WDW College Program

And you think your roommate is bad.

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:11:01 GMT

So I went to sleep around 1 am last night. I wake up around 4 am to my roommates drinking in the living room and being loud. I did not mind it because I wasn't working the next day. Well my roommate comes in to our room really drunk, my other roommate is helping he. He goes to the bathroom to throw up and then goes to bed. I asked my other roommate if he was going to be alright and he said that he thinks so. I then wake up again, this time around 5:30 am. But this time I woke up to my roommate peeing on me!!!!!!!!! It was obvious that he thought that me sleeping in my nice ass comforter was the bathroom. When I woke up to the sound and feeling of someone peeing on me he quickly went to the restroom. So lets just say I'm kind of really pissed at this point. So I slam my door and walk over to Johns aparmtent and sleep with him since I needed a blanket cause the apartment is cold. In my view, you are still responsible for your actions while you are drunk. So what should I do about this? Do I just talk to him about it? Lets just say Jeffrey dosn't like to be pissed on (literally)

Realizations and new roomies.

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:17:55 GMT

This update is going to kind of jump around as I remember what I should talk about, so bare with me! lol

I have made some big realizations lately. I have worked for the Disney company for three years now. I came to Florida in the hopes of learning how the other half of the company works, what different types of entertainment are available, and build up my resume even more so one day I can get a professional job with the company. The resume building I know will be good, but I have made the realization that Disney is just not the road I want to take for the rest of my life. I need exposure to more then just a "Disney life." Working for Disney can be really rewarding, but it never ceases to amaze me how they can treat you sometimes. I enjoy being a character performer, but I will never understand how anyone could do it full time. There's only one thing keeping me here in Florida, and that's John. If it wasn't for John I would be back in California by now. I don't hate my job here in Florida, I just don't think it was worth taking a semester off for a mediocre experience, but I have fallen in love. :) Although Disney won't be my pursuit, I'm still optimistic about the company, and my time here in Florida. I have met some wonderful people, have done some magical things, and will never forget it.

So today while I was making lunch I heard the fire alarm go off at the apartment across the street from ours. I thought it might have been a false alarm, until my phone rang. "Hello this is the front desk, you are getting two new room mates in about an hour, there was a fire in there apartment today. They already know each other so they need to have a vacant room." So here I am, kind of stunned that we are getting these two new pryo roomies. Fortuneatly for me I still have my roomie in my room, but the two other guys have to move there stuff in together so the new guys can come in. Such little warning. So I just met them, they are borth foreign and the one set the fire by cooking. So I kind of joked around "so your not going to cook..right???" Then again I was kind of serious. The only good thing that is coming out of this is a new big ass TV and surround sound DVD player.

Other then that, I'm excited about the color code on Wednesday. I would love to play a face character because its something I have never done before. But I'm not getting my hopes up cause I personally don't believe I look like anyone, but it really never hurts to go out and try.

Michigan trip, Sick, and things I hope to achieve.

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:02:09 GMT

So this last week I was able to give away three of my shifts and go to Michigan with John. He asked me to go with him because he wanted me to see where he lives, and he wanted someone to drive back with him. Which works out now because I will be able to have something with a car to take me places. All I can say is I couldn't be happier that I went. Michigan is truly beautiful, and I had so much fun at his college, seeing a Spartan football game, and just spending time with him. So we drove back and I must say it was a beautiful drive, except for the speeding ticket I go in Tenessee, so if anyone ask we are boycotting Tenessee.

So I got back in Florida yesterday, and of course I got sick. So I had to call in sick the last two days because I was not feeling good at all. The only problem with this is, I may have 3.5 points in one month, because my managers didn't take off the .5 points like they said they would, but if the sick days are only 1 point for two days and they take off the .5 point, then I will only have 2 points. So I'm just praying that all works out. I also learned that I will be playing a toy soldier in the Christmas parade, which should be great fun!!!

So I was looking at Brenna's post about networking, and noticed that I need to get to work. Although I'm not going to be applying for any PI's anytime soon, because I obviously need to build up my resume by going back to school, but I really need to get my name out there and have these peoples contacts, so when I do decide to apply I will know more about the postiions, the work evironment, and see if what they hope to acomplish is what I hope to acomplish by that PI.

