WALT WHITMAN'S QUEERNESS AND WHY IT DOES(N'T) MATTER

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

AS THE SUN SETS ON THE FRONTIER...

Hi everyone! I feel like lately all I've been doing is apologizing for not posting anything, but that ends today because I'm home from Orlando with plenty of time to kill before my friend Brittany flies in on Friday! Yep, that's right, we didn't have to say goodbye (thankfully) because I will be seeing my lovely Disney BFF/roommate in five short days :)

All I've been doing the last few weeks (well, besides working and packing and trying to spend as much time with my friends as possible and squeezing in as much time in the parks as i was humanly able) is reflecting on my time working at Disney World and how it has changed me. Yes, I am definitely aware of how cliche that sounds but it is truly the only way to put it! I know that I am not alone in feeling this way, as I'm sure that my co-workers, friends, and roommates would agree with me.

Now hate is a strong word, but when I first started my journey at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (whew, that's a mouthful! we all just call it Pecos buttttt that's its formal name) I was not the biggest fan of my role...I remember my first day the thought (and smell) of dealing with other people's trash made me gag beyond belief. After those three days of training I felt like I was drowning in information, struggling to find some way to remember everything that had been thrown at me. 

Let's be real here for a second: Pecos Bill is, when it comes down to it, a really well themed McDonald's. And also the third busiest restaurant in the world after Cosmic Ray's (Tomorrowland, also in Magic Kingdom) and a McDonald's in Shanghai, China. So considering these two facts, I think my anxiety was justified. But as the days went on and I spent practically every waking hour at work (one shift i was at work until 2 a.m...i considered quitting after that ordeal but i talked myself out of that one) I became more comfortable with my responsibilities and the people I was surrounded by.

The Disney College Program is unique in the way that is brings together so many different people. People from different states, different countries, different walks of life, different cultures. When I studied abroad in England, I went there to be immersed in a singular culture. Somewhat unknowingly, living in Orlando and working at Disney World not only immersed me in the Disney culture but countless others as well. I made friends from England, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, China, and Japan as well as all over the United States! It didn't take long for me to figure out the difference between Aussies and Kiwis, and the fact that the difference is everything. My Aussie friends introduced me to Tim Tams (the greatest cookie...or should i say biscuit? on the face of the planet) and explained to me how Australia is made up of states just like the U.S. is.

Weirdly enough, I would say Disney culture is arguably more exotic than any of the aforementioned ways of life. The company that Walt started way back in 1923 has become the leading force in the world of media and entertainment and has created a truly unique environment for cast members and guests alike. The mission and morals that are upheld and promoted by the company are in turn instilled in cast members and therefore the image is perpetuated by all of us who make the magic real. Working at Disney on the college program teaches you a whole new language of ER's, ADO's, and ROS's (early release, additional day off, release of shift, respectively) and probably an actual new language due of the sheer amount of people from all over the world who walk through the gates every single day. I like to think that I know a little bit more Spanish now than before...

Working at Magic Kingdom (more specifically Pecos Bill) taught me more than I ever thought possible.

It taught me how to be the ultimate team player, but also the importance of being able to be independent.

It taught me how to put others before myself, whether that be my fellow cast members or the guests we serve.

It taught me that even the smallest triumphs can be celebrated, but it's the big ones that should be announced to the entire restaurant with a chorus of cowbells and a rowdy yeehaw.

It taught me how a smile can say more than words ever could.

It taught me that even when things seem like they can't possibly get any worse, they can. And they will. But that it can get better in a split second.

It taught me how to be a better friend.

It taught me how to let the little things go, and even some big things.

It taught me that sometimes you have to get a little bit dirty, and that's okay.

It taught me how to prep hot cheese, and that I would be happy if I never had to prep it again.

It taught me that a strong work ethic will get you far in life, no matter what anyone says.

And most of all, it taught me to reach for my dreams no matter the price.

That, my friends, is what I plan to do.

until next time,

AN ASSORTMENT OF SNAPSHOTS

Hi everyone! Just wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures from the last week or so :)

the mad hatter took a selfie with me!

Right now at Hollywood Studios (soon to be renamed apparently, boo) they have the carriage from the new Cinderella movie, so I had to take a perfectly princess-like picture with it!

