Monthly Archives: May 2018

Walt Disney World in May – What I’m Packing

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Walt Disney World in May - What I'm PackingTypically, May’s a pretty safe bet for a warm and sunny Disney vacation.  Not this time!  The forecast is for rain, and lots of it. Every. Single. Day.  Believe me, I know what you’re thinking…”A rainy day at Walt Disney World is better than a sunny day anywhere else”.  And I agree!  I’m pointing out the weather report because it’s causing to make adjustments.

Walt Disney World in May – What I’m Packing

Ponchos for everyone!  We’ll be carrying them on the plane with us and is sounds like we’ll be wearing them constantly.  I like these Frogg Toggs ponchos best (readily available at big-box discount stores for about $6 or so).  They’re plenty long and roomy, seem less suffocating that others, don’t mold easily, dry relatively quickly and are PVC-free.  Plus, we have the added bonus of not looking exactly like everyone wearing Mickey ponchos.Walt Disney World in May - What I'm Packing

Rain-friendly footwear.  I’m packing light shoe-wise, with only six pairs making the cut.  My trusty Crocs flip-flops have proven themselves again and again as reliably safe and durable in a storm.  Some sandals or flop-flops become ultra slippery in the foot bed and/or the soles.  These babies are awesome at assuring my sure-footedness.  If miraculously it isn’t raining when we leave our resort, I can wear regular shoes and carry the Crocs for when it rains.Walt Disney World in May - What I'm Packing

Extra Outfits.  I usually pack one shorts outfit per day with a couple of extra shirts so I can freshen up before dinner, if time allows.  I also bring one sweatshirt or jacket and a pair of jeans.  This time, I’m thinking I’ll want out of damp clothing more often so I’ll be dry and not freezing in restaurants in the evening.

Caps, Clips and extra Hair-aphernalia.  Even if it’s not pouring rain, the heat and humidity of May quickly take their toll on just about every cute coif.  I’m going with what keeps me looking as nice as possible for as long as possible.  Plus, a cap offers even more protection from a downpour.

Sunscreen and makeup that will hold up.  We’ll be trying this new SPF 100 Neutrogena sun block that I saw on TV (yep, I’m a sucker).  I’ve been trying and loving Tarte cosmetics lately, so I’m going minimalist with foundation, concealer, and pressed powder (I like it much better than loose for carrying with me everywhere) from that line.  I like to use a very light touch with the foundation over my moisturizer.  Seems not to settle into my wrinkles while providing lots of sunscreen.  Of course I’m also bringing blush, eye-liner and mascara.  Oh, and lipstick.  If trapped on a desert island, that’s the one thing I want with me.  I’m not myself without my lips.Walt Disney World in May - What I'm Packing

Multiple bag choices…all of them Mickey!  Large, medium and small bags give me options and I’m all about the options.  For all day touring, the large backpack, for half-day or light travel, the medium backpack.  And finally, for just going to dinner, the wristlet.  The big backpack will allow us to carry ponchos, snacks, caps, water, and extra shoes even.

There you have it…all the essentials.  As per tradition, I’ve provided everybody in our travel party with an itinerary and packing list so they know everything from park hours to restaurant reservations and FastPass plans along with what they should pack.  Am I wrong to take nearly as much enjoyment from the getting ready as I do from the actual Disney vacationing?  I don’t think so.  Now…back to wishing for sunshine.

 

Joe’s Tips for Disney College Program Hopefuls – Application Process

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I’ve just returned from an amazing Disney College Program experience.  I was prepared to be homesick, work incredibly hard, and have lots of fun and still there were many unexpected twists and turns I never saw coming.  I’m ready to share everything I learned about the Disney College Program and today I’m going to start with the very first step in the process.

Joe’s Tips for Disney College Program Hopefuls – Application Process

– By Joseph Green

Before Applying

Research everything.  It’s easy to find great information online.  Find and read about other DCP participants’ experiences, watch their YouTube videos, check out first-hand descriptions of different roles, and review the different housing options.  Ask around among your friends and family to find out if they know a former participant you can talk to.  I found a co-worker who’d been in the program and her advice about what to expect during the phone interview was invaluable.

