tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543955991389441332024-03-13T19:17:40.678-04:00Plaid is This Year's PinkOnce upon a sequel, a princess returns to a theme park far far away to make more magic, more memories, and more odd blog posts. Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-65869163886099322742016-12-22T16:17:00.001-05:002016-12-22T16:17:22.239-05:00You Must Find Happiness Right Where You AreI'm aware I owe the world more blog, but this is all I could do for now. Stay tuned.<br />
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Yesterday I was reunited with Kara, one of my very favourite human beings in the entire world (and not just the Disney World). I tracked her down at Animal Kingdom with Mandy and Sabrina, more of my favourite humans, and we lunched and rode Dinosaur (I think for the first time since my tour?) and had the most Lion King-esque safari ever. There were seriously animals just everywhere. We saw a giraffe following a water buck around and it was adorable but probably abnormal. I met up with Matt and Mike in the evening for a surprise tour to Celebration, wherein an entire block (well, eleven houses) have been all super-decked out with lights and lasers and screens (and SANTA AND OLAF WERE THERE), rumour has it by an imagineer. I was obviously beside myself since I think this is the closest you can get to the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights nowadays (may Christmas World of Color at Disneyland). It was incredible and not at all cold, although we did see a few people in earmuffs. Can you not, it's like 16 degrees out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're pretty good, sure as you're born. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe Primeval Whirl will take us back to when we all worked together?</td></tr>
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On the 20th after work, Sarah and I ran some "errands" at Magic Kingdom. I know, hard life. Really though she had a return or two and we both had some shopping to do. I've actually only purchased one gift this year, as my arrival squad is doing its own secret Santa and I need my secret Santa recipient to feel loved. Because she is. Obviously we got some rides in there too, to break up the monotony of MK (I'm laughing so hard right now). We had the singular most enthusiastic audience in Country Bear Jamboree since Morgan's last day. I swear there must have been a planned meeting of its fan club because we were all so about it and I couldn't have been happier. Additionally, Sarah hasn't done Country Bear Jamboree on our contract, so it was time. We also took in the Tiki Room as a Disneyland throwback and the People Mover because we love it and it amuses me greatly to ride with Sarah. Sarah was going to stick around to see Holiday Wishes but it turns out that only happens on Fridays and Saturdays so I brought her along to Beaches & Cream, where we met Nicole and a few of the attractions girls to conquer the <a href="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/kitchen-sink-dessert-recipe-at-beaches-and-cream-at-disney%E2%80%99s-beach-club-resort/">Kitchen Sink</a>. Basically it's the largest dessert I've ever seen and they do a huge announcement and flashing lights are involved. We almost entirely finished it but by the end we had no love left for mint or strawberry ice cream.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This way to... photos no one pays for?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and I and a Gingerbread Carousel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kitchen Sink... as in, contains everything but.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsji26xXO_Xdvs6XE1Du6zu5I8lvTWY-48U2rZVpfVSZIsikZCe9V0O2DZfa0q6az7UiMNd2zZcUx5_8mCgVjN0wP0DS9NuqGQ5sG6ch9VL8L3VJVtYShmVDMD0RdvikY9P4yybnz6kg/s1600/20161220_223800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsji26xXO_Xdvs6XE1Du6zu5I8lvTWY-48U2rZVpfVSZIsikZCe9V0O2DZfa0q6az7UiMNd2zZcUx5_8mCgVjN0wP0DS9NuqGQ5sG6ch9VL8L3VJVtYShmVDMD0RdvikY9P4yybnz6kg/s320/20161220_223800.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole is the intrepid first scooper.</td></tr>
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On the 19th, Rachel, Sarah and I had an early Christmas dinner celebration at Mama Melrose's at Hollywood Studios. We filled up on carbs (taking home leftovers to leave room for dessert) and, since everyone was at Fantasmic, the park was nearly empty and very spooky. Especially since it had rained and stopped since we ate, so it was foggy as well. You don't know spooky Disney until you're seen a foggy AT-AT staring at you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3siFoRF8JMLHWeimUerO3-Ctrkh0HOJR0w_gFFx7eToC80B2Mulf7ABSttiFZcORnwKqaAugP6hPg4yiWCqcte2exwqaH7QlqKwZr-MNGaVJENXk4GdGEzzOIbXuKqKU2HTpkNvJV3jU/s1600/20161219_220051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3siFoRF8JMLHWeimUerO3-Ctrkh0HOJR0w_gFFx7eToC80B2Mulf7ABSttiFZcORnwKqaAugP6hPg4yiWCqcte2exwqaH7QlqKwZr-MNGaVJENXk4GdGEzzOIbXuKqKU2HTpkNvJV3jU/s320/20161219_220051.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too spoopy.</td></tr>
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On the 17th, Matt and I made our third trip to Port Canaveral together to see our fairy favourite crew member, Alex. As we've both done full ship tours this year, we had the chillest visit ever: giant buffet lunch at Cabanas followed by endless napping and resting up on Deck 13 by Satellite Falls. It was amazing and I loved every relaxed minute of it. Although I did get abandoned momentarily on Deck 13 but it turns out Matt and Alex were fetching caffeine so that was acceptable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22ACqS6ZjN5PmChMRNgHPtu4T50rAR68Xd0wmqoJ9QJVrHd6RW1bOdbDjftA-Sed92QM9ftA0B7XF-Kmp8sdC1MIM1SqgD_CoslIsdkan3X_Ua6zMraHihruevg7qCqeGKeY89EqvuEQ/s1600/20161217_110352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22ACqS6ZjN5PmChMRNgHPtu4T50rAR68Xd0wmqoJ9QJVrHd6RW1bOdbDjftA-Sed92QM9ftA0B7XF-Kmp8sdC1MIM1SqgD_CoslIsdkan3X_Ua6zMraHihruevg7qCqeGKeY89EqvuEQ/s320/20161217_110352.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Minnie Mouse, and much Christmas decor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWU2wfumDFZtn_iqv19aDalguL2xM4bmjFYQAuP5-arfO6gNJ0se4pQtOj8bBsQWYUFxmJ70JCTfC_DkoSsxU413AFICq410Kwyphg5l7tjNoWIZx1tszVacyypqj-lLdKCWyWBBjVSY/s1600/20161217_114006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWU2wfumDFZtn_iqv19aDalguL2xM4bmjFYQAuP5-arfO6gNJ0se4pQtOj8bBsQWYUFxmJ70JCTfC_DkoSsxU413AFICq410Kwyphg5l7tjNoWIZx1tszVacyypqj-lLdKCWyWBBjVSY/s320/20161217_114006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chats with Nigel and Matt. He'll hate this picture. </td></tr>
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On December 15th, Sarah and I decided to do a Disneyland reunion tour. I realize I haven't written about Disneyland yet but I'll get there maybe. We got all decked out in our Disneyland hats, our Disneyland shirts, and Sarah had her Disneyland map and buttons, and we set out looking as confused as humanly possible as our brains overlaid Magic Kingdom and Disneyland in one giant magical conglomeration. We did things like ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and pretend it was Snow White's Scary Adventure, as well as riding Splash Mountain and acting very confused as to why we were beside each other and not in single file. We may have crossed the line in Disney hipster-dom but I maintain that Photopass was very amused by our antics. Oh and we had lunch at Be Our Guest. Our stamina has run down since actual Disneyland however, since by the time we hit up the People Mover (and Sarah found out I'm not to be trusted on the People Mover), we were downright exhausted. Oh but I saw Rogue One that night at 1130, and although I have no idea how I stayed awake for it, I was very smug about having seen it first the next day (me to Guests: "Oh you haven't seen Rogue One yet? I have.")<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl8nYsQPowqjxlQxpmeKirGzKRJwx2djrDWgWmR5v2ndAD0Af2fPUj97rKmvJxVb73rmROcCfyUNb2-KePAyD6u60jc0qjeninplIAplE1ORJFxgCj5s82GsZNWzQGxdtUFf0IlkVL00/s1600/15595839_10155682766498636_752004424_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl8nYsQPowqjxlQxpmeKirGzKRJwx2djrDWgWmR5v2ndAD0Af2fPUj97rKmvJxVb73rmROcCfyUNb2-KePAyD6u60jc0qjeninplIAplE1ORJFxgCj5s82GsZNWzQGxdtUFf0IlkVL00/s320/15595839_10155682766498636_752004424_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the most appropriate picture from this interaction.<br />We were all a little Goofy. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoThQ9t-5Sv2_5n5mjLe6W2ArwRWrasJ6BfY9WzIYuVQ6Z-X3rUiNPWpiGCaGSMNCsUj1XIirFRkes62ellM3bkMvClolFi4RegJUaMWcqQDHe05D8V50bloA0wqeeJlb4AWjwqE-zRU/s1600/15608567_10155682765018636_122524482_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoThQ9t-5Sv2_5n5mjLe6W2ArwRWrasJ6BfY9WzIYuVQ6Z-X3rUiNPWpiGCaGSMNCsUj1XIirFRkes62ellM3bkMvClolFi4RegJUaMWcqQDHe05D8V50bloA0wqeeJlb4AWjwqE-zRU/s320/15608567_10155682765018636_122524482_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and I being very confused in the back row.</td></tr>
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Wednesday the 14th was one of the happiest and saddest days of my program. Actually probably my life (my life is Disney programs). Wednesday the 14th was my arrival squad's Service Celebration. Justine, Nicole, Sarah and I got beautifully dolled up and at the crack of 11, lined up again and again to receive our graduation ears (complete with golden tassel), our completion certificate (although we haven't completed anything yet), our obligatory photo with graduation gown-clad Mickey and Minnie Mouse, our memory boxes (which really need to be bigger), our Domino's pizza (a staple of housing events) and one hilarious group photo with Pluto and Goofy. Sarah, our Disney champion, decided to stick around for a photo with the elusive but creepy Dumbo, so the rest of us napped until she returned. We obviously dined at Steak & Shake before going to Magic Kingdom, where we got our absolutely mandatory castle and purple wall picture, and we got our ear hats embroidered. We returned to Chatham and drank much wine and many rounds of Cards Against Humanity before a not-too-late bedtime. The end is near, fam, and I don't like it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8XFx7Ks3EFWVJycE0SHMyEA_yn0j3R5WfS6xhgsFlPmx8UBuOJJiql99TVsKFsA8PNoRQIgSm3e5u4T-y-ybtNV-Y9u0pa_6UvLboiEkH8yMhJVv9YZOq6wZy1Ad4YAIxuU9V6BrAWg/s1600/15696247_10211466117671957_845654986_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8XFx7Ks3EFWVJycE0SHMyEA_yn0j3R5WfS6xhgsFlPmx8UBuOJJiql99TVsKFsA8PNoRQIgSm3e5u4T-y-ybtNV-Y9u0pa_6UvLboiEkH8yMhJVv9YZOq6wZy1Ad4YAIxuU9V6BrAWg/s320/15696247_10211466117671957_845654986_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best squad, the purplest wall. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bosses are proud but ready to have me deported.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5faf4jULGTh104ciVypq-O-WgGIRqyaBFOOL9hrm5s1IabbpEL_dxVmuK2rPd0HDLhj9jPAP7DvYlfyHH7zooHTtv9gJZOr7QV6af-rUj4Uq1DLseOr7BgLFXDpQuFYW9AH0igYRcc0/s1600/20161214_155215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5faf4jULGTh104ciVypq-O-WgGIRqyaBFOOL9hrm5s1IabbpEL_dxVmuK2rPd0HDLhj9jPAP7DvYlfyHH7zooHTtv9gJZOr7QV6af-rUj4Uq1DLseOr7BgLFXDpQuFYW9AH0igYRcc0/s320/20161214_155215.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where all the poor grads go to eat.</td></tr>
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I'm hoping to have another productive afternoon wherein I get more blog written. There's a big gap in time between my last post and this one and I'll get to it. I'm running out of time though and I'm really feeling the stress. Thanks for understanding. Love you all.<br />
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<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
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<b>Magical Moment: </b>I know I haven't mentioned Disneyland at all yet, but I met Casey from ParkBoundButtons there, and she returned to Disney World and I saw her again! Good seeing you, girl, thanks for the magical moment.<br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>My arrival squad. I only see one of you every day but I love you all equally and I can't imagine the day when you won't all be together at Magic Kingdom anymore.<br />
<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-52706184494540034302016-11-02T17:48:00.002-04:002016-12-22T13:17:11.369-05:00If You Aren't Shaking, There's Something Very WrongGreetings friends!<br />
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Pardon the rather hastily written post, but tonight I am off on an adventure, and I felt some reading material for my fans might be necessary until my return. Sarah and I are off to the original Happiest Place on Earth, and we leave very soon, that's right Disneyland, we are coming for you! Anyway.<br />
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After the hurricane passed, Shane and I decided it was in good taste to attend the only Disney park that's allowed to mock natural disasters, Typhoon Lagoon. It was obviously still completely intact post-hurricane, and perfectly sunny for October. We were there for the tanning but unfortunately it's getting a little cold to spend the whole day in a lazy river. So in the evening we went to Magic Kingdom to buy matching shirts and watch the very last Main Street Electrical Parade with Sabrina and Eric. It's supposed to be going to Disneyland but it won't have started by the time I visit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2Rk0jx7j_9v5gEwVIx3CqLuCgCd4TVY1u1lNP3HGIXfv5bv-UDIVV-29GEgih1RD4wZycVfJVG5gEBlNU8HljemaHVKtSpUOSj_3SBUVl-gy0vBXsxWqbdLBI8OVfyQmc44nQRT-bIQ/s1600/20161009_165634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2Rk0jx7j_9v5gEwVIx3CqLuCgCd4TVY1u1lNP3HGIXfv5bv-UDIVV-29GEgih1RD4wZycVfJVG5gEBlNU8HljemaHVKtSpUOSj_3SBUVl-gy0vBXsxWqbdLBI8OVfyQmc44nQRT-bIQ/s320/20161009_165634.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shane is watching the sun set on good <br />
weather for water parks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBd9eEm6q727mo8MzElxbstYMfGOtUFLjqKFlXPTqMqpiMIn39p4JATjnlJKC7dCzgQvBUyOIES2jnq_wy0kfiWixoYJxldRSRPTauTquIOQJpsIB8wTM7RCntcYjGue1x9QJ-_NvWh1w/s320/20161009_225114.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've never camped out for the Main Street Electrical before.<br />
I guess I never will again?</td></tr>
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On the 14th, I was reunited briefly with my favourite Fairy from the Disney Fantasy, Alex! She returned from her homeland of the UK to go back for another contract on the Disney Fantasy, so Matt, Mike and I fetched her from the airport, brought her to Chick Fil-A (not generally available onboard a ship) and brought her to the Polynesian resort, where we found other crew members, to watch HalloWishes from the beach. No pictures, but I'm sure no one wants to by photographed after so many consecutive hours of flight. More of Alex to come though!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBd9eEm6q727mo8MzElxbstYMfGOtUFLjqKFlXPTqMqpiMIn39p4JATjnlJKC7dCzgQvBUyOIES2jnq_wy0kfiWixoYJxldRSRPTauTquIOQJpsIB8wTM7RCntcYjGue1x9QJ-_NvWh1w/s1600/20161009_225114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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On the 15th, I brought Nicole and Patrick to Sanaa for their first time. We obviously ordered the overwhelmingly incredible bread service, which totally won over Nicole and Patrick, as did the constant outdoor bonfire and animals. Nicole actually went back less than a week later, so it must be love.<br />
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On the 16th, I attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party for the second time, courtesy of Kara but with her sister Devyn, Mandy, and Louise. We took many picture with the infamous purple wall of Magic Kingdom, so this was definitely an event that was well-documented. We took in the Boo to You Parade twice, and had front row to the final Hocus Pocus Spelltacular show of the evening. We also looked totally gorgeous obviously.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8X_mY4knng4f7RhST4MjrbXQrxVSo4tMdgfobEb18SJt-g3JnuH9K6ENa8S3yMldkSOTze0OhzYvjCanwcnjIEc_YtX6cvAw9yfcvE5gKSoOIS9GO-cF8ce_ErzyNwce39aokIYa3JI/s1600/20161016_180650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8X_mY4knng4f7RhST4MjrbXQrxVSo4tMdgfobEb18SJt-g3JnuH9K6ENa8S3yMldkSOTze0OhzYvjCanwcnjIEc_YtX6cvAw9yfcvE5gKSoOIS9GO-cF8ce_ErzyNwce39aokIYa3JI/s320/20161016_180650.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So... can you guess my costume?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Jvkm1_qSkc9z3bIFXkgZP2ctY31uCcGOzJPclAw5M2uIXzE0QDOIp3qZIlpDzTVXidWOlxLGyACKb6Se4Y2RgRWogXXdYS4NdkJt36KlB7pTPo2uSzL1PPtBuvYebSVBaWOUgq5MQKA/s1600/20161016_224156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Jvkm1_qSkc9z3bIFXkgZP2ctY31uCcGOzJPclAw5M2uIXzE0QDOIp3qZIlpDzTVXidWOlxLGyACKb6Se4Y2RgRWogXXdYS4NdkJt36KlB7pTPo2uSzL1PPtBuvYebSVBaWOUgq5MQKA/s320/20161016_224156.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OH HEY BOSS we're not partying it's fine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzaVLdTwLf5leCM1xNlbK-mPTbOwuELAEuPfS2fOWEfCWdI0NaspNHmswuuruqCN6H3nHUDe9kf_GMgPtqgpb6Sd8thlzqBC2AW9xEP6iF7Lb2bXRs616KHj0zPsSVvCKgp1DlBoyNjM/s1600/20161016_224218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzaVLdTwLf5leCM1xNlbK-mPTbOwuELAEuPfS2fOWEfCWdI0NaspNHmswuuruqCN6H3nHUDe9kf_GMgPtqgpb6Sd8thlzqBC2AW9xEP6iF7Lb2bXRs616KHj0zPsSVvCKgp1DlBoyNjM/s320/20161016_224218.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most spooktacular crew around.</td></tr>
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On the 23rd, I attended my only round of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal for the season. I didn't even have to drive, since I attended with fellow driver Mandy and Devyn. We met Nick Kush there, and he's kind of an expert and enthusiast on Horror Nights, so collectively we got through five houses I think, American Horror Story was absolutely the best. When we weren't being jump-scared to death, mine was the group screaming "YAS GAGA" in admiration of the well-done "Hotel" sequence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhQSpjJIRHK2-GBby6kbotXhHvyq8CsmA6Ft3ixvhueK50KN_oteO3Edj6X7EqbswsRFoRgvf8x2UK5AgI8kaxW1ymbcdwg2U4rBAB6p-ogmLMA4cGRGP1TvrmbojYOC8AbuKoS71vXY/s1600/20161023_203013%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhQSpjJIRHK2-GBby6kbotXhHvyq8CsmA6Ft3ixvhueK50KN_oteO3Edj6X7EqbswsRFoRgvf8x2UK5AgI8kaxW1ymbcdwg2U4rBAB6p-ogmLMA4cGRGP1TvrmbojYOC8AbuKoS71vXY/s320/20161023_203013%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's ready to get spoopy at HHN?</td></tr>
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October 26th, as friends, family and fans know, was my 32nd birthday! I didn't really have much of a plan, so I gathered up some of my favourite people to do a Four Parks Challenge. Well, less of a "challenge" and more of a "things Lindsey likes at all four parks". We started at Animal Kingdom and did Festival of the Lion King and Kilimanjaro Safaris (and two Starbucks stops), then went to Epcot for lunch at Sunshine Seasons, a ride on Soarin and Living with the Land, then a quick detour to Norway to ride Frozen TWICE (which I haven't ridden since its first week), before stopping by Canada and then to Hollywood Studios. Sorry Studios, we kind of short-changed you with only riding Toy Story Midway Mania and visiting Starbucks before leaving you for Magic Kingdom, but... we were running out of time. We got to Magic Kingdom in time to experience the Enchanted Tiki Room, Country Bear Jamboree, have dinner at Pecos Bill's and ride Peter Pan's Flight (as well as pose for birthday posse pictures to be seen soon!) before heading home, because I'm 32 now and I just wanted to go to bed. It was still over twelve hours, and it was one of my most magical birthdays ever. Thanks for your company, support, and friendship, crew.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Uh3WTobgzs8VyPUmSHI2m23Fu-GL0-G_M_vvTBlhB5nYeVj6QuSZ1jMaXXgLDFmNxoHKFXFhcoRHuYG0n2X6jD-bZ5579fZ0uvhYUFVZn9z46WI1e4GNNUhO8_Z5F0JGQ0pR5RGmKXY/s1600/20161026_135346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Uh3WTobgzs8VyPUmSHI2m23Fu-GL0-G_M_vvTBlhB5nYeVj6QuSZ1jMaXXgLDFmNxoHKFXFhcoRHuYG0n2X6jD-bZ5579fZ0uvhYUFVZn9z46WI1e4GNNUhO8_Z5F0JGQ0pR5RGmKXY/s320/20161026_135346.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My amazing birthday crew at Animal Kingdom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEQD29Z1VUSZ5urhUIkORDhby1-H8IE9Qd6GpUz3ogQOlaV6MJtreTU0eFzk5yPzff1H_prZ7hyMJqBzzCegyYHpY4P9ZjNEtP6QUL3X-jV45n_ixRRtCxonK5sMQyQy1mj2ZocwWTfE/s1600/20161026_191137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEQD29Z1VUSZ5urhUIkORDhby1-H8IE9Qd6GpUz3ogQOlaV6MJtreTU0eFzk5yPzff1H_prZ7hyMJqBzzCegyYHpY4P9ZjNEtP6QUL3X-jV45n_ixRRtCxonK5sMQyQy1mj2ZocwWTfE/s320/20161026_191137.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My slightly different crew at Hollywood Studios</td></tr>
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At midnight after my birthday, it was suddenly Sabrina's birthday! She celebrated by going to work and we met her later for my third round of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I believe Sabrina's sole objective was to have front row viewing for all four Hocus Pocus shows, and she definitely accomplished it. Jen and I broke off for much trick or treating and some hub grass relaxing, but we were all reunited for the last Hocus Pocus show of the evening. It was my third time celebrating Halloween since September 2nd, so by the time actual Halloween came around, I was ready for the next thing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRg4QcB5Kg_923oCzkQeZmyzpsaaBh9Q00T4M8XXCsO40c_mm-Y-8iezGeouO1yhcUT-A3_er8fh97MOBGccfl3LQAHRl31lQ4K3jsEfU4mM75ZJ6hSPQ5-zaBgvZiFOhTaYWJbwj5qU/s1600/14721489_10207412608462130_1401857144509463740_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRg4QcB5Kg_923oCzkQeZmyzpsaaBh9Q00T4M8XXCsO40c_mm-Y-8iezGeouO1yhcUT-A3_er8fh97MOBGccfl3LQAHRl31lQ4K3jsEfU4mM75ZJ6hSPQ5-zaBgvZiFOhTaYWJbwj5qU/s320/14721489_10207412608462130_1401857144509463740_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The frightful friends, absolutely on point.</td></tr>
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On Saturday, October 29th, Matt and I made our glorious return to the Disney Fantasy while it was parked (docked?) at Cape Canaveral, and this time Mike was able to come to. We were again, visiting the fabulous Alex, who was covered in (figurative) pixie dust as usual. The atrium was totally decked out for Halloween, featuring a giant spooky Halloween tree. Alex said that when Guests come on board, then get to plant a seed on the Halloween tree, and then by the end of the cruise, their seeds will have blossomed. Into what, I don't know, but the tree was dead-looking and naked when we arrived. There were also Mickey pumpkins everywhere along the railings of the atrium, and many portholes had either cobwebs or Jack-O-Lantern faces. I appreciated it, as an October baby and Halloween fan. This time, we were able to see the Royal Court restaurant a little more than last time, and we spent a little lazy time dipping our feet in the Satellite Falls pool on the uppermost deck, which was still very warm for the end of October (even for Florida, I promise). A beautiful day in a decadent environment, it was glorious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cHm-nacrWBVeHgLBVt0eJMz__KgpOd6JDahwg8l4k4B2VnDpI2fCBXXUuC2hWPDQnBnmpygcnBaqj3r6Kqy_ctrmf9fIO5SUC-gbnKK_AFt2f7aExJ6dCaipdA_aU9xdYHSRg5_Cb8Q/s1600/20161029_105339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cHm-nacrWBVeHgLBVt0eJMz__KgpOd6JDahwg8l4k4B2VnDpI2fCBXXUuC2hWPDQnBnmpygcnBaqj3r6Kqy_ctrmf9fIO5SUC-gbnKK_AFt2f7aExJ6dCaipdA_aU9xdYHSRg5_Cb8Q/s320/20161029_105339.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex and I with the Fantasy's Halloween Tree!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6esaBkZr8jWOT57I3erQlxxn9Myj2pJG87BcUR3mYrMMBsa-xrkt0MHgwGVaBfCAEbDCfAhnD7xrAO8Mz_vgrlNJXfDCYrwh3kHoLrzQ7xNYJ0wcVSC_r_olrHyR8hlBzwSlq7JB7qZY/s1600/20161029_110627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6esaBkZr8jWOT57I3erQlxxn9Myj2pJG87BcUR3mYrMMBsa-xrkt0MHgwGVaBfCAEbDCfAhnD7xrAO8Mz_vgrlNJXfDCYrwh3kHoLrzQ7xNYJ0wcVSC_r_olrHyR8hlBzwSlq7JB7qZY/s320/20161029_110627.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the Royal Court restaurant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRozKJyHA3V0N8oyF6UWZr_2vd7B-o2Io7x65ibqIBFFy6eklCgO-cwSHUg0zsYmX43cxEI59p3Zn9fGRGMfjTZ9FO0W1dYnwQlg0YgBBqbigBZc8Kt4_uUmo0D-E5_cSqAgYPco-TKY/s1600/20161029_125254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRozKJyHA3V0N8oyF6UWZr_2vd7B-o2Io7x65ibqIBFFy6eklCgO-cwSHUg0zsYmX43cxEI59p3Zn9fGRGMfjTZ9FO0W1dYnwQlg0YgBBqbigBZc8Kt4_uUmo0D-E5_cSqAgYPco-TKY/s320/20161029_125254.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and fairies Alex and Laura</td></tr>
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Although I'm excited to go to Disneyland very soon, I'm sad to end this post on a sad note. Yesterday was Shane's last day of his CRP. I think he was more excited to dye his hair finally than anything else, but our favourite leaders showed up at our cart to say some very nice/very sarcastic things and present Shane with both his certificate of completion and his trainer certificate. We took a lot of pictures, had a lot of laughs, and shed a few tears (ok mostly me), and we saw him again that night for his throw out with bright blond hair. See you at Christmas, Shane! Bring me a job? Thanks.</div>
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<b>See you real soon!</b></div>
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<b>Lindsey</b></div>
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<b>Magical Moment: </b>So I was at the cart alone yesterday and someone called out my full name. It turns out it was a lovely former cast member named Laura who had started her program two weeks after mine had ended, and she had read my blog. Is this what celebrities feel like? Cuz that's how I'm feeling. </div>
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>Mom, Grandma, Kim and Kristin especially for the birthday mail. I love mail. </div>
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<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-46208397730369166132016-10-07T19:23:00.001-04:002016-10-07T19:23:09.163-04:00We are Part of a Pattern about to Unfold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello friends,</div>
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Everyone I know and care about in central Florida is safe and sound for like the millionth time this year. Much rain, many wind, Hurricane Matthew, WOW, we're all good here. It's pretty cool to be here for park history though; we've only been closed something like four times since we opened in 1971. I'm enjoying my lazy time, although I wasn't supposed to work today anyway. </div>
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Moving on. I know it's been awhile. Let's blame the hurricane for this one, and bless it for giving me the time indoors to work on it. At least, that's what I'm going with. </div>
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Yesterday (October 6th), the (Disney) world was preparing for the onslaught of the hurricane, and I was preparing to say goodbye to my lovely friend Laura, as it was her last day at Hollywood Studios. Nicole had moved her into All Star Music that morning (long lines everywhere, #hurricaneproblems) before meeting me at Hollywood Studios. The parking attendant driving the tram reminded us that all parks were closing at 5pm as we put on our rain gear for the fourth time that day. No matter. We still managed to do Toy Story Midway Mania one last time (neither of us could beat our current scores), as well as Rockn Roller Coaster and arguably the best Frozen Sing-Along I have ever witnessed (and we all know I've seen it frequently). We also got PB&J milkshakes at Prime Time Cafe before saying goodbye at 4pm, when Laura headed back for possibly another bonus night at All Stars, as her flight to BC had been delayed. Safe travels, Snow White, say no to apple slices on the plane.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeprCaomq4dXg2dYhqdsrLbR-MYQ6bVKQOj2fk2bfOK20RKxEjnI-_rQqC_NJvFidrIL28NvkXnjgmQ5exOylwzyF7ptoQ0fw5Yh5j0ILKuoa5HolxchQOMBaHdtk3JdoOfhty4qJctq8/s1600/20161006_135902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeprCaomq4dXg2dYhqdsrLbR-MYQ6bVKQOj2fk2bfOK20RKxEjnI-_rQqC_NJvFidrIL28NvkXnjgmQ5exOylwzyF7ptoQ0fw5Yh5j0ILKuoa5HolxchQOMBaHdtk3JdoOfhty4qJctq8/s320/20161006_135902.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-Hurricane Princesses taking on Toy Story</td></tr>
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Nicole and I spent the entire evening indoors with more snacks than were absolutely necessary, and basically it just rained all evening and we woke up to a lot of wind this morning. We're now allowed to leave our housing complex if we so desire... but I don't.</div>
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The highlight of my day before the storm (October 5th) was braving Target after work with fellow merchie Nick. About half the customers in Target were in their Disney work costumes like us and it was basically super chill, except there wasn't much bread left. You should've seen the Walmarts and Publix though. Eerie. I also was a champion and filled my car with gas while it was still cheap. So clever, so prepared.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyALkoSTkS0xKzMBz06omR8N8Bo84lMixZCk0rGnULae0tvHpY2YAT-56OBVUEVxAArXWm4Jg6_4QJvN7w600VHh2P59CIBNXZNn2cD5kKlTDmgDCHYT6Op7yt62Nd1TVWTXh_MuAS0i4/s1600/Snapchat-4874641985992925373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyALkoSTkS0xKzMBz06omR8N8Bo84lMixZCk0rGnULae0tvHpY2YAT-56OBVUEVxAArXWm4Jg6_4QJvN7w600VHh2P59CIBNXZNn2cD5kKlTDmgDCHYT6Op7yt62Nd1TVWTXh_MuAS0i4/s320/Snapchat-4874641985992925373.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Times are tough in Target.</td></tr>
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October 1st, for those in the know, is a rather important date around here. Magic Kingdom, and Disney World as a while, opened its door for the first time on October 1st, 1971 (Disney history is the only history my brain retains), and 11 years later, Epcot opened on October 1st, 1982. Magic Kingdom was celebrating its 45th anniversary and Epcot was celebrating its 34th (does everyone remember my picture for Epcot's 30th? I do.). Magic Kingdom had a whole hullabaloo going on, but Epcot was celebrating too. Costumed Cast Members were permitted to proudly sport the Magic Kingdom 45th anniversary button, and sneaky costumes CMs like myself also wore Epcot anniversary buttons. I'm not saying 34 is a particularly big number, but you better believe every year is worth celebrating. There were cupcakes available for us but sadly every merchie I knew started work well before distribution.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnJST9CVdd_8eISnY8AtnSfF5XIpHIv82gDmr66nNJPHpfK9azJDGX99Fl6Ob0y7wd3i6SkP7HHpjvtTF18xLXwaASUPQ6sj9Mz-fMPxN0v_AeBZujD6NW8zyr3diPDfOkCpwyXJEP08/s1600/20161001_142752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnJST9CVdd_8eISnY8AtnSfF5XIpHIv82gDmr66nNJPHpfK9azJDGX99Fl6Ob0y7wd3i6SkP7HHpjvtTF18xLXwaASUPQ6sj9Mz-fMPxN0v_AeBZujD6NW8zyr3diPDfOkCpwyXJEP08/s320/20161001_142752.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To be fair, Disney Look says we can have two<br />
additional prices of flair...</td></tr>
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September 30th was Princess Laura's last day at Animal Kingdom. I met her and Emma there for two more rounds of Festival of the Lion King (three rounds for them, I slept in), too many more rounds of Expedition Everest, and one last Finding Nemo: the Musical (quite possibly the most underappreciated attraction at that park). Expedition Everest though. I'm glad I'm capable of doing it, but it doesn't mean I have to like it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaIPxfpx_bVTs8Uk80yQ4i6KSjv1-8B6NRYDGeAUly6MBZKRDPnEk5OF3esUBJLo0a6JUEnTmYq9ip5J4X93ZyDGUdRXSAYxYbYEUyDovoTNQNvrq94yk-DDVb1GkwItM0BmoAtoWGxc/s1600/14614194_10154609913439810_11663621_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaIPxfpx_bVTs8Uk80yQ4i6KSjv1-8B6NRYDGeAUly6MBZKRDPnEk5OF3esUBJLo0a6JUEnTmYq9ip5J4X93ZyDGUdRXSAYxYbYEUyDovoTNQNvrq94yk-DDVb1GkwItM0BmoAtoWGxc/s320/14614194_10154609913439810_11663621_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura and I in the second row, Emma behind us.<br />
Moose antlers frighten Yetis. </td></tr>
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On September 28th, I spend an day unexpectedly bonding with my adopted attractions child, Emma. We went to Magic Kingdom mostly for show purposes, as Emma is an excellent photog and Mickey's Royal Friendship Fair, as well as Festival of Fantasy, is her jam. More unexpectedly, Harmony Barbershop had an empty chair when I checked in upon arrival, so I got a bonus haircut and more pixie dust than anyone (even me) could imagine. Emma got it too, and as far as I know it's still in her hat. We then spent some time being basic Magic Kingdom girls in the hub grass with our pixie dust and Starbucks, before round 1 of Mickey's Royal Friendship Fair. There's a new Fall song and Fall-themed costumes, so beautiful. If you want to see actual good pictures of it, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dumbosfeather/">here's Emma's instagram</a>. Go nuts. Emma experienced the joy that is Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room before the next MRFF presentation, but sadly it turned into a sing-along due to inclement weather. We rode the People Mover twice (rerides are my favourite) before seeking out a location for Festival of Fantasy. There weren't much to be had, and the weather was creeping up on us (as it does in Florida), but we still enjoyed it from Main Street. We then decided Florida Mall was a great idea for some reason, but I did need a Lush run and we just had to check out the Disney Store, so no regrets. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCOxmXosx7XXUc7gF-ItVJ7hQVweSq67upc3a_TlAVWtvkBqLax8l2uhyphenhyphenoxa-605GrSTYai8jdl86qbdmEGqJszrJ8QKbgpPkuDb56Cio7quX9-Kh54p5qHEC9pNhjE11lta0WYcu89o/s1600/20160928_133245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCOxmXosx7XXUc7gF-ItVJ7hQVweSq67upc3a_TlAVWtvkBqLax8l2uhyphenhyphenoxa-605GrSTYai8jdl86qbdmEGqJszrJ8QKbgpPkuDb56Cio7quX9-Kh54p5qHEC9pNhjE11lta0WYcu89o/s320/20160928_133245.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pixie dust: check, Starbucks: check...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BWJjkXuRau7eYCbt9AN6VK8X0pS96oai6_b5_5SmhIRd80MB-0R3suQNswlZumCV8ENonzEqBXB4fQAQcj3_a-kMThnF5kc8bsJ3VzH1779IS0zmsZntM9RiylUIKBG23-ZHCGIIv2w/s1600/14522465_10154593500729810_88855579_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BWJjkXuRau7eYCbt9AN6VK8X0pS96oai6_b5_5SmhIRd80MB-0R3suQNswlZumCV8ENonzEqBXB4fQAQcj3_a-kMThnF5kc8bsJ3VzH1779IS0zmsZntM9RiylUIKBG23-ZHCGIIv2w/s320/14522465_10154593500729810_88855579_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple wall: Check.<br />
Want a great purple wall picture? Be Emma's mum.</td></tr>
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On September 25th, I returned to Blizzard Beach for the first time since the Spring. Shane, Louise and I were there mostly for lazy river and tanning purposes, but we did sneak in a few rounds of Teamboat Springs, and Shane braved Summit Plummet without us. We packed up when it started to rain. It's always starting to rain.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTwAc6NDR6bO8UPTrB4MfJYApgEKMdZFc26LJXHzMFk_eUCQdqqVAvZpuD9SHcX9IogaLrupqabFLJ3hPq6aorbNDMtKnbrHsDoBWsWaldXchSUYRamSGSxz6-aLNMkwFioRSkpHAUwA/s1600/20160925_125719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTwAc6NDR6bO8UPTrB4MfJYApgEKMdZFc26LJXHzMFk_eUCQdqqVAvZpuD9SHcX9IogaLrupqabFLJ3hPq6aorbNDMtKnbrHsDoBWsWaldXchSUYRamSGSxz6-aLNMkwFioRSkpHAUwA/s320/20160925_125719.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's been several months and this hole still hasn't been fixed...</td></tr>
