Bangarang

This has been an eventful week! I suppose the biggest thing I want to talk about is the passing of Robin Williams.

I've never met Robin Williams. I have never seen his stand-up comedy acts. I've never seen half of his movies. Until today, I don't even think I had seen Hook in its entirety. I didn't know anything about his family or his life. That doesn't mean he didn't matter. Or that his passing isn't sad. The biggest impact he had on my life was bringing the Genie to life in the movie Aladdin. I watch Aladdin every couple weeks. It is one of my favorite movies. As I have grown from a child into an adult, I have learned to appreciate the brilliance he had in that role. Over the course of the last few days, I have witnessed the Disney Cast Members uniting to grieve together. Several performers asked to speak to a manager on Tuesday in an effort to get the Genie to do a meet and greet in Magic Kingdom. I don't think it worked, but I know they tried. The Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It, Sreet Party is a sort of parade that stops and turns into a short dance party. Genie is a part of this celebration. On Tuesday, there was little dancing as most guests were hugging the Genie from all sides. Quotes by Robin Williams and photos of the Genie are popping up all over Disney property in the various entertainment break rooms. A lot of Cast Members feel like they lost a family member or a dear friend. It is very sad the way his life came to a close, but it has given so many people a reason to remember all of the happy moments he gave them. This is definitely one of those, "I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when..." moments. I was in the Animal Kingdom performer warm-up room, waiting to clock out, and talking with other performers when someone announced that Robin Williams had died. I do hope people continue to focus on the positivity and laughter he brought to the world and respect that his family needs to time grieve without ridicule.

Keep looking up, friends.

I am very pleased to announce that I am approved to be friends with Wendy! I didn't tell many people that it was a possibility in an effort to not get my hopes up too high. I finally got the news yesterday and I am very excited! She and I won't get to hang out for a while, but to know that it is going to happen at all is a big deal! I also learned that I [should] be hanging out with Tink here in a couple weeks! I guess Peter Pan is going to become my favorite story. I had my parade orientation last Saturday. I learned so many interesting things about all the work that goes into Disney's parades. Now that I've been through the class, I can hang out with Mickey, Minnie, and Pinocchio in Disney's Electrical Parade that happens after dark in the Magic Kingdom. After I spend a few days getting to know Tink, I will also be able to hang out with her in that same parade! I can't wait.

I don't really have much else to report. That was the big news I've been waiting to share. I've said it several times since I've been here and I will say it again: I am being given so many wonderful opportunities this time around. I can't wait to see what else is in store.

"Carpe Diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary." -Robin Williams, Dead Poet's Society

Hats and Headbands.

Hello again! I've been very fortunate since I moved back to Florida. I've already had a lot of great opportunities come my way. I'm working a ton, but having so much fun in the process. I really need to try updating my blog more often so I don't have to come up with several weeks' worth of events to document.

I don't have a picture for this, but I was hanging out with Mickey Mouse in Animal Kingdom. A family of 10 came to meet Mickey and Minnie, and our attendant warned us that it was kind of a rowdy group. The three boys, around ages 8-12, came to Mickey first. They were not speaking English, so I didn't pay much attention, just waited for the moment when we would take the picture. Then I heard the oldest boy tell the middle boy, (in Spanish) "You need to speak English. Mickey does not understand Spanish." That's when the light bulb came on and my attention was pulled. I started listening to the boy. He told Mickey hello and then introduced every one of his family members. He told Mickey everyone's name and their relation to him. (Grandma, older brother, sister, etc.) Since Mickey finally understood what was going on, he nodded along and acknowledged everything the boy was saying. After the pictures, the boy realized Minnie Mouse was there as well. He asked Mickey if he loved Minnie or if she was his friend. Mickey made a heart with his hands and pointed to Minnie. The boy laughed and hugged Minnie. While he had his arms around Minnie, he looked over at Mickey and said that he was going to have Minnie Mouse for his new girlfriend. Mickey laughed and then let the boy know he had his eyes on him. This entire interaction happened in Spanish. It was such a fun experience. I've never understood someone speaking another language so clearly. It still makes me happy when I think about it.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be a part of the Dinoland Dance Party at Animal Kingdom as a Party Activator. This just means I got to wear normal [ish] clothes, talk to guests, and help get the dance party going! It was weird being able to interact with guests in this way, but also so much fun! I have another dance party scheduled for next week. This one is part of the Frozen Summer Fun event at Disney's Hollywood Studios! I'll be hanging out with Minnie Mouse that night. I'm excited! This will be my first dance party hanging out with a character! I'm so glad to make my debut with Minnie Mouse!

