Day 1654: Time to Apply!

Finally! After what might be months or years of anticipation and weeks of planning out your application, your chance to apply for the Disney College Program has finally arrived. Well, that is, if applications are currently open. As I mentioned previously, the best way to stay up to date on the program is to sign up for email notifications for when applications open up again, and then it's onto that initial application. 

Since we've already covered the ranking of roles, this will be a shorter, but no less important post about the journey of the Disney College Program. There's some controversy as to when exactly you should apply for the program once applications do open up, largely because some say that if you apply on the first day you have a lower chance of getting accepted because of the number of applications on that first day. Others say you should apply immediately once applications open up so yours is one of the first ones they go through. 

To be completely honest, I'm not sure there's a rhyme or reason to the way Recruiting goes through the applications, at least not that we could ever know about. I tried to wait until the second day after applications open to apply in fear that mine would get lost in the first-day shuffle, but I just couldn't get anything done knowing that there was something I could do on my journey to the Disney College Program. So I applied the first day, and I'm skeptical about the idea that applying so quickly crushes your chances, because I did and I was obviously accepted. In other words, take what you read with a grain of salt. But don't wait until the last day or week to apply either. 

When you hit apply, you'll be directed to a pretty self-explanatory application that asks for the customary information, such as your name, school information, and work experience. In fact, if you already have a LinkedIn set up with your resume and work experience, there's an option to log into the Disney system using LinkedIn, and it'll automatically input your top work experience into the application for you. I still highly recommend going through the application with a fine toothed comb. 

The biggest thing with this initial application is going to be keywords. Use words that you'd use on your professional resume, and tailor them to the roles that you're ranking highest. For instance, since I knew I was applying for the PhotoPass Photographer role, I made sure to include my photography and videography experience on my application, noting that I'm familiar with DSLR cameras and basic photography skills. I also was sure to include that I have experience with crowd control, specifically in regards to large groups of college students, high school students, and middle school student, and public speaking as well. Regardless of what roles you're interested in, use keywords like "guests," "teamwork," "leadership," "efficient," and "communicate." 

After filling out this initial application with your work experience, you'll pick which program you're applying for, rank your roles, and will eventually hit submit. In all, I think the application took me around 25 minutes with proofreading and some thorough contemplation as to how I wanted to word things and what I wanted to include. 

At this point, one of a few things can happen. You can immediately get a WBI (Web Based Interview) link and you may be able to take that (which I'll discuss in a later blog post). You could be like me and wait a few days before getting the WBI link, but still be "In Progress" on the website. Or you could fall in "submission." You'll be able to view all of this on your dashboard (which is where you can view your progress throughout the entire application process), and I'll tell you that if you fall into submission, that's not to say you won't be accepted for the program. It's more likely you'll never make it to the WBI, but there have been participants who are put into submission immediately and manage to make their way out. So don't give up, but also don't get your hopes up, because honestly, it could go either way (although to be blunt, it's more likely you won't get accepted). 

And then you wait, again. If you're fortunate enough to get send a link to the WBI right away, I suppose you have less waiting to do, but otherwise the best advice I can give is go about your normal life. There's so much waiting involved with the Disney College Program that it's easy to get caught up in obsessively checking your status or your email for any updates. I tried to limit myself to checking the dashboard once a day throughout the process, and I didn't check my email any more than usual, which sort of helped toward the end when I was in the final stages of waiting. Feel as calm as you can knowing that your application, for the moment, is entirely out of your hands, and hope for the best. 

Next week: The Web Based Interview, AKA the most stressful test I've ever taken! 

Have a magical day!

Day 1647: Do Your Research

You probably thought that this week's DCP Wednesday post would be about applications because now that you've decided to apply for the Disney College Program that's the next obvious step, right? Wrong! There's still more to do before you log in and click that fateful "apply" button! There's a lot going on with the Disney College Program, and it's good to know what you're getting into and what might interest you most before you get down to business (to defeat the huns). 

The initial application for the DCP will ask you common, customary questions you'd expect, like your name, school, and where you've worked, but it'll also ask you to rank your top roles, and that's a huge decision and a crucial part of the application process as a whole. What you write down at this point will impact your phone interview, potentially your acceptance into the program, and what you'd be doing if accepted, so it's important that you rank your options carefully. This blog post doesn't give you explicit descriptions of each role (you have to do some of the research yourself, after all), but I can promise you that, in the future, there will definitely be feature posts from various college program roles. 

