I am still here!

Greetings! I am still here and I know it has been over a year since I posted on here. Though I am still with Disney living the dream. Though I have a new blog and I'd love if you would head on over to Tumblr and check it out!

My New Blog: My Journey

Thank you!!!

Making The Trek To The Magical Mecca

So the last place I left off was when I had been accepted to the Disney Professional Internship of Guest Relations! No entirely too much has happened since that moment until now! As you can probably tell from the title of this entry I am well on my way to Orlando to begin this new and exciting chapter in my life.

First on June 7th I had one of the best Going Away Parties probably ever. haha I miss everyone from home already and hope to visit. This time was extra hard as I am not sure what the end of the next 6 months will hold. Will I stay in Orlando or travel back to Detroit. I do not know. But here are some pictures from that awesome night and other final celebrations at home. Its definitely not everyone I had to say goodbye to.

   

 

I departed from Dearborn Heights on Sunday June 9th at about 10 am and drove for about 12 hours until we got to Charlotte, NC. You may be thinking if you know the direct route down I-75 from Detroit to Orlando..how the heck did you end up in North Carolina. No we didn't make a wrong turn but rather decided to take the scenic route down. We never explored Charlotte just stayed for the night and yesterday morning we woke up and traveled a few hours until we got to Charleston, SC. This is probably one of the most beautiful places in America, in my opinion at least. I will post pictures below. We spent the afternoon exploring the Market area which has tons of vendors selling their various creations. We ate at Hyman's Seafood which is world famous and has tons of celebrities that have chowed down at it. This was my second time eating here but my parents first and it was apparent to them why it was so famous...IT IS SO GOOD. If you ever find yourself in Charleston that is one place that you have to go to. Not only is their food out of this world the southern hospitality that happens in this place is for sure nothing short of mind blowing. 

But moving on from my obsession with that restaurant after walking around we hopped back in the car and traveled a few more hours to Savannah, GA. Which is suppose to be one of if not the most haunted city in America. So what is a better way to see if this is true then taking a ride in a hearse and going on a guided ghost tour. We climbed on board this altered hearse at 9 and the driver took us on an hour tour of the city. It was very interesting! So apparently the CVS in downtown Savannah closes daily at about 5 or 6 pm due to the amount of paranormal activity that happens in the building. There are duplexes that can never be rented out because the the amount of spiritual guests....freaky. Little to say I would never live here, just visit. Haha.

As the sun rises today we are heading out to explore Savannah a little in the day light then we are heading down to Orlando! Where I will be calling my new home. 

Below are a few pictures I took along the way!

First Day of Travels

Our table at Hyman's

Charleston, SC

The Battery. Charleston, SC

The Hearse Tour. Savannah, GA

A local pizza joint. Savannah, GA

That is all for now! I will update more once I get to Oralndo

Dreams Do Come True!

Wowza! I haven't posted a blog since February 20th and it is already the end of April! Well so much has happened since! The last I left this I had just had an interview with the Disney College Program and was waiting to hear back from them as well as my Professional Internship.

On March 25, 2013 I got an email from the Disney College Program telling me that I had been accepted to participate in Merchandise. This would be working in a gift shop someplace on property. I of course accepted this opportunity, paid my fees, and picked an arrival date of May 20th.

Though if I thought life couldn't get any better, it did! On April 15, 2013 I got the best call I could have ever got. It was Disney Recruiting calling me to offer me the Professional Internship of Guest Relations!!! This is an absolute dream come true. Though the check in date isn't until June 19th, a month later but for this internship I can wait. But I had been waiting to hear back about this internship since February 9th which was my first interview.

In the Guest Relations role I would be basically handling any ticketing issues, reservations, questions, comments, and concerns regarding the guests' experiences at the Theme Parks.

I plan on leaving Michigan on June 9th heading down to Florida giving me several days to move in and get comfortable. I am so excited to start this new chapter in my life.

The most common question I get from friends and family is "when does it end?" my response is "hopefully never". Thats right. I am hoping that this move will be my only one and I can land a long term job with the company. It is a great place to work and live!

This is the email that changed everything:

Another Interview? What?

So a few weeks ago I wrote about my first screening interview for the Professional Internships I applied for. I am still in the waiting process for those and have not yet heard anything about them, at this point no news is good news in my book!

What was this interview you had today, you ask? It was for the Disney College Program! Yes, that is right my desire to go back down to Florida has caused me to apply for every internship program Disney has to offer!

