Happy Cinco de Mayo!

So, how did you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? My celebration of the fifth of May consisted of eating delicious Qdoba with ONU alumni, Steven Miller. This was my first time to this quick-service food chain, and I must say, it was quite delicious. I got the queso burrito and the queso cheese and hot sauce blended together was heaven. Living in Vista Way at Disney and not having a means of transportation limits what I can do in the Orlando area. So, eating quick-service Mexican was amazing! Thanks Steven for introducing me to this wonderful place.

Later on that night my roommate Christina and I ventured to Epcot. The park was not busy at all. So, as we walked the park, we thought it was only necessary to go to Mexico to celebrate their holiday. We road the Three Cabelleros boat ride and shopped around the Mexican stores. There was a very cute Donald Duck pinata that we saw at one of the kiosks. But, why would you buy a pinata when the purpose of a pinata is to break it? Hmm.

After our mini celebration we went to an English Pub and drank a Woodchuck Sweet Apple Cider. Delicious. Then after visiting England, I got a craving for one of my favorite foods in EVER: Chocolate. So we went to France and drank slushies and ate keish and chocolate croissants. After eating dinner, we decided to head home because we both had to work the next day, which is what I am about to do. I think it's going to be a wonderful day back at work.

To Hollywood and Epcot we go!

So, I have really enjoyed working at Hollywood Studios so far. However, playing in the parks is so much better! Especially when you have awesome friends to go with. My roomies and everyone I have met so far on this internship have been great. I have been to all four parks. My favorite? Epcot. I love learning about new cultures, and I love how I can be in Canada one minute and then magically appear in Norway. I could seriously go to Epcot each day and find something new.

A few weeks ago I went to Epcot and tried Ketchup flavor potato chips (a FAVORITE in Canada). At first I thought these chips sounded a little sketch, but actually are so delicious! They have a sweet taste and aren't too salty. I also tried real shortbread from England. Sorry Girl Scouts, but real shortbread puts your cookies to shame. The rich buttery taste is something you can't compare anything to. It's wonderful.

Tasting these foods was a great experience. I advise trying new things when you go to this park, because you won't get to try these things all at once anywhere else :)



Roomies and I at Hollywood Studios

In front of the Epcot ball



Wow! The Great Movie Ride and Public Relations?

Ok, so I apologize that it has almost been a month since I have written anything on my blog. I have missed you all so dearly. However, for the past month, I have been diligently working for the most Magical Place on Earth. A.k.a, Walt Disney World. Currently, I am participating in the Disney College Program and was assigned to work in attractions. I actually work at Hollywood Studios as a tour guide on The Great Movie Ride (GMR). This is one of Hollywood's original rides (1989) and is a slow-moving tram ride through scenes of famous movies. Personally, I really enjoy this job because I am communicating with people daily and I get to make family's days as magical as possible.

However, you might think that this has nothing to do with public relations and what I am studying in school. Actually, it does. Communicating effectively with an audience is one key area in public relations. If you cannot communicate effectively to your audience you are going to be in a world of trouble. Spieling lines on GMR definitely is beneficial because there are many facts about each movie that I have remember and then reiterate back to my audience. Also, body language is also something we need to consider. I have to act like I am in the movie scenes that the tram is traveling through, so my body language has to play the part as well.

So basically this college program is what YOU make of it. You have to use your resources and use what you have. I will tell you more about my networking experiences in my next blog, but for now enjoy the GMR everyone!

So, is everybody ready? Well great! Because it's showtime!

The Great Movie Ride via Youtube.

The Top 10 Zoos in America | USA Travel Guide

The Top 10 Zoos in America USA Travel Guide

Cincy Zoo Lions by: C. O'Banion

I really enjoy zoos. After reading this article I am proud to say my home state, Ohio, has the no. 1 zoo in America located in Columbus. Jack Hanna has built such a strong zoo program the past few years and it really has paid off. If you have young children, they will love this zoo. I adore the new baby elephant that was born last year, as well as, many other baby zoo animals.

However, my favorite zoo would have to be the Cincinnati Zoo. I know that driving to this zoo may seem unsafe (it's located in downtown Cincy). Despite the sketchy location I still enjoy going because they have many exotic animals. My favorite zoo animals are the lions and gorillas. The gorilla exhibit at Cincy is wonderful because for a second you feel like that there is no barrier between you and them. You stand watching the gorillas walk around in their territory, without a screen in between. All you have is a railing and a hole in the ground the gorillas would never dare cross. However, it still makes you wary as you watch them get closer and closer to you. I have actually captured some memorable pictures from this zoo. You never know what animals will do :) That is why I highly recommend taking a trip to the zoo in the spring. I know I will.

Traveling Alone

Stress.


We all have stress. Some of us may have more of it than others. After reading this article on CNN's website http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/03/08/bhutan.author/index.html , traveling alone almost sounds perfect/ inspiring. In this article Lisa Napoli, a journalist, took off work to travel to Bhutan. During her stay at one of the most happiest places in the world, Napoli volunteered at a radio station and devoted time to taking care and learning more about herself.

I think that everyone should take time to travel alone and figure out what they want in life. Whether you travel to a big city or a small town, just going to some place new will create independence. Heck, I travel sometimes to Miami University of Oxford when I am home. I know that it's only 20 miles away, but it's a nice little getaway. If you are ever in Oxford (I know it's out in the country and isn't probably the first place one would vacation), I would suggest trying Bagel and Deli, which has been an Oxford favorite since 1975. This is one of my favorite sandwhich shops, ever. Take a look ---> http://bagelanddeli.com/ . My all time favorite is the Banana Surprise Bagel. It's a steamed banana nut bagel with fresh sliced bananas blended with cinnamon, and cream cheese to top everything off. Simply amazing!

So, take a trip. Whether it's 20 miles away or a whole country away. This will relieve stress and help you figure out what's important: YOU.

"A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes"- Disney

Ok- so today I am going on a tangent about the Disney College Program...

So my goal in life, as we know, is to work in the tourism industry. Well, in two weeks I am catching a plane to Orlando, Fla. I can't believe this is happening. I am taking spring quarter off from ONU and traveling to Disney to participate in their college program for the next four and a half months. During my stay I will be doing attractions and taking a marketing course. As a public relations major I find this program very beneficial. PR professionals have to possess strong communications skills. I also feel that this will create a myriad of networking opportunities.

Downtown Disney

So, I am working attractions. I will be given a specific location when I arrive in Orlando at one of the four Disney parks. I really hope I am at placed in the Magic Kingdom or Disney Hollywood Studios because those (in my opinion) are the two busiest parks. Actually, to be more specific, I hope I get an attraction where I have to act out a part like the Jungle Cruise, The Great Movie Ride or the Hollywood Tower of Terror!

Lastly, I am taking a marketing course while I am participating in the program. I haven't decided whether I want to take Hospitality and Tourism or Corporate Communications.... :/ I think both would be very beneficial to me as a professional so I'll let you know when I decide.

So, if you want to learn more about the college program visit http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/

"A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes." :)

Maine.

ok, so I have decided. The East Coast is the most beautiful part of America (my own personal opinion). If you are looking for a travel destination that is a little different from the cliche Key West, I would suggest going to Bar Harbor. This is located in Maine and has everything you want: shopping, the ocean, mountains...it's just beautiful. Here is the link to check out the city. http://www.barharborinfo.com/ I really want to go back. I ate the best lobster and kayaked on the Atlantic. However, I am going to recommend you don't swim in the water as the sun starts to set. It's pretty cold. I went in July and it took me forever to adjust to the ocean.

There also is plenty of shopping to do in Bar Harbor. I personally loved the shopping as well. They had a Del Sol, which was a plus because that is the store I always go to when I travel. Del Sol is awesome! They have t-shirts, fingernail polish, headbands and other items that change color when exposed to sunlight. Simply amazing :)

Acadia National Park

Ok, so I hoped you looked at the website and saw how amazing this little town is. If you did and you agree that it's beautiful, you should also check out http://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm located a few miles from Bar Harbor. Acadia is absolutely beautiful. I laid on the rocks for hours and looked at the the ocean and the mountains in the distance. I also stood on the top of one of the park's highest mountains. It was so scenic I can't wait to go again!

So, Maine is definitely a place that the family will love. My dad is outdoorsy and it has something for him. My mom is a city girl and it has something for her. It's the perfect place if you want to go somewhere different. I am definitely going back!