First and foremost though, there's the decision of which college program you'd like to apply for. Since there are programs running consistently at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and there's several seasons throughout the year, you'll have to figure out which one is right for you. Personally, I applied for both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World programs, but put WDW as my priority location. The Disneyland program is drastically smaller than the Walt Disney World one, so your chances of being accepted to WDW are likely a bit higher, but if you don't have a preference, go for either, and if you do, notate that! I loved that I could apply for both programs at once, and I actually had a short conversation about it during my phone interview with my recruiter later on. 

Of course, when you apply makes an impact on the season you're applying for, and the best way to keep track of when applications are open is to sign up for email notifications. That way you won't miss when fall applications open months ahead of time in January. Depending on where you are in your college career and what works for you, it also might work better to do an advantage program rather than a regular seasonal program, meaning that, if you do Fall Advantage, you'll be applying to work from May/June to January rather than August/September to January like the rest of the Fall students. I've included the seasonal chart from the Disney Programs Blog below to give you an idea of what those seasons look like: 

Finally, you'll have to do some research on your roles before you actually apply. Doing your research ahead of time makes you more informed about what roles would be best for you, physically, emotionally, and mentally. For instance, I know that I really would prefer to stay out of Quick Service Food and Beverage roles, as well as anything to do with food because, while I love eating food, I just happen to know that it wouldn't be the right fit for me, especially since I have no prior experience in food service. However, after doing some research, other roles popped out as ones that would suit me well, such as Attractions (because of my experience in public speaking and crowd control), Front Desk (because of my experiences as Music Librarian and running Music Festivals), and, of course, PhotoPass Photography because of my experience with photography and videography. 

The best way to do research on these is to head over to our old pal Google and search for descriptions of each, although the Disney Program Website does feature an in-depth look at each role in the Earning section of the DCP page. I used these descriptions to get a general idea of what might work best, and then initially ranked each role. From there, I went to YouTube and Google and made additional searches to find out what real DCP Participants have said about each of their positions, getting a feel for what they're really like out on the job so I could make my final decisions on how I'd rank each role (you rank one on a scale of High, Moderate, Low, or No Interest). 

It's also important to note that there are different roles at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. For instance, there is only a Park Greeter position available at Disneyland, and Housekeeping is only at Walt Disney World. The available roles for each program are available on the DCP Website as well. 

Of course, there's more research headed your way in the future, specifically involving where you'll live and who you'll room with and how everything works in general, but let's just take it one step at a time. Now, go do some research! 

Have a magical day!

Day 1329: Closing Ceremonies

Tonight we say goodbye to another Olympic Games, and while there have been games in the past I've watched more attentively than I watched these, I've certainly spent more than a couple of hours sitting in front of my TV watching people more athletic than I. I mean, while they're grabbing world records in swimming or running at insane speeds, I'm sitting on my couch eating Hot Pockets, but I feel like that's part of what the Olympics are all about. 

There's been some debate about the NBC Coverage of the games, and while I wasn't a huge fan of it myself, it's still amazing to be able to watch talented athletes from all over the world compete, especially when some of the events are so graceful and inspiring. There were the hilarious moments, heartwarming moments, and heartbreaking moments, and yes, Simone Biles moments, but ultimately, these games are about so much more than just fencing, golf, or table tennis. 

Perhaps it's the immense amount of time I've spent walking the paths of world showcase, but events such as the Olympics are a simple reminder that everyone in the world can indeed get along and celebrate together. That we can work together, even if we're competing against one another. This is an idea we experience every day in the Disney community alone, as along with the numerous Disney Parks around the world that celebrate the unique cultures and international relations, Disney fans period come from everywhere. I frequently meet international guests at Walt Disney World, and, obviously, Disney employs students from all over the world as Cast Members. But even outside the parks, internationally so many of us quickly bond over characters, music, films, and ideas, and that's something special. 

The Disney references don't stop there though, as if you watched the opening or closing ceremonies, you might just recognize that light contraption behind the Olympic Flame. While I'm unclear as to what it really is, it certainly reminds me of the final float in Paint the Night at Disneyland! 

What was your favorite part of the Olympic Games? I personally always love watching the Swimming, but I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Have a magical day!