I had my interview scheduled for 10:15 but it was a delightful surprise when Disney called at 10:02 this morning. My interviewer was probably the best Disney has, she had the same sense of humor as I do so we were just laughing the entire time. She asked me a majority of my questions about the Concierge role and really didn't bring any other role into the conversation with the exception of a brief mention of hospitality and merchandise. Here is to hoping that I will hear positive Disney news soon!

That is all for now as I now have to dash off to get to class on time which is a challenge for me most days! haha


I leave you with this. No matter how old or how young we are Disney is a place where we can all be excited to explore.

Wishes

So before I get this blog started let me just say this isn't a Disney related post. Sorry! I wish I also had exciting news to share but my stomach has been churning since my interview in hopes of a positive response. Trust me, you will be the first to know if something happens!

As many of you may or may not know my birthday is right around the corner on March 6th and I want nothing. Thats right I don't want anything for my birthday except for you to make a contribution to one of the following organizations! Together we can make a difference in the world we live in just one selfless act at a time. I not only ask you to make a donation no matter the denomination but also for your birthday to forgo gifts and ask for donations to support your favorite charity.

1. Give Kids The World  Donate Here

This is my 3rd year participating in the Gingerbread Run 5K at Give Kids The World and I hope you will support me as my goal is $1,000!

2. Relay For Life Donate Here

We all know someone who's life has been touched by this terrible disease. Though with your help the American Cancer Society can continue to help make more birthdays happen every year through research, patient support, and caregiver resources.

3. Detroit Zoological Society Donate Here

We only have one Earth and the Detroit Zoo is on a mission to save it. Through innovative education programs, world-class animal care practices, and global outreach conservation efforts the Detroit Zoo is making a difference and you can be a part of it!


Please make a donation today!


I leave you with this..slightly non-Disney quote.

Phone Interview, CHECK!

Today was the day! I had my phone interview this morning and it last about 20 minutes and went unbelievably well. These are the types of questions they asked:

1. What do you think a leader is?

2. Describe a time that you had to resolve a conflict with a guest, coworker, or manager.

3. What do you think Guest Relations is about?

4. Do you have any leadership experience?

5. Describe a time where you had so many tasks to do and you had to prioritize the tasks.

6. Describe a project that you had a positive influence on.

7. Anything else you would like to add?

These are the questions that I remember but there might be more, I was just so nervous. I answered them extremely well, I believe! My interviewer, Dina, said that they have to notify me by April 24th but because it is so early in the season that I may hear even sooner, I hope so! She also indicated that this interview goes directly to the hiring managers and they decide from there. I hope the Disney gods are in my favor. After the interview it finally set it. The fact that I might have the opportunity to go back to Disney and I couldn't be more excited.

I am going to call it the Quest For The Vest, which for those of you that may not know Guest Relations is most famous for their plaid vest they wear and thanks to Katrina for giving me that catchy phrase.

Doesn't this look like a perfect fit?

Also, I cannot thank everyone enough for your support! It leaves me speechless and I am so grateful for everything and to know each of you. Make sure you follow my blog and stay up to date on everything! 

I leave you with this! We all have to start somewhere no matter where or when it is that is our beginning.

Phone Screening!

I am living up to my promise of doing a better job of keeping this blog up to date! So now it is time to share the exciting news. I received an e-mail on Friday afternoon from Disney asking for me to complete a phone screening. Which they said in an e-mail was an interview...could this be true?! Have I just been asked for a phone interview from Disney? It is, I will be waiting anxiously by my phone on Wednesday morning to speak to whomever is on the other end to share my excitement.

I will do a blog with the types of questions they asked me for any future applicants, that is if I can remember them after I hang up the phone.

Anyone done the phone screening for Guest Relations? I would be happy to hear any tips you have!

I leave you with this video!

Another Disney Journey

It is true, I am setting out on another journey with the Walt Disney World Resort! As many of you know I completed a Professional Internship at Disney's Animal Kingdom as a Conservation Education Presenter which was an experience that literally changed my life. After being home and going to school over the last year since that internship came to close I haven't been able to think of anything else but going back.

Yesterday I took the leap and submitted my application to move back to Disney, my homeland. I completed applications for the Guest Relations Professional Internship and the Theme Park Ops Management Internship. Both of these opportunities would be an absolute dream to do!

I am restarting the blog that I used for my previous internship to keep it all in one single blog though many of the images that I uploaded prior are apparently not showing anymore. The first time around I didn't do so well at keeping this blog up to date but this time I hope to keep you more than well informed.

Like I said, I have submitted my applications so I am now in the waiting stages of first interviews. Just a lot of good vibes and positive thoughts would be much appreciated.

I will continue my previous tradition and leave either a Disney photo, quote, or video!

