Can’t we just go back to the beginning? - Update #9
And just like that, another Disney program is drawing to a close. 2 months later and I’ve worked in 15 locations across 22 different stores, made magical memories for myself but also (I hope) others, ate way too many Woody’s grilled cheese sandwiches and spent far too much time on Transtar buses, but above all I’ve made it a summer to remember; whilst being one that was distinctly different from the last.
Coming into this program, I consciously wanted to make sure I wasn’t repeating myself, drawing on old memories and attempting to relive them instead of just making new ones. I didn’t want to be fitting new people into the spaces the old had left, and constantly comparing my experiences when I should have just been having different ones
This is something I’m proud and relieved to say I’ve avoided. Whilst last summer I found my home in Hollywood Studios, this year I popped up all over this wonderful resort and met so many more people in the process. I developed my YouTube channel into something I’ll look back on with pride whilst also serving as a future resource for others, and I somehow managed to find new ways to “plandid” (planned candid) in front of new park walls!
When I first moved into Patterson Court once again 2 months ago, I felt like crying as I saw a girl pass who looked just like my roommate there from 2017. What was I thinking, trying to replicate the magic we’d made all over again? This quickly passed as my heart made room for new people who are now locked inside of it, who I can’t wait to see back home in England, and to reminisce over all the good times we’ve had together exploring the parks at every possible opportunity.
Disney programs aren’t quite as glamorous as they’re made to appear on social media, and I probably contribute to that unrealistic expectation some people arrive with just because I've loved it so much and unashamedly share that online. However for all the late night bus rides home exhausted, there are memories made in the daylight that you’ll treasure forever.
It won’t be the mundane side of this life you tell people about, like taking out trash and doing laundry, because none of that really matters when you get to twirl with Rapunzel before work, snack on free Mickey bars in the breakroom, and close out Epcot once all the guests have gone home.
I’ve been blessed with what totals almost 5 months working for the Walt Disney Company, and they’ve been the happiest of my life. This is the end of my CEP journey for now, but I feel certain I’ll find my way back here someday.