I also got to dress up as a blueberry last week! Not an actual blueberry, of course. I had a spare shift, which basically means I was an extra for the day in case any of Mickey's friends couldn't come to work. So I got to put on a Character Attendant costume and my name tag! I spent a little while with Snow White, but there wasn't much for me to do there. I ended up venturing over to Mary Poppins and Mr. Penguin and helping out their attendant! It was actually really fun. It may sound weird, but it was nice to have people call me by my name for a change. I met a lot of European dads who share my name. So that was weird. And people said thank you for the strangest things. There was one family in particular. The mom had her hands full with shopping bags, her purse, an open pen, two pen caps, and a camera. After the autograph books were signed, she offered to take the books and the second pen from her two children. I grabbed the books and pen before she had a chance and said I would hold them while she took the pictures. She looked confused, like nobody had ever done that for her before. I then told her I would take the pen caps and other pen to so she would have an easier time with the camera. Again, she looked stunned. She said to me, "Wait, really?" Confused, I replied, "Yes. Of course. My hands are free." She handed over the pen and caps and thanked me. She then told me that was very kind of me. I didn't and still don't really understand. Truly, all I did was close the books and the pens and hold them for about 30 seconds, but she was so appreciative.

My roommate, Carly, found a little cat on our porch during a rainstorm a couple weeks ago. It was late at night and pouring, so of course she wouldn't leave. I checked her body and ears for fleas and when I didn't find any, we took her inside to sleep. She ended up spending about a week with us before we found her real home. We named her "Penny" for the time being and had lots of fun with her before she returned home!

I have Parade Orientation tomorrow morning, which is the first step to being in parades! I'm pretty excited about that. I still have no idea when I'll be meeting Tinker Bell. I'm starting to wonder if it will ever happen! I do know Tink isn't lacking in friends right now, and Halloween is the priority at the moment. But hopefully she and I will hang out soon! The rest of these photos are just things that happened that I can't give much of an explanation for.

I watched the Flag Retreat at Magic Kingdom!

I fell in love with Olaf. He is a love expert, after all.

I spent a day with Minnie Mouse in her dressing room at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

I met Buzz Lightyear and said goodbye to one of his really good friends!

I went to Cocoa Beach with Brittany, Justin, and Jered!

I hung out with Minnie Mouse at Adventurer's Outpost in Animal Kingdom where we had some very special visitors!

I got to meet Jack and Sally! Jack taught me how to scare so I could take that talent back to my "rats" at Character Spot and Sally told me I was "Boo-tiful."

I spent time at Downtown Disney with my precious roommates and their friends before the twins returned home for a visit!

Today is my only day off this week. I have Parade Orientation in the morning, followed by a 65 hour work week beginning Sunday. I'm going to be exhausted! Woo! I am absolutely loving my time here in Florida. I miss my friends and family back home though. Hopefully the Fall brings some time for visits here or there! 

Lastly, my sweet, best friend, Emma sent me a care package this week with lots of pictures and my favorite chips. The best part, though, is that I now have this photo of me being.... well... me.

Make Magic, Everyone!

Sofia the First!

Last Friday, I went to Disney's Hollywood Studios with Carly and Justin. We had a really fun day experiencing the new Frozen attractions and meeting characters. Rather than write about the entire day right this second, I'm going to go through my experience meeting Sofia the First. I am going to tell this story with pictures because A) I have pictures and B) it's funny. We're just going to pretend the quotes I offer for Sofia are what she was actually thinking. It's funnier that way.

Let me begin the story with this: Justin, Carly, and I were leaving the backstage cafeteria area after having lunch. We had just become visible to guests when we saw Princess Sofia walking toward us. We all said hi to Sofia when all of a sudden, she nearly knocked me over hugging me. Clearly, Sofia was happy to see me. She didn't really let go of me, so I walked backstage with her. I could already tell she was spending the day with my friend, Dal. I walked with Sofia until we were out of guest sight and promised I would come visit her later.

3 hours later....

Justin, Carly, and I all waited in line with the little girls between the ages of 2 and 6 to meet Princess Sofia. After about 20 minutes, it was my turn.

Sofia: Oh my goodness! It's Ashley again!

Sofia: We should hug!

Sofia: Yes. Hugs are good!

"Sofia, you look beautiful! I love your dress."

