My Fear of Speaking in Public and How to overcome it.

 It's currently 11pm at night and all my roommates are asleep and I have so much energy I don't know what to do with myself. So, I decided to sit down and talk to you guys. I wanted to talk to you all about something that had happened to me this week!

I gave my very first TED TALK!! For those of you guys who don't know it's all about Technology Entertainment Design or in other words "ideas worth spreading." At BYU-Idaho we were able to have our own mock up of it.

Honestly, I hate speaking in front of people. It is not my favorite thing in the world. However, being a Communication Major you have to have the ability to speak in front people so we have to take a professional presentation class.

I was dreading this class but it honestly has become one of my most favorite ones because it has helped me over come my fear. Fear of Public Speaking is honestly high on my list. I'd much rather be on a high mountain top then be in a front of millions of people and speaking to them on a stage with a microphone on. 

Here are some tips that I have learned from this class that I would like to share with you!

Tip Number 1: 
    PRACTICE!! 
This should go with out saying. Practice makes perfect. Over the course of 14 weeks we had at least 10 presentations. Some with groups some that are stand alone. I was dreading this because I hate it. I get sick and anxious. But during this class I have noticed that I have become less and less scared of speaking in front of people and it's been a great transformation! So, PRACTICE!!!

Tip Number 2: 
     MEMORIZE 
This sounds difficult but memorizing is not that hard. If you read over your speech and you know what you are talking about and you KNOW what you are talking about you will be more confident when you go up there. Granite when I give a speech I never know what rendition I will be giving because I have been practicing it so many times and I have memorized  I don't know how it is going to start. I just remember my points and that's it.

                                                     Last but not least  

Tip Number 3: 
     Learn how to do a PowerPoint 
I hate power points. I don't like them I find them in-personable and a distraction. When done properly you can have a great presentation with them. This is one thing that I love about this class. It taught me how to do it and how much info you should be putting on them.
   Put as little as information as you can. I honestly don't put any. If I do it's one or two pictures. If I do put things on it I don't put numbers or graphics. That's just to hard to read and quite frankly boring. If you can put words on it that match what you are saying that you are golden! Another tip I use my power points like you would as bullet points. Just memorize where you are on your screen and you will be great! 

I hope this helps! I know this is a different post then I normally do but I want to do something that will help you guys get through your college careers and as you adventure into adult hood. 

Let me know what you guys think about this post and comment down below what helps you get through your schooling and presentation works.
     
    

How to Prep for a Disney College Program

 I love the Disney College Program (CP). I am so excited that you have decided to go on this amazing journey. People have been asking me questions lately about how to pack for Disney and what to expect during the program.

I am going to list 3 IMPORTANT things that I wish I would have brought to the college program.

1. Park Outfits 

Guys bring cute outfits to go to the parks. You are going to be bringing work out clothes and spanks and such because they are the easiest to change out of when switching into your costume. However, when you are spending your day as a guest it's time to dress cute and take those gorgeous Instagram pics!

Remember it's going to be like 80 Degrees or HOTTER when you are in Orlando so make sure you pack accordingly to the weather too. I wish I also had rain boots and a rain jacket. It rains constantly their and sometimes it could rain up 2 hours a day and then beautifully sunny the rest of the day.

2. Backpack 

I wish I had a smaller backpack when I went to the CP. I had my normal backpack I would bring on campus and that was just to big! They have these really cute Disney bags that act as a purse and I wish I had it when I was there. The brand name is Disney Lounge fly they are about 50 bucks per bag and they have adorable limited time designs and some park exclusive designs too!!

3. Disney Look 

Study that bad boy. You guys are going to want to plan accordingly and bring outfits that go with the Disney Look. Even when I was not a Cast Member (CM) and I was a guest other CM's knew and I felt like I had to be on the Disney Look at all times!

P.S. if you are into make up at all stock up on ALL neutral colors! I don't wear that much make up anyways so I didn't have a huge problem with it so I chose not to bring some just enough for when I was working and at the parks. It also slides off your face and you have to reapply (really annoying I know) But my most favorite make up ever is the MAC line because it's built to last that humidity.