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On September 23rd, I went to Disney University to attend a Disney Ambassadors session. Basically our current 2015-2016 ambassadors are on their way out, as 2017-2018 ambassadors have been selected, so they're giving weekly or twice-weekly talks at Disney University for fun. This one was entitled "We Create Happiness" and basically it felt like Traditions crammed into an hour. It was magical. It was nice to be reminded of why I was there, and it was nice to get a selfie with the ambassadors (the one visited our pavilion for Canada Day, so it's my second with him).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAVymb0j9UQn2P0Zl2RlqcaFjBi2pW6wtN4D3E0G10hh4_JnN8hSExOnf0WDG0YqW8JnKK5V9SLybEg1zSJW5H3TiWMhBmELZUwTgkGB8dPXXD2AjYBgGuGaM1d9sG2s3n1zKLwjPMMM/s1600/20160923_170655%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAVymb0j9UQn2P0Zl2RlqcaFjBi2pW6wtN4D3E0G10hh4_JnN8hSExOnf0WDG0YqW8JnKK5V9SLybEg1zSJW5H3TiWMhBmELZUwTgkGB8dPXXD2AjYBgGuGaM1d9sG2s3n1zKLwjPMMM/s320/20160923_170655%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basically, the Ambassadors were psyched to meet ME. </td></tr>
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On September 22nd, I was so briefly reunited with my dear Anastasia from Ottawa and from my last program. We were supposed to attend a Mickey's Not So Scary Party together on the 20th but alas, Food and Wine means shifts longer than one can imagine, and I couldn't attend. Regretfully, we forgot to take a picture, but we did have a great time buying ALL THE THINGS at Cast Connection. Welcome back to the Blue ID club, Asia!<br />
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September 20th was Kara's last day of work with us in merchandise. Coincidentally, earlier in the week she regained a proper nametag with her actual name on it, as well as her one-year Steamboat Willie pin, as she got a glorious month-long extension. Her farewell celebration/funeral was super low-key the way she wanted it, and sadly all of us were doomed to stay at work well into the evening, because Food & Wine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGc_KLV5C8u6qeT8QteMXufk9HjCl5AubnHj6_OB-xz6hkIuSfL_Pt5pbwckT_8Lst_plJW4-sLhaEidJD_GHPC0522FuasuViXjLY44zuwfrPcWln0n6cpPrtC1owHgN9l32aTCgy2E/s1600/14344267_966415563504660_5331107243841941606_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGc_KLV5C8u6qeT8QteMXufk9HjCl5AubnHj6_OB-xz6hkIuSfL_Pt5pbwckT_8Lst_plJW4-sLhaEidJD_GHPC0522FuasuViXjLY44zuwfrPcWln0n6cpPrtC1owHgN9l32aTCgy2E/s320/14344267_966415563504660_5331107243841941606_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kara puts the FUN in FUNERAL.<br />
(Did I use this last time for Kevin?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWNTjAyYZ6cyk8nCwD_PMasCju1MD5vB2Eu0RKRKQkYlqDX9NuYGqHomGNwpopyQPjzf0z5jBHwBjJVWpKAD7JBfstfqERKXYm4teAQsnSLmFFACpUMQegG1Z8b0saP-wd3kF_36pGXg/s1600/FB_IMG_1474467539010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWNTjAyYZ6cyk8nCwD_PMasCju1MD5vB2Eu0RKRKQkYlqDX9NuYGqHomGNwpopyQPjzf0z5jBHwBjJVWpKAD7JBfstfqERKXYm4teAQsnSLmFFACpUMQegG1Z8b0saP-wd3kF_36pGXg/s320/FB_IMG_1474467539010.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shall we stand like Irish dancers?<br />
Yes, please!</td></tr>
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Luckily, the day before, we were able to have a half-proper last Magic Kingdom all together. I mean, it was bucketing down rain as it usually is, but we had dinner, we rode a few rides, we caught like half of Wishes since they were delayed, we got a bunch of great pictures, and we didn't have to be at work to be doing it.<br />
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On September 18th, I spent quality senior citizen time with Shane. We went to Olive Garden way before even the early dinner crowd (because buy one, take one Olive Garden is life), and we went to Universal. We made it with probably two hours left at Islands of Adventure, but it's ok because this is what annual passholders do. We still rode Hulk twice, Jurassic Park once and Spiderman once, then when we got kicked out we went to the new restaurant on City Walk called The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savoury Feast Kitchen (basically it's what you'd imagine a chocolate factory ought to be like) for milkshakes containing probably more calories than your human should consume in a day. Not to worry. Neither of us could finish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiL5PeDwzJpoABmpiX1cNwvrio01hiXS4RsJf8nd4TpNp7IYskceAIOYd8M9jdWLPzCvYJo5J7KsM-977yZyLkZqqrPV0lLg4YrMmDpUddvOm7jnOIY_pfGpufCsali7_ro3SDcAeOvw/s1600/20160918_190217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiL5PeDwzJpoABmpiX1cNwvrio01hiXS4RsJf8nd4TpNp7IYskceAIOYd8M9jdWLPzCvYJo5J7KsM-977yZyLkZqqrPV0lLg4YrMmDpUddvOm7jnOIY_pfGpufCsali7_ro3SDcAeOvw/s320/20160918_190217.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hulk does great things for your hair.<br />Shane is lucky he had a hat.</td></tr>
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I also went to Universal on September 17th, because why not, and also I was with Matt, who had celebrated a birthday the day before! We attended the Barney stage show for the first time each, because obviously it was raining, and we explored Fievel's Playland for the first time for me. I was always under the impression that it was exclusively for children, but it turns out there's a waterslide in there for kids of all ages, and these kids were already damp from rain so we didn't mind at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0H3qbFsidPW66aI3n2dnkFWH0lacZ0tDk2Hn0ZPVPsK5zIcQZfjmtT_f5jEPf3Yo1x1OvIDc-EiIUZ6bEcGzDbSJw4k5AdYv7AhKl5PKaG1aawJYKMgQaOJk58ENuDablgCoqXmGrz8/s1600/20160917_152805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0H3qbFsidPW66aI3n2dnkFWH0lacZ0tDk2Hn0ZPVPsK5zIcQZfjmtT_f5jEPf3Yo1x1OvIDc-EiIUZ6bEcGzDbSJw4k5AdYv7AhKl5PKaG1aawJYKMgQaOJk58ENuDablgCoqXmGrz8/s320/20160917_152805.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sign says something about "Wet Britches" and is correct. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDFJ2tETk-bvxkB3g88RnJXI2iDXnLU6cMAAOisU6Jxc34-rcwKfXgQeiKxIDvudiwLlkTJkOsLajaABbL73ABAp8GIYp_puNYFm-18c5-C9MtojWEHr8w3HR1ZlHgsCG-UPv-tHy9EI/s1600/14550652_10154461388176425_9080796_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDFJ2tETk-bvxkB3g88RnJXI2iDXnLU6cMAAOisU6Jxc34-rcwKfXgQeiKxIDvudiwLlkTJkOsLajaABbL73ABAp8GIYp_puNYFm-18c5-C9MtojWEHr8w3HR1ZlHgsCG-UPv-tHy9EI/s320/14550652_10154461388176425_9080796_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You better believe we were the first two in line.</td></tr>
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Fingers crossed for the end of inclement weather!<br />
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<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
<br />
<b>Magical Moment: </b>When Emma and I were at MK, a Photopass photographer approached us and gave her a few times about her fancy pants camera. This was all well over my head, but he did take some great hub grass pictures for us as well!<br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>Everyone from the homeland (or otherwise) who checked on my well-being during the hurricane. It's a pretty weird thing when Facebook asks you to check in twice in as 'Safe' in less than a year. </div>
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<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-91386899676525931572016-09-09T18:29:00.001-04:002016-09-09T18:29:42.597-04:00Chase the Wind and Touch the Sky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Guess who's caught up on her blog again? It's actually taken days, you guys. Enjoy my epic few weeks as much as I did. You'll definitely need a nap.</div>
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This whole insane business of weeks of plans starts on Monday, August 15th, with a trip to Universal with Kevin. When you know enough people who go to Universal, and you go to Universal enough, you pick up really handy tips and tricks which makes your trips more efficient, especially if your trip ends up being Kevin's last. We found a completely legit if not totally morally sound way to take advantage of Universal's Guest Services wherein we had to do very little waiting in line. It did bucket down rain on us as some form on vengeance, but we were packing ponchos like the park professionals that we are. We conquered all of Seuss Landing (for Kevin for the first time), as well as both Harry Potter rides and anything else that didn't make us sick, including the new Skull Island: Reign of Kong, which doesn't even HAVE an ExpressPass (FastPass...) line. I've never attended Universal so late in the day or stayed so long, but it definitely worked out for the best. I'm better at theme parks now than I am at anything else. It's a very niche skillset. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6RC-pC10owfO3_NBun-HHxP4Mwdq2Wzm9UDTnyNuVhiWdxchTtsLVfyDLwD1zHUjWRosnY9ztnO65hyphenhyphenonbHIBJFw3TRcC90O0WgcXC5hVCY9GI22DtB08_w8Nt22fu1MckhI2zWSia0/s1600/20160815_185721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6RC-pC10owfO3_NBun-HHxP4Mwdq2Wzm9UDTnyNuVhiWdxchTtsLVfyDLwD1zHUjWRosnY9ztnO65hyphenhyphenonbHIBJFw3TRcC90O0WgcXC5hVCY9GI22DtB08_w8Nt22fu1MckhI2zWSia0/s320/20160815_185721.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rides that don't make us sick: Kang and Kodos Twirl and Hurl.<br />
The irony. </td></tr>
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Four days later on Friday, August 19th, Mike and I met Matt at Universal for a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder Event. Basically they kept all of Islands of Adventure open for us, as well as the Hogwarts Express and Escape from Gringott's, open until midnight, long after the park was closed to the general public. We did Spiderman, Jurassic Park twice, Escape from Gringott's, The Hulk, as well as dinner AND our free Jurassic Park photo. We had our own boat. Matt and I are princesses. Mike is just too scared. It'll be great, and I'll share it when I can.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJhgXQfNeWHmmG6OWqbG36YxHUz4vXMywl5jgDBSGNmdfOLyLU6pj5UBWCfe2t36UhV26wUQaPm56k-OsRv2gXxUshXqohc3OQseh5uSLCjpizKfs6d1IW7_9SvUqF2ft7kedX0gfSTg/s1600/20160819_184948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJhgXQfNeWHmmG6OWqbG36YxHUz4vXMywl5jgDBSGNmdfOLyLU6pj5UBWCfe2t36UhV26wUQaPm56k-OsRv2gXxUshXqohc3OQseh5uSLCjpizKfs6d1IW7_9SvUqF2ft7kedX0gfSTg/s320/20160819_184948.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're Annual Passholders. That makes us SPECIAL. </td></tr>
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On Sunday, August 21, Kevin and I used up his Holiday Celebration Dining Coupon at Kona Cafe in the Polynesian Resort (the best steak is half-off steak), then rode Seven Dwarves Mine Train twice c/o Disney magic. I took no photos. I am a failure.<br />
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On Monday, August 22, I saw my friend Jackie and her family (her sister and Mom), as well as Jackie's former roommate Pernille from Norway and our friend Ashley for a grand Disney reunion at Olive Garden. It was a surplus of carbs and love.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOqC5MPaXJLq7MMZB4c3MINMDfsE75es9DAfdVvkVxL4RMzbsck5yDJU8EjgUZr5rzzRE-oRitxobO5hSMqfJ-DlouI9HDuG9iriuZ8SmFTaRI0CuYIEXdSPLAdpXvL2zdImEAb_hOq4/s1600/20160822_215835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOqC5MPaXJLq7MMZB4c3MINMDfsE75es9DAfdVvkVxL4RMzbsck5yDJU8EjgUZr5rzzRE-oRitxobO5hSMqfJ-DlouI9HDuG9iriuZ8SmFTaRI0CuYIEXdSPLAdpXvL2zdImEAb_hOq4/s320/20160822_215835.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know better than this. A dress is appropriate for Olive Garden <br />
as it allows more space for breadsticks.</td></tr>
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Wednesday, August 24th was a well-deserved rest day for me. I joined Jackie and her family at their resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, for several hours of pool time. Jackie and I were granted permission by a lifeguard to play in the Port Orleans splashpad and we were all about it. I didn't have to say goodbye to Jackie and her family right then. The next day I was at Magic Kingdom for dinner with my arrival squad (happy seven months to us), and I managed to see the Greens one more time. Sabrina (Jackie's sister)'s hair was still in tact. I was very proud.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuC4eVUHEzuVAxeRBf7rrn02jj-eZOjpC0IXT-CpQGFdXzr857MNHWc4C2M_bCqGRk1hqbEv1y5iQV29doHDdlmRBuQd3D1tjyDICLmCDNo3IYWJoSARNk1nzX0C-cQ16-JFvI5mpb0Y/s1600/20160824_160934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuC4eVUHEzuVAxeRBf7rrn02jj-eZOjpC0IXT-CpQGFdXzr857MNHWc4C2M_bCqGRk1hqbEv1y5iQV29doHDdlmRBuQd3D1tjyDICLmCDNo3IYWJoSARNk1nzX0C-cQ16-JFvI5mpb0Y/s320/20160824_160934.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes, the Sunshine State pulls through with some sunshine. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcZyUGPPBgvTMuWDYMoxj5AIuCWGPjjc2GyS8nfIDmm8VTF_Cue0EOU2ERerP1HLBH24Ei6WxovqbxSujbJN_6PPL7e1X9JetFN2RquRVvAT6Yk95pxbwDWtVUMQ2iH2AxGU2qtJi-cs/s1600/14315611_10210435904157263_589581652_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcZyUGPPBgvTMuWDYMoxj5AIuCWGPjjc2GyS8nfIDmm8VTF_Cue0EOU2ERerP1HLBH24Ei6WxovqbxSujbJN_6PPL7e1X9JetFN2RquRVvAT6Yk95pxbwDWtVUMQ2iH2AxGU2qtJi-cs/s320/14315611_10210435904157263_589581652_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making magic for as many months as<br />
Snow White has dwarves. </td></tr>
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Friday, August 26th, was mine and Kevin's super long social day. My theory was that if we spent enough consecutive time together, it would be easier to send him back to Canada when the time came (spoiler alert, he leaves in this post). We were up literally at the crack of dawn to get on a housing bus for a trip to Clearwater. I actually never have visited any of the Florida beaches before so to both get off Disney property and into the Gulf of Mexico was absolutely glorious. We got four hours of beautiful beach and ocean (and lunch from housing), in which we saw a dolphin, found the beach's sand bars, discovered that the Gulf is actually saltier than we are, and generally got spooked by the amount of ocean wildlife. After the eight hours of beach/bus time together, we decided to hang out some more, and went to Hollywood Studios (after a nap, because 0730 is hard). We did the Frozen Sing-Along and tried to get into Fantasmic, but it was standing room only so we bailed and went to the Star Wars fireworks instead. Hollywood Studios closed at 9 after the fireworks, and we still didn't have enough time, so we went to see Pete's Dragon at Disney Springs. After that it was midnight so our marathon friendship day was over. Siiiiigh. Feelings don't stay in my face the way they used to.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYURAe3YZKmtgdalz4b3UCLtT_7Rdh18JoKIEa6KYUU_Zxghs62nduRf8chColZ4HIvEz3FYiOGdS9bTGZF-eK7ZoSHm8ztXhHYyblpM_m_HhYgkYxZ59PMplT4rpNSshEwFjqX8_R0g/s1600/20160826_200415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYURAe3YZKmtgdalz4b3UCLtT_7Rdh18JoKIEa6KYUU_Zxghs62nduRf8chColZ4HIvEz3FYiOGdS9bTGZF-eK7ZoSHm8ztXhHYyblpM_m_HhYgkYxZ59PMplT4rpNSshEwFjqX8_R0g/s320/20160826_200415.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SNOW-one is happy about Kevin leaving.</td></tr>
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Saturday August 27th was a marathon and a half of a park day, and that's coming from me. Matt and I, with our friends Kaz, Will and Ashley started off our day at Animal Kingdom with a return to a ride I haven't tried in over four years - Expedition Everest. I only did it because we bothered to wait in the standby line, and while I still don't love it, I can now tolerate it [side note: Remember when I did Star Tours 29 times in a day? Yeah I can't do it more than once now. Bodies change.].<br />
We then moved it over to Epcot, where we visited the boss, his lady, and their friend Goofy, before having lunch at Electric Umbrella and spending some quality time with Kaz's manatee friends at the Seas. We quickly made it around World Showcase starting in Mexico, so we could attend my first but Kaz and Matt's millionth British Revolution show, before riding new Soarin and heading to Magic Kingdom. Shoutout to Matt for being the driver for the day. I like my independence but I also don't mind being driven around. We were joined by Mike and we caught the Main Street Electrical Parade, as it is Disney dying next month, as well as Wishes and several attractions I can't 100% remember cuz it's been awhile since this actually happened, guys. I remember lying down on Main Street because my back hurt and the street is hot and felt amazing. Old people problems. It was awesome, amazing, exhausting but magical times, and I'd do it again for these wonderful humans in a heartbeat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vdMCxDCO5_ldxcRIERjF5CCkkqCBoja7I_qDA6R58KgaynAl6U2WRdFy3DVeqUZ_XITkC9Ij25LP9yQh2giHTOyqW6CjJ2Crv_uRL-hEBP3gZH3zK1Z772OBvuUpxJjaBgqBC5odTYI/s1600/20160827_123754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vdMCxDCO5_ldxcRIERjF5CCkkqCBoja7I_qDA6R58KgaynAl6U2WRdFy3DVeqUZ_XITkC9Ij25LP9yQh2giHTOyqW6CjJ2Crv_uRL-hEBP3gZH3zK1Z772OBvuUpxJjaBgqBC5odTYI/s320/20160827_123754.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess which one of us was never a Cast Member.<br />
LOOKING AT YOU WILL. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4mi_YhhLydHSw6o0JpgfA6_6IMfIe-5v2KFCV7VCbyMlU-zWLVxBwqeM-644Emf93VyfrWCzsM2kfWoiObixrL-UgyrW4ehXeJaGdewnFFQ2BoqCJOWfuCe8lEbI0TAzJ1jhCrVH0tk/s1600/20160827_124053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4mi_YhhLydHSw6o0JpgfA6_6IMfIe-5v2KFCV7VCbyMlU-zWLVxBwqeM-644Emf93VyfrWCzsM2kfWoiObixrL-UgyrW4ehXeJaGdewnFFQ2BoqCJOWfuCe8lEbI0TAzJ1jhCrVH0tk/s320/20160827_124053.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...And one with the lady boss. </td></tr>
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After work on Sunday the 28th, I took a nap during Ellen's Energy Adventure (it's 37 minutes of slowly moving vehicle in air-conditioning... you try not napping) while waiting for Kevin and Kara to finish their shifts. We went to Hollywood Studios for one more round of Toy Story Midway Mania, and to honour our recently departed Kristin, one more round of Fantasmic. All was successful, no one slipped and fell, and Steak & Shake was had afterwards. Sadly, I didn't take any pictures all night again. Blogger Fail.<br />
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On Monday, August 29th, I met Jodey and Tori, lumberjacks from 2012-13, at Animal Kingdom in the rain before heading off together to Fort Wilderness. We had booked dinner at the Hoop De Doo Revue, and I think it was booked almost six months in advance. We raised the roof by getting ridiculously full on mashed potatoes and sangria, and were probably just slightly too amused by the Pioneer Hall Players' bear puns. You know I am all about puns. Tori and Jodey went to Magic Kingdom to continue their day, and I met my current Canadians at Epcot for Kevin's last viewing of IllumiNations, which usually in us triggers closing duty anxiety. Oh yeah, and I took the C bus home for the first time in probably four years. Didn't I mention sangria at Hoop De Doo? I'm the face of responsibility, people. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't plan to match so well, but we did plan the<br />
symmetry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jodey and Tori can "bear"ly take another bite. </td></tr>
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So Tuesday, August 30 was probably the saddest day so far, and definitely the reason why I've been hesistant to update my blog. It was Kevin's last day working with us. And it was sad. We gathered at the Canada cart just after opening for kind/not so kind words from our leaders, and for Kevin to get his completion and trainer certificates. If you've been keeping track, I've never actually been working/in costume during a farewell. This was the first. It means I'm moving on up, for better or worse. Luckily I had a break right after so I could take some time to pull my face back together and make it through my work day. As was exceptionally appropriate, it was bucketing down rain when Kevin clocked out as we made our way to Magic Kingdom. Luckily, the rain scared everyone away, so the park was ours for the evening. We did Peter Pan's Flight, Seven Dwarfs' Mine Train, People Mover, Space Mountain at least twice, and obviously we had to watch a particularly sad last Wishes. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The remarkable thing about this photo is that I'm wearing my vest. </td></tr>
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On Friday, September 2nd, which is apparently Fall according to the Walt Disney Company, Nicole and I attended the year's first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party at Magic Kingdom. We didn't have a lot of foresight regarding costume planning, but in my humble opinion we managed to pull together pretty decent Disney Bounds as Elsa and Anna. Our hair was the best part. We arrived and were immediately greeted with spooky lights and music and fall decor, and as far as I was concerned it was most definitely late October. We got our trick or treat bags and went to Tomorrowland, where we found Lotso bear posing for photos. That had to happen. We went through a trick or treat line for more snacks before going to Storybook Circus to find Donald, Daisy and Minnie in their Halloween costumes. We also met Jafar, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Aurora and Tiana, as well as Belle and Gaston together. We had a mandatory jaunt through the super spoopy Haunted Mansion. We took in the Halloween edition stage show, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, hosted obviously by the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus. We found some special Not So Scary merchandise, and we headed home, very very tired but with so much candy and joy. I'll be going again on September 20th, so keep your eyes peeled for that. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna, Elsa, and their purveyor of Frozen<br />
drinks/roommate Kailyn.</td></tr>
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The morning of Monday, September 5th, I met my dear friend Anna for breakfast at the 1900 Park Fare. We had buffet breakfast with our other friends (maybe you know them?) Pooh Bear, Tigger, Alice, Mary Poppins and the Mad Hatter (who was very supportive of the amount of tea required today). Anna and I met on my last program and she's just left the company to do a Disney English program in China, and then who knows what fabulous adventures thereafter. She may or may not be under a tremendous amount of pressure to to send me mail from the Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo Disney Parks throughout her journeys. I then hoofed it to Epcot where I had another celebration to attend. Kara, having been granted an extension on her program, was celebrating her one year anniversary with Walt Disney World, so we celebrated with lunch at Le Cellier. Congratulations Kara, I look forward to a few more weeks of sass before we are temporarily separated again.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have to breakfast at the Grand Floridian.<br />
The quantity of cute won't fit elsewhere. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGFCqbxsmpWfz9I5q2Xj4vLnsRXrVW1ymaAFCP9ZcgyKlekgjA7uB2v7LbnuTltxHJDTGWpOOAmcArLEGLDDixSi99sIHqxjyoOs0Ua68HYbkPXqz7EtvtIGEYMCfTXSLow2huAiJpmg/s1600/14215407_10207477277592732_242860529_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGFCqbxsmpWfz9I5q2Xj4vLnsRXrVW1ymaAFCP9ZcgyKlekgjA7uB2v7LbnuTltxHJDTGWpOOAmcArLEGLDDixSi99sIHqxjyoOs0Ua68HYbkPXqz7EtvtIGEYMCfTXSLow2huAiJpmg/s320/14215407_10207477277592732_242860529_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are Cu-Teas. Get it?</td></tr>
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Finally (for this post), on Tuesday, September 6th, I attended a Disney Vacation Club Member Event at Animal Kingdom with Shane, Shellby and Kara. The park was kept open late exclusively for DVC Members and their guests. We were given a special FastPass for a late night Kilimanjaro Safari, as well as many vouchers to pay the various games (like Whack-A-Mole-style), in which everyone won a plush dinosaur (okay so I didn't win my own but that's irrelevant). We were given access to all the ice cream, chips, cookies and lemonade we could handle, and we had to ride Primeval Whirl to see what we could or couldn't handle. We also saw Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps from Zootopia leaving their dance party. I called after Nick Wilde and told him that he was my Spirit Animal. He responded by drawing me an air heart and blowing me kisses. It was wonderful times. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four Canadians, Four dinosaurs, one dangerous selfie.</td></tr>
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That's really and sincerely it for this post. I hope no one gave up reading it as frequently as I have up writing it.</div>
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<b>See you real soon!</b></div>
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<b>Lindsey</b></div>
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<b>Magical Moment:</b> I was visited in my store on Thursday by my darling friends Zach Angel and Alex Fanning. I was so happy to see these two magical and delightful humans that I fully cried onstage. I told you, the feelings just don't stay in the way they used to. My eyeliner is constantly in danger.</div>
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>Both Clare and Angela for sending me magical mail this week. It's fun to make magic, and it's fun to have it made for you.</div>
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I'm out. </div>
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-44143633916530596752016-08-13T22:51:00.002-04:002016-08-13T22:53:26.144-04:00An Enchanted Moment, and It Sees Me ThroughHello friends. I know what you're thinking. I didn't die, I was just very very busy. I always was terrible with the procrastinating.<br />
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Since my last blog post, I celebrated my six-month-iversary on July 25th with my arrival squad Justine, Sarah and of course Nicole. Nicole and I were able to book the day off, so we went to the Japan Pavilion to Tokyo Dining for a delicious and filling (and 50% off!) sushi lunch. We even got more sushi for dessert because we could. To walk off our fullness, we found Justine at work (we got our own boat - we know people) and Sarah at work, we visited Anna and Elsa at the Norway pavilion, we rode Spaceship Earth, and we had some Photopass pictures taken to commemorate the occasion. We collected Sarah and Justine after seeing Star Trek: Beyond and had a late celebration dinner consisting mostly of Domino's and snacks. We already have squad plans for our next month-iversary - next week. When did that happen?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNm4zY0CLrK8XHxlL7KxHkCop3nEAMGdlqVYOnw5eZjXnuUbaRX9JXJWG9KLV8kf6anqo9VLZokk1A9T_3DqkRW9aC0PaDgZzlpZ689E2rpx8CnxS_CiWDuJ7BR_jGGXNlblV9rZbGVw/s1600/20160725_165028%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNm4zY0CLrK8XHxlL7KxHkCop3nEAMGdlqVYOnw5eZjXnuUbaRX9JXJWG9KLV8kf6anqo9VLZokk1A9T_3DqkRW9aC0PaDgZzlpZ689E2rpx8CnxS_CiWDuJ7BR_jGGXNlblV9rZbGVw/s320/20160725_165028%25280%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaceship Earth and two of its biggest fans.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPLPJlcwv1Kes6WCQxtGweWeqCQEmTAiEslenLZGkm0BJxsh3tPczuO2FqlaAxac7titJtiDE7VFfLfZQsPHNnXXt9GbMVyjnQu-KcahA-c5r2p81ss_Q7KiIKWFquEMXE7p88TasQlw/s1600/20160726_000244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPLPJlcwv1Kes6WCQxtGweWeqCQEmTAiEslenLZGkm0BJxsh3tPczuO2FqlaAxac7titJtiDE7VFfLfZQsPHNnXXt9GbMVyjnQu-KcahA-c5r2p81ss_Q7KiIKWFquEMXE7p88TasQlw/s320/20160726_000244.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squad. Goals. Achieved.</td></tr>
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I have also been to Universal TWICE since my last post.<br />
I went on July 29th with Kristin and Shellby for Kristin's last Universal trip (for now) and I went on August 12th with Rachel because we wanted to. This is how you win with an annual pass, people. Kristin's trip involved a very specific itinerary - lunch at Leaky Cauldron, Escape from Gringott's, train to Hogsmeade, Forbidden Journey, Hufflepuff sweater purchase, Butterbeer purchase, and home in time for dinner. We accomplished all the things.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHH8rRI4Mew9Sk6I_OaFyM34Fj5Laxmnxf_99VkCyfehH113AExrz6tphiHd41fj5bWilPqqaZHhiKEEPdyq39pXcOThBMEPowMJlMIMClvHBg4qS82r1PMvtWhhqzWkAwVPkQN1QF850/s1600/20160729_140053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHH8rRI4Mew9Sk6I_OaFyM34Fj5Laxmnxf_99VkCyfehH113AExrz6tphiHd41fj5bWilPqqaZHhiKEEPdyq39pXcOThBMEPowMJlMIMClvHBg4qS82r1PMvtWhhqzWkAwVPkQN1QF850/s320/20160729_140053.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THAT's why they call it "The Leaky Cauldron"!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2E2LfgLUhtvzsjEWJTftlFKJ4WcSJKkHch_Wuxiou-SscinhgOeoxQRrVny75ASFJxnujpy0Rui3KDXWNB5-SqkhyLD0TQs83CEJJ8EDQMe_sRNfVz2Y_hV7C3LM97EaCZwvmVjDwk8/s1600/20160729_143426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2E2LfgLUhtvzsjEWJTftlFKJ4WcSJKkHch_Wuxiou-SscinhgOeoxQRrVny75ASFJxnujpy0Rui3KDXWNB5-SqkhyLD0TQs83CEJJ8EDQMe_sRNfVz2Y_hV7C3LM97EaCZwvmVjDwk8/s320/20160729_143426.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a scale from 1 to 10, how much do we love <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">HP?</span><br />
9 and 3/4. </td></tr>
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The dinner we couldn't miss was at probably my number one restaurant on property - Ohana. It was wonderful to stuff ourselves silly on all the protein and watch the rain fall from the Polynesian. This is the stuff you can't put a price tag on (but somehow Ohana manages). Feeling too full to move anywhere, we decided the best course of action was to mellow out with a hilariously themed beverage from Trader Sam's. Since we were so close and dinner was so early, obviously we had to end the evening at Magic Kingdom. We watched Wishes from Fantasyland such that the fireworks were everywhere and there wasn't a huge crowd wanting to leave after the finale.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphic7EQbClpNHCrg2kGyzyvS-Glq1ZLhCYsUeY4bN6rjW2OBCZ4TEBNY5J-OdzjkX2pzn7oUTwmtXX2cEMeddWmfPF4Mvazy5tuLAruAmf82fm6eZsf7fzqBOS4j89H6rVIvJKCp6DVc/s1600/20160729_193740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphic7EQbClpNHCrg2kGyzyvS-Glq1ZLhCYsUeY4bN6rjW2OBCZ4TEBNY5J-OdzjkX2pzn7oUTwmtXX2cEMeddWmfPF4Mvazy5tuLAruAmf82fm6eZsf7fzqBOS4j89H6rVIvJKCp6DVc/s320/20160729_193740.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had someone take an actual photo but my selfies are better. </td></tr>
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Rachel and I made our triumphant return to Universal on August 12th. We have very little park time together, all things considered. We left at the crack of 9, cuz Universal busies up in the afternoon and we're efficient. We hit up the Mummy twice, E.T. Adventure, Kang and Kodos Twirl & Hurl, The Simpsons Ride (our bodies hate it), Men In Black and finally to Diagon Alley for an Escape from Gringott's, followed by Leaky Cauldron lunch, Florean Fortescue's ice cream for dessert and a train ride to Hogsmeade. Out time at Islands of Adventure was cut short by the inevitable daily downpour. We rode Forbidden Journey before hoofing it out of there only minutes before we would have been soaked. Good planning, us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6HF3SexXY2bwl4wYu7366UxBlyRTF4HheEZJM36QsliMND7XNMtsCA2q3hDG7-duwmeX21eUpOJOSF2eFXcac8hhKasTnnVY9JmTC-DeQvxKKWTID22SjtoTiypHY8mMlfJAGmfVUVY/s1600/20160812_112750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6HF3SexXY2bwl4wYu7366UxBlyRTF4HheEZJM36QsliMND7XNMtsCA2q3hDG7-duwmeX21eUpOJOSF2eFXcac8hhKasTnnVY9JmTC-DeQvxKKWTID22SjtoTiypHY8mMlfJAGmfVUVY/s320/20160812_112750.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where we're going, we don't need roads.</td></tr>
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August 2nd was a very sad day in the Canada pavilion, as it was the last day of work for magical Canadian Cast Members Kristin and Clifford. Our day started out, as final days often do, in the UK for a little goodbye ceremony wherein certificates are presented and tears are shed before the World Showcase opens for the day. I honestly don't know how they expect us to proceed with our days after starting with such sadness. But we keep calm and carry on, as our UK friends say. Of course, not every Cast Member is an opening Cast Member, so a few of us spent time in the DVC Lounge again before lunch at Sunshine Seasons and then we started work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN64JgpdT2qATyo_mZoPU5IrmYqn4YQdOYbpNUcPtsyddUeZsfZT7KuWN_4bnkNYG0zWaoktXpUnWyCV3ww71eh0_JFTQb1HKK4KwS5C3sViJdt-xiVB8Yu7o47v-bGTsqfThFRZW8GR4/s1600/20160802_103427%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN64JgpdT2qATyo_mZoPU5IrmYqn4YQdOYbpNUcPtsyddUeZsfZT7KuWN_4bnkNYG0zWaoktXpUnWyCV3ww71eh0_JFTQb1HKK4KwS5C3sViJdt-xiVB8Yu7o47v-bGTsqfThFRZW8GR4/s320/20160802_103427%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada Merch selfie, including Micayla on the iPhone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvFgWrEXOKkYRp78uoBkaBvC89X-bBESDQVh7KEZpkfc1mgmxhr681nBBZK7uKHvSEKZoODY7ntyBtI1LCwrnnIpp6LswISNE6vJWPsJhZeQZfKKa2g-1wTYnPVCwSb3QhTMdeN7tjO4/s1600/20160802_132948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvFgWrEXOKkYRp78uoBkaBvC89X-bBESDQVh7KEZpkfc1mgmxhr681nBBZK7uKHvSEKZoODY7ntyBtI1LCwrnnIpp6LswISNE6vJWPsJhZeQZfKKa2g-1wTYnPVCwSb3QhTMdeN7tjO4/s320/20160802_132948.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more pose in plaid with Kristin.<br />
Did you know we have been mistaken for each other?</td></tr>
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August 3rd was Clifford's last full day on Walt Disney World property. Naturally, I was working, but I was able to join the merry band at Magic Kingdom for frolicking, character-meeting, and mad tea-partying before Clifford's last Wishes. This is why I have to see Wishes more frequently, people. I always associate it with people leaving and it makes me sad. Ta ta for now, Clifford, see you in Brockville eventually!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacf-1Vosu3_m_T_0950Ntws-aSDkOrh06fwQGStkGoHTs2m9nipYrslt2hfYdveoYBrXDEWM6rDGkZI6MUKskX-2RFaZHQqwFPZ2h9ZbZ1Q8IyZDPJL96D30_ssuDCQJ_z0TonhH-Yos/s1600/FB_IMG_1471124313684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacf-1Vosu3_m_T_0950Ntws-aSDkOrh06fwQGStkGoHTs2m9nipYrslt2hfYdveoYBrXDEWM6rDGkZI6MUKskX-2RFaZHQqwFPZ2h9ZbZ1Q8IyZDPJL96D30_ssuDCQJ_z0TonhH-Yos/s400/FB_IMG_1471124313684.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minnie personally selected the gentlemen for her arm candy. </td></tr>
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On August 4th, I assisted moving Kristin out of Patterson Court (a very unceremonious activity, thank you very much, housing) and into Art of Animation for a few days. We swam in the Big Blue Pool while the thunder rumbled and our fingers pruned up, at which point it was time to head to Magic Kingdom for the evening with Sarah and Shellby for another tragic round of last Wishes. The next day, after a gorgeous sleep in a Little Mermaid-themed room, we headed to Animal Kingdom so Kristin could indulge in Festival of the Lion King a few more times. I think at the end she had seen it 43 times (correct me if I'm wrong). Girl. I had to nap but the party moved to Hollywood Studios later, where I joined Shellby, Kristin and Rachel for a Frozen Sing-Along, and later most of the loyal merchies for Kristin's last Fantasmic - I believe she has now seen it 31 times. Girl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JRe8Yo0LVSy2bm7M274IkB6DI9XpZhU54IVsJZwaH22BANQKdO3rHfYkKkeEuqqjUKP2AwRweXzZ2JisF5hp14nytOTSFmj6PJHo2cwdalquCY1oTSOaC74SWRlIZdV_Xbx7T95OT5E/s1600/20160805_132844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JRe8Yo0LVSy2bm7M274IkB6DI9XpZhU54IVsJZwaH22BANQKdO3rHfYkKkeEuqqjUKP2AwRweXzZ2JisF5hp14nytOTSFmj6PJHo2cwdalquCY1oTSOaC74SWRlIZdV_Xbx7T95OT5E/s320/20160805_132844.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Kristin and Shellby being attacked by a wild Brer Fox<br />
at the entrance of Animal Kingdom. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZf2WCfvyhyM1JF48aUayKYgbbpqUftf-N6CAcwZlSBq60b5K0CiBkr6zeLEHxv-ZUrBqztdK2hOl-jtHdYeIOqdu-8e7KfbnInYe0cBiCwaZjAafSK35NZD2T1lBTnzyxHAcQ16olM3k/s1600/20160805_190307%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZf2WCfvyhyM1JF48aUayKYgbbpqUftf-N6CAcwZlSBq60b5K0CiBkr6zeLEHxv-ZUrBqztdK2hOl-jtHdYeIOqdu-8e7KfbnInYe0cBiCwaZjAafSK35NZD2T1lBTnzyxHAcQ16olM3k/s320/20160805_190307%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this Canada? Snoap, it is the Frozen Sing Along.</td></tr>