If you apply and don’t get accepted, try again for a different semester or right after you graduate.  The acceptance rate is low compared to the huge number of people who apply.  I think the older you are and the more work experience you have, the better.  If you’re a bit older, chances are you’ll answer the interview (both web-based and telephone) questions completely differently than you would have when you were 18 and/or had no experience working as part of a team or with the public.

When Applying

Don’t show interest in any job you think you’ll hate OR if, like me, it’s important to have this experience during a particular semester, be willing to feel good about any role you’re given.  Like that old Southern expression goes, “You can get glad in the same pants you got mad in” but it’s up to you.  No matter what role you get, it’s up to you to make the experience good.  Don’t get your heart set on a particular role.  If you put ANY interest in a role, it’s possible you’ll get it.

Disney fills roles based on need and those with the highest need are often the ones we can least imagine having.  Many applicants see themselves as character performers or character attendants or working in favorite attractions because those roles seem like they’d be the most fun.  It’s also pretty easy to imagine working in a store or behind the counter at a resort.  The truth is that if you’re applying to the program for the right reasons, any role will be rewarding.  Be prepared to end up in custodial, housekeeping or Quick Service Food & Beverage since those have the highest need.

Telephone Interview

Schedule this very important final step for a time when you’ll be alone and uninterrupted.  If you don’t have a vast knowledge of Disney parks, watch some ride and special event videos on YouTube.  You don’t have to have vacationed at Walt Disney World or Disneyland to be accepted into the program, but as with any potential employer, a company loves when you know a bit about them.  Think about how to convey your personality and best attributes with only your words.  I have a very deep voice that can sometimes sound monotone and unexpressive.  While I didn’t want to sound fake, I did try to put a bit more excitement into my answers so my enthusiasm would be evident.  I also sat in front of a mirror so I could see myself while I was talking to the interviewer – this ensured that I smiled, which, believe it or not, can be heard as well as seen.

I thought about and planned on doing the Disney College Program for years before finding the right time to apply.  I gathered all the information I could find and went in feeling confident about what to expect.  I heard about (and met some) people who applied on a whim, did no research, and were then hugely disappointed by what they thought would be nothing but an extended Disney World vacation.  Some were terminated for calling out sick and then going to play in the parks.  The Disney College Program is an internship that involves working hard as part of a team dedicated to providing an outstanding guest experience.  That must be a DCP member’s first priority in order to have a successful program.

If you have questions about any aspect of the Disney College Program, ask away and I’ll do my best to help.  Watch for my next post about my role as a DCP participant.  Thanks for reading…Joe.

 

Who Would Love Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

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Hey all you tropical paradise fans!  This one’s for you.  Let’s say you know you want to be close to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.  You have options!  Those monorail resorts have vastly different personalities, different atmospheres, different dining options!  Today, let’s throw some love across the Seven Seas Lagoon…

Who Would Love Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

You’re a South Seas vacation kind of family – Do you love all things Tiki?  This is the place for you!  White sand, excellent pool areas, fancy drinks in pineapples, you get the idea.  From the lush tropical landscaping to the prominent Tiki statue in the expansive lobby, even the Cast Members’ costumes – this place is, as one expects from Disney, well-themed.  The resort’s layout around the Great Ceremonial House invites guest to stroll and explore, relax on the beach with a snack from one of the pool-side snack stands.

Laid Back is your style – The vibe at the Poly is calm, relaxing, and a bit playful.  It’s got two of the coolest lounges on property, if you care to indulge in an adult beverage while on vacation.  The Tambu Lounge, connected to ‘Ohana, offers a great drink menu and comfy seating.  Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, while teeny tiny and a bit pricy, is completely immersive and tons of fun.  Get there early for the best chance of a seat!

Seafood and American cuisine with a Polynesian flair sound yummy to you.  ‘Ohana is always popular with our family – all-you-care-to-eat, family style dining in a great setting.  Kona Café is also a solid table service eatery with plentiful menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a quick meal, Capt. Cook’s offer up more than a typical burger or hot dog and fries (although you can get those, too).  Pulled pork nachos?  Pan Asian Noodles? Thai Coconut Meatballs over rice?  Step right up!   

You’re a Nostalgic Disney Fan.  Like the Contemporary, the Polynesian has been there since Disney World’s opening day in 1971.  For many Disney geeks like us, that makes this resort a classic!  With great views of both Magic Kingdom’s evening fireworks and the whimsical Electrical Water Pageant, the beach area after dark is a relaxing place to soak up the atmosphere at the end of a busy park day.Disney World's Electrical Water Pageant

Are you a Polynesian Village Resort fan?  Is it still on your to-try list?  What’s the draw for you and your family?

