Dreams Come True: January 2013

Saturday 12 January 2013

What 366 Days at Disney Taught Me

This year I embarked on the most magical journey anyone could ever dream of; I got the opportunity to work at one of the biggest theme parks: Walt Disney World. I got to spend my days off playing in these parks and exploring what magic really is. I made new friends and met old ones that I watched growing up. I met my favourite Princess and a boy who will never grow up.

I rocked with Areosmith, went to the 5th dimension and lived to tell the tale, I found a yeti and survived all 3 mountains in the Kingdom. I became best friends with the dark side, and found a caring Muppet who I don't ever want to say goodbye to. I learned there is nothing funnier than an Australian saying "Aloha" over and over again, and that O'hana doesn't just include blood. I was taught that my imagination is all I need to defeat the evil and that "dreams come true". I joined a castle party and wished upon stars. I traveled all over the world and back in a day.

I learned what real friends are and was reminded that people come into our lives until we learn a lesson and then they leave. I learned that I'm stronger mentally then I was 2 years ago. I was reminded of my past and that it's exactly that - my past. I spent days in bed doing nothing and others trying to do everything. I was reminded of a child's innocence and their beliefs. I was reminded that not everyone is young at heart. I watched 5 year old cry at the sight of a mouse and 85 year olds cry as well. I helped make memories for families and in turn made my own.

I was reminded that even though I was where all the princes are, my Prince Charming was not and it's alright, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't be treated like a princess. I was reminded what it felt like to be wanted and what it should feel like to be someone's princess. I danced with characters and took stupid pictures. I've learned that its okay to be scared, worried and want to be back in my comfort zone. I've learned even though I'm 21, I still have lessons to learn and chances are if I'm smaller than you and we play fight; - I will end up covered in bruises. I learned even though it sucks, 6 weeks with someone is better then none.

This year I drove on the wrong side of the road in my belief, saw the water spin the other way, ask for chips meaning French Fries and be given a bag of chips. I left summer one day and arrived to winter on the exact same day. I've said "Crikey", "A dingo ate my baby", "Put another shrimp on the Barbie" and "That's not a knife, this is a knife" more then ever. I've eaten at a restaurant and been the most authentic Australian thing inside. I grew a weird liking for beer and broke the law. I went to dinners with my best friends and just talked for hours and other times sat in complete silence and it was okay. I learned all I need is a little bit of faith, trust and pixie dust.

I was taught that 16 hours on a plane is exhausting but it's possible to sleep. I was reminded I wasn't the best artist but I could always "Sketch Ya Later". I learned that no one says goodbye rather "See Ya Real Soon" and diamonds are not only a girls best friend but also a certain mouses. I once again learned that buses run late and I should always take the earlier where possible. I learned drinking before a shift and not sleeping may seem tempting but in reality I should've slept instead. I was reminded that 24 hours isn't a long time but it is possibly to squeeze in one more day every 4 years. I learned you will never be too old to go trick or treating and dress up or be too old to watch fireworks. I was reminded that promises made when I was younger were actually followed through unlike the promises that were made at 21.

I learned that distance no matter how small or great still sucks. I was reminded how a smile can light up a room and everyone will notice. I learned no matter how well or ill you may be it is all forgotten in the Kingdom. I learned no one is to old to see a princess and no one is too old to believe. I was reminded that a year is a long time and items can accumulate quickly. I was reminded how much I missed good fruit, veggies and home cooked meals. I was reminded sleep is an important factor that everyone needs - but a 15 minute nap is almost as good. This year I was reminded that no matter where I was I was surrounded by people who loved me and were proud of me.

In the past 366 days I have spent at Walt Disney World I learned all of those lessons, but the most important one, the big one, the one I will never forget, the whole deal is this:

There are 24 hours in a day; 1440 minutes. That's 1440 reasons to smile, to make magic, to stop and take it all in. To remind yourself if all the beauty around you. That's 1440 reasons to love with all your heart, spend money you don't have, to take silly photographs, to miss someone. It's 1440 stars to wish on, reasons to believe and memories to be made. I was reminded this year that 366 days is a long time but it is also a very short time.

