Thanks to the new Facebook feature, it reminded me what I did a year ago today. Something I thought would change my life. I applied for the Disneyland College Program (DCP). Approximately three months later I would find out I wasn't accepted. The reasons were vague, but it sounded as if I was too young, and that they had bad experiences with kids right out of high school. (Homesick, no work ethic, etc.) Plus, this program has grown tremendously in the past few years and competition is turning fierce.
Looking back at it all, I have to say I'm thankful for not being accepted. I know it was for a reason, and while I couldn't see it then, I do see it now plain and clear. The DCP would have set me back in school, in my career, and in my future. If I was accepted last year, I would just be finishing the program right now. This means I would be 2 semesters behind at Taft College. Given that I couldn't stay with Disney and live there on my own, by myself, or even with a roommate sine we'd be working part-time at minimum wage, I would have to come home. Then what? Start school again? Try to find a job? It would have been a mess.
Now, I am almost done with community college. My plans are to transfer to CSULB. If I get accepted, or accepted to another college down South, my plans are to work on my degree, and apply at Disney for a part-time job. That's just the basic overview right now. Anything can change and happen, and I know it will.
The DCP is an amazing program. But to answer all my family's questions- No, I will not be re-applying for it.
I'm not losing site of my goals and dreams in life. I'm ready for whatever it takes to get my degree and work somewhere in the Disney Company. That is what I truly want to do, and I can't say I'm going to settle for less. I think this lesson taught me more then anything that everything happens for a reason.
-Austen
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
A Family Business
For a few years now, my parents have been wanting to open their own business. The Pie Hole would be a small, cafe-style place that only serves pieces of pie with coffee or milk. This idea has been occasionally brought up, and I keep encouraging them to do it.
Well, last month my dad found a place perfect for this cafe in Pismo Beach, CA. (The 'local' beach to my town.) He feels this would do great at a beach town if we could get the locals in- and I agree.
The Pie Hole would be somewhat similar to Starbucks. Limited seating inside, Wifi, warm colors, just the average cafe atmosphere. Each slice of pie would come in a to-go box. Each pie would be homemade, and have a story behind it, like where this specific recipe came from.
While tourist season would keep us alive, in a beach town you have to have the locals on your side, since they are there the whole year, and not just three months. I don't think this would be that hard to do if you have good service, and a good product.
For about a week we got really serious about this, and started researching how much it would cost. I think the building was somewhere around $30,000. We decided that if we ever did do this, we could move to Pismo, and live out of the trailer until we get on our feet. To start out my parents could easily work here, and go there on weekends or one/two days out of the week. I could be over there almost full time. (for now)
It's all just a thought at the moment. I really wish my parents would take a chance like this and see what happens. So what if we don't last. At least it was fun. But, it is a gamble and there are risks involved. It would just be really cool to have a family business.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Best Summer Ever
I can honestly say that this summer has been the best summer ever. Let's recap-
I started the summer off with summer school. While that wasn't fun, let's skip to the trips and what did make this summer great!
The Walt Disney Studios & Archives Tour that was put on by D23. (Walt Disney Studios & Archives Tour) This was INCREDIBLE! The sound stages, the Studios lot, the buildings, the archives and holding one of Walt's Oscars, seeing all the artifacts, meeting Dave Smith and Josh Turchetta, and all the other things we got to do. This kicked off the summer with style!
The next trip was Disneyland and buying my AP! (Disneyland Trip 8/1) This was an exciting trip because I bought my very first Annual Pass. I also got to experience all the new rides at Disneyland. Disney trips every month now? Yep. Just about.
What's next? Oh look! Another Disney trip with my family! (Disneyland 8/11) This was a really fun trip- just hanging out with my parents and sister at the Parks for the day. It was their first time seeing WOC, so I was very excited. Overall a great trip.