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While Kristin was boarding her Tragical Express back to the airport, Nicole and I were rising with the sun for a very special tour - The Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom tour, beginning far before park open. Marceline to Magic Kingdom is described as a tour that tells you how key events in Walt's life lead to the creation of particular attractions and features of Magic Kingdom. You know how I like to be in the know, so it was right up my alley. We were accompanied by fellow keeners Sarah (from the arrival squad) and Leanne from UK merch. It was so magical and just the distraction I needed from the constant stream of departing cast members.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4KjB-KJ8E4-YPWzXR5L5UdefKYvmTiJLNylYSciwXigt8f7xNJd28op91fSccLMuHZqPvn9QgzC5DVbocavNWT7SfQiLb80YdtrPQAQAuH7PtloVI6vB6r8TjR6DSNI08mxNVBU0qhk/s1600/20160806_105557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4KjB-KJ8E4-YPWzXR5L5UdefKYvmTiJLNylYSciwXigt8f7xNJd28op91fSccLMuHZqPvn9QgzC5DVbocavNWT7SfQiLb80YdtrPQAQAuH7PtloVI6vB6r8TjR6DSNI08mxNVBU0qhk/s320/20160806_105557.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole, Leanne, our super guide Kelli, Sarah and I.<br />
I blend in with Carousel of Progress.</td></tr>
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<br />
This past Thursday, the 11th, I braved very early and very hot Magic Kingdom to do something I've never done before at Walt Disney World (yes there is still such a thing) - Witness the welcoming of a new princess into Magic Kingdom! <a href="http://lol.disney.com/characters/elena-of-avalor">Princess Elena of Avalor</a> was warmly greeted by Prince Charming and Cinderella in front of Cinderella Castle after being accompanied around the hub by a horse-drawn carriage and many many very lucky girl scouts. Princess Elena sang for us and told us how happy she was to be here. No word yet on when actual meet and greets can occur. It was very magical. You may or may not know that I was back from my first program for about a month when Merida's coronation took place. I could not have been more pissed to have missed it. But I got this one!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtJlEIecQ3gVJxbi6dkCLovaS9RP7NsdxsOXcLQPJnO3K-LcnFg0A-f1rYX_Wo3YS7-WNHJvgTsKZ6d1Jkf_2we73m6J88vjldktrJYd2_6EUWEwgCXeY2QyziUgmOEHTMoBryTSD9o0/s1600/20160811_103921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtJlEIecQ3gVJxbi6dkCLovaS9RP7NsdxsOXcLQPJnO3K-LcnFg0A-f1rYX_Wo3YS7-WNHJvgTsKZ6d1Jkf_2we73m6J88vjldktrJYd2_6EUWEwgCXeY2QyziUgmOEHTMoBryTSD9o0/s320/20160811_103921.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katrina is elated to have found her prince<br />
in the crowd behind her.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwtydRByU38zx1wA-6xo25qZqfGeEAy-TKYFHlz7u-pp_Ans3MHlliN7g2zBpD5mVgbQQL05ZIVV16mzohxj0l4z_WQYGnZbYmi9c0D_kpvJ6sTkpbRsxHqIDAKNZ5bPFj4IDAPCasoE/s1600/13886480_10154438322084810_2939476327810904364_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwtydRByU38zx1wA-6xo25qZqfGeEAy-TKYFHlz7u-pp_Ans3MHlliN7g2zBpD5mVgbQQL05ZIVV16mzohxj0l4z_WQYGnZbYmi9c0D_kpvJ6sTkpbRsxHqIDAKNZ5bPFj4IDAPCasoE/s320/13886480_10154438322084810_2939476327810904364_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma's totes profesh photo of our newest princess.</td></tr>
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I meandered around Magic Kingdom for a few hours with Shellby, Emma, and official princess stalker Katrina. We sat through Hall of Presidents because Katrina wanted to, and we met Belle because Katrina has Memory Maker at the moment and therefore has access to a special meet and greet location. We were joined by my friend Anna and Anna's magical friend Marie, who were also thrilled to meet Belle in her yellow dress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2pi7XUjrqbzauJkCwNDLWZffQBOKyWcSX7WBXho5w4s4S6BVVVZXKPBaQziTX6ispFKq0AD4z2w3w0XCniL_-tyQOpl3p2yIZIDd0Uro_mRz5qomvHib6nZjuVRtiia5QaUUw1aogKI/s1600/FB_IMG_1470949489974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2pi7XUjrqbzauJkCwNDLWZffQBOKyWcSX7WBXho5w4s4S6BVVVZXKPBaQziTX6ispFKq0AD4z2w3w0XCniL_-tyQOpl3p2yIZIDd0Uro_mRz5qomvHib6nZjuVRtiia5QaUUw1aogKI/s320/FB_IMG_1470949489974.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like how we all more or less are coordinated with Belle.</td></tr>
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<br />
I have saved the best part of my last two weeks, and definitely one of the highlights of my program so far, for last.<br />
On Saturday, July 30th, Matt and I travelled to Port Canaveral because we had been invited onboard the Disney Fantasy Cruise ship! My new forever friend Alex (with whom Matt completed his second cultural representative program) invited Matt and a Guest (which was ME this time) to join her in the brief few hours between two of her shifts, in which rooms were being prepared for new Guests, and early bird Guests were being greeted for their one-week Caribbean cruise. Eventually I will be so lucky, but I feel genuinely thrilled to have spent any time aboard at all. After a somewhat scary security process than involved surrendering my ID, having my bag checked three times (once by a dog!), and constantly displaying a "VISITOR" badge, we entered the ship through the crew entrance and into the glorious Atrium Lobby. The Fantasy's lobby is described as being inspired by Art Nouveau, which I totally get now. The Welcome line had already started, so obviously I was doing all the clapping. Alex was able to take us through most of the onboard restaurants, bars, the theatre, the movie theatre, the children's lounge, the nursery (much to Matt's delight), the teen zone, all the pools, and even the cast mess hall, rooms, and bar. Alex very graciously answering my thousands of questions about Cruise Line life over our complimentary buffet lunch, and saw to it that Matt and I were reunited with our former leader Jamie (also hailing from Canada), who is most definitely Alex's current leader. If I wasn't vaguely considering Cruise Line life before, I'm definitely thinking about it now. Who needs a real life when you can live on a ship?! Matt and I eventually did have to disembark, as the ship had to conduct a safety drill before its departure. We sat and sadly watched it sail away without us. Next time, Disney Fantasy, next time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwXK2dw5YOBGfGh242U06fuyNV7-ZLRDo4gLtLbgE3wNjK17KySmHEDOnw5rC7RBW5qswePWuOMnHDJ9T4VJBFlUT21bSIeqs_CrfgSyOxACq-eLhojWDY7tvvaWjWzijVKm-4DuEE3E/s1600/20160730_111728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwXK2dw5YOBGfGh242U06fuyNV7-ZLRDo4gLtLbgE3wNjK17KySmHEDOnw5rC7RBW5qswePWuOMnHDJ9T4VJBFlUT21bSIeqs_CrfgSyOxACq-eLhojWDY7tvvaWjWzijVKm-4DuEE3E/s320/20160730_111728.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minnie Mouse is the icon of the Fantasy.<br />
I'm smiling so hard I can't see.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgMLMmSIIb2d9l1_Om-rLILc55L_UKyo6ySq9zV7mzm3rd9nROqFKrFgwLqEGnnL1C474ce9Aqq6hLeJeyfx-3ZPFYSGjyae9raycTgH0OIY57mf8C8vxdc_-tt0MM3U7Hm5E_0bjVsM/s1600/20160730_134618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgMLMmSIIb2d9l1_Om-rLILc55L_UKyo6ySq9zV7mzm3rd9nROqFKrFgwLqEGnnL1C474ce9Aqq6hLeJeyfx-3ZPFYSGjyae9raycTgH0OIY57mf8C8vxdc_-tt0MM3U7Hm5E_0bjVsM/s320/20160730_134618.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's discuss how even the washrooms are magical.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaImchN-axxA26K1MRfpI8OpaA9xcMnNKlqgEEDWGlg4jRQ3VvbnSrGgfCcXneWZ5TEHv3K-QGG7NtpLHd9LEdFzzQntwPT_tdHem7GJOyx50e0oTEQC8hCpL7y7N4NJj3oqdJGQJlv8/s1600/20160730_112649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaImchN-axxA26K1MRfpI8OpaA9xcMnNKlqgEEDWGlg4jRQ3VvbnSrGgfCcXneWZ5TEHv3K-QGG7NtpLHd9LEdFzzQntwPT_tdHem7GJOyx50e0oTEQC8hCpL7y7N4NJj3oqdJGQJlv8/s320/20160730_112649.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandatory porthole window picture! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHBxqaKPoHLIYby-jVKdCoNeifhXnWyCaTsbIixub8e4r_0sx9oILceA1Hiag-6M9rrNgTnYPfv8h3zIlM8oK2RNBKUpI_MjNotmzHQOYrzDm53D0ycnyUAOR6uLy_rdkfReq8l6EuR0/s1600/20160730_114111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHBxqaKPoHLIYby-jVKdCoNeifhXnWyCaTsbIixub8e4r_0sx9oILceA1Hiag-6M9rrNgTnYPfv8h3zIlM8oK2RNBKUpI_MjNotmzHQOYrzDm53D0ycnyUAOR6uLy_rdkfReq8l6EuR0/s640/20160730_114111.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Andy's Room, part of the kids' Oceaneers Club. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8cYNd_JQzq5SMeA5cOo71E_W3AhqJDylCeNiO55wZVFLrZDPalpYLa7vqdZtB4uMgaoMsmJbS3hlUjd7vAn-88S0XOXLmxVv3ETq6nI9h5nOYIeKYB93-iZ1byBywoil-Lc9RnkrUJg/s1600/20160730_115244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8cYNd_JQzq5SMeA5cOo71E_W3AhqJDylCeNiO55wZVFLrZDPalpYLa7vqdZtB4uMgaoMsmJbS3hlUjd7vAn-88S0XOXLmxVv3ETq6nI9h5nOYIeKYB93-iZ1byBywoil-Lc9RnkrUJg/s320/20160730_115244.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm in a Bippity Boppity Bootique. AT LAST. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-Rg1tW06xAN0jPienyU9ABW3l2o3QlYpWoS_JWlvAPBLLJ7EMlcm1kFJ0UrT5s5OMGdP5SQOTkAn5Qvz9CKU7y90vaa4fH7g7OXpwAIH4YhMbHSHtput8u9eJClxIBZxzlWa_bs58ss/s1600/20160730_120741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-Rg1tW06xAN0jPienyU9ABW3l2o3QlYpWoS_JWlvAPBLLJ7EMlcm1kFJ0UrT5s5OMGdP5SQOTkAn5Qvz9CKU7y90vaa4fH7g7OXpwAIH4YhMbHSHtput8u9eJClxIBZxzlWa_bs58ss/s320/20160730_120741.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my new best friend Alex and an almost empty pool. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hZcd4Qdl9e4lcm3c9h5NqpONWzFQu5Qz_A5Xrqyrtg-wETZzxkFJWLR6iKO5yhf18C4A948-t18UvtfJJQOlVpjQ-Pq2uSOxR0hr7W5u2vm6wF7xUJREnJcJ0LSBmkaTK1SqwkEaY8s/s1600/20160730_120703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hZcd4Qdl9e4lcm3c9h5NqpONWzFQu5Qz_A5Xrqyrtg-wETZzxkFJWLR6iKO5yhf18C4A948-t18UvtfJJQOlVpjQ-Pq2uSOxR0hr7W5u2vm6wF7xUJREnJcJ0LSBmkaTK1SqwkEaY8s/s320/20160730_120703.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe this is also a mandatory cruise line shot. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
[Not sure if anyone noticed, but I'm actually wearing a Disney Cruise Line shirt I had purchased for SO cheap at Cast Connection. Now that I've been on a ship, it's not a lie.]<br />
As some consolation, we went to Universal (for actually the THIRD time this blog post) to check out the nightly fireworks and have some dinner. Passholder privileges.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRA7PyHmDkLR52BbCEut4u_y0AyRmdmSbBf3zCTeaU8-AiHioouwtCswT_aaHYVer8UW5KdEwFFOMeJeU4uYORaDxJVA8Qy8PLdB4My4dudOc0KK6NX8eyxvtRHSsT5JUQx9Dgzyej8M/s1600/20160730_201906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRA7PyHmDkLR52BbCEut4u_y0AyRmdmSbBf3zCTeaU8-AiHioouwtCswT_aaHYVer8UW5KdEwFFOMeJeU4uYORaDxJVA8Qy8PLdB4My4dudOc0KK6NX8eyxvtRHSsT5JUQx9Dgzyej8M/s320/20160730_201906.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also saw a Horror Makeup Show.<br />
I'm good at waiting for things.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
See you real soon!<br />
<br />
Lindsey<br />
<br />
Pixie Dust to: My new friend Alex, for being the best tour guide a Cast Member could ask for. I will send you so much mail.<br />
<br />
Magical Moment: Before Kristin's last Fantasmic, we witnessed many magical moments. We were fantastically amused by a glow merchantainer by the name of Andrew. Many videos were taken, and we even got a group shot with him afterwards. Two PhotoPass photographers were kind enough to mark the occasion with many shots of Kristin and her merch posse celebrating her last day... they even gave her a bunch if magic shots on her own camera. This is why I work here.<br />
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-22805882128172801962016-07-19T23:51:00.000-04:002016-07-19T23:51:06.768-04:00Heart, We Did All That We Could<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a sad week of goodbyes and see-you-real-soons here in the most magical place on Earth. The more time I spend here, the more friends have to return from whence they came. It's a vicious cycle, but I suppose that's program life.</div>
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Before they left from this round of vacation, Merran, Amanda and I spent a lot of quality time at Magic Kingdom. We spent time there on the 7th with Daniel and Rachel, then we were back on the 8th for a romantic fancy dinner at Be Our Guest restaurant preceded by a Pirates Adventure to work up our appetites. I felt overdressed to be pirating but just right for Be Our Guest. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8MVNPUKr1naKveyUKqSKBrTDRwPvya1BDPZDnh8uFRHzEY9AEExlsuYNyMcV4_wMRrctFGlVfpSVUpMCAlf7RmiabS02EPdzFdaVZF2FkOGoo7JzSywBbY9abvUoSYRgZaDczfI26zQ/s1600/20160708_224138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8MVNPUKr1naKveyUKqSKBrTDRwPvya1BDPZDnh8uFRHzEY9AEExlsuYNyMcV4_wMRrctFGlVfpSVUpMCAlf7RmiabS02EPdzFdaVZF2FkOGoo7JzSywBbY9abvUoSYRgZaDczfI26zQ/s320/20160708_224138.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember when this place was new on our<br />program in 2012? </td></tr>
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Matt and I spent the Sunday at Universal. No worries, Matt's not going anywhere soon (he better not) but we went and it was good times so it deserves a mention. Honestly, we spent most of our time in Islands of Adventure stalking the new Reign of Kong attraction. It hadn't technically officially opened yet but we had heard rumours of soft opens. So we'd do a ride (Jurassic Park River Adventure!) then go wait outside Kong for a bit. Then we'd go do another attraction (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey!) then go wait outside Kong. Then we explored the entirety of Seuss Landing, and met the Cat in the Hat and the two Things, then we waited outside Kong for a bit. We had just given up and decided to get drinks when the gates open (as they do). So obviously we booked it and got in. My favourite park was the jump scares in the queue. Correction. My favourite bit was Matt's reaction to the jump scares in the queue. Priceless. We spent the evening cooling down with Mike and Rachael featuring Back to the Future part II. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOPj0ehR36qBa_OrcTXe5H0-FeX9IvE35-bXslGiU7bubcCWlZDU-_BWFCopdnj4h76ItVsAR-xi4Pfe93S9QCg8_nMIyTWWQgeuD5LCLfPAHo0Qqd1qnUlcx4XLmgGjAf82FFaqlEkw/s1600/20160710_112709%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOPj0ehR36qBa_OrcTXe5H0-FeX9IvE35-bXslGiU7bubcCWlZDU-_BWFCopdnj4h76ItVsAR-xi4Pfe93S9QCg8_nMIyTWWQgeuD5LCLfPAHo0Qqd1qnUlcx4XLmgGjAf82FFaqlEkw/s320/20160710_112709%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The happy faces of Guests riding the Seuss train twice.</td></tr>
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Monday the 11th was Merran and Amanda's last day of their vacation. We spent time together at Hollywood Studios on Star Tours and on Toy Story Midway Mania before settling in for the spectacular Star Wars fireworks as the finale to their trip. Merran will for sure be back at Christmas. Amanda should be feeling the pressure to do the same. Just saying.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinV6NHCmtmwqI9q-rZQP4lF2RxnruG9vYHyRwhl3XnzuiZx8-sJGUJzoBPjdaC9bPpNz590KEqVUc3OjLqXOTkKPYxf99ik1b7pDOJpbttOuHzrt_OFrRQRsO-Cc8OGgIXoyhIzvQI92M/s1600/20160711_194921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinV6NHCmtmwqI9q-rZQP4lF2RxnruG9vYHyRwhl3XnzuiZx8-sJGUJzoBPjdaC9bPpNz590KEqVUc3OjLqXOTkKPYxf99ik1b7pDOJpbttOuHzrt_OFrRQRsO-Cc8OGgIXoyhIzvQI92M/s320/20160711_194921.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have our own BB8 for this Star Tours trip!</td></tr>
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Wednesday the 13th marked the last day of work for many of our beloved merchandise cast members, notably (for me) Kimberly from Canada, and Laura and Rachael from the UK, all of whom have been mentioned on multiple occasions on this blog this year. It was quite a blow and quite a day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUGbLEtOMX7B58UqWPJjUqv98XPW668p0x9Tzi0C2HE107zrOhC08arvuaI786W6K8s6H7ifRYg3bnKYvmYvQHQL8Jtk9YogtMG66tge-YwlEtcEKFQsJPSDNloplOi7Ti_NTcv5wfhs/s1600/20160713_105130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUGbLEtOMX7B58UqWPJjUqv98XPW668p0x9Tzi0C2HE107zrOhC08arvuaI786W6K8s6H7ifRYg3bnKYvmYvQHQL8Jtk9YogtMG66tge-YwlEtcEKFQsJPSDNloplOi7Ti_NTcv5wfhs/s320/20160713_105130.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do we look like the singing Von Trapps yet?<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD1BUNdDCOWHTyh6UvBva0KpuygIsNKYFocF8JVLKFI9iu76UODzY00roU68AIvpx6y0528iJjekebyQ2BLcmzRmqeLEhcyLX5BzF9oM00-G7o1E9a2NlEgz0p-MNZuzUqsNdy8VY9CI/s1600/20160713_141758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD1BUNdDCOWHTyh6UvBva0KpuygIsNKYFocF8JVLKFI9iu76UODzY00roU68AIvpx6y0528iJjekebyQ2BLcmzRmqeLEhcyLX5BzF9oM00-G7o1E9a2NlEgz0p-MNZuzUqsNdy8VY9CI/s320/20160713_141758.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimberly and I are bringing princess-y back. </td></tr>
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That evening was Wishes for the last time for Rachael and Laura. We were joined by Matt and Mike for some seriously sad fireworks (they were as stunning as ever, but last viewings of Wishes are the saddest).<br />
The next morning bright and early, Laura and I were at Magic Kingdom for the break of 0930 for a very special Keys to the Kingdom tour. I had done this tour on my last program but obviously it's another chance to know more than your average bear about Magic Kingdom so I was there with bells on. Laura was very princessy and I was very Adventurelandy but luckily we spent a lot of time both under the castle and in Adventureland. The tour was fantastic as expected. We had an excellent guide named Amalie, with whom we spent our lunch break.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6joNK8QifRfKLmVYkR4GFAezA7zRIiRqzInMD-hbFAE2nNmlL_8KQd06gAHm0AHEJ_XYeONQhVIEZawORMNFuqs6qC3zsUsucW4YxTDqHBgDCr9R1WqqOPyNE2Y5Zdkt6IQyE6BD9yMw/s1600/20160714_144815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6joNK8QifRfKLmVYkR4GFAezA7zRIiRqzInMD-hbFAE2nNmlL_8KQd06gAHm0AHEJ_XYeONQhVIEZawORMNFuqs6qC3zsUsucW4YxTDqHBgDCr9R1WqqOPyNE2Y5Zdkt6IQyE6BD9yMw/s320/20160714_144815.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I'd rock this equestrian costume. </td></tr>
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We spent a few hous in the afternoon riding the People Mover, taking in Festival of Fantasy one more time (with Eric, Sarah and Kimberly!), and enjoying the new castle show, featuring the long-awaited return of Louis the Alligator from Princess and the Frog. It was obvious from the crowd's reaction that we were all pleased to see him for the first time since the incident that condemned most of the alligators and crocodiles on Disney property. We took many pictures up and down Main Street, and when we had had enough of the insane temperatures, we took off for the last time (for now) before the rain started pummelling down. Are you familiar with pathetic fallacy? I am. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGQrzKq5imHXpzEt_-dUCa0BkIRoEOds478rOZI0Q8q5yq9dhM_wFUDzrA_t-j-2C5WAo3YQwAHr43wysMVOnqycS8NbFxEfk4y36ua7MvkKZDW9Qs268IIWOhf4Gyc4sg22UlgxZhNQ/s1600/20160714_161558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGQrzKq5imHXpzEt_-dUCa0BkIRoEOds478rOZI0Q8q5yq9dhM_wFUDzrA_t-j-2C5WAo3YQwAHr43wysMVOnqycS8NbFxEfk4y36ua7MvkKZDW9Qs268IIWOhf4Gyc4sg22UlgxZhNQ/s320/20160714_161558.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mickey's Friendship Faire, new castle show extraordinaire. </td></tr>
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Unbelievably, I returned to Magic Kingdom later in the evening, after having showered and changed and generally freshened up. I may have even napped. It was time for Kimberly's last Wishes, and it was an event not to be missed. There was ice cream, there was People Mover with the lights on during Space Mountain, and of course, there was sadness. There was also most of the attractions cast, bidding adieu to Leah, an extraordinary cast member. We were all able to cram into a few castle pictures, behaving like the South American tour groups we don't usually love.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFhj0FrOW4QW9DethGn6emqewyoH6arWGWZjVo-_OOS5w_yNJ_7wGluwAeaXYq6b-UWkXWM7FIFvqVtqlSKjuvQjk-1Tl_Fe3wqFJWGlSVNfVv1hcyPGa5JzwWTvYJqzeCr0UhKJJC_8/s1600/20160714_232021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFhj0FrOW4QW9DethGn6emqewyoH6arWGWZjVo-_OOS5w_yNJ_7wGluwAeaXYq6b-UWkXWM7FIFvqVtqlSKjuvQjk-1Tl_Fe3wqFJWGlSVNfVv1hcyPGa5JzwWTvYJqzeCr0UhKJJC_8/s320/20160714_232021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much love, much magic, much maple in this picture. </td></tr>
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Rachel (Canadian Rachel) and I spent the vast majority of the Friday poolside. She was staycaying at Pop Century, so after we spent an ample amount of time at their pool, we may have meandered over the the Art of Animation's Big Blue pool were we may have spent more time poolside (and underwater, listening to the underwater tunes) before inevitably, the pool was suddenly evacuated and closed. Darn you, small children. We went to Hollywood Studios in the evening for more Toy Story and Rock'n Roller Coaster, but were too tired from the sun to go much else. What a life.<br />
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The rest of my week has been spent working, sweating, eating and coping with missing some very special cast members and friends. Keep being magical, dearly departed Disney dead friends.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
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<b>Magical Moment:</b> Ok, so Laura and I are big fans of the cones on the People Mover. The People Mover cones. They're just orange pylons that ride the People Mover again and again. For no apparent reason. They're MK celebrities in our eyes. WE SAW THEM ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. It was magical to us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8FSadC0w3LkxqJ-XhyphenhyphenbMZIy1rCS758p174SUVRjuckrB6yyD3bL85PQdB3oXCeAaZBnYLozqINA7hECGJLOtJVbRWrhc2fhzz-7EK8cS1GWE5tZyccz7m5zNFSsG5bNeatZGs3Vvyv8/s1600/20160713_204649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8FSadC0w3LkxqJ-XhyphenhyphenbMZIy1rCS758p174SUVRjuckrB6yyD3bL85PQdB3oXCeAaZBnYLozqINA7hECGJLOtJVbRWrhc2fhzz-7EK8cS1GWE5tZyccz7m5zNFSsG5bNeatZGs3Vvyv8/s320/20160713_204649.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OH MY GOODNESS A PEOPLE MOVER CONE.</td></tr>
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>The table of Cast Members beside us at Be Our Guest who let me borrow their candle for a picture and didn't even ask why. Obviously it's cuz I wanted one in each hand so I could be Lumiere in the castle. But they knew that.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-20150401181377978612016-07-07T17:32:00.002-04:002016-07-07T17:35:01.312-04:00The Greenest State in the Land of the Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Wingapo, friends, let us catch up.</div>
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Since it's officially summer now, although it's been summer in Orlando for months, this means lots of new things are happening at Disney World. On June 21st, Hollywood Studios got new Star Wars themed fireworks, entitled Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, so a bunch of us wandered over to check them out (it's for product knowledge). While we were waiting, obviously we had to go do Toy Story Midway Mania. The fireworks really were spectacular. So much more than just fireworks. Oh we went to Magic Kingdom after, since Studios closed at 10 and that wasn't enough park for us. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9CEqXfNqeVOoZGxGiLHL9OE6LCpeQqHDWy0ccnW5LPQ9CAE6MCfd6r9bne29ClHehEMvaKESNMK9bUFAEof0uH8fkQdSsKDVATzAs8Sl1b4x_E_KmJ_amPRgzhx_PIYpgzo6H5VkDpE/s1600/20160622_205350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9CEqXfNqeVOoZGxGiLHL9OE6LCpeQqHDWy0ccnW5LPQ9CAE6MCfd6r9bne29ClHehEMvaKESNMK9bUFAEof0uH8fkQdSsKDVATzAs8Sl1b4x_E_KmJ_amPRgzhx_PIYpgzo6H5VkDpE/s320/20160622_205350.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When a cast member saves you from yet another selfie.</td></tr>
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Another brand new thing to Disney World is the Frozen Ever After attraction in the Norway pavilion in Epcot. It replaced the Maelstrom boat ride, rest in peace. It also opened the 21st, and I through the wonders of technology snagged FastPasses for the 23rd. I brought Frozen fan Katrina and fellow merchie Eric, who was so new when FastPasses became available, he didn't even have his maingate yet. We were running early for the first time in forever (see what I did there) so we snuck in the Royal Summerhaus, also new, to meet Elsa and Anna before checking out their new boat ride. I suppose this would be an ideal time to reveal that World Showcase cast had been pulled from their work locations all week to help test the new ride. I was definitely one of the lucky ones who not only got to test the actual boat ride (instead of just the queue) but got to do several rounds before heading back to Canada.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxoaNFfoa2ji6q9eWnJXxUizjshuP9NFC9ICq2lW7PzbjgF9SQTRo33hXeswpreHNtNt7Ml6BDG76USFRyuY9QXTmNPHyV8xmtLwGGaOtAYsH6vCmv7gC1dGiZDWmlTj7s5yECvWWiAA/s1600/20160623_121859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxoaNFfoa2ji6q9eWnJXxUizjshuP9NFC9ICq2lW7PzbjgF9SQTRo33hXeswpreHNtNt7Ml6BDG76USFRyuY9QXTmNPHyV8xmtLwGGaOtAYsH6vCmv7gC1dGiZDWmlTj7s5yECvWWiAA/s320/20160623_121859.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Anna and Princess Anna love <br />
a queue with a couch. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitM47ncAaFo4xAUfNH_k4-fDaC1tzrWocV2jErRjE_2gTm8fvF223OFwO_H1xYLP-F4h-Odhrr9ssNNqUh2nueMYTfZ0t-Kwmn8L-Ci1A-f0yZZyQykczJ4oPlyJuRsk2zwK9T96_MNXA/s1600/20160623_123933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitM47ncAaFo4xAUfNH_k4-fDaC1tzrWocV2jErRjE_2gTm8fvF223OFwO_H1xYLP-F4h-Odhrr9ssNNqUh2nueMYTfZ0t-Kwmn8L-Ci1A-f0yZZyQykczJ4oPlyJuRsk2zwK9T96_MNXA/s320/20160623_123933.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official Summer Snow Day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5ZnRrGvry5r1qTPucJNItNiQ0TCzi7SOBpM-hIgKMCg1GQgaUBxPpayBnXhIb5E6kDH9vX24TUgjZsFa2W0xrVVXTlRn6bX2GPzoYfFpZzZ_xEwRQMSuH7b4M8Zl7li6dX1vEsT-heE/s1600/20160623_124715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5ZnRrGvry5r1qTPucJNItNiQ0TCzi7SOBpM-hIgKMCg1GQgaUBxPpayBnXhIb5E6kDH9vX24TUgjZsFa2W0xrVVXTlRn6bX2GPzoYfFpZzZ_xEwRQMSuH7b4M8Zl7li6dX1vEsT-heE/s320/20160623_124715.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Animatronic sisters unlike any others. </td></tr>
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Eric and I left Katrina in Norway so she could attempt to ride again, while we scampered off to Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club resort for lunch with Sarah. It was 40% off so we thought it was necessary. Also we felt very fancy. We slowly wandered back to Epcot with very full bellies, and decided ice cream from France was in order, and then we ran into a princess on our way back to Canada.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2qJ8RzvTmwo0pgP8ZL9R-UKgj5QEwTnJ8zXVJUB0bZO9_tGMELHv7hJfgy2G2Jh3NX97CPCpYDMNcFZ99P-v5-REEU-2dp27t2nGIMRTiAAS7fOvPJPLnn9C5fFLLUQ8Of-V2bc5c8Y/s1600/20160623_153908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2qJ8RzvTmwo0pgP8ZL9R-UKgj5QEwTnJ8zXVJUB0bZO9_tGMELHv7hJfgy2G2Jh3NX97CPCpYDMNcFZ99P-v5-REEU-2dp27t2nGIMRTiAAS7fOvPJPLnn9C5fFLLUQ8Of-V2bc5c8Y/s320/20160623_153908.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes us and Rapunzel have the best day<br />
ever at International Gateway.</td></tr>
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Our purpose in hanging out at work while not actually working was the finally check out the new entertainment in Canada. They're an acrobat troup from Montreal called Les Parfaits Inconnus. We may have judged them a bit fast, since they start their act with paper bags over their heads while playing instruments and yeah that sounds totally weird. But we stayed for the whole performance this time, so we would know for our Guests what to expect. We could not have been more wrong. These guys are phenomenally athletic and talented and good-looking. We ended up returning for a second show, as we spoke with them after the first and they told us there's a different featured soloist each show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtd7Cosltv_LVmASVBEIJoC3f48quBzjru_2RLbtv8AaFcSV4O4qyxMEzosDE1rewe5ms1QhZy2qJQACgOo_9li4KlSHaiQjl_etPFhgIoWtFHjz2_wVfxdBFni6yOJRIg6SvXMDJR4c/s1600/20160623_160008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtd7Cosltv_LVmASVBEIJoC3f48quBzjru_2RLbtv8AaFcSV4O4qyxMEzosDE1rewe5ms1QhZy2qJQACgOo_9li4KlSHaiQjl_etPFhgIoWtFHjz2_wVfxdBFni6yOJRIg6SvXMDJR4c/s320/20160623_160008.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy flipped backwards off an unsupported ladder.<br />
The other guy just caught the ladder as it was pushed away. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs8nc8bx9FHBbQlumh1HuWBkN2fD4UAiBT-ulXyy6HA2taZhRIA_rnCNPUerP5TJqKLfIb3b7ZesjIXODTRIbtkH3qhlFHuHX5V49ytlSFD1Np_ivoN2G0sXKiTe2S3r8Kzfo0edrrLY/s1600/20160623_161144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs8nc8bx9FHBbQlumh1HuWBkN2fD4UAiBT-ulXyy6HA2taZhRIA_rnCNPUerP5TJqKLfIb3b7ZesjIXODTRIbtkH3qhlFHuHX5V49ytlSFD1Np_ivoN2G0sXKiTe2S3r8Kzfo0edrrLY/s320/20160623_161144.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An All Canadian selfie! Basically I'm a fan for life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Same day, post-laundry, almost every single merchie gathered on the Boardwalk to try another recent new thing, the Ample Hills Creamery (aka very fancy ice cream). Obviously we had to take shifts going inside and guarding our table, so I don't have a selfie with everyone. A proper group photo exists and I'll acquire it. With more ice cream. Because no regrets about that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYu4Um9TvHADgjClJEOxEuGOPuvQSHK_JtvIYvyZMIbt9YyUYQSIlh84GWGTRXX9HwW1laFbNcg3rccBnmX3oyAtt2TbEdoaW1BwG6T-_DPPr91O8GtJaGdHJctr1Ei3GzPAAgaB3h_5o/s1600/20160623_220450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYu4Um9TvHADgjClJEOxEuGOPuvQSHK_JtvIYvyZMIbt9YyUYQSIlh84GWGTRXX9HwW1laFbNcg3rccBnmX3oyAtt2TbEdoaW1BwG6T-_DPPr91O8GtJaGdHJctr1Ei3GzPAAgaB3h_5o/s320/20160623_220450.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Louise, Kara and Shane taking on Ample Hills <br />
and their complicated flow charts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On June 28th, we were summoned to the pavilion extra early before work (ok, so at 1030) so we could take a special early group shot of Canada, with a Walt Disney World Ambassador, to be used to promote Canada Day. While we were waiting for said ambassador in the store/air conditioning, we had a very special pavilion-wide goodbye for Micayla, who's extension and program had come to an end. Most of us, including Micayla, had to work that day, but Rachel and I didn't work til much later, so what were we to do but entertain ourselves at work for the morning. We went to the Land, rode the new Soarin' Around the World, and had early lunch at Garden Grill with Chip, Dale, Pluto and farmer Mickey. Dale was totally in his element and his antics were worth the price of Garden Grill. We were uncomfortably full of food and fun for the rest of the day. Oh I'm pretty sure the next time we ate was much much later at Steak n' Shake.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0hL9Nz8HgbbWtNAKFm3bnaJR1oiJNm_Zm6z_f-Iilazs6bJXudoswMUGS3H21EdwG4VcCwwc6wd5gh0aBJFpGSG1LIKX0Wip28RtWrxKijf5X7mW3Gpo6mmByH1zCVAXyh1PmaVOeVQ/s1600/20160628_115006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0hL9Nz8HgbbWtNAKFm3bnaJR1oiJNm_Zm6z_f-Iilazs6bJXudoswMUGS3H21EdwG4VcCwwc6wd5gh0aBJFpGSG1LIKX0Wip28RtWrxKijf5X7mW3Gpo6mmByH1zCVAXyh1PmaVOeVQ/s320/20160628_115006.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dale and I are darling.<br />
Remember we got engaged last time?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoxagSAruw31YGX8Aasj7_ZIKq75yTjKUZ24czARMzaDhmxYzBxt-goXXD3ptG2fyynMnALe2_rX4VeEULKutIEBlV6MaDyGHhDGXk2XMzZ83-7IaltMrUTW1O99zBbu9qfBN0SqQzds/s1600/20160628_115045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoxagSAruw31YGX8Aasj7_ZIKq75yTjKUZ24czARMzaDhmxYzBxt-goXXD3ptG2fyynMnALe2_rX4VeEULKutIEBlV6MaDyGHhDGXk2XMzZ83-7IaltMrUTW1O99zBbu9qfBN0SqQzds/s320/20160628_115045.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think Pluto was distracting us while <br />
secretly trying to steal turkey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaltEjulsf8XtrGA1UMWfhMfoyyiG08-wuxndKVEXtbD0l9YDsVBDmxoCjxiqK3YMjdaNm-YfBc5pQCHazySWKvM9a9KzsmlWd-CQgauUWEUnbyCZVHgRmVj5ZqeOHjIzCbf33yperUZA/s1600/20160628_125156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaltEjulsf8XtrGA1UMWfhMfoyyiG08-wuxndKVEXtbD0l9YDsVBDmxoCjxiqK3YMjdaNm-YfBc5pQCHazySWKvM9a9KzsmlWd-CQgauUWEUnbyCZVHgRmVj5ZqeOHjIzCbf33yperUZA/s320/20160628_125156.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dale notices that I've been all paparazzi on him...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdsxA2jLtFgN0j7t-nfUp7fp264KN6ARMFE94Fd-zIZvkfkp_2o49fOBwHGu10pv794dWqPinjqiHxPbmMMaRUeBjm_NYdFPrzlnvMsIskimh2Umu7LqV-Lzz2PwqEduYyHgfddiIm3A/s1600/20160628_125212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdsxA2jLtFgN0j7t-nfUp7fp264KN6ARMFE94Fd-zIZvkfkp_2o49fOBwHGu10pv794dWqPinjqiHxPbmMMaRUeBjm_NYdFPrzlnvMsIskimh2Umu7LqV-Lzz2PwqEduYyHgfddiIm3A/s320/20160628_125212.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...And has to check out our photos from the day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On June 30th, Laura and I had a chill yet very warm afternoon at Epcot, in which we attempted to complete a passport, but only got a third done, as we kept getting distracted around the World Showcase West area.<br />
First there were acrobats again...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0_ss0tVHbHp4kY3EStOlBTtNatqd1zOKRRGyaF5K9syveIbMvq6K3V5SbtzbZwBbDg2C6XyoKHzNGX-8FC0i820zvh6Y1Z1LtErwsmkK4TBTjSpl_DxpjZcsc9yIhSPGL8Aw_Ed5R10/s1600/20160630_143446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0_ss0tVHbHp4kY3EStOlBTtNatqd1zOKRRGyaF5K9syveIbMvq6K3V5SbtzbZwBbDg2C6XyoKHzNGX-8FC0i820zvh6Y1Z1LtErwsmkK4TBTjSpl_DxpjZcsc9yIhSPGL8Aw_Ed5R10/s320/20160630_143446.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you do this in Florida in June? Can you?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then there was Laura's favourite princess hanging at IG again...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NkBakPGPsolehbXELloAw2bYw9jpJvUwOTIGct5Ald4Dq73ZHiQ9jRqwlVh_yCRIlF4RJQ2loM9dMRpPtRcNZ0L18aNrVc7nMg_BK8sncB6-bjnYUP5dzs4HNTJwgyI9w6UbWYNYzUE/s1600/20160630_145819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NkBakPGPsolehbXELloAw2bYw9jpJvUwOTIGct5Ald4Dq73ZHiQ9jRqwlVh_yCRIlF4RJQ2loM9dMRpPtRcNZ0L18aNrVc7nMg_BK8sncB6-bjnYUP5dzs4HNTJwgyI9w6UbWYNYzUE/s320/20160630_145819.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No one told us to pose like this. It just happened.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And then the acrobats AGAIN...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5ulYHID-mPhMgdkExaD_6zSd9dW0lkwvIOmam6WWJmElbMb5xocM-OANi56qm2YkwZOwU1ptTr4qlnrqNr-4jFySaIZIKLN6xTWkWkhUCcOCZ2SzeCR-rtqiJodl215VpQPDE99OacU/s1600/20160630_170722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5ulYHID-mPhMgdkExaD_6zSd9dW0lkwvIOmam6WWJmElbMb5xocM-OANi56qm2YkwZOwU1ptTr4qlnrqNr-4jFySaIZIKLN6xTWkWkhUCcOCZ2SzeCR-rtqiJodl215VpQPDE99OacU/s320/20160630_170722.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His entire body weight in on his one arm. WHAT. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Until we decided to move on to greater things. Like dinner at Wilderness Lodge. We had a reservation at the very fancy Artist Point. Laura had a dining coupon left over from Christmas so we may have gone all out. We were very smart in wearing dresses so nothing would have to stretch. We chilled like none other in the lobby of Wilderness Lodge and darn near dozed off on the comfiest couches of life. We wanted to take a boat tour to Magic Kingdom but there was lightning, as there frequently is this time of year. So we took a bus instead. While on the bus, we decided the actual best course of action would be to go to Trader Sam's, the Jungle Cruise themed bar located in the Polynesian Resort. Who would have thought that there would be a bar that was so up my alley. It's delightfully themed to my favourite attraction of all time, it's small and cozy, and the drinks come with both the option of purchasing a clean, dry, signature cup and some magical moments. Enough said. It was amazing and I shall return.<br />
