Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party October 23, 2008

So I went again...this time as the cast of the Haunted Mansion! Rob, Nikki, Sam, Josh, and I went together. Nikki and Rob were Constance and Master Gracey. Sam was Madam Leotta. Josh and I were a dead waltzing couple. We had soooo much fun!

Yet again we were in full makeup and character. Granted, for Josh and I people thought we were drunk rather than dead, but if they had seen the dead waltzers in the parade they would have understood. unfortunately, the waltzers weren't out due to the rain, so basically only cast members knew who we were. 

The entire night we tried to get people to join us at our home...the Mansion. Even though we had room for one more, no one wanted to come. So we are still at 999 happy haunts. before the parade and on our way to our spot to watch it, we waltzed down Mainstreet and interacted with the crowd. One cast member said we were the pre-show...which we basically were. Almost everyone enjoyed taking pictures of us acting our parts...I say almost because I am sure there were some people less than thrilled at the sight of us. I do know that at least 5 cast members loved watching us do our stuff. The 8:15 parade included unwanted on and off rain. So not only were the waltzers missing, but the Hitchhiking Ghosts just stood there with umbrellas :( We did have a great time "scaring" some of the characters in the parade though. We totally stayed in character during the parade. It was fantastic. 

Afterward, we went to the Mansion. Again, we stayed in character, however the ride operators didn't seem to keen on our outfits. None of them welcomed Master Gracey home. Before getting on the ride, we met up with Woody and Alicebell (Creighton and Libbi). After the ride, we stayed near the exit and entertained the guests coming off the ride. Of course we took pictures as well. The black light was amazing! We all glowed in the dark. Some people thought we were actually part of the attraction. It was sooo cool. I wish some managers or casting directors would have seen us. However, I suppose if they had, they would have asked us to stop because we were "taking away from the actual attraction and the paid actors" or something like that. We had a great time in any case. Nikki and Rob stayed there while Sam, Josh, and I went to get some signatures...Libbi and Creighton went somewhere as well. We saw Minnie Mouse and the Queen of Hearts. I left shortly after that because 1)my feet were killing me and 2) I had to be at work the next day at 5:54am...so I needed good sleep.

I don't know what happened the rest of the night, but I do know we all had  blast! Here is the link to the pictures!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2031853&l=23ab8&id=53403230

~Crystal

A Day With The Reynolds!

So today started out as a normal day. I woke up and got on the bus to the Magic Kingdom for a day of character hunting at all 4 parks. I ate Breakfast at the Crystal Palace to visit Piglet. I wish Cynthia could have joined me, but she had to work. In any case, I had a great time visiting all of my Hundred Acre Woods friends. After that, I went to see Captain Hook. While waiting for Josh (brother) to show up (which he didn't due to work...I found this out afterwards), I talked to the family behind me about autographs. The Dad and son thought they were going to see Captain jack Sparrow. They were rather disappointed when they found out that it was Mr. Smee and Captain Hook. However, they waited in line until the mom and daughter came to them. The dad and brother decided to go on Splash Mountain while the sister and mom stayed in line for Hook and Smee. We started talking about different things and got around to the subject of how Hook and Smee kind of scared her. I told her that Captain Hook and I had an understanding and that if he knew what was good for him, he would not bother Noelle (the girl) too much. When it was my turn to see them, I told both Smee and Hook about Noelle. Of course, Mr. Smee wanted money for it, but I told Hook to keep control of Smee. After seeing the control I had over Hook and Smee (rather difficult I might add), the mom (Emily) told me that Noelle wanted a picture with me. So of course I said yes and we took a few pictures together with Hook and Smee. Noelle ended up kissing Smee on the nose and Hook on the hand. Unfortunately, some dad 2 families behind us loudly and rudely said "There's a line!" near the end of our meeting with Hook and Smee. I really wanted to tell him that the characters can spend as much time as they want with whomever they want, but I didn't because I didn't feel like being irritable in Noelle's presence. After the pictures and meet and greet, Noelle asked if I could spend some time with her. Of course I obliged. And instead of spending some time with her, I ended up spending the entire day with the family! I had so much fun with Noelle, Ashton, Emily (mom), and David (dad). We saw the princesses and Mickey and Minnie. We also rode a bunch of rides. Terese, Cynthia, and Nikki visited for a while too! I learned that Noelle got to ride the magic carpets with Jasmine this morning! How cool! I also learned what it is like to have a 6 and 4 year old. I forgot how they actually get tired and need naps. Noelle (the 4 year old) had a little tantrum due to tiredness, but it didn't last too long.