So besides networking, the second thing I hope to achieve is be another character at meet and greets besides Goofy. I don't mind being Goofy, but that is all I have gotten shifts for while being here on the college program. Its becoming a bit repetative, and I like myself some variety.

So this week has been one of positives, and besides being a bit sick I think this coming up week will be just as good.

Parade Orientation

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 21:16:58 GMT

So today I had parade orientation from 7:00 am to 12:30. Woke up around 5 am with only 2 hours of sleep, get ready, and head out to catch the bus. Waited 20 minutes for the A1 bus, NEVER CAME. So now I'm freaking out because the bus never came. Well I ended up being about 6 minutes late, but luckily I won't get any points since it wasn't my fault.

So now I'm at orientation and there is only one more girl there from College Program. The group was really small, only about 8 people I think. 2 of which were already going parades for Halloween. One guy was a face character for basically all the princes, including Caspian. How does one look like Charming, Philip, and Caspian? Kind of boggled the mind. Anyways so orientaton was pretty basic. We walked the backstage areas where the parade steps off and steps down, the parade route itself, all of the locations where we can get off the route if we need to, and of course costuming and cosmetology. Overall it was very interesting to learn how the parades here work. Let me just say is a bit differnt from Disneyland. Instead of using ladders to hoist people up to the floats, they use crane lift thingys. It was a very intersting experience, but alas I didn't learn what I will be doing and even what parade I will be in. Luckily I at least know what pararde becayse of my Cast Service Manager.

Rehersals they say will begin in October. So here comes some fun :)

Opening doors!

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:25:42 GMT

So I have realized I don't really update much on here, and I guess I should because I need to look back at whats happend. This week I have been at Camp Minnie and Mickey. I don't really mind being at camp, some days are better then others, but I'm getting a bit bored with just being Goofy. I've been looking in the shift change book for some other shifts, but it seems that nobody likes to give Tigger height shifts away. I've had some really magical moments though. One was this boy who was blind and my attendant was very keen on making sure he touched me to know what I looked like. The boy was very nice. Then one time Koda came up with a Give kids the World child, very adorable. It really breaks my heart to see these kids, but I know I'm making a difference for them and their families.

So I think I have literally become the mother of my apartment. I cook, bake, and clean for my room mates and invite friends over the eat. Cooking really relaes me after a day of hard work. The best news though could be the news of me being in Christmas Parade. I'm very excited about this opporunity, and looking foreward to doing parades and learning about that side of entertainment here. I would also really like to do face here, but I know that all I can do about that is go to the next color code.

On my days off I have been going to the parks, either by myself or with John. John has really become my prince charming here. Things have been going so well. I hope that everything stays this way, I've met so many wonderfull people and everyone seems so nice. So I think 2008 won't be all terrible :)

Parades!

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 03:25:30 GMT

So this is going to be really short, but I just checked my new schedule and it has a parade orientation on it! I'm so excited! I will update everyone on everything that has been happening, but just had to get this bit of news out there!

Earthquake!

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:22:57 GMT

So at 11:42 am a 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit Southern California. The epic center was in Chino Hills, which is about 10 miles from me! I was in my room and stuff started coming off my shelf. I ran to my door way and just put my hands over my face (I hate earthquakes) it serioulsy felt like it was never going to end. You would think living in California you would be use to these things. But I'm not! After the quake there was no cell phone service for like 30 minutes. Its nice to know in an emergency my phone will save me. If there was anytime better to go to Florida this is it lol!

A day at Disneyland!

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:51:35 GMT

Rhinotastc, 20 more days, and more!

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:39 GMT

Well I figured I would update a little bit about what has been happening here at Disneyland. The Rhino and me have been best friends almost everyday now! He is such a cutie. My friend Melissa came to see me and shot a video, so if any of you wanted to see what Mr. Rhino looks like I have attached a video.

I actually have some funny and not so funny experiences to share about Mr. Rhino recently. Last week I was on route and some little boy comes out into the street and puts his hand under the rhino. I'm not sure what he was looknig for, mayeb to see if it was a boy or a girl? On that same parade when I do meet and greets after a show stop some kids were punching the rhino really hard and their parents just watched. Seriously? Some parents need to learn how to conrol their kids. There has also been some drama with a new guy that is doing rhino. He is not able to do the front of the rhino, because of the weight. (65 pounds) But this guy is bigger then I am and taller, so I don't quite understand.

