Oh my gosh, where do I even begin?

Last night was our End of the Program Celebration for the Fall 2018 term of the Disney College Program at the Disneyland(r) Resort.  Yes, it deserves that entire title (for clarity, obviously).  This is my second celebration, as I am finishing up my second program here at Disneyland(r).

My roommates and I spent a large majority of the day getting ready for the event.  I painted my nails starting at 1 pm, and started applying makeup and doing my hair at 2 pm.  Doors opened at 6 pm. 

I bought my dress about two weeks beforehand at Express.  It’s a maroon dress with velvet on the top and a tulle and polka dot pattern on the bottom.  My shoes were suede gray open-toe heels from Target.

I did my hair and makeup so early because I don’t like to rush, and I didn’t want to be late to such a great celebration.

Before we left, my roommate Bree and I, who both work at World of Disney, were invited to a co-worker’s apartment to take pre-celebration pictures.  We took the elevator up to their room, nervous and anxious at what we would encounter.  As soon as our friend opened her door, we were greeted with smiles and open arms.  Seeing everyone in the room dressed up so nicely, with the fanciest semi-formal clothing ever, made me so excited for the evening.

Bree and I returned to our apartment, and the rest of our roommates were ready to leave.  We all packed into my roommate’s car and headed to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.  Our celebration was held at one of their conference rooms.

After parking across the street and walking over, we were greeted by carolers in the lobby, singing and playing the bells in front of the giant gingerbread house.  We took a quick detour into Acorns, the hotel gift shop, and stopped to hear the carolers singing Feliz Navidad. 

We then walked over to the conference center towards the north wing of the hotel, and saw dozens of college program participants waiting to check in.  While waiting for the DLRCP staff to set up, we took some pictures in front of a Christmas tree.

Then, it was time to check-in. We were told to line up by first name, and everyone made a mad dash to find a spot in line. It was immediately crowded and felt suffocating. The line moved fairly quickly, however. As soon as our names were crossed off the list, we were given certificates of completion.

They’re notably much smaller than last time’s… Still proud and blessed to be receiving one. Not everyone has the opportunity to receive one, and I recognize that.

My roommate Bree and I went inside the ball room (I think it’s just a conference center, but let’s call it a ball room for brevity) and found the table our roommates chose.  The room was large, and set up with dozens of large circular tables spread about.  Each table could fit 10 people, and was set up with multiple forks, knives, and spoons for each of our meal courses.  The tables also had memory boxes with pictures of Sleeping Beauty Castle in the front, and a pair of graduation Mickey ears.  They’re classic, black Mickey ears with a golden tassel on it.  This is now my second pair.

In the middle of the room, against the north wall was the DJ on a stage, and a square pseudo-wooden dance floor.  Two giant Christmas trees with golden yellow lights graced both sides of the stage.  They were just a few feet away from touching the ceiling.  On either corner of the ball room were photo spots.  On the DJ’s left were two— one with a blue background with the Disney Programs and Internships logo checkered on it, and one with background of red curtains printed against a blue backdrop.  It looked a little like a stage with curtains.  This was the meet-and-greet station to meet Mickey and the gang in their graduation robes.  On the DJ’s right was a photo-booth station.  Every station had a long line at any given point during the celebration, except during the dinner portion of the night.

My roommates and I decided to take pictures with Mickey and Minnie.  The line was not very long, but everyone taking individual and then group photos together is what made the line take forever (not complaining! my group did the same).  By the time it was my turn to take a photo, Mickey and Minnie had left, and tag-teamed with Donald and Goofy.

I didn’t get to take a picture with Mickey and Minnie, because the line reached the other side of the room after dinner ended, but that’s okay.  I remember spending a lot of time in line last year and am grateful to not have spent a lot of time in line ​this year.

The pictures aren’t the best quality because they’re taken on my iPhone, but there was a photographer there who took other, better-quality pictures.  I’m hoping those get shared with me soon!

My roommates and I returned to our table and waited for dinner to begin at 7pm.  We were starving.  Bree asked me when the last time I ate that day was, and I couldn’t remember.  [Note: I later remembered; it was right before I started my makeup, at around 1:30 pm].

At last, dinner service had begun.  The first course was bread, of course.  My side of the table attacked the bread with such force.  Or maybe it was just me.

