1 "Ear" As A CM

Welcome back to Taylor Talks!

1 "Ear" As A CM... that's what my "I'm Celebrating" button said when I went into Epcot this evening to celebrate the anniversary of joining the Walt Disney World Company as a Cast Member. I've officially been a Cast Member for an entire year now, and it felt so good to reach that milestone!

While I typically work until Park close, I was fortunate enough to be training a new Cast Member today and got off work a couple of hours early. This couldn't have happened on a better day; I knew that I had to go into the Park to celebrate the big day! When my schedule for today had first gone up, and I realized that I would have time to go into Epcot after my shift, I immediately went on my Disney app to make myself a Fast Pass for the one thing that I had to do while in the Park: take a picture with the boss himself, Mickey Mouse!

Before I left work, I was honored and thrilled to receieve the pin for my name tag that celebrates my year with the Company. In addition to the pin, I also received a certificate and card signed by the Vice President of Epcot, which I had no idea I would be receiving! It was amazing, and a wonderful way to end my shift!

I grew more excited by the minute as I clocked out of work and went to change out of my costume. I went to the front of the Park and walked in alone for the first time in my life; I've never gone to a Disney Park alone before!

The first stop I made was to a merchandise shop at the front of Epcot to get myself the "I'm Celebrating" button, which I proudly wore on my shirt the rest of the night. Then I decided to treat myself to some dinner while I waited for my Fast Pass time to meet Mickey. It was kind of weird sitting by myself to eat dinner, but I found the perfect little table in a corner of the room with a single chair at it, and I sat there to enjoy my meal. It was just right.

After I finished eating, I made my way to Epcot's Character Spot to take a picture with the boss. On the way in, I remembered that Minnie and Goofy meet there too, so that was a nice bonus. Again, I felt a little weird going in alone, but I had to go for it.... and it was well worth the solo adventure!

When I saw Mickey Mouse, I said that I was there to take a picture with him since I was celebrating my one year anniversary as a Cast Member, and he was really excited for me! I got a high five, a thumbs up, and he put up the number 1 for a picture. It was great!

When I saw Goofy, I exclaimed how much taller he was than me, and he started laughing at me... He knelt down to take a picture so he was my height. And when I saw Minnie, she held my hand to take a picture and finish my night.

A year ago, I cried in the car with anticipation and joy over my new role as a Cast Member. Today, I cried in the car with excitement as I drove in for a shift on my one year anniversary. I couldn't ask for a better Company for which to work, and I couldn't ask for better people with whom to work.

Being with my amazing fellow Cast Members over the past year has really made me feel a lot better being so far from all of my friends in New York. Before this job, I sat in my room many days just wishing I was back with friends and family. Once I started working, I began having so much fun with the people there, and of course making Magic for Guests, that it wasn't quite as difficult to be away from everyone. I'm really thankful for that.

I'm excited to continue my journey with the Walt Disney Company and look forward to many more years of Magic!

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Thanks!
Taylor

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