<br />
Here's the part where I confess that I'm the bad Canadian who did not visit her pavilion on Canada Day. My bad. Justification - Amanda and her friend Merran were due in from British Columbia that day. I brought them to Target upon there arrival for snacks, healthy foods, and general fun American shopping. After they napped and unpacked, it was absolutely bucketing down rain but we went to Magic Kingdom anyway because, guess what, it buckets down rain every day now. The parks belong to those with ponchos and high spirits.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEUtBoy9L49kuCe9po8iN1gq72SkmHynbSCHj1aaVWzdhvZWQOp-BqCF9i5Wdnnjzkz17E6vTDDOyKFF0UWei_9NgtgF3mUbUf_S7RbsNhdaULBvHQXy6e8JpekX44pP5B8m_HrNPcvw/s1600/20160701_194532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEUtBoy9L49kuCe9po8iN1gq72SkmHynbSCHj1aaVWzdhvZWQOp-BqCF9i5Wdnnjzkz17E6vTDDOyKFF0UWei_9NgtgF3mUbUf_S7RbsNhdaULBvHQXy6e8JpekX44pP5B8m_HrNPcvw/s320/20160701_194532.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We don't need you, Photopass.<br />
What you cannot see is my LOVE CANADA tee. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the 2nd, Merran and Amanda had an early start to their day, as vacationers do, at Epcot, so I met them in the early afternoon at Hollywood Studios. As is my habit, we got in a quick visit with out favourite snowman...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IF0hhfXW3FZ6byBQXXrnyTpA5VcqAIs0iYh-6uBf7HdCIWheyYVOxRKb-qRDHlAEoafg9vRa77_zWEtsRUJsmKT8Pil3JqmV4QhhBfMcE1WSVJ5fifYQMhfSviED4lnFO-ikzaaIO38/s1600/20160702_125339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IF0hhfXW3FZ6byBQXXrnyTpA5VcqAIs0iYh-6uBf7HdCIWheyYVOxRKb-qRDHlAEoafg9vRa77_zWEtsRUJsmKT8Pil3JqmV4QhhBfMcE1WSVJ5fifYQMhfSviED4lnFO-ikzaaIO38/s320/20160702_125339.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are all meting because it's so hot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before heading to the Frozen Sing Along. Good times were had by all. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexHCmFBrGeI86zqohg6zthMBZ3oERSagqOL-qGfAyPauOpSG6TRp6AfQfz15XDiG21iRlqpwGUeZIR8NHbN0ktAH6BFuISWYJCzrBuRK88ZbnkwslNGncsCG3LCmB35ilADSbMTZdmrk/s1600/20160702_132043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexHCmFBrGeI86zqohg6zthMBZ3oERSagqOL-qGfAyPauOpSG6TRp6AfQfz15XDiG21iRlqpwGUeZIR8NHbN0ktAH6BFuISWYJCzrBuRK88ZbnkwslNGncsCG3LCmB35ilADSbMTZdmrk/s320/20160702_132043.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't even know how many times I've done this show. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We left for the resort as the ominous storm clouds were rolling over Studios, and boarded the bus to Art of Animation (for lunch) as the daily rain hit. We were prepared, don't you worry. After lunching, snacking and resting (back at Pop Century where the girls are actually staying), we returned to Magic Kingdom for more magic and less rain.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4O0It49Aa3_ZvEkScYXE4pDbUXj9Z4r4BLYY3V04Zt2gdelkgQyJHxUw2BFT13SJ6Ku1_jPwEy2zhNkXMI4qmjBTgPQBMLOzCqodiSL81JkX8a0byn-BEHJRt35q1bicx6lavPIVs3AY/s1600/20160702_200750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4O0It49Aa3_ZvEkScYXE4pDbUXj9Z4r4BLYY3V04Zt2gdelkgQyJHxUw2BFT13SJ6Ku1_jPwEy2zhNkXMI4qmjBTgPQBMLOzCqodiSL81JkX8a0byn-BEHJRt35q1bicx6lavPIVs3AY/s320/20160702_200750.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our girl Ariel in her grotto.<br />
See my appropriate necklace?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the 3rd, Kara and I grabbed ERs from work and left for Art of Animation. I was using the pool while the others had paid for a room. It was so so hot but that pool is gorgeous. I braided four princesses' worth of hair before we went to Magic Kingdom. The 4th of July fireworks are also performed on the 3rd. I guess it's so Guests can see both MK's and Epcot's fireworks. It was very busy but we were very early so we were very comfortable waiting on Hub grass for the salute to all nations (but mostly America) to begin.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6c9QBecXnFDxn4B5J9F9UQyZubFUbfjyqeeTe1SiT2M7MWxAMMEz5OjNGYGzrjwou8URRPLpZrKZibIxZuY3HXLVHGaSxhFPtOrs-7NR5A4gis7qyi9K6yqUFIUEWBToTrbACiLtbVg/s1600/20160703_205419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6c9QBecXnFDxn4B5J9F9UQyZubFUbfjyqeeTe1SiT2M7MWxAMMEz5OjNGYGzrjwou8URRPLpZrKZibIxZuY3HXLVHGaSxhFPtOrs-7NR5A4gis7qyi9K6yqUFIUEWBToTrbACiLtbVg/s320/20160703_205419.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the castle is Star Spangled. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had to stay still for awhile after, since there was a mass exodus of the park, but we were able to snag a FastPass for Haunted Mansion. There was some screaming. It most definitely was not me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfc4soL4FFpS91aD8qw4n-pBYS951ZkFxlk6YpLNCk85vBRGVtp8wYGNC9hJIccyiKC-qSLSNP1xP-EO_NNB03GcnF5TvE9PA4zCSqEfaQswHSNpzboOPRL2tMKnSxo53oqo8u9hhMLs/s1600/20160703_213035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfc4soL4FFpS91aD8qw4n-pBYS951ZkFxlk6YpLNCk85vBRGVtp8wYGNC9hJIccyiKC-qSLSNP1xP-EO_NNB03GcnF5TvE9PA4zCSqEfaQswHSNpzboOPRL2tMKnSxo53oqo8u9hhMLs/s320/20160703_213035.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If a ghost followed us home, he didn't show<br />
up for the picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the actual 4th of July, I worked but not all evening. I met Merran and Amanda for dinner at the Electric Umbrella before we found a very uncrowded spot in Canada for the special Independence Day edition of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. The fireworks and noise were an epic of epic epicness, plus there was a bonus of watching a fireworks tech control the show from on top of Canada the whole time. Not that anything was on fire... cuz it wasn't.<br />
<br />
On the fifth, I met Amanda and Merran at Animal Kingdom in the evening. As part of the new summer offerings (called "Summer Awakens"... good job with that, Disney), Animal Kingdom stays open later into the night with its new fun things to do: A nighttime Kilimanjaro Safari, which is magical on its own and totally doesn't need to fake sunset or hippo noises, thank you very much, as well as the Tree of Life Awakens, which is a projection show on the Tree of Life and is actually amazing, and Jungle Book: Alive with Magic, DAK's nighttime spectacular along the lines of Fantasmic. There's few fireworks, but it really is gorgeous and beautiful and so catchy, due to Jungle Book songs. I'm sure Rivers of Light, the originally conceived but for now delayed nighttime spectacular, will eventually come to be.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4yMWrhLFBqEXwnSCDcw9ybK7fucTA9fSYW-Wj3eM2CZ9nqTeNLJ09cD5TvZOcLCIMoNG60eSQjFoxRQytz8ZPqJM3CV6qCziAwKGPPrXh3-sgGyzr8X4MD5v9tXLV9Ntbq9QgZbQ2P8/s1600/20160705_210918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4yMWrhLFBqEXwnSCDcw9ybK7fucTA9fSYW-Wj3eM2CZ9nqTeNLJ09cD5TvZOcLCIMoNG60eSQjFoxRQytz8ZPqJM3CV6qCziAwKGPPrXh3-sgGyzr8X4MD5v9tXLV9Ntbq9QgZbQ2P8/s320/20160705_210918.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am both shiny and excited for a nighttime Safari. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unless you want to hear about my grocery shopping at Trader Joe's, then I do believe we're all caught up.<br />
<br />
<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Magical Moment:</b> I got a selfie with the WDW Ambassador. He liked and commented on the picture on Instagram. IT WAS MAGICAL TO ME. Also I want to be an ambassador.<br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>This one Epcot Cast Services Cast Member. She was handing out Mickey ice cream sandwiches on Independence Day, and when she saw my costume, she wished me a happy belated Canada Day. Thanks for knowing and caring! And also for the ice cream.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-88428301878723928372016-06-19T23:07:00.001-04:002016-06-19T23:07:30.489-04:00We're Soarin', Flyin', There's not a Star in Heaven that We Can't ReachGreetings, friends!<br />
<br />
Preface: I am ok and everyone I know is ok. All of Orlando's tragedies ought to be done for the time being. Thank you for your concern.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, Canada celebrated Micayla's birthday the Disney Springs way - Earl of Sandwich and a new Disney/Pixar movie. Maybe you've heard of this one long awaited sequel called Finding Dory? It's wonderful. 12/12 crying adults recommend it. We also dominated the photo op after the show. Happy birthday, Micayla. I hope you weren't terribly embarrassed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieO6NG9_Yk6hoY7qIOe8Xjr_FnygpnGzB4X_72sjUuFMB09Ju8LOo5pUh197N5JFdoF1Vv6ilxzpcnwh3Vf6OPj2BPgCqCgvTyUvbX8n3ZkXdTXT5ywAkLzOf44LUwPivY9QP4Nwdftfg/s1600/20160619_003004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieO6NG9_Yk6hoY7qIOe8Xjr_FnygpnGzB4X_72sjUuFMB09Ju8LOo5pUh197N5JFdoF1Vv6ilxzpcnwh3Vf6OPj2BPgCqCgvTyUvbX8n3ZkXdTXT5ywAkLzOf44LUwPivY9QP4Nwdftfg/s320/20160619_003004.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found Nemo (Katrina) and Dory (Laura)!<br />My appropriate shirt says "Just Keep Swimming."</td></tr>
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<br />
Yesterday after work, I was lucky enough to be added to Laura's FastPass for the brand new and fully reimagined Soarin' around the World. It used to be just Soarin' (over California), and after a brief reopening of the classic show, it's now brand new and shiny. And actually beautiful. My party was thrilled. Also thrilled by the FastPasses presented to us by a Soarin' cast member. Thanks, friend!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEwX1uLPhSiSwFCvLXsZVXe_sr3yydBpDHRe7bG-Zaqa0w_Lfu3b6BcuyDfhZYSKbP0ZgzFilIJ76ykEpj7mlakZWzB8tB0-BNgKEz0f8HzemjryrK96buK16Hzmw4ROOqFNMi0ozqiw/s1600/20160618_194335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEwX1uLPhSiSwFCvLXsZVXe_sr3yydBpDHRe7bG-Zaqa0w_Lfu3b6BcuyDfhZYSKbP0ZgzFilIJ76ykEpj7mlakZWzB8tB0-BNgKEz0f8HzemjryrK96buK16Hzmw4ROOqFNMi0ozqiw/s320/20160618_194335.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New attraction? New friends. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On Friday, I somehow got up before dawn (remember when that was what I normally did?) to get myself and a handful of other fortunate merchandise cast members to Animal Kingdom, as we had been selected for a backstage tour of Dinosaur! We were actually given a full rundown of Dinoland USA, a formerly very confusing area, as well as a walking tour of the Dinosaur attraction. We were allowed to ride the ride with the lights on, as well as three bonus times with the lights off. Honestly, I probably couldn't have done more than four consecutive time rover rides anyway.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7bA76617c-YQMg1FPxFNuar5zRrTE7jwf9hNHkDalyjoR3K4Xi3meWh-MAH196fFvdzFTUhT8ulUFZFNpUzSElpBMnVwWBU1qGe9ZiDT-X_KYGc8vGcuY3lzBJQg4IIzEXVytm1kCvA/s1600/20160617_071036%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7bA76617c-YQMg1FPxFNuar5zRrTE7jwf9hNHkDalyjoR3K4Xi3meWh-MAH196fFvdzFTUhT8ulUFZFNpUzSElpBMnVwWBU1qGe9ZiDT-X_KYGc8vGcuY3lzBJQg4IIzEXVytm1kCvA/s320/20160617_071036%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of very few reasons to be an early riser.<br />Aladar the iguanadon photobomb. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pLrWYf7AE31Mq9SubrJ-OZ97iJtmF5Glswwv4rcFNpGwYPuT57_u03nq5-mlNZsNjwtySsP8iXz4X0BhR61HHOBAlH0_BWiSyM7y0ZXy0d-6T2WpJ-67k5jjqz1SIUG72R8aZvQynKE/s1600/13474965_10154340611744047_3198321505559597867_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pLrWYf7AE31Mq9SubrJ-OZ97iJtmF5Glswwv4rcFNpGwYPuT57_u03nq5-mlNZsNjwtySsP8iXz4X0BhR61HHOBAlH0_BWiSyM7y0ZXy0d-6T2WpJ-67k5jjqz1SIUG72R8aZvQynKE/s320/13474965_10154340611744047_3198321505559597867_o.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are the Dinosaur princesses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After a solid nap and some leftover Oliver Garden lunch, Rachel and I had an adventure to The Loop, wherein we visited our favourite place, Ulta, as well as had frozen yogurt lunch and did some necessary summer shopping. It's unreasonably hot already.<br />
<br />
Thursday (my Saturday), Laura and I had some errands to run... at Magic Kingdom, which was celebrating the grand opening of the newest Disney resort in Shanghai. I had my hair cut at Harmony Barbershop. I'm sure I said this four years ago, but it's not just for little kids. I was beside a grown man who was having his hair did. However, he did not opt for the high ponytail, pixie dust and pirate treasure that made me extra magical until an inevitable shampoo. We booked a tour for next month (after Laura's last day), then took off for a lunch reso at Sanaa at Kidani Village. Bread service is my new beau. So is anywhere that offers me 40% off of steak. We watched giraffes from our table... and we watched them get briefly rained on. Sorry, giraffes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGcyvO38DgfctnReBsm1YpUTk1TqvvpthYvkxqkGwcPuYO6y7W7ODs749bzQhyikpIXGjk2Z4sa_9NPGkl6Ef-opwb9CCoFs7Nkxu15Xlm4Klm1irIX4c0XxK2ti9YFBjbbGyqNuo3Ew/s1600/20160616_121716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGcyvO38DgfctnReBsm1YpUTk1TqvvpthYvkxqkGwcPuYO6y7W7ODs749bzQhyikpIXGjk2Z4sa_9NPGkl6Ef-opwb9CCoFs7Nkxu15Xlm4Klm1irIX4c0XxK2ti9YFBjbbGyqNuo3Ew/s320/20160616_121716.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may be my most magical hair picture ever.<br />It's not even a selfie. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kpNN99WBhGZTkqkivisn8B0TkE-f2W2D_-iwK4pnT5yGFTq0tizDxVbKyIkNufVODgY47qRQj-ocYUCUga59lGcobgXjo2cHW-0-WCxjrzR5ejhXQUl4HaHgvbTadpSNRIaTapk5ba8/s1600/20160616_140508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kpNN99WBhGZTkqkivisn8B0TkE-f2W2D_-iwK4pnT5yGFTq0tizDxVbKyIkNufVODgY47qRQj-ocYUCUga59lGcobgXjo2cHW-0-WCxjrzR5ejhXQUl4HaHgvbTadpSNRIaTapk5ba8/s320/20160616_140508.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excellent lighting at Sanaa from savannah windows.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpsziyJ8pg9rlCth5wjjlfPIRcUYlyJ4hbyv3Psz27jcJ9dsF7a5ZFg0NeM_W7UvE7nHz5bx7iRjsCKx0KEasfnNk1KGqMHnmYYJ4Vp4dJiUHiAzZm5P5tfxe7sbYIcU0q_cAjZA27ts/s1600/20160616_145551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpsziyJ8pg9rlCth5wjjlfPIRcUYlyJ4hbyv3Psz27jcJ9dsF7a5ZFg0NeM_W7UvE7nHz5bx7iRjsCKx0KEasfnNk1KGqMHnmYYJ4Vp4dJiUHiAzZm5P5tfxe7sbYIcU0q_cAjZA27ts/s320/20160616_145551.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dessert came with a side of wise words.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the evening, Rachel and I rejoiced in painting our nails for the first time since the installation of the wine bar in our store. It has since departed, so we are Disney look manicuring.... followed by the happiest carbloading at Olive Garden. I shouldn't mention it but this week Rachel and I have also visited Steak 'n Shake and IHOP. It's fine.<br />
<br />
I visited Magic Kingdom with a different Rachael (from the UK) on Sunday, as it is the most magical place on Earth, and the rest of the Earth was a bit scary that day. We had the most amazing Jungle Cruise Skipper, and we had a different skipper photobomb a selfie that evening. One of our roles as cast members is to help people forget temporarily what exists outside the Disney bubble, so thank you to the CMs who helped us do that Sunday evening.<br />
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I know it's a short one, but this is what happens when I stay on the ball.<br />
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See you real soon!<br />
<br />
Magical Moment: I believe I mentioned the Soarin' FastPasses and the Skipper photobomb.<br />
<br />
Pixie Dust to: Our Dinosaur tour guide, Christopher, who actually visits the Canada cart frequently, and our leader, Mike, for giving us a reason to get up before 10am. I don't get out of bed for less than backstage tours.<br />
<br />
<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-85442388999913381882016-06-10T23:19:00.002-04:002016-06-10T23:19:37.708-04:00Think of a Wonderful Thought, Any Merry Little ThoughtOh my goodness I've nearly fallen a month behind. Is it too late now to say sorry?<br />
<br />
Before my family vacation I really should have posted something, so here's the highlights: Princess Breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall on May the 12th to celebrate the birthdays of both Princess Katrina and Princess Laura, of Canada Attractions land:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOaJAMeA2VdbZS5KbHiHWFkRpcd80S4v1LXu23MRCAjf-xOVF8vTpuAb6UHjyrM0I_67bM_WrgVmWfi8_QhQdGvNJ94_N24o43zLCY8xmLOeUJtvX4xDOe8c94htTX6ME8ZIzCZRuws0/s1600/20160511_115658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOaJAMeA2VdbZS5KbHiHWFkRpcd80S4v1LXu23MRCAjf-xOVF8vTpuAb6UHjyrM0I_67bM_WrgVmWfi8_QhQdGvNJ94_N24o43zLCY8xmLOeUJtvX4xDOe8c94htTX6ME8ZIzCZRuws0/s320/20160511_115658.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Laura, me and Katrina are a pretty princess sandwich. </td></tr>
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Canada merchandise bowling at Splitsville in Disney Springs on May the 13th. Congratulations to the new champion, Micayla.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNfcBHkgwXBOKvk5mD65LcbIV9nUXRsR76hG4cVgZJPEKqL63e_ybUV98UlcpE8lRLSJySCeVrFi2cESiiFpNbiTVrAswoVmi_5lR5L9v4Rr09xTU1A08fsJZRYxOewO0a-Oo6o-mZZI/s1600/20160512_233953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNfcBHkgwXBOKvk5mD65LcbIV9nUXRsR76hG4cVgZJPEKqL63e_ybUV98UlcpE8lRLSJySCeVrFi2cESiiFpNbiTVrAswoVmi_5lR5L9v4Rr09xTU1A08fsJZRYxOewO0a-Oo6o-mZZI/s320/20160512_233953.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">We moose go bowling? Moose pun of some kind. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom with Laura Brown on May the 14th. We wore ears and watched Festival of Fantasy with Kimberley, and it was very warm. In the evening, I found dinner at the food trucks at Disney Springs with Matt and we failed to find any remaining Disney Dollars. RIP Disney Dollars.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPcLk1t3X6Cib5UPTjLf3lsImugZJdShhgw58aoDH2mhcyCTgyM33uL6k9EEKJQVvy5JmUI8h4qFPZvcwp7su3KTuEV0AlHi4F7F7KLaot2A4KEsGBDFuvL2GGb5kg0_NsutDUBbnPx0/s1600/20160513_121841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPcLk1t3X6Cib5UPTjLf3lsImugZJdShhgw58aoDH2mhcyCTgyM33uL6k9EEKJQVvy5JmUI8h4qFPZvcwp7su3KTuEV0AlHi4F7F7KLaot2A4KEsGBDFuvL2GGb5kg0_NsutDUBbnPx0/s320/20160513_121841.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Laura is all about helping Merlin.<br />
You're welcome, wizard friend. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3G_L5BsjG9msv5fOLKN4EDVO9NH-lZhxzU0j8C_1gEjhTPwgw7aj7YRjmkYUqhV0B29G7Lb_Jtaswj97HsXrpG2aefESjt6PGjLzPeMqlHqfNwJQPCItMKReyGL-blJRpKMAxaB85TU/s1600/20160513_135256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3G_L5BsjG9msv5fOLKN4EDVO9NH-lZhxzU0j8C_1gEjhTPwgw7aj7YRjmkYUqhV0B29G7Lb_Jtaswj97HsXrpG2aefESjt6PGjLzPeMqlHqfNwJQPCItMKReyGL-blJRpKMAxaB85TU/s320/20160513_135256.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Jungle Cruise selfie is just mandatory. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAOzQ0KCppay1TbMip7ScMkUf3ipwzUAqpe2ePvHSB_DI7TPtEa-2TgX2wXg7mHoMGhDlxLlY7a6oikm2_Mq7At_ynycc53mPpTHgw9sABJL6BXMZ2HXNsS0bJJLLhh_jY4tUmc9SQoc/s1600/20160513_210421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAOzQ0KCppay1TbMip7ScMkUf3ipwzUAqpe2ePvHSB_DI7TPtEa-2TgX2wXg7mHoMGhDlxLlY7a6oikm2_Mq7At_ynycc53mPpTHgw9sABJL6BXMZ2HXNsS0bJJLLhh_jY4tUmc9SQoc/s320/20160513_210421.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">When dinner comes from a food truck,<br />
there's a lot of room for dessert...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On May 18th, well before my family was scheduled to arrive, I woke up at the crack of dawn (that's an exaggeration) to be at the pav before the Guests arrived. All thirteen merchies plus one Lindsay Wilson were finally all in the same place at the same time. So we may have had a few pictures taken. Thanks, Patrick!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHxRutnYQX9ZaP118SHaq681WvwAWJapx8-TYA0JlBqOZtp4PFPG-AuEDwDtnWaG1C9Rn75ChfI4ikk29wwDHoXMHqb-1wEd9WbzdrMv5rORtHR63k98torP_8WJZZ03k1Fbl3lY9LwM/s1600/13254912_10209633140254123_5678056446824712117_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHxRutnYQX9ZaP118SHaq681WvwAWJapx8-TYA0JlBqOZtp4PFPG-AuEDwDtnWaG1C9Rn75ChfI4ikk29wwDHoXMHqb-1wEd9WbzdrMv5rORtHR63k98torP_8WJZZ03k1Fbl3lY9LwM/s320/13254912_10209633140254123_5678056446824712117_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Thirteen gorgeous Canadians. I am fifth from the left. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismsbsN-4TBQlYJ3Nd3OhkoTjNUmLgCiNUKtXvDC9iu59o90Agn0PtHEorX-Ur-zl_X5kOh91k5Mz5GA9hobhEw4Q5vhNLel7DhsM2tkHkg-IypGtPuQRX8yhO4mWtiyCQwkQ9XN2laoA/s1600/13244272_10209633163494704_8992254259432032665_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismsbsN-4TBQlYJ3Nd3OhkoTjNUmLgCiNUKtXvDC9iu59o90Agn0PtHEorX-Ur-zl_X5kOh91k5Mz5GA9hobhEw4Q5vhNLel7DhsM2tkHkg-IypGtPuQRX8yhO4mWtiyCQwkQ9XN2laoA/s320/13244272_10209633163494704_8992254259432032665_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Shellby and I demonstrating just how full<br />
these glorious skirts are. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although my family was travelling on May 18th, I'm going to say our vacation didn't really start until the 19th. Mom and Steph arrived well after midnight and our entire first sleep in our pirate ship beds was after midnight, so... this just makes sense.<br />
After a lovely resort breakfast of probably something Mickey-shaped, we went to Hollywood Studios. I had FastPasses booked for us for Star Tours, Toy Story Midway Mania (my first time this program I think) and the Frozen Sing-Along. We also met Olaf, since no one knows he's there and the wait time is tiny, Steph rode Tower of Terror while Mom and I bailed on a normal elevator, we did Muppet Vision 3D because we are Muppet fans for life, and we ate a lot due to being on a Dining Plan. In the evening, I dragged them to Skipper Canteen for dinner, since there was a spot available, and had them ignore all the stimuli that is Magic Kingdom, since our MK day wasn't until the next day. When you enter the park at the beginning of Main Street Electrical Parade, it's pretty hard to ignore.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDdk5HqEImXT9Ij1IWB-EulzDovb8dlkRcAW7AZcgaRGGCGfYpnMTQ1uuDkEoQKDsht43OI7oXzqvy8cVQgKbhpWc2Hb03V1f2lg1QTIwDdW2kApqF8PbDxhVCAGwhOqh2OD3cE7uFU8/s1600/20160519_121240%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDdk5HqEImXT9Ij1IWB-EulzDovb8dlkRcAW7AZcgaRGGCGfYpnMTQ1uuDkEoQKDsht43OI7oXzqvy8cVQgKbhpWc2Hb03V1f2lg1QTIwDdW2kApqF8PbDxhVCAGwhOqh2OD3cE7uFU8/s320/20160519_121240%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you want to meet a snowman? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsExkhKqjcxJSiHYbZ68DMFABL2f7keSVwSIrwDmr_e1FwhxrErHc5WBnSivQwnysb7cSsNpJPrSR3jBeVABRy0MQd7ENCA7P0LptECULUy_VSsumFZeoEKlL4w4NvWUgmaX3HWOaZB6Q/s1600/20160519_170350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsExkhKqjcxJSiHYbZ68DMFABL2f7keSVwSIrwDmr_e1FwhxrErHc5WBnSivQwnysb7cSsNpJPrSR3jBeVABRy0MQd7ENCA7P0LptECULUy_VSsumFZeoEKlL4w4NvWUgmaX3HWOaZB6Q/s320/20160519_170350.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How impressed am I by the Sing Along snow?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We started our Magic Kingdom day with a (delayed) breakfast at Ohana. So we ate all the waffles and biscuits we could handle, while visiting with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Pluto. We saw Pluto delicately smush a cupcake into a toddler's hair. Best puppy ever. We monorailed it over to Magic Kingdom and stayed all day and most of the night because my family members are champions of course. We boarded Big Thunder Mountain in high winds, and by the time we actually got on our train, it was of course bucketing down rain. Good thing Lindsey is prepared and brought ponchos. Obviously in the rain you also have to do Splash Mountain, in which we definitely got wet. We caught both FoF and Main Street Electrical with great viewing spots and got a lot more in than I ever would have imagined. We accidentally stayed for Celebrate the Magic and Wishes, and definitely got caught in the large surge leaving, but it's all part of the park experience, am I right?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknoTXJcrlTxvRu_PlEsDS2FoiPDzvvtW84khxz2F3Sy3_q1ZFEpiKDSw-wFM1H5r_o_25NbDGwL3HuunjtcXJwnKLzLM0_bpFa0L7K_c8fIPyERH28D18n0sMXwcQdtsaPRWXBhiUqc0/s1600/20160520_121031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknoTXJcrlTxvRu_PlEsDS2FoiPDzvvtW84khxz2F3Sy3_q1ZFEpiKDSw-wFM1H5r_o_25NbDGwL3HuunjtcXJwnKLzLM0_bpFa0L7K_c8fIPyERH28D18n0sMXwcQdtsaPRWXBhiUqc0/s320/20160520_121031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing the family to meet the boss.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-24S7HF-7EdD0WXRhXamEPzt-g73L1bNb3iGw5QdpIm_dV-HxRORyYrZmxLIycZ-wfJr-xDnJeNjueQ9_ELVSzrcGkvCr8ncrEk_spwTyHB2WnAUYVUakCb1_dtScidg1cC1Cm2w72tg/s1600/20160520_134130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-24S7HF-7EdD0WXRhXamEPzt-g73L1bNb3iGw5QdpIm_dV-HxRORyYrZmxLIycZ-wfJr-xDnJeNjueQ9_ELVSzrcGkvCr8ncrEk_spwTyHB2WnAUYVUakCb1_dtScidg1cC1Cm2w72tg/s320/20160520_134130.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from a very rainy Big Thundy. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSn5GTmySqJY5ulVMSU7NuMPkp12NVriOqvtLJL-sZwp-P5bPimrPonVj_uSqUnT4tXnULYL04GIs5IYAIEaslEcU1JQIJRhfjvpSuBoJvhdHkzbs8NE6lE-gXlsSmr9jTW-H419WBzeM/s1600/20160520_182710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSn5GTmySqJY5ulVMSU7NuMPkp12NVriOqvtLJL-sZwp-P5bPimrPonVj_uSqUnT4tXnULYL04GIs5IYAIEaslEcU1JQIJRhfjvpSuBoJvhdHkzbs8NE6lE-gXlsSmr9jTW-H419WBzeM/s320/20160520_182710.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advantage Lindsey: I know where the best selfie spots are. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziQ0LiwrlZdbffeb1F9VReTfiuswqW7v0UuNypGGV9elx2ShGKVk51VnAEq3FO1RWZdMx9QbwmwRNYFJM8zFvwtb0-ZPgWaknkKeTJ8nBr9WsY-1m8HlMq9KJLThfGD4H4hP-6XBP-Es/s1600/20160520_184900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziQ0LiwrlZdbffeb1F9VReTfiuswqW7v0UuNypGGV9elx2ShGKVk51VnAEq3FO1RWZdMx9QbwmwRNYFJM8zFvwtb0-ZPgWaknkKeTJ8nBr9WsY-1m8HlMq9KJLThfGD4H4hP-6XBP-Es/s320/20160520_184900.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...See?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next day was our Animal Kingdom day, and it was unfortunately also a work day for me. We were all able to have breakfast together at Tusker House (with Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy) before I went to make magical vacation memories for other families at my park while my family enjoyed their day at Animal Kingdom. I wasn't there, so I'm not 100% sure what was accomplished, but I know Mom and Steph enjoyed their FastPasses for Kilimanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur and Festival of the Lion King. We met after my work day at the much needed Caribbean Beach pool and hot tub.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nBQTt0SXH6b3PxVabVBkkbfvYYUU0gUIcxefdBJtflCyFM_2R7gdqZJgvjesgM44HhSpUdpPSa9H-GH5tr7TwAzPvNHtxMaQfYvqaHTylAjlXs9KFb9TL0m92YWlDRqEkGYmn2LV4JY/s1600/20160521_102519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nBQTt0SXH6b3PxVabVBkkbfvYYUU0gUIcxefdBJtflCyFM_2R7gdqZJgvjesgM44HhSpUdpPSa9H-GH5tr7TwAzPvNHtxMaQfYvqaHTylAjlXs9KFb9TL0m92YWlDRqEkGYmn2LV4JY/s320/20160521_102519.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two breakfasts with the boss in as many days.<br />I'm probably a favourite now. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqpHf2DHSrLRwTDZyJNZIzhvLlcLf7yPMHUH4dDp3Zl8_z7bU5gdI4AOFkVQvnfG33iVfEm7waYXJRCBzda6AyZleHA26ypvYQTfu6QD-6ECCoEFykTj84z1N12-iIWiqdKdONUV2hNE/s1600/20160521_103134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqpHf2DHSrLRwTDZyJNZIzhvLlcLf7yPMHUH4dDp3Zl8_z7bU5gdI4AOFkVQvnfG33iVfEm7waYXJRCBzda6AyZleHA26ypvYQTfu6QD-6ECCoEFykTj84z1N12-iIWiqdKdONUV2hNE/s320/20160521_103134.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE THIS. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My last day with my family was our Epcot day. We didn't have a character breakfast for the first time in days (hard Disney life), but rest assured the Disney Dining Plan kept us very full. Naturally, I started our Epcot day with Spaceship Earth, and moved onto the rest of Future World - Test Track, Mission Space (Green training obviously), Universe of Energy (I had to), and the Seas. We explored the aquarium and the air conditioning before moving along to World Showcase. Sorry Canada, I started in Mexico. They have a ride. We had dinner at Biergarten in Germany and it was wonderful! The surprise band was just delightful. Same with grapefruit beer. If you don't like making small talk with strangers, this might not be for you. I was able to get a visit in with every pavilion, with the exception of Norway. It'll be a crazy commotion in a few weeks anyway. We were able to get great spots for IllumiNations, although I admit everyone was slowing down a tad. Some last minute shopping was accomplished while MouseGear remained open, and we returned to our ships for one last night.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gGEziMzWiqj-OU5vqcgatU1g_5OmCP1_T2aMlhmBljk8C5iMWRISFdulRqkO5E_V4iL7qhP7kp-bs0RcuoGVJ1clHR6WKThwhDwmjktPPZOrQAyv6ZAxNL-3fFZEX6OgRH4-D6rEgUY/s1600/20160522_114620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gGEziMzWiqj-OU5vqcgatU1g_5OmCP1_T2aMlhmBljk8C5iMWRISFdulRqkO5E_V4iL7qhP7kp-bs0RcuoGVJ1clHR6WKThwhDwmjktPPZOrQAyv6ZAxNL-3fFZEX6OgRH4-D6rEgUY/s320/20160522_114620.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This vacation isn't entirely selfies. It just mostly is. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA9ds6ZmnZaLf2Zw86oBiKwcN1-UIl4bpweg7shlkzaP40yZp4l1kx02D_qFxldh5TXrByg_WccBpBxuzE8UXmhBoSk9sgA5v80hwsbU_dRxLyRjjC-1FtKjZO6OTuC8X-q1xJRM5C1M/s1600/20160522_152045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA9ds6ZmnZaLf2Zw86oBiKwcN1-UIl4bpweg7shlkzaP40yZp4l1kx02D_qFxldh5TXrByg_WccBpBxuzE8UXmhBoSk9sgA5v80hwsbU_dRxLyRjjC-1FtKjZO6OTuC8X-q1xJRM5C1M/s320/20160522_152045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a Sealfie. SEAlfie. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmqs7Ak0tPJF1H-JFDUkZv7VinwSybtzAStXskP4_CQGGTtA3xmpQtS3yf__c5_o2u10x1KOZ0V5HB6MiLxqXr45yVwWIeFoil27S5AsFL2qLp0lw7Om1wFNHjHIUmuasH2IUrGaoLug/s1600/20160522_201331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmqs7Ak0tPJF1H-JFDUkZv7VinwSybtzAStXskP4_CQGGTtA3xmpQtS3yf__c5_o2u10x1KOZ0V5HB6MiLxqXr45yVwWIeFoil27S5AsFL2qLp0lw7Om1wFNHjHIUmuasH2IUrGaoLug/s320/20160522_201331.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous lighting in the France pav.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mom and Steph's Magical Express was boarding as I had to go to work. I'll admit I was grateful for work as a distraction, as well as the company of Kristin and Micayla for dinner that night at the Polynesian. Our reso nicely coincided with Wishes at Magic Kingdom, and the music was piped into the dining room for our enjoyment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnxlkadEGjehW_Z9h6YNHNtrzUo-XPGg63SRXGnQvqoHquHWlS5PYp-iBrNBaBYy-zSBc8js6E3q3P9DsuQMJ3CcLjUXVt1WxBhApsIn4jpQYdN9Eu-gK4W60rW4ZDmi82fcrN5YkuK4/s1600/20160523_233704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnxlkadEGjehW_Z9h6YNHNtrzUo-XPGg63SRXGnQvqoHquHWlS5PYp-iBrNBaBYy-zSBc8js6E3q3P9DsuQMJ3CcLjUXVt1WxBhApsIn4jpQYdN9Eu-gK4W60rW4ZDmi82fcrN5YkuK4/s320/20160523_233704.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with two of the loveliest people you'll ever meet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You'd think I'd have to take it easy after a family vacation. But nope.<br />
<br />
The blockout date for the waterparks is quickly approaching, so in the last two weeks I had the joy of visiting both water parks again - Blizzard Beach on May 26th with Sarah, and Typhoon Lagoon a week later on June 2nd with Sarah again, as well as Shellby, Heloise and Patrick. With the exception of the lazy river, I feel prepared to hand over the water parks to Guests for a few months.<br />
<br />
On Friday, the 3rd, Nicole and I had a chill afternoon exploring the newly opened Town Center (not Centre) of Disney Springs. We explored until we found the Daily Poutine kiosk. It may or hard to believe, but I've actually never had poutine because I'm not a fan of gravy. Luckily, there were options that did not involve gravy. We also visited the newly opened Sprinkles cupcakes for dessert, after exploring the new shops, and then we went to Cast Connection in hopes of finding nothing in particular. I had an evening of (slightly) off-property time with Matt, Mike and Rachael, wherein I lost in Monopoly again but I was full of Steak & Shake so I suppose that was a win enough.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwBvGEVXbAVpAQTpzjXMcS0eV9TM4ZfXh7Sc3wWsb-ngDigKVnXBtVmoAj7BoAIaDctkm0hhYrUFevcM3gh75022WV53EkT8rR1DVfkeBBbyRfEnWzsPOtmVOJfi-IM2C7IfMkKClHU8/s1600/20160603_134455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwBvGEVXbAVpAQTpzjXMcS0eV9TM4ZfXh7Sc3wWsb-ngDigKVnXBtVmoAj7BoAIaDctkm0hhYrUFevcM3gh75022WV53EkT8rR1DVfkeBBbyRfEnWzsPOtmVOJfi-IM2C7IfMkKClHU8/s320/20160603_134455.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found a shady spot for our yummy lunch. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On June 1st, we said "See You Real Soon!" to Kathleen, fellow merchandise CRP alum. When World Showcase opens, the leaders and coordinators gather us together to present the departing cast member a certificate of completion, we cry, we take many group pictures, it's sad, but then we have an entire work day to contend with after. Between goodbyes and work, I went on the newly reopened but still old Soarin' with Shane, Kevin and Shellby. The new version of Soarin' opens later this month. I expect to start giving directions again any day now.<br />
The vast majority of the merch cast was able to gather at Magic Kingdom after close for the mandatory sad final viewing of Wishes (or Celebrate the Magic, for people closing). We also got a bonus last round of Big Thundy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDzls9sn-K8hwERRm52ymtXfr6AUgGRCxUSrIKmNMo28b4NeqbqEaG9DgCB5t1CxKN65RXPKCDA__3WrUgYnvr6CPNbW75n13DXE0kZSsxgzXFylKSd6MeE_rOqmG1c3qRAblt7BazUM/s1600/20160601_112256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDzls9sn-K8hwERRm52ymtXfr6AUgGRCxUSrIKmNMo28b4NeqbqEaG9DgCB5t1CxKN65RXPKCDA__3WrUgYnvr6CPNbW75n13DXE0kZSsxgzXFylKSd6MeE_rOqmG1c3qRAblt7BazUM/s320/20160601_112256.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathleen keeping it together like a champion. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J2NtLtkHInO6eVPNHrn2gcYzUi8u6v__VHKTXEs0Eu8z6N_u8mzWOve-1BNVWl6MX-bc9Ch6jPJ4QzepDiDEoZUKRhvzR_ymBZteDP-cldrBBG5Uqz1brO3ZVHSLkBJMNq_DUTeaAFM/s1600/20160601_112617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J2NtLtkHInO6eVPNHrn2gcYzUi8u6v__VHKTXEs0Eu8z6N_u8mzWOve-1BNVWl6MX-bc9Ch6jPJ4QzepDiDEoZUKRhvzR_ymBZteDP-cldrBBG5Uqz1brO3ZVHSLkBJMNq_DUTeaAFM/s320/20160601_112617.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathleen's last work day posse.<br />We are a good herd. </td></tr>
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This Wednesday, we had to do it all over again with beloved merch CM Morgan. Before work that day, Shane, Shellby, Rachel and I made our first appearance in the new Disney Vacation Club Lounge over the Imagination pavilion. There was free Coke Freestyle pop, snacks, iPads for borrowing purposes, and probably the best air conditioning on property. New tradition? New tradition. We had lunch at Sunshine Seasons, rode Living with the Land, and visited Starbucks before returning to work for the afternoon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMTi2T3BqHP9QhRspkOGn8Wli21EBR0j2iQWwj9IRwE-fkstfuIdkcvR3Kw_b82vj3gaRpVzq-O0t27_4DBwYOdi408e15Ndd-WwjaTukGn312t4G2Jo9EANzLquYhW4GWUou4xioDJE/s1600/20160608_133338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMTi2T3BqHP9QhRspkOGn8Wli21EBR0j2iQWwj9IRwE-fkstfuIdkcvR3Kw_b82vj3gaRpVzq-O0t27_4DBwYOdi408e15Ndd-WwjaTukGn312t4G2Jo9EANzLquYhW4GWUou4xioDJE/s320/20160608_133338.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You must wear sunglasses in Living with the Land.</td></tr>