Another blog? Absolutely! Another blog about my life? Psshh! Nope. Who wants to read about my boring life? (Oh, you do?) This blog is an all Disney blog that Mainstreetjake and I are putting on. While we just started it, I'm excited to see where it goes, and to share my knowledge of the Parks and secrets. Check it out! Disney Park Secrets
I decided to make a new website for my Christmas and Halloween light shows. The old website was just confusing, with a long URL and bad design. Also, my Halloween Face (Halloween Update) is still in the works and is coming along nicely. So, here is the official website for my shows! Winter Light
Next is the finale- the conclusion to an amazing summer. The D23 Expo! (D23 Expo) This was incredible. So much knowledge, so many Disney fans. If you love Disney, you'd fit in. And being able to meet and talk to some Imagineers, and other famous people is a great experience. I'll be there for the next one! Will you?
That's it, folks. Summer is gone. It's time to concentrate on school, on work, and on my light shows. I still have some Disney trips planned- like one next month. But after that, I'm not sure when I'll be back in the Parks. Probably around January. However, I am thankful for such an incredible, Disney-filled summer with amazing friends and family. Definitely a summer to remember!
Last but not least, I want to thank you- my reader- for being interested and allowing me to share my adventures with you. I really do enjoy sharing what I get to experience, as well as reading what all of you get to do. So thank you! It really does mean a lot. :)
Here's hoping the Fall and Winter months are just as great!
-Austen Goehring
I started the summer off with summer school. While that wasn't fun, let's skip to the trips and what did make this summer great!
The Walt Disney Studios & Archives Tour that was put on by D23. (Walt Disney Studios & Archives Tour) This was INCREDIBLE! The sound stages, the Studios lot, the buildings, the archives and holding one of Walt's Oscars, seeing all the artifacts, meeting Dave Smith and Josh Turchetta, and all the other things we got to do. This kicked off the summer with style!
The next trip was Disneyland and buying my AP! (Disneyland Trip 8/1) This was an exciting trip because I bought my very first Annual Pass. I also got to experience all the new rides at Disneyland. Disney trips every month now? Yep. Just about.
What's next? Oh look! Another Disney trip with my family! (Disneyland 8/11) This was a really fun trip- just hanging out with my parents and sister at the Parks for the day. It was their first time seeing WOC, so I was very excited. Overall a great trip.
Another blog? Absolutely! Another blog about my life? Psshh! Nope. Who wants to read about my boring life? (Oh, you do?) This blog is an all Disney blog that Mainstreetjake and I are putting on. While we just started it, I'm excited to see where it goes, and to share my knowledge of the Parks and secrets. Check it out! Disney Park Secrets
I decided to make a new website for my Christmas and Halloween light shows. The old website was just confusing, with a long URL and bad design. Also, my Halloween Face (Halloween Update) is still in the works and is coming along nicely. So, here is the official website for my shows! Winter Light
Next is the finale- the conclusion to an amazing summer. The D23 Expo! (D23 Expo) This was incredible. So much knowledge, so many Disney fans. If you love Disney, you'd fit in. And being able to meet and talk to some Imagineers, and other famous people is a great experience. I'll be there for the next one! Will you?
That's it, folks. Summer is gone. It's time to concentrate on school, on work, and on my light shows. I still have some Disney trips planned- like one next month. But after that, I'm not sure when I'll be back in the Parks. Probably around January. However, I am thankful for such an incredible, Disney-filled summer with amazing friends and family. Definitely a summer to remember!
Last but not least, I want to thank you- my reader- for being interested and allowing me to share my adventures with you. I really do enjoy sharing what I get to experience, as well as reading what all of you get to do. So thank you! It really does mean a lot. :)
Here's hoping the Fall and Winter months are just as great!
-Austen Goehring
D23 Expo
On Saturday, 8/20, I headed to Anaheim for the D23 Expo with my good friend Jake, and my parents. This was our first Expo, so we weren't quite sure how things work and what we should do. To be safe, I made a list of things I would like to do. Then on Friday, D23 announced the Expo was sold out for Saturday. I started to expect major crowds, and when we arrived there was a huge line to get in. Surprisingly this line moved pretty fast.