If you guys have any questions about the Disney College Program let me know! I am free to answer anything or if you want to put your two sense make sure you comment down below as well!

Love you all

Have a magical Day
  McKenzie

Top 3 things to do waiting in line for a Disney Ride

You finally got to Disney and now you have to come up with activities to do while waiting in line with your kids, friends and family members. I have done several things that I have absolutely loved and I decided to share them with you today!

Number 1: Heads up
I love love this game! They have so many games within the app that you can play and it makes it fun to sit there and wait in line and sometimes other guests jump in on the fun! They even have a Disney version of the game! So Score!!!

Number 2: Hidden Mickeys
There are tons of hidden Mickeys around the parks. If you look closely enough you can find them on the floor or even waiting in the Que waiting for your ride.

Number 3: Interacting with the Que
I know this sounds disgusting but it is actually quite fun. In the seven dwarfs mine train ride they have different things for little kids to play with. Not to mention they are great places to take pictures of your trip some of the most famous Disneygramers are using these to their advantage.

I hope this helps! I have found that it helps a lot to be distracted and look for things to do instead of waiting in the that hot California and Florida sun.

Remember to bring Water bottles!!! Stay hydrated while waiting in those lines!

xoxoxo
  McKenzie

Things You need in college

I thought this would be a fun "get to know you" blog post and hopefully this will turn into a series! I wanted to sit and talk about what my favorite things are and what I use on the daily and what I think every college student has to have!

#1 Rolling Cart 

This is my baby. It holds all my stuff and it acts as my desk shelf since my stupid dorm doesn't have drawers on my desk so it acts as a junk place. I store my books, notebooks, planner stuff and my church stuff. Right now it needs some organizing and I don't have time to clean it up so here is a lovely picture from Michaels I wish my cart can look as beautiful as there's! I also used my 40% off coupon to get this! It has honestly been my life savor I highly suggest buying one.

#2 Planner
I absolutely love planning and I finally found a planner that meets my needs. It took a while for me to figure it out. I hated the generic planners that you find at the schools bookstore. The pages would bleed through and they would rip easily. Plus to tiny!! I have fallen in love with the Erin Condren planners. I have a lifebound planner and a small lifebound planner. I use my small one more often because it is my school life. lifebound I use when I want to journal in my week and keep it as more of a keepsake then anything else. I will link a discrpition to the planners that I use down below. I also have a discount so make sure you use my code when you purchase from them! Who doesn't love discounts?
https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/mckenziecooper0809

#3 Camera 
I love love love my camera. I am so glad I have it. I know my roommates and friends laugh every time I want to go take pictures and channel my inner photographer but I am so glad that I do and they are too cause then we can go back and look at memories and laugh with each other.
P.S. you don't have to buy a nice camera like mine (which is the  Canon G7X Mark ii) but you can just use your own phone. They take great pictures nowadays and I used my phone for the majority of my blogging/ youtube life.
  But here are some silliness for you!!

 

I hope you guys found this blog post helpful as you start planning your freshmen year of college or even your senior year! I wish these are things I would have known early on. 

Love you guys and I hope you have a fantastic week! 

 XOXO  

   McKenzie 

The Disney Slang you need to know

 There is no doubt that Cast Members have a different lingo than the rest of the world. Since my time at Disney I have picked up on the Disney slang and I still use it today and it has been a year since I have worked for the Mouse. I thought it would be nice to give you guys a bit of the Disney Slang when you go visit the parks as guests.

Most Commonly Used Slang: 

 

MK: Magic Kingdom
DAK: Animal Kingdom
CoP: Carousel of Progress
DL: Disneyland (when at Disneyworld we always used the other parks abbreviations)
World: Walt Disney World
Four Keys:  Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency
Key Card: When a cast member is being recognized. (You can send these as a guest from guest relations and cast members love it!!)
CM: Cast Member
CP: College program (Disney Intern)

Anyways I thought that was a fun list to share with you all!! It's always fun to share stuff that I learned as a CP. I found that the company is varied in so many ways. I love the Disney Store at the mall because I still get to bring the park magic to everyone that hasn't had a chance to go to the parks and at the parks it is an actual show!