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Morgan didn't celebrate her last Wishes until Thursday, so I was able to join her much earlier than Epcot closing time. We got pixie-dusted at Castle Couture, rode the Walt Disney World Railroad, unevenly crammed ten people into three cars on the People Mover (don't try it), watched Celebrate the Magic twice, the Main Street Electrical parade, and sadly, Wishes. Luckily, we were able to stay late enough to get some magical Main Street pictures. I'm sure Photopass will edit out mascara tracks?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GpTvWkQ5UjAEv2jqB6KnqKv1-1myf8TgwwEsDMy9yWzNswb9LU_RzJtZT0Gy7ZkbQmmKQDKCpU2jH8RmsnE_NLFU3pf7KXYgoVvM50wSad4YKKQRK8XhEijBDhe8zAPP_Xiyx538bRk/s1600/20160608_112533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GpTvWkQ5UjAEv2jqB6KnqKv1-1myf8TgwwEsDMy9yWzNswb9LU_RzJtZT0Gy7ZkbQmmKQDKCpU2jH8RmsnE_NLFU3pf7KXYgoVvM50wSad4YKKQRK8XhEijBDhe8zAPP_Xiyx538bRk/s320/20160608_112533.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy last day, Morgan! I hope it was as magical as you!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6onWTL5arbXsDTqb4OAoP59LgfMZhXBET9jiheLAkYCfLCbZN7XjXaI-7U4zMjOu-l5XXEMoN-UkKUBbt7pIQqAlu-8WaaRLA4Dg2iBCkCf7EqBK3woirQSIxFqcBhD3Yeyp_VQ1rXhg/s1600/20160609_230036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6onWTL5arbXsDTqb4OAoP59LgfMZhXBET9jiheLAkYCfLCbZN7XjXaI-7U4zMjOu-l5XXEMoN-UkKUBbt7pIQqAlu-8WaaRLA4Dg2iBCkCf7EqBK3woirQSIxFqcBhD3Yeyp_VQ1rXhg/s320/20160609_230036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, yes you can fit six people in a People Mover car. </td></tr>
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Today Laura and I had a day of exploring Hollywood Studios. Laura had some autographs to gather (these are the errands we have to do), and we were able to get a Toy Story FastPass, so good times were guaranteed. We met Olaf, Bolt, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, as well as Minnie and Sorcerer Mickey in their new meet & greet location, Red Carpet Dreams. We also attended the Frozen Sing Along, for the second time this blog post, and got the cowboy scene in Great Movie Ride. We departed just as the daily downpour was beginning. The theme of the day was "we have great timing." And so do I. Because I'm more or less done this post. LOL finally.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69_wN42iokkL0XWx-nn496MTWHIg1M6Lm33xenfUiQzLx5-x_nHT24xAIhV_a2OqPD4JGRKSrHf9Pf_tauzP2menZkwjyOjp5SwUiX76nnMnwvC-z4V2Wxa80jyXptzLlEmXWoiT6Hpo/s1600/20160610_141503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69_wN42iokkL0XWx-nn496MTWHIg1M6Lm33xenfUiQzLx5-x_nHT24xAIhV_a2OqPD4JGRKSrHf9Pf_tauzP2menZkwjyOjp5SwUiX76nnMnwvC-z4V2Wxa80jyXptzLlEmXWoiT6Hpo/s320/20160610_141503.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We met this movie star today! </td></tr>
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<br />
<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<br />
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
<br />
<b>Magical Moment: </b>A Starbucks CM wrote "Sheriff Lindsey" on my iced coffee cup. I was in fact wearing a Sheriff's badge, so it was totally appropriate. And properly spelled.<br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>Departing merchandise CMs Kathleen and Morgan (keep being magical), my family for coming to visit me, and every CM with whom we interacted for making our vacation magical. It's nice to be reminded of why I do what I do.<br />
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-51478532491549595342016-05-10T12:44:00.002-04:002016-05-10T22:56:04.510-04:00Probably Getting Gorgeously Tanned in SummerHello friends!<br />
<br />
I have a week's worth of adventure days to catch you up on.<br />
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My lovely friend Lesley (whom you may remember from the 29-time-on-Star-Tours day) was visiting this week. I knew she was coming and that she was coming to see me at Epcot after she arrived, but she still managed to surprise me while I was at the bar. Therefore, pictures were necessary. In retrospect, I regret not getting any of the two of us while I was in costume, but she's coming back in October so more fun will be had then.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRKXvvawHqJXAbXM3vdFK-fwRvHpg9fRCmqN2KPkieM7FLaq3H_IoRZvB66bkHL1v3RGjxauYqPdCPq2lIgRqaAK-VPjIKwZYSSNFATQAF1gIXP2uFA6C_XD0dL10SzcuvInigeuGxlY/s1600/received_10154132511839890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRKXvvawHqJXAbXM3vdFK-fwRvHpg9fRCmqN2KPkieM7FLaq3H_IoRZvB66bkHL1v3RGjxauYqPdCPq2lIgRqaAK-VPjIKwZYSSNFATQAF1gIXP2uFA6C_XD0dL10SzcuvInigeuGxlY/s320/received_10154132511839890.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to be photographed, so-so about serving alcohol. </td></tr>
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We stayed at Pop Century resort and made a hard commitment to sleep in as frequently as possible. We made it to Hollywood Studios on our first day in time for our Rockn Roller Coaster FastPass at 12:15. It was also May the 4th, aka Star Wars Day ("May the 4th Be With You"... get it?), so Hollywood Studios was the place to be. It was also drizzly all morning so the park was not as full as we were anticipating. We were able to ride Star Tours with a minimal wait, we experienced Muppet Vision 3D, and just before we attended the Frozen Sing Along, we were able to have a surprise meet and greet with Olaf! It was one of his very first days in the park and we were able to see him with, again, a minimal wait. Sticking it out during rainy days has its rewards, people. Also, looking super cool in a poncho is its own reward.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GgjLPc-mfEQKXOUcml5It4u6ctMGqo8FOiRm63JoX5qYGykFjfgBubP0gzu2NY8CZlV9qNCT9cKJdie29d7lIhYRjcJVrsQ5OyCXmq7wXi8S9y-elEif7vgrNLUoeFrbFZc4e7QBvqE/s1600/20160504_124230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GgjLPc-mfEQKXOUcml5It4u6ctMGqo8FOiRm63JoX5qYGykFjfgBubP0gzu2NY8CZlV9qNCT9cKJdie29d7lIhYRjcJVrsQ5OyCXmq7wXi8S9y-elEif7vgrNLUoeFrbFZc4e7QBvqE/s320/20160504_124230.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ponchos are totally rock and/or roll. </td></tr>
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We only stuck around til 3, because we felt a nap was necessary. When we returned, it was to Magic Kingdom, as we felt we needed to conquer it. We arrived when it was just bucketing down rain, meaning we made straight for Emporium to purchase and mail some postcards (to wait out the rain), and find my former coordinator and now leader at Emporium, Dave. We were at Magic Kingdom from 7pm until 1am, the end of Extra Magic Hours, in which we did actually all the attractions one needs when attending Magic Kingdom on vacation - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey's Philharmagic, Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Mad Tea Party (we don't spin in the tea cups, we just sit in them). There was probably more. We felt very accomplished. And very hungry. So we made an emergency trip to McDonald's near the All Star Resorts, since everything else was closed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOxM03MkvgPb_e_V6KZuW4944w3hPH1D6UOLdGnPWXZuL8zyfCcfVe3vl0g-DIqI5psGid23-wkhpGKXGbYa14ZQes100jNk2o8gVTK6o82DUVAotxhXwxggeZdZkuLvJtzxY2vgG9cU/s1600/20160504_231854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOxM03MkvgPb_e_V6KZuW4944w3hPH1D6UOLdGnPWXZuL8zyfCcfVe3vl0g-DIqI5psGid23-wkhpGKXGbYa14ZQes100jNk2o8gVTK6o82DUVAotxhXwxggeZdZkuLvJtzxY2vgG9cU/s320/20160504_231854.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesley, Ariel and I taking a "shellfie".<br />
See what I did there. </td></tr>
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We obviously slept in hard the next day, then finally rolled into Epcot in the early afternoon. We had a leisurely day of wandering around World Showcase in our matching Epcot 30th anniversary shirts, checking out the the new band in Canada (they're called "Alberta Bound"), eating an entire baguette in France (and telling people where they can purchase said baguette), getting our own private boat for the Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico, and generally having a wonderful day. We ended the day by going to Disney Springs for a late meal at House of Blues (despite all the eating, we were starving) and some shopping at World of Disney.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglavT6AFQs7bQcqOSEeNA7vQmdM_seyIms1dPpsqa-DGTj50cfNVL3LjJifqO9vzftEataMYMLPUCCbthSfhQ_G1LKsyb3u25oZ2sMzNKh-WScwdvQ2qwC0I5LstZ5u76GEyGlM4mN0Ko/s1600/20160505_145843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglavT6AFQs7bQcqOSEeNA7vQmdM_seyIms1dPpsqa-DGTj50cfNVL3LjJifqO9vzftEataMYMLPUCCbthSfhQ_G1LKsyb3u25oZ2sMzNKh-WScwdvQ2qwC0I5LstZ5u76GEyGlM4mN0Ko/s320/20160505_145843.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers from the American Adventure!<br />
See Spaceship Earth behind us?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-F-5KvnBKOCJHMyOovXXFLtUTE2tqsdeQSfm8TM8OAF0tYDqmwPhRL1q9FgqMh8kD1dVSpU88oHWY6MjpkRq4Ef1vgzNxzhwWBIOrLOvwvMrYh50CdiVQ3B7d8mOLzw2KujocS1pl2s/s1600/20160505_182308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-F-5KvnBKOCJHMyOovXXFLtUTE2tqsdeQSfm8TM8OAF0tYDqmwPhRL1q9FgqMh8kD1dVSpU88oHWY6MjpkRq4Ef1vgzNxzhwWBIOrLOvwvMrYh50CdiVQ3B7d8mOLzw2KujocS1pl2s/s320/20160505_182308.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baymax selfies! </td></tr>
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Friday was our Universal Studios day. We had many adventures at Universal on my last program, so this park deserved its own day on our vacation. We were able to get there for 11, even though it closed at 6 (whyyyyyy though), we still got all the money's worth of fun. We started in the Universal Studios half with The Mummy, Transformers, ET Adventure, Men in Black and finally lunch in Springfield. We were evacuated off of Kang and Kodos Twirl & Hurl, although it never actually started so it was less of an adventure. But we were given an Express Pass (Universal's FastPasses) to use later in the park, so no big deal. Then we explored Diagon Alley and escaped from Gringott's Bank, before taking the Hogwarts Express to Islands of Adventure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGjJumT8bP9DnfuEczb00TojH7yu2F7INma2oywAMqJZWCe8bxryWuToZxnxPkliue9ydHE464GHNpeR3Y9ZIBdBIZcsV-kWQwsnDkyj4ZwmWhNTdegs-NApfldL_Jwt5VxK6c1pwsuo/s1600/20160506_130514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGjJumT8bP9DnfuEczb00TojH7yu2F7INma2oywAMqJZWCe8bxryWuToZxnxPkliue9ydHE464GHNpeR3Y9ZIBdBIZcsV-kWQwsnDkyj4ZwmWhNTdegs-NApfldL_Jwt5VxK6c1pwsuo/s320/20160506_130514.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clowning around with Krusty in Springfield</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20L1Pkjnv6GBXCYftGspcXLWQBRJfQos2p7FoQACpv_EFhxKm91blvRtAEnxEJvM6COvXd4vxA9QAtvqvWT8NW2QSR5gxlwtNz2LLq6V4mb17eBqjLwNES2c7TwHPzc_F9XsBoiSQnZg/s1600/20160506_125531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20L1Pkjnv6GBXCYftGspcXLWQBRJfQos2p7FoQACpv_EFhxKm91blvRtAEnxEJvM6COvXd4vxA9QAtvqvWT8NW2QSR5gxlwtNz2LLq6V4mb17eBqjLwNES2c7TwHPzc_F9XsBoiSQnZg/s320/20160506_125531.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have to pay for a picture with ET. Nope. </td></tr>
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We started with a quick single riders trip through Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, then moved along to Marvel Super Hero Island to use our Express Passes for Spiderman. Our passes were never taken from us, so we used them again in Seuss Landing to board the High in the Sky Seuss Troller Train Ride (that's the real name of the ride). We also did the Cat in the Hat ride before circling back through Hogsmeade to board the Flight of the Hippogriff before we had to leave. Universal Gradventure was that night, so there were tons of elementary school grads from across the country in their matching tees and it was terrifying.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wiQ4ss3CKDQhRJRdn_JHLyesp7tNcz2-2bgHkVZ5VyJSXeCXhC7Q14Nc0M7_PhhGXK8unm0DKF2S5jxJuQTYnyhHRBQFugQ3iTXNqVcbHM-b0O0S2Ou75TzSmYYH7AiLdbg0xZ5XdxQ/s1600/20160506_143251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wiQ4ss3CKDQhRJRdn_JHLyesp7tNcz2-2bgHkVZ5VyJSXeCXhC7Q14Nc0M7_PhhGXK8unm0DKF2S5jxJuQTYnyhHRBQFugQ3iTXNqVcbHM-b0O0S2Ou75TzSmYYH7AiLdbg0xZ5XdxQ/s320/20160506_143251.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unmatched shirts today. <br />
We're lucky no one got lost. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fql29Mny8gywCRfxtpLfXC-n_zAKAElqGFjtZ7Phy6NC7xoagQmjdNbhLtcVUTVehbsEDKW24K10OhQyahWFPybtWnqf_0L47GWjXilw0Qw5WyWL1Br4DO1N1qfazQrHoPGc0KxDrbE/s1600/20160506_160549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fql29Mny8gywCRfxtpLfXC-n_zAKAElqGFjtZ7Phy6NC7xoagQmjdNbhLtcVUTVehbsEDKW24K10OhQyahWFPybtWnqf_0L47GWjXilw0Qw5WyWL1Br4DO1N1qfazQrHoPGc0KxDrbE/s320/20160506_160549.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hogwarts Express, and somehow the Hulk coaster.<br />
#badshow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1FbswKO1F1_uDlkUH8lF4E9-Dq0iAnUjck7sR6hvR_47-KL1ChE8Ozbdp-ohbtKO7pO_D-SZNX_kZWGVJlA8Iopg5yDsnUNERmIMuR4jNqllOrXbxSU2akIOWuzmlvWoUi0Yuin3C90/s1600/20160506_162444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1FbswKO1F1_uDlkUH8lF4E9-Dq0iAnUjck7sR6hvR_47-KL1ChE8Ozbdp-ohbtKO7pO_D-SZNX_kZWGVJlA8Iopg5yDsnUNERmIMuR4jNqllOrXbxSU2akIOWuzmlvWoUi0Yuin3C90/s320/20160506_162444.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandatory castle picture. You can kind of see the castle...</td></tr>
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We went back to our hotel, dined, then changed into our newest matching shirts and went to Hollywood Studios at 9, which had extra magic hours until midnight. Basically we're park champions. We met Olaf again, watched the Star Wars fireworks, rode Star Tours again, braved a stampede for Great Movie Ride, rode Rockn Roller Coaster again and ended our day with a small wait for Toy Story Midway Mania, already showing signs of expansion (another track is happening soon-ish).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnypcBsm99GE8Izs6mIAVJLaL6pPE8rhNks8T5cK7r8lpPM1JYgLTGmGwltXbFVKlDNWtzZc-Q97RvhGEx44tYE3V_2tew1MFtUsmUc0OJyuMEYvRF33OBTrB4kMLn6B6PHipJ_8hRYQ/s1600/13147703_10154139134429890_6188796249897192044_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnypcBsm99GE8Izs6mIAVJLaL6pPE8rhNks8T5cK7r8lpPM1JYgLTGmGwltXbFVKlDNWtzZc-Q97RvhGEx44tYE3V_2tew1MFtUsmUc0OJyuMEYvRF33OBTrB4kMLn6B6PHipJ_8hRYQ/s320/13147703_10154139134429890_6188796249897192044_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We match Olaf's carrot nose!</td></tr>
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It was fantastic times, and my Fitbit steps were through the roof. Vacation is the best exercise there is.<br />
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<b>See you real soon,</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
<br />
<b>Magical Moment: </b>Our new friend Hayden at Rock'n Roller Coaster totally played along during the preshow and personally asked Steven Tyler for backstage passes "for the girls in the orange shirts". Thanks bro! Also to that one American Adventure CM who IDed me and did a double take at my birth year. I don't care if you do that every day, it made me feel awesome.<br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>My mom! For making sure Lesley's Magical Express info got to her in Woodstock, although it was mysteriously sent to Perth.<br />
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EDIT: Lesley made a video of our brief but memorable vacay. <a href="https://youtu.be/u5m3ImsqKXI">You can see it here!</a><br />
<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-86339020231130509632016-05-02T13:44:00.001-04:002016-05-02T13:44:12.659-04:00Fall Apart in my BackyardLess than three weeks between posts? I know. Craziness.<br />
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On Wednesday, April 27th, the early-rising merchies (myself included) gathered outside at the cart to say "See you real soon!" to our friend Eva, whose program has come to an end. Basically all the positions were covered by leaders and coordinators so we could all be together to watch the leaders say nice things about Eva and give her certificates for having been a trainer and having completed the program. Then we posed for pictures and we were all moose. We had our reasons. Shellby and I didn't work til later that afternoon, and Kristin and Micayla didn't work at all, so we went around to the attractions to see Colin, Terrie and Mel on their last days as well. We also accidentally got into a moose picture for the departing Le Cellier cast members. It was a big group leaving us this week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwXuNwgdWQc7HMFMrZ0epEuyBeJ15ZLQEptjn6hMwHfptZWRzDHiM2WK6LJ6bXIyYjT2L5a_VWT0Ablxj17zhy5dOAa78LAEpg7TEtDL-ODGbap-sV5kwwW_D_-guaR6ahEw2ey9RcGQ/s1600/20160427_112350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwXuNwgdWQc7HMFMrZ0epEuyBeJ15ZLQEptjn6hMwHfptZWRzDHiM2WK6LJ6bXIyYjT2L5a_VWT0Ablxj17zhy5dOAa78LAEpg7TEtDL-ODGbap-sV5kwwW_D_-guaR6ahEw2ey9RcGQ/s320/20160427_112350.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The moose of merchandise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVwPz2RqnRD9F1k0o8ag2x7b-orB3JbTI4bsivibCYdiFljh3RA7CIOg3Jnsa3JvWkuNPg8P2BVU4PTaUIt_V5VnB-jAqkkeqpiDlKfAhXPexZ3ezI15GsD2PwNALuj7ArQOzr0tqh6I/s1600/20160427_115707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVwPz2RqnRD9F1k0o8ag2x7b-orB3JbTI4bsivibCYdiFljh3RA7CIOg3Jnsa3JvWkuNPg8P2BVU4PTaUIt_V5VnB-jAqkkeqpiDlKfAhXPexZ3ezI15GsD2PwNALuj7ArQOzr0tqh6I/s320/20160427_115707.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food & Bev Moose featuring merchandise.</td></tr>
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On Thursday the 28th, I took a record-breaking FOUR modes of transportation to get to Magic Kingdom. I drove to the parking lot. I took a tram to the Ticket & Transportation Center. I took the resort monorail to the Grand Floridian. Where I was evacuated and had to take a bus. Magical? Anyway, believe it or not but I hadn't been to the Magic Kingdom since my trip with the Shank family two blog posts ago, so I was happy to be back. I had to send some mail (some of you will be getting MK mail!) and do a few other errand-y type things (yes, errands at Magic Kingdom are a thing), then I met my friend Patrick for random fun times at the most magical park in the most magical place on Earth. We were able to secure some pretty solid Fast Passes for Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain, and to be honest the park wasn't busy. We also visited Tom Sawyer Island, a part of the park I just never got around to exploring. It's (you guessed it) an island in the middle of the Rivers of America full of paths and bridges and forts and fun. It was also probably 10 degrees hotter than the rest of the park. That was probably the abundance of stairs though. We didn't stick around for Wishes, but we did go see Keanu at Disney Springs. I always enjoy movies with kittens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPuJRh0YdajCtSzJvCv-ziC5_PpAAxZ5NctVnRf5il9jL1XvHK4FEX5qukeixgPhjsPr7OeVYawDrx_gUW_f0ErbhMDDJnN8SFORUkmobcE5AkoB07pD5oadbG6eUu-CwTekSd5609rg/s1600/20160428_175125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPuJRh0YdajCtSzJvCv-ziC5_PpAAxZ5NctVnRf5il9jL1XvHK4FEX5qukeixgPhjsPr7OeVYawDrx_gUW_f0ErbhMDDJnN8SFORUkmobcE5AkoB07pD5oadbG6eUu-CwTekSd5609rg/s320/20160428_175125.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go away Guests, this is my island now. </td></tr>
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On Friday the 29th, I had my first Universal Studios adventure of this program. I acquired my annual pass and I'm ready to go until I leave (and after, my pass will be good til April 2017). I went with Matt, who was celebrating starting a new big kid job on Monday. We started in the Universal Studios half, under Matt's guidance (I haven't been in four years, I forgot everything), at the new Transformers ride, then onto the Mummy and Men In Black before heading to the (recently?) expanded Springfield area for lunch at Krusty Burger. I had a ribwich, and it was like a dream come true.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fftb6GzYU0YdbWI0MXKIGfneiHR7AkwHob2lOjWMJw5BPg9hBg24X2Olc5D0UTnOLvP16jxPWvEjs6ortj8_MXp4cJZAWfF5_jyMA7fed9tIl-RFKMh66lpMtULck6sTruAD8V0zGWE/s1600/20160429_124501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fftb6GzYU0YdbWI0MXKIGfneiHR7AkwHob2lOjWMJw5BPg9hBg24X2Olc5D0UTnOLvP16jxPWvEjs6ortj8_MXp4cJZAWfF5_jyMA7fed9tIl-RFKMh66lpMtULck6sTruAD8V0zGWE/s320/20160429_124501.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Universal Studios or Duff Gardens? </td></tr>
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After taking all the pictures of all the new things, we went through London to Diagon Alley to visit Gringott's, in which the new(ish) ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott's is located. It was gooooooood. The whole new area is maaaaaaagical. After exploring, we considered taking the Knight Bus to Hogsmeade but ultimately took the Hogwarts Express with all the other Muggles, taking us over to the Islands of Adventure side of the park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf355e3IBOU___HRnCWzqlPssPUjBW61CuBGDRk6zHhvZ_gMRJwXBY901yB0LfGcSYQFMmBMBjq5FZLeFWwrzRF830cEUqj7PpaStvEk50hlpmzof2bXvjSt3pUS_cjHbY422768PT6GM/s1600/20160429_132306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf355e3IBOU___HRnCWzqlPssPUjBW61CuBGDRk6zHhvZ_gMRJwXBY901yB0LfGcSYQFMmBMBjq5FZLeFWwrzRF830cEUqj7PpaStvEk50hlpmzof2bXvjSt3pUS_cjHbY422768PT6GM/s320/20160429_132306.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"># 12 Grimmauld Place, London.<br />Read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7qSqSxwLbiVoRJOcJ_4XXyojFUy3yskpMM7N77_o_Vvd5V0Q1Zn6M-L8AtddTtQbzNTNt4iQoB4R1lNmMFPeyX2AMc6j7d-W0FfGyBUOWpWcFp_Zp-7KZvDSqbsZPkzoQ6bwFZs3tjo/s1600/20160429_133032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7qSqSxwLbiVoRJOcJ_4XXyojFUy3yskpMM7N77_o_Vvd5V0Q1Zn6M-L8AtddTtQbzNTNt4iQoB4R1lNmMFPeyX2AMc6j7d-W0FfGyBUOWpWcFp_Zp-7KZvDSqbsZPkzoQ6bwFZs3tjo/s320/20160429_133032.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagon Alley, featuring fire-breathing<br />dragon atop Gringott's bank. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRsojiWt8Y3SE4W-eniJpRbwSm-7jq2oCG51NjQ9rrX7vrT8snxS-eZ8EQqzkOFX3FktTf1fr1XZmSbETKwy6ndf-FvBrgBcKl_CAgt99BLlvfSKfP8DRBcDGGG8b6NPjs4n8O73iqxo/s1600/20160429_143244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRsojiWt8Y3SE4W-eniJpRbwSm-7jq2oCG51NjQ9rrX7vrT8snxS-eZ8EQqzkOFX3FktTf1fr1XZmSbETKwy6ndf-FvBrgBcKl_CAgt99BLlvfSKfP8DRBcDGGG8b6NPjs4n8O73iqxo/s320/20160429_143244.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making new friends with the Knight Bus driver. </td></tr>
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We rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and I had Butterbeer to settle my stomach. Rides are getting hard, you guys. Aging isn't as easy as I make it look. We also got moderately damp on the Jurassic Park River Adventure before getting totally soaked on Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges. Like eyeliner everywhere soaked. It was like 39 out though so we needed it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnT00w10B-pQVgR7jlZaMkRdxAUPA4zFRY7oZ6560_JSxCmHvcA1NkFYKOi9_PR9u7B0ge7CyZJdNKPdz9Wz8n4LpmZ-Sqwgxq1yfbWTBSrCXBiW70dPHOpMGOf_QBl_0eSbjFzQ3IQss/s1600/20160429_144309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnT00w10B-pQVgR7jlZaMkRdxAUPA4zFRY7oZ6560_JSxCmHvcA1NkFYKOi9_PR9u7B0ge7CyZJdNKPdz9Wz8n4LpmZ-Sqwgxq1yfbWTBSrCXBiW70dPHOpMGOf_QBl_0eSbjFzQ3IQss/s320/20160429_144309.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye real life, I'm going to Hogwarts now. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatuMnZ20DTn8C9nqHnLF2q8ZyWHa6LYGhyphenhyphenVztw-ADYUgyG7VRLqYkCpFGqgBywetXE0OomGfcq0ZfTXh3skp7mIh8mw_VB5OLoJN7J1BFKkc5MKtAN5fPDk01rQNpcEsEvsdjr1dEH7I/s1600/20160429_144551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatuMnZ20DTn8C9nqHnLF2q8ZyWHa6LYGhyphenhyphenVztw-ADYUgyG7VRLqYkCpFGqgBywetXE0OomGfcq0ZfTXh3skp7mIh8mw_VB5OLoJN7J1BFKkc5MKtAN5fPDk01rQNpcEsEvsdjr1dEH7I/s320/20160429_144551.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, beautiful Hogwarts Express. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-hV38-wSfCgAhIs2KMo2Mb2N3CwWUr2ZGgso5-1MF6SVzYvhl-gLRaC3uGWnpF2WJrU2d5nqwD8IYtdYcdtr25qgS3TDi6mLG1ga5uu6lwvs1Maapz4lNWKvd3igfn70psT9Fw2JwPs/s1600/20160429_153841%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-hV38-wSfCgAhIs2KMo2Mb2N3CwWUr2ZGgso5-1MF6SVzYvhl-gLRaC3uGWnpF2WJrU2d5nqwD8IYtdYcdtr25qgS3TDi6mLG1ga5uu6lwvs1Maapz4lNWKvd3igfn70psT9Fw2JwPs/s320/20160429_153841%25280%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard Queen-of-the-Castle picture. </td></tr>
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We finished the day off with the Spiderman ride, since the line was short and cool, then headed out... when we changed and went to Steak and Shake, Do all my adventures end with Steak and Shake? Probably.<br />
And finally, last night, my squad and I reunited for a late night viewing of the new live-action Jungle Book. It was just stunning. I highly recommend. Maybe not for small children who think tigers are big kitties.<br />
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<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<br />
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>My merchandise coworkers on Saturday. They have hearts of gold, if I haven't already mentioned it.<br />
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<b>Magical Moment: </b>I'm happy to be in a place where people leave me Thank You cards just for talking to them. It's really rough being the face of Courtesy in World Showcase West Merchandise for the week, but someone has to do it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TzZ2w5eVBBpobaV2yoXUfr2Xc5ya0yFbufL_n26KWqh8mOhakUXBcfR0HYFaIMCHsT6YLloUn68Z0sN1n7nbTBoNNy3CYz2ZP9nUHZCZGimDvHI6PFMcfsGkx3He6LumQJuslv83hGA/s1600/20160427_173447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TzZ2w5eVBBpobaV2yoXUfr2Xc5ya0yFbufL_n26KWqh8mOhakUXBcfR0HYFaIMCHsT6YLloUn68Z0sN1n7nbTBoNNy3CYz2ZP9nUHZCZGimDvHI6PFMcfsGkx3He6LumQJuslv83hGA/s320/20160427_173447.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy begins with me. </td></tr>
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<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-22540737115587002542016-04-23T01:08:00.002-04:002016-04-23T01:08:42.920-04:00Good Things are Sure to Come your WayHello friends. It's been awhile. Right into it, shall we?<br />
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It's my Sunday night which means it's Friday for real people. I started my day with a breakfast of champions at Bob Evans, where I had not eaten on this program yet. Biscuits all the way. I needed the energy to return to Cast Connection, as I had not been given a shirt I paid for, when I discovered ridiculous sales on all the RunDisney merchandise. So if you see me in a RunDisney shirt thats many sizes too large... it was very cheap and you never know. I probably have walked that distance in a day. I made a routine trip to Walmart before heading home for the afternoon to relax. Nicole and I *gasp* LEFT the Disney bubble in the evening for a performance at the Dr. Phillips Center (not Centre) for the Performing Arts by the newly rebranded Opera Orlando. Nicole is a talented opera singer in real life, so it was her idea, but as I rarely see theatre I don't already know, I enjoyed it as well. Also I felt super classy because now I can say "Oh, I was at the Opera you see...".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7g0yCdrsPpxNyNW0WBnCTETsUlXaR2ns8gPm3os95o1Za29INuHhJ5X1kYrdl1bPuJqXnJ3c9LyZdSy8lk6XOx1mNmwxlM7XSeMilaNLtT4hkXF_qqFyuL7DYoZuEqKdt1Ey4yCAbuU/s1600/Snapchat-3790764633797782370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7g0yCdrsPpxNyNW0WBnCTETsUlXaR2ns8gPm3os95o1Za29INuHhJ5X1kYrdl1bPuJqXnJ3c9LyZdSy8lk6XOx1mNmwxlM7XSeMilaNLtT4hkXF_qqFyuL7DYoZuEqKdt1Ey4yCAbuU/s320/Snapchat-3790764633797782370.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the ceiling of the theatre (theatER) <br />is interesting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoO9WfbvTmOaF0t8J328NS4UDE8oUd4cGAQCCzKLwyiXAdWDwhHq4Ci-B1P7ndJobHrc9OOao2TjhaM_DYrsJu-JEJBcmZDTVRqjFKmVKUmylbdHVlJGfrBd8DyEHOc_EvliJUxP4AK0/s1600/20160422_203900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoO9WfbvTmOaF0t8J328NS4UDE8oUd4cGAQCCzKLwyiXAdWDwhHq4Ci-B1P7ndJobHrc9OOao2TjhaM_DYrsJu-JEJBcmZDTVRqjFKmVKUmylbdHVlJGfrBd8DyEHOc_EvliJUxP4AK0/s320/20160422_203900.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole where she belongs... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-GxGmdb3T9QZWUaPYbDwPq2oHZ6pFztKZ9c9fw9PGnmyeAukYvnIcSPpTtNjfCpK5BBG06uKqmTD3PMbdMoh7PNszRFOGpnU1JbLPOZ2VfBBDW2gc7Hn21iZE3f_m1k5kjIHF7H22JY/s1600/20160422_203920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-GxGmdb3T9QZWUaPYbDwPq2oHZ6pFztKZ9c9fw9PGnmyeAukYvnIcSPpTtNjfCpK5BBG06uKqmTD3PMbdMoh7PNszRFOGpnU1JbLPOZ2VfBBDW2gc7Hn21iZE3f_m1k5kjIHF7H22JY/s320/20160422_203920.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...And me just enjoying being there.</td></tr>
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<br />
On Thursday I started my day with a round at Cast Connection for no particular reason other than it had been awhile and I just got paid. Let's just say I acquired enough Disney trading pins to keep me afloat for the rest of my program (... hopefully...). I made a quick trip to Florida Mall to acquire a Baloo tsum tsum (he's so cute, it was worth the trip) and chilled (literally) at home until I rewatched Star Wars: The Force Awakens with Matt and Mike (they have a fancy projector. It's fancy). I may have swooned a bit for Kylo Ren, renewing my motivation to get myself to Hollywood Studios to encounter him again.<br />
On Tuesday at work I had surprise visitors in the form of my friend Anna and her friend, and my new friend, Tina, who extended an invitation for hangouts and dinner later in the evening at Epcot. I miraculously had a short day so obviously this was going to happen. We rode Journey Into Imagination and Living with the Land before having a mini hair-braiding party in what used the be the waiting area for Soarin'. We then checked into our dinner at Garden Grill, which was legitimately on my bucket list of things to accomplish on this program. It's a slowly rotating restaurant in The Land which serves a feast consisting of a lot of things you'd have at Thanksgiving. Oh, and you meet Chip, Dale, Pluto AND Farmer Mickey Mouse. Basically it's great. Plus the scenery changes while you're not looking (because you're spinning!). We were obscenely full but so happy by the end of the meal, as we had had the most magical server ever and we rotated twice around the restaurant. Oh, and Dale proposed to me during dinner. Chip had previously proposed to Anna at another meal at Garden Grill so basically we're having a double wedding. Clear your calendars.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRu4ueok9ESjCT3w6kDNDesRgKe8RL73Ae_KUktWMsgx6PHsjYi2HAzgjL1b_eVu6I4e6_yFfogMUJfRQLNakOdv3eEhBvBRDV07xQOQIcBdYYHCHWUlQv2XD9qhyphenhyphenwfxj_YsupyXgMJ8/s1600/received_10206517248712610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRu4ueok9ESjCT3w6kDNDesRgKe8RL73Ae_KUktWMsgx6PHsjYi2HAzgjL1b_eVu6I4e6_yFfogMUJfRQLNakOdv3eEhBvBRDV07xQOQIcBdYYHCHWUlQv2XD9qhyphenhyphenwfxj_YsupyXgMJ8/s320/received_10206517248712610.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Permanent Residency, here I come. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMeyuVjr9ySsH6Hjkhr3T6UgAva2ygCPcWEFXs8Z7CSqpx7AUQB6pqnkoUuZ0CxF2dCnBXpNT8a2tgd2oHzWNB3sDyFzgJAlGh6B7VOX4lkeTjAZLkTSGYm2Crvr-2zs2K9LyVjf7Es0/s1600/received_10206517247272574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMeyuVjr9ySsH6Hjkhr3T6UgAva2ygCPcWEFXs8Z7CSqpx7AUQB6pqnkoUuZ0CxF2dCnBXpNT8a2tgd2oHzWNB3sDyFzgJAlGh6B7VOX4lkeTjAZLkTSGYm2Crvr-2zs2K9LyVjf7Es0/s320/received_10206517247272574.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy together.</td></tr>
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<br />
Here's where I switch up my days to make things a little more understandable. On April 14, Laura and I had a big American breakfast at Perkins before a delightful round of mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens. This was also on my list of things to do this program, as I somehow never got around to it last time. I'll also get around to Winter Summerland, near Blizzard Beach. Fantasia is a wonderful 18-hole course all super Fantasia-themed, with all the music and various well-themed obstacles. Honestly, Laura and I did pretty well (or pretty well at not counting properly, whatever) and it was just unbelievably warm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmq8oAbbTBjod2vI9IJ1m2EwdU6_iM2ic8fvPYNeo9j168ldEVMp0DMMlAdBRBGMQEnsJTG5s3NUbpwj29Fi4BgZ3kuvuXb0hZAVph0_hgpBD4Qt-bS_xaNrVbsozOfP_fCua6fAEe9to/s1600/20160414_122103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmq8oAbbTBjod2vI9IJ1m2EwdU6_iM2ic8fvPYNeo9j168ldEVMp0DMMlAdBRBGMQEnsJTG5s3NUbpwj29Fi4BgZ3kuvuXb0hZAVph0_hgpBD4Qt-bS_xaNrVbsozOfP_fCua6fAEe9to/s320/20160414_122103.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You get satyr music when you get a hole-in-one. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislCVOuKBhi5nDowHIx-HWLAq-RE1GxTgHut-QCGQAOGmFsrXOdeJX4pZi9IMfPPbHP5io14eauvhKwfCSBxGKWCy-hMrl3xbx8UbcCbcWa6u6xNHxkNdXzvBO_nuDNLdSQz3cFXl-QEM/s1600/20160414_121020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislCVOuKBhi5nDowHIx-HWLAq-RE1GxTgHut-QCGQAOGmFsrXOdeJX4pZi9IMfPPbHP5io14eauvhKwfCSBxGKWCy-hMrl3xbx8UbcCbcWa6u6xNHxkNdXzvBO_nuDNLdSQz3cFXl-QEM/s320/20160414_121020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura lamenting the adorable but annoying Hop Lo mushroom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zWh7F47oMnKf_3dJ4Q891XnxmatxfPeAlLaS5a-4lTDSBP-w4-Fz9kMXbkdL__4OVKaKVRKNaPWZidq74arkxd70_nL4g9FQEN2DRLHJHTYoKXZPP8BwuIqdJN3805gFfHqGm9Cck3I/s1600/20160414_122219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zWh7F47oMnKf_3dJ4Q891XnxmatxfPeAlLaS5a-4lTDSBP-w4-Fz9kMXbkdL__4OVKaKVRKNaPWZidq74arkxd70_nL4g9FQEN2DRLHJHTYoKXZPP8BwuIqdJN3805gFfHqGm9Cck3I/s320/20160414_122219.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have you ever seen a golf course like this? Have you? </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAjLjlgJ24OkoCepwxpl7gLjjzbopoTZdBb913-HOn9an5vLJenqEfSIDlRTt-5wa16rW_7Kvz0nyNdISyaJCm_PwAXOCiVaTIe-K3v9u4dI1BMVdUUcz9o6srG7H04UdiOfL1vprwOM/s1600/20160414_122926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAjLjlgJ24OkoCepwxpl7gLjjzbopoTZdBb913-HOn9an5vLJenqEfSIDlRTt-5wa16rW_7Kvz0nyNdISyaJCm_PwAXOCiVaTIe-K3v9u4dI1BMVdUUcz9o6srG7H04UdiOfL1vprwOM/s320/20160414_122926.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not quite as good at golf as the hippo is at ballet. </td></tr>
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After golf and some packing, I went to Port Orleans French Quarter to make the most out of the time I got in this glorious resort, while keeping busy before picking up magical friend and CRP alumna Alison at the airport. We took a boat to Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney, if you'll recall) and spent the evening catching up over drinks and shareable appetizers at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar. Jock Lindsey was Indiana Jones' sidekick and pilot, so there's more artifacts and memorabilia in this bar than a standard fan could handle or would notice. Theming for days. Two thumbs way up for the bar and the spelling. We tried to squeeze in some shopping but couldn't get much done in the time we had left, having missed our last boat and getting to experience the bus back to Port Orleans instead.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Jss9VM_tBHS_rlKzXrwiZrSJ_1Gs_BxtgfG0Hmyqtk0Qp8vcgqEimXyJL0gef8JZQcH0TCX60ivmJCyevJAv2l1g6zLkthSTj1p63_jR-1Af4AT8KXTa6BAff5VAc9sy0ly3B63aWKE/s1600/20160414_211747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Jss9VM_tBHS_rlKzXrwiZrSJ_1Gs_BxtgfG0Hmyqtk0Qp8vcgqEimXyJL0gef8JZQcH0TCX60ivmJCyevJAv2l1g6zLkthSTj1p63_jR-1Af4AT8KXTa6BAff5VAc9sy0ly3B63aWKE/s320/20160414_211747.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well-themed and under-photographed.<br />My phone died. Sad face. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbidwUe8n5XWl5gCOc2jATnAZSIgeA8Ali0SBHSM0aS7PdErGIUajSRMz-hFucEQ57lB4uYPZVtqoRePqzSS6gPSFb17SC33kUU_-hL24VgK6FPwqccqGQ-TvsUR10C2vNNmQcBEB0vA/s1600/20160415_104414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbidwUe8n5XWl5gCOc2jATnAZSIgeA8Ali0SBHSM0aS7PdErGIUajSRMz-hFucEQ57lB4uYPZVtqoRePqzSS6gPSFb17SC33kUU_-hL24VgK6FPwqccqGQ-TvsUR10C2vNNmQcBEB0vA/s320/20160415_104414.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six giant beignets, s'il vous plait. </td></tr>