We finally got in and found out just how long the lines actually were for all the different presentations and such. So we decided to walk around a little bit and check out the various stores and booths.
Later on, we waited in the two and a half hour line for the 25 years Pixar presentation. This was worth the whole trip to the Expo. Sitting there for almost two hours listening to John Lasseter, Jim Morris, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, Mark Andrews, Bob Peterson, Dan Scanlon, Peter Sohn, and Ronnie Del Carmen talk about how they came into Pixar, their memories, projects, and just overall experience was incredible.
After this we just walked around, shopped some more, met some awesome people, and checked out a few more things like the raffle and lounge areas.
Throughout the day we ran into several Imagineers, Bill Farmer (voice of Goofy, extremely nice guy!), some infamous Disney people like Mr. Lutz, and some well known Disney fans on Twitter.
Overall is was an amazing day! I can't wait for the 2013 Expo. Hopefully that one I can stay all 3 days.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Between a Rock and a Rock.
Heads up- I'm going to vent about my job. I'm just a little confused on a situation, and I feel that if I explain it on my blog, even if no one reads it, that it will clarify it in my head a little. So here it goes.
Here is the ladder one can climb at John's:
-Team Member
-Team Leader
-Supervisor
-Manager
-Store Manager
Right now I'm a team member. I've always gotten between 18-25 hours a week since I was hired. But in the past 2 months, one week I'll have 15 hours, and the next I'll have 8 hours. 8 hours is not worth my time. I live 25 minutes away, and driving there costs more than my 8 hours a week. (Usually the 8 hours are spread over 2 or 3 days..) I talked to a couple of my Team Leaders about this, and I mentioned it to my Supervisor. I was told that my name is simply just not coming up on the schedule. I told them how I need more hours, and if I'm doing something wrong or if I can improve in an area, to let me know. Apparently nothing is wrong- I'm told I'm a good worker. Yet others, who don't do well I'm told, are getting 25+ hours a week, and I'm getting 8.
This went on too long. I mentioned again how I have to have more hours, and due to the current situations I'm looking for another job. Well, one of my Team Leaders wants to promote me to Team Leader. Moving up is always a goal to me, and I strive to do my best. But to be honest, I'm worried about becoming a Team Leader. School is starting next week, and if I do become Team Leader, I'll be getting around 30+ hours a week. Now, this is a huge increase, and would be nice. But school comes first, and I can't get bad grades because of a job that is just a stepping stone for me. I'm told from past employees that once you become Team Leader, they expect you to basically live there. Yea, I won't be doing that. While I'm thankful for my co-workers to believe in me, and think I could do a Team Leader position, I honestly just want more hours right now. Like I said, this job isn't my life. I won't be there forever- I won't be there for another year.
Again though, I'm very happy that I've been considered and supported to move up. I just think it would be too much at this time.
I've been thinking about this a lot. And I think I've come to a decision. I'm told I could do well at a Team Leader position. I'm told I'm a hard worker. Yet I'm still getting a horrible 8 hours. Next week, if my hours are this bad, I think I might give my notice. Why? Because this doesn't make sense to me- I'm a Team Leader in training. I'm good enough. Yet not good enough to have a normal 20 hours. Doesn't sound right to me. I'm good enough but not good enough? If I'm really a Team Leader in training, I should be there more to learn some things that I don't know. Plus, my job doesn't exactly keep their word on things. I've seen it happen many times before.
I have to be honest, and yes I know a few of my co-workers are going to read this. I'm still looking around. I'm done with all the drama that happens. I just want 20-25 hours a week. I want a place that will work around my school schedule, without interfering. And from what I have found, this place isn't John's. I love what I do, honestly, I do. But there are other things I don't like. I don't use the term 'friends' loosely to anyone. But I have made a few good friends at this job. But the minute something else pops up, I'm out of there. This is either a good choice or a bad one, I'm not sure yet. But if things don't improve I'll live with the choices that I make.