After they left, Nikki and I went to get her ready for the Halloween party. She loved the family, even though she only spent like an hour and  half with them. We had a great time talking about my adventures and how we love playing tour guide on our days off.

The only unfortunate thing about today is that I now have a very soar throat and don't feel too well. I think it's a combination of the drink I had last night, not enough water last night, not getting a good night's sleep (not sleeping well that is), and talking basically all day. Oh boy. I better not be getting sick.

In other news Erik got pulled to be a Toy Soldier in the Castle Show! I'm really excited for him! However, I do wish I got something cool like that too. But of course he is the professional networker, whereas I am not so professional at it. I also think that knowing Alice (the dance captain for christmas shows) before getting here (thanks to his dance studio) helped. I bet she had a few words with people higher up when she heard they needed toy soldiers. Meh. I'm excited for him. I can't wait to watch him up there!

I know things happen for a reason. I know my time will come for something spectacular to happen like that. And who knows...maybe my job is to create magical moments like I did today with the Reynolds. I get such satisfaction creating magical times for families. I definitely know that meeting the Reynolds and sharing today with them was no accident :)

All I can do is trust that God has a plan for me and when the time comes, He will show me where I'm meant to be and what I'm meant to do. I love being here.

~Crystal

P.S.

Here are the links to see the pictures from the Halloween Party last night.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2031356&l=9e28e&id=53403230

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2031358&l=63812&id=53403230

Enjoy!

A lot has happened...

Since I last posted.

Eileen, Courtney, Kathy, and BROOKE came to visit me! I couldn't believe it...ok I could, but it was still a very nice surprise. I had a great time with them. I only wish they could have stayed longer. They got to see me at work...which was really fun! They ate at the Garden Grill. However, Brooke was a slacker and didn't bring her autograph book, so I'm told, so Pluto couldn't sign it for her...nor could Mickey, Chip, or Dale. But I'm sure she'll bring it at Christmas. So far I've only had one "I hate Disney" moment. Unfortunately it happened during their visit...however it did prepare me for Christmas. I was scheduled to work the last day they were able to play in the parks. I tried to give my shift away, which didn't work, and I also tried to get an early release. A spare wanted to take my shift, but they wouldn't allow hi to do so 1) because it would be overtime for him and 2) he was scheduled to clock out at 12:30pm...my shift was from 10am-9pm. So I waited for the 3pm spares...all of whom were taken to C Spot because all of those people had called in. So I was stuck working an 11 hour shift with no way to visit (since Brooke and comp. were park hopping). I cried so hard at lunch (which was 3pm ish) and let out a very loud scream...I had to or I would have exploded. Don't worry; I was far enough away from guests so they wouldn't hear me and be worried. Since I was basically promised an ER (at the beginning of the day), Courtney and Brooke planned to stay at the Halloween Party...me with them. Instead, after work (which ended at 9pm, the party starting at 7pm) I went to MK to sit outside the park and wait to meet Courtney and Brooke at 10:30pm. On the way there, i met a mom and her son Austin on the Monorail. We ended up going to the party together. I found Brooke and Courtney, though very close to the time they needed to leave to catch the bus. So I was able to spend a little time with them before they left. Then I mt back up with Austin and his mom. Austin was soooooooo cute! I hope to see him again sometime soon. The next morning, I took Nikki's car and drove to meet Brooke and crew before they left. I had such a great time with them! I still can't believe they were already here. What fun we had.

