Lots of things have happened these past few months. I got my license, got a car (his name is Preston T. Gas), transferred to a new job (which I love!), and am back in school (one class as of right now).

I love my new job and my car makes life so much easier. My class is Strength and Fitness which is just a “self-taught” fitness class. Not my favorite, but it will help me with work and dance when I get to pick that up again.

I just had my first off training shift today and it was really fun! Disneyland Entertainment is such an amazing department to be a part of.

Tomorrow, I have a work event and then there is a Pumpkin Patch at my apartment complex and if I get there early, I get a free pumpkin to put by my door!

Speaking of pumpkins…I am SO EXCITED for Halloween! It is one of my favorite holidays because – costumes and candy! I am off work that day (unless I pick up an early shift) so that night I am [hopefully] going trick-or-treating with Tyler and his siblings. As of right now, I only have the loofah costume I wore for Tyler’s aunt’s birthday party (he was a bar of soap) so I may wear that again unless I get something else. I really wanted to be a cupcake…

As for now, it is past midnight and as I mentioned, I have a lot to do tomorrow. Goodnight.

Toujours,
Tara

A couple weeks ago I was one of the lucky few hundred cast members to enjoy a peaceful yoga class in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyland at 6:30am. It was so nice because there were no guests at the resort yet and the sounds consisted of birds singing, soft yoga music, and the Voice of Disneyland. I bought my own yoga mat and was surrpunded my only cast members, Mickey Mouse even came out wearing his tracksuit!

About a week or so later, I got up before the sun again to be a part of “department” photos in front of the castle. There were three of us representing WOD and each department was about to do group shots as well as a solo if they choose. Everyone was in costume and it was yet another rare occation.

These were a such great expierences and I can’t wait to attend more events like these in the future.

Toujours,

Tara

I have always wanted to work at Disneyland and now that I am…

Growing up, I always wanted to be a dancer and Tinkerbell at Disneyland. I still tell people I want this and maybe one day my dreams will come true. Until then, I will still tell everyone I know and continue to be the best WOD cast member I can be.

I was always told to “work food service and retail once in your life.” I disagree.
Yes, it gives you experience and networking, but it is not for everyone. Each person has their own thoughts and ideas about what they want for themselves.

This is my first job ever. I had never worked anywhere before, never used a cash register, never had to say the same thing over and over and over to guests, and I have never been so stressed.

I babysat for about five years but it is nothing compared to a “real” job. I never get stressed, not at school, not in life, and especially not because of something as easy as working behind a cash register.

As for right now, I feel alone and sad. I guess working has given me a different perspective. I like the people I work with and they seem to like me. It is just hard to get into something you never wanted to get into. I am so thankful to have gotten into this Program and I will finish strong and end with a bang!

Toujours,
Tara

Today I went to California Adventure with some friends, two who have never been before. I had lunch planned and was so excited!

We went to Ariel’s Grotto for lunch and met Ariel, Snow White, Tiana, Rapunzel, and Jasmine. I had never been there before and wanted to make it special for all of us. I loved meeting the princesses and getting my picture taken with each of them. One day I will be the one taking pictures with little girls; but for now, I am the little girl. 🙂

Now it’s time to relax and prepare myself for tomorrow’s adventure!

Toujours,
Tara

Today was my first day of work without training. I learned what I needed to, passes the text, and am now an official Retail Associate at World of Disney. Today I was mostly at the cash register. I enjoy that because I get to see what all the people bought and see how they days is going. Hopefully, Zac Efron will come in one day and buy something from my register…

I was also a Door Greater for a little while. This is when you stand at the door saying “Welcome” and “have a good day” to everyone coming and going. I wore a Mickey Mouse glove and got a few high-fives from some kids.

It was cool to be on my own because I was able to learn how to check in and get my assignments. I am so excited to get to know more about retail and to make more friends within the DCP as well as other cast members.

I have still not been into the park since I got my ID, so that will have to change soon! Anyway, that’s all for now.

