Disney

[doozer]

I spent 6 months at Disney last year on the WDW College program. (www.wdwcollegeprogram.com) It was the best experience of my life! I worked as a "Rescue Ranger" with EPCOT Deployment. I was trained in several lines of business and worked throughout EPCOT. I even got to work the National competition! (Remember that huge food tent they had? I was one of those people serving you!) It's actually because of that experience that I joined the team when I came back to school last fall!

I am definitely a Disney Dork. I love anything Disney! I think Disney parks are wonderful. They really do transport you into a world of imagination. There may be things the company could improve in the corporation, but the product they produce is still first rate.

One of the best parts about my experience working there is creating magic for all the guests. It’s such a wonderful feeling to make a lifelong memory for someone. That’s what Disney is all about. This year WDW is celebrating Walt’s 100th birthday. The celebration is all about the memories. I hope that everyone that gets to go to Nationals this year dives right into the heart of Disney. Let your imagination free while you’re there and take home memories of a lifetime.

[Michael Murphy]

I like going to Disney every year. Of course, being from New England, i just enjoy any chance to get to consistant weather for more than three days. C'mon, last Wednesday it topped 90 and they're talking about SNOW on Monday! It's not right.

Also, congrats to Phil for making it down to Disney-where are you staying?

[thedillybar]

I like Disney, but our team has come to the conclusion that they should just shake us down and take all our money at the beginning of the trip, and then let us do everything for free (pre-paid I guess).

And I would be very impressed if I could find a good ride that DIDN'T have a gift shop immediatly after the exit...

[Quain]

Personally, I found the prepaid meal tickets very very convenient. You didn't have to actually spend too much cash and it worked out much better. I think I spent a whole $5 in total, not including the initial fee. I just felt bad for out engineer from our sponsor. FIRST & Disney made him pay for himself, his kids, and his wife to get into Epcot for the party, so he did. Yet, the closing ceremony took FOREVER and by the time he got out of there, his family had left because they weren't waiting for an hour for him.. It really sucked.

[mrjj]

For those of you staying off Disney Property, did you think the team party was worth $75. For those of you staying on-site was it worth $3-500 per person just for lodging?
The party this year was the worst yet. Reasons: The awards ceremony was way too long winded, Mandy Moore was just another Disney Crowd Control Device, the food was OK - but hard to eat standing up, the only attraction open was "Honey I Shrunk the Audience", they wouldn't let anyone dance at the interactive DJ locations, and the 4 minute firework spectacular was mediocre at best.
The disney event fee ($75 per team member) is simply a way to force teams to fork out the cash, and stay on at one of the Pricey Disney Resorts or one of the over-priced Disney Friend Resorts. For those of you who did not know, the fee only covered that wonderful team party and transport to and from the Disney Friend Resort (if you could get there). Disney claims that the additional expense was to help with the construction of the venue, but what was the $4000 registration fee covering? I think if the $75 covered a few parking passes for the weekend, the free t-shirt for each team member, and entrance to a great party, it wouldn't have been so bad. We need to rally the troops and complain like mad to get "The Disney Event Fee" eliminated, or reduced.
As per team parties, ask anyone who attended the Philly Regional about the team party, it was fantastic!

[Alfred Thompson]

I did not get much time in the parks. We arrived early on Wed and I had a great time at Blizzard Beach. After a long New England winter I needed that. :-)
I made it into Epcot for most of my meals though. What great places to eat they have. When I compare that to the food available at the UTC regional and to other convention type places I really appreciate Disney.