One year ago today I officially started my Disney College Program. I thought about how I really had no comprehension of the magical journey on which I was about to embark, and I had no clue that I would make such dear friends. As I reflected on my experience throughout the day I thought of what I wish I could have told myself at the beginning of my program.
1. Every second you think you are too tired and decide to hang out in the apartment, could be spent in one of the parks making memories. Every second you decide to watch a movie with friends, could be spent with them in the park. If a park is open, and you are not working, you should probably be there.
2. It is okay to go to the parks by yourself. Enjoy the single rider lines! Take pictures. Spend time just looking at the details of the park you miss as you run with a group from ride to ride. Enjoy the shows. It's more fun with people, but going by yourself to a park is more fun than chilling at home by yourself.
3. I wish I could point out exactly who would turn out to be my Disney BFFs and park buddies from the very beginning. The memories I made with those people are priceless. The laughter, the screams, the smiles, and even the tears (Wishes, Fantasmic, and the Finding Nemo musical would get me EVERY time), are all a part of an amazing journey you will miss every day.
4. This experience will change you forever! The people you meet (CMs and guests alike) will teach you things about yourself. You will view the world and the people in it differently afterwards.
5. FROZEN REFERENCE "It's funny how some distance makes everything seem small, and the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all." All of those problems you have back home like school, your future career, dating, everything, they will all be more manageable after you've taken a step back.
6. Shut up and stop complaining. Yeah, the buses suck, they are always late, and you probably will stand almost every day as you ride home. Yes, you got scheduled for a shift you would rather not have, you got an assignment you don't like, and you aren't working with your friends. You are at DISNEY WORLD, and only for a short time. Enjoy every second.
7. Make the experience magical for EVERY guest you meet. It doesn't matter whether anyone else notices, if you can bring a little more magic to the vacation of each guest, there will be more magic in your everyday life.
8. Don't worry about the money. I mean, don't spend so much that you go into debt or anything. But really, if it is an experience worth having, spend the money.
9. Visit every single attraction at least once. Every. Single. One.
10. Don't worry about the drama. Seriously, you are never going to see those people again.
11. Watch Wishes at least once every other week. Do it. And Dream Along with Mickey.
12. Live every single moment, every minute, every second. Because you are going to miss it all. Laugh louder than you think you should, sing, dance, move it, shake it, celebrate it! Because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so make every second count.