I was reminded to stop and just breathe this year, you can't control your future and you can't predict it, just sit back and enjoy the rollercoaster. When you get off you'll wish you could do it all over again.

Trust me.

Life Post Disney

Hello,

So I've been back in Australia now for a few days and today I went back to my old theme park with my brother. It made me realise how much I missed Disney and how much the Gold Coast has not changed. It was great to see my family and catch up with old friends, but it just makes me miss Disney SO much more. I didn't believe people when they told me about the Post Disney Depression. It sucks let me tell you, moving on however.

I finally got my brother to go on Tower Of Terror for the first time which was exciting and surprise surprise; he liked it! We walked out, the lines were way too long to do much, not Disney long, but at least Disney had things to keep you entertained in the ques.

I also went out to lunch and to the beach yesterday with my EBF; Jesse! It was fun to catch up with him, and it is the kind of friendship where nothing had changed even though we hadn't seen each other in over a year.

I'm going to leave you with some pictures and whatnot, as for my blog, I'm not entirely sure if I will keep updating now post Disney, if I do, I do if I don't, I don't. In the chance I don't update again, I just want to say thank you for coming on this journey with me. I hope you had as much fun as I did writing about it, and when I go back in September, I'll be sure to post something then.

Until Next Time,
Stay Magical.
Xx

Home Sweet Home

He is younger than me yet taller!

Not in Disney Anymore..

Tuesday 8 January 2013

Land Down Under

Hello,

Well I am home safe and sound back on the Gold Coast. Hooray.

My flights were long but I managed to sleep on them both and for my LAX-AUCK I was upgraded to Skycouch, the journey from AUCK-BRIS was plain Economy and it was a big change!! I will be going back in September in Premium Economy or Skycouch that's for sure!

The food was good for airplane food, and when I landed in Australia, Mum, Aaron and Nan were there to surprise me, which was exciting!!

There really isn't much else to talk about right now, just trying to get over jet lag and all that jazz. We did Christmas when I got home and I got spoiled again:

One Tree Hill Season 1, 2 and 3
Alice In Wonderland
Cinderella
Lady and the Tramp
A Pass to Dreamworld
A Swavorski necklace
$30 Gift Card

I would say I did quite well this year.

Well, until next time.
Stay Magical
xx

Heading Home

Good Morning NZ

Supper - Chicken and Potato

Breakfast - Omlette

Hi Little Brother!

Breakfast - Fruit Salad

I've missed this kid!

I'M HOME!

Friday 4 January 2013

See Ya Real Soon

Hello,

So it's finally arrived, the end of my program. I had my last shift at work and it was a busy one, 450 check ins, lucky I was on curbside and had Kevin, Sarah and Kelly. I also had the best valet crew anyone could have asked for. I made it through the whole day right up until the end of my shift and that's when the tears started, it was heartbreaking to say goodbye to everyone that I have called my Ohana for the last 6 months.

I celebrated my last night in Florida by going to Outback with:

Courtney
Drew
Celeste
Zak
Ebonee

And it was of course fantastic, then Brett showed up and we all headed to Kittys. While at Kittys Jason showed up and last but defiantly not least Austin showed up. Needless to say I had a fantastic going away, though when it did officially become time to say goodbye to my best friend who had been there for me since January, the tears did flow. I didn't want to admit that our time was finally up and that it was time to say goodbye.

After I said goodbye to Zak and Celeste, we headed to Wawa for one last trip before Austin and I dropped Drew off. Then it was time for a couple hours sleep before my 8:40am flight to LA. Austin was really nice and drove me to the airport, he also helped carry my bags down for me. There are still gentleman in the world it seems. After I said my goodbyes to Austin at the airport it was time to check in, and with my 2 bags only one of them was over weight, and it was only by a pound. i think I did a good job with fitting a whole years worth of stuff into 2 suitcases!!

Before I knew it was time to jump on my flight to LA to spend the night before the long journey back to Australia. When I landed in LA I got my shuttle to the hotel, checked in and jumped straight onto my king sized bed; I forgot how good an actual bed and mattress feels like. I can't wait for my bed at home.

I'm about to go get some dinner, because I'm actually kinda hungry.

Until next time when I head back to the land down under,
Stay Magical
xx