Day 1323: A Year Already

The last year has gone by so quickly that I hardly realize that it's already been a year since I was at the Happiest Place on Earth...and yet I tweet about missing Disneyland every few weeks. 

I sometimes forget that I've actually visited Disneyland twice in my life, probably because regardless of how many times I'm there, I don't think it'll ever be enough. I've blogged time and time again about how much I love Walt Disney World, and I absolutely do, but there's something so different about Disneyland, and even with three trips to Walt Disney World in this year and one more to go, it's just not the same as heading out to California. 

What it is exactly that makes Disneyland so special is hard to pinpoint. The easy answer is that it's the original park - it's Walt's park - but that doesn't even completely describe it in my opinion. Disneyland is, in every way, just different from the parks in Florida and anywhere else in the world. Maybe it's the sense of community you feel there, and the closeness to the city around you. Disneyland feels more like a community, with locals visiting and everyone so welcoming, even to out of towners. The attractions there just feel right, and don't even get me started on how precious California Adventure is, especially now that's it's found new life. 

The foods are different, the atmosphere is different, the attractions are different (at least most of the time), the layout is different, the charm is different, and the list goes on. Pretty much everything is different. And yet, it gives the same feeling of home that I've come to know and love about Walt Disney World. My trips to Walt Disney World may amount to 15 times more than those to Disneyland, but regardless of which coast I'm on, it just feels right being there. 

So yes, I'm absolutely missing Disneyland now, even as I continue to prepare for my next trip to Florida. I miss everything about Disneyland, and I can't wait to go back someday. But for now, I suppose I'll have to relive my memories of the west coast by watching old vlogs: 

Have a magical day! 

Day 1294: Marceline

When you mention Disney, most think instantly of Walt Disney World or Disneyland, frequently mixing the two up if we're being honest. Beyond that, they may think of a favorite animated film, character, or song, maybe a priceless family memory, or launch instantly into a rant about how expensive everything is becoming or how terrible it is that Disney now owns Star Wars (because believe it or not...those people do still exist). Whatever they think of, I can almost guarantee that a little town in central Missouri is far from their first thought, if it occurs to them at all. 

For fans of the man behind the company, Marceline is a familiar name. It's a period of Walt's life that many disregard, when in reality a little town in Missouri provided us with so much more than we realize. From 1906 to 1911, a young Walter Elias Disney called Marceline, Missouri home, and he would return more than a few times to visit the closest thing he ever had to a childhood home. Born in 1901, Walt spent the first years of his life in the bustling city of Chicago, which his parents later decided was no place to raise a family. With relatives in the area, the Disney family, with all five children in tow, moved to Marceline, where they'd stay until moving to Kansas City five years later. 

Learning many of the lessons he would take with him throughout life, Walt loved the little town. He returned in 1946 to refresh his memory for an upcoming project, which we'd later realize to be Disneyland. Marceline also inspired the 1948 film So Dear to My Heart, featuring a barn drawn up by Walt from memories of the barn that was on the family farm in Marceline. In 1956, Walt and Roy, along with their wives, would return to Marceline again, this time to help dedicate the Walt Disney Swimming Pool and Park. It was during the same trip that they held the Midwest premiere of The Great Locomotive Chase at the Uptown Theatre in town, where Walt would individually greet every child through the door. Four years later, in 1960, Walt would return once more to dedicate the Walt Disney Elementary School and provide the town with a flag pole from the Squaw Valley Olympics and an artist to decorate the interior of the school. 

While Walt died in 1966 and never again returned to Missouri, he still relocated the Midget Autopia Ride from Disneyland to Marceline just months before his death, making it the only Disney Attraction to ever run outside of a Disney Park. Following his death, Marceline is chosen out of four cities to issue a commemorative stamp in honor of Walt, and the Santa Fe railroad brings the Disney family to Marceline for the celebration of his life. 

The history of this little town goes on from there, and for its size, you'd never realize just how much has happened there. A museum dedicated to Walt opened in 2001 as a memorial of his 100th Birthday, bringing 13 members of the Disney family on a special train right to the depot where the museum is located. In addition, a recreation of Walt's barn is built as a memorial near the old Cottonwood Tree Walt referred to as his "dreaming tree." The tree, sadly, died a number of years ago after being struck by lightning, but a direct descendant of the tree still sits in Marceline today, growing from the soil of Magic Kingdom and water of the Rivers of America. 