I went to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party yesterday with my friends. We went as the cast of Peter Pan: Phil as Peter, Robert as Captain Hook, Nikki as Wendy, Cynthia as Mr. Smee, Liddy as Josephine (Captain Hook's wench), and myself as Tinkerbell. Both Phil and I were covered in glitter. It was fantastic! And both of us carried around some Pixie Dust to sprinkle on people...of which I did a lot. I even helped a little girl through the Haunted Mansion with my Pixie Dust. I put some on her to protect her. And I rode with her and her mom. And after the ride, I sprinkled more Pixie Dust on her. I wish I could have spent the rest of the night with her...as does she I'm sure. We also me Elvis! He was in the Princess Room with us. He was sooooo cute! He did all the moves and even put his scarf around Aurora's and Cinderella's necks. He was the cutest thing. Early on in the evening, Phil left us for his other friends so we were Peter-less. However, this just gave us the opportunity to seek out other Peter's. By far, my favorite was the last one we met. He was about 6 and very into his role. Of course, Robert played his Hook role very well. The boy kept running away from Robert. Finally, we were able to get pictures with this boy wonder. We all wanted to take him home with us!

Those are the highlights. 

I'm so happy Courtney, Eileen, Kathy, and Brooke came to visit! What fun times I will remember always!

~Crystal

An Update

It's been a while, but you know how entertainment is subject to change at a moment's notice and whatnot.

So I have a fictional story that in no way relates to myself or my friend Nikki. Here it is:

Once upon a time, there were two girls named Nikki and Crystal. They decided to go to the Magic Kingdom. Both girls took out their ID's to show the bus driver (as is required) and sat down. Crystal proceeded to do Nikki's hair on the bus. Then they got off at the Transportation/Ticket Center to ride the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Once on the Monorail, Crystal gave Nikki a bunch of phone numbers of people Nikki didn't have. Then they got off the Monorail and proceeded to the entrance to the Magic Kingdom. Once at the Security Gate, Crystal suddenly couldn't find her ID, Nikki had already gone through. Crystal stopped and freaked out a little bit. Nikki then came back through the security point and called the bus station to see if Crystal's ID was on the bus they had taken this morning. While waiting for the bus, the girls went to the Monorail to see if Crystal's ID had been left on the Monorail. Both were checked with no luck. Same with the buses. So Crystal and Nikki decided to go back to the TTC to see if the ID had fallen somewhere between the bus and the Monorail. Once the girls were back on the Monorail, Nikki asked herself if she possibly had it. Nikki looked in her purse and sure enough, she had Crystal's ID. After a huge hug and a hearty laugh, the girls lived Happily Ever After. The best part is, the girls had no idea how the ID got into Nikki's purse.

Great fictional story, right? Yeah, I thought so too. I was fortunate enough to tell it yesterday. Unfortunately, I didn't get it up in time last night, so here it is today.

Speaking of today, I went to Animal Kingdom with Kelley. She had only been once as a guest. We were super hyped to see the shows and the opening ceremony. Once in the park (being the first two into the park most likely due to our extreme happiness), we walked to the Tree of Lfe to see the Adventure Begins (the opening ceremony). Music was playing so naturally we started singing and rocking out. A cast member named Mike came up to us and asked what we were up to today. After telling him shows and safaris and whatnot, he asked if we wanted to be the first family on the safari. Naturally, we said yes! So we got a private tour of the safari!!!!! It was sooooo cool. Mike sat facing us while another person drove the jeep. We drove pretty slow in so we could see the animals better. Mike said that he was giving us a tour that usually costs $80. Neat huh? We drove by some giraffes and actually got into touching distance of one of them. I about died. After the safari, we got a first family certificate and a fastpass for the entire day to use at the safari! Unfortunately, I had to work today so we didn't actually get to use it :(