Thanks for sticking around and reading! You guys are truly amazing and I love everyone of my followers we are one big happy family here.

Xoxo
  McKenzie

5 Things to put in your Disney Bag

I am totally excited to announce that I am going to be going to DisneyLand in April for Spring Break! So, I decided to do a "What's inside my Disney bag?" Video on Youtube! I wanted to go more in depth though than just a 5 minute video.
1. Backpack! 
I always always bring a backpack with me to the parks! It doesn't matter which one you bring. It can be small like mine or if you're a parent you can bring a big backpack to store all your goodies in! Plus if it's Disney themed that's even better.  I love to bring my Firelounge Disney Villain bag I get so many compliments on it!  😍
2. Wallet 
This goes with out saying but I have my favorite wallet that I got from the Vera Bradley store in Disney Springs (Orlando location). It's small and compact and doesn't take up as much room as my other wallet does. This also helps you carry around less weight with you when you are in the parks or at the airport.
3.First Aid Kit 
Usually Cast Members will have a first aid kit with them but if you are in between lands and you hurt yourself usually it takes the Cast Members a while to grab band aids. I would throw in a couple of those as well as sun screen for the little ones.
4. Mickey Ears!! 
I love my Mickey Ears. I got the diamond edition one with they came out a couple of  years ago and I wear them all the time! If you purchase ears from Etsy too don't forge to bring those bad boys because you are going to want to take awesome pics with them along with just showing them off!
5. Camera 
You don't want to miss anything! Take videos and pictures! You are going to want to re live your Disney Vacations. I love that I VLOG because that means I can relive my favorite memories. It's okay to be that person too! You will regret not taking pictures at your favorite wall or with your favorite characters. The characters actually love it! Same with the cast members! If you find your self talking to a CM and you trade pins with them go ahead and ask for there picture! They will absolutely love it!
I hope this helps y'all! I am counting down the days when I can be in Mickey's presence again. Also, comment down below what else y'all bring if I didn't list in my video or in this blog post!
Love you all
xoxoxo
 McKenzie
SEE YA REAL SOON!!

Things I regret NOT doing at the Disney College Program

It has been exactly one year since I have returned from my Disney College Program (DCP) experience. I have been thinking a lot about things that I wish I would have done differently.

1. Trying different locations
    I was lucky enough that I ended up with a Merchandise role. Being in merchandise you are able to switch locations and work pretty much anywhere you want within all four parks. My home location was World of Disney. I decided to stay there my whole program so that my leaders and the higher ups will get to know me. This actually was beneficial because I was able to get a great recommendation from one of my leaders which has helped me get the job that I have today.
   But I do wish that I switched around so I can get to know more people and learn from other leaders as well as my own home locations.

2. Disney College Program Events 
    I never went to any of these!!! I am so sad to say that. The reason why you go to the CP is to do the events and attend classes. I decided to work instead. I really should have done that and if I had talked to my leaders I am sure they would have given me the opportunity to go so make sure you get a chance to attend one of these events because you sure do not want to miss out!

3. Spreading magic off the clock 
    As a cast member you sometimes get gifts from guests saying thank you for all your hard work that you have done to create magic for me. It is really an amazing feeling when a guest gives you that special magical moment because it shows that you are doing your job right. As a CP I wish I would have taken the time to say thank you for those who are working today. I knew what it was like backstage. But now, as a guest I am going to make sure that we spread the magic to the cast members too!

4. VoluntEars 
    As a CP you get the chance to volunteer around the community and you have set aside hours to do that if you want. I had many opportunities to do this because I was there doing the hurricane season and for some reason I just didn't have "time" or I didn't want to wake up at 5 am that next morning when I was already working the closing shift at World of Disney.  If you ever have the chance to volunteer with Disney do IT! It will really help your resume and you get to experience more magic off the clock as well.

