I worked at Walt Disney World & this is what happened

Have you ever gone to Disney World and wondered how the magic happens? Well I got to experience the magic and the mystery behind it at the same time. See I went to Disney World the first time when I was a freshmen in college after being accepted in their internship program. And you can say it was an interesting experience. How, you say? Well, let's start with the three strange, challenging and difficult parts.

1. The difference between the magical place and backstage. Hmm... how do I word this without Disney being on my back? Okay... let's say the place you all know looks like this, right?

Well, the backstage area was like...

Okay it's not that bad but there's a drastic difference with the environment, the people and even the energy. It's pretty cool though cause it means Mickey got some edge. I remember seeing Mickey backstage like ...

He's lovable either way! 😉 But seriously, it's hard in the D... isney.

2. The costume, the music and the themes. Imagine being in an old style dress, hearing country music all day and working in a barn-like place everyday. Okay that may be a dream for some of you but for this Philly R&B loving chick right here, it was like pulling teeth. However, I had to smile my way through it. I learned a lot about hiding my discontent which works well in retail and in life so yay? 😄

3. The twilight zone was nothing compared to my day to day. When I worked at Disney, Magic Kingdom to be exact, I started to hear the theme music of the Twilight Zone in my head. I sometimes felt like I was in another Universe. I mean the families started to all look the same, even the Black ones and the kids started to act alike to me. I remember one time, I was working at the restaurant counter where I would make drinks (the kid friendly ones) and I made this huge order of sodas and waters. Two seconds later, I had to dump the whole order because the family decided they wanted no ice after the fact. I was like... 😳 *cue the Twilight Zone  music* Unfortunately, this is just one of many examples where I had that facial expression  internally. Nevertheless, it taught me one major lesson in life - patience, hella patience, especially when I became a sales associate after the internship.

Now, let's end with the three normal, cool and bright parts.

1. Being able to visit Walt Disney World for free and still feeling that magic. You know despite living that backstage life on the regular, I still managed to live in the magic of Disney when I visited during my free time. What can I say? Disney is damn good at creating a special feeling for kids and adults! Although I was working there for months before making my very first official visit to Disney as a guest, I still was super excited to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse. My inner child was just bursting with joy. I was still in awe of the shows I went to and the other characters I met. I'm sure some of them were giving me the side eye because I was there by myself but I didn't care. I was enjoying it wholeheartedly and would recommend anyone - young and old - who hasn't visited to come through to Mickey's streets!

2. Meeting some pretty cool people from all over the world. To be honest, I wish I took more advantage of my opportunity and interacted with more people while there but I was shy and dealing with depression (you'll learn more about that in the next point). However, I still managed to meet some cool people from my Oklahoma girls to my cool chick from Japan. I also met someone who gave me the best advice about getting a tattoo and it stuck with me to this day (and I haven't gotten a tattoo yet thanks to her wisdom...still waiting for the timeless inspiration). And there was also my gay boyfriend who was so flamboyant but really thought he could make his ex jealous with me. lol His hugs were the sweetest though so I didn't mind playing my role. 😊

3. Learning one of the biggest lessons of my life. Honestly, I went to Disney World to escape my depression. Before I realized I had Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I was just a nervous and sad young lady feeling the pressure of figuring out what to do with the rest of my life. Looking back, it's pretty ridiculous to feel that way but hey, it happens to 20 somethings. Also, I just felt like I wasn't growing up at the same rate as everyone else so ironically, I thought taking a huge risk like going to Orlando for an internship at Disney would help shake off this inferior complex and make me feel like an adult but I learned a huge lesson - you can't escape your emotions no matter how far you travel. They only travel with you and eventually, you just have to face them head on so I went back home earlier than planned and did just that. So despite the abrupt ending of my time as an intern at Disney World, I have absolutely no regrets about this experience because I learned one of biggest lessons in my life.

Now I know I am definitely not the only one who can share some stories about working at Walt Disney World. In fact, the popular YouTuber, Swoozie, worked at Disney World while in high school and has hilarious stories because of it. I could definitely relate to some of the craziness. lol Watch a few of his funny stories below.