I could go on forever about this little town, but I'll try to keep the rest of this short. There's so much history in Marceline, and if you're a fan of Walt Disney, I can't stress enough how wonderful of a place it is to visit. The museum staff were amazing, especially our tour guide Inez, who hosted Walt in her home when he came to Missouri in 1956. The town, which we visited on a Sunday, is quiet and quaint, but the original Main Street U.S.A. really allows you a glimpse into Walt's life, and into what he envisioned in the Disney parks we know and love. The museum itself is stunning, especially for such a small town, and it took us more than a few hours to barely scratch the surface of Walt's legacy in the Midwest. Other than that, all I can say is that I can't believe it took me 21 years to visit Marceline, because I should have done this a long, long, time ago.

To learn more about Marceline and the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, take a look at the official website and have a magical day!

Day 1288: Six and Sixty Years Ago

Believe it or not, I've actually been to Colorado before. That's right, much to the confusion of some, I do occasionally travel places other than Walt Disney World and Disneyland. That previous trip was six years ago, also in July, and also was my very first band trip. We had no idea what was in store for us back then, and it's sort of strange to think about all the changes that have gone on between visits. Still, some things never change, and many of the most unique Colorado experiences have been there far longer than six years. 

One of those experiences exists in the northern town of Florissant, Colorado, or just outside of it rather. The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument isn't a National Park, but is run by the park service and is a great stop if you're heading through the area. The monument is known for, pretty obviously, its fossils, but it also features some of the largest and most interesting pieces from our world's past: petrified redwoods. 

The enormous redwood tree stumps, like the one you see above, were once much larger trees, filling the entire valley with an ecosystem very different from what sits there now. Millions of years ago, a volcano erupted, causing mudslides to fall and ash and dirt to cover the entire valley. A river was cut off on top of it, creating a lake as well. The volcano continued to erupt before eventually going dormant, but the ash continued to do its work. Covering the bottom 15 feet of each tree, the redwoods eventually died out, but the stumps were petrified and perfectly preserved along with hundreds of other plant, animal, and insect species! 

Now, what's even more interesting about this location is that I just happened to stop by on another anniversary! In 1956, Walt Disney took his wife Lillian on a trip to Colorado Springs to celebrate their wedding anniversary. One evening, they took a drive to the nearby Pike Petrified Forest, which is about an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. Much to Lillian's dismay, Walt left her in the car as he went to inquire about a tour of the petrified forest, despite the fact that it was getting late and the sun was already setting. A young boy did give him a short tour, and at the end, Walt wondered if he would be able to take home a specimen. Initially, the boy pointed Walt toward the small gift shop, but he soon insisted that he wanted something larger, and pointed to a nearby petrified tree stump. A "small specimen" wasn't going to do it. He wanted the whole tree. 

Walt did end up buying a redwood trunk, and as the joke goes, he gave it to Lillian as an anniversary present. The tree can now be found at Disneyland Park in Frontierland with the following plaque: 

The best part though? Remember that trip Walt took Lillian on in 1956? That trip happened to put them in Pike Petrified Forest on July 11, exactly sixty years before I walked the same stretch of land. At first we weren't sure if we were in the same spot, but after a while, we ended up talking to a park ranger, who informed us that we were in the right spot, and showed us where the tree stump was previously. In the below picture you'll see two sets of stumps. The one on the left is a set of triplets, which all originated from the same parent tree, and on the right is an especially large stump. In between there now sits a stage for the educational theater at the monument, but that spot is actually right where the Disneyland tree now stands. Pretty awesome, right? 

You can visit the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument for yourself to see where Walt picked up a tree stump on a whim for his theme park in California! I highly recommend it, and if this trip showed me anything, it's that we truly should all be finding our national parks! 

Have a magical day!

Day 1284: Lost

I can tell you from experience, sadly, that there's nothing worse than having your computer crash. It's happened to me multiple times, and so I stopped putting all of my documents, videos, and pictures on the hard drive of my computer, and started putting them on external drives instead. It allows me to carry it all with me without running the risk of my computer destroying things. 

