My DCP Experience: My 10 Favorite Foods At WDW Resort

Hey Everyone! A new week means a new post about my time in the DCP. Today, I will be talking about one of my favorite parts about working at Disney World and that is the food! There's truly something for everyone in each of the parks and even Disney Springs. Listed below are my favorite places to eat on property plus my favorite thing that I've ate there. This list is in no particular order.

1. Sa'tuli Canteen (Pandora: The World of Avatar - Animal Kingdom)
Ever since I ate here for part of the cast food preview, I can't stop talking about it. It was SO GOOD. Plus, the amount of food that you get for the price (my friend and I ate for free because of the preview), is so good. It's the price of a normal Quick Service but you get so much more food. Think of it kind of like a Chipotle/Panda Express restaurant just with American/Asian Fusion food. I got the beef bowl with the red and sweet potato hash and greens and a curry type sauce and a cheeseburger "pod." From the second I took a bite, I knew I was impressed. Easily it was one of the best things I have ever eaten. And the cheeseburger pod was really weird. It was like a dough ball filled with ground beef and cheese and maybe pickle juice? Idk, but it was so good. If you haven't eaten here yet, do it ASAP.

2. The Polite Pig (Town Center - Disney Springs)
If you're a fan of Bar-B-Que, like me, you're always looking for new places to try. Living in the south for a bit, I knew there had to be a place for good BBQ. I didn't find it till March, since it didn't open till then, but it was WELL worth the wait. I went there just a couple days after it opened and it wasn't as busy as I had expected. But that didn't bother me, because I'm not a big fan of waiting in line for extended periods of time. I ate there twice and the best thing I ate was the Brisket Melt. Yes, it brisket with cheese on top. but not just cheese, beer cheese. Along with that, there was grilled onions and pickled peppers. Before you knock it, it was easily the best BBQ sandwich I've ever had.. Put some of the Fresno Hot Sauce and the Pepper BBQ Sauce they have, you're speaking my love language.

3. Planet Hollywood Observatory (Town Center - Disney Springs)
This place is one of the best environments for a restaurant. It has actual props and suits from some of the biggest movies ever. They recently remodeled both the restaurant and the menu. While they left the restaurant to the contractors, they let Guy Fieri take a sledgehammer to the menu. With him being one of my favorite chefs, I was excited to try his food. I accidentally went on opening night, but it was cool to be one of the first people to try the new food. They had one of the best Pulled Pork Sandwiches I've ever had. Its hard to describe, but they had some sauce on it. Just go try it. I'm serious.

4. Happy Landings (Typhoon Lagoon)
Not only is a waterpark an excellent idea on a hot day, but eating Ice Cream is also a great idea. Luckily, Disney's biggest waterpark allows that. Their ice cream shop, Happy Landings, offers a variety of options, from a simple cone of soft serve to the famous sandpail sundae. But, my personal favorