This fall will mark the ten-year anniversary of my participation in the Disney College Program. Even now the memories are so incredibly vivid that it just seems like yesterday I was preparing to make the trip to the land of magic and dreams.

I enjoy talking about the time spent down there. I love telling the stories and giving the insider tips and, even today, I can remember just where the closest restroom is from anywhere in the parks.

So, for your fun and enjoyment, this week I will be giving you some of the tips, tricks and memories that four months in the Disney College Program left me with.

One of the biggest jokes among the Disney cast members was the lack of intelligence shown by the majority of the individuals touring the parks. We were warned when we first started working in the parks that it was commonly known that outside of the gates there was a box clearly marked “place your brain here” which all sorts of people from doctors, attorneys, government officials down to the lowest bag lady (if she could afford entrance) would use. Some of my favorite questions:

• What time is the 3 o’clock parade?
• Are those squirrels animatronics?
• Where are the fireworks held? (I loved this one, especially since, when answering it to one gentleman, he looked totally surprised. My answer: In the sky.)
• Why can’t these people turn off the rain? I thought it doesn’t rain at Disneyworld. (Overheard at my position behind the espresso cart)

I worked in the Magic Kingdom – and most of the time spent my working hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. behind the espresso cart in front of the castle. I loved that spot. I would stand and daydream while waiting for the early risers to make their appearance. Of course, the castle at the time I was there was decorated like a huge pink birthday cake, so my daydreams were somewhat warped – but still, I had that major Cinderella complex going on at the time. One of my most favorite memories was just before the park opened. I had finished setting up my cold drink section and was leaning back against the fence behind my station. I was dressed in the standard Main Street garb – green hat, striped green and pink shirt with a pink bowtie, shiny buckle on my belt, green knickers, white knee socks and my black shoes. It was chilly so I remember looking around for my sweater when movement caught my eye. I glanced up and watched Peter Pan (in costume) jumping down the street, skipping, running and asking in a loud voice if anyone had seen Wendy. I’m sure they were just getting ready for a show rehearsal or something – but still, what kind of job is it that you get a live show at 6:45 a.m.? A pretty awesome one, I think.

One of my best friends in the park was a gentleman who sang in the Barbershop Quartet on Main Street. He was the bass in the group of four, and through him I got to meet and get to know all of that little group. Some of my best break hours were sitting on the sofa in the break room under the Magic Kingdom and listening to them rehearse.

In the little area between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, right as you get ready to pass the Alice in Wonderland teacup ride, off to your left (or right if you are going into Tomorrowland) there is a little ice cream/refreshment spot. They serve the best soft serve ice cream. Vanilla ice cream with a strawberry sorbet-like swirl. I was totally addicted to that ice cream.

One of my favorite shifts to pull was the late night shift – when just the cast members are allowed access for a late night party or such. I’d often get the ice cream station in Liberty Square – and that music still plays in my head at random times. There was some kind of magic in being able to stand there with the water and Huck’s island at my back while looking over the representation of the Colonial America.

Best nap-ride/show is a tie between the President show in Magic Kingdom and the show at the American Showcase in Epcot. Nice air-conditioned rooms and comfy seats. Great for a snoozer if you are needing one.

I should probably wrap this up for today. Just one thing that has me all excited, and the reason behind this week of memories: One of my roommates from the College Program is making her way from California to Illinois as we speak and will be spending Wednesday evening and Thursday with me. It’s been almost ten years since we’ve seen each other- and we just only recently got back in touch. I’m thrilled.

Oh, and I’ll also see about scanning in some pictures of that time period. I have some great ones!