Dream Job...Day 3-Party

Holy Cow it was awesome.   The media party was a private event and we got to walk down the Dory Blue carpet into the area near the subs. As we stepped onto the carpet each of us was handed a pair of light up dreams come true mouse ears.  There were scuba a go-go girls dancing, characters in their nautical attire and of course, Dory, Nemo and Crush.  

Papa Bear with the Scuba a Go-Go Girls

walking the carpet in style with character...

A band was playing, there were blow ups everywhere making it look like we were underwater.  They had the characters from Nemo hanging around for photos. A big bubble machine helped you feel you really had gone under water. Plexiglass tables with fish swimming in them were scattered around and a huge bar with Mount Wanna Hawk a Loogie behind it (the tank in Nemo).

love the cast member costumes and plexi-tables

Everything was all included and they had some exotic blue and orange drinks.  Lots of giant shrimp, seafood and other foods available to eat plus more awesome desserts.  They had cupcakes with coral and Nemo on them, clear aquariums (gelatin with gummyfish?), and a slushie machine and popcorn machine. 

our drinks (they contained alcohol)

one of the bars

dessert

characters and seafood table

 They had all sorts of nice photo opportunities available.  When we did ride the subs we had to wait about 30 minutes.  That was not bad though because the line the next day was over 8 hours and I believe they had to close the line.  

sub-mobile (like the wiener mobile)

family photo

The dance floor in front of the band had a projection machine above it creating an underwater dance floor.  We also got to go on the subs!  It was quite amazing and really neat.  I can't even begin to describe the ride, we saw the characters from the movie and how it was all done I'm not sure, but it was amazing.   We left the party around 9:20 cause I wanted to catch the fireworks and the party would end at 10 anyways.  They were cancelled cause it was a bit windy.  Oh well, I went on rides til 11ish. 

dance floor (see the scuba girl boots)

Dream Job...Day 3-training

Welcome to the Jungle

Day 3 began the official start of our job training.  Again, no cameras were allowed so I'll just stick in some random jungle cruise photos throughout this post to keep you from boredom.  I'm also breaking day 3 into two parts--training and the Nemo party.  I lucked out on the waking up thing with the Dream Job.  The skippers didn't have to be in the lobby until 7ish for costumes and makeup.  The princesses had to go in at about 5am or earlier.  We were the last group to go over.  We were shuttled over to the backstage area where we were put in a room for a continental breakfast and introduced to our camera crew that would follow us around for the day and again tomorrow.  Each group was assigned a crew.  Joan was great.  She was from Celebration, Florida.  The guys got their costumes first and were filmed, asked to say something witty about getting them.  Each of us had to "get our costumes twice," to make sure they  got a good shot and audio.  Our costumes were taken out of the main wardrobe building warehouse and brought over to the parade costume area.  

the African Bull elephant

 Across the hall from the "checkout" were rows and rows of lockers.  I Went into a large changing room to change-- no one else was in there since the earliest parade was still a few hours away.  There were photos and mirrors everywhere of what colors and how the parade make-up should look.   I was ready to be a skipper... but no, all cast members wear makeup.   Makeup was crazy.  Usually the cast does their own makeup but we were getting special treatment.  After what felt like forever (half an hour) I was all makeup-uped with a camera in my face asking how I felt.  I wanted a spatula to scrape it off my face. I had mascara, eyeshadow, blush, gooey foundation stuff, powder, the works, while the guys just had the "fluff and puff" (just powder to reduce shine).  We were given gold colored locks to lock up our stuff. 

oh the jokes here...

Rock on, we were ready.  Off to traditions class where we learned the Disney way.  Each group was assigned a character to escort them into the theatre for class.  Ours was a safari dressed Donald Duck.  Class was mostly be friendly and helpful.  Smile at everyone and don't lean, always stand up straight.  There were four basic guides to follow-- safety, courtesy, show and efficiency.  Safety always came first, being nice to people and helpful, putting on a show and lastly making sure things were efficient.  People are willing to wait in line if the show is good.  Perhaps the most interesting was never point, always use two fingers or an open palm.  (Now a habit I've formed).  We were given a team project to name as many disney animated characters in one minute.  After we were presented with our honorary cast member name tags from the one and only Mickey Mouse!  

hippos that wiggle their ears and blow bubbles

Off to lunch at the Eat Ticket backstage.  We were given smocks to wear so our costumes didn't get dirty and boxed lunches.  The cafeteria was decorated with old ride props (a Timothy mouse from Dumbo in the corner, some boat hanging from the ceiliing and dozens of photos).  After we were escorted to the Castle for a dream job cast photo.  We were Pirates, Princesses, Parade Performers, Haunted Mansion Caretakers and Jungle Cruise Skippers.  All these people stopped to take pictures of us and there were security people keeping the crowd away so it was just the castle in the background. 