Toujours,
Tara

Yesterday was my first day at Traditions. Traditions is a three-day “orientation” process where we learn about the Disney company and the area where we will be working.

I will be working in World of Disney in Downtown Disney. WOD is the second largest Disney store. (The largest one is at Disney World) I am so excited to start my on-the-job training on Tuesday. I get my costume tomorrow and can’t wait to wear it with my Cast member name tag.

Today, my group learned about the hotels and the Downtown Disney District. We toured, talked, and totally enjoyed it!

I recieved my schedule for the next couple weeks and my first shift is next Sunday from 11am-5pm. Come say “hi!”

My earliest shift so far begins at 9am while my latest shift ends at midnight. Either way, I am super excited!!

Tomorrow is my last day of Traditions before I start my on-site training. Everyone here is nice, friendly, and awesome! I have new friends and am thrilled to be spending the next seven months working for the mouse!

Toujours,
Tara

This morning was orientation at the Team Disney building in Anaheim. It is a green-ish building that I have driven past many times in the past and have always wanted to go in. I heard it was where the Disney Animation happens and to me, that is awesome!

Once in the auditorium, we listened to the lecture, heard some stories and ended the meeting with a “Welcome to Disney!”

As a Cast Member, I can’t wait to start working and experiencing all the magic that comes with this womderful opportinuty. I plan on volunterring, attending workshops and classes, making friends, and being a part of the Disney family. I am so honored to have been chosen out of the 35,000 applicants. I am 1/400 out of 35,000 to be a part of the California Disney College Program and that means so much to me!

My first official “work/class” day is Saturday, January 16 and that day is special to me for a couple reasons. One being my birthday and two being the day I start something that has been on my wish list since I was little. I will say my first time at Disneyland was when I was three-weeks old and sadly I don’t remember it. I do remember going every week, rain or shine, two hours or all day. It has always ben my happy place and I can’t even begin to explain how happy I am to work there!

I look forward to the amazing things to come and I will be sure to share all the good news.

Until then…

Toujours,

Tara

Today was the start of my Disney Cast Member experience. I checked in, met my roommates, got settled in the dorm, made a Target run, and met some other DCP participates. I am so excited to begin this journey and share my adventures with my friends and family.

Tomorrow is orientation and Saturday is Traditions (it’s also my birthday) and I am super stoked! I can’t wait till I get my Cast Member name tag!

The dorms are pretty nice here. Mine is two bedrooms shared with four other girls who are really nice: so far, so good!

I am looking forward to tomorrow and every day after that working at the Happiest Place on Earth!

More tomorrow!

Toujours,
Tara

Last Monday I went to the desert with some family friends for New Years and it was so much fun! I got to drive a golf cart around, spend time with old friends, and enjoy the New Years festivities. We watched the ball drop from NY and those over 21 “clinked” their drinks together. I throughly enjoyed playing Cards Against Humanity with the other teens and laughing until my sides hurt. There were real jokes, inside jokes, and all around giggles. I know it is not all that polite to invite yourself to things, but I hope I can go back next year!

I start my job at Disneyland in eight days and I have to clean up and pack my things in order to move to the Disney dorms. I am looking forward to working at the Happiest Place on Earth and I hope the dorm situation goes over well…

Anyway, I hope everyone had a great New Year’s Eve and hopefully your resolutions happen!

My New Year’s Resolution is to open up more and make more friends and not be so shy and judgemental. We will see how that goes 🙂

Happy New Year to all!

Toujours,
Tara

Living in California for these past four months have made me realize something…I missed it! I can’t believe it has been four months, let alone a whole semester of college! Time sure does fly when you’re having fun!

A few amazing things I have done so far include:

Disneyland trips, Armors concert, Rascal Flatts/Scotty McCreery concert, Jake Owen/Parmalee concert, Josh Turner conceft/M&G, making new friends, modeling, dancing, having a boutique, and just having fun!

I have loved being back in my home state and I can’t wait for the other adventures I have in the future!

Happy Holidays!

Toujours,

Tara