Hollywood Studios is really starting to grow on me...after all it is home to two of my favorite attractions, Rock 'n' Rollercoaster (<3 Aerosmith <3) and this beauty of course!

i'm in the second row on the right if you're wondering lol

I'll leave you with this gem of a ride photo! Rocketing from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a millisecond is only slightly terrifying...but being serenaded in my ear by the sweet, sweet silky voice of Steven Tyler sure does calm me down ;)

until next time,

BYE BYE MUGGLE WORLD, HELLO HOGWARTS

Hi everyone! It finally happened. After years of fawning and flailing about whenever a commercial would come on, I laid eyes on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal for the first time and it was the most magical experience of my entire life. For a hardcore HP fan like me (circa 2000, what what), walking into a life size Diagon Alley and Hogwarts is an actual dream come true.

I wore my Platform 9 and 3/4 t-shirt (duh) that I purchased at the real King's Cross in London because it was only appropriate!

I had a nice chat with the Knight Bus driver (I call him Stan Shunpike because that is what his name is in the books but I'm not actually sure if that's who he is supposed to be or not...lol) but his shrunken head friend in the window wasn't so polite. He told me I have a big head! He's one to talk...he's only a head! And that's exactly what I told him...sure shut him up! ;)

My friend/fellow apartment mate and HP mega fan Brittany and I ate lunch at The Leaky Cauldron and it was perfection. I was so stoked about the traditional British menu because it made me felt like I was back in London :) I had the bangers and mash and it was delicious! The portion was a pretty decent size so I felt like the price was fair. Unlike at Disney where you pay ten dollars for a burger...sorry Disney, I love you but it aint worth it! And of course, I had to try the butterbeer! I got the normal non-frozen kind and it was heavenly! Towards the end of it I felt a little bit sick because it is quite sweet, but overall I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to try the frozen kind next time!

I was really naughty and not only got butterbeer, but ice cream too! The flavors at Florean Fortescue's are so funky and I just had to try some. I got chocolate chili and clotted cream, and they certainly were interesting! Brittany got the butterbeer soft serve because she's had butterbeer already and she wanted to try something new. I had a lick and it was tasty!

Brittany and I took the Hogwarts Express from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade and it was basically the raddest thing ever.

They did a fantastic job with both the platform itself and the Hogwarts Express! When I stepped foot on the train and sat down in one of the compartments, I felt like I was transported right into the books and movies. To be quite honest, I got a little bit emotional riding the Hogwarts Express because ever since I was little I've always dreamed of going to Hogwarts and in a way the physical journey between the two places made that dream a little more real.

Brittany and I rode both Escape from Gringotts and Forbidden Journey twice, and I must say that these two rides are my favorite rides ever. Sure, I'm biased because I absolutely love Harry Potter and of course I'll always have those Disney rides that are my favorites. However, Gringotts and Forbidden Journey are on a different level altogether because of sheer innovation and emotional connection. When I got off of Forbidden Journey for the first time, I was speechless and floored by what I had just experienced! Both rides are so immersive and technologically advanced, I can't wait to ride them again just so I can figure out how they work!

Sidenote: Brittany and I went into a phonebooth in the London section of Wizarding World and I found this! It's a list of all the areas in and surrounding London, and Mike's town is on the list! It made me so happy and I sent this picture to him :) His mum got a kick out of it too!

I am proud to say that I am an Annual Passholder for Universal which means I can go back (almost) anytime I want for the next year! I plan on going a lot (like a lot a lot) before I leave Florida in May so you can definitely expect more posts about Wizarding World from me! I didn't get to take nearly as many pictures as I wanted when I went the other day because it rained the whole day so next time I will take loads! Oh, and I bought an interactive Hermione wand at Ollivander's so I can't wait to cast some spells next time I am in the park :D

until next time,

DCP 2015: THE JOURNEY SO FAR

Hi everyone! Wow, the past few days have been a whirlwind! I flew into Orlando on Sunday afternoon and I was greeted by sunny and warm 75 degree weather! Which is quite a shock coming from Boston where it was 10 degrees...but the best kind of shock, of course! ;) I took a bus from the airport to Art of Animation, which is the Disney resort I stayed in the night before I moved into my apartment!

There are four different themed areas at Art of Animation: Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid! As you may be able to tell by the pictures, I stayed in the Little Mermaid section! The giant characters make you feel like you are in the movie :) The room was well themed (of course...this is Disney we're talking about!) and I definitely enjoyed having the king sized bed all to myself.

this was on my bed when i walked in...how cute!

On Monday morning, my roommate Meghan and I (she spent the night at Art of Animation as well) packed up her car with all of our suitcases and boxes and headed off to check in for the program! I found out that I will be working in Magic Kingdom in Frontierland, which is what I was hoping for! :) We also got our first choice for an apartment, which was very exciting! I went to Casting right away after check in, which is where I did my fingerprinting, documentation for work, background check, and all that fun stuff!

the doorknobs on the door to the casting building, so cool!