After our photo came the actual job training 101.  Randy and Jordan took us on the Amazon Belle for our trip through the various rivers of the world.  Each drove the boat and gave their spiel.  Then Randy went and pointed out where sensors were that triggered motion and noise and explained how the boat runs on a track and there were C and S curves that can cause deraialment.  If there is a derailment then it will be about an hour delay and you will hear 6 cap gun shots fired.  There are all sorts of codes at Disney.  For example if you have a guest who is really sick and needs medical attention you don't call and say "i have an undesireable guest in front of me" you say "I have a "some number."   Well, after about 3 trips through the jungle we were each given three shots to practice our spiel.  We sat on the boat while one another practiced with a fifteen minute break.  I feel like I am one with the jungle after being on that boat nearly 5 hours.  The dock felt like it was moving when I finally did get off the boat.  A few of the skippers wanted to try out their own jokes  and wander away from the script we were given.  A few were acceptable and others were a big "No, I will take the mic from you and that will be the end."  

Trader Sam--Head Salesman of the Jungle

Back to costumes where we returned our costumes and dressed before taking a shuttle to return to the hotel.  A quick shower, and much scrubbing of my face,  then back to the park with my family to the finding nemo media launch party. 

Dream Job...Day 2

 Ok, so this is a really long one that I probably should have split into two or three posts.  Here it is anyways.  Day two of the Dream Job Adventure started with a character breakfast.  All you can eat buffet where we stuffed our faces and took photos with characters.  As with all Disney character meals there is some sort of special event that takes place about every 30-45 minutes.  Some places have a conga type line, others involve napkin twirling to a song.  At Goofy's Kitchen they have guests get up and dance with  Goofy and pals.  Of course it was mostly little kids and a few of their parents plus me. 

at Goofy's Kitchen

dancing with the kids

Chef Goofy and me

There is a large display case of Disney memorabilia in the lobby area as well as an Autopia car.  Mom and Dad climbed in and posed.  Dad looks like he's enjoying the "Sunday Drive."

Autopia Car

We walked through Downtown Disney to the park.  Disney World is really spread out between the parks but at Disneyland they are literally a stones throw away, making it very easy to park hop and lose a minimum amount of time between parks (no boats, monorails or busses).  I mailed post cards and then we were off for an adventure.  First adventure for the day--it's a small world.  I have to admit I like it's a small world and can find something new/different every time I am aboard the happiest cruise that ever sailed.  The Disneyland version is huge compared to Disney World.  

at Disneyland train station looking at Cali. Adventure

Main Street mailing post cards

it's a small world

We took a mid-afternoon break in a quiet side alley/street off of Main Street.  My dad thought he was pretty funny striking this pose and grabbing the door.  All of the sudden we start hearing noises from the upstairs window of the building.  We were treated to the sounds of a dentist office with a patient getting their cavities filled.  

Laughing Gas

We went back to the hotel to relax at the pool for a bit. It was about time for the Dream Job to officially begin.  We met in the hotel lobby at 6pm.  All of the Dream Job winners were together for the first time.  Cast members dressed in plaid were assigned to us (one for each dream job role) plus an assistant. After brief introductions Rebecca escorted us through Downtown Disney and into the park then quickly backstage.  We filmed on top of the Plaza an intro and I'm at Disneyland.  Once we all had our opportunity we were taken to the Oasis for a dessert reception they were having for us.  

They had genie lamps made out of chocolate and filled with mousse, cookies, amazing desserts (a theme of the weekend for my family).  Then some big, and by big I mean important,  Disney people made short speeches about the weekend and the planning that went into it before each of the dream job members was introduced on stage and then sent into the "Cave of Wonders."  Quite extraordinary.  Honestly, it was kind of scary having to walk into the Cave of Wonders.  There was smoke coming out  of the mouth and lights shining in your eyes (hence the red glow in its mouth).  There were stairs but you couldn't really see them.

Cave of Wonders

Meanwhile my mom, dad and Karen are enjoying those yummy desserts and some time with characters.  They are free to stay and continue to eat or wander the park and return for our special seating for the fireworks. 

at the Oasis with Mickey

We were now backstage and after quite a long walk to some building we were escorted into a room where tables were decorated in theme. The princesses had tiara's on their table and a glass slipper.  The haunted mansion folks had a "magic ball" and other "spooks like spiders."  The pirate had skulls and gold coins, parade performers (high school musical) had red and white pom poms, megaphones and basketballs.  Our Jungle Cruise skipper table was animal print with shrunken heads, plants and flowers.  Each table contained 5 pairs of mouse ears with our names embroidered and a gift card.   Sorry for lack of pictures but we were not allowed to bring any cameras behind the scenes with us.

showing off my official ears

After another quick congradulations we were directed to give our attention two experts that would go over the duties and what we would be doing and if we had any questions.  Skipper Randy and Jordan were great, teaching us the ropes.  They wanted to know why each of us liked the cruise so much... pretty much it came down to a consensus at our table that it was a historical feature of the park and we had that type of humor.  

