Cast Connection

 

A nice perk to being a cast member is shopping at Cast Connection. This store on the west side of property features left over merchandise from the parks and some groceries, sold at a pretty good discount. It also has old furniture that has been pulled from resorts or offices.

Bryan finished his training and started working in merchandise at MouseGear in Epcot. Jennifer was reassigned to Park Arrivals at Epcot, which includes stroller rentals and several small stores and kiosks near the front of the park. Sometimes they pick up shifts together. 

The kids continue to enjoy hanging out in the parks, the water parks, and Disney Springs when not at work.

 

Bryan spent his birthday going "around the world" at Epcot - having a drink at each of the World Showcase pavilions.

I spent the weekend in Bend trying to dig a trench for an electrical line to our pole barn, and adding a rock driveway.

DCP Part 2

Last week Bryan joined Jennifer at WDW as a college program cast member. We flew out with Bryan, and stayed at Coronado Springs, a moderate resort located west of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. We spent some time getting stuff the kids needed, but also at each park. The kids joined us when they could.

We flew out last Thursday night, and on Friday afternoon we went to Epcot. The new Norway expansion was open, and we had dinner at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Jennifer enjoyed meeting several princesses there, and the food wasn't bad. 

Saturday morning we went to Magic Kingdom, and that evening to Hollywood Studios. The Backlot area that used to hold the special effects show and backlot tour was walled off. A Toy Story land is going to be built in their place.

Sunday evening we went to Animal Kingdom, which has recently started staying open later at night. It was nice to see projections on the Tree of Life, as well as doing a Safari ride after dark.

Monday morning Bryan had his Traditions class. We spent most of that day at Disney Springs, checking out what was new. We met the kids for dinner at T-Rex. Tuesday was our last day, and we returned to Epcot. We rode the new Frozen ride at the Norway pavilion, and hung out a bit in the new DVC lounge above the Imagination pavilion. Yesterday we flew home.