Sofia: Too much praise!

Sofia: Oh wait, I am happy to see you.

"I really love your dress."

Sofia: We're talking about my dress still?

Sofia: Honey, stop worrying about my dress.

Sofia: Seriously. Like, you're making this really awkward.

"Just a little awkward."

"Maybe I could borrow your dress. Do you have an extra?"

Sofia: Girl.

Sofia: Seriously.

Sofia: Enough with the dress. I can't deal with you.

Sofia: Why does she insist on talking about my dress?

Sofia: She just goes, "talk, talk, talk, talk," like a little parrot.

Sofia: No more talking.

Sofia: Maybe if we hug, you'll be less awkward.

Sofia: There you go.

Sofia: Let's take a picture. Stand like this!

Sofia: Cheese!

Cheese!

Sofia: Why are you still saying cheese?

Sofia: Hug again because you're still being awkward!

Sofia: You're just SO awkward!

Sofia: But it's okay because I love you.

Sofia: See? With my heart!

Sofia: Hi friends!

Sofia: Bye bye, awkward nugget!

Magical Magic!

Hello, friends! It's been a couple weeks, so I believe we are all due for an update! When I last posted, I had just completed my first day of training. The second day of training was spent backstage again and on Thursday and Friday, our characters ventured over to Epcot to meet guests! These two days have been my favorites thus far. Thursday, I spent my time with the boss man, Mickey Mouse! One of my roommates, Carly, came to meet him. He told me he really liked visiting with Carly and he thought her Fourth of July Minnie ears were very festive! While Mickey and Carly were chatting, I spotted a family that I knew from my drill team days back in high school. What are the odds of that?! They had already met Mickey earlier in their visit, so they met his other friends instead. I had really hoped I would be able to introduce them to Mickey myself, so the first chance I could, I sent Nicole a text and told her Mickey had seen her, but didn't get a chance to say hello again. I also told her where she could find him next. And guess what? There they were when he went back out! It was so great to be able to introduce Mickey to someone I knew from back home. And it all happened by chance. I knew they were visiting Walt Disney World, but had no idea they would be in Epcot that day! I'm so glad they came back to say hello! After our shift ended, my training buddies and I went home to clean up and then gathered a couple friends and met back up at Epcot to watch Illuminations!

Friday was July fourth and also my last day of training. I was fortunate enough to spend the entire day with Miss Minnie Mouse herself! She is my absolute favorite, so I was very happy. Minnie loved seeing all the guests' festive red, white, and blue attire! Minnie, being the lovely lady that she is, also was able to have some special visitors! My cousin, Chett, was in town working a few shifts, so he stopped by to say hello and grab a few photos of Minnie! Shortly after, all of my roommates came to see her! She loved all of their red, white, and blue bows and Minnie ears. They were super sweet to her and she was so happy to visit with them. We wrapped up our last training shift and said our goodbyes to the trainers. We were blessed with some very wonderful trainers that week. They're the type of people who you know would help you or answer questions if you ever needed anything. I hope to see them in the area so we can say hi and keep in touch.

After work(and a shower), I met up with my roommates and my friend, Brittany, at Hollywood Studios for the Fourth of July fireworks! Brittany, Carly, and I rode the Tower of Terror before catching up with everyone. I just love that ride so much! Once everyone was back together, we found a nice spot right in front of the Sorcerer Hat to view the fireworks. There was a DJ playing music for the time being. Even with the park being super crowded, we only waited [maybe] 10 minutes for Tower of Terror and still had a great spot to stand for the fireworks. Once the show started, there was an American Rock and Roll cover band playing a concert to go along with the fireworks. It was so cool. Disney never puts on a poor fireworks display. This show seemed to be one of those "How loud and bright can we make this?" types. It was awesome. And the music was superb. After the fireworks, we all headed over to see if we could watch Fantasmic! What followed was a series of very fortunate events. We stopped at the restrooms right outside the entrance to the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. While we were waiting for everyone to return, a Cast Member walked up to our little group, handed us 6 FastPasses, and said, "Well now you HAVE to go see the show!" [Side note: Fantasmic, along with every other Disney show, now has FastPass+ VIP seating. If you have a FastPass, you get the best viewing areas. No FastPass, less good viewing area.] So once we had everyone, we headed up the ramp to the FastPass+ seating! Once we got there, our friend Timmy saw someone he knew sitting in the extra VIP section, all alone. So he said hi to her and she invited us all to sit with her! We enjoyed the show from the very best seats in the stadium, and the show was basically perfect. I absolutely love Fantasmic, as I'm sure everyone is already well aware of. And Brittany had not seen it in several years, so seeing her get so excited about it was really fun.