I chose this video because every time I hear this song I immediately think Disney. 

I'm Alive!

Is that you? Ir has been a while since I have updated this for your enjoyment. I read my last post and boy has so much happened since then. With tomorrow being Thanksgiving I am almost to the point where I only have a month left in my internship. These past few months have been absolutely some of the best of my entire life. I have meet some great people had some great times and have grown as a person. I cannot nearly detail everything that has happened in one measly blog post. I will just give you some highlights.

Jumping back to October, from what I can remember, was pretty great. I got a visit from my parents and it was nice to see them and enjoy Disney together for the first time since I was in Middle School. They came at the end of September actually because we attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party which was so much fun for the exception it was hot and humid.


Then in the beginning of November I accomplished something that I have always dreamed of doing. I ran a 5K run in 31 minutes and 23 seconds with my roommate. The run was in benefit for Give Kids the World where I have been volunteering since July. It is a 70-acre resort where kids with life threatening illnesses can come and forget about their obstacles and just have fun and families can connect with others going through similar situations. On top of that they get admission into Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and most other central Florida attractions. I am nearing my 152 hour there and currently am an Volunteer Services Administrative Assistant. This means that I answer the phones, reply to e-mails, and train volunteers on behalf of the village.

I have had much time to think about I was going to do after this internship and the final decision has been made. I will be finishing up at HFCC and then attending Wayne State for Elementary Education. I am also looking into an internship at the Make-A-Wish Internship in the Detroit Office. So who knows where the future will lead me but I am sure it will be great! I will post some pictures below to sum up my experience here! I will also try to update this as much as I can so I don't get yelled at by my grandma!

I guess I had more to share with you than I thought! Well instead of leaving you with a quote I leave you with these photos and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Having fun in Epcot!

I am Army Strong!

Jake and I previous ot the Gingerbreak 5K run!

Awkward photo of Katrina and I!

Tabitha and I in costume.

Allie, Myself, Nicole, and Alison out to dinner!

Myself and some of my Co-workers for Halloween

Let the good times roll!

Hey Folks. So much had happened since I have updated this blog last. I have not only moved in and settled into my apartment but I have begun the process of training. I will try and detail this day by day and with as much information as I can provide. The day after we checked in everyone had the day off to get settled in and unpack. I had Traditions on Saturday morning bright and early at 7:45 am. It was basically all about the Walt Disney Company's past, present, and future. It also taught us the basic things about being a cast member within this amazing company but more specifically here at Walt Disney World. After that my team of presenters did some mandatory company computer training.

Again, bright and early Sunday morning we had DAKlimations, DAK standing for Disney's Animal Kingdom. This is a basic orientation of specifically that theme park were I learned the stories behind the themes, emergency procedures, and all about the attractions and animals. It was a fun time and lasted all day in the hot sun.

On Monday I spent the day with my parents as it was their last day here in Florida. We drove around Orlando going to different shops and stores. It was nice to spend the day with them before they headed home. Dropping them off at the airport might have been one of the hardest things to do but one of the best things for me. No offense to the parents, but I haven't even looked back. I love every moment of being here and the job is exactly what I want to do with the rest of my life.

We began our training with our leaders. I am learning so much about my role and the animals that we will be handling. Besides staffing the Kids' Discovery Clubs we also greet guests each morning at the front of the park with a "bug box" that has many 'bugs', an African bullfrog, or even the occasional snake. We use this creatures as learning tools to teach each of our guests about their importance to our ecosystem. We also staff various 'animal positions' at different habitats throughout the park. It seems really cool and I am really excited. I work with a great group of cast members and the leaders are great as well.

Tonight I am staying in and reading up on some tarancula facts and preparing for my presentation on shade grown coffee on Friday. But until next time friends, family, co-workers, and/or strangers! I leave you with this quote (more like a paragraph)...

"Landscapes of great wonder and beauty lie under our feet and all around us. They are discovered in tunnels in the ground, the heart of flowers, the hollows of trees, fresh-water ponds, seaweed jungles between tides, and even drops of water.Life in these hidden worlds is more startling in reality than anything we can imagine. How could this earth of ours, which is only a speck in the heavens, have so much variety of life, so many curious and exciting creatures?” —Walt Disney (1901-1966)

I'm Official!

Bonjour!

