: "Got it. So you remember Periwinkle, right? Remember how she frosted my wings to keep them warm? Now I can visit winter anytime I want! I just have to get my wings frosted, and wear a jacket, of course!"
Little boy: "Yeah." [grin]
Tink: "I think he should stay here all day and just agree with everything I say. This is kinda nice. Plus, he's really cute."

Young boy: "We saw you flying on the zip line last night in the fireworks!"
Tink: "Oh, I wasn't flying on a zip line. I was flying away. Fireworks are hot."
Photopass Photographer: "What...?"
Tink: "Have you ever touched fireworks?"
Photographer: "No. Have you?"
Tink: "Once. Now I fly away. Fast."

Family, talking about their teenage son: "Tinker Bell, can you kiss him?"
Tink: "I don't really share my pixie dust..."

On Christmas night, Donald Duck watched the fireworks at Magic Kingdom from Chef Mickey's restaurant with a family of about 8 people. He'd already been by their table a couple times, so they all just watched the fireworks together.

Most frequently asked questions to Tinker Bell:
"Can you really fly?"
"Where are your other friends?"

Most frequently asked question to Wendy:
"Where's Peter?"

Most frequently asked question to Minnie:
"Can you talk?"

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Hopefully this shows a little bit of what my days are like. Not every guest acts like these guests. Most don't speak English, so Tink sits there and talks to herself while they smile and look confused. Others understand her, but won't talk anyway. With Minnie, most people don't say anything. They'll just walk up, take the picture, and walk away. But moments like those just help to make others that much more special. It's true, I don't remember most families. I can't. My brain is big, but it's not that big! But I do realize that most families will remember me. That's what keeps me in positive spirits. They'll remember this vacation forever. Why not help make it positive?

Some other updates:
MY BEST FRIEND IS FINALLY HERE! Emma started her Disney College Program this week! She's spent all week getting settled and has Traditions tomorrow! I could not be more excited for her!

I'll be in NYC and Washington, D.C. in a month with my family! Then I plan to visit Disneyland at the end of April with my roommates! I visit home every few weeks, but don't have my next visit planned just yet.

I'm actually getting to spend time with Tinker Bell! It's the absolute best. Very few things make me happier than time with my favorite fairy.

Luke and Leia are the cutest and sweetest kittens ever.

The classic rock station was killing it tonight. As was the station playing the '80s music.

Both of my cartilage piercings have closed up.

And on that happy note, have a wonderful week everyone!

Off to Neverland!

I have now been here for seven months. I can't believe the time has flown like it has. For a while it felt like it was dragging on, but looking back now, a lot has happened so quickly. I had a great holiday season. My roommates and I were able to adopt some friends to spend Thanksgiving with. The twins made a fantastic dinner for us all and we just spent the day enjoying each others' company and watching Christmas movies. We went Black Friday shopping that evening and were in bed by 11. 

A couple weeks later, my best friend, Emma, came to visit! I was able to take her to the parks for a couple days. I think she's now fallen in love with Goofy. Who can blame her? She starts her Disney College Program in just a few weeks. I do hope she's excited, or at least getting excited. Nothing can prepare you for what it's like to move halfway across the country and start a job at a place like Disney World. But at least now she's been here in the last decade and hopefully has something to look forward to! I know I'm excited for her to be here!

Two days after Emma returned home, my 22nd birthday was here! Some friends and I went to Magic Kingdom to celebrate. I met Peter Pan for the first time. We talked about pixie dust and flying to Neverland (he was a bit disappointed that I was celebrating my birthday because that's growing up and growing up is bad) and I kind of understand now why all the girls are so obsessed with him. Don't worry, I haven't joined the club. After seeing Peter, we watched Festival of Fantasy and a Photopass photographer pulled me out into the middle of Main Street for a birthday photo shoot. Later that evening, a few more friends joined us for dinner. It was really a wonderful day. I looked back that night and realized in that moment just how lucky I am.

 

The next day, I got the best birthday present of all. My sweet boyfriend got me a plane ticket to come home for a few days. It was so nice being able to spend time with him and see my family. Before I returned to Florida, we adopted two Bengal kittens. They are the cutest and most playful little things. Oh, and they are brother and sister, so naturally we named them Luke and Leia. Nerd alert. I won't lie, I know they love me and I love them. I'm their new mom. Hooray!

I got back to Orlando just in time for my family to join me for Christmas. I had to work most of the week, but was able to score a couple days off. They were nice and didn't ask me to spend any time at the parks if I wasn't working. They even braved the crowds to come see Minnie Mouse while I was with her! On one of my days off that week, we all went to Clearwater to visit Winter the Dolphin. Apparently everyone else had the same idea because that place was packed! We had a nice time together though!

Somewhere in this timeline, I also went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party with my roommate, Susie! I had never been before, but I absolutely loved it! I was sick, unfortunately, so I had to wander around the emporium while we waited for the parade instead of standing out in the cold. I'm so glad we were able to go though! It was such a cute experience and a great way to get into the Christmas spirit!

During all of this, I've also gotten a little extra time with my favorite fairy and my new precious friend, Wendy Darling! The two of them have given me some of the best adventures.