But in other news, only 20 more days til Florida! I've been shopping like crazy! I bought 2 new pieces of luggage and some business looking outfits for class. I just found out that I have to do traditions over there, which totally sucks, but at least I have cute things to wear. I'm totally not sure what I'm expecting in Florida, but I know that I'm going to have a blast, and I really need a change from just doing Disneyland parades.

Dream along with Mickey!

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:28:38 GMT

I'm on my break from parades so I'm here watching Dream Along with Mickey! OMG. This is going to be one of my top things I do when I get there cause this show looks really cute and amazing with how the characters actually talk. Yay I can't wait!!!

Because Im amazing

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:06:54 GMT

Rome wasn't built in a day.

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:57:40 GMT

So I started a diet last week, including sessions with a personal trainer above my regular exercise that I get from the parade. My trainer is very informative. Its really hard to break the cycle of just eating food on the go for me. Since I work 40 miles away from home, fast food is just an easy option. But I have done pretty well, but last night I was craving an ultimate cheeseburger so bad...and I got one. Larkin was a witness to this horrid event. But let me tell you, it tasted so good! Maybe it is true that things taste better when you know you shouldn't have it.

So today I looked through the nutrition menues at some of my favorite places. And I'm surprised that there are some healthy options, so I know in the future that if I'm tempted to get that ultimate cheeseburger I will get the chicken instead. I don't consider myself fat, I'm 180 and 6'0, I just want to loose around 10 pounds and feel healthier about myself. A goal I'm looking foreward to keeping at Florida.

Green Army Men ROCK!!!

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 07:03:46 GMT

Ok so just got home from the Chivas game. Wow!!! I had such an amazing time. Just to see all the kids light up and doing a routine for thousands of people in a stadium all cheering for you and then throwing stuff into the audience and advertising for Toy Story Mania, it was just amazing!!!! And plus it was on TV. I mean how cool is that. I love the Green Army men! They are my hero!!!!

Planning for Florida

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:39:08 GMT

Since I know going to Florida will come sooner then expected, and since I know I'm flying. I've decided to start making a list which I can add stuff to it on here if I think of anything, or if anyone here has some suggestions on what to bring. I really need your guys help.

So I will most likely only be able to bring 3 bags with me. So here goes nothing....

-Posters
-Printer
-Laptop
-Pictures
-tacks, envelopes, pens, paper, notebook, tape
-Bed sheets (I will probably buy when I'm there)
-Towels, wash clothes (buy in Florida)
-Toothpaste & Toothbrush
-Gel & Hairspray
-Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash
-Blow dryer
-Q tips
-Deodorant
- Aspirin, Vitamins
-Backpack
-Computer light
-Digital Camera
-Batteries
-Alarm Clock
-Ipod
-Umbrella
-My I love Lucy DVD collection (this is a MUST haha)
-Glasses
-Beach Towel
-Sunblock
-Mickey
-Dry erase board
-Iron

Clothes

-three dress shirts
-two dress pants
-under-dressings ;)
-short sleeve shirts
-long sleeve shirts
-Pants
-sweater
-jacket
-shoes
-flip flops
-swimming clothes
-sleeping clothes

Ok so I know this might seem a little anal, but if I don't do this then I don't want to have to buy something in Florida that I didn't have to get. Obviously of all this stuff doesn't fit, I will have to get it in Florida. This list is a compromise of what I could bring and what I will have to get in Florida. But here are my questions for the people that are in or have done the program.

Are there cooking utensils such as pots, pans, spatulas...etc? How about a mop, vacuum, iron, or ironing board. I'm sure when I get all my roomates we will make a trip to Walmart and get all the food, cleaning product stuff, and stuff I couldn't bring with me. Please share your ideas that you are bringing or something that I might have forgotten. Thanks guys!

Welcome to our family time...

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:23:18 GMT

What a week. As we speak I'm backstage at Disneyland writing a livejournal report during my lunch break haha! Tomorrow is my only day off for the week so I want to just update you all on how I'm doing.