Today was an exhausting but eventful day. It all started at 8:30 this morning when I checked into Cumberland Park Apartments. When I first arrived I was greeted by some cast members and waited in the clubhouse lobby. We got a free Disney Professional Internships T-shirt, which was pretty awesome. Then proceeded over to the theatre where we signed a lot of paperwork and had the housing meeting. They basically shared the rules of the complex, about the housekeeping schedule, about apartment inspections, and basically everything not to do. It wasn't very long but full of a lot of information. After that I came back to my apartment and started to unpack my belongings. I ended up with a 2 bedroom, which is exactly what I wanted. I have 3 other roommates that all seem pretty cool. After that I ended up over at casting where I had to do all the legal paperwork including getting finger printed. I then had a meeting in the afternoon for the Animal Programs Department where we were given our training schedule. I have tomorrow and Monday off but have traditions (basic orientation) bright and early Saturday morning at 7:45 am. Luckily my whole room has it and some other people so I will be car pooling to it. I went grocery shopping to help stock the apartment which was fun. This being the first time living on my own I was lost on what to buy. haha.

That basically brings me to this very moment. We get our ID's on Saturday which will grant us access into the parks, clearly I cannot wait for that day!

For now, that is all. I leave you with this quote.

"Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are."

- Bernice Johnson Reagon

Arrived!

How y'all doing? Figured that would be appropriate after my Southern adventure. So I have arrived to Orlando, Florida safe and sound with nothing but hopes of a great internship! We got here at about 1 o'clock this afternoon after trekking from Gainsville, FL which in of itself was an adventure. The first thing we did when we arrived was go to Downtown Disney where we just walked around to see the sights. Did you know that Disney has a year-round Christmas store?! Well if you didn't here it is:

After driving around like tourists we drove past Cumberland Park Apartments, which looked pretty nice. Though the are right in the middle of a development-gone-broke area. Tomorrow bright and early I check in at 8:30 AM there and have to head over to casting at 11:15 AM. I am spending the night in my parents' hotel room for the night then moving in my apartment tomorrow!

Well nothing much else to share but I really do love Florida weather.

I will update you more tomorrow, expect it.

Adios!

"You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality."   - Walt Disney

On My Way!

Hey all! I just wanted to update my blog as I was traveling on my way to Florida. We got late start around 12:40 and am now passing through some random city between Lexington, Kentucky and Knoxville, Tennessee. I now understand why people don't really make a habit of driving to Florida... On a more exciting though slightly depressing note, a while back we saw a huge turtle crossing the road. Now I am not sure if he/she won the game of frogger it was playing, I'm hoping so.

No offense to those who live in Ohio but it's highway is really boring and not at all scenic. Though Kentucky on the other hand the mountains, fields of grazing cows, and rocky walls are very interesting.

Leaving home was kind of bittersweet. With Disney on the horizon how could I not be excited though at the same time slightly nervous. Well there's no turning around at this point. I am first and foremost very excited for the experience of working for one of the world's best companies but also the opportunity to make friends from other parts of the country.

Well that is all for this on the go blog. I leave you with this quote and picture of my adventure. Talk to you later!

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can." -Danny Kaye






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:N Wilderness Rd,Berea,United States

Almost Time!

Why Hello!

They say time flies when you are having fun, I must be having a blast because saying time has flown by is an understatement. I remember when I was excited at the 60 day mark...now a little over 2 weeks and I will be on my way to the Sunshine State. I am first and foremost the most excited about this move and change of pace but also a little nervous. First time living on my own and I chose to do so over 1,000 miles away! Oh well, time to get my life started. I have began the process of saying good bye to some for the next 6 months and that is what helped set in reality. But please do not misunderstand, I am extremely excited!

I received my 'official' check in e-mail telling me the times I check in at Cumberland and what time I have to report to Casting, Disney's version of Human Resources. With all of this information making its way to myself you would think that this would motivate me to begin the packing process. Though it hasn't, I only have 3 days off of work and other commitments prior to my move and should probably get started.

I will continue to update this blog with my experience throughout my entire program. Though if you have a question just post a comment and I will answer to the best of my knowledge.

Well this update my have not contained a lot of exciting information but it maybe the last time I update before I begin the trek. If so, I will talk to you from the Sunshine State. If not, I will talk to you prior to entering the Sunshine State. Though do not fear we will meet again!

Hasta Luego and I leave you with this quote.

"Let go of the past and go for the future. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined."    - Henry David Thoreau

The Trip is Almost Here!

Good Morning/Afternoon/Night, whenever you happen to be reading this.

It has been nearly a month since I have updated this blog, though updates will begin becoming more frequent as the date gets closer. With only 34 days until the trek to the holy land begins I have not even begun to pack or really even think about packing. With school ending the first week of May I had full intentions of beginning to think about this. Though with the closure of the semester I began to work many more hours and just spend time with friends. I do need to buckle down and get packing because time flies. It seems as if it was just yesterday that it was more than 80 days away and now a mere month out I am wondering what happened to all of that time.