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The next morning we had a hearty Disney resort breakfast of Mickey waffles (thanks, Alison!) before packing up and moving out of the lovely Port Orleans. Alison was continuing her vacation at the Walt Disney World Dolphin resort, which is not all the way owned by Disney (you can tell cuz they charge for parking and wifi), and I was continuing my day at Epcot. I met Matt at MouseGears and we got our own private boat on the Gran Fiesta tour in Mexico. Basically, guests think we're famous now. We checked out Norway for any apparent progress on the new Frozen attraction (maybe there's a new mountain?) before heading back to Canada, where I had a schedule bid appointment and where I had to check out our newly installed wine bar. We snagged a Fast Pass for Test Track, and I snagged my preferred days off, and we explored Innoventions East and found a previously unexplored exhibit called Colortopia. Basically you learn about how colour makes people feel before getting to paint a wall with coloured lights, all narrated by Ty Burrell. It was super! Afterwards, Mike and I were slaughtered in Monopoly but we generally fine with it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GrG2Fy9FfvDCeOTBZwRKa4lS__hAGuNjTzc9Aw6aqj2bcwPx080B4KBwrR7Rq3YWJPmLIo0YpUg9_rv3dsVuc77N_mh7CvZX51gibW0hbXPa-tAYmIp29F0bfbW1Au9uJcVIAnXflAE/s1600/20160415_160421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GrG2Fy9FfvDCeOTBZwRKa4lS__hAGuNjTzc9Aw6aqj2bcwPx080B4KBwrR7Rq3YWJPmLIo0YpUg9_rv3dsVuc77N_mh7CvZX51gibW0hbXPa-tAYmIp29F0bfbW1Au9uJcVIAnXflAE/s320/20160415_160421.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting with colour and light! MAGICAL!</td></tr>
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<br />
I've had a bit of a social lull this month but it's sure to pick up now that I'm over my second cold of my program. There isn't enough vitamin C and hand sanitizer on the planet to keep me healthy in this state. Between this post and the last, my only other social activity was attending Typhoon Lagoon waterpark on April 8 with seldom seen but much loved Sarah. I had doubt about how my impending cold would affect my ability to tackle giant waves, but with some gentle enouragement I did very well and split a sand pail (all the soft serve one can handle served in a plastic sand pail) with Sarah as a reward. We also thoroughly enjoyed the lazy river on more than one occasion and defeated the Crush'n Gusher. It was wonderful times, made even more wonderful by dinner at Sweet Tomatoes with Matt and Mike.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQM_UGSDiAtZYj4Vkf3FgQUo5bXydy77cLEh2U7YdG5z-DZYpq7Y1Xw5uM1nyZbsP1ccQIJOeYrdtHYokmoKx6KKGH6UPrAN4DwSDBYDuTDI0mx2qKsvmOA3pIw7s4qGU2UbVz4ohR-Y/s1600/20160408_095548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQM_UGSDiAtZYj4Vkf3FgQUo5bXydy77cLEh2U7YdG5z-DZYpq7Y1Xw5uM1nyZbsP1ccQIJOeYrdtHYokmoKx6KKGH6UPrAN4DwSDBYDuTDI0mx2qKsvmOA3pIw7s4qGU2UbVz4ohR-Y/s320/20160408_095548.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited for the sunshine and the company!</td></tr>
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<br />
We are all caught up friends. Looking forward to my next round.<br />
<br />
<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
<br />
<b>Magical Moment: </b>Our server Patrick at Garden Grill, singing our table a Sweet 16 song he had written to the tune of You'll Be in my Heart. I asked him to sing it twice, since I'll be 32 this year.<br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>My mom! For sending me a fantastic Canada shirt.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-52275975083024065682016-04-03T11:58:00.002-04:002016-04-07T16:14:54.364-04:00Together Again. Gee, It's Good to be Together Again.Hello friends!<br />
<br />
I believe some catching up is in order. I had sat down much earlier to do what would have been a shorter post but I didn't do it, so short novel it is.<br />
<br />
On Thursday the 23rd, Matt and I had very much wanted to go to a water park, but rumour had it we were blocked out due to multiple simultaneous Spring Breaks, so we went to Animal Kingdom instead. It was actually very crowded due to said Spring Breaks, so we went to It's Tough to Be a Bug and Festival of the Lion King (which I hadn't seen on this program yet), ran into Tarzan and his gorilla friend Turk before going to Hollywood Studios, which I feel has a bit more surface area to accomodate more Guests (DAK space is for animals). We decided to make it a show day, so we saw Disney Junior Live on Stage (my first time) and it was adorable. Puppets everywhere. We also got on Great Movie Ride and we saw Lights, Motors, Action, a car stunt show which has since had its last run. We were joined by Matt's husband Mike and we went to the Frozen sing along, to which Mike and I were singing before it had even started. We met Kylo Ren, who is never impressed with anyone, and when we left it was raining, which impresses and surprises no one. We managed to run into Voyage of the Little Mermaid to avoid the rain but ultimately decided that our park day was over and consoled ourselves with TGIFriday's.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aygs8KiVp_mt7B-aS5lDdTswO-u0ygXTXAZPxkYXNr1k2ALtD-TpqqC7hBUSA2UsRyUBFhmLFVPXoHTNlpCiFAwV5jkd8Oeq0cf0fnyIi1M22eK5zHsOy8K-zslXUkEXDPaCfRuv7WI/s1600/20160324_112211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aygs8KiVp_mt7B-aS5lDdTswO-u0ygXTXAZPxkYXNr1k2ALtD-TpqqC7hBUSA2UsRyUBFhmLFVPXoHTNlpCiFAwV5jkd8Oeq0cf0fnyIi1M22eK5zHsOy8K-zslXUkEXDPaCfRuv7WI/s320/20160324_112211.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My ears do not belong in this park. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m6FN9e58CzO_ghaUQ3ZKfNdKwoZJuXidW-WD3YhfF5OFki5bhvgY3HuXLYec4nGydDsABaI-4drwto3YDfwMRqUg6tLeQonENvkiJ0_RWhzi_Wj19_3b2LCSjCMc1MFIcBy1DXYWwwc/s1600/20160324_124824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m6FN9e58CzO_ghaUQ3ZKfNdKwoZJuXidW-WD3YhfF5OFki5bhvgY3HuXLYec4nGydDsABaI-4drwto3YDfwMRqUg6tLeQonENvkiJ0_RWhzi_Wj19_3b2LCSjCMc1MFIcBy1DXYWwwc/s320/20160324_124824.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm very comfortable with all of this. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXnvZU-earN56IZYP6RDZqlOs79-MVRvZWPgoztIWswMuEKKM7lurzbFc1ikl8YlYyEE44AJbhSbH7IK9LfYs0vbh-Pg48bJev3TFizeiyWO9wo1Y4HKFdk0qAxGsysMOEnRDj2Xg2N0/s1600/20160324_164542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXnvZU-earN56IZYP6RDZqlOs79-MVRvZWPgoztIWswMuEKKM7lurzbFc1ikl8YlYyEE44AJbhSbH7IK9LfYs0vbh-Pg48bJev3TFizeiyWO9wo1Y4HKFdk0qAxGsysMOEnRDj2Xg2N0/s320/20160324_164542.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Lights, Motors, Action with a view of Backlot Tour.</td></tr>
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<br />
On Friday the 24th, I parked it up with Amanda and her mom at Epcot and Hollywood Studios. We met for a Mission Space fastpass (we can book FastPasses as a group when we're all here together), then went to meet Baymax, and Minnie, Goofy and Mickey across the way at the character spots. We decided to do Living with the Land, since everyone's a fan of calm boat rides, but unexpectedly got stuck due to rain, so we had lunch at Sunshine Seasons until the weather let up enough to allow us to sneak over to The Seas. We rode the Nemo ride and visited some dolphins, fish and manatees before heading into World Showcase to watch...wait for it.. THE VILLAGE PEOPLE... who were performing in Epcot as part of the Garden Rocks concert series associated with the Flower and Garden Festival. It turns out they're very passionate about making sure everyone does the YMCA correctly. Chances are, you're doing it wrong.<br />
Then we took the FriendShip over to Hollywood Studios. We went to the Frozen Sing Along (twice in as many days for me... still fun!) and met Kylo Ren. With Amanda by my side, I finally gathered the courage to ask him how he keeps his hair so nice under his helmet. His response: "It is naive of your to think I would reveal such a secret." Oh you'll do it. If you're keeping track, I met Kylo Ren four times in the month of March. We saw the Star Wars fireworks, then got dinner and brought it into Fantasmic, then called it a day (quite rightly).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlDt4lQa-T-zZcrHZcPNMBX9tfPTPMBm1wTXo9RcHhmze5xwDYS_fIhI7GpIVJ_J5LzvFOYDZlk6wle7hKDE8HCbnHVUeaJby_TRWA8ZJYr0BHXHVYKEO4Qcw0vn8S3YxjktJ6m5vqwg/s1600/20160325_192617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlDt4lQa-T-zZcrHZcPNMBX9tfPTPMBm1wTXo9RcHhmze5xwDYS_fIhI7GpIVJ_J5LzvFOYDZlk6wle7hKDE8HCbnHVUeaJby_TRWA8ZJYr0BHXHVYKEO4Qcw0vn8S3YxjktJ6m5vqwg/s320/20160325_192617.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to prove we know all the words to Frozen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_Ew8i9E05svJODEsismvZXtqMZ50cQUUg2MxR3vwhh9KlfS7dXiwVLXGyrw2PJ6rUK5sC9K4BIwufRCGmm4SCDM3VPgMumrS5JImB668c6EwLIOaST1gwYWJD4m6FKApZa6ofOHtr6g/s1600/20160324_180625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_Ew8i9E05svJODEsismvZXtqMZ50cQUUg2MxR3vwhh9KlfS7dXiwVLXGyrw2PJ6rUK5sC9K4BIwufRCGmm4SCDM3VPgMumrS5JImB668c6EwLIOaST1gwYWJD4m6FKApZa6ofOHtr6g/s320/20160324_180625.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When everyone else is watching Elsa, I'm watching Kristoff. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NLszUHwU1Ip6cPbInx0TPXd8qaJKJAhTUiYyd1OyEwA1N8oXKJmqMKetlcuPkBQNt1Tiop35nbROXLrk3xTY99ilEApdnhBmmR21SCzYaaGqo2ewS3hSic6BcPq81w77LnDhqdYVaLQ/s1600/20160325_203556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NLszUHwU1Ip6cPbInx0TPXd8qaJKJAhTUiYyd1OyEwA1N8oXKJmqMKetlcuPkBQNt1Tiop35nbROXLrk3xTY99ilEApdnhBmmR21SCzYaaGqo2ewS3hSic6BcPq81w77LnDhqdYVaLQ/s320/20160325_203556.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Kylo, Princess Lindsey and Princess Amanda</td></tr>
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<br />
On Wednesday the 30th, I had an additional day off and therefore had some much needed downtime during the day before meeting Amanda and our former lumberjack colleague Sam for dinner at the Polynesian Resort. We took the monorail to the Grand Floridian to check out its decadent and gorgeous chocolate Easter Egg collection (I took many pictures, a few of which were decent) before getting back on and going to Magic Kingdom, where we met Lindsay Wilson and avoided Wishes in Tomorrowland on the People Mover, the Carousel of Progress and at the Tomorrowland Dance Party until I had to turn in. I had to fight a disgusting amount of people to get out though. It was gross.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmEnqLvPHSvvDiflqsMoA1X9VqEcp3X2XWxWMzIWwdmP3zcyPFt-2rxvN2XSQAlQTvns25OfDK9QNSXQVDqcMR0fUb6ldDAARHKVakDGkKexfSgg6n0zwFCCnC-3jjT0Gi2NrrSMxLI0/s1600/20160330_193758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmEnqLvPHSvvDiflqsMoA1X9VqEcp3X2XWxWMzIWwdmP3zcyPFt-2rxvN2XSQAlQTvns25OfDK9QNSXQVDqcMR0fUb6ldDAARHKVakDGkKexfSgg6n0zwFCCnC-3jjT0Gi2NrrSMxLI0/s320/20160330_193758.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now we're Polynesian princesses.</td></tr>
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That night, from the cold cold depths of Winnipeg, my lovely and not visited frequently enough friends Angela and Randy arrived in the humidity of Orlando with their very new baby Juliet. I met them the next morning at All Star Sports. Angela visited on my last program right after her and Randy got married. We decided to take a run at Magic Kingdom, the four of us, for as long as we could. Juliet was a fan of the bus that took us to and from the park. It was hot and Magic Kingdom was crowded but dammit we are park champions anyway. We were able to ride Journey of the Little Mermaid, It's a Small World, Mickey's Philharmagic and Enchanted Tiki Room. We got some drinks at Gaston's Tavern (of the Lefou's Brew variety), lunch at Columbia Harbour House (if you eat there, go upstairs. So calm.), and then went back to the resort for swimming and relaxing before heading back out a few hours later. We had a dinner reservation at the Skipper Canteen, the Jungle Cruise-themed restaurant in Adventureland, and it was so wonderful - the company, the food, the skipper/server, the atmosphere. So many puns and so much Jungle Cruise joy. We had a great time. When we left, we had time to find a place for Wishes (Juliet didn't love it but Randy did!) then everyone headed home for the evening, myself included.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4d0f4p-Sk9CX7Tl2co3kpflI9BjTa3hT0PgNg8CbQWxY_-WrjAQ_M5M6a-w8HsMrCV-Ky_XN6az4yS5B_GAz61elbIgDb_m3sSoH2g9fbRn8HihuVsDf9xTacvQbowzFaLxlE6mX-X8/s1600/20160331_195512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4d0f4p-Sk9CX7Tl2co3kpflI9BjTa3hT0PgNg8CbQWxY_-WrjAQ_M5M6a-w8HsMrCV-Ky_XN6az4yS5B_GAz61elbIgDb_m3sSoH2g9fbRn8HihuVsDf9xTacvQbowzFaLxlE6mX-X8/s320/20160331_195512.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angela and I recovering from puns at Skipper Canteen.</td></tr>
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<br />
On Friday the 1st (happy April!), we started out a bit earlier and went to Hollywood Studios after a hearty All-Star Sports breakfast. We did some shopping and went to Muppet Vision 3D, we were able to get a Rider Swap for Star Tours, and we got some lunch at Backlot Express. We decided a boat ride to Epcot was a good choice, and when we arrived we met Pocahontas and Ariel at International Gateway! How lucky and what good timing by us! We took a very leisurely stroll around World Showcase wherein many snacks and drinks were consumed, we did a little more shopping, Randy decided the German pavilion is his jam now and we headed out the front of the park, because the Shanks' Florida vacation continued that evening.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSA3ySlwky_8N6JjXeTkidjhjGFTp-wiAkRz6ooi1mS56MucgvvKO8C_GFSbHCeKSMUYFD6ZvGkDxCM4F0tTptS0jm9ON5U7YnA5sAIkDA0ZqQ3Vvu9jyTWusQIBTOgvRdBIZkHWkPF_o/s1600/20160401_132718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSA3ySlwky_8N6JjXeTkidjhjGFTp-wiAkRz6ooi1mS56MucgvvKO8C_GFSbHCeKSMUYFD6ZvGkDxCM4F0tTptS0jm9ON5U7YnA5sAIkDA0ZqQ3Vvu9jyTWusQIBTOgvRdBIZkHWkPF_o/s320/20160401_132718.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Citizen of Hollywood expressing interest in Juliet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgMpPMntRx-jtNMGEq_oNM_ywy6IMH74-yVECbmomFZYI0rJRZLp93rN0srA_jBMc1VVzgA52-n8PfldyyPgZkqdrTz6WtiSVBcwLTNHI5zuA-4eu3sMz8YotPngUCAomxOwRQwCcUrY/s1600/20160401_143121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgMpPMntRx-jtNMGEq_oNM_ywy6IMH74-yVECbmomFZYI0rJRZLp93rN0srA_jBMc1VVzgA52-n8PfldyyPgZkqdrTz6WtiSVBcwLTNHI5zuA-4eu3sMz8YotPngUCAomxOwRQwCcUrY/s320/20160401_143121.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enter Epcot, find Pocahontas. Such luck!</td></tr>
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It was very sad to see them all go, but I got to see more of Sam and Amanda that evening at Wilderness Lodge, where Sam was staying, and Disney Springs, where we had delicious dinner. But Amanda had to leave too, as she's got a classroom of children waiting for her in Dawson Creek. Visiting friends are the best, but when they leave it's the worst. I was glad to go back to work yesterday.<br />
<br />
<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
<br />
<b>Magical Moment: </b>Amanda and I were queuing for Kylo Ren. I decided this was prime time to bring out a Star Wars joke for the Cast Member attending the queue. It turns out we've spoken before, and I was recognized by my puns.<br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>Anyone who wants to send me mail! I have a legitimate and permanent address (until January 2017) and will resume my mail activities shortly.<br />
<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-34091660569034742472016-03-24T00:47:00.002-04:002016-03-24T00:48:49.980-04:00I Got Friends on the Other SideGood news everyone!<br />
Nicole and I have moved from Vista Way to Chatham Square. We'll be staying here for the foreseeable future and all is well. Do let me know if you'd like my address. I know I owe mail to many people, and you shall indeed receive some.<br />
<br />
Let's catch up!<br />
<br />
On Tuesday March 15th, I went to my second viewing of Zootopia during the day (have you seen this movie yet?!) and went for groceries at Publix which is the newly rediscovered love of my grocery-shopping life. I had switched for the day off so I could attend an event at Hollywood Studios in the evening with Micayla, Kristin and Becky. It's an extra ticketed (ie paid) event called Club Villain. We did get a discount (as we should).<br />
It was an evening of celebrating the bad guys hosted by Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog, featuring a DJ (who was clearly a fan of Canadian music) and a super talented cohost named Kanzo. There was so much food (the Disney World website calls it "New Orleans-inspired") and desserts and AND two open bars. The desserts and drinks were themed around the four villains with who Guests were invited to mingle and meet - the Evil Queen, Maleficent, Cruella De Vil and the Queen of Hearts. Also we were handed champagne as we were waiting to enter so it's a good bet that the Fiesta was safe and sound in housing. We were given scheduled times to meet each villain, and we got time to take pictures in their empty thrones/backdrops. It was an amazing time and I recommend it to anyone whose jam is Disney Villains, since they're notoriously hard to track down.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAoA9C5_sSVaLbeBxprDVhzv4-46uwgf2Fwg1V8vuC2oJyhfMANNiTKEHVduyGLyd45rqPqBEbf5PulCv_YkhRO7c9wvr3O19b850Jd2EIOVLW99cL2Fv6bfUWuSTW_XyVjFVwEQIFCQ/s1600/20160315_201435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAoA9C5_sSVaLbeBxprDVhzv4-46uwgf2Fwg1V8vuC2oJyhfMANNiTKEHVduyGLyd45rqPqBEbf5PulCv_YkhRO7c9wvr3O19b850Jd2EIOVLW99cL2Fv6bfUWuSTW_XyVjFVwEQIFCQ/s320/20160315_201435.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maleficent didn't catch ME in her throne.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbrhfPvLFfnO9kQjhakXkXbMXzMKy8TI7slTiy6ai6kPXBqT_ppJZMOWLOsLbYRMmif5hiepGM7TzPYbm7UrLIm55qEWJziFwTvLsrmi7zDKn8K-KwK3Hps4nN2kHvgYRtS0_bpEY5QI/s1600/20160315_202034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbrhfPvLFfnO9kQjhakXkXbMXzMKy8TI7slTiy6ai6kPXBqT_ppJZMOWLOsLbYRMmif5hiepGM7TzPYbm7UrLIm55qEWJziFwTvLsrmi7zDKn8K-KwK3Hps4nN2kHvgYRtS0_bpEY5QI/s320/20160315_202034.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruella's hangout had puppies everywhere! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K_ljvlx41BFvx6bgjj4dUvYt02ELmkcre9VpU_OtCHNAogrFRc6smRdBlH3qcvds-05uvTq8qUqSoTImkMikF4c9b13lrTivMj5HtEALSc7airixa07-4P-zvnK59Zy4dt5bYzi6GYg/s1600/20160315_213332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K_ljvlx41BFvx6bgjj4dUvYt02ELmkcre9VpU_OtCHNAogrFRc6smRdBlH3qcvds-05uvTq8qUqSoTImkMikF4c9b13lrTivMj5HtEALSc7airixa07-4P-zvnK59Zy4dt5bYzi6GYg/s320/20160315_213332.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A magic mirror, a throne and fans? The Evil Queen has it all. </td></tr>
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On March 16th, a few of the merchies and I celebrated Kathleen's birthday with buffet breakfast at Trail's End at Fort Wilderness. I'll be perfectly honest. I was still so full from the night before that I did not to justice to that buffet. I did get a little hangry in line though when some dude broke the line and stole all the Eggs Benedict. Don't stand between breakfast and I. Just don't. Two of us had to work thereafter but it was a wonderful and magical start to my Wednesday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuspfeizE-FI1ZJu4RsGLGpusQRFsG4WJOvRTkARXuftFY_2vVabID_sfmuB_HOsJhtrVBNhRyhIOZDv7p7TzEvH6l-DVcA2QTwQuLXd5zcOIidOSp11Ifp8TV_3GJkLxszq9_MCL9fjw/s1600/20160316_113727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuspfeizE-FI1ZJu4RsGLGpusQRFsG4WJOvRTkARXuftFY_2vVabID_sfmuB_HOsJhtrVBNhRyhIOZDv7p7TzEvH6l-DVcA2QTwQuLXd5zcOIidOSp11Ifp8TV_3GJkLxszq9_MCL9fjw/s320/20160316_113727.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're happy as long as we're fed.</td></tr>
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On March 17th, Laura and I finished our tour of World Showcase and the Flower & Garden Festival which we had started earlier this month. We had a few more snacks (basically I didn't starve at all this week) and we saw a few more topiaries and we finished our super special Duffy bears! Laura had to work but we had finished what we started so it was still an excellent day. Oh and it was St Patrick's Day! hahah so much green everywhere.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNIX4ywWYshPhGiYHzSuo7I4_cbtTEww9dP8k79Mv4tbz7O1YZL94p5RV_NVEDGDmbHg5c-WWxnZmIZR8i10z8PS626Y_vUijx6oJbidpu-1F_suF_Tw5mw-fbhswpDUYx8VJYG3xkgM/s1600/20160317_120037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNIX4ywWYshPhGiYHzSuo7I4_cbtTEww9dP8k79Mv4tbz7O1YZL94p5RV_NVEDGDmbHg5c-WWxnZmIZR8i10z8PS626Y_vUijx6oJbidpu-1F_suF_Tw5mw-fbhswpDUYx8VJYG3xkgM/s320/20160317_120037.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only one of us isn't appropriately in green. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOk2OEPZJD3A7SUVTnmbB_OBlVzcoTVv09qcCCZQZGMOczBZSxqa7R3v4HyHK8eKmYZGZQFBR8V_sxYEwZjPUMJAnE8nV4ImGmkZZUr3IXCGurXvKNji3-v_GLvWLBRsKqS3Q7vVDMYw/s1600/20160317_121118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOk2OEPZJD3A7SUVTnmbB_OBlVzcoTVv09qcCCZQZGMOczBZSxqa7R3v4HyHK8eKmYZGZQFBR8V_sxYEwZjPUMJAnE8nV4ImGmkZZUr3IXCGurXvKNji3-v_GLvWLBRsKqS3Q7vVDMYw/s320/20160317_121118.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jungle Book sand sculpture is AMAZING. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0GIQMmv2VbHwu857TqYBK72lEEvZwQM5eewk48vYJpWkL0G1iSkN4BiE4ZUv2YwpsG_KzZjGwkmVEaxT3Ho0xPmY7zN6wihYnt9bnaUTLxVrpBkqljKo6N3g05dPaEqL7c3HZ08urG4/s1600/20160317_122532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0GIQMmv2VbHwu857TqYBK72lEEvZwQM5eewk48vYJpWkL0G1iSkN4BiE4ZUv2YwpsG_KzZjGwkmVEaxT3Ho0xPmY7zN6wihYnt9bnaUTLxVrpBkqljKo6N3g05dPaEqL7c3HZ08urG4/s320/20160317_122532.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One princess, seven dwarfs, one tough photo. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tNT0Hf4iiZm7OkYmxrTj0s1A6gvqzAi2uQNVEV8H8ukr_Hd9Ww2pFFA8Akh3yqTWP2BjE7LwlH-wzmkGd2aWv1Wy6eEHQdlZCFscg3QNQW7LK3SvmoQut76L_t3YDyARuxoJWgc8m4s/s1600/20160317_124240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tNT0Hf4iiZm7OkYmxrTj0s1A6gvqzAi2uQNVEV8H8ukr_Hd9Ww2pFFA8Akh3yqTWP2BjE7LwlH-wzmkGd2aWv1Wy6eEHQdlZCFscg3QNQW7LK3SvmoQut76L_t3YDyARuxoJWgc8m4s/s320/20160317_124240.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No spaghetti for the topiaries?</td></tr>
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<br />
On March 19th, after work I joined Micayla and Kristin for another round of late night Magic Kingdom. I got a lot more respect than normal due to my awesome Captain America hoodie. Magical. In less than two hours, the three of us did Under the Sea, Barnstormer, Dumbo, the People Mover and Carousel of Progress. I also ran into former Canada coordinator now MK leader Dave in the Emporium on our way out. Talk about efficiency.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2SbxEngxDYxjVdBy74zoBsyVFwDk97iBnaOfyIX4gD6WObJeMpUSlKvQsquNqxLn5M_wKm2JSZRYGhsFVw3RpZL8zTABfDkh2Huvjv6SsLvuUQyiKy3yudhGalkzTPNUdZNqzmUVPt4/s1600/20160320_000433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2SbxEngxDYxjVdBy74zoBsyVFwDk97iBnaOfyIX4gD6WObJeMpUSlKvQsquNqxLn5M_wKm2JSZRYGhsFVw3RpZL8zTABfDkh2Huvjv6SsLvuUQyiKy3yudhGalkzTPNUdZNqzmUVPt4/s320/20160320_000433.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a great big beautiful Tomorrow(land).</td></tr>
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<br />
Thursday was also the day I found out there were spots for Nicole and I in Chatham Square. We moved out of a first floor apartment into a first floor apartment with only one pit stop in between - one night in a temporary/emergency/fore & flood unit in Chatham. It was huge and hella gorgeous and ours for one night only. We are safe and sound and healthy and happy. As I hope you all are.<br />
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<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
<br />
<b>Magical Moment: </b>I gave a Han Solo pin to a one half of a newly married couple, congratulating her on no longer being solo. Being both delighted and intoxicated, she just thought I was the bee's knees.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>Anyone and everyone who listened to me rant and rave and whine about housing. I may have some control issues. I just like to be in control.<br />
<b><br /></b>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-53781311083072770642016-03-14T00:49:00.002-04:002016-03-14T00:50:53.024-04:00Like Painting a Masterpiece, it's a Work of HeartHello long lost friends! I have returned with more adventures but no news about my housing situation. When I know, I'll share.<br />
<br />
This will be a highlights reel post, since too many work days have passed and I can't recall all the fun at this moment. The non-work days though, those I remember.<br />
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On Thursday March 3rd, Sarah and I planned the Magic Kingdom open-close day we've been wanting basically since we met. We woke up bright and early with a change of clothes in tow (it had been getting cold in the evenings) and arrived at the park for something obscene like 0830. We caught the show which opens the Magic Kingdom and brings all the characters in, then followed behind the hoardes wanting to either see Anna & Elsa or get on Mine Train, laughing all the way. We got on Splash and Big Thunder Mountain with minimal waits, and met Woody in Frontierland. We popped in for early lunch at Be Our Guest (which actually opened during my last program). I had never been there for Quick Service lunch so that was new. By the time we left, there were huge lines to get in. We went under the sea with Ariel in New Fantasyland (the ride, not the meet & greet) and visited Dumbo in Storybook Circus.<br />
We were joined by Justine and Dan for awhile, and we completed the FOF challenge, in which you watch the Festival of Fantasy parade once in Frontierland where it starts, then you race down to Main Street to watch it again. We got onto Pirates in Adventureland and we did Philharmagic and somehow we got a relatively short wait for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. I had never seen the interactive queue before and I had never done the ride during the day so that was new and exciting. We also chilled on the People Mover, before taking in the Main Street Electrical Parade, Celebrate the Magic and Wishes. MK actually closed early for a Disney Vacation Club event to which we were not invited, so I think in total our day was just under twelve hours. I've done fifteen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wHpNOocPUf6t49CaXydw29j7balWxu-Ig0-TDiq67-bRG6nJIQfyYjipEkE2krMyTvbLxCgRJ8L2pnX_tRuMcHv1PpphbDz6Uu3Cufskwl_SzdQaeMFVLfJV4prR7DR8Ak3NOvUFQ2U/s1600/20160303_093750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wHpNOocPUf6t49CaXydw29j7balWxu-Ig0-TDiq67-bRG6nJIQfyYjipEkE2krMyTvbLxCgRJ8L2pnX_tRuMcHv1PpphbDz6Uu3Cufskwl_SzdQaeMFVLfJV4prR7DR8Ak3NOvUFQ2U/s320/20160303_093750.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful, serene Splash Mountain...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-FUNY81Ysf_GmzMPHl1w3zMWMWLYhqaq8u_mijCPtE3SXcNYFW-OcfXXdGK4Z22b3_Skx2jVPjO2ThIQjoqI6wNm4QMWDpOe3AI4W_Ee8LQ_9pYLl3AO2oEMdnmVXjLUkMqIeKK1QN4/s1600/20160303_093851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-FUNY81Ysf_GmzMPHl1w3zMWMWLYhqaq8u_mijCPtE3SXcNYFW-OcfXXdGK4Z22b3_Skx2jVPjO2ThIQjoqI6wNm4QMWDpOe3AI4W_Ee8LQ_9pYLl3AO2oEMdnmVXjLUkMqIeKK1QN4/s320/20160303_093851.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five seconds after the first picture...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPTeM5rKnfkBP-WLxODZp4WWfEFPrTaymGGMVMsFEUhyEVd-acVAQw4g3KudvbpFJwhDHTguqQJUCJf5QTqN3Yv_uuySAtLzSi7dth5ZVkTRScItlwLhfdKNoVEIEKcgWO5TwfDsXHDI/s1600/20160303_095134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPTeM5rKnfkBP-WLxODZp4WWfEFPrTaymGGMVMsFEUhyEVd-acVAQw4g3KudvbpFJwhDHTguqQJUCJf5QTqN3Yv_uuySAtLzSi7dth5ZVkTRScItlwLhfdKNoVEIEKcgWO5TwfDsXHDI/s320/20160303_095134.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are the princesses of Splash Mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidslycp0J6V9429uOxw6GPXH-U8i5CDN7QRTsmW1PrxTeHDGBrzEM8xBaF_B7_FkvSMCPtRLibFPhdRLzlkk6uU6iPqA3Wi_mqPuWkGuOYrGWCfi1iTAnGJkR1CmzqJT6Os-1UT-1G7qY/s1600/20160303_101155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidslycp0J6V9429uOxw6GPXH-U8i5CDN7QRTsmW1PrxTeHDGBrzEM8xBaF_B7_FkvSMCPtRLibFPhdRLzlkk6uU6iPqA3Wi_mqPuWkGuOYrGWCfi1iTAnGJkR1CmzqJT6Os-1UT-1G7qY/s320/20160303_101155.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a charmer. I'm obviously talking about me.</td></tr>
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<br />
On Friday March 4th, the four merchies supporting the bottom of the totem pole had plans for Hollywood Studios. We got a little split up at the beginning, but (spoiler alert) we all end up together for fireworks.<br />
Myself and Kevin, the youngest merchie (I am indeed the oldest, what a surprise) started off our day with the Frozen Sing Along, which was awesome and magical and snow-covered. We then checked out Path of the Jedi, which is basically a supercut of the first six Star Wars films and a bit of the newest seventh. Now we know. We went on Star Tours twice. I have no idea how I did this ride so many consecutive times on my first program. We met Sully and Mike from Monsters Inc (and it was awkward) before going on Great Movie Ride in which I FINALLY got to experience the infamous cowboy scene instead of the standard gangster scene (it was a goal of mine to see it), before meeting the rest of the crew, Shellby and Shane with special guest Shane's dad, who was visiting. We had FastPasses for Rock'n Roller Coaster and we visited Star Tours again before breaking into smaller groups again for Voyage of the Little Mermaid and reunited for MuppetVision 3D before Kevin and went to Fantasmic. We also met Kylo Ren and Chewbacca (generally Kylo Ren was unimpressed at our level of laughter). We all got back together for the wonderful Star Wars fireworks, Symphony in the Stars, before Shane and his dad turned in for the night and Kevin, Shellby and I went to Steak & Shake and met fellow two-time merchie Kathleen for Deadpool at Disney Springs. It was a long, full, day people. And it was awesome!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VBam3whVq8qdd4kaQG4hRjurb_UQ4Z53q41SOGca_Op1CdMqjLJJLNkcaLaMfa2U_G5qngKY9aadm2kqcvzwBBs0asvgJdOO323JsEu-ppKt8j1yS-3feugfeBbxfzaaQMvj0RTObGk/s1600/20160304_162336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VBam3whVq8qdd4kaQG4hRjurb_UQ4Z53q41SOGca_Op1CdMqjLJJLNkcaLaMfa2U_G5qngKY9aadm2kqcvzwBBs0asvgJdOO323JsEu-ppKt8j1yS-3feugfeBbxfzaaQMvj0RTObGk/s320/20160304_162336.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to watch Voyage of the Little Mermaid.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq7i2zol6zqa3rJpsa4KipxKnlMgQlP21ZgW0NMUSPx-uIlPuibiqBgfjwUKcESNZjO0T-pJPODccAAz_4HBIwD2OfPZZvg-iS0zqrq4-zYuLjZihpJ9-Sd7kSz9cOz-cOr_DXHoldTQ/s1600/20160304_175659%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq7i2zol6zqa3rJpsa4KipxKnlMgQlP21ZgW0NMUSPx-uIlPuibiqBgfjwUKcESNZjO0T-pJPODccAAz_4HBIwD2OfPZZvg-iS0zqrq4-zYuLjZihpJ9-Sd7kSz9cOz-cOr_DXHoldTQ/s320/20160304_175659%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kylo Ren is super unhappy with us. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rXLgzpPsUW8aw2okv5ASx_GBRbiIspu5t5mtUsx6lsrmw36_IKG5jW7a5ZNHbpyCk3T5G76Aj_4n0id2d0bZ-pCgbG8e2KwKOCzuwZ10Ok5V_uD72y_bLW_eKH0jgGN2HqdQCrDYPMM/s1600/20160304_181934%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rXLgzpPsUW8aw2okv5ASx_GBRbiIspu5t5mtUsx6lsrmw36_IKG5jW7a5ZNHbpyCk3T5G76Aj_4n0id2d0bZ-pCgbG8e2KwKOCzuwZ10Ok5V_uD72y_bLW_eKH0jgGN2HqdQCrDYPMM/s320/20160304_181934%25280%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chewbacca is more chill. </td></tr>
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This past Thursday, the 10th, Laura and I went to Epcot to explore some of the Flower & Garden Festival. We also had a cast scavenger hunt-style thing we were wanting to complete, and we'd decided to get some Duffy Bears to get signed all around World Showcase. I'd like to say it was for better product knowledge of out own park, but really it was just for fun.<br />
We rode Spaceship Earth with our FastPasses then went off to Living with the Land before finding the Fantasia topiaries of Future World, along with the cacti section and Cars topiaries near Test Track. We tried violet lemonade, and a potato and cheese biscuit with salmon tartare, as well as a chocolate raspberry macaron. We picked up from very special Duffy bears courtesy of our friends in the Canada attraction. We intend to do a sequel day, as only one half of the showcase was experienced this trip. Good thing we're here all year!<br />
I actually went to Cast Connection later in the afternoon, and to Magic Kingdom for just a bit in the evening. It was supposed to be a quest for a specific pair of earrings but then I met Sarah and fun ensued.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf915utFXpSGqNudlBu9k1hC0MauD1fcXmv642CHjXBEcEYOi0W9fV6v5iXv7QeVPHc2_AeQfI1CYQDVYWK8wLvglIAxU_dk7WXKR-EQJTZxBJyUeq6VmYx8aNnVUXfPnkJVl4-RZLNVY/s1600/20160310_121543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf915utFXpSGqNudlBu9k1hC0MauD1fcXmv642CHjXBEcEYOi0W9fV6v5iXv7QeVPHc2_AeQfI1CYQDVYWK8wLvglIAxU_dk7WXKR-EQJTZxBJyUeq6VmYx8aNnVUXfPnkJVl4-RZLNVY/s400/20160310_121543.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new view in Future World</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB5N4C7JyTmJohYcef3iXibhN3B2vUvsaIqNz_Rfu156M6gdloaSeIUw1wu-f8rNPvLJDeNUaBXGiMP3RgjQ7xy3uaZ4bmE7fCIbn23ejJs3L3s4xIa4KX3Rw4DTTEB-TevDZyEJCEP0/s1600/20160310_121708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB5N4C7JyTmJohYcef3iXibhN3B2vUvsaIqNz_Rfu156M6gdloaSeIUw1wu-f8rNPvLJDeNUaBXGiMP3RgjQ7xy3uaZ4bmE7fCIbn23ejJs3L3s4xIa4KX3Rw4DTTEB-TevDZyEJCEP0/s320/20160310_121708.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura and I are beautiful butterflies, too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwfpVGPjvx2ZR2HrrZN2c1C3p5fNHVu5InG3dzyaP4w2Ft1vpdd9UFXNEKHs9dTg9DltWrbEX6fcnaB1gW0j88jedjncCn8AwTHPEva5c7KzVyag140T7TkIT36EHMYMBhJ4Qwxd00ZY/s1600/20160310_124411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwfpVGPjvx2ZR2HrrZN2c1C3p5fNHVu5InG3dzyaP4w2Ft1vpdd9UFXNEKHs9dTg9DltWrbEX6fcnaB1gW0j88jedjncCn8AwTHPEva5c7KzVyag140T7TkIT36EHMYMBhJ4Qwxd00ZY/s320/20160310_124411.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These topiaries are outside the Canada pavilion. <br />
Thumper wants my violet lemonade. </td></tr>
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On Friday the 11th, I went to Blizzard Beach with two wonderful merchies who both had traded their day off to get a Friday off, Morgan and Kimberly. We had an amazing day of sun in the lazy river (Cross Country Creek), the wave pool (Meltaway Bay) and the slides, the most famous of which is Summit Plummet, of which I am not a fan. Collectively we had brought quite a picnic, and we arrived right at open to get our first pick of hang-out spots, which we were called "camp" all day. We were very sunsafe, multiple layers of sunscreen all day, and the park was practically all ours. Neither had been to Blizzard Beach ever and it had been years for me, but we had an awesome time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZb4zeO3uvWM2Na16xjd86oHh9m2uYBZ38uTgCWY2EhPSvSRMbflwIVvw-qun7dotCyRfkFgMQaNHeC1DQfBw5gvfk0jhkIpstV8OGjAgU8m3Y9Mc2tSIyxPtWnq9x-SrKiMMGJg5hX8/s1600/20160311_164053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZb4zeO3uvWM2Na16xjd86oHh9m2uYBZ38uTgCWY2EhPSvSRMbflwIVvw-qun7dotCyRfkFgMQaNHeC1DQfBw5gvfk0jhkIpstV8OGjAgU8m3Y9Mc2tSIyxPtWnq9x-SrKiMMGJg5hX8/s320/20160311_164053.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got out of the lazy river to take this picture.<br />