 It tasted like it was baked with love.  Really though; the bread was sweet and was complimented with the flower-shaped butter.  I may have helped myself to a couple of pieces.

The next course was salad.  This salad’s presentation was so nice.  But I think that’s all it was— presentation.  I wasn’t a fan of the cheese (?) garnish on the side.  I wish there were more going for the salad.  But this is coming from someone who loves salads and loves the variety of tastes and textures.

Up next was main dish: chicken with stuffing, seasoned vegetables, and mashed potatoes.  This dish was truly the MVP of the night.  The mashed potatoes had potato skins in it and was very buttery and smooth.  The vegetables, comprised of carrots and zucchini were seasoned to perfection and had the right amount of crunch into them.  The stuffing was soft and chewy, but like, in a good way.  The chicken was moist and flavorful.  It tasted well when eaten with the accompanying gravy sauce.

 “Where is the dessert,” was the question on everyone’s mind after the meal.  Before dessert came out, the 2017-2018 Disneyland Ambassadors, Alexa and Mikey, took the stage and made a quick announcement to us.  They congratulated us on such a successful and fun program, and thanked us for allowing them to join us on our journey.  Mikey made sure to wish us well on our future endeavors, whether it’s staying with the company or choosing to leave after the program ends.  He told us to make sure we keep our passion and energy for life with us, and to take it wherever we end up next.  I may or may not have teared up a bit after he spoke.

Then, Alexa and Mikey introduced the Vice President of Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney District, Patrick Finnegan, and Mickey Mouse to the stage.  They congratulated us as well, and expressed their gratitude for our service to the company.

AND. 

THEN.  

The microphone was passed back to Mikey.  

He seemed to hesitate for a second, but I knew what was coming. I immediately took off my white dinner napkin that was placed on my nap, and I positioned my legs so they were out from under the table.

Mikey then said, “let’s all gather around for a selfie.” 

I know what you’re thinking, all that hype just for a selfie? Okay, but this is a selfie for the Disney College Program with the Disneyland (r) Resort Ambassadors. This picture will be used in multiple social media outlets, defining your place in the company at this point in time. Social media is a huge part of our lives and mastery of multiple forms of communication can get you far professionally.

After announcing the selfie, everyone quickly ran toward the dance floor, facing the stage. I was able to be near the front, but maybe about 5 rows back. Multiple pictures were taken on multiple phones and cameras.

Finally, after it seemed as though everyone in the program’s office took enough pictures, Mikey said,  “let’s, uhh, let’s just take one more. One, two, three...”

Right on three, confetti cannons blew wildly at either side of the stage, falling all around us college program participants. At the same time, dance music started playing. I think it was CANT STOP THE FEELING! by Justin Timberlake, but I can’t remember. It was upbeat and fast, a perfect song to kick off the party.

This was new. This was definitely new. I didn’t expect this, so my face was definitely a mixture of excitement and shock as soon as the confetti cannons hit. I’m shaking as I type this, it was so exciting. I’m hoping the pictures the photographer took will be uploaded soon so I can share with you all how I looked like. As soon as I get a hold of the pictures, I’ll upload them to my blog.

Many people jumped straight into dancing, and others danced for a little bit and then waited in the photo booth lines. I turned around to find my roommates, and saw two of them went back to their seats. Dancing and crowds just isn’t for everyone. 

A few minutes later, the dessert tables were taken out. They were self-serve. There were holiday-themed sugar cookies, peppermint brûlée, and gingerbread cheesecake. I got a little bit of everything, but the cheesecake was my favorite. The gingerbread was subtle and not over-powering. 

​The rest of the night was spent at my table dancing in our seats with my roommates, at the photo booth with my co-workers and roommates, and even on the dance floor. 

It was so interesting and funny seeing what kinds of songs attracted which people. Beyonce attracted groups of girls. Cardi B and Bruno Mars attracted girls who would rap and act out the song to their own friend groups.  Miley Cyrus attracted just about anyone, probably people from out of state who hopped off the plane at LAX in August.

The expectations for this celebration were well met and even surpassed. I had so much fun with all my roommates, friends, and co-workers. The confetti cannons were what sold me. 

The car ride home was filled with shouts of excitement and joy.  I’m so glad I have amazing roommates to share this occasion with. January 5th, please take your sweet time.

Edit. Done. Maybe I can stop shaking now.