The last few months as well as my time with Wendy and Tinker Bell have really opened my eyes to how great my life is. I don't have a lot of friends, but I have a few great ones. I was able to go to Disney World for my birthday. Disney World! The place that most people will never visit and most of the people who do visit will only go once because they spend so long saving money for it. I can go virtually any time I'd like. That's so special. And oh yeah, I have one of the coolest jobs. The people that have taken time out of their day specifically to come and find me and my character friends mean so much to me. They get the same interaction as everyone else, but they still make special time for me anyway. And everyone that has come to visit Tink or Wendy took lots of pictures and then shared them with me soon after. It means a lot that I am going to be able to remember these days because of the people involved. These amazing people have made my time here so wonderful. It got off to a bumpy start, but now I feel like I'm going strong!

I also had a fantastic weekend last week, but I'll have to make a separate post about that because this is already way too long! I was able to get some time off next week and the week after, so I am going home for a whole week! I'm so excited! Happy thoughts, everyone!

We don't have to go home, we can leave the night on.

I guess after two months of silence is as good a time as any to finally update everyone on the happenings of my life. A lot has been going on and I haven't felt much like taking time to sit down and think about it all. I am finally at a place, though, where I can look back a little.

I guess I should start with September. My mom and aunts came to see me and it was great. I was able to get a day off to spend with them, which was nice. They also came to visit me while I was hanging out with Minnie Mouse at Animal Kingdom. We enjoyed lunch together that day and then met up after I was finished with work. It is hard for me to have people visit. I struggle with being at work, knowing they're here, but not being able to see them or spend time with them. I'm always grateful for the time I do get though. The week after they left, I got to flutter around with Tinker Bell and some twinkling lights in the electrical parade. My roommates and some friends came to watch us. Unfortunately, it rained all evening, so the first parade was cancelled. I was so sad and so nervous the second parade would also be cancelled. After sitting for two hours, waiting, the second parade was able to go out! Was I thrilled? You bet. Was it magical? More than you or I could have possibly imagined.

I was able to attend one of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Parties! We all dressed as various characters from the movie Tarzan. I have to admit, we looked adorable. It was such a good time. In true Orlando fashion, it poured on us for the first hour and a half. After that, it was pretty nice though! We got to meet lots of characters and watch the parade both times.

In the middle of October, I was able to visit home for a couple days. It wasn't a long trip, so I wasn't able to see everyone I would have liked, but I did see several people that are very dear to me. My primary motivation for visiting home was to see my sweet dog, Dazey, one last time. I am so grateful I was able to make that trip. She passed away just two weeks later. I like to think she was waiting for me to say goodbye. I'll admit, that was the hardest time I've ever had leaving that house. I'm just thankful for the hand I had to hold in the car as we drove away. There are moments in life we will never forget. All the times I was able to hold onto Dazey that weekend and then lay my head on Michael's shoulder as he calmed my tears will not be forgotten.

On a happier note, I FINALLY got to super greet for an entire shift. I was sent to the Monsters Inc Dance Party a few weeks ago. It was fantastic. I just helped the characters when they needed it and danced with them the rest of the time.

 

I called my mom two weeks ago because I was really struggling here. Various things contributed to this and I don't need to get into that on the internet. Just know that I was having a really tough time and felt like it was time to ask Mom for help. She and I talked for a while and the conversation ended with her booking a flight to Orlando, arriving three days later. Let me just say, I felt like the sun was shining a little brighter when she said that. Two days later, I had a doctor's appointment regarding a wrist injury I have acquired over time. That appointment resulted in mandatory physical therapy and me temporarily being put on light duty at work. For the last two weeks, I've been standing in various entrances and exits, waving and handing out Mickey stickers. It has been a much needed break. I'm kind of nervous for it to end and me to return to my usual 6 days a week schedule. (Let me take this moment to say that I am LOVING Taylor Swift's new album.)

My mom coming to see me was such a great surprise. We were able to spend time in the parks as well as relaxing. It was a nice weekend to just do whatever we wanted to. Sometimes, all you really need is Mom to come hang out with you (and feed you lots of yummy foods). And saying goodbye was pretty easy because she's coming back at the end of this week. So... we will have seen each other 4 times in the last two months! No complaints here! It also helped me to see some ways I can deal with everything I'm going through. That's a work in progress.

This weekend was the twins' birthday! Naturally, we had to spend two days celebrating. The festivities began Friday with lunch at Trails End, which is at the Fort Wilderness resort. The food was great and the company exceptional. What really made everything special though, was the adorable, kind couple that paid for our meal. They told us to get whatever we wanted, dessert included. In that moment, not only was I incredibly humbled, but I felt extremely blessed to have such wonderful friends that I knew appreciated this gesture just as much as I did.

The afternoon was devoted to nail appointments and shopping adventures. That evening, we all went to dinner and then the girls of The Blue House walked around Downtown Disney and finished out the night with bowling at Splitsville! The good news about the bowling adventure is: we are all equally wonderful(terrible) at bowling, so we had a lot of fun! The next morning, we got up and went to Animal Kingdom to watch Festival of the Lion King and ride Expedition Everest and Dinosaur! We then made our way to Magic Kingdom to watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade! That night, the girls of The Blue House went to a concert at House of Blues. The performers were Sam Hunt, Charlie Worsham, and Kip Moore. I must say, we had so much fun! Each artist was fantastic on stage. We ended up making our way up toward the front of the crowd. I'm lucky to have such considerate friends. Whenever we are watching something, they always make sure I get to stand in the front since I'm smaller than most twelve year olds. We returned home, autographs in hand, and fell asleep with happy hearts. It truly was a wonderful and much needed weekend.