That's an "I'm Celebrating!" temporary tattoo, btw.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5_6DIkLW74BUELaVzO1HuCi_pVWUxgAwbm_NtCZ8J7Zw6vUW54RZjqNHKoqMf3Pg5ODuuprBbxax_vB8qL-UiaLToy8DgX1YbiToJudVteX2TyOJcXHI9zbyB11AyqtcsQhWWXIEepU/s1600/20160311_165255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5_6DIkLW74BUELaVzO1HuCi_pVWUxgAwbm_NtCZ8J7Zw6vUW54RZjqNHKoqMf3Pg5ODuuprBbxax_vB8qL-UiaLToy8DgX1YbiToJudVteX2TyOJcXHI9zbyB11AyqtcsQhWWXIEepU/s320/20160311_165255.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye, Blizzard Beach, see you real soon!</td></tr>
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Today (yesterday now!) was Nicole's birthday! YAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICOLE! We went to 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort for brunch. 1900 Park Fare is a Victorian carousel-themed buffet, BUT you get to meet an assortment of characters. We met Piglet, Winnie the Pooh, Mary Poppins, Alice and the Mad Hatter. Those that can talk gave us some excellent conversation, and those that cannot gave us some unforgettable interactions. I was able to nip off to Magic Kingdom with the rest of the squad for just a few minutes before I had to go to work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2XC2TXg-jxtnhvaDCqoZhQVfnL7gb0-m0GCue4DDhkanJFnzoe6EKNKUszcEk2fpGHHLigkGxSOu_pZGyOUFHp0FBTJtOiHoHSkq04qSREGS06Z0jr-0F_CsYkDtNUOFiA2KXpRjvVA/s1600/20160313_113023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2XC2TXg-jxtnhvaDCqoZhQVfnL7gb0-m0GCue4DDhkanJFnzoe6EKNKUszcEk2fpGHHLigkGxSOu_pZGyOUFHp0FBTJtOiHoHSkq04qSREGS06Z0jr-0F_CsYkDtNUOFiA2KXpRjvVA/s320/20160313_113023.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah, Pooh bear and I!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIgEtY49q7lJ1xNNtW3IwSI8cLq1P91nrFiU9M2I1AP7_tCPRaszaVnVWfW2KR5F6ZjoCMzJO6qQn_NL2wROhVyUt8T-EheZWCbM5FP0edTUATjBO87izGwXaJp0a_B1-G0aBe12laPs/s1600/20160313_113516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIgEtY49q7lJ1xNNtW3IwSI8cLq1P91nrFiU9M2I1AP7_tCPRaszaVnVWfW2KR5F6ZjoCMzJO6qQn_NL2wROhVyUt8T-EheZWCbM5FP0edTUATjBO87izGwXaJp0a_B1-G0aBe12laPs/s320/20160313_113516.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justine, the Mad Hatter and the birthday girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFOXPQyrnjykm2YNpHxzdfb8PzawD2cf53APQ5yS0_n9sVBbMeYvk0jIWm8VTxVkC1jTtXdBfnx3tNnQEmOea18Q4jaGYpOpSvas6o9vUOEdKzWpHK2UGdByEwcw8Ocw4IeRaa4kl1-M/s1600/20160313_133536%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFOXPQyrnjykm2YNpHxzdfb8PzawD2cf53APQ5yS0_n9sVBbMeYvk0jIWm8VTxVkC1jTtXdBfnx3tNnQEmOea18Q4jaGYpOpSvas6o9vUOEdKzWpHK2UGdByEwcw8Ocw4IeRaa4kl1-M/s320/20160313_133536%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our whole squad together on Main Street!</td></tr>
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<br />
It's getting hot here, friends. This is a warning for future visitors.<br />
<br />
<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
<br />
<b>Magical Moment:</b> This wasn't my magical moment, but it's still magical. Today, Nicole met a princess at the Grand Floridian. Princess Quinn was also celebrating a birthday. Princess Quinn had recently gone to Bippity Boppity Boutique and therefore had too many tiaras. She gave one to Nicole, her fellow birthday princess. Parenting done right, over here!<br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>Angela and Mary, thank you for the mail. Sorry no one else has my address. I'm trying to make it very temporary.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-14580880743530134872016-03-01T01:22:00.001-05:002016-03-14T00:51:40.704-04:00I Could Go Running and Racing and Dancing and Chasing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I apologize for the delayed (and therefore likely long) post. The truth is I've had some issues with housing which I am still handling and I generally try to not be at "home" as much as possible. Which means lots of time for activities but not a lot of time for computering. Keep my in your thoughts, and possibly your strongly worded emails.</div>
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ANYWAY.<br />
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Today, Leap Day the 29th, I met Katie (the last merchandise Cast Member to arrive on my last program) at Hollywood Studios for lunch. She had a Fast Pass for the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show (which will be closing in the near future to make room for either more Toy Story or Star Wars fun), so she had to take off. I had a Fast Pass (which we can book up to a week in advance as Cast Members) for the Great Movie Ride, which has changed just a tad since my last vacation. I also had time to visit my favourite baddie and love of my life (in terms of fictional characters), Kylo Ren, from Star Wars episode VII. I had this whole plan where I was going to be sassy and ask him for hair care tips (have you SEEN his hair?!) but they he was really tall and I was intimidated. Hence the awkward awkward pictures. I'll try again.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZohGgZl2H-ndNpvXc_y90U3xTf9t3ubTpqMLZN-X1zZstnllzhgCHOeHOqzFBJ_9uj_9MjI62x_G6A-APf9MDCc7-Sk7CeHNx82AlmSUsu4-jllr0oWl-9a9xbKddn-AxBJKMs5LIsM/s1600/20160229_131206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZohGgZl2H-ndNpvXc_y90U3xTf9t3ubTpqMLZN-X1zZstnllzhgCHOeHOqzFBJ_9uj_9MjI62x_G6A-APf9MDCc7-Sk7CeHNx82AlmSUsu4-jllr0oWl-9a9xbKddn-AxBJKMs5LIsM/s320/20160229_131206.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fangirl Lindsey is awkward, </td></tr>
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I had to take off for work shortly thereafter, but work is still play here at Disney World. I saw Katie again that evening and she brought me a croissant donut, and I saw Daniel, my only trainee from my last program. Needless to say, I felt very popular today.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC9xj7mG37yAZTbSn5ixCqFDWgWL826EP3-ImOHGWQZ626g6A27syhMOkYAwto6VYlw2QKm1vNFD7LJ4IpkQYwq0x5AqSGIMOub-ZeU6GMEZex5NADXVygLuBxi5vh-Lgx8Nr-UqvZLw/s1600/12802713_10100599004438328_8111306113110963056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC9xj7mG37yAZTbSn5ixCqFDWgWL826EP3-ImOHGWQZ626g6A27syhMOkYAwto6VYlw2QKm1vNFD7LJ4IpkQYwq0x5AqSGIMOub-ZeU6GMEZex5NADXVygLuBxi5vh-Lgx8Nr-UqvZLw/s320/12802713_10100599004438328_8111306113110963056_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel, you're in my blog... again!</td></tr>
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Saturday the 27th Magic Kingdom had extended late hours, which were not Extra Magic Hours, so a handful of brave bundled up merchies went over to play after work. Shellby, Micayla (whom you may remember as my trainer), Kimberly, Kristin and I got corndog nuggets and snagged rides on Big Thunder Mountain (so cold), Splash Mountain (wet and cold) and Peter Pan's Flight (so magical) before waiting for the park to empty out. Peter Pan's Flight has a new interactive queue which I had never seen before, so that was super cool. We wanted pictures on Main Street USA with minimal background crowds, and our wishes were granted.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPte3G7P1pNfPP55RkAFtlc9o11hnoF9ENqM-Eyf5Em6G-Ak1OHhQb1T75rxDnD1hEHxniNRmtAnLlvCqyeMhXH74uK7Su0m1x6DKljbNAnrdhAJiA6gX_1IC20G97CxVdvQEoJc82XEs/s1600/20160228_001905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPte3G7P1pNfPP55RkAFtlc9o11hnoF9ENqM-Eyf5Em6G-Ak1OHhQb1T75rxDnD1hEHxniNRmtAnLlvCqyeMhXH74uK7Su0m1x6DKljbNAnrdhAJiA6gX_1IC20G97CxVdvQEoJc82XEs/s320/20160228_001905.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shellby, Kimberly and I waiting to not get kicked out of MK. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV17GFvBK_BcwIsesVffNF86TW33GYVhCZDrN52Z9bLu5V5Jge9Uxe5c6uE0LNcbKipyFPzsSWuPDmlr6_7Zlfo8PJZ7gb8Vm_gJLHf8G4qD52d-tbhIUt8dhXlJ7BDJOQgbjGYkXPIzE/s1600/20160228_004305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV17GFvBK_BcwIsesVffNF86TW33GYVhCZDrN52Z9bLu5V5Jge9Uxe5c6uE0LNcbKipyFPzsSWuPDmlr6_7Zlfo8PJZ7gb8Vm_gJLHf8G4qD52d-tbhIUt8dhXlJ7BDJOQgbjGYkXPIzE/s320/20160228_004305.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shellby, Micayla, Kristin, Kimberly, Cinderella castle, and I.</td></tr>
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Friday the 26th, I took on the Four Parks, One Day challenge. It's exactly what it sounds like. There are versions of the challenge with certain necessary criteria, but I chose to ignore them, at least for round 1. I was with my friend and CRP alumni Dan, who also maintained <a href="http://danatdisney.com/">a (useful) blog</a>. We started at Magic Kingdom, likely to get crowded first. We accomplished Carousel of Progress, the People Mover and Haunted Mansion, I got pixie-dusted (it's my jam), and we moved along to Animal Kingdom (by bus, my car stayed in Simba row 15 at the Ticket & Transportation Centre all day).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOX91fvq-5crpmRFXC3q0w2-a25M_ANkMiJtvVMu8r55_c3sTNF__MMoUkncm1DMLwOmdcXJ9znEMH1jF2mKFkYr052dF1aTQ4by9598nB1pMxtpYvDULLpVwKm6RfIsRVGFf-shNb6U0/s1600/Snapchat-5278434773687961238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOX91fvq-5crpmRFXC3q0w2-a25M_ANkMiJtvVMu8r55_c3sTNF__MMoUkncm1DMLwOmdcXJ9znEMH1jF2mKFkYr052dF1aTQ4by9598nB1pMxtpYvDULLpVwKm6RfIsRVGFf-shNb6U0/s320/Snapchat-5278434773687961238.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to take real picture but Snapchat ones are fine. </td></tr>
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Due to the amount of construction at DAK, it gets packed quickly as well. We recaffeinated at the Starbucks, went on Dinosaur, refueled at Flame Tree BBQ and moved on to Epcot (by bus).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeAP1F9v1YX1n5PKQ3X_8kSNSVPltKn0NT004xE-ctwgbQklHiGbD_BhMjSRLmzgH5ytyF9elPBxPh8UuXmc1Mx9UYIb77ZS7O6f1jzZe0yEoqtuVWMIzBQRnZfSjZ1BVgoaayBZUfNk/s1600/Snapchat-2709174097518170090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeAP1F9v1YX1n5PKQ3X_8kSNSVPltKn0NT004xE-ctwgbQklHiGbD_BhMjSRLmzgH5ytyF9elPBxPh8UuXmc1Mx9UYIb77ZS7O6f1jzZe0yEoqtuVWMIzBQRnZfSjZ1BVgoaayBZUfNk/s320/Snapchat-2709174097518170090.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It says "#dinoselfie".</td></tr>
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At Epcot we were moderately more productive. We did Spaceship Earth, Mission Space, Journey into Imagination, The Seas with Nemo and friends, stopped by the UK, met Rapunzel randomly, and finally boarded a FriendShip to Hollywood Studios.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlpkdcDwTV84VWctOhyphenhyphenvbQJoPV2icAc2s_SztWkgCY8BUF7hR-sYKSjd0ckFiJW64l1rHTsO8orNA7rQrWYrO5e8AS0cQeOPovIm-pt8OC2cyUQuFNpYGWYWnuI7TWBdNhmVMW3aGsqk/s1600/20160226_161641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlpkdcDwTV84VWctOhyphenhyphenvbQJoPV2icAc2s_SztWkgCY8BUF7hR-sYKSjd0ckFiJW64l1rHTsO8orNA7rQrWYrO5e8AS0cQeOPovIm-pt8OC2cyUQuFNpYGWYWnuI7TWBdNhmVMW3aGsqk/s320/20160226_161641.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talking adventures with Rapunzel. No big deal.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM32jDJ06HfUlhZNKOxO40DzROT2oB34F1JAoxT_hDXF9EFzdR4vJWH6wjVLQleAHXPR5pOVXKbsvD1e4mk0v2VLjCI3zJPPsjMifMfbVSCw54TFFPVzcn53AGx6S-17By7guerenJNP4/s1600/20160226_161654%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM32jDJ06HfUlhZNKOxO40DzROT2oB34F1JAoxT_hDXF9EFzdR4vJWH6wjVLQleAHXPR5pOVXKbsvD1e4mk0v2VLjCI3zJPPsjMifMfbVSCw54TFFPVzcn53AGx6S-17By7guerenJNP4/s320/20160226_161654%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are so cute though.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2l_R-mYpsI5X-HRB2aW_QwVAu0y8CbKpVFwhfyeEK8XgXsD7zq5VZUyznTxpUv0oRxaVn9i0MO48ymhiSnjIaZ0Z9Rc8yxZLDy0uuK4VC1pyBADBw7qFee6P6uv3cy_OznSz43D6ZzG8/s1600/Snapchat-6007904405909620397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2l_R-mYpsI5X-HRB2aW_QwVAu0y8CbKpVFwhfyeEK8XgXsD7zq5VZUyznTxpUv0oRxaVn9i0MO48ymhiSnjIaZ0Z9Rc8yxZLDy0uuK4VC1pyBADBw7qFee6P6uv3cy_OznSz43D6ZzG8/s320/Snapchat-6007904405909620397.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CM photobomb on Imagination!</td></tr>
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We intended to end the day with the Symphony in the Stars fireworks (a Star Wars tribute), so to kill some time we got in the single ride queue for Rockn Roller Coaster. I got the front row and had the best time ever. My hair looked amazing at the end (bobby pins everywhere). We did Star Tours and got the back row (where no one's feet touch the ground, so it's the best row). We had dinner at I got a warm beverage, cuz it gets cold in Florida in February after sundown, and we got prime spots for the fireworks. They really were spectacular. Dan called it a night after that, but I did not. I settled in for the evening's showing of Fantasmic, wherein I met a stellar family who gave me a churro. Then I bussed back to Magic Kingdom for a bit of the Main Street Electrical Parade, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and finally another round of Haunted Mansion. Me and two Jungle Cruise Skippers were the only ones waiting, so we were allowed to lay down on the Stretching Room floor. It's super cool but generally frowned upon. Also super dirty. A hair wash was imminent anyway. I ran into Canada attractions CMs Laura and Colin on my way out of the park through the Emporium, so we retrieved my car from its spot at the TTC and went back to Vista Way altogether.<br />
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Wednesday the 24th was the birthday party of a new friend of mine. You may remember me mentioning that during Traditions, me and two others snuck off for pixie dust? Yes, the lovely Sarah the sparkly was celebrating and invited her international friends Nicole, Sarah (UK Sarah), Justine and I. We went to Splitsville with a collection of Sarah's friends. Splitsville is the relatively new bowling alley in Disney Springs, offering inexpensive bowling, pizza and drinks (not for always-drives-everywhere Lindsey) for Cast after 10pm. I remain an unimpressive bowler but good times were had by all.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOWgPUfGCN1KhQe-Dya8eN1cPVBvxL2VgUA3w7BBKGtJuAiOn_PGhKWCsYg2v_xQ4_LlWKDhKbHbuEMBFBewqgHpw1gcZ8QNL2U-xew_HTj2XshFP1Bg0xZiooliMKukh-Q-7Wrs6lNg/s1600/20160224_231703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOWgPUfGCN1KhQe-Dya8eN1cPVBvxL2VgUA3w7BBKGtJuAiOn_PGhKWCsYg2v_xQ4_LlWKDhKbHbuEMBFBewqgHpw1gcZ8QNL2U-xew_HTj2XshFP1Bg0xZiooliMKukh-Q-7Wrs6lNg/s320/20160224_231703.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Justine, and Sarah the birthday girl with the crew.</td></tr>
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On Tuesday the 23rd, I met the lovely and talented Shelby Bruxer (from my last program, not to be mistaken with the lovely and talented Shellby Sy, from my current program) for lunch at ESPN Club on the Boardwalk before work. They have a burger with bacon and peanut butter, which is dangerously close to my favourite burger from the Works (not a thing in the US of A. Sad). Shelby and I had spotted each other on the promenade on Sunday. She and her mom were in town for the Princess Half Marathon weekend. Congrats on your mega accomplishment, Shelby!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MrlCWuW9JyyY8TklJWmrrflR5vXxUbaV-xnJCwQnJhlndgk5y2w5t-lnOEu12xSa_B2LEh-XINvaQJSNE23avpfE-Q7NDjoBive8BynGYo_HC7o1AIeFYC1aKecWur1co-pE2bY7Org/s1600/20160223_141240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MrlCWuW9JyyY8TklJWmrrflR5vXxUbaV-xnJCwQnJhlndgk5y2w5t-lnOEu12xSa_B2LEh-XINvaQJSNE23avpfE-Q7NDjoBive8BynGYo_HC7o1AIeFYC1aKecWur1co-pE2bY7Org/s320/20160223_141240.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CRP Alumni love!</td></tr>
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<br />
On Saturday the 20th, I saw "How to be Single" with Justine and Sarah (we are already experts hardy har har), and we monopolized the promo material for Zootopia.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qr_WmVWE6prYm09AELwJbaWSdjjHyRdZ1dwAp-aeHbfiy3-K8DtKm7PA0AjVRxLHTskdZ0pjM3lQ5ztE-aqiAQL1ybDG1BSY6RHAQSatYJHD4f6Bc0y73uLLigGqcARCOWUdigwf62c/s1600/20160221_004817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qr_WmVWE6prYm09AELwJbaWSdjjHyRdZ1dwAp-aeHbfiy3-K8DtKm7PA0AjVRxLHTskdZ0pjM3lQ5ztE-aqiAQL1ybDG1BSY6RHAQSatYJHD4f6Bc0y73uLLigGqcARCOWUdigwf62c/s320/20160221_004817.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I imagine a Cast bus is like.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcWWzTIjfKAjKnBB5OyjZVTHyc9YSQZ2meDccFm-Pms6-ZaDR0NnKfcA4WPOvN-wMf7l0zCiiP5dV-JXa3Cl78f1ZfXZZOzB7Ox11IpQmwqscyiHT7hQi_BPdxmXp0yekSRALN5SrEmI/s1600/20160221_004906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcWWzTIjfKAjKnBB5OyjZVTHyc9YSQZ2meDccFm-Pms6-ZaDR0NnKfcA4WPOvN-wMf7l0zCiiP5dV-JXa3Cl78f1ZfXZZOzB7Ox11IpQmwqscyiHT7hQi_BPdxmXp0yekSRALN5SrEmI/s320/20160221_004906.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful wing ladies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On Friday the 19th, I breakfasted at IHOP then celebrated having regained access to the parks by spending the entire afternoon and evening at Magic Kingdom, Han-style (...Solo). I visited the Enchanted Tiki Room before meeting up with instagram stars and former CMs Katt and Kara, with whom I watched the Festival of Fantasy parade for the first time this year. I met Cinderella and Rapunzel after, and watched the Main Street Electrical Parade, and watched Wishes, and took a ride on the Jungle Cruise. It was a great day for park fanatic Lindsey.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUorBjAlen8ppOlvhyG8H6vUHy352Q13LQlVRxxXTEcbV7NIa6meH5CNSUEJCgoS1hpAJAhRm24ZNOK7pMeBxLy8vMONRBUdJTsrcBn5oMdaYaH0Rv-aHHbLz14r4zikrRoGv_n8pGLMw/s1600/20160219_141213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUorBjAlen8ppOlvhyG8H6vUHy352Q13LQlVRxxXTEcbV7NIa6meH5CNSUEJCgoS1hpAJAhRm24ZNOK7pMeBxLy8vMONRBUdJTsrcBn5oMdaYaH0Rv-aHHbLz14r4zikrRoGv_n8pGLMw/s320/20160219_141213.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite the lighting, I do not have a tan yet.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOB9VWIpIQKJt34-1hNvxQB4wX6CgM2oKxqMqQgCjeTORnA5d8LHdmTwnedTjdNrHnnif3yPUrMIgPeI2v8WVVbZMMJCjlCXAHCyzXgPfyZe4cKDYnEDRQHiKKu21cqxg37o-G9xIXM0/s1600/20160219_154928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOB9VWIpIQKJt34-1hNvxQB4wX6CgM2oKxqMqQgCjeTORnA5d8LHdmTwnedTjdNrHnnif3yPUrMIgPeI2v8WVVbZMMJCjlCXAHCyzXgPfyZe4cKDYnEDRQHiKKu21cqxg37o-G9xIXM0/s320/20160219_154928.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princesses chill together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHg8ulbfvzqfJqK7DHhnl7xQzDto7H8-JuDPdm69temnIAjrRo62yfH52UUj7p1pj3t7Yxwsx91NP7L6UNSCqY8li02twUcy9W-mvYPHmW9gCxR8gYCvQ0pYKRWO9A2J76H2su_PcXWVg/s1600/20160219_155047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHg8ulbfvzqfJqK7DHhnl7xQzDto7H8-JuDPdm69temnIAjrRo62yfH52UUj7p1pj3t7Yxwsx91NP7L6UNSCqY8li02twUcy9W-mvYPHmW9gCxR8gYCvQ0pYKRWO9A2J76H2su_PcXWVg/s320/20160219_155047.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I keep running into this one blond girl...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I can't promise I won't fall behind again. But I can promise that I'll catch up.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Magical Moment: </b>That couple I mentioned in my last post? They came back a few days later. The new wife and I twirled together and I made the couple buttons for their next visit this summer.<br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>My dear Disney friend Kim for the magical care package, and anyone who's listened to me moan and groan about housing. Thank you.<br />
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<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-38793687020007564102016-02-18T15:53:00.001-05:002016-02-21T12:04:31.520-05:00Keep Believing, Keep Pretending<br />
Not much excitement this week, but better than the 50cm of snow I heard fell on my hometown and surrounding area. I hope everyone is safe and I am glad to not be there.<br />
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Tuesday is still Extra Magic Hours in the evening at Epcot, meaning the park is open for an additional two hours (at least parts are still open). Sarah and I, being so very new, are doomed to work EMH until our pavilions each get a few new people (I only need two more to arrive). That being said, neither of us was due to start work until 1645, meaning we theoretically had enough time for an entire park day before even having to go to work. We had a good sleep in before reaching Magic Kingdom parking, where even the trams make people happy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQaXwgu893edLRBBT5R6YEmPNGWkNeF_JePqa35ytlk_XPqAjlLpzxz6yzquOILPOWJBgSgIIq9aA6dnLsc6VeBMlUi5EZ0xdH4y1XmqZdb0WzibvuZQynRiYPaQELAMtYw3A2bBEBtY/s1600/20160216_113100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQaXwgu893edLRBBT5R6YEmPNGWkNeF_JePqa35ytlk_XPqAjlLpzxz6yzquOILPOWJBgSgIIq9aA6dnLsc6VeBMlUi5EZ0xdH4y1XmqZdb0WzibvuZQynRiYPaQELAMtYw3A2bBEBtY/s320/20160216_113100.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy and magical on the MK tram.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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However, we were told at the entrance that, because our Maingate passes hadn't arrived yet, and it had been over two weeks since our arrival, we were refused admission to Magic Kingdom. This is pretty devastating news to people like Sarah and I, who could and would gladly do a fifteen-hour stint at MK and still have energy left. We regrouped and went to the Polynesian Resort to call Cast Ticketing, who basically said our passes should have arrived by now, and that they could either resend them (3-4 weeks) or we could make the trip to Celebration.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWsdKkXPUlpWdIezSSi5AdB14cHrVFIMdqcunVxo6AjHEDFov58EaMgr17bs7TphOvQ70XLbiXIxEXLt8-8Hgh5lY9hg38oKOggOZjFW7QAiubz9qhIk_nq2dWiI8rpGH0G1-cwuLxMY/s1600/20160216_131242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWsdKkXPUlpWdIezSSi5AdB14cHrVFIMdqcunVxo6AjHEDFov58EaMgr17bs7TphOvQ70XLbiXIxEXLt8-8Hgh5lY9hg38oKOggOZjFW7QAiubz9qhIk_nq2dWiI8rpGH0G1-cwuLxMY/s320/20160216_131242.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad and tragic on the monorail. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sarah actually has an Annual Pass, so she could have gone without me (and been totally lame) but she didn't, so she'll be waiting. I am not so patient and have a car at my disposal. Ultimately, we were able to turn a loss into a win - we went to Steak & Shake for a) Sarah's first time and b) milkshake Happy Hour (half-price from 2-5pm and 2-5am).<br />
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My Saturday, but real life Thursday, started out on an early but good note. The merchies of Canada, plus Lindsay Wilson, had a product knowledge session on the pride of the store, Crown Royal. We tried five different whiskeys, including one we don't sell, and discussed the differences and histories of each and then tried to figure out exactly what "maple toasted oak" was. No actual drinking, except possibly by those who weren't working or driving (there was a fair amount of spitting...). Afterwards, a small group of us, while killing time between Crown Royal and lunch, got Cronuts at the Refreshment Port near Canada. I probably should have had one a long time ago, since I keep promoting them, but they stood up to my high expectations. Flaky, round, sugary, deep-fried goodness.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mh4AMrl3kO0rhKfPsh_Kj5QMiMavuQ2qEUZrNr625fv3y4NTftR6UjTKB9gFKNbepv4tHs8-PVU3reiSSwoSn5x2Knjjrv5N-FBu1fjmJbqpKdU_ZTAzRqrJi48VeadJrq-2tYJBWrY/s1600/20160218_112958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mh4AMrl3kO0rhKfPsh_Kj5QMiMavuQ2qEUZrNr625fv3y4NTftR6UjTKB9gFKNbepv4tHs8-PVU3reiSSwoSn5x2Knjjrv5N-FBu1fjmJbqpKdU_ZTAzRqrJi48VeadJrq-2tYJBWrY/s320/20160218_112958.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice new hoodie and purse, Lindsey. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then we found time for a quick ride on Test Track (my vehicle did not win Test Track), before lunch at Nine Dragons (in the China Pavilion). I had to take some home. Cronuts are filling and Test Track doesn't make me sick.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGK7pcrDjbZg2NBGvaqvr0wPQFGERQFjeoccAocp26keV0M1yzKX92MlbJS4P8by9pvk9b03wvJRsy_DhnzhwULoRiDm_7texlhyphenhyphenVe0BhyphenhyphenOpSeSM-xNl5anQuzGo-4Vass-MwFjd8QV_k/s1600/20160218_114341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGK7pcrDjbZg2NBGvaqvr0wPQFGERQFjeoccAocp26keV0M1yzKX92MlbJS4P8by9pvk9b03wvJRsy_DhnzhwULoRiDm_7texlhyphenhyphenVe0BhyphenhyphenOpSeSM-xNl5anQuzGo-4Vass-MwFjd8QV_k/s320/20160218_114341.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Canada Merch on Test Track</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had to take off after lunch though. My Maingate passes (the super duper special cards that allow myself and my non-CM posse in to the parks) never arrived, so I drove to Celebration to get them. I didn't have to do this last time, but really it was only a five minute drive to a series of crazy-looking buildings full of professional-looking Cast, including security and a slew of signs pointing me in the right direction. I was in and out in ten minutes, Maingates in hand. Visitors, come at me.<br />
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See you real soon!<br />
<br />
Lindsey<br />
<br />
Magical Moment: There was a couple who came by during EMH this week, who were on their honeymoon (Disney moon... it's a thing). We were talking skirts and princesses and how great twirling in circular skirts is, you know, all true facts. When they went to leave, they handed me a card that said "Thanks for your extra pixie dust! You have made our honeymoon magical!". So that was nice.<br />
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Pixie Dust to: KIM I HAVE A PACKAGE FROM YOU. I really need to open it but am using it as a reward for finishing this post.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-56188001717095730932016-02-14T22:56:00.001-05:002016-02-14T22:56:26.947-05:00Love is an Open DoorIt appears as if having Thursdays and Fridays off will be the new normal for me. If anyone recalls, these were also my regular days off on my last program. Fine by me!<br />
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This Thursday, by some strange set of circumstances, Laura had the day off as well! It was also the last day this season when the cast member merchandise discount could be used (that's 40% off, yo), so we had some perusing and shopping to do. We managed to hit up an astounding three parks that day. We started at Hollywood Studios, where Laura got to go on a parking tram for the first time (buses will drop you off at the front).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbr-LGxuUqVtNSPstnWFBW4easT866ehnbms70B0_IxLccTEeVivYBcFMWShNIE30U-g8VZvru9vpxI9xdPQPEgEMEIhA-_bVorGGIgKEJF24cOylFkM9CcHBY4BibjdAJxdQ8TKW0ss/s1600/20160211_113134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbr-LGxuUqVtNSPstnWFBW4easT866ehnbms70B0_IxLccTEeVivYBcFMWShNIE30U-g8VZvru9vpxI9xdPQPEgEMEIhA-_bVorGGIgKEJF24cOylFkM9CcHBY4BibjdAJxdQ8TKW0ss/s320/20160211_113134.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parking tram selfies are the best!</td></tr>
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We had matching Star Wars-themed name badges made and instinctively put them where our real life name badges go. I also got a hoodie I had been eyeing, which actually worked out perfectly because I was wearing the wrong layers for the kind of sunny day it turned out to be. When we stopped for lunch, I was able to track down my magical friend Anna, who makes magic somewhere on the premises of Hollywood Studios now, who was conveniently on her lunch break.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimL6kZnI3I45MjUQHwoho7oB8rURgwQAaLkZcDtkMl3RJiSRDCRqdbp1UH39cSUbyhidfrs5CFH5trWRTZmN2dI-VcZRnSt80XBZzJeKIfdsAktfYwGtHO2aekE2MuVJY1_WwKXLtOhGs/s1600/20160211_125337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimL6kZnI3I45MjUQHwoho7oB8rURgwQAaLkZcDtkMl3RJiSRDCRqdbp1UH39cSUbyhidfrs5CFH5trWRTZmN2dI-VcZRnSt80XBZzJeKIfdsAktfYwGtHO2aekE2MuVJY1_WwKXLtOhGs/s320/20160211_125337.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heeeeeeey Anna from Montana. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When Anna had to leave us (darn you, working), we debated an attraction of two but honestly, there's not a lot a lot left at Hollywood Studios and the lines were getting longer by the minute (luckily there's an app for that. Actually. It's called My Disney Experience and I use it to check wait times). So we drove over to Epcot, since we sell merchandise in the Canada pavilion I legitimately needed to buy. We also went to Mouse Gear, the giant shop of the park, but mostly stayed under control. I think I bought tea. We had a peaceful ride on Living with the Land and met our favourite healthcare robot, Baymax (absolutely no name badges or trading pins allowed around Baymax).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ-apLXfndC8ReslAnEXhE6muIUSQyMLYDOqOFPTBnrt_gVGg-sZdM87P1oOnT48-Jq134hsDUCI73Dvlu6rBS3RDeCFszbfsyEbN_muwbKruZlbCuMuLxtIleuKJhZT9ak2pbPeM3bM/s1600/20160211_145048%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ-apLXfndC8ReslAnEXhE6muIUSQyMLYDOqOFPTBnrt_gVGg-sZdM87P1oOnT48-Jq134hsDUCI73Dvlu6rBS3RDeCFszbfsyEbN_muwbKruZlbCuMuLxtIleuKJhZT9ak2pbPeM3bM/s320/20160211_145048%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like hugging a warm marshmallow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mLeuRgXOQanulU9KvjA-f3vuGFaKiOeocbu8lip3DY_vATv1jfy2xZECyiZ40sILJE2L64IZM2FEe8Za4S9fivr-p8b2qwbphLLw5IkgrGQedV8NcdsCtFf_uknsl9POI24YPkLHl40/s1600/20160211_160639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mLeuRgXOQanulU9KvjA-f3vuGFaKiOeocbu8lip3DY_vATv1jfy2xZECyiZ40sILJE2L64IZM2FEe8Za4S9fivr-p8b2qwbphLLw5IkgrGQedV8NcdsCtFf_uknsl9POI24YPkLHl40/s320/20160211_160639.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally legit Spaceship Earth selfie with our fave scientist.</td></tr>
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We were able to go on a whirl of Spaceship Earth before bussing to the TTC and taking a monorail to Magic Kingdom (two of three monorails were mysteriously not operating for most of the day). We had a plan for Magic Kingdom but the crowds didn't allow for a quick jaunt through Haunted Mansion, so we got out merch and my Dole Whip, and headed back to Vista.<br />
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The next day I had intended to do more park-running-around, aka blog fodder, but after a rather large and carb-filled Perkins breakfast, my slightly ill body decided it was nap time. For two hours. Luckily I had social plans in the evening to talk about. Nicole, Justine and I, 3/4 of our arrival group squad, went out for Chinese food at a place called Ming Court. It had a giant dragon in it and the food was yummy. Also the three of us accidentally all wore Star Wars shirts. It happens. Mine was courtesy of the now gone holiday discount.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3IYCjUeOxnS88-3HxoQQJwKP6Rq1pnZCd3nlyN932tetIurpwH0J5ev1ZKNUo7Und5U0AhsTjzvA468Ny_rgJh0XwKlIs5kEq_6iZSGr_Vy-dzfLLJec4kLST3RsvgCwNKienfkKNxM/s1600/20160212_210822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3IYCjUeOxnS88-3HxoQQJwKP6Rq1pnZCd3nlyN932tetIurpwH0J5ev1ZKNUo7Und5U0AhsTjzvA468Ny_rgJh0XwKlIs5kEq_6iZSGr_Vy-dzfLLJec4kLST3RsvgCwNKienfkKNxM/s320/20160212_210822.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not an awesome selfie with Justine and a dragon.</td></tr>
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We met our missing piece Sarah at Disney Springs for a very sold out showing of Deadpool and ummmmmm it was awesome. 4/4 squad girls recommend. We also met a California Cast Member in line who's job it is to watch multiple channels several hours before they air... are they hiring?<br />
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Sunday, Valentine's Day, the same squad went for Galentine's breakfast/lunch/brunch (there was traffic so brunch became lunch but it was pancakes so it was breakfast?) before those lucky three got to go to Animal Kingdom for a day of fun but I had to go to work for, let's face it, a day of fun. The park was busy busy and full of the nicest people, but alas no proposals for me. No more pictures in costume... yet. If you're cast and you see me at work for the love of my blog take some pictures for me. Thanks in advance, friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQMJKGtbLyR8HPeZYlR9LcfFfkrmREgE4nO7W0s2ga1UIS6WM7c1pYAbG4QEeaT8hmZyp1IbyDkllRm4nJC03wvsV7vTdQ0yaTqnoikC9PrUzYY-kiS5IyrJg2WiIX_rpj8wZFFAdBQY/s1600/20160214_115624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQMJKGtbLyR8HPeZYlR9LcfFfkrmREgE4nO7W0s2ga1UIS6WM7c1pYAbG4QEeaT8hmZyp1IbyDkllRm4nJC03wvsV7vTdQ0yaTqnoikC9PrUzYY-kiS5IyrJg2WiIX_rpj8wZFFAdBQY/s320/20160214_115624.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squad and sunglasses on point. </td></tr>
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<br />
<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
<br />
<b>Magic Moment:</b> Attractions Cast Member Katrina sang "Love is an Open Door" with me on Valentine's Day during the television premiere of Frozen and it was so so magical.<br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to:</b> The merch cast of Canada. You're all so nice and adorable.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-14538161401770926752016-02-10T23:08:00.000-05:002016-02-10T23:08:08.439-05:00The Cold Never Bothered Me AnywayIt has been a busy and unseasonably chilly few days in the world of magic.<br />
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Friday morning Sarah and I managed to get going at a reasonable hour, as we had made reservations for a breakfast at Tusker House at Animal Kingdom. Tusker House was actually on my list of things to do this program. It's a buffet style character restaurant. We met Mickey, Goofy, Donald and Daisy over Jungle Juice and Mickey Waffles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLonR6ntf0iEU3M3CF2IeooSXtKjDMoI0LFDuh17CAy232pqsfdjKnwPjB2cae-XBRJCH9b3vGhUDL5n0kRjxJm3RI5j4rgMB2Ztlf0osN5CYGZWdLKPtipHskrj9EiIqRAdg2QrxJEu8/s1600/20160205_110700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLonR6ntf0iEU3M3CF2IeooSXtKjDMoI0LFDuh17CAy232pqsfdjKnwPjB2cae-XBRJCH9b3vGhUDL5n0kRjxJm3RI5j4rgMB2Ztlf0osN5CYGZWdLKPtipHskrj9EiIqRAdg2QrxJEu8/s320/20160205_110700.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are such a good-looking group.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HfgHj_SFziojsEsRDUGzs1hjJtxT6f5TJ78QKhLuMU2ijIyxcgLED5MBbl-qZpG5zIwPBu_ZWo3lHFP90RiKLaoTKg8nm4WloROqw4lmZrJSXzDcmRR8j2036I2kOPRaGCvK1m4zsGo/s1600/20160205_112716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HfgHj_SFziojsEsRDUGzs1hjJtxT6f5TJ78QKhLuMU2ijIyxcgLED5MBbl-qZpG5zIwPBu_ZWo3lHFP90RiKLaoTKg8nm4WloROqw4lmZrJSXzDcmRR8j2036I2kOPRaGCvK1m4zsGo/s320/20160205_112716.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie master in action</td></tr>
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We intended to rest and digest on Kilimanjaro Safaris, but the line was ridiculous so that just wasn't happening. We went for a brief nature walk on the Maharajah Jungle Trek then decided to be Wilderness Explorers for the day, as this was also on my list. Basically you're encouraged to collect badges by visiting different Wilderness Explorer Cast Members through the park to learn more about animal calls, recycling, bird behaviour, etc. There has to be over thirty badges but we did very well to collect at least twelve. We were able to ride Dinosaur with a minimal wait, as well as It's Tough to Be a Bug and Triceratop Spin. Afterwards, we tracked down a mysterious and elusive place called Cast Connection. It's a store behind Animal Kingdom-ish wherein merchandise is discounted for cast and their families. Sarah both loves and hates me for successfully finding it (the store has relocated since my last program).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ_5Sr-pQjYtPUnOBnGsaNNjlSfXWhxB1sc1_4uUWGV795okUeygAwfOfPIQGKpvAuH-8ZqBbbqs93_3O0CxdTNFgVuCb7nNwrl97c8aoMmoFyO5ZB-V8i5wMo0ze3XEPES3IkzahVaE/s1600/20160205_134233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ_5Sr-pQjYtPUnOBnGsaNNjlSfXWhxB1sc1_4uUWGV795okUeygAwfOfPIQGKpvAuH-8ZqBbbqs93_3O0CxdTNFgVuCb7nNwrl97c8aoMmoFyO5ZB-V8i5wMo0ze3XEPES3IkzahVaE/s320/20160205_134233.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wilderness must be Explored!</td></tr>