Walt Disney World in May – Getting Ready!

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Our house is currently a whirlwind of activity!  Joseph has worked his last day of the Disney College Program and will be headed home today or tomorrow.  Just in time to relax for a week before we head back to Walt Disney World for our family vacation.  I’m packing, tweaking plans, and lining up house and pet-sitters.  No small feat, that, with the dog, cat, tortoise, and seven chickens (one of which is currently attempting to hatch nine eggs!).  But I digress…

Walt Disney World in May – Getting Ready!

I’m extra-excited about this vacation – all my favorite people in the world will be with me in my favorite vacation destination!  Raymond, Megan, Grant, Joseph and his girlfriend, Lyndsey – we’ll all be together for six whole days!  I’m amazed that after nearly 30 years of Disney vacations, I’ve managed to squeeze in quite a few new experiences while also including a bunch of our favorite restaurants and attractions.  I’m hoping that by going in May, before many schools have let out for the summer and also before Toy Story Land opens, means the crowds won’t be too bad.

What’s New?

I’ve ordered breakfast foods and bottled water from Garden Grocer.  A firm believer in NOT cooking on vacation, this is unprecedented!  Eggs, milk, bread, butter, and jelly.  I’m not going crazy here, but it will be nice to head out to the parks and not have eating breakfast as the first thing on the agenda every morning.  That Garden Grocer will deliver our order right to our resort is super convenient…don’t know why I haven’t done this before.

UP! A Great Bird Adventure – Normally, I would never book a FastPass for any show in any park, but this is new and I was looking for some attractions friendly to Megan’s advanced pregnancy condition.  Joseph’s seen it, but I haven’t gotten any feedback yet.  I’ve also got FastPasses for Festival of the Lion King and Epcot’s Living With the Land…I figure anything that will get Meg off her feet for a while is a good idea!  She’ll be missing out on all her favorite rides, but I still want her to have a fun time.  Germany Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase

We’re going to Biergarten!  Finally!  I’ve made reservations before and cancelled them in favor of other options.  We love Epcot’s Germany pavilion so much, it’s hard to believe we have never eaten at Biergarten.  Buffet, live German music, beer – what’s not to love?

Enzo’s Hideaway – “Inspired by Florida’s secretive “rum-running” past, this watering hole specializes in barrel-aged cocktails and has the largest selection of rums and scotches than any other restaurant at Disney Springs.” – Disney World Website

They had me at “largest selection of rums and scotches”.  The Italian menu also looks like something we would love.  Sometimes, it’s super difficult to try a new place when so many others are proven, tried-and-true favorites…but after an incredibly disappointing visit to a former favorite, Raglan Road, I’m more willing to throw caution to the wind.

Old Favorites…

‘Ohana and Boma are both places we love (for different reasons) and haven’t visited in a couple of years.  Both have enough delicious options and are all-you-care-to-eat, so nobody goes away hungry.

‘Ohana is fun and we’ve never had a bad meal there.  I’ve heard complaints about a decline in both food and service quality, but so far, we have not found that to be the case.  Our last visit was in 2016 (the Hurricane Matthew vacation) and we had a wonderful meal.Exterior Rooftops / Animal Kingdom Lodge

I’ve been especially craving Boma lately…that watermelon rind salad, the soups and stews, the setting at Animal Kingdom Lodge!  The plan is to arrive early, allowing time for a stroll around the savannah overlook and a cocktail at Victoria Falls…family traditions every time we eat at any of Animal Kingdom Lodge’s terrific restaurants.

Other restaurants in our lineup include Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd Skipper Canteen (Magic Kingdom), Rose & Crown (Epcot), and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Disney Springs).

We’ll have time to spend some time at our resort pool, which is also highly unusual for our family.  The last time we did that was around 2006, I think.  We’ve got one morning where we don’t need to be anywhere until lunchtime and two afternoons with big gaps between our last FastPasses and dinner.  I’m excited to see how we actually end up using this free time.

At the end of the day, my hope is that our last family vacation before the baby arrives is a relaxing, fun, and happy one.  Of course, I’ll tell you all about it when we get home.