And speaking of work...I was late today by 11 minutes. I left 45 minutes to get from Animal Kingdom to Epcot. However, I had to take the WDW buses, which took forever. I waited for the Epcot bus, which didn't come, so instead I got on the TTC bus to ride the Monorail over. The bus driver told me to take the Boardwalk bus because it connects to Epcot and would save me time. So I got on the Boardwalk bus instead. Unfortunately, that bus also stopped at the Swan, Dolphin, Beach, and Yatch resorts. And the driver drove extremely slow...most likely on purpose since he knew I was running late. I called in to tell them I was going to be late and they said just to let them know what time I clocked in when I got there. Once at Boardwalk, I ran to Epcot. Yes, that's right, I RAN. It's a lot farther than you think to get to Epcot. Once in Epcot, I ran some more to get to the Entertainment Base. I clocked in at 4:11...11 minutes late. Lucky for me I was at the Swan Dinner, which doesn't do a Van run until 4:45. And the Base was very nice about me being late. I love Epcot. The costumers were really nice too. I totally ran in there like a chicken with my head cut off. They helped me check everything out that I needed and got me a cold, wet towel to use and cold water to drink. It was amazing. The thing that mad me the angriest was that I wasn't even supposed to work today. I picked up this shift for a friend. Blah. Oh well. All I know is, I don't need to got to the gym now from today's lunch. I already got my exercise!

And for lunch today, kelley and I ate at Tusker House in Africa. It was delicious!!!! It is a buffet with an African style. The food was fantastic! We definitely ate way too much...which is why I'm glad I had to run to get to work. End of story...eat there!!!!!

Lessons for today:

~Always be very outgoing and happy cus cool things can happen when you are.

~NEVER leave your car in another state when you are a CP. The bus thing sucks!

~It takes way too long to go from one park to the next.

~There are never enough buses.

Eileen, Courtney, Kathy, and Mike fly in tonight!! I get to see them tomorrow! I can't wait!!!!!!

~Crystal

Only A Few More Days...

til Eileen, Courtney, Mike, and Kathy come!!!! I can't wait!!!!!!!!

Unfortunately, I have to work every day they are here. Boo. I'm trying to get at least one day off, but we'll see what happens. I also found out that I am scheduled to work on my birthday. Problem: I will be in Ohio. So I'm trying to get that resolved and need to not be scheduled on the 12th either. So yeah.

I'm sooooooo proud of Brooke! She is the Sugar Plum Fairy!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, she's also the Snow Queen, but I am super excited about the previous. Brianna is her other half. Figures.

Now I really need to see if I can get home. Probably not, but hopefully things will work out. Cross your fingers.

I get to work at the Garden Grill in the Land at Epcot and Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom this week! I also get to work in the Visa character spot. Basically, only Disney Visa card members can go here...aka my family could visit here! I can't wait. I've heard good things about all three places.

~Crystal

Nutcracker Blues

After realizing that Brooke had Nutcracker auditions today, I became extremely aware of how much I wish I was home right now. It makes me very sad that I most likely won't be able to see Brooke in her last Nutcracker role as a high schooler. Especially since I know she's going to get a big part...I don't know what...I know what I want her to get but I don't know what she is and won't know until Monday. I want her to be Sugar Plum. I want to be there to help her. I want to watch her dance her heart out in a role both of us want. I am close to tears at the thought of not seeing her dance. Nutcracker is a part of my life. It always will be. And of course it's not just any Nutcracker....New Vision's Nutcracker. I love it. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself if I can't go...I know, I know, move on. That would be the logical thing to do. I miss Brooke o much right now. I want a big hug from her. I want her to visit me, or me to visit her. 

I know I can request 2 days off, but I need those days for me to go to Ohio for dance concert auditions. I'm definitely going to talk to a manager to see exactly how many days I have to request off. *sigh*

Today Pluto got a picture of Donald Duck from a little boy named Anthony. Even though Pluto was his favorite character, he apparently didn't have one drawn of him, so he gave Pluto a Donald instead. Anthony is 5 years old and the picture was amazing! Pluto gave it to me for safe keeping. I love it!

Eileen, Courtney, Kathy, and Mike can't come any sooner!

~Crystal