I received an e-mail from Disney's Animal Programs Department regarding the basic details of my internship. A lot of the information that was in the e-mail just gave the basics, which I had already learned through the Facebook group and the DIS Discussion Boards. It basically went over the Disney Look again, which I have learned through all these Disney communications that it is serious stuff. They also told us what kind of shoes that we will need for our costume, hiking boots for me. It gave some background information on our managers that we will be working with, which seems like some really cool people. The lady gave us her cell phone number and said starting a certain date that if we had any questions just to call her, one brave woman. haha. In the e-mail they told us our arrival date was June 23, 2011; which I already knew but said that we would be receiving the final details from casting in e-mail form no later than June 13, 2011; 10 days before our start day. Overall I am really exicted but I am a little nervous moving 1,000 miles away from the only place I call home. But its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I could have only wished for.

That is all I can think of for now but I am sure I will be updating this real soon as the date gets closer. I also downloaded an app to my iPhone where I can post directly to the blog from my phone which probably what I will do on my way down there.

I leave you with this quote:

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." 

-Winston Churchill

Red Folder/Anticipation/Cumberland Park

Why hello, I apologize it has been over a month since I have updated this blog. Besides the semester finishing up, staying busy with work, and completing my pre-student teaching hours nothing has happened. Though there is one thing I can update you on, that is I have received the red folder! It arrived in my mailbox on April 7, 2011; nearly a month after accepting my PI on March 10, 2011. So many people create blogs/vlogs with the contents of this folder. Surprisingly, the content has not changed! Haha. It has the basics about housing, living, compensation, etc. Though the information in the folder was all information I gathered from the Facebook group and the DIS Boards. But, the Disney Look handbook was probably the best part of the folder. It seems like it has about 70 pages about uniform policy. It is so specific I do not think you can even have a question regarding your uniform, though I should begin the Disney mindset and refer to it as my costume. I am not an employee of Disney, I am a cast member. I am not on duty but rather on stage and not off duty but rather backstage. I find Disney's theory on they are putting on a show at each theme park is amazing.

My anticipation for this opportunity is building each day. Those who live in Michigan or in the Midwest will understand when I say that Mother Nature has really showed her hatred for us this week and this past winter. Or maybe she is just angry over global warming, but that is a different problem in of itself. With only 61 days until I pack up the Aztec and take it to the holy land of Mickey Mouse, I have yet to begin that packing process. Though on another aspect I have been able to meet a lot of people that will also be completing a PI during the same time on the Facebook Group. I have in fact found my room-roommate (I coin that term.) which is pretty awesome so I can begin planning things out. Positive thing is that his PI is also at the Animal Kingdom in Animal Programs which may offer car pooling as an option.

Will they put you in a dorm? That is a common question I receive, so here it goes. All PIs are housed at Cumberland Park just off Disney property. I can decide if I want to live in a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment, though I share my room with one other person. As I refer to them as a room-roommate, remember I coin that term. The following pictures were posted by Molly Carpenter on the Facebook group. She said these were pictures of an apartment at Cumberland that she stole from a friend that lived in Disney Housing.

Kitchen/Dining Room

Bathroom

Living Room

Kitchen

Well that is all for now, I guess I had more to update then I thought. Well until next time amigos, I leave you with this quote.

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." -Walt Disney

Introduction/Accepted!

Hola Amigos! I guess I should first introduce myself. My name is Nick Beaven and I am from a suburb of Detroit, MI. I started this blog to document my journey through my experience in the Disney Professional Internship Program for Fall 2011. I will be in Animal Programs as a Conservation Education Presenter in the Animal Kingdom. This is such an exciting experience not only because it is Disney, but because this is exactly what I would like my long term career to be!

A little about the process.....

I applied for the internship on February 8, 2011. On February 14, 2011 I received the generic animal programs e-mail asking to submit basically my resume, cover letter, and transcripts. On February 22, 2011 I received an e-mail from Animal Programs requesting my first interview and had it on Wednesday March 2, 2011. Then on Friday March 4, 2011 I received an e-mail requesting a second interview that took place on Wednesday March 9, 2011. In that interview it was a very kind lady from the Recruitment Department that actually offered me a position!! On Thursday March 10, 2011 I accepted the offer and went through the online acceptance. So I will be in Disney from June 23, 2011 until I leave on January 7, 2011!

I will post through out my experience to give those who are applying in future seasons will have an idea of things to come. You probably wont hear from me for a while because I probably wont have too many updates until June gets closer!

So until next time. Adios Amigos.