5. Attend Disney University
    There are many things you can do at DU and one of things is attending classes. You can take things like Disney History, Disney marketing, Disney animation etc... I went to two classes of Disney History and I thought it was a waste of time. I should have stayed. Some of the guest speakers that came worked in the Marketing department. No matter what classes you attend some of the instructors could be your recruiter, your co-worker and maybe your boss! So, go!! It will only help you!

 6. Take as many Pictures or Video as you can! 
     So, since I have this blog, my YouTube Channel, my Instagram I take tons of video and pictures. I love every single picture and every single memory I make and that I can look back on. I am glad that I am a video junkie. Yes, I say video because I love VLOGGING however, my pictures are lacking. I wish I took more pictures on the CP then video because those last longer and I don't have to watch them. lol Yes, I am lazy. So, Take as many pictures don't be scared vlogging either do it and you wont regret it.

7. Don't spend to much on Merch! 
    I am preaching to the choir when I talk about spending habits. I personally need to be better and I am trying. You know when you go to the parks and you see that cute pin you want? Or the Popcorn bucket but it costs more than you eat out? Dude, don't do it. Don't spend something that is more than your average meal. Unless it's a shirt. Those little items will get lost or you'll forget about them. So, promise me don't spend! And then you'll come back with enough money to pay for tuition or housing.

Last but not least!! 

8. Spend more time with Roommates 
I could write a whole other blog post about this. But, I am not going to.. Me and my roommates didn't really get along. Actually, none of us liked each other. I always thought it was because we all had different roles so that meant different hours but, in reality we didn't like each other. I really regret not taking the time to get to know them. Get to know your roommates!! They know what you are going through and they could be a great source.

I hope you guys have enjoyed this blog post!! I have also made this into a YouTube video so if you'd much rather watch it then read it click on the video below and you can do just that!!

XoXo
     McKenzie 

3 Pictures to take at Disney

There is so much to do during those 5-7 months of working for the mouse that you don't want to miss any of it!! I highly highly suggest you taking tons of pictures! Be that annoying friend that always has their camera. Your friends will thank you later I can promise you that!
So, what pictures do you take? Where do you take them? These are the ones that I love and I am grateful for that I have!!

1. Picture with the boss man himself!

You haven't worked for Disney yet if you haven't had a picture with the boss!! If you can remember to bring your name tag with you do it!! I always forgot mine when I went to the parks because I didn't want to loose mine. Always bring your name tag cause you never know when your going to have an opportunity with the boss man.

*picture tip!* 

Make sure you copycat what the character is doing!!* I learned that after my program and I wish I would have known that during!!! It makes the picture more appealing!  

          

 

2. Selfies with the castle 🏰

 Did you really go to Disney? People are going to ask to see pictures of the famous castle! You must have pictures tons of pictures! Go nuts with your camera! Each picture you take helps you remember that memory. You are going to want to remember your time spent at the Disney College Program so make sure you take tons of pics of the firework shows, sunsets behind the castle and just the castle itself. This is my favorite picture of the castle! I am so glad I was able to get this shot. Disney at Christmas is so magical that I am so happy that I was able to get some of the Disney Christmas magic in with my main street picture. If you have a chance to go to Disney in Christmas GO!

 

 

 

Don't forget to get creative when taking pictures!! Be that awesome photographer that isn't afraid to get out of your comfort zone. That's how you get those amazing shots and you wont regret it. 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Photo Pass pictures 

When you graduate spend the extra money and go to all the photopass places because they sprinkle extra pixie dust onto your picture and you are able to get some amazing pics with your friends and you'll love the filters that they put on your picture. Plus they photopass cast members love taking pictures and they love there job! 

 

 

 

 I hope this helps you for the next time you go to Disney or when you are on your College Program or as a cast member! Pictures are my favorite thing and I have to admit I am a picture hoarder. Never trash a picture even if you think it is ugly. Keep all of them!! By the way my lovely girl Danielle is doing the same blog post but as a different perspective from a GUEST stand point instead of as a cast member or as a CP!! So, make sure you go check hers out as well! Love you all!

 

I hope you all have a magical and fantastic day and I will see you all next week! 

xoxoxo

  McKenzie