Our meeting ended and we were escorted back to the park to  a special viewing area  for the fireworks.  Our families joined us and my dad kept trying to give me a few cookies that he saved for me from the Oasis dessert reception. He is such a good papa bear.  My mom was all proud of the genie lamp she had to continue to snack on.  Fireworks were great (always are at Disney) and the park was open until midnight so we stayed and played until about 11.  Of course that play involved riding Dumbo and a lot of other Fantasyland attractions since it wasn't crowded at all.   


Overly excited Amanda, again.  Remember the actual Dumbo in the parade yesterday?  Yeah, that excitement level all over finding out that they hand out Magic Feathers for Dumbo to fly at Disneyland.   They are just to know how many people to let on the attraction at once, but still way too cool.

the Magic Feather

Dumbo with Papa Bear

Dream Job...Day 1

We had almost the whole day to enjoy the two Disney parks (airfare, park passes, hotel and surprise "extras" included).  I had been to Disneyland for spring break in college so I wanted to go to Disney's California Adventure first.  We had about 4 days, plus there was a line outside Disneyland.  

Park Entrance

Upon entering the park we took pictures with the Cars guys and other things so we could always remember the trip.  On a whim I thought we should go explore some trail thing.  Year of a Million Dreams is taking place and they had a cast member passing out Fast Pass Badges.  Lucky us.  Although with the fast passes we split the day a little between the two parks. 

Fast Passes!

We went on a few of the attractions at California Adventure.  There wasn't a line so Karen and I went on the Zephyr.  You can tell she's just a happy go lucky person.  Check out her waving from the ride.  We even got my mom to take a ride on the Sun Wheel. 

Family Photo

When we headed over to Disneyland I had my photo taken with Dream Goofy.  He had on his sparkly blue suit as part of the Year of a Million Dreams.  I of course also had my picture taken with the one and only Dumbo.  He is my favorite character of all time.  Seriously, who can resist those blue eyes and cuteness?  

Dream Goofy

Dumbo

One of our fast passes was for Splash Mountain.  Getting my mom on this attraction was not very easy, but we did it.  We told her it was like the log ride at SeaBreeze.  There was just the one drop that you could see and the rest was like the Lazy River at SeaBreeze.  She was content to hang out and wait for us to protect the camera.  We put it in a plastic bag in the backpack and decided the person in the front would get the least wet--the splash seemed to be getting the back passengers wet.  I love the photo of us as we plunge into the briar patch.

look at Papa Bears face

We went back to California Adventure cause I wanted to see their nighttime parade.  I had told my parents about the Main Street Electric Parade when I saw it at Disney World in college.  When we went to Disney World for my first marathon they'd replaced it with SpectroMagic.  I was disappointed but my parents thought it was great.  The lights dimmed and the music started.  I lit up, it was the Main Street parade!  The best parade ever!

recognizing the best parade ever music

As if I wasn't excited enough about the parade they'd added something very special.  DUMBO was REAL!  He wasn't just a light up carousel piece.  My mom was so excited when she saw Dumbo, but mostly just excited cause she spotted him before I did and watched my face light up the way it does when I find the perfect pair of running shoes.

  

Dumbo!

After the parade we went back to the hotel.  We had the official start of Dream Job events tomorrow. 

  

Vote for Me!

My audition was chosen as one of the top 20 finalists for a trip to Disneyland to have the opportunity to actually perform the dream job.  The voting began and I seriously sat in front of the computer watching it over and over and clicking  "vote."  My mom would sit and vote at her computer and family/friends were doing the same thing.  My vote count was less than a few other videos, but when the voting ended I was a winner!  There was a formula they used that weighted the votes along with some other Disney rubric that they used to determine the winners.  I was contacted via e-mail and had about 2 days to get the paperwork in order and sent back to them with the copies in the "snail mail."  Being the superstitious person I am I had to have papers notarized and I brought a Disney pen with me to the bank for signing the papers.  I couldn't believe I had won.

Arrival at LAX

My boyfriend (now husband) had just started his new job so I selected to have Pal Karen come with my mom, dad and I.  Karen is married to Bob, who is one of my dad's friends and she's a ton of fun.  Karen and Bob had been to Disney for marathons with me before so I knew it was a good choice.  Plus I didn't want any family members mad at me for not picking them.  My sister was bummed but we all had to fly out of the same airport and she had just moved to Virginia.

gift basket full of goodies

Invite to Finding Nemo Submarine Opening

Our flight left at about 5pm and we got into LAX at about 2am their time.  We were exhausted.  At the airport we were picked up by a nice SUV and taken to the Disneyland Hotel, where we met the guy I'd been in contact with about the job and hotel/flight arrangements.  We brought him some frozen Zweigle Hot Dogs (local yumminess) and some Finger Lakes wine and Grandma Brown Beans.  When we got to our room more surprises!  A welcome tote filled with goodies and an invitation to the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Launch Party.

our room at the Disneyland Hotel...I felt like a Princess

Dream Job? Sign me up!