I started doing Rhino again last Sunday. Wow such a workout. 70 pounds, 3 show stops, 45 minutes of parade equals a really good work out. The Rhino is supposed to be cut when it reaches 90 degrees out for safety reasons, yesterday it was 100 in the shade and they didn't cut us. Very hard parade to do. Electrical Parade is same old same old.. Theres a gradnight tonight so I have the evening off.

Today they asked me if I wanted to be trained in the Ursuala float, basically a puppetry roll. I said sure of course! So I have a rehersal for that next Wednesday. This Saturday I have a rehersal for that special event. I love doing the parades, but I've been working so much I haven't been in the park at all, and haven't hung out with some of my friends. (Sadness)

But I'm counting the days till Florida. I called the program today and everything is set for me to be able to transfer from Disneyland so I don't loose my senority. All is good. I watched the parade that they have at the Magic Kingom on youtube, all I can say is our parade kicks its butt haha. I really want to be a face charater in Florida, but I know my chances are probably slim. YaY for being Tigger height!!!!

Back at Disneyland

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:58:07 GMT

Alright, so I'm back in Southern California. I'm all unpacked and just taking it easy. I have already done a lot of fun things since being here. Like going to Disneyland, etc! haha. So I've been having rehersals for the Electrical Parade. Disney called me about two days ago and they want me to do a special event at the Chivas Soccer game, I guess I will be performing as a green army man from Toy Story. :) Also Disney just called me again and I'm going to be back in Parade of Dreams doing the Rhino! Hurray for back pain! haha. I'm just excited because now I will be getting 7 hours a day instead of just 4. I'm excited about this Summer and about going to Florida. Everything is just going so well. :)

End of Semester, Disneyland, and MARRIAGE!

Sun, 18 May 2008 04:59:41 GMT

Alright, well first of all let me just say that I'm estatic that Gay Marriage is now legal in California. What a milestone! I'm very happy and I really hope that it stays this way. We are not 2nd class citizens and not should be treated as such.

But other then that news, this week my sister is coming up to San Francisco to visit me, because I only have 2 finals coming up this week...then its goodbye San Francisco welcome back home in Riverside and working at Disneyland for the Summer. So far I'm only doing Electrical Parade, but hoping that I will be able to get back into Parade of Dreams.

So heres to a week of fun, drinking, studying, finals, moving, and Disney!!!!

Accepted!

Wed, 07 May 2008 16:08:39 GMT

Ok so it was a long hassle to get my user name and password to work on the site, but I just accepted my offer! I will be arriving August 13th and leaving January 2nd. So I think my height is Tigger, as that what it says. So if anyone can shed some light on that please do. :) Not sure if that is the height range, or if that is the character I'm going to be friends with. I wonder.

The Purple Folder!

Mon, 05 May 2008 23:24:45 GMT

So today I looked in my mail and there it was. The purple folder. How long I waited for you! Trouble is the password was never in the folder so I still can't log in and accept, so I just shot over an e-mail to technical to see if they could help me. But I love it, it is so colorful and has a lot of great info! This opporunity couldn't come at a better time. I've been going through a lot these last couple of weeks and this is just the thing I need. Great thing is I will be working at Disneyland again for the Summer, but its off to Walt Disney World after! Hurray!

Florida Here I Come!

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:27:23 GMT

I passed the audition! Wow what a relief. I don't know I will be doing yet, but just knowing that I have something planned for Fall now is a great thing!!!!

The audition!

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:48:14 GMT

Ok! So I'm back from the audition. All I have to say is wow. There were about 70 other people there when I arrived. It took me about 30 minutes trying to find the place, and the funny thing is I found the place on accident. I took some scary little ally way and it dead ended to where I needed to go. Yet another reason NOT to use Mapquest! But anyways, I went to the audition with an open mind. I wasn't really nervous because I had auditioned for Disney before. But all I have to say was this audition was pretty crucial. The first thing to do was animation. Our first animation was to pretend that we were meeting a Disney character (I chose Buzz Lightyear) and our second animation was to act as if we were hungry in the park. Of course I had to so these movements very large and comical. The second part was the dance. Wow! Again not being a dancer I was really afraid of this part, but I hung in there and just showed my energy as much as I could. I left the audition with a good feeling. I know I did the best I could, and I'm proud of myself for not having any regrets leaving the audition. A lot of people there were from out of town and even out of state, so that just showed how competative this is. They told us all that it would take a max of 2 weeks to find out if we made it. I'm really crossing my fingers. I love working at Disneyland, and I know that working in Florida as a character would just be an amazing experience! Heres to the wait.... :)