After I was done with Casting, I finally got to see my apartment and meet my roommates! We are living in a three bedroom apartment in Patterson Court and it is really lovely! We are right near the laundry facilities and the clubhouse, so perfect walking distance for basically everything! That night we had reservations at Beaches and Cream at the Yacht and Beach Club to conquer the Kitchen Sink...what is the Kitchen Sink, you ask? It is 8 scoops of ice cream, every topping you could think of, and a whole can of whipped cream! Oh, and it's served in an actual kitchen sink ;)

I love ice cream, and I was feeling fairly confident about my eating abilities until about 15 minutes into eating it...it doesn't look that big at first but the sink itself is deep! Very misleading. We didn't finish it but we will be going back again soon to try again!

my wonderful roommates and i! next to me are brittany and kayla; across from us laura, meghan, amy

I'm all settled into my apartment now but I'm having serious issues not buying every single piece of Disney merchandise that I see! My first day of training is tomorrow, it's called Traditions and it is my official introduction to the Disney company and it will be my first time in the Magic Kingdom as a cast member! More on that later though...

until next time,

AN INAUGURAL BOOK REVIEW: THRONE OF GLASS BY SARAH J. MAAS

Hi everyone! This is my very first book review on Essentially Shannon, and I couldn't be more stoked! I'm thankful for Thanksgiving break because I actually had a chance to read some books that I've been wanting to read for so long (kind of ironic because as an English major i'm constantly reading...) But on that note, I (literally, like two hours ago) just finished Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas so here is my review! :)

Hold on a second, can we just take a second to marvel at how beautiful this cover is? I know it's what's inside a book that's important, but come on. This cover is AMAZING. You don't even have to open the book to know it's going to be crazy good. I mean, you should open the book and read it...but just wait till after my review, okay? ;)

I feel like before I tell you what I thought of this book that I should just say: Harry Potter is, and will always be, my favorite book series. Nothing can ever compare. That's just how it is for me, literature wise. So, when a book/series even comes anywhere close to my love for Harry Potter, you know it has to be good. And this book does not disappoint in any way.

Okay, with that little disclaimer out of the way, let's get into this (spoiler free) review. First of all, you're probably wondering, "Shannon, what is this book even about?" Oh, I'll tell you what it's about. Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien, aka the most kickass female protagonist in any book ever, an 18 year old assassin who is imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier while she serves out her sentence for the plethora of crimes she has committed. One day, everything changes when the Crown Prince arrives and offers Celaena her freedom, but with a catch: she will compete against other fugitives to become the King's Champion, the royal assassin who does the king's bidding without question. If she emerges victorious, she will be granted her freedom after four years of servitude as the royal assassin.

Upon her arrival in Adarlan, Celaena begins her training and things seem to be going pretty well. Although she pretends to be somewhat incompetent in front of the men she is competing against, it becomes clear that Celaena is the front runner to win the competition. However, her competitors start to be murdered one by one and Celaena discovers that something truly evil is lurking among them.

I know, I know, that synopsis is kind of vague but it has to be because I don't want to give anything important away! And plus, I really want you to read the book! ;) For me, this book started out a little bit slow (but really, what book doesn't) but once I got past the introduction of the world and the characters, I was hooked! Like I said earlier, Celaena Sardothein is the most kickass female protagonist ever. I mean for one, she's an assassin. And two, she doesn't take anyone's crap. And three, she wears beautiful clothes and Dorian the Crown Prince is in love with her. So, I mean what's not to like. 

I thought the plot was great, it kept me interested and there were a few red herrings, which always makes for an interesting read! The world building was pretty extensive (it is the first book in a series, after all) but I enjoyed getting to learn about the different kingdoms and I can't wait to learn more. In my opinion, for fantasy series in particular, creating an interesting world with an intriguing story and mythology is one of the hardest things to do but Maas went about it really well. This book is considered "romance" as well, and the romantic aspect was one of my favorite parts surprisingly. Usually, I am leery of romance in YA fantasy books because it tends to be cheesy or just plain annoying (cough Twilight cough) But, I am a huge fan of Celaena and Dorian (Delaena? Can we make that happen?) Their conversations were by far some of my favorite scenes in the book, and I can't wait to see where the next book takes their relationship.

Speaking of the next book (Crown of Midnight, if you're wondering), I loved Throne of Glass so much that I bought it immediately after I finished and I plan on starting to read it...oh, right after I finish this blog post! If I had to give Throne of Glass a rating, I would easily give it a 4.5 out of 5 starts! It's definitely up there on my list of favorite series and I can't wait to start the next book! If you're looking for a great fantasy read, I would most definitely recommend it!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7896527-throne-of-glass

until next time,