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.

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!

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

 My American Dad 

Aunty and I 

My Last photo with Sweetums. 

It's All Over. 

Last Castle Party

Some Special Friends signed my calendar. 

Peter Pan drew me a map so I could always find my way back. 

Thanks for letting me fly with you this year Peter. 

Oh boys. 

After a year of carrying these babies it's time to hand them back. 

No Drew, just No. 

Ebonee and I 

Best Friend and I sung Land Down Under again. 

Best Friend and I sung Land Down Under again.  

You need to look photo ready! 

Cheese! 

He finally smiles now! 

Another Smile! 

Bye Brett!! 

I need you! 

Friends of Sweetums, and note how short I am! 

Celeste and I 

See Ya Real Soon Best Friend :(

See Ya Real Soon Best Friend :( 

See Ya Real Soon Best Friend :( 

One Last Prince and Princess Pose. 

Thanks for a fantastic year Zak. I love you!

Oh hey 2013

Hello,

Well we all survived the end of the Mayan calender, which means it can only be one thing - 2013.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone.

I hope you all had a fantastic New Years, I know I did, even though there was DRAMA, but let's not talk about that. Since it is January 1st 2013 that means I have just 3 days left before I leave the States to head back home. My last day of work is Wednesday the 2nd so tomorrow, so hopefully there aren't too many tears, but I know there will be because I have to say bye to all my fabulous roommates I have come to love like sisters as their program ends tomorrow.

Until then I'm just keeping it short and sweet.
Stay Magical
xx

Single Digits

Hello,

Well it's hit that point in the countdown. Today marks 9 days until I leave the US to fly back home to Australia. I have Saturday off and then work Sun-Tues before I pack up and leave on the Friday which means last chances to visit the parks are Wednesday and Thursday!

Today I didn't really do much, I caught up on much needed sleep and then went to the Magic Kingdom to see my good friend Mickey Mouse and get some fun photos with him one last time in TST.

Other then that nothing has happened in the past 24 hours that you need to hear about, so here are some photos.

Until Next Time
Stay Magical
xx