After the show, we all headed to the parking lot and sat in traffic for about an hour. Yay! It was worth it though. We got to see some great fireworks, one of my favorite performances ever, and once we were home, the girls of The Blue House made some sparkler magic! We had so much fun! That is, until our grumpy neighbor implied that we were being loud. The next day, Susie and I met up with Carly after her shift to watch Celebrate the Magic and then see Caitlin in Disney's Electrical Parade! She was hanging out with Anastasia that night. It is so much more fun watching that parade when you know people! While waiting, Susie and I went to visit Tinker Bell in her new home in Town Square Theater. It's a really cute area, but I'm sad her fairy friends aren't with her anymore. After meeting Tink, the three of us wanted to see what I would look like with the blonde hair, so I borrowed Susie's hair to test it out.

All of last week was spent at Chef Mickey's with the head chef, Mickey Mouse. I don't have too many stories to tell from this experience. But a couple kids did leave an impression. Mickey was making his rounds at the tables when he saw a small girl, probably around the age of three. Chef Mickey's is a restaurant located in the Contemporary Resort. At this particular Resort, the Monorail runs right through the middle of the hotel, so it can be seen from the restaurant. When Mickey went to meet the little girl, she hugged him, then backed away quickly, pointing up to the Monorail that was passing through. "Look, Mickey," she said, "There's people in there!" It was so cute, I couldn't help but laugh. Another memorable family had two boys Mickey met at the end of the night. Toward the end of the shift, the restaurant clears out quite a bit, so the characters are able to spend a little more time with the guests, if need be. Mickey came to the table where the parents and the two boys were sitting. After doing the usual hug, autograph, picture, Mickey noticed a lightsaber folded on the table. He pointed to it and then stepped back, wielding his own imaginary lightsaber. The mother told the older boy, "Why don't you show Mickey how it works?" So the boy opened it up and handed it to Mickey. Mickey messed with it for a moment and then carefully handed it back to the boy. The smaller boy giggled and, right before Mickey went to meet the next family, said, "Hey Mickey, may the MOUSE be with you!" And just lost it. Mickey appreciated the humor and laughed as well. The little boy was so proud of his joke that he would repeat it and then start laughing all over again.

The last memorable story from Chef Mickey's did not involve the guests, but instead involved Pluto. At the very end of the night, Pluto and Mickey had seen all the guests several times. Rather than stand there and do nothing, Mickey got Pluto's attention, motioned for him to sit, pet him as a reward for sitting on command, and then threw an invisible ball. Pluto, the excited puppy he is, ran after the ball, fetched it, and brought it back to Mickey to throw again. Only it wasn't an invisible ball. It was a straw, still in the wrapping. Mickey and Pluto continued playing fetch until Mickeys hands were full of napkins, silverware, and straws. When it was time to say goodbye to the guests, Pluto ran ahead of Mickey, walked over to the buffet, ran back to Mickey, and handed him a spoon! I was laughing so hard. Bad dog! But a funny one.

Friday, Carly and I went to visit Brittany, who was spending her morning with Chip and Dale, and Caitlin, who was hanging out with Drizella! After Carly went to work, Brittany and I spent a while by the pool, then at Downtown Disney. I'm lucky I met her. She gave me a lot of good tips about cooking. Saturday, I got up, went to the grocery store, came home, and cooked myself a meal! It was delicious. I'm still so proud of myself. Saturday night, Carly and I met up with Brittany and some of her friends from back home for dinner at Epcot. We headed over to Japan and they treated us all to some great sushi! It was a very fun night.

I'm becoming obsessed with this whole cooking thing, so if anyone has some recipe ideas that won't cost much [I'm painfully poor right now], let me know! It's so much fun! But I know you've all read to the end of this post because you've been waiting for me to mention one thing in particular. A little green dress, maybe? Well, I don't have a whole lot of information to give, but I do have a fitting tomorrow! I've talked about the face type-out in the past. It's the audition you attend to become approved in new face characters. Well, there is one tomorrow, and I was actually scheduled to go to it as a part of my work week, which is good! It means I'll have a pixie fitting when I get there, and if I'm super lucky, maybe a blue dress or two. But who knows? I will have more information about that after tomorrow!

Make magic, everyone!