Here is the ladder one can climb at John's:
-Team Member
-Team Leader
-Supervisor
-Manager
-Store Manager
Right now I'm a team member. I've always gotten between 18-25 hours a week since I was hired. But in the past 2 months, one week I'll have 15 hours, and the next I'll have 8 hours. 8 hours is not worth my time. I live 25 minutes away, and driving there costs more than my 8 hours a week. (Usually the 8 hours are spread over 2 or 3 days..) I talked to a couple of my Team Leaders about this, and I mentioned it to my Supervisor. I was told that my name is simply just not coming up on the schedule. I told them how I need more hours, and if I'm doing something wrong or if I can improve in an area, to let me know. Apparently nothing is wrong- I'm told I'm a good worker. Yet others, who don't do well I'm told, are getting 25+ hours a week, and I'm getting 8.
This went on too long. I mentioned again how I have to have more hours, and due to the current situations I'm looking for another job. Well, one of my Team Leaders wants to promote me to Team Leader. Moving up is always a goal to me, and I strive to do my best. But to be honest, I'm worried about becoming a Team Leader. School is starting next week, and if I do become Team Leader, I'll be getting around 30+ hours a week. Now, this is a huge increase, and would be nice. But school comes first, and I can't get bad grades because of a job that is just a stepping stone for me. I'm told from past employees that once you become Team Leader, they expect you to basically live there. Yea, I won't be doing that. While I'm thankful for my co-workers to believe in me, and think I could do a Team Leader position, I honestly just want more hours right now. Like I said, this job isn't my life. I won't be there forever- I won't be there for another year.
Again though, I'm very happy that I've been considered and supported to move up. I just think it would be too much at this time.
I've been thinking about this a lot. And I think I've come to a decision. I'm told I could do well at a Team Leader position. I'm told I'm a hard worker. Yet I'm still getting a horrible 8 hours. Next week, if my hours are this bad, I think I might give my notice. Why? Because this doesn't make sense to me- I'm a Team Leader in training. I'm good enough. Yet not good enough to have a normal 20 hours. Doesn't sound right to me. I'm good enough but not good enough? If I'm really a Team Leader in training, I should be there more to learn some things that I don't know. Plus, my job doesn't exactly keep their word on things. I've seen it happen many times before.
I have to be honest, and yes I know a few of my co-workers are going to read this. I'm still looking around. I'm done with all the drama that happens. I just want 20-25 hours a week. I want a place that will work around my school schedule, without interfering. And from what I have found, this place isn't John's. I love what I do, honestly, I do. But there are other things I don't like. I don't use the term 'friends' loosely to anyone. But I have made a few good friends at this job. But the minute something else pops up, I'm out of there. This is either a good choice or a bad one, I'm not sure yet. But if things don't improve I'll live with the choices that I make.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Disneyland 8/11
Just getting around to writing this, and I know since I waited a day I won't remember everything that I wanted to say. But I'll try. :)
The very first thing we did was Captain EO. I don't remember it from when I was younger, and I never put the time in to ride it the last few times I was at the Parks. I really enjoyed it. Yea, it's outdated, but still cool.
We hit Space after that, and got Star Tours fastpasses. Then we headed over to DCA for WOC fastpasses- yellow section! My favorite. We hit Ariel, Screamin', and a few others. We then decided to get lunch so we headed back to Disneyland. We caught a few more rides, and watched Soundsational while we ate churros and pineapple juice. I really liked Soundsational, it was a very cool parade with good characters, good music, and lots of excitement for the audience.
I surprised my family to the Lillie Belle Tour after lunch. This was very cool, and we learned some history which is always fun.
We then rode some more rides like Thunder and Indy- which is in desperate need of that 3 month refurb. The lights on the jeeps kept flickering at random times. I'm sure that means something, but it was just off. Sounds weren't matching up, some effects were off, it just needs to go down ASAP.
