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