Have you ever worked at Disney before or do you know someone who did the internship? How was it for you/them? I'd love to read your stories!

so tardy for george michael's party

George Michael,

I really hope you aren't silently judging me for not knowing your awesomeness. As an 80's baby, I should've known better. Of course, I did know your hits. I specifically remember you shaking your butt with those classic blue jeans and super cool leather jacket in the Faith music video. I'm sorry if you cringe to this fact but it's true. That's what I remember. I also remember Freedom! '90 and how much I liked that song but I totally missed the Wham! era. I didn't even exist when you started so part of the blame has to be on my parents, right?

via GIPHY

Furthermore, a few years ago, I was in the process of looking into your discography. I had super good intentions, George. I searched your name on Wikipedia and went to your latest album to start my journey down musical memory lane but my attention span stopped me at Patience. How ironic. It had nothing to do with the music. I was actually jamming to it and I had plans on going back to my discovery of your work but then life distracted me. And then you transitioned suddenly and well... you can say that that made me wake up and smell the coffee! Unfortunately, it took such a drastic change in your energy for me to take notice once again to your awesomeness. Yes, the music lover can be tardy to the party too. Fortunately, you blessed us all with your music so I got a chance to finally listen and watch pieces of your Wham! era. Nice hair, man. I also finally got the opportunity to see your growth from young superstar to a full grown musician, fighting hard to control your sound, image, and your business. Much respect to you.

Throughout the years, one thing that was consistent is your lovely voice that flowed through R&B, Soul, Rock and Pop effortlessly. You did a duet with the legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin and held your own. I mean that in and of itself just shows how talented you have to be to do that successfully. With your signature voice, you remade so many classic songs and put your own stamp on them. Like Prince, you will truly be missed and I am sorry it took me this long to discover your dope music. Please forgive me for being so tardy to your party. Oh, and by the way, George, I am doing a huge favor for anyone who is super late like me. I am sharing a playlist I created with your songs that span across your entire career. See?

That has to count for something right?

via GIPHY

I hope so, George.

two black female bloggers have a seat at Solange's table

"I don’t expect everyone to have a handbook or a guidebook on how to deal with certain issues – I certainly don’t. But there is this idea that we as black people should just be an open-ended book of resources, when we are having to heal ourselves, let alone teach everyone how to deal with us.”

- Solange (from W Magazine interview)

Since the last day of September, Solange has been feeding us from her bountiful table of specially selected soul, full-course southern style and a full helping of all the pain and beauty of being Black. Mama and Papa Knowles are in attendance along with New Orleans' finest, Lil' Wayne and Master P. 

Grab a plate and pull up A Seat at the Table with one of my favorite bloggers, Kelley Briana of Gray Suede & I. 

Table, A Seat at the Table, Rocio Perez Rodriguez, Solange

Kelley Briana: First listen to A Seat at the Table was in parts, but I did take the time out to tune in with no distractions-sitting still, absorbing the music as well as the lyrics. It's nothing like her previous albums or EPs, but it shows her growth and reflects the times, as every artist should. It's much more mellow than True and definitely more adult than Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. And I say it is five-star. So glad she made her return with such a necessary work of art. I love it. I love it. I love it!

Tunisia Jolyn: I woke up around 2 in the morning and thought to myself, "This is the perfect time to download Solange's new album and listen." Despite having to wake up early for work, I went ahead with my plan and did not regret the loss of sleep at all. In the complete darkness of my room, her crisp vocals shined an internal light, mesmerizing me from start to finish yet the lyrics describe a deep-rooted pain and strength that underlies the lives of our people. Truly moving. I agree with your comparisons to her previous albums. I will say, however, that I am not surprised by her progression because I remember her very first album, Solo Star, showcased her unique vibes with music. Every song she had some part in, I loved the most and I still feel her earliest songwriting and production work, on Solo Star and even on Kelly Rowland’s first solo record, Simply Deep, are extremely underrated. She just always had a special way with words and sounds and this album delivers that times ten! 

Kelley Briana: Yes! I'm pretty sure we were listening at the same time because I had like two hours of sleep but made sure I had my playlist set before I laid down. I echo your sentiments, except I'll admit I can only recall like two tracks from Solo Star. I have some homework to do. You know when an artist you love- or maybe even a brand new artist to you emerges -you kinda wanna scoop up everything they've made and binge listen? Hear the transition. I feel that way after having A Seat at the Table on repeat all night. Every waking moment, this album should be in my ears. I am pretty sure I'm gonna get a listen in as often as possible for awhile. A long while.

