You Did What?!

When I tell people I lived abroad, they usually assume I lived somewhere in Europe or somewhere exotic. Now, while I didn't go across the pond, I did go across the border and all the way south to the most magical place on earth... Disney World!

Yes, you read that correctly, Disney World.

When I was 19, I was lucky enough to be able to do the Disney International College Program (ICP). This means that for four whole months, I lived and worked at Disney World. Needless to say, it was the best time of my life. The ICP and Disney World were a whole new world (see what I did there?). Not only did it provide excellent work experience, but also valuable life experiences. During this internship, I made friends from all over Canada, the United States, and the rest of the world. I even had a roommate from Thailand!

If you talk to anyone who's done the program, they'll rave for days on end about what an incredible and magical experience it is. The amazing friends they made, the incredible leaders they had, magical memories they made, and delicious food they tried. They'll tell you about the extravagant, enchanting fireworks they watched every night, and about their days off that they spent exploring every inch of the parks and surrounding beaches. You'll hear stories of crazy rainstorms that shut down the parks and stopped rides with guests still on them. Rainstorms that made you run to find the closest shelter but only lasted 10 minutes so by the time you'd found somewhere to hide you were soaked and the rain had already stopped. Stories of being stuck in line for hours on end to be able to ride the newest ride, or running across the park after an evening shift to get on your favourite ride just one last time before the park closes.

You've heard the rumours that Disney is the happiest place on earth, and after spending four months there, I can attest to this. The Cast Members, whether on or off duty are always cheerful and happy. Guests are just as excited and enchanted on their last day as their first. And the kids? The kids are little princes and princesses waiting to meet their favourite character with the most animated smiles on their faces. With that much joy and excitement surrounding you, it's hard to imagine that anyone would think it was anything other than the happiest place on earth.

But here's what they don't tell you. Once you get there, you'll never want to leave. After the first firework show you watch, whether you're a hardcore Wishes fan or you firmly believe Happily Ever After is better (both are phenomenal in my opinion), you'll be hooked. You'll work your first shift, go to the parks with your roommates after, have your first Mickey Bar and think to yourself "this is it." You'll get off your favourite ride with your favourite people by your side for the nth time and wonder if life gets better than this.

And on your last day, you'll punch out and see Mickey wave you goodbye and thank you for helping make magic one last time. You'll go home and pack up your apartment and say goodbye to the amazing friends and roommates you had. You'll take off the costume you swore you hated for the last time, and you'll realize, it really doesn't get any better.