Practically Perfect in Every Way!

"Why worry? If you've done the very best you can, worrying won't make it any better," -- Walt Disney.

Nervous. Scared. Anxious. Worried.

I really cannot put into words how I was feeling before/during/right after my check-in. I am happy to report that all of those feelings have passed, and I am more excited and happy than I have ever been in my entire life!

Well, it's official, I am now a resident of Anaheim! Time is flying by, and I haven't sat down to update all of you on this magical journey of mine. I cannot believe that I checked in 10 days ago! I'm not quite sure where the time has gone. I can assure you of one thing though, it hasn't been spent sleeping! I'm having the time of my life in SoCal, and I'm so excited for this adventure to continue!

Here is a little rundown on the last week and a half.
Wednesday, August 20th: Check-in day! I arrived at Carnegie Plaza with my nerves through the roof. I was pleasantly surprised at how fast and easy the check-in process was! I spent the afternoon moving into my adorable apartment, and then headed out for a magical evening with new friends.
Thursday, August 21st: Orientation at Team Disney Anaheim! We also had a welcome party at Carnegie Plaza with everyone in our building! It was a great way to finally meet everyone!
Friday, August 22nd: Traditions at TDA! This was such a magical day, and it finally hit me that my dreams are becoming a reality.
Saturday, August 23rd: California Story! I loved loved loved this! I learned all about the history of Disney's California Adventure, and all of its little hidden gems. It made me appreciate the park so much more.
Sunday, August 24th: Welcome to Operations!
Monday, August 25th: My first day off! YEEEESSSS.
Tuesday, August 26th: My first day of on the job training. It's official! I'm a 50's diner girl at Flo's V8 Cafe in Cars Land!
Wednesday, August 27th: Second day of on the job training! I trained for the back of house and learned how to prepare the food, fill orders, and so much more.
Thursday, August 28th: Last day of on the job training! My training partner and I passed! Our trainer was so proud, and said we were the best trainees that she has ever had. She even bought us pizza to celebrate! I also created my first Magical Moment for a guest, and it reminded me of why I came here in the first place.
Friday, August 29th: My first real shift on my own! I was soooo nervous, but I think it went pretty well. I also had my first visitors at work! Shout out to Cody and Meghan!
Saturday, August 30th: Today my sister and Ernie are coming! I'm spending the day with them in the parks, and I couldn't be more excited! I've missed my sister more than words can describe, and I'm counting down the minutes until she gets here!

I have already made some amazing friends and unforgettable memories, and cannot wait for these next few months! I miss home, my family, and my friends, but just know that this is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me, and I have never been happier. Thank you to everyone for reading and keeping up with my magical journey!

To wrap this up, here is an overload of pictures of my amazing adventure!

Courtney!

Roomies <3

Kitchen.

Courtyard.

My cute little bed!

Living Room.

My back of house costume.

Flo's V8 Cafe Costume!

California Story!

Traditions!

Dustin!

Nicole! My roomie!

CODY!!!

Welcome Party :)

Roomies!

Keep Moving Forward,

J.

Ready, Set.. Not Yet!

"Open different doors, you may find a you there that you never knew was yours,"

-- Bert and Mary Poppins.

The time has finally come... I am just about one week away from my big move to Anaheim! I cannot believe it is already here. My countdown started around five months ago, and I am now down to nearly one week! (Ten days, but hey, who's counting?!) I have been searching the internet for months trying to find out how other people have packed, what they used, what they brought, and so on and so forth. I found a few blogs that had great ideas, and some not so much. I realized that we all pack differently, and figured it might be beneficial to share my packing process. With my move creeping up on me, I have began packing, and here is how I have done it thus far.

Packing has been way more difficult than I could have anticipated! After asking a few friends for advice, I decided to pack my clothes and shoes in Sterilite tubs. (Thanks again Tori, Shelby, and Jennifer! Love you girls!) I have one tub completely packed! YAY! I separated my business wear for Traditions, classes, etc. in its own tub, which happens to be the only tub completely packed. 

Here are two of the tubs I am using for clothes and shoes.

Although our apartments are "fully furnished", I have been told that our kitchens don't have much in them. Luckily, I have a lot of kitchen stuff already purchased/gifted to me, and am bringing it with me just in case we may need it. If you know me at all, you know I'm bringing my Keurig and my Crockpot. Coffee and Crockpot meals are essential to my life. Not kidding. I also started my own stockpile, so to say. Friends from my DCP Facebook page suggested to stock up on shampoo and conditioner, face wash, body wash, hairspray, etc. I found this really helpful, because it'll be nice to have a backup when I run out, rather than having to buy it while I'm down there. I have spent the last few weeks buying things here and there, and have quite a few things to get me through most of the program, if not all of it. I also received a gift basket from my Auntie Janelle, and I still cannot thank her enough. She including cleaning supplies, hair products, bandaids, and other things that are helping me so much. Thank you again, Auntie!

