I'm back!

Okay, so I know that I have pretty much failed at keeping up my blog these past few months. I am so sorry my dear friends! Life just gets hectic :) But guess what? It's the days of lemonade and pool times, flip flops and shorts(okay, that's pretty much all year in Florida), but for me, summer means keeping up with my blog again! Now that I have publicly declared it, that means I actually have to do it, right? :) Anyway, I have a few really good posts I'm working on, so hopefully we can all get our Disney fixes soon. In the meantime, here's a really cool interview my alma mater did with me about Disney :) In the words of our most favorite mouse, see ya real soon!

Lizzie and Disney

Oh you know, those days when I'm the only person at my favorite castle :)

Taking Magic For Granted

When I sat down to write this post, my mind was drawing a blank. I haven't written a magical moments post for a long time, but I hadn't realized it. And when I went to write this one, I finally recognized why: because lately, I have felt like the magic of my day to day life had been lost.

Sometimes. I decide to ride the Astro Orbitor with Merida hair ;) 

I went back and read some of my previous posts, and saw a common pattern. So often, those moments that I had deemed magical then, were everyday and commonplace to me now. I sew first time ear hats and hand out Mickey stickers everyday. Those moments that used to be magical have been woven in to the fabric of my everyday life, and instead of sparkling with color, they have become dull and lifeless.

Tuesday's Tips: Disneyland Review

Hello everyone! Sheesh, time sure flies here in the Happiest Place On Earth! I hadn't realized how long it had been since I last blogged! ;) Well, today, this is a guest post by my lovely little sister, Gwen. She recently went to Disneyland, and wrote up a nice review of her time. Enjoy! 

In June, I spent almost a full day at Disneyland in California. My family and I had Disney passes for many years, but about two years ago we decided not to renew them. So, finally going back to Disneyland was amazing.

Gwen, my sister Anna, and a really good friend on their trip to Disneyland!

Trails End Buffet

Howdy partners! Pull up yer steed and tip your hat to the best breakfast buffet around! Trails End Buffet at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground is an incredible deal and wonderfully tasty! For a reasonable price, you get a full buffet and a drink, which includes all the Mickey Waffles you could eat! Tip: Cast Members, you currently get 40% off, which means the buffet, drink, and tip is less than $15. Seriously, it's wonderful.

Tuesdays Tips: The Animation Academy

There is so much to do at Walt Disney World, that often, there are hidden experiences that get overlooked. The Animation Academy was one of these for me. I knew we had something similar in California, but I did not realize we had one here too! If you have always wanted to learn to draw the classic Disney characters, meander on to Hollywood Studios Animation Academy!

The experience runs all day long, so just show up whenever you are looking for a nice seat and some cool air conditioning  In the same building as the Academy you can also meet Sorcer Mickey, Frozone and Mr. Incredible, Wreck It Ralph and Venelope.

Magical Mondays: Jessie, Captain Hook, and a Special Assignment from Mickey

I was having a tough week at work. My magical moments quota was virtually non-existent. And for a Disney Cast Member, that is completely unacceptable. So when I was assigned to stock Kids Toys on Friday, I knew I needed to make some magic and fast, otherwise I was going to lose all my pixie dust!

Magical Moment #1:
There is a giant wand above the kids toys section in our store. Every few minutes, the wand will spin in a slow circle. This is Mickey's special wand. There are also random wheels and gears all over the store, contributing to the theme. A little boy in my section began spinning one of these wheels. He turned to look at me with big blue eyes and asked what that wheel did and why he should turn it. I looked at him, thought about it for a split second, and responded.

"Why, that wheel spins the wand!"

His eyes got really big as he looked at me.

"Really?"

"Of course! It's Mickey's special wand, and that wheel keeps it going."

Magical Mondays: Undercover Mickey Mouse

Sometimes, I don't feel like I am making any difference in my job. I get parents who are tired with screaming children trying to buy useless things. I just don't see how I am helping make anyone's vacation better or more magical. And then I have moments like these next three that make my job more worth it, and reminds me that every Cast Member has the opportunity to create magic for every person they encounter. And what better job could exist!

Cinderella's Carousal 

Tuesday's Tips: WDW Transportation

I am so sorry it has taken me forever to update with another Tuesday's Tips. I have been so busy with work I haven't even had a chance to work on these posts. Tuesdays are usually my busiest days, and I do have to leave for work soon. But I will get this done first! I have two tips for you today: transportation and Wi Fi.

