I have a reason ok!la

I've been a baaad CP Blogger/Vlogger/Whatever I want to call it and I can explain! It's the internet and my ... my... umm laziness?

The first few weeks I was here the weather was TERRIBLE it rained everyday so I was wet and that don't look cute in HD, just saying, and I've been enjoying myself to much that I forgot to video tape and take pictures. I figured out that the only reason why I took a bazillion pictures before was because I was bored with my family at Disney World.  Ain't that odd.

I've been recording things here and there when my roommate reminds me to bring my Flip but I might put together a small clip reel of that stuff I do have!

My Arrival date.

They take a picture of you after Casting.
This was my pose.

I woke up at 6 to get in line around 7. Even by that time there was already a pretty long line so I would suggest to get there a little early so you can get to casting faster and pick your room in the apartment.

Once they let you in, you follow the line all the way to the Vista Way Pavilion. This is where you are going to fill out some paper work, pick your apartment, and get a parking decal (if you brought a car.)
Depending on where you are in the line this can a kinda long wait to a VERY long wait. Also depending on the time of year please dress for that weather. I was sweating like a mad man, it was pretty gross, but on to the next thing,.

After you finish with that they will tell you when you are supposed to get on a bus to go to Disney Casting.  If you have the time and live in Vista I would suggest you at least look at your apartment and try to claim the room you want. When you get on the bus they will hand you your I-9 paper to fill out in advance. Once off the bus you go into a series of waiting in lines and just do whatever the castmembers say.

This is when you find out where you are working, when you have traditions, and what your costume is going looks like. They also do the background check and finger print you. Make sure you have all of your paper work with you like your drivers license and SSC or Birth certificate. ** Just in case you forgot those oh so important papers (like me) They have a bus that will bring you to the Social Security Office to get a new copy.

Also when in casting they will have someone tell you about the Disney look and tell you if you are in Disney look or not.  They don't check the clothes, since this is your moving day, just your face like hair, earrings stuff like that. My hair was going over my ear so as of right now I'm not in the Disney look. Near Vista Way there is a Super Walmart that's open 24/7 that gives hair cuts for $15.99. If you are not in Disney Look when you arrive for Traditions you will not be able to do it, so you don't get paid and that's a stinker.

When that's done you just have one more thing to do. You have to go to the Housing meeting and it is mandatory. I had about a 2 and 1/2 hour gap till the meeting so that's when my family moved the rest of my stuff in the apartment. The Housing meeting takes about 2-3 hours and is boring as all hell, but they tell you important information about the housing complexs and phone numbers you can call when you need to get in touch with Price Management (the people who run the housing for the Disney Internships)

And that my friends, in a nutshell, what happened to me for my arrival date! If you have anymore questions about the arrival process just use the formspring widget on the right of my page or write a comment. It's up to you!

My Arrival date plans PLUS renters insurance info

Ahh! I can't belive that there are only 4 days till I'm going to be living in Walt Disney World! I know I haven't kept up with the vlog but I hope I'll be able to tryvto do one vlog once a week when I'm up there. It just takes WAY to long to convert all the Flip video into a file Final Cut Pro can use. Then I have to render it so I can manipulate it and stuff... Anyway enough with this boring editing stuff, let's talk about the Arrival.

I'm going to be staying at the Sunspree which is the hotel that is literally across the street from Vista Way. One night at the Sunspree only goes for $79 and some change. I'm going to just wake up at 7:00 and walk my happy self across the street and BAM I'll already be there. From what I've read they let you in at around 8:ish. I run on Hispanic time so I may say I'll be there at 7 but I'll most likely get there at 7:30 - 7:45. Just make sure you have your:

On-Boarding Paperwork

Employment Eligibility documents (Drivers License and SSC or Passport)

License Plate Number (If you brought your car with you)

Proof of Car Insurance 

Papers saying you're covered by your parents policy (If you don't have your own, like ME!)

I'm going to put all of this stuff in my Purple Folder to keep myself Organized. 

See I told ya so

You also have to be in the Disney Look when you arrive. You don't have to be dressed professionaly since this is going to be the moving day, so just wear something you're comfortable in.  You'll need to dress all spiffy when you go through Traditions. 

__________________________________________________________

So, from now on ALL CP's need to get there own Renters Insurance. I wish they would have told us a few weeks earlier so I could have saved up for it, but it's not that big a deal.

 My roommate and I are going to split it 50/50 with All State. The plan we have is about 125 for the whole year, which isn't bad at all when split with my roomie. When you leave the program just call your provider to cancel and they'll send you the difference. They also give you the option to pay monthly but they add a little fee to it so you end of spending more then just paying it off in one shot.

So, that's about it for now! I'm packing right now so I'll post my list when I'm done. I have mostly all of my clothes done so I just need to put away my video games and Toaster stuff.

