First month in Florida

MARCH 1, 2023

KRYSTAL JANE

An insight into my first few weeks as a Cast Member at Walt Disney World, Florida. I will be speaking about my park trips and what each park represents.

When I first arrived to the United States of America, it was a huge culture shock. Everything is extremely different from back home (New Zealand), and I mean EVERYTHING, from food to lingo to culture. Follow along as I settle in to my new normal.

Park Days

With many benefits of working for THE mouse, a major one is the admission and access to parks. The ease of popping into a park for the day is insane, especially coming from a country with the nearest “Theme Park” being a 3 hour drive with limited rides, not to mention it’s insane day pass admission prices.

With our Disney pass, we are able to make bookings to a park and simply jump onto a bus that takes you there. This is easy when you live at the provided accommodation for DCP’s as they have frequent running transport. The parks I have visited are Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs. I have only been in the country for three weeks and have been to these places multiple times, all while having a full time job, it really is the dream.

Animal Kingdom is currently one of my favourite parks to visit. The mix between a zoo, stepping into the alternate reality of Pandora and the natural aspect of the theming , it is by far a top place participant. This could also be due to it feeling a little like home, with all of the trees and wildlife transporting me back to my own country.

The lands include of Pandora (The World Of Avatar), Oasis, Discovery Island, Dinoland U.S.A, Asia and Africa, with a complimentary Discovery River running between each land (which offers water entertainment and more). With multiple themed rides, food, animals, tours, and entertainment such as the Lion King show and the Tree Of Life light show, this park is a must visit.

Magic Kingdom is the heart of the magic, being the first place that comes to mind when people think of Disney World, Florida. To walk down Main Street, U.S.A is a dream come true for all. With an abundance of restaurants, merchandise, character greetings, rides and more, it is an amazing park day. Stay around for Disney Enchantment fireworks over Magic Kingdom and watch Tinker Bell as she flys over the crowd (Fireworks begin at 8:15pm).

Being a cast member I was able to preview TRON, before it is open to the public. To be here at a time where we get this opportunity is amazing, and I was so happy to be able to test run it. TRON light-cycle /run is a high-speed ride which is Disneys fastest roller coaster at 60 miles ph (97 km/ph). I felt like a Ninja on my sports bike riding this attraction, and would highly recommend trying it at least once (it’s not as scary as it looks!).

Epcot is stunning. This is an abbreviation of “Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow”, one of Walt Disneys projects, it features many pavilions from around the world, drinking culture, rides and more. I truly love Epcot as I appreciate that the Cast Members from certain countries can partake in delivering their own countries magic in their pavilions. From France to Japan you can walk in a big circle around all 11 pavilions trying cuisine, beverages and merchandise specific to each place.

Drink around the world and discover tasteful beverages from all around the globe! Take this as a challenge and try and get one drink from each country, no cheating! Most beverages range around $10-15 USD on average and can consist of tequila, beer, wine and cocktails, something for everyone (so no excuses).

HollyWood studios is in my opinion, similar to Universal Studios in terms of it being based off certain movies with their own worlds. If you’re a Toy Story lover, head over to Toy Story Land, or take the short walk to Star Wars (Galaxy’s Edge), the possibilities are endless.

During one of my visits to Galaxy’s edge I happened to be huddled on the floor out of the sun with some friends when suddenly two storm troopers towered over us and said “we have reports that you are conspiring with the resistance, are these reports true?”, and of course I dobbed in my friend and said its her. That was a great experience and really added to the world that we were intertwined in.

Disney Springs is the shopping district of Disney, offering some of your favourite brands as well as Disney owned stores such as World Of Disney. Take a scenic ferry across Lake Buena Vista to the dock’s on the main island to begin your day (be sure to have some money, you’ll need it).

There are a bunch of dining options within Springs, these include quick service, table service, specialty F&B, lounges and outdoor vending services.

This is the end of my first month blog, I hope you have enjoyed everything above as much as I have. It truly is a fever dream to say this is my new normal, I will forever be grateful for this opportunity and the experiences it brings me. Have a magical day 🤍

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