I like that fact that she got her parents + NOLA natives involved. Truly paying homage to where she came from, who she is and the newer roots she's planted in Louisiana. I really really love + appreciate every single track, including the interludes. The realness of "Mad" and "F.U.B.U." The piano and ooh-whas of "Junie."  "Junie" is a definite favorite. "Don't Touch My Hair," for obvious reasons (LOL) is a favorite. It's so real! Hair is much more than hair for us. I think above all though, so far, "Cranes in the Sky" is my absolute favorite jam. Just... everything about it. 

And "Borderline." Top track, no doubt.

And "Scales." OMG... so dreamy! Kelela is my jam. Did I mention my love for the entire album?

Tunisia Jolyn: LOL Yes, I believe you did mention your love for the entire album. In fact, you almost listed every song as your favorite and I don't blame you! The whole album is brilliant in its delivery but there are some highlights that I noticed while listening to A Seat At The Table. The first song, "Rise," really grabbed my attention from the first lines "Fall in your ways so you can crumble/Fall in your ways so you can sleep at night/Fall in your ways so you can wake up and fly." The poetic words and intricate harmonies really set the tone for the rest of the album.  Then, it smoothly segues into my other favorite track, "Weary." With its minimal production from Raphael Saadiq and Sir Dylan, this song really allows her message of self-discovery and self-empowerment to stand out strongly without many distractions at all. While listening to "Cranes in the Sky," I immediately thought of the legendary Minnie Riperton, especially when she hits that high note at the very end. Every time I hear it, I get chills because she captured the pain of trying to block the insurmountable pressure of being Black in this world, in such a gorgeous way; it is almost like alchemy for the soul. "F.U.B.U." is another hot track where she shows so much swag and I hate that word 'swag' but it's the best word to describe how she rides the beat so flawlessly while spilling the real so effortlessly. Better than some rappers actually. I can see every woke Black person vibing to this while bopping their heads like "Yup... this shit is definitely for us.” 

Oh and that intro to "Don't Touch My Hair" though... 

 Okay, I'm done. 

Kelley Briana: Yea, you summed it up LOL. It's just... organic. I was a lil' skeptical when I saw some of the featured artists (who will go unnamed), but I dig the WHOLE thing. I can say that about only a few albums in my library.

Tunisia Jolyn: Organic is such a good word for this album. I would also add ‘authentic'. When discussing such serious topics within our community and in society as a whole, Solange seems to take such a bold yet polite approach, seemingly purposefully given the title of the album. From the music to the digital book to the artwork, A Seat At The Table has almost a muted expression of the frustration, anger and hurt within the Black community while also being unapologetically empowering and inclusive in its delivery, embracing her genuine pride and love for her people and her culture while showing her Southern manners with her invited guests at the table. 

Kelley Briana: I am not even mad at all the new fans that got up from the table stuffed with the realness that is Queen Solange! A Seat at the Table should be in every Black person's library. She did her duty as an artist by releasing a timely album that is a true sign of the present. I echo you in saying that there is a muted frustration. I love the mixture of self-love, amorous love and Black love/love for our people. It's rare that an album boasts all three - so rare that I can't think of another like it. [On the opposite end of the spectrum, maybe To Pimp a Butterfly.] A Seat emerged at a point when it's much needed and, for that reason [along with it just being overall jammin'], clearly well received. You'll be able to take this one off the shelf in ten, twenty, thirty years and remember exactly what was happening to our people in 2016. 

It's always refreshing to hear an artist with a platform be absolutely real, to say "Hey, I'm Black like you and it hurts me just the same. I feel it. You are welcome here, in my home. At my table. Sit down. Sing along. Cry. Be mad. Hear, listen to these poems I sang for us. Just us." 

I cannot give this modern masterpiece enough praises. A Seat at the Table, album of the year. 

Now we want to hear from you. What do you think of Solange's new album? What are some of your favorite songs? How do you feel about the overall message of this record? Let us know! 

To learn more about A Seat at the Table, click HERE. To read more from Kelley Briana, go to GraySuede.com

To preview and purchase, go here: A Seat at the Table - Solange