Tag: Orlando

An Afternoon in Epcot

Epcot is one of our favorite places. And we’re not just talking in terms of Disney Parks. I mean Epcot is one of our favorite places ANYWHERE! We love World Showcase and all of the cultural and eatery offerings. We love how educational so much of Epcot is. And we love that it has a more chill environment than, say, Magic Kingdom. 
We spent the afternoon in the park and went to SOME of our favorite places. Really we only visited a small handful. We love so many things in this park. Watch the video to see what we love!

Featured locations include:
MouseEars
Test Track
Three Caballeros
Living with the Land
Via Napoli
Journey Into Imagination

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A Look at the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo

We popped into the Magic Kingdom to take a look at the new Incredible Tomorrowland Expo. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the long-anticipated Incredibles 2 comes out June 15th! And to celebrate, Disney World launched the Incredible Summer! Part of this offering, is the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo. 
There’s a stage with a show, which we did not stay for. And they even have diaper dashes for littles! There were photo-ops and of course, FOODS!!! We tried “No Capes, Just Crepes” Nutella crepe with vanilla soft serve and berries. It was good. Not life changing, but it was good. And I love me some Edna, so I had to have it. 
Watch the video to see what other Magic Kingdom Adventures we had!

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A Disney Springs Mini-Tour

We had a little down time after our first couple of days of training so we drove over to Disney Springs to spend a little time showing you some of the fun things that await you there! Disney Springs is really quite large, so this video doesn’t even show you the tip of the iceberg! 
It does however, show you Sprinkles frosting shots. Let me tell you that these are a new favorite of mine. They’re only $1.50 and they are a little cup of frosting. JUST FROSTING!!!! You can choose any of the Sprinkles frosting flavors. It was a fantastic little treat and sugar boost.

We also explored the brand new Disney Style store that just opened in Disney Springs. It was a very cool store and I will be returning and spending what I’m sure will be a significant amount of money. Watch the video to see some of the fun products we found there!

Also, we show you a brief look at The World of Disney retail store. Adam learned that this store was the largest Disney retail store…until Shanghai opened. But never fear, The World of Disney is undergoing renovation and, upon completion, will take back that title.

Stay tuned for more Disney Springs adventures!

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Disney College Program Series: The First Week

We’ve made it through our first week of the Disney College Program. I know a lot of people are wondering what we’ve been doing in that week and others might be wondering what they can expect in their own program. So I’ve got a break down of our first week.

Day 1

On Day 1, we arrived at our assigned apartment complex. Our assigned time was 9:15 am. You check in with security and then follow the check-in signs to the building where they do your check in. You get your picture taken and receive your Housing ID, your Program Guide and the key to your apartment. 
We headed to our apartment building and found out we were on the top floor. (ugh) There are 3 floors and we are on floor #3. It was A LOT of stair climbing to unload our 2 cars. Fortunately we had totes and baskets to help minimize the number of trips, but still. It was rough. And it was TOASTY out that day too. We got everything unloaded from our cars and started putting some things away.
That afternoon, Adam had to go to Casting to get his background check done and have his picture taken for his employee ID (although you do not get your Employee ID immediately…more to come on that).
Outside Casting building
How cute are these statues inside Casting?
We finished off Day 1 with a Walmart and Target trip. We had to stock up on, well, everything. Eating is important. And we plan on doing a lot of cooking at home so we can actually put some money in our savings while we work. 

Day 2

I wish I could tell you that we were 100% moved in on the first day, but the truth is, we were not. We were probably 75% though. Sometimes you just need to spend some time in the space before you can figure out where everything goes. So Day 2 was us settling in some more and doing a Costco run (because our Costco is about a 25 minute drive from us and there were things on coupon that we needed). 
Also, Day 2 was when I went to Casting to do my stuff. Everything is scheduled out at very specific times, so it’s not like I could have just gone with Adam because that’s not what my schedule said.

Day 3

Neither of us had any events scheduled on Day 3. We are Disney World Annual Passholders, so we decided to go into the parks for a little bit. Most CP’s don’t get to do this until after they receive their employee ID because that’s what gets you into the park for free. 
So we spent the afternoon in the Magic Kingdom exploring the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo. You can find our video of that here. 

Day 4

We started Day 4 with a Housing Welcome Session. This took place in The Commons Clubroom. It was about and hour long and just kind of explained some of the rules and amenities in our housing complexes.
That was it for that day. Disney really likes to spread things out. I guess it’s nice because you have time to get settled in and adjusted to the area. But I was anxious to get to training and working. 

Day 5 and 6

Adam got to go to his Traditions class on Day 5 and I went on Day 6! Traditions is basically your Disney orientation. You get to hear a lot about the company and the history, which is so great and emotional if you’ve been dreaming of working for Disney your whole life (I may have teared up…which is a rare occurrence for me). 
Traditions is held at Disney University!
This is also where you get your name tag and Employee ID. There are some other really exciting moments and you can find videos of those if you want. But they were so magical, I don’t want to be the one to spoil them. I will tell you to make sure you wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in!

 No joke, looking at this makes me tear up. I’ve wanted one of these so badly! 

 Day 7

We got to go to our first day of training on our 7th day. This training was also at Disney University. For me, it was just 5 hours, including an hour to go get my costume. For Adam, he was there for an extra hour and a half and he didn’t get his costume that day. This was more HR type stuff. Lift with your legs, not your back. Don’t be mean to guests. How to use a Fire Extinguisher. It was done in a very Disney way, but it wasn’t focused role-related training.
We are so excited to join the Walt Disney World family and start creating magical memories at the parks! Our next few days of training should be more focused on our actual roles and responsibilities and we can’t wait!
#livingthedream

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10 Non-Disney Things We’re Excited to Do in Florida

By now, you’ve probably noticed how much we LOVE Disney! We’ve been to Disneyland countless times and have multiple trips to Disney World under our belt as well. We have a life goal to visit every Disney park around the world! And of course, we’re headed to Orlando to work for the Mouse at Disney World!