These tips will help your vacation go smoother and make this a little more magical.  :) 

Magical Mondays: Magical Moments

There are so many magical things to talk about today, and its not because I am sitting at the Pop Century resort eating tie dye cheesecake, although that might have something to do with it. :) let me tell you, that cheesecake is magical, but it deserves a post all to itself. No, today I want to talk about the magical moments I had a chance to be a part of.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To Work I Go

"....it's work and play but work today, hi ho, hi ho, hi ho, hi ho."

This is another post full of pictures that have nothing to do with the topic,
but I can't really take pictures at work ;) 

Sorry for the lack of updates! I have been exhausted lately, working too much. ;) Ha ha! Anyway, to start off, I LOVE my job. LOVE IT. Today, I am doing floor stocking shifts, which I don't think I will love as much, but yesterday, I worked register, so it was amazing. I got to talk to people all day long. It was the best! 

Housing meetings!

Today was another full day. I finally finished my unpacking, redesigned my bulletin board, checked out the Disney Learning Center(our library has 4 copies of Beauty and the Beast! WINNING!) and made it to my housing meeting. On the way there, I accidentally missed the bus. I am still learning the bus system...but this awesome CM was willing to drop me off in front of my building anyway, even through it wasn't part of his normal route. Everyone who works here is so happy! I have yet to see a CM who doesn't truly seem to love his or her job. Makes me proud to be part of such a company.

Magical Mondays: Caramel Apples

Today is Monday. Monday is the beginning of a long and dreary finals week. I hate that word: finals week. So, I decided I needed to post something especially magical for today. 

Ta da! Caramel Apples! 

Tuesday's Tips: Disney World and Severe Food Allergies

Today's Guest Post is by Kelsey at Simple Moments. 

Hi! I’m Kelsey, the pretty average college gal who blogs (or is attempting to blog!) over at Simple Moments.  If you want to read my ramblings about the beauty of the Midwest, college life, and some simple moments (did you see what I did there?) you should check it out! Anyway, I was asked by the lovely Lizzie to write a little bit about my unique Disney experience in the hope that it would help you!

Image courtesy of Theme Park Mom on Flickr. Click here for original. 

Magical Mondays: Mickey Ice Cream Bars

Today is Monday. And Monday means classes. And classes means no fun. So for today, I want to leave you with one thing. Hopefully it fills you with as much happiness as it does me. 

MICKEY BARS! 

My Life

Yes. 100% yes. And I wouldn't have it any other way. :)

 To quote Rapunzel, "Best Day Eveeeeeerrrrrrrr!!!!!!!"

Tuesday's Tips: Disneyland on a Budget #1

Today's Tip: How To Enjoy Disney Charm Without Monetary Harm #1 

I love Disneyland. There are few places I love more than Disneyland. Unfortunately  I can't afford to go to Disneyland all the time like I used too. Therefore, I have come up with a list of a few ways to get in the Disney spirit without having to enter the parks. Here is the first installment.

1) See the Fireworks 

It is possible to experience the magic of Disneyland Fireworks without a main entrance pass. There are several good locations to catch the beautiful display. My personal favorite is the Rotunda between Disneyland and California Adventure. 

Tuesday's Tips: Character Videos

There is nothing like the characters at Disney. They have literally stepped out of our favorite movies and we get the chance to chat with them! Today's tip is for a unique character souvenir. Tired of the standard autograph book? Looking for a new way to tell friends and family that you missed them on vacation? Grab a couple of your favorite Disney pals for a video they will never forget! 

The Disney College Program: Applying

There were few things that terrified me as much as applying for the Disney College Program. The time my plane got hit by lightning or when I missed my train and was almost forever stuck in Switzerland might be close. But I don't know if my heart has ever pounded as much as when I hit that submit button.

I know, I might be a bit dramatic. But applying for Disney is something I have dreamed about since I was a baby. No joke, cross my heart, dare-to-die-should-I-ever-tell-a-lie. So the moment my Web Based Interview link popped up, I was freaking out. This was it. This was the moment.

Tuesday's Tips: Epcot Travel Journal

Today's tip is for Epcot!

I love Epcot. It is one of my favorite Disney parks. Perhaps it is because I am obsessed with traveling. In Epcot, I can travel to several different countries and never leave the World. :) Here is a tip for all you travel buffs looking to explore.

Magical Mondays

Welcome to my first Magical Monday! Every Monday I will be posting either stories or pictures of magical moments happening around the parks. Today's post: Chip and Dale!

Because who doesn't want to be proposed to by a chipmunk?

Of course, I said yes! 

I just love these guys. They really are a hoot! 

What are some of your favorite character interactions?