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Saturday I met new friend on real life but friend for awhile on Facebook, UK merchie Laura. We went to newly renamed Disney Springs (this used to be Downtown Disney). There are new parking structures I didn't want to face at night so we went early. We explored World of Disney as well as the Marketplace Co-op, and a few littler stores. Despite my wanting to spend all the money (our massive Holiday discount ends soon), I was actually very well behaved, leaving only with pin backs, a new Magic Band with which to eventually link my Maingate pass, and lunch from Earl of Sandwich.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1G8-zR4HwC0HsnEZ6X7iqIYsfuGM__l-nhiV0Lzh1vPsZE8IGLZuIqQlU0rPf0lUgYSRV1f9s8JGoKoSNON_zHBvpVSn28SrgZSRi3wP81dhW8374vhMgayYIZ9ogSJVmDqnv1TQ-9Yc/s1600/20160206_115613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1G8-zR4HwC0HsnEZ6X7iqIYsfuGM__l-nhiV0Lzh1vPsZE8IGLZuIqQlU0rPf0lUgYSRV1f9s8JGoKoSNON_zHBvpVSn28SrgZSRi3wP81dhW8374vhMgayYIZ9ogSJVmDqnv1TQ-9Yc/s320/20160206_115613.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group has mixed feelings on pin trading.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Laura had to work in the afternoon, so I went to Magic Kingdom to continue to shopping quest and to meet Sarah. I was yet again unsuccessful in my shop but I did run into fellow Canada merchie Kimberly AND my favourite barbershop quartet, the Dapper Dans. It was raining cats and dogs so they actually performed in Uptown Jewellers, where I was searching for a very specific Dooney & Burke purse. The Dans were a consolation in my failure to find it. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAmb5Diw_zF-US3zwyJMGpTjMOMt1OiTAJUwhssVNyfGcklpAs5lEEaIHC4gqxqo0efQ0XF8Z-j_CYxaWrn-f_pQay0gvqFIO7hG7pGmozOZUJiItQFQn8wWeIRyvMu03ds4RSl_9Aqc/s1600/20160206_132246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAmb5Diw_zF-US3zwyJMGpTjMOMt1OiTAJUwhssVNyfGcklpAs5lEEaIHC4gqxqo0efQ0XF8Z-j_CYxaWrn-f_pQay0gvqFIO7hG7pGmozOZUJiItQFQn8wWeIRyvMu03ds4RSl_9Aqc/s320/20160206_132246.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most Dapper of selfies</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">I met Sarah with her two French roommates and a third French friend. She had had a morning intoducing them to the joy that is Magic Kingdom. Once I joined them in my super stylish poncho, we were able to ride The Barnstormer and the Walt Disney World Railroad before waiting for the Festival of Fantasy parade. Due to weather, the parade was delayed and eventually cancelled, but we were treated to the rarely seen Rainy Day Cavalcade, in which FoF characters are loaded into the Main Street USA vehicles and driven down the parade route to the tune of "Singin' in the Rain."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo4Ub7kySkZN8IuPii2yHxVwN_3IUbn9iVX8sMy0_00lIUhAtu97oBT4l-tRLgKiFc2BNsoBMp-2QmXB4_HS4_p4BGc9F6LsJiEMwZCs-fvKWNE_nfeHAeHB4o4xRtxWi_xStkXtVCBU/s1600/20160206_150124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo4Ub7kySkZN8IuPii2yHxVwN_3IUbn9iVX8sMy0_00lIUhAtu97oBT4l-tRLgKiFc2BNsoBMp-2QmXB4_HS4_p4BGc9F6LsJiEMwZCs-fvKWNE_nfeHAeHB4o4xRtxWi_xStkXtVCBU/s320/20160206_150124.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group waiting for FoF in the rain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczab9ROsdw5KhW89uwEN5EQHqpoe90vCoD67bosHPKiD_0YOW5nA75dgkD0iywaSn7df0_FJK2mvdhDyDN6b2rhq0G_tATUjlTTfwkjWmtxVhPRz_V1UUJr1osc4xDTwuCIA4tSqfVAE/s1600/20160206_154125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczab9ROsdw5KhW89uwEN5EQHqpoe90vCoD67bosHPKiD_0YOW5nA75dgkD0iywaSn7df0_FJK2mvdhDyDN6b2rhq0G_tATUjlTTfwkjWmtxVhPRz_V1UUJr1osc4xDTwuCIA4tSqfVAE/s320/20160206_154125.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy Day Calvacade!...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3Tzl0aHBj_TWWhBhnmLBbTtWTYSQkyOIRNxirE-hElyofgGbv7azNjyNcE66JQadVJav-it1PuavZJxcj2_Noj0BXe56SqAwUKpHBN3-p4XNcWVR9EN_BAeD80d2G4DXCEQJTHC-SzQ/s1600/20160206_154248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3Tzl0aHBj_TWWhBhnmLBbTtWTYSQkyOIRNxirE-hElyofgGbv7azNjyNcE66JQadVJav-it1PuavZJxcj2_Noj0BXe56SqAwUKpHBN3-p4XNcWVR9EN_BAeD80d2G4DXCEQJTHC-SzQ/s320/20160206_154248.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Is not that exciting after all. </td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We were able to sneak onto Pirates of the Caribbean before it mysteriously went down for a few hours, as well as the Enchanted Tiki Room. Sarah and I took off thereafter, as the other three were desperate to do Space Mountain but Sarah and I do not queue. We met Justine (Sarah's roommate from Mexico attractions) and Nicole for a Fork & Screen presentation of Pride & Prejudice & Zombies.</span><br />
Sunday was a long and chilly day back in the Canada Pavilion. I was still training with Micayla. The focus of the day was engraving and transactions down at the cart. Although the cart has had a complete overhaul since my last program, engraving is almost the same. I feel like I picked it up again quickly. It was also my first time closing the cart. It's a chaotic process involving the music of IllumiNations and the sounds of fireworks. I'll be closing over the next few months so I will be a champion at it. I also learned a very important lesson in costuming - if the skirt you select doesn't feel super soft, chances are it hasn't been washed a thousand times and will bleed colour when dry into your clean white shirt. And your new, white Dooney & Burke (!!!!!!!). It had best wipe out, is all I have to say on the matter.<br />
Monday was a very special day in the life of a merchie. I offically "earned my ears" - I passed a written assessment of my merchandising skills and had a leader engagement to go over expectations for the duration of my program. I can and will still wear the "earning my ears" ribbon until I feel more comfortable. Things eluding me right now include prices of various items, including differentiating between the leather bracelets. Micayla and I started out the day together as trainer and trainee, then after my assessment we both went into rotation. Since Micayla is so much higher than me on the food chain, she went home at 1700 while I stayed til 2100. Not sure if I mentioned it yet but there has been a rather large and major cheerleading competition being held at ESPN Wide World of Sports this past week, so I've had lots of engraver practice from high school cheerleaders wanting personalized mementos from their trip. Happy to oblige, and for the practice. In the evening at the cart, Shane and I met a family from Guelph with whom we had a great chat, and they presented us with a teeny token of love from Canada.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oIfwzZNE7JdF_uAg303bcwehCPge0n1bbNM5BrrtDDG8K232nuURO7c5TlQY-dH_wmMrB1hBPgTvBaOjFWFO28mMm2rFxg_sel-YmSImIUTqB0v26sAsEEdth1qvE993_gkrgvshpSg/s1600/20160208_225254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oIfwzZNE7JdF_uAg303bcwehCPge0n1bbNM5BrrtDDG8K232nuURO7c5TlQY-dH_wmMrB1hBPgTvBaOjFWFO28mMm2rFxg_sel-YmSImIUTqB0v26sAsEEdth1qvE993_gkrgvshpSg/s320/20160208_225254.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonus points if you know this family!</td></tr>
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That's all for now, more pictures in costume soon I hope!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
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<b>Magical Moment: </b>While earning or Wilderness Explorer badges, Sarah and I encountered a CM named Dave who was telling us about the call of Siamang gibbons. Not two seconds later, said gibbons actually did this call and he was just amazed cuz apparently it's rare. His enthusiasm was out of this world.<br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>My trainer Micayla, for hearing me say "On my first program..." every third sentence. No more.<br />
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<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-80461130075904376762016-02-05T18:57:00.001-05:002016-02-05T18:57:06.787-05:00Wonderful Feeling, Wonderful DayI'm more on the ball (about select things) than many people realize. I started another blog post minutes after the previous one.<br />
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Tuesday was both my Discover Day and the morning I left my phone in housing. Discovery Day is the day in which we learn all there is to know about Epcot - what it stands for, its history, how to get around, how to find bathrooms, what's being reimagined, what attractions remain and which pavilion is the best (self-proclaimed Canada). We took a walking tour of Future World and rode Spaceship Earth, and were threatened with a jog around World Showcase before we commandeered a FriendShip, Jack Sparrow-style, and took a boat tour instead, all before World Showcase was even open. Since we were finished at noon, I took the afternoon off for a designated Magic Kingdom day. I lunched at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, then noticed that half of Tomorrowland was temporarily closed, which meant all adjacent attractions had a longer wait time. The only solution was to abandon Tomorrowland and head towards shorter wait times in Liberty Square (oh hey, Haunted Mansion), Frontierland (getting soaked on Splash Mountain and drying off on Big Thunder Mountain and then chilling in Country Bear Jamboree). En route I ran into a character attendant I knew from my last program, who allowed me a quick visit with Ariel between my desired attractions.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tip: Know all the right people. I know Stephen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ariel told me to keep an eye out for thingamabobs.</td></tr>
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Wednesday was another Disney University Day. Not trusting myself to a)not get lost and b)not get anyone else lost, I drove to and arrived at Disney University insanely early but still behind a handful of my classmates. I did not get lost, although the chances were high. The small group of international merchies (there might be seven of us) gathered with new merchandise college program kids for a not-at-all updated class called Merchantainment. You may recall that's a Disney word for Merchandise + Entertainment. It was a long morning of sitting to learn more about the Four Keys and how they relate to both the Guest experience and loss preventation, as well as practice on a real/fake cash register with real/fake American currency (the small handful of us who were not raised in this country were given a convenient handout). After lunch and a shorter afternoon of e-learning (I know so much about safe food preparation in degrees Fahrenheit), I went back to Vista for an evening of tidying, organization and well-deserved foot rest (I clocked over 12, 000 steps yesterday, just so you know). Also another round of (couponed!) Steak & Shake with current and former/future CMs and friends Mike & Matt (Lindsay's roommates!).<br />
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Thursday was my second day onstage and in costume. The focus of the day was Guest interactions at the cash wrap (ie transactions). It's coming back slowly, but I have had to learn quite a few things since my last program. I still got to have some Guest interaction and some pin trading but mostly I practiced package pickups, returns, exchanges, cash and credit transactions, all the joy of merchandise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2HqvjmMyrAc5Sv4cWi4mcjfhQa4vHi2tKGAjboDOmXSFHliF7mtd4jHCTrfmiGipQSIKHKsE_efEfwLJY0TPS4SkjknkiSBdMOqzaNHFAMV578u5e5dBD1WNVJJIARMJzfCZsfJOxVA/s1600/received_10154602823813636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2HqvjmMyrAc5Sv4cWi4mcjfhQa4vHi2tKGAjboDOmXSFHliF7mtd4jHCTrfmiGipQSIKHKsE_efEfwLJY0TPS4SkjknkiSBdMOqzaNHFAMV578u5e5dBD1WNVJJIARMJzfCZsfJOxVA/s320/received_10154602823813636.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first opening meeting (with the UK merch cast)!</td></tr>
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After a long day of working, Sarah and I decided we hadn't been at Epcot long enough and, since we will be closing during the IllumiNations foreworks for the next few months, we thought it prudent to watch the fireworks so we wouldn't get distracted later. We went to Beaches and Cream on Disney's BoardWalk for dinner, and were ridiculously too full for the ice cream for which Beaches and Cream is known. Next time. As we were leaving, we found that the heavens had opened up in typical Florida fashion, so we resigned ourselves to spending the remainder of the evening in Disney Parks ponchos purchased with our holiday Cast discounts. We were able to squeeze in a ride on the Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros (it has been ever so slight reimagined) before finding an excellent spot in the Mexico pavilion to watch the fireworks. The poncho had a sauna-like effect and kept us very cozy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2ZOGw2C_KbyAy09rFJ36Em3Z5gL-3088hnwLiwGTApJv_h-8zcgUGlKqR7nj2OksFfvvYbC5pfwjYK7Esk49__81nmSRcQH08Qqvw89G4A0h9tSMagC1Wax19etcoVp7wHXxS3HDHZ8/s1600/20160204_194037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2ZOGw2C_KbyAy09rFJ36Em3Z5gL-3088hnwLiwGTApJv_h-8zcgUGlKqR7nj2OksFfvvYbC5pfwjYK7Esk49__81nmSRcQH08Qqvw89G4A0h9tSMagC1Wax19etcoVp7wHXxS3HDHZ8/s320/20160204_194037.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see us in the mirror of the Beaches and Cream counter?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjd0andUDU-IK6M-v_qzCqfPGyrLp3gtQiHhCrrThmWnz2kJ7yR37U6CdrfvF4OepMCiZn6-6KWoZANdcbaSwB6GTG9siZh0BvQvhxGISYxltYcDk45tcMzBwFSLeTmjwJS1VKdchfdI/s1600/20160204_205357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjd0andUDU-IK6M-v_qzCqfPGyrLp3gtQiHhCrrThmWnz2kJ7yR37U6CdrfvF4OepMCiZn6-6KWoZANdcbaSwB6GTG9siZh0BvQvhxGISYxltYcDk45tcMzBwFSLeTmjwJS1VKdchfdI/s320/20160204_205357.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah is too cool to wear her poncho. I am not. </td></tr>
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Friday, we are both off and headed to Animal Kingdom (teaser for the next post!).<br />
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<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
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<b>Lindsey</b><br />
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<b>Magical Moment:</b> There was a Guest in the store today desperately searching for a Cast Member from her neck of the woods. She was from Smiths Falls and she found me.<br />
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<b>Pixie Dust to: </b>The UK merchie who suggested a group photo, and my leader who sent it to me.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-74192668426011627952016-02-03T21:39:00.003-05:002016-02-03T21:39:38.676-05:00For the First Time in Forever, There'll be Magic, There'll be LightI feel like I have had a very packed few days, so prepare yourselves for a novel.<br />
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Saturday was TRADITIONS, the longest and most magical of any company orientations known to person-kind. The day started off a little rough when the Traditions bus from Vista Way was nowhere to be found, but a van was dispatched so we still arrived very promptly. And very early. The day involved a Disney look check, company history and orientation, introduction of the Four Keys (SAFETY COURTESY SHOW EFFICIENCY for anyone who hasn't heard me belt them out before) and of course, a spectacular but sadly brief trip to Magic Kingdom, both backstage in the Utilidors and onstage.<br />
The point of the expedition was to find Cast Members displaying the Four Keys, as well creating magical memories for Guests. Myself and two new American friends and Cast Members, Drew and Sarah, decided this was an ideal time to skip over to Castle Couture and get our first round of pixie dust. Upon return to the classroom, each of us earned a critter (a figurine of one of the Fab Five characters [Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald}) for sharing how our magical experience related to the Four Keys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwMvJAWPekODEPrAoEFdmE3dTOvnXq7_02ar5aeFaJzzIMucQ17LxX4AmjJfncqpWN1j1qWcyS9Gajfb225-4E8KugS8dMqoWYoZy1Le_wOH_bPmyevpmzncmLqyOCwFp6R9ylHEBam8/s1600/20160130_150022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwMvJAWPekODEPrAoEFdmE3dTOvnXq7_02ar5aeFaJzzIMucQ17LxX4AmjJfncqpWN1j1qWcyS9Gajfb225-4E8KugS8dMqoWYoZy1Le_wOH_bPmyevpmzncmLqyOCwFp6R9ylHEBam8/s320/20160130_150022.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneaky pixie dust friends at Castle Couture</td></tr>
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After receiving a schedule for the next few days, we were released into the world with brand new blue Cast IDs and sparkly new name tags delivered by the boss himself. I know I've done it before but it was still magical.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObj6zt7YfWSttG_Jjy2pCLZ8Y22lkR-G_9hhCZ0nIjiQxrIeG6aCEqfmJFyhndgDmZvRZGVqG9OMW1Dzjf8Paw5_2lAp3kr_i1LtLKCZIUtvrf6Vcajfoy48RSiExIgVJGZdH3UD647g/s1600/20160130_163417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObj6zt7YfWSttG_Jjy2pCLZ8Y22lkR-G_9hhCZ0nIjiQxrIeG6aCEqfmJFyhndgDmZvRZGVqG9OMW1Dzjf8Paw5_2lAp3kr_i1LtLKCZIUtvrf6Vcajfoy48RSiExIgVJGZdH3UD647g/s320/20160130_163417.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have to participate a lot to win this many Critters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEA8-8kgacKG_3zPVg5g4u0LZDzXW475htKwLDYnQUMhyfuy_qkGckVaaX6Kiq43Ez-J1_RVZx8lLj1ECwe13Mtvn00MQADZbaJPTkFHVD7tQBA9oNxJHrwtFel1AJAz-krqy6C7lrc4/s1600/20160130_164120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEA8-8kgacKG_3zPVg5g4u0LZDzXW475htKwLDYnQUMhyfuy_qkGckVaaX6Kiq43Ez-J1_RVZx8lLj1ECwe13Mtvn00MQADZbaJPTkFHVD7tQBA9oNxJHrwtFel1AJAz-krqy6C7lrc4/s320/20160130_164120.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My name tag says "Perth, Canada".</td></tr>
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I jetted off to Hollywood Studios within 15 minutes of getting back to Vista Way. The Walker family (remember how I was a lab tech who lived in St Thomas with a fabulous lady named Danielle and two weens?) was having their Disney World weekend before their Disney Cruise and obviously, since they were on my turf, I needed to see them. I rode Star Tours while they waited for Rock'n Roller Coaster, and we joined up for a typically magical presentation of Fantasmic. The convenience of car ownership had me home by ten.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgibuvv2NAH21msmYeMz9qJwWNlkrSW9LVB9AdvnThqSCDbHo91CF0DpSLBHPWT91Atl1W5XLaa4LEYl-xgLQNz1ktilcO_6zPuK_cUNcUvlFIaVLLtvvuD00iazN-nCrhnrKTu6bF30/s1600/12631341_10153379671628513_7923233100120011529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgibuvv2NAH21msmYeMz9qJwWNlkrSW9LVB9AdvnThqSCDbHo91CF0DpSLBHPWT91Atl1W5XLaa4LEYl-xgLQNz1ktilcO_6zPuK_cUNcUvlFIaVLLtvvuD00iazN-nCrhnrKTu6bF30/s320/12631341_10153379671628513_7923233100120011529_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mad Fantasmic selfie skills</td></tr>
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Sunday was another round of orientation at Disney University. I recently learned that, with the small group of Cultural Representatives with whom I arrived, were over 2,000 Disney College Program participants. This fact is important because, when I was waiting for a bus (with a German merchie named Mari), the first bus to Disney University completely filled up and they sent another a few minutes later... and I remembered why I don't bus to places. The day started with a class called Welcome to Operations from 0730 (YEAH) to 1130, at which point we were given more schedule for the day and, after lunch, the merchandise cast members had an Introduction to Merchandise class.<br />
We were done for the day at 1400, but Sarah (from the UK) and I had the idea to go to Magic Kingdom, since we were right behind it and we wanted to exercise our limited time holiday discount (never fear, it comes back in November). We bussed to the Ticket & Transportation Center and took a monorail until we gleefully disembarked at Magic Kingdom, dressed conspicuously in our business casual attire. We had come for a specific reason and to purchase a specific item, so we went to Uptown Jewelers. They have a relatively new pale pink room dedicated to Pandora. After a few minutes of indecision and a scary moment of my Cast ID almost not working, we both purchased a lovely bead representing Spaceship Earth and the monorail. As we were leaving the store, I was lamenting not running into anyone I knew (it happens all the time). Not five seconds later, I ran into people I knew. It's a small world after all.<br />
We made a brief stop at Casey's Corner for one of my fave MK snacks (corndog nuggets) and perused the Emporium for a bit to satisfy the money burning a hole in Sarah's pocket. I was good and didn't purchase anything else... yet. We then took a brief round on the People Mover (so lovely) and skipped through Fantasyland for another round of pixie dust (twice in two days for me), and headed home. My business casual flats are fine but they are not made for marathons that are park days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxc4kp-VteTU3bO3Td0oQDrZ5GyJLDLc_GR6D1H8naeRFIYGbmnUFabKQnQgLCKs1urelIB-1niEdFctMwZcHYaJf8KXKzFvq5KebWfd5D106qh5i0wFdV1B-p1GHDQBcrJFHs4QxnfY/s1600/20160131_170554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxc4kp-VteTU3bO3Td0oQDrZ5GyJLDLc_GR6D1H8naeRFIYGbmnUFabKQnQgLCKs1urelIB-1niEdFctMwZcHYaJf8KXKzFvq5KebWfd5D106qh5i0wFdV1B-p1GHDQBcrJFHs4QxnfY/s320/20160131_170554.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The People Mover in Tomorrowland is the best for sore feet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDSxdrcg9swrDKARcR4xCpwkiDWPZopbt5Qzei7tfQ0qB0-ejHtvwKXpy3kt5WowT7a5vhMmSGyvVoz-g8vDyODjaIPdZvJrB7H-gbHfFBa-qqv5ZhmU0MDPbBVv3Eu-AQ9SiTCOjA6A/s1600/20160131_170546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDSxdrcg9swrDKARcR4xCpwkiDWPZopbt5Qzei7tfQ0qB0-ejHtvwKXpy3kt5WowT7a5vhMmSGyvVoz-g8vDyODjaIPdZvJrB7H-gbHfFBa-qqv5ZhmU0MDPbBVv3Eu-AQ9SiTCOjA6A/s320/20160131_170546.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New UK merchie Sarah is in heaven.</td></tr>
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Monday was my first day onstage. I met my trainer, Micayla, in the Epcot Cast Services break room. Lindsay was kind enough to do a drive with me last night to both Epcot parking and Disney University. Karen, my slightly bizarre but recently totally updated GPS, remembered where Epcot parking was but I don't trust her 100%. Disney University is Unplottable* (*Harry Potter reference) and is hard to find if you don't know how to get there. There was a table of international participants (including a new American friend) waiting for our trainers to arrive, but mine was the winner. Naturally. We clocked in and reported to costuming, which has had a complete overhaul lately so I was totally lost. We were easily able to locate the plaid aisle, and after a few rounds in the change room and a few reject sizes, I was finally in my sweet sweet new lumberjack costume. I also forgot how weird tucking shirts in is. I had also been given the heads up to purchase solid black sneakers and shorts for underneath the full full plaid skirt. Nicole and I had spent a fair amount of time selecting white socks at Walmart a few days previous.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why thank you, Welcome package.</td></tr>
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I got a locker in which to store my business casual clothing, I received a brand new lanyard full of trading pins (SO EXCITED FOR PINS) and we went for early lunch, after which we reported to the Canada pavilion for official business. The first day of training is referred to a "Tier 1", and the last time I experienced it, I was teaching it. Tier 1 has definitely changed for the better. Today Micayla and I focused on pavilion orientation, the four keys onstage and backstage, and guest interaction. To be able to interact with Guests so early in training was just wonderful... because that's what I know how to do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuvXDgm19K_DO7ndPDgwgkxXL76QdwUKpiTD1l3zUpa4pvI8OuJVCb9ENF5fjKppgntcoWy8lKMdnLWV-PHcD9wQaqK0FR4qi5PYa-Fo73S14X-F-m4otiIIxth3cfWmk75CsFIAaBtA/s1600/20160201_185652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuvXDgm19K_DO7ndPDgwgkxXL76QdwUKpiTD1l3zUpa4pvI8OuJVCb9ENF5fjKppgntcoWy8lKMdnLWV-PHcD9wQaqK0FR4qi5PYa-Fo73S14X-F-m4otiIIxth3cfWmk75CsFIAaBtA/s320/20160201_185652.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Canada costume, 100% girlier.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>See you real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
<br />
<b>Magical Moment: </b>My first pin trade of my program was with a couple from California. It was their first trip to Disney World and their first pin trade.<br />
<br />
<b>Pixie Dust for: </b>Disney Facilitators, who encourage and reward Disney keeners like me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-49429978008489732472016-01-27T22:42:00.002-05:002016-01-27T22:43:38.580-05:00I've Climbed the Mountain, I've Crossed the River and I'm Almost ThereI have been blog-slacking but that is not my jam. I have been either otherwise engaged or just not motivated. I'm not sure anyone wanted to read my thoughts as I was stuck in a hotel room in Virginia with nothing but American television, an adult colouring book and my probable weather-induced anxiety.<br />
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Let me start with Florida, since at this moment in time I'd rather not relive the stupendously boring and eternal travel to get there.<br />
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On Monday, after a seemingly never-ending haul, I finally did arrive at the Vista Way welcome centre, fairly disoriented and warm and generally disheveled, to be herded through a typically Disney efficient series of stations, and to my horror, my housing ID photo was taken. I was handed a pink ID stating my new home was VW - Vista Way. Not gonna lie, I was slightly stunned, but I made my way to my new building (27) and found a roommate already there, and I found I already knew her from Facebook! Nicole, from Calgary Alberta, helped me unpack my car and we did our epic first trip to Walmart, wherein we did two rounds of necessity shopping - household objects and then food.<br />
When we got back, only one more roommate had moved into #2702 but by the end of the day, everyone had arrived, brining to total to six roommates including myself - Elise, Camille, Emilie and Ana from France, and myself and Nicole from Canada.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nRKK24bwSKXeIV_RANwR2DSuMaP4DlXqVPPvZjy6pWTeInpfQ3DdqYnzQSqneG6s_v56a-I4v9PA7AW0Km8GYVrwrEdvUS3Ms4jZSkpfu_ZlpBKscuX2Rmw_lRqRtXi_AxJckk3ce3s/s1600/20160126_192148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nRKK24bwSKXeIV_RANwR2DSuMaP4DlXqVPPvZjy6pWTeInpfQ3DdqYnzQSqneG6s_v56a-I4v9PA7AW0Km8GYVrwrEdvUS3Ms4jZSkpfu_ZlpBKscuX2Rmw_lRqRtXi_AxJckk3ce3s/s320/20160126_192148.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gorgeous ladies of 2702, plus a barley bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Tuesday, I woke up early with half my roommates to attend an immigration session (aka "how to not get kicked out of the country") at my old stomping grounds, the Commons. It was pretty much old hat but it's good to have it reinforced.<br />
Afterwards I was reunited with my lovely and dear friend Lindsay Wilson (the lumberjack from my last program with whom I met John Stamos that one time) at her house at Plantation Park (sounds faaaaancy looks like housing for adults). Lindsay is halfway through her management internship program at Epcot. She will be one of my leaders once I start working, so due to said conflict, her name may not be mentioned frequently. Sorry, Wilson. We hung with two of her roommates (one of whom will also be one of my leaders and the other completed his first merchandise program during my first program) before going to Sweet Tomatoes (my first time... I know).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsFywXo7DZDDOBOKsWxTlBRiL_FrptOK0AxOT32FoWrW0HTGBypJamc9FrbV732iROJauexIiGRjFbW6zrhU0D3r-_PNMxWoc-d549UYHXYzc_AgL93nLy_awRT8aOWNj3Zd-FKvJQVc/s1600/20160126_121639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsFywXo7DZDDOBOKsWxTlBRiL_FrptOK0AxOT32FoWrW0HTGBypJamc9FrbV732iROJauexIiGRjFbW6zrhU0D3r-_PNMxWoc-d549UYHXYzc_AgL93nLy_awRT8aOWNj3Zd-FKvJQVc/s320/20160126_121639.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Stamos' favourite Canadians, together again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wilson dropped me off at Commons for my second orientation session of the day, a Welcome to Housing session (aka how not to get kicked out of housing). To my delight and surprise, one of the two facilitators was a friend from my first program who has married her American boyfriend after the end of my program (that's totally what I want, btw). Again, old hat, but good to have reinforced. Trivia though. Both lightsabers and wands, considered "weapons" until recently, are both now permitted in housing as long as they are used for good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEYiPMlZRQmZjmkpjEHcRFpgTjsBZ01I1Age9CGj-PpgsMPq7rfaRuIIE1lV4YvmSlYOt3PJ8ZWQipwI14z3SBoU8zB8UZluNTyU8USHpu5EAsamL0LVbab6mE0x-vSFq1ZbFLFOaQbY/s1600/20160126_142336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEYiPMlZRQmZjmkpjEHcRFpgTjsBZ01I1Age9CGj-PpgsMPq7rfaRuIIE1lV4YvmSlYOt3PJ8ZWQipwI14z3SBoU8zB8UZluNTyU8USHpu5EAsamL0LVbab6mE0x-vSFq1ZbFLFOaQbY/s320/20160126_142336.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patricia is living the former CRP dream.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I came back to Vista and unpacked and organized and did a round of laundry (both washers and dryers are conveniently located on my floor [the ground floor NO STAIRS!]). While drying clothes, Nicole and I walked to a nearby Wendy's and meandered back when it looked like it was going to rain. It did not, and on the way back we found the Vista Way front desk, library and club room. And both pools.<br />
Today was a day off until 1600, wherein Emilie, Nicole and I lined up with a sizeable amount of CRPs and Academic Exchange participants to, again, be herded efficiently from station to station until suddenly all our Disney paperwork was complete and we had paycards for when we start making some money.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzygmZ8XpDbLXdB1E2uv5cT4TV63rOS2wgliR5V3K8T5h-oTHHYopd6gcDXJqIkAi1NvITS0ySMTSUE9LANOROWuzM9vLlCinZ-gER6qWr7P-A2cuw2J3v9KK6fNR7i2jPBihfTeleLY/s1600/20160127_164013%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzygmZ8XpDbLXdB1E2uv5cT4TV63rOS2wgliR5V3K8T5h-oTHHYopd6gcDXJqIkAi1NvITS0ySMTSUE9LANOROWuzM9vLlCinZ-gER6qWr7P-A2cuw2J3v9KK6fNR7i2jPBihfTeleLY/s320/20160127_164013%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paperwork JOY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Afterwards Nicole and I adventured to what famously became my favourite restaurant of my last program, Steak N Shake (Karen remembered where it was and still pronounces it "Steak North Shake" by the way). We also went to Dollar Tree to browse the selection of glorious cheap American goods.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8xYgV2J3C1L49v0Aqe5LAxi0fS8g5o_Cyrz-8mGQrSR2sosOJCVruPHWZM83qgybp2qK51ij3-ehYSLmoyJwluiqj6gArMTo61ra9Ii2WKZDOTqIPY9o_5oDJpVelFAF7HUtSyYyanQ/s1600/20160127_180024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8xYgV2J3C1L49v0Aqe5LAxi0fS8g5o_Cyrz-8mGQrSR2sosOJCVruPHWZM83qgybp2qK51ij3-ehYSLmoyJwluiqj6gArMTo61ra9Ii2WKZDOTqIPY9o_5oDJpVelFAF7HUtSyYyanQ/s320/20160127_180024.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milkshakes from Steak N Shake are the love of my life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Which brings me to the present and brings me to being all caught up, and you to "This is what we've been waiting to read?"<br />
<br />
<b>See ya real soon!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lindsey</b><br />
<br />
<b>Magical Moment:</b> When Nicole and I were exploring the Clubhouse, a cast member let us pick the next movie for public showing (under several ratings provisions). We selected That Thing You Do.<br />
<br />
<b>Pixie Dust for:</b> Everyone who contacted my during my three-day snow-in in Virginia. Thank you for helping me maintain my scarce sanity. Now let's never mention it again.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654395599138944133.post-63368166370102645892016-01-02T23:49:00.002-05:002016-01-02T23:49:50.023-05:00We're Doing a Sequel. We're Back by Popular Demand.Come on, everybody, strike up the band.<br />
<br />
Hello long lost friends!<br />
<br />
On December 5th, I announced to the world using all the social media that I was joyfully returning to the most magical place on Earth, Walt Disney World, as a Cultural Representative in the Canada pavilion as a merchandise cast member. I didn't know (but should have) that December 5th is also the birthday of one kinda famous guy named Walt Disney, so didn't that just work out. As such, those who choose to do so will be treated to another year or so of mildly interesting and strangely written blog posts. You're welcome.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSBd9zIjPhF5rdj9OqNgDlXC-Ieq_SFfaR_s_xfdyPZ42xn5v2NG8_D0bjgLgRSlTtx-4YN-f9K9In6IbQ4CXUMmIWyxFDNWnYAujmmfC2B0uKBUoTqw4Cej5-jOd86jLA0IjWF1wX4c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-02+at+9.27.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSBd9zIjPhF5rdj9OqNgDlXC-Ieq_SFfaR_s_xfdyPZ42xn5v2NG8_D0bjgLgRSlTtx-4YN-f9K9In6IbQ4CXUMmIWyxFDNWnYAujmmfC2B0uKBUoTqw4Cej5-jOd86jLA0IjWF1wX4c/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-01-02+at+9.27.51+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Facebook post that made it official.</td></tr>
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For those out of the know (so... no one?), I have already completed a CRP in merchandise, starting in March 2012 and ending in February 2013. You can reminisce <a href="http://lindseykeeler.blogspot.ca/">here with my last blog</a> if that's what you want. Full disclosure: I only reread my own blog after I had accepted another contract. It kind of sucks to remember being so warm when you live in a country that sometimes experiences a thing called a Polar Vortex.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCZergm7rvFN2bByF5mg_M0nAY8pYoehOzsyJ9Umj0H_1-9UCKpGGi-7w4HbRxIx8ec3GPNf05ZCt3cba38cMrxBIridCsSL_fVwkof4i6ubHFPBjVTsan6oN2W-qZWgzNMF8UG8FHfM/s1600/20151205_135436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCZergm7rvFN2bByF5mg_M0nAY8pYoehOzsyJ9Umj0H_1-9UCKpGGi-7w4HbRxIx8ec3GPNf05ZCt3cba38cMrxBIridCsSL_fVwkof4i6ubHFPBjVTsan6oN2W-qZWgzNMF8UG8FHfM/s400/20151205_135436.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not ok for Facebook for ok for the blog!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ju2VUeDJKhXXyr9Kjyh0od6zxU3Vc-wqCPJhFq-WvONVXJeagnrAMDgVNVi58A-AklIGij-ZnlFr5Qv_KZdVIDMpuE5MmkLwBl-OwcjuE-i6Ihd_WgXuw8x2jEPOa6v25K_GMN1yGm4/s1600/20151205_135921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ju2VUeDJKhXXyr9Kjyh0od6zxU3Vc-wqCPJhFq-WvONVXJeagnrAMDgVNVi58A-AklIGij-ZnlFr5Qv_KZdVIDMpuE5MmkLwBl-OwcjuE-i6Ihd_WgXuw8x2jEPOa6v25K_GMN1yGm4/s400/20151205_135921.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy eyes? Crazy excited!</td></tr>
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<br />
So here's where I'm at now: It's January 2nd. My last day working for my current job (London Health Sciences Centre... sorry bro) is January 15th. I'll leave my home since June 2015 of St Thomas on either the 18th or 19th ("weather-permitting") and drive to the hometown of my nametag's fame, Perth. On January 21st, my mom and I will cross the border and drive to Lorton, VA, where on the 22nd, I'll board the <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/auto-train-your-car-your-stuff-and-you">Amtrak Auto Train</a> (it's a thing, I took it on my way back) with my car and Mom will fly back to Canada from DC. I'll spend a glorious and sedentary 17 hours on said train and arrive in Sanford, FL bright and early on the 23rd, drive the half hour or so to Orlando, and resurface for food and water when I've rested. I'll be chilling like a villain at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort until my official arrival date of January 25th, 2016, meaning I'll be moving into Disney Housing and I'll have no concrete idea of what comes next.<br />
<br />
I have to think of a new sign-off saying (*adds to ever-growing to do list...).<br />
<br />
Lindsey<br />
<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08165656284373158721noreply@blogger.com0