See Ya Guys Later!!!
PS-


The day before Check in I'll be hanging around Down Town Disney before the Pre-Dinner at Pop Century so I'll be tweeting where I am if anyone wants to hang out and stuff. I'm going to try to get into Disney Quest with my Castmember Discount so if anyone has 35 25 bucks to spend we can go play us some Vid Mo Games.


Follow me @AlanCPGuy

T-Minus 20 days Eeekkkz

Gahh! I can't believe I only have 20 freaking days left till I'm riding my happy ass up to Walt Disney World.

I haven't posted a new vlog/blog in 15 days and honestly it's because I'm lazy. I hope I'm able to shake it off when I'm up there. My last day working at the Disney Store is Aug. 7th. I'm going to miss that place alot. My Disney Store family is awesome and I'm probably going to miss them and my friends the most when I'm gone for the CP. I have to make sure to bake them cookies before I leave. I promised my manager her own set of cookies because one of the leads keeps eating them all (you know who you are)

That reminds me! To the people I'm going to be rooming with, I'm going to bake you guys some welcome cookies. I was stupid and thought I would bake them when I'm up there, but a friend already in the program said it's not a good idea since we'll get getting to the apartments really late and we won't want to do anything.

I'm going to be leaving Aug. 8th and spend the night at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort (link brings you to Bing Maps) That's the hotel that's across the street from Vista Way. My roommate Keri has never been the Downtown Disney so I'm going to show him around when we get there and then go to the Dinner at Pop Century. If you're arriving Aug. 9th and can make it, RSVP!

-Alan

Vlog #8 Pseudo Packing! w/ Ticket update

Once you log into the CP page, the On-Boarding Pass paperwork can be found when you click on Arrival Information in the yellow box. In the Overview at the top of the page you'll see a link to the On-Boarding Paperwork.


Disney Monthly Payment page: http://tinyurl.com/WDWMonthly
(This is for FL. Residents only)

I know I had promised that I was going to make vlogs/blogs about the four Disney theme parks, but I don't think I'm going to be able to get to that until I actually get up there. Some vloggers have already done this BUT I'm going to try and vlog about the little hiding places. Neat little tips and stuff, IDK I'm still thinking about it.

Disney's Recommend list of items to bring with you:

• Set of linens and bedding (twin-size sheets, pillow, blanket, towels, etc.)
• TV, VCR, DVD player and a coaxial cable
• Stereo (small)
• Toaster
• Coffee Maker
• Phone card
• Answering machine
• Cordless phone (The phone provided in the apartment has a cord.)
• Cell phone (Check with your current provider for coverage information.)
• Alarm clock
• Beach towel, suntan lotion and/or sunscreen
• Camera and media storage cards or film
• Casual clothing
• Professional clothing (Please refer to the Disney Look Guidelines for assistance.)
• Sweater or jacket
• Dress shoes
• Combination lock for the locker in your bedroom
• Computer with Ethernet card
• Original employment eligibility documents
• Cosmetics and toiletries
• Credit card and traveler’s checks (if available)
• Health insurance information
• Personal medications, including prescription drugs, if needed
• Writing paper, envelopes and pens
• Renter's Insurance Information

Vlog #7! Toy Story Midnight Showing!

Honestly, this movie was great. I couldn't stop talking about it when I was at work. This just makes me more excited to get to the program just so I can hug Lotso and yes he DOES smell like Strawberries. I honestly can't tell how many times I hear some say "WOW he does really smell like Strawberries!" Why would they say he smells like Strawberries in the movie and not make his toy smell like it.

Vlog #6! Tickets Galore!

Sorry if this video is kinda boring, but I hope it helped some Vacation Planners.

Check out my Roommate Keri's Blog : http://keridisneyedition.blogspot.com/
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Fl. Resident Tickets and Prices: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/flor...

Non. Fl. Resident Tickets and Pricing: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tick...

More in Depth Tickets: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan...

Large Groups AKA Magical Gatherings: Call (407) 934-7639
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan...

Vlog #5! Minnie bring me the axe!

Ok when you log onto the student page you'll find this.

                    

You'll find your applicant number in the grayed out box in the bottom left. Now in the Yellow box above click on housing to get to the Housing page. Scroll down and there will be a grayed out button.

When you click it, this should pop up.

Re-enter your log in and you'll be prompted with some text about housing. There will be two pictures ( I don't remember what they said because I forgot to take a screen cap.) But just read what they say and click on the one about knowing your roommate in advance. Click that and enter the persons number and that will send them in invite. When that person then logs into there housing thing, they will be asked if they want to room with you. Hit Yes and you're DONE!

And that's it! 

Vlog #4!

Wow, this felt like I was filling in a Myspace survey.

1. Your name? Alan

2. Are you legal (over 21)? Nope, but I'm turing 20 on the 23rd of August!

3. Male or female? Male.

4. Gay, straight, bi (optional)? Gay.

5. Where do you live? Palm Springs, Fl.

6. What role will you have at Disney? I'm going to be a Vacation Planner, but I still don't know where I'm going to be working on property.