A cool thing happened on Pirates- We got on, and they kept the boat in front of us empty. During the fight scene, there was a guy with a (very) bright flashlight behind one of the rocks in the distance. He kept shining it on that boat, and that area. Then our boat stopped, by the lantern in the water just after the cannons to the right. The boat in front of us proceeded to that 'secret' archway door, where they took it off track. After the curtain came down, and after we were hit a few times from other boats, the track switched over and we continued on our way. As we passed through that area, you could see a light on under water, and against the wall behind everything. I found this to be interestingly cool, since I've never seen it before.
The rest of the day was amazing. Just hanging out with my family, watching WOC, walking in DTD, and just being in the Parks. It was a great trip!
I wore my Adventureland shirt that I bought from DesignerLand. I'm not sure if that was a mistake or not! I had about 6 Cast Members tell me they bought the same shirt, I had people asking me where I bought it, and I had a guy offer to buy me any shirt in any store, and we will switch right now. I declined this offer. I'm keeping this insanely cool shirt. However, I'm not sure if I will wear it to the Parks again. I might just retire it to my collection..
So, this is a little bit of how our day went. I'm still running on very little sleep, and I've been crazy busy since we got back at 1:30 Friday morning, that's why it took me so long to write this. I'm looking forward to my next trip September 10th, for the visionsfantastic.com Scavenger Hunt!
Until next time~
Austen
The very first thing we did was Captain EO. I don't remember it from when I was younger, and I never put the time in to ride it the last few times I was at the Parks. I really enjoyed it. Yea, it's outdated, but still cool.
We hit Space after that, and got Star Tours fastpasses. Then we headed over to DCA for WOC fastpasses- yellow section! My favorite. We hit Ariel, Screamin', and a few others. We then decided to get lunch so we headed back to Disneyland. We caught a few more rides, and watched Soundsational while we ate churros and pineapple juice. I really liked Soundsational, it was a very cool parade with good characters, good music, and lots of excitement for the audience.
I surprised my family to the Lillie Belle Tour after lunch. This was very cool, and we learned some history which is always fun.
We then rode some more rides like Thunder and Indy- which is in desperate need of that 3 month refurb. The lights on the jeeps kept flickering at random times. I'm sure that means something, but it was just off. Sounds weren't matching up, some effects were off, it just needs to go down ASAP.
A cool thing happened on Pirates- We got on, and they kept the boat in front of us empty. During the fight scene, there was a guy with a (very) bright flashlight behind one of the rocks in the distance. He kept shining it on that boat, and that area. Then our boat stopped, by the lantern in the water just after the cannons to the right. The boat in front of us proceeded to that 'secret' archway door, where they took it off track. After the curtain came down, and after we were hit a few times from other boats, the track switched over and we continued on our way. As we passed through that area, you could see a light on under water, and against the wall behind everything. I found this to be interestingly cool, since I've never seen it before.
The rest of the day was amazing. Just hanging out with my family, watching WOC, walking in DTD, and just being in the Parks. It was a great trip!
I wore my Adventureland shirt that I bought from DesignerLand. I'm not sure if that was a mistake or not! I had about 6 Cast Members tell me they bought the same shirt, I had people asking me where I bought it, and I had a guy offer to buy me any shirt in any store, and we will switch right now. I declined this offer. I'm keeping this insanely cool shirt. However, I'm not sure if I will wear it to the Parks again. I might just retire it to my collection..
So, this is a little bit of how our day went. I'm still running on very little sleep, and I've been crazy busy since we got back at 1:30 Friday morning, that's why it took me so long to write this. I'm looking forward to my next trip September 10th, for the visionsfantastic.com Scavenger Hunt!
Until next time~
Austen
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Going, Going, GONE!