Things looking up

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:33:12 GMT

This last week has been such a great week. Last Wednesday was my remount audition at Disneyland for Electrical Parade, Pixar Play, and Parade of Dreams. Of course I tried to do the dance as best I can, but was my weakest point. I should hear soon knowing if I get to keep my roll in the parade and if I possibly will have any new rolls. While I was down in Southern California I learned that I got the RA position at my univeristy for fall. I originally didn't get the position and that is the reason I decided to go for the College Program at Disney. Well I talked to the director and he told me I should go for the College Program if I get accepted and they will let me know positions available for Spring! What an awsome feeling. It feels so nice to know people are willing to work with you. This Friday is the audition for the college program here in San Francisco...here is some good energy!

3 auditions in the next 2 weeks

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:12:09 GMT

So Tuesday I leave for Southern California. The first audition is for the current cast of the Electrical Parade. I hope that I either get another position or at least keep my current position. I'm always open to learn new things! Then Sunday is the audition for Pixar Play! Pixar Play looks like a great parade to be involved in. Plus I really don't want to drive down to Disneyland to do just one evening Parade. Then when I come back, the 18th will be my audition up here in San Francisco for Walt Disney World. I'm really nervous about that one. Maybe its because I want it do bad. We will see where it goes.

The Disney College Program.

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:26:42 GMT

So a couple of weeks ago I started to look into the Disney college program. Being a cast member at Disneyland is such a great experience. Although I could make better money elsewhere, there is something about working at Disney that makes you feel good. (Don't get me wrong though...it has its bad moments like any job.) I interviewed to be a RA at my college last month. I was very sad to hear that they didn't have a position available to me. So I got to thinking, perhaps the Disney College program is something that I'm supposed to do at this time in my life. So I did more research, liked what I saw, and applied.

Last Friday was my phone interview. For some reason I was not nervous at all. Already being a Cast Member, I had a feeling what they were looking for, and I just was open and honest to each question. The woman on the phone tried to get me to pick food and beverage, something I would be totally unhappy in. I was honest and told her that I wouldn't be happy there. She knew what I wanted was to be in entertainment. So she recommended me to the audition here in San Francisco which takes place April 18th! I'm very excited for the audition. Next week I will be flying home to an in house audition for Electrical Parade to keep my spot for the summer. I'm sort of nervous for the audition on the 18th because I don't know whats going to happen. I'm 6'1, so I'm great in character height. But dancing is not my strong point. I know I just need to do the best I can, and animate hardcore.

I was so happy though when my sister applied for the program, I really hope that we both get in. This would be a great experience for the both of us. To do it together would be even better! Her interview went well too, even though she thinks she did a little worst then she thought she could do...but she is just too hard on herself.

But now I just can't stop thinking about the program and if I will be accepted or not. I have heard from many message boards that the program has filled up tremedously, but I'm wondering if this is just pure speculation. I hope that because I'm already a Cast member and because of my experience that it will give an edge to be in the program. We now play the waiting game until the audition. I will keep you updated on my journeys at both the Anaheim auditions and the San Francisco ones.

A little about me

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:14:28 GMT

Hey there. The name is Jeff. I'm currently a Freshman at San Francisco State University, studying Technical Theatre. I'm originally from southern California. The Theatre arts and performing for an audience are my top passions in life. When I'm back home in So Cal you can most likely find me performing in a parade at Disneyland. Disney has truly inspired me in my life. I would like to one day work professionally within the Entertainment portion of the company. Although these are some major things in my life, nothing can ever been the wonderful family that I have been blessed with and the friends that make memories worth while. I truly have outstanding people in my life who always support me no matter what I do. I hope you enjoy this journal, as it is a way for me to share myself to the world.

Love & Peace,

Jeffrey Costello