Disney teamed up with Career Builder to host a contest for Disney Dream Jobs.  To enter you needed to submit a video about your Disney dream job and then the videos would be judged based on some criteria (I forget all the details  about that now) and of all the videos 20 would be selected as finalists for the viewers to vote on for the final five and winners of the competition for their dream job week(end).  Dream jobs were Princess in Waiting, Haunted Mansion Maid/Butler, Parade Performer, Pirate or Jungle Cruise Skipper.  


Thanks to my Papa Bear and his sense of humor I was all about the Jungle Cruise Skipper.  
Crazy shenanigans ensued while filming the video audition.  My mom loaded her shower with plants from around the house.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a fan of plant life.  I have a fear that it's going to go Adam's Family on me and come to life and drag me away or eat me.   I dressed my boyfriend (now husband) in a Dumbo costume and referred to him as elephante.  My dad had just taken his boat out of winter storage so I donned a bright orange life vest over a duck yellow poncho.  After several failed attempts at having a monsoon come out of no-where (my sister was all about helping if it involved throwing a bucket of water at me).  First monsoon attempt, I choke since she threw it directly up my nose.  Second attempt I believe something happened with my contact lens.  We continued to throw water at me (boyfriend, sister, mom...) and with no success except lots of laughter from the peanut gallery.  Finally my mom decided, hey the shower head is connected to a hose so I can just kink it until it's time and we can get it right.  Success! 
I edited the video as much as possible and paid extra close attention to the details about length, file size and such.  Well, I was chosen as a top twenty for people to vote on.  Enjoy the audition video!

Goofy 2007

1/2 Marathon--HOT

Year number two of Goofy was hot and miserable.  I handed  my mom the camera at mile 3 and said no stopping for pictures I just want this to be over.  She didn't even really take any pictures either due to the extreme humidity in the air and it making things blurry.  I looked like I showered in my clothes by mile 3 and completely miserable at mile 8.  Fortunately it was only the half, but that didn't make it any better.  There was no chance the weather was going to break.  

swimming

We went to breakfast after the race and I enjoyed a swim in the pool.  I thought there'd be more people swimming but I suppose they were at the parks or sleeping in the AC rooms.  I was extremely lucky my aunt and uncle had decided to come to Disney with us.  They took us in their car to the nearest Target where we bought a large package of instant cold packs that you break.  I am convinced they allowed me to survive the marathon.  They are now a travel item we always bring, in addition to hot hands and extra layers for pre-race.  
Marathon day the weather wasn't any better and I'd be exposed to the heat, humidity and sun for longer.  I grab a break and cold pack from my mom at mile 8ish and stuff it in my sports bra to help cool my core temperature.  I'm drinking at least one cup, if not two at each aid station to stay hydrated.  I'm convinced it's too hot for characters and want it to rain or get cloudy so I pass on taking the camera.  I grab a second cold pack from my mom at mile 13ish and stuff it in my sports bra.  She also hands me a baggie full of Pez candies and some salt packets.  I chew the salt packets and they taste so good with all the sweating I've been doing.  

about mile 18 Marathon

mmm...coca-cola

Goofy!

I am cranky and drenched in sweat.  It is like buckets of water were poured on me.  I am looking forward to seeing my aunt and uncle around mile 18ish.  We stayed at the All-Star Sports so I gave them directions for getting on the course there.  They were struggling with the heat just climbing the hill there and can't imagine how I am running in the weather.  They put a bottle of powerade in an ice bucket and brought it up the hill.  The cold drink tastes good.  I am soaked with sweat and my uncle slowly pours the melted ice water from the bucket over my head.  I stuff some ice cubes in my sports bra, eat more pez and salt packets and grab the cold pack from my relatives before heading into the last 8 miles.  
I cling to the cold pack so that I can break it around mile 22.  Headed into MGM Studios I see a runner down near the Backlot Tour with a medical bike person.  I toss the cold pack--unused to the medic and say they need it more.  I'm sure they found that to be completely bizarre that a runner was carrying one.  

shaker barrel

When I finish the race I take a few character photos before going for a swim and having my Mickey bar.  It was mentally challenging as well as physically challenging.  We went back to the campfire sing-along with my aunt and uncle.  I tried out the tired feet barrel thing and was in love.  It made me laugh since it tickled but it also felt really good on my sore legs, shaking them out!


Here is a photo of one of their displays about their "theme" for the year at Disney... more details on the importance of this next post!