My amazing gift basket from my Auntie Janelle!

Here's my current pile! I know it'll shrink in some ways, but grow in others!

I certainly didn't forget my Minnie ears! Is there anything I might've missed, or something that I absolutely have to take? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks again for reading, and following my Magical Journey! Wish me luck!

Keep Moving Forward, 

J.

DCP Bucket List!

"Today's special moments are tomorrow's memories," - Genie, The Return of Jafar

I want to make as many memories as I possibly can while participating in the DLRCP (Disneyland Resort College Program). With that said, I have decided to make a bucket list. I hope to finish everything on my list, and even more. My list is no where near finished, and that's where all of you come in! I'm asking for suggestions for my bucket list, whether they take place at the Disneyland Resort or in the surrounding area. I plan to take full advantage of living in Southern California, and having the time of my life! Without further ado, here is my DCP bucket list.

JENNA'S DCP BUCKET LIST:

• Ride every attraction in both Disneyland and DCA
• See every show in both Disneyland and DCA
• Meet and take pictures with as many characters as possible
• Fill up an entire autograph book
• Sit front and center for World of Color
• Sit front and center for Fantasmic
• Sit front and center for pyro (all shows)
• Try at least one food/beverage item from every restaurant or food cart in the parks
• Go to Trader Sam's in the Disneyland Hotel
• Do the DCA bar crawl
• Ride Space Mountain with the lights on
• Have a ride break down and have to walk off of it
• Attend and participate in Dapper Days
• Tour Walt's apartment
• Attend Mad T Party
• Attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
• See the NYE pyro
• Stay at one of the Disney property hotels
• Attend the filming of ABC's Christmas Day Parade
• Meet a celebrity
• See the rope drop in Disneyland
• See the rope drop in DCA
• Find a hidden Mickey on every ride
• Take a special tour
• See the Disneyland cats
• Visit Walt Disney Studios
• Visit Pixar Studios
• Ride Jingles the horse on the carousel
• Get into Club 33
• Try all of the restaurants in Downtown Disney
• Be the Rebel Spy on Star Tours
• Go on a scavenger hunt with friends
• VoluntEAR!
• Get an ear hat with my name on it
• Stay until the parks close
• Be the last one in the park
• Become friends with my coworkers
• Ride in the purple teacup
• Take the DCP group picture in front of the castle
• Ride in the Lily Belle train car
• WOC VIP section
• Thanks Stephen for your input! :)

Outside of the Disneyland Resort:

• Go to as many beaches as possible
• Do a Hollywood tour
• See a movie at the El Capitan Theater
• Go to a taping of a show
• Get a Disney tattoo
• Go to an improv show
• Visit WDW with my awesome discounts! ;)
• Swim with the beluga whales in Sea World with my sister and best friend

I'd love some more suggestions for my list, so let me know!

Keep Moving Forward,

J. 

Curiosity Keeps Leading us Down New Paths

"To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land," - Walt Disney

To all who come to this happy blog: Welcome! As many of you know, Disneyland is becoming my land in just one month. I wanted to start a blog so my friends and family can keep up with my journey to Anaheim. This is a very exciting time in my life, and I am happy to share it with all of you!

I will be participating in the Disney College Program. The Disney College Program, or DCP, is a program in which I will be working, going to school, and living on company property. My job title is Quick Service Food and Beverage, so I will be working in a restaurant in one of the parks. I will be taking the Blended Learning Series class in the Paradise Pier Hotel. From what I understand, my class will partly be in the classroom, and will partly be in the parks. I am so excited to learn more about the parks and how they run so successfully. I will be living in Carnegie Plaza, which is about 2 miles from the Disneyland Resort. I've seen the outside of the apartments, and I have to say that they are gorgeous! I will have four other roommates, and so far I have already met one of them!

Friends, Family, or whoever is reading this,
Meet Miss Nicole Marie Ignell:

We've met up three times already.. I believe? This girl is pretty much just like me.. It scares me how much we are alike! We agree on so many things, its quite unbelievable. I am beyond excited for our many adventures, and I know that we will be great friends for a really long time. Love you, Nicole! 

Stay tuned for more updates on my last month in Porterville, my packing process, and my big move!

To wrap this up, here is one of my absolute favorite Disney quotes:

Keep Moving Forward,

J.