Just received some updated information at my job. Speedway will be leaving very soon! Before I tell the story, let's go over some of the rumors I've heard in the past year:
-Bowling alley will take the place of Speedway.
-200 more games.
-Speedway is staying.
-One new ride, more games.
-Laser Tag
Here is the official announcement- John's has bought 3 new rides that include Twister, Frogger, and a Himalaya type ride. Twister is currently on tour visiting different fairs, slowly making it's way to town. In the meantime, another company has officially bought Speedway! And Corporate has ordered the carpet that will cover the existing Speedway area. ($10,000 worth of carpet, so I'm told.)
When will ALL of this be done? When will Speedway leave, new rides come in, and everything be functional? October!
This means that Speedway will be closing shortly. Better get your last rides in on that little piece of hell on earth. :)
-Bowling alley will take the place of Speedway.
-200 more games.
-Speedway is staying.
-One new ride, more games.
-Laser Tag
Here is the official announcement- John's has bought 3 new rides that include Twister, Frogger, and a Himalaya type ride. Twister is currently on tour visiting different fairs, slowly making it's way to town. In the meantime, another company has officially bought Speedway! And Corporate has ordered the carpet that will cover the existing Speedway area. ($10,000 worth of carpet, so I'm told.)
When will ALL of this be done? When will Speedway leave, new rides come in, and everything be functional? October!
This means that Speedway will be closing shortly. Better get your last rides in on that little piece of hell on earth. :)
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Passion
Just received some unofficial news about something. Something that directly effects me, that is my passion, and that is my main goals and inspirations. If what I hear happens, everything is lost. Life gets in the way sometimes. I tell myself it's for a reason, but this puts me 30 steps backwards. Now, it is unofficial. It may not happen. I haven't thought about it a lot because I was pretty sure it wouldn't happen. But tonight, from what I have heard, it is very, very likely. I'm praying my original plans will work out. Here's hoping they work out..
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Disneyland Trip 8/1
Well, today is "Back To Reality" day. After spending yesterday at the Parks, coming home sucks. This was my first Disney trip in over a year, and because I can't stand the thought of being away that long, I bought a Deluxe AP, and I'm planning on using the heck out of it, at least once a month. (I'm headed to the Parks again in a week!) I just wanted to briefly give my 2 cents on the new rides and things.
Ariel- It's a cute little ride. There are a couple cool effects, like when you go under water, and the AAs are the best AAs Disney has created, in my opinion. But I feel they could have made it better. Not to be pessimistic or complain, but looking from an Imagineer's viewpoint, they could have hidden the cat walks way better, and could have added some details like real water in the boat scene and such. Overall it is a good ride.
Star Tours- I'm very happy with how it turned out. The queue looks great, I LOVE the luggage effect in line, and the ride is overall awesome. The new Star Trader looks great also.
World Of Color- Wow. It was my first time seeing it in real life, and I noticed a few changes from online. They added a Tangled scene, and the POTC scene is still in place of Hellfire. Overall, it is one incredible show! (I was in the yellow section.)
My trip was great, and we got to do almost everything. It wasn't that packed either, thankfully. Can't wait to go back in a week!
Ariel- It's a cute little ride. There are a couple cool effects, like when you go under water, and the AAs are the best AAs Disney has created, in my opinion. But I feel they could have made it better. Not to be pessimistic or complain, but looking from an Imagineer's viewpoint, they could have hidden the cat walks way better, and could have added some details like real water in the boat scene and such. Overall it is a good ride.
Star Tours- I'm very happy with how it turned out. The queue looks great, I LOVE the luggage effect in line, and the ride is overall awesome. The new Star Trader looks great also.
World Of Color- Wow. It was my first time seeing it in real life, and I noticed a few changes from online. They added a Tangled scene, and the POTC scene is still in place of Hellfire. Overall, it is one incredible show! (I was in the yellow section.)
My trip was great, and we got to do almost everything. It wasn't that packed either, thankfully. Can't wait to go back in a week!
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