7. What are your arrival/departure dates and season? I'm leaving Aug. 9th for the Fall Term and should be back home at the beginning of Jan.

8. Which apartment complex would you prefer to live at? Vista Way is my ideal place to stay because I'm really trying to bust out of my shyness and if I have fun roommates I'll open up and have a great 5 months working at Disney.

9. How many roommates/rooms do you want? Honestly I don't care as long as they keep the place clean for the most part.

10. Do you like to party? No, but a man can change!

11. What's your favorite food and, more importantly, can you cook well? I LIVE for good Mac & Cheese and I do think I can cook well. I really love baking though. I'm still thinking if I should bring my baking stuff with me.

12. If your friends could descibe you in three words, what would they be? In the words of my friend Jon.

Jonathan

fu...king....great

13. What kind of music/movies do you like? For music, I enjoy what you heard on the video, but I also listen to Ingrid Michaelson, GoldFrap, and Disco Music. I'll pretty much listen to anything.

When it comes to movies, my fav is Cats Don't Dance and I enjoy watching comedies and documentaries. 

14. Do you smoke and, if so, inside or outside? Nope, never.

15. Do you drink (socially or alcoholically)? Nope nope.

16. Are you a night person or a morning person? I'm a creature of the night.

17. Are you driving or flying down? I'm going to be driving up there with my parents.

18. What do you do for fun? Fun...things? I enjoy loitering at my local comic book shop, Past Present Future Comics, playing video games and I TRY to read some books on the side.

19. What is your favorite quote? Favorite quote? "You are women and yet your many beards forbid me to interpret you are so." MacB

20. What are you most excited for about being in the WDWCP? Well besides the fact I'm a Disney Freak, I really want to use this opportunity to network with all the people I can get my hands onto. I also want to participate in the VoluntEars program. My goal is to work for Disney as a Graphic Designer.

21. Favorite things to do when not working? I really do like going to work, like I said in the video. The castmembers at my Disney Store are my Disney family and I hope to extend my that family to include the people I meet during my term. BUT, when I'm not working. I listen to podcasts like Feast Of Fun and Jonny Mcgovern play on XboxLIVE, and read my books.

22. Name one good quality about myself? I'm loyal, it sounds like I said boyle in the video. 

23. Name one bad quality about myself? I tend to be peoples consciences.   

24. Your college? Palm Beach Community College, now called Palm Beach State College.

25. Your major? Graphic Design.

26. Any medical conditions?  Nope.

27. Are you messy/tidy? I'm tend to be on the Tidy side but when I do get messy it's more of an organized chaos.

28. Anything else? That's it for me but if you have anything you'd like to ask me, I have a formspring box on the blog you can fill out.

(P.S.) If I decide to bake anything in the near furture, would you guys like me to film/ take pictures so you can try it at home?

Vlog #3!

Honestly with everything going on in my life, this contest has really been a real spirit lifter! Thanks Fausto and Marc! I can't thank you enough. If you want to see my entry CLICK HERE to see all the entries and try and figure out which one is mine. I think it'll be easy to pick mine out.

See you Next time!

-Alan CP Guy

(PS I just bought the Domain name AlanCPGuy.com so it should be up and running in a few hours Days. HUZZAH! )

Vlog #2! Disney TRIVIA!

Ok... I know I haven't posted anything on here. It was my internet I SWEAR! I tried posting the Youtube video over 5 times and got disheartened. THEN I had a personal family problem that I don't want to talk about on this blog. So to be kurt, some shit happened.

This was just a little video I did while I waited for my Purple Folder to come to me. Now that I'm cooping with what happened in my life, I'll be posting more news and videos about my Disney CP Life.


Sorry No Cookie pictures guys. I forogt... :(

---------------

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE RECIPE
Mix together:

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup butter
1 egg
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/8 cup milk

Add:

3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips

Bake in 325°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Vlog #1! CP Interview!!! OH MAH GAWD!

I ended up doing my interview inside my car with a few friends for moral support. I was seriously about to hyperventilate when I got my call, but honestly I worried for no reason. The best tip for me to give is the most stupid sounding.... You ready for it?.... Just Be Yourself!!! You're selling yourself to them, don't be someone you're not or the person you think they're looking for. 

Depending on the roles you choose depends on the questions you will be asked. My castmember first started off with asking all those nitty gritty questions about all the information you entered in your online application. Once all that's done with they dive into the questions about your roles. The first thing they asked for me was why I wanted to work at Disney, then out of the roles that I choose which were the top three. After that they asked me about Merchandise. Since I already work Retail most of my questions dealt with Merchandising. If you've ever had an interview they pretty much ask you the same questions. They give you norm like:

• What do you do during an emergency
• How would you deal with unhappy guests
• How well do you work with others

I hope this info can help anybody who's having trouble with there interview. Remember to have fun with it and the time will pass by. My interview took the whole half hour and it only felt like ten minutes to me.