Independence Day

Neither Jenn or I had a shift on the 4th of July, so we decided to celebrate the day in Epcot. Some of the characters were out in patriotic attire, like Chip n Dale.

Epcot has had a lot of work going on. In the front of the park work continued on the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster and the tram stop. We took a trip on the monorail to check it out.

There's also work going on between the Imagination pavilion and the Showcase Plaza.

That night there were special fireworks after Illuminations.

Friendship Boats

Last week I completed my training at the Friendship Boats. I will be operating boats between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, as well as across the World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot.

On my way home from Epcot the other day I drove around the back side of Hollywood Studios, where they are building a new Star Wars hotel. 

At the entrance to Epcot, they started removing the Leave a Legacy Monoliths that were installed as part of the Millennium Celebration.

This morning we enjoyed a similar event to one we did in Toy Story Land earlier this month. We got to enter Pandora in Animal Kingdom before the park opened for the day and ride the River Journey and Flight of Passage.

Toy Story Land

We continue to enjoy the parks when not working, and on Tuesday were able to attend a special cast event in Toy Story Land before Hollywood Studios opened for the day. We had wandered through Toy Story Land before, and even ridden Slinky Dog Dash, but it was nice to experience it without a long wait. It's a nice family coaster, pretty fast but without too many crazy curves.

Alien Swirling Saucers is similar to the Mater ride in DCA's Carsland. It's kind of fun for a spinner.

Monday I was off, so while Susan and Jenn worked I went into the Magic Kingdom and rode the Peoplemover and the Astro-orbiter. They have started adding track to the new Tron roller coaster.

Last night I worked my last shift in Adventureland, as I received a transfer to full time at the Friendship Boats. This morning I went through orientation at Epcot, and tomorrow I start training.

More Moonlight Magic

Last night we attended another DVC Moonlight Magic event, this time at Epcot. We again enjoyed a free dinner and snacks and short waits to ride several attractions.

Earlier this month Susan, Jenn, and I attended a Cast Appreciation Event at Magic Kingdom. It was held in a big tent between Main Street and Tomorrowland. There was food and photo opportunities as well as free Mickey Bars.

A few days later friends from Oregon met us at Magic Kingdom. We had dinner at the Crystal Palace at the end of Main Street. This restaurant is a buffet which features characters from the Winnie the Pooh stories. Afterward we went on a few attractions with them. 

A few days ago I was hanging out in the park waiting for Susan to get off work so I rode the Peoplemover to check on the Tron roller coaster site. 

I also checked on the progress of the path widening between the castle and Liberty Square.

Dapper Days

This weekend was Dapper Days at WDW, so on Saturday Jennifer went to the Magic Kingdom to take part in the gathering. She visited with other participants, met characters, and watched the parade.

Bryan was also still in town, so Sunday morning they met friends at Hollywood Studios.

In the afternoon they went to Epcot for more Dapper Day festivities. Yesterday they went to Universal.

Spring in the parks

Last week, Bryan transferred to a job in Fort Worth Texas, so I flew out to Portland and we loaded up his apartment and headed south east. We stopped in Bend to grab some of the stuff in storage there. After getting his apartment in Fort Worth set up, we continued on to Florida. This was my twelfth time driving across the U.S.

While Bryan and I were on the road, Susan and Jenn spent a day in the parks. They spent the morning in Animal Kingdom. Susan just transferred to full time merchandise in Frontierland, so she said goodbye to those she worked with at Flame Tree. The park was also celebrating Earth Day, which is also the park's anniversary.

In the afternoon they went to the Magic Kingdom, and watched the Easter parade.

More Cast Life

Our schedules as cast members are pretty flexible. Jennifer often gives away shifts, then picks up at different locations. As part timers, Susan and I pick up additional shifts when we can. Susan picks up at other food and beverage locations, and I’ve been doing audience control for the MK fireworks.

 

We also enjoy the parks when not working. On Thursday, Jenn dressed up like Cinderella to meet the step sisters at Magic Kingdom. 

Yesterday morning we got up early again for a Cast 5K. Thousands of cast members and friends ran or walked through Epcot.