However, when those hard drives fail too you don't have much of an option anymore. Last week my black hard drive, which was essentially my entire computer for the last year and a half, began to crash. Unworried because of a backup drive, I set it aside to deal with after I return from Colorado and didn't think much else of it. And then I was searching deep through the pictures from Disneyland to find a picture for a friend's birthday when I realized that something was wrong. Something was really wrong. 

The video from Disneyland wasn't there. 

Frantic, I searched my old computer and the rest of the hard drive, hoping that I'd just accidentally moved it somewhere. I hadn't. I called my mom, hoping that maybe I'd given her a copy of the videos, but again, nothing, and then, there, on my desk, sat the black hard drive. For some reason, when I did the data transfer to backup that hard drive onto the new one, it hadn't transferred everything from Disneyland, including the hours and hours of video I'd recorded. I need that video, and I wasn't about to let it soar away. 

So now my hard drive is at the repair shop where they're hopefully performing a data transfer to get me my Disneyland files back. It's an intense process, and honestly I'm sort of glad I'll be going to Colorado and won't have to think much about it until I get back. So let's all cross our fingers and hope that the hard drive survives and everything makes it back! 

Have a magical day! 

Day 1268: A Box of Crayons

While trying frantically to come up with a blog post for today, the thought of my go-to post came up once again: color palettes. I started these back in 2014 after being inspired by paper or something like that, and then decided to continue the series last year when pictures showed up in my TimeHop. Since my laptop completely crashed last year, leaving me without any of the files from the first two and a half years of Everyday Disney, including the color palettes, I thought it might be time to bring the idea back out with some newer pictures!

I've had a lot of Magic Kingdom and Epcot in the past, so this time I tried to do more of Hollywood Studios, with a couple of notable additions from a Disney Resort and Disneyland!

To check out where this rather simple bit of Disney started, read the original post HERE, and then read the follow up HERE! Both feature several very colorful pictures from Walt Disney World, and now that there's three posts like this, I'm certain that they'll continue. Maybe it'll be a yearly thing from now on? I mean, after all, the Disney Parks certainly seem to feature more colors than the world's largest box of crayons! 

Have a magical day! 

Day 1267: Castles

Just a quick blog post today to share that the world has finally been graced with a graphic that helps describe the size of the Disney Castles throughout the world! 

While we were talking about Shanghai the other day, I was trying to describe the size of the castle to my roommate and couldn't figure out a good way to describe it. Obviously, the Shanghai castle is the largest ever, but how does it actually stack up against Walt Disney World and Disneyland? 

While I'm honestly unsure where the above graphic originated, it does a great job of showcasing how the castles compare! I actually find it really interesting that the three castles defined as Sleeping Beauty Castle are smaller than both of the Cinderella Castles. And then you just have Enchanted Storybook Castle over there, bigger than all of them. I do suppose it makes me feel a bit better knowing that Shanghai is only a few feet taller than the one I see all the time at Magic Kingdom, but you know, seeing it for myself wouldn't be all that bad either! 

Have a magical day!

Day 1263: Life Goals

There seems to be this universal Disney Parks Fan bucket list item that we just all hope to accomplish. When you ask the average person where they'd like to travel in the world, especially outside of the United States, they'll most likely return with an answer of somewhere common: Paris, Shanghai, Tokyo, or so on and so forth. If you ask a Disney fan that same question, they'll give similar answers, only we won't be going to see the Eiffel Tower.

With the, now increasing, number of Disney parks that are scattered throughout the world, there's a part of all of us that aspires to see each of them in person. There's just something about seeing the uniqueness of each castle, and experiencing the differences between not only the attractions, but the cultures in general. After all, an experience at Disneyland Paris is going to be very different from what you'll find at the newly opened Disney Shanghai Resort.

I've said for years that the number one item on my bucket list is to visit every Disney Park in the world, and that hasn't changed. I don't really care if I'm 90 and they've opened two more...I'll see them all. So far I'm not doing too bad, as I've already been to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, so I have the United States checked off. But that means I still have four other Disney Resorts to visit in my lifetime, and who knows what else could pop up in other parts of the world.

This all comes, of course, because of the new addition in Shanghai, which features the world's largest Disney Castle ever, along with spectacularly designed new lands, and boasts an authentic Disney experience that is also distinctly Chinese. I highly doubt I'll get to see these newest additions for many years, but from the sound of it, the park is already learning as it goes. The gates are packed as we enter the second day of operation, and because of cultural differences, it sounds like safety is going to be a bit harder to enforce (and you thought it was bad at Walt Disney World).