All of that aside, we know we’re heading to place that has so much more than just Disney. And being the great adventurers that we are, we are looking forward to all of the varied experiences Florida has in store for us!


Here are 10 Non-Disney things we’re excited to do in Florida!


Universal Orlando and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter


Okay…Okay…I know this isn’t a HUGE leap from Disney. It’s still a Theme Park. But give me a break, okay?! We’re easing in! And if you haven’t been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you’re missing out! You don’t know true magic until you’re standing in Ollivander’s Wand shop and your wand CHOOSES YOU!


And have you even tried Butterbeer?! I know it might not be for everyone. But it’s for me! And frozen Butterbeer!!! And last time we were there, we tried the Butterbeer soft serve ice cream. It was another win! Have you had Pumpkin Juice at the Three Broomsticks or the Leaky Cauldron? I promise it’s much tastier than it sounds! It went lovely with our magical breakfast.


Yes we’ve been here before. But we can’t wait to go back!


We’ve experienced pretty much everything in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We even have interactive wands (Hello! My wand CHOSE me! Obviously I HAD to buy it!) But we still have a decent amount of attractions out in the rest of Universal that we need to experience. And we are excited to be able to do it at a more leisurely pace over the course of many trips!


SeaWorld Orlando


I wanted to be marine biologists when I was kid. So it’s not wonder that a trip to SeaWorld is toward the top of our “To Do” list once we get out there. It’s been quite a few years since I’ve been to a SeaWorld park and I’m really looking forward to seeing shows and riding rides. I remember when they didn’t have rides! We love aquariums (we went to one on our first date) and we love learning! And in the super heated summer of Orlando, SeaWorld will be a nice escape.


The Beach


I haven’t looked at which beach we might want to venture to first. (I’M OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS, ALL OF YOU FLORIDIANS) But I know there are A LOT of beaches in Florida. I’m sure we won’t have a ton of time off, so it will have to be something relatively close to Orlando. I’m excited to see how Florida beaches compare to other beaches we’ve been to, mainly on the west coast. I’m not a strong swimmer, so I typically hang out on a towel, slather myself in sunscreen, and read while I snack.


Legoland


I know, I know! Another theme park! But hear me out…We haven’t ever been to this one. We haven’t been to the one in California either. But we do love Legos at our house. This one isn’t for the rides or even for the food, but I’ve heard there are a lot of really fun models at the park and I know Adam will totally nerd out!


Kennedy Space Center


When I was younger, we lived in Houston, TX. I remember at least one time we made the trip to the Johnson Space Center. It was so cool to see all the pictures of the shuttles and even a full decommissioned shuttle. Back then, we still had a fairly active space program. I can’t wait to visit another space center!


The World of Chocolate


I’ve heard there’s something on International Drive called The World of Chocolate. I don’t need anymore information. I will be making a pilgrimage. If you happen to have more information (such as it’s overrated and I should just go buy myself a Cadbury bar) please drop it in a comment below!


Gatorland


Usually when I tell people we’re moving to Florida they have only a couple of responses.
#1- Why? It’s so hot and humid there! You’re going to hate it. (To which I respond, “Guys, we live in Utah. It’s hot and dry here. And don’t try to tell me the virtues of a “dry heat”. I’m not buying. My hair and skin need the moisture and judging by the wrinkles on your face, so do yours.” And then I get unfriended by that person.)
#2- You’re going to get eaten by an Alligator.


First, I’m not particularly concerned about being eaten by an Alligator. It doesn’t happen nearly as often as people seem to think. Also, I don’t plan on going swimming in the Alligator infested waters. (between you and me, I don’t really do swimming things) But at Gatorland, I can see the animals in a controlled setting. I haven’t checked, but I have to imagine they don’t lose many guests to gator attacks.


Find Some Florida Nature to Explore


One of the other things people say to me is “Aren’t you going to miss the beautiful Utah mountains and all of nature here?” I’m not particularly concerned about missing the mountains. I adjust to change quite easily. And as for nature…nature is everywhere. We’re just going to find different kinds of nature in Florida. We like exploring new environments. If you’re a Florida pro and know of some hikes or trails we should explore, drop it in a comment!


Find New Favorite Foods


We have our regular eateries that we visit here in the Salt Lake City and Bountiful areas, and we will definitely miss them! I get a little nervous trying to new places because I know what I like and what I don’t. We’re definitely looking for some foods suggestions in the Orlando area. I like Waffles and I’ve heard of a place called the Waffle House. I feel like that’s a place that would understand me and my needs. Where else should we eat?


Fresh Oranges


Florida is famous for its oranges, right? I did some driving around on our last trip and we definitely caught sight of some of the Orange groves! I’m hoping to get to try some fresh Florida-grown produce while we live there! I think I’ve seen there are some farmers markets. Is that where one goes to find fresh oranges? Help a girl out!

These are just a few of things we’re looking forward to as we head out to our adventure in Florida! I’m sure there are MANY MORE THINGS we need to explore. I’d love to hear everyone’s suggestions! Please Please PLEASE comment on this post and let us know some of your “must do” items in the area! We’re always up for a new adventure.
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