The Time of My Life- DCP Spring 2011
Carstruck

Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure!
Cozy Cone Motel inside Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.                                                                                                                                                    
It’s been a month since my last post.  I try not to get such a gap, but everytime I go to write a post, I’m just too tired to get it done!  Blame it on my 6-day, 40+ hour work weeks.  But I’m finally doing it.                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                  
My program is going great.  I miss being in Custodial, but I am enjoying my new role in Resort Transportation and Parking.  So far I am trained in Field and in Concierge.  Field is those CMs who direct you down the aisles and into the parking spaces.  Concierge on the other hand, involves a lot of Guest interaction- Resort information, hotel shuttle information, and pin trading!  Field is okay, but I really enjoy Concierge because of the direct Guest interaction.  And I’m getting trained on Trams this next weekend, so I’m looking forward to that!
                                                                                                                                           
The entrance to Radiator Springs Racers.
The entrance to Radiator Springs Racers.
                                                                                                             
These past two weeks were very eventful.  Cast previews were held for Cars Land and Buena Vista Street a couple weeks ago, and this past week was the grand opening of both of those lands along with the re-opening of all of Disney California Adventure.  This park is so different now, and in my opinion, it’s much better now.  There’s so much to do that you now really can spend a full day there.
                                                                                                                                        
Impressive rockwork and landscaping adds to the already exciting Radiator Springs Racers.
The impressive Radiator Springs Racers attraction.
                                                                                                              
The new lands are amazingly detailed and the Radiator Springs Racers attraction is probably one of the most impressive attractions that Disney has created in a while, which should be saying something considering that last summer’s new attractions, Star Tours and The Little Mermaid, are not terrible by any means!  I won’t spoil anything, but I would say that it does live up to the hype and that you should check it out if you’re going to be in SoCal anytime soon!
                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                            
Cars Land merchandise- Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket, Piston Cup, Cozy Cone souvenir cup, plus an opening day map, pins, and postcards!  The O.C. Register dedicated the front page to Cars Land on opening day!
Cars Land merchandise!
More Cars Land merch!
                                                                                                   
It’s really weird to now experience Disney California Adventure as a complete park.  I’ve gotten so used to construction walls!  But it’s good to know that this five-year project is finally complete.  I was still in high school when the expansion was announced, and I never would’ve guessed that I would be a Cast Member when everything was complete!  I feel that I’ve had a unique perspective on this entire process- for the first half I only saw everything unfold a little bit at a time as a Guest, but for the remaining parts, I got to actually be a part of it and be here to witness it happening!  Although I will enjoy this break from construction, I am also looking forward to finding out what’s next for Disneyland’s second gate.
                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                             
Buena Vista Street merchandise- Opening day pins for Buena Vista Street and Disney California Adventure.  There’s also now a free newspaper distributed for Guests called the Buena Vista Bugle!  The one on the left was a souvenir newspaper made just for Cast Members.
Buena Vista Street merchandise!
                                                                                                            
                                                                                                        
Cast Exclusives- A special edition of the Disneyland Resort Line (a newsletter/magazine for Cast Members), plus limited edition pins that were made for sale.  The wrapped pin at the bottom was given as a gift to all Cast Members who worked on opening day, June 15th.
Cast Exclusives!
                                                                                                          
                                                                                                        
Anyway, there’s a summary of what’s been happening over the past month.  As always, thanks for reading!  Sorry for the gap- I should be writing my next post soon, after I’ve started my Clear T (Trams) training!
                                                                                                                 
-Tyler
                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                 
P.S.- A special shoutout to Khyrstin (who wanted me to mention her) and all of the other Disneyland Summer 2012 Alumni!  Hope you all enjoyed this post!

Let the Memories Begin (again)!

So…I’ve only been in California for a week, but so much has already happened!

I drove from Arizona to California last Friday.  I went straight to Universal Studios Hollywood, where I got to ride the new Transformers: The Ride 3D a total of 19 times!  Although I’m trying to keep my blog focused only on Disney, I will say that Universal’s newest attraction is AMAZING!  I’d highly recommend going to see it this summer, but only after you’ve been to Cars Land at Disney California Adventure!  ;D

Over the weekend I stayed at my dad’s place and then went to Six Flags Magic Mountain on Monday and Knott’s Berry Farm on Tuesday.  And then finally on Wednesday, it was time for check-in!  I showed up at Carnegie Plaza around 8AM and was able to being the check-in process.  Honestly it felt like I had never left.  I’ve been suffering from Post Disney Depression since last August (yes, it’s real- Google it!), so getting to come back was something I was really looking forward to!

The past couple of days have been a bit busy.  Thursday was orientation.  I went through and filled out the remainder of the new hire paperwork and got my picture taken for my ID card.  They still had the photo from my last ID still on file, but they went ahead and took a new picture.  Oddly enough, I was wearing the exact same Disneyland Resort polo shirt that I had worn the first time I participated in the program!

Today was Traditions, which is not only the first day of training, but also the first paid day.  Of course, as Disney College Program alumni, this day was already familiar to myself as well as to the other participants.  But it wasn’t too bad- our instructors were able to keep it entertaining!

After Traditions, we did what most new hires do- we went into the parks!  Didn’t do a whole lot tonight…saw the fireworks, went on Star Tours and Pirates of the Caribbean, and just walked around.  But obviously I’ll have the whole summer to enjoy the Resort, even if it is going to go by so fast!

So that’s basically it for now…gotta get some sleep so I’ll have energy to hit the parks before my training tomorrow afternoon!

Thanks for reading, and check back soon for more posts!

-Tyler

My final exams are done and I’m moving into Carnegie Plaza to start the summer alumni program in two weeks!  It’s all happening so fast!  SUMMER IS HERE!

My final exams are done and I’m moving into Carnegie Plaza to start the summer alumni program in two weeks!  It’s all happening so fast!  SUMMER IS HERE!

This is the only thing I’m NOT looking forward to about the summer program…believe me, this is the worst part.

This is the only thing I’m NOT looking forward to about the summer program…believe me, this is the worst part.

This was written by Tyler Shoemaker, one of my friends from the Disney College Program.  His wish is to take an entire orphanage to Disneyland!  Please help by reading his story as well by sharing this with your followers.  Thanks a lot!

Have a Magical Day!

-Tyler

When I go to Disney…

Love this!  By the way, this also applies to the Disney College Program.

disneyforeverlives:

thedisneymagic:

The night before:

On The Way:

Arrival:

Meeting characters:

Riding my favorite rides:

That annoying kid:

Leaving:

Back home:

And the process begins…

THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE!

I got a call this afternoon from the Disney College Program…I have been accepted to the summer alumni program at the Disneyland Resort!  At this time, I don’t know what my role is, but I will be back in Anaheim on May 16th and staying through August 17th.  Needless to say, I’m excited for the opportunity and for everything that this summer will offer- not only the chance to experience the program again, but also to reconnect with friends, as well as check out the new offerings in Disney California Adventure (Buena Vista Street and Cars Land) and the refurbished Matterhorn Bobsleds!

I will begin writing new blog entries in May.  To everyone already following me, thank you!  I look forward to sharing the new adventures with you all.

Have a Magical Day!

-Tyler

Thanks to Rage Cast Member (http://ragecastmember.tumblr.com/), I have a bunch of new followers!  So to all of you, welcome!  I don’t put up posts very often, but please see my past posts about my time in the Disney College Program (feels like it was such a long time ago!). If you have any questions about being a Cast Member or Disney/anything in general, feel free to ask!  And as always, thank you to those of you who have been following me since my program last year!
Have a magical day/night!
-Tyler

Thanks to Rage Cast Member (http://ragecastmember.tumblr.com/), I have a bunch of new followers!  So to all of you, welcome!  I don’t put up posts very often, but please see my past posts about my time in the Disney College Program (feels like it was such a long time ago!). If you have any questions about being a Cast Member or Disney/anything in general, feel free to ask!  And as always, thank you to those of you who have been following me since my program last year!

Have a magical day/night!

-Tyler

On this day last year, I officially hired into The Walt Disney Company. It’s been an amazing first year, and in the words of Walt Disney, I’m “just getting started.”

On this day last year, I officially hired into The Walt Disney Company. It’s been an amazing first year, and in the words of Walt Disney, I’m “just getting started.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

Disney College Program at the Disneyland Resort, Spring 2011

This year has been amazing, thanks in large part to my experience in the Disney College Program.  I got the opportunity to spend 7 months of 2011 in Anaheim working at the Disneyland Resort and getting to do a lot of amazing things with a lot of amazing people.  From my first day of Custodial training to Cast previews of Star Tours and Little Mermaid to touring Hollywood and L.A., every minute of my Disney College Program experience was amazing.

Looking back on this year, I will always remember it fondly.  I want to thank everyone who was in any way a part of my life in 2011.  I’m thankful for my supporters, including family and friends, and my year was only so great because of your encouragement.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of New Year’s Eve and that everyone will have an enjoyable and magical 2012.  And to all of you who are about to begin a program in the Disney College Program (or to those of you planning to apply), good luck to you!  Have an amazing time and don’t pass up any opportunities- the time goes by fast!

-Tyler