I'm positive, however, that cast members will do their best to make Disneyland Shanghai a safe and magical experience for everyone to set foot there now and forever. I, meanwhile, will continue to sit on my couch, jealous of everyone on the opposite side of the planet. After all, the closest I'll get to Shanghai right now is the Opening Celebration they televised just a couple of hours ago, which honestly sort of disappointed me, but I got to watch the opening ceremony live last night, so I can't complain too much.

To everyone out at Shanghai Disneyland, have a wonderful time, and remember to take lots of pictures for those of us back in the states!

And to everyone stuck at home like me, hang in there. We'll get there someday.

Have a magical day!

Day 1230: Last Summer

In the few years since my family bought a new, digital video camera, I've filmed over 3000 individual videos. An overwhelming number of those have been on Disney property, usually for vlogs, and plenty of them were filmed at home, recording concerts and such. However, a significant percentage of those videos is also made up by smaller videos, filmed at home for my YouTube channel. 

Last summer I really wanted to expand on my YouTube channel. I'd thought about it for years, and I tried a few times. But then, somewhere along the line, I found a groove. It hasn't always been easy, but I'm finding it easier and easier to brainstorm, film, and edit videos that you eventually get to see. However, with a new summer ahead of us, I figured it would be a great time to look back at some of my favorite videos from last summer! 

In one of my first videos of the summer, I told a story of terror...literally. I hated Tower of Terror for pretty much my entire childhood and well into my adult life. This is the story of that hate. 

Following the trend D23 started, I also shared another story: the story of when my love of Disney really started. I searched through pictures from when I was a kid, found an old cassette tape, and geared up for a music filled journey. 

Then, annoyed by some of the questions I get all the time, I created a video about those questions. While I may be just one Disney fan, I'm certain that my fellow fans have heard at least a few of these more than a few times. 

I love trying new things with my hair. I taught myself how to braid and curl and do all sorts of other things to it, and that got me thinking about other Disney hairstyles. You see classic how-to videos all the time, but what about other hairstyles that are less talked about? I mean, who wouldn't want Spaceship Earth hair? 

As I prepared for my trip to Disneyland, it occurred to me that there are certain things we all do before we head on a Disney trip, and this video explored just a few of those habits. 

And finally, at the very end of the summer, I took footage from my trip to Disneyland for a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the original Disney Park. 

I can tell you right now that this summer's videos will be quite different from last summer, but they will have one thing in common: Disney. I've got pages and pages filled in my notebook with ideas for what to do next, and I can't wait to get started! 

Have a magical day! 

Day 1227: Disney Accessories We Wish We Owned

You can't deny that there aren't a whole slew of Disney accessories that you might wish to own yourself. I know I spend more than my fair share time dreaming about all the things I could own if only I had the money to actually purchase them. And the great thing about accessories is many of them are perfect for both at home and in the parks, for Disneybounding and regular outfits! These are just a few of those accessories: 

Lately I've been obsessing over the various Minnie Ears you can now find on Etsy, like these Rose Gold ones from TheBowMama. There are tons of Etsy shops out there selling all sorts of different designs, so be sure to check out a bunch of them before you make your final decisions! 

And then there's these shirts, which you have to admit, are some of the best shirts in the world. They're also sold on Etsy, but by AllThingsCuteDecals and to be completely honest, this is up at the top of my list of things to buy soon! 

MagicBands are almost becoming the ultimate Disney World accessory, and The Disney Store sells all kinds of them! Personally I'm in love with this one featuring Cinderella Castle, but really I'm just waiting for the day we get a Spaceship Earth design.

One of my friends here at college has the most adorable castle necklace from The Disney Store that she wears all the time, and while this isn't the exact same one, it would be a perfect addition to the closet of any Disney fan! 

But if we're being honest, don't you think a real pair of glass slippers would be the absolute perfect Disney accessory? If you figure out where to buy some...and how to make them more comfortable, let me know because I'll buy them straight away! 

What are some of your favorite Disney Accessories? 

Have a magical day!

Day 1216: The Perfect Present

In a world of material things, there are certainly plenty of occasions to buy a person a present: Christmas, Easter, Birthdays, Valentine's Day, Anniversaries, and the list goes on. However, one of the most important occasions for the Disney fan is a trip to the parks. You can't necessarily buy everyone something every time you go to Disney, but usually I try to bring at least my closest friends and family something back. The problem is that after a few trips, the best presents for someone start to run out...mostly because you already gifted them...so you have to expand to find the greatest possible presents, and there's more than a few ways to do that. 

Starting with a Disney Movie is always a great way to go. Ask about their favorite Disney movie before you go if you're not already aware - although you probably already are - and then search out various gifts that are based on that film. Some are definitely easier to find, such as Finding Nemo, The Lion King, or Frozen, while others may have less merchandise or require some searching to find: Wreck-It Ralph, The Aristocats, or Tangled. If you know that film, it's absolutely simple to find a gift relating to it, whether it be a creatively-designed mug, a pin, or a plush character, and with the collection of film merchandise available, the limits are pretty much endless. 

Example: The pin I got for my freshman roommate: a pin inspired by her favorite Disney movie: Aladdin. 

Autographs and Postcards make great gifts too, simply because they come right from the source. A couple of my favorite things to do with character meet and greets is have them sign postcards for friends back home, but also record short videos saying hello (if they're a face character) to your friend, which you can then send immediately to bring a bit of magic to their day back home. Our Disney friends are always more than willing to help you send a shoutout, all you need to do is ask! 

Example: In January of 2015 we sent home postcards signed by our friend's favorite Disney characters. 

Unique Gifts are perhaps my favorite type though. What I mean here is a gift that really captures a specific place. It could be a country around World Showcase, a specific park, or a Disney Resort, and while it usually requires a bit more thought and time to find a gift that captures the uniqueness of both the location and the person it's for, it's always worth it. 

Example: My all time favorite present I've ever gotten for someone fits in this category, and it's a Piston Cup Trophy for my best friend. 

Group Presents can sometimes be fun too, and are sort of a play on Unique Gifts, but are more widespread. If you can't decide exactly what to get a person, and maybe you wish they were there with you, it's super easy to put together a sort of mini-gift basket of "wish you were here" things. That could mean something from every park, a collection of foods, a set of pins, or a "First Visit Survival Pack." 

Example: I've actually done both a "wish you were here" basket and a "First Visit Survival Pack" for each of my friends. The "wish you were here" included one gift from each park, as well as a set of various Star Wars pins, and a candy apple from Magic Kingdom. The "First Visit Survival Pack" was a long time in coming, and included gifts such as a First Visit pin and button, autograph book, Pin Trading starter pack and lanyard, Disney Gift Card, and park maps. 

Free Gifts aren't always the most substantial present, but they can certainly be fun! There's all kinds of free things across the resort if the person you're gifting to doesn't mind a few odds and ends. There's buttons, park maps, autographs, and plenty of odds and ends depending on what park you're in. I'll include pressed pennies in this category too, since they're a relatively low cost item! 

Example: This past January, my Dad said he only wanted us to not spend money, and therefore, added that we didn't need to give him anything. That didn't seem right to us though, so we made a collection of free things that we gathered throughout our trip. I don't remember everything we got, but I know some paper cups and park maps were included, as well as the free gifts we were given during our experience at Splitsville.  

Food is one of the harder, but sometimes most worthwhile additions to presents, and it's one thing I usually always try to add in if I can. If you're driving, the options are pretty much endless to what you could bring home unless you're going to take more than a day or two to get there. If you're flying, I recommend double checking the TSA List of allowed foods, which can tell you where you should keep that food during your travels, or if you can bring it at all. I will say though, we've successfully brought home plenty of candy apples (in our checked luggage), as well as macarons, caramels, bread, rice crispy treats, caramel/candy corn, cookies, and candy. 

Example: Every trip to Disney that my brother isn't on (and often when he is too), I'll pack away his favorite candy apple in my suitcase for the ride home. These sometimes melt a bit if it's during the warmer months, but I haven't had many problems getting them home thus far, and I've repeated this process for several trips. 

As you can see, there are tons of options and chances for you to find that perfect present, and all it takes is a little bit of thought. I recommend that if there's something you see that reminds you of someone though, get it sooner rather than later. I've had several experiences where merchandise will run out before I can get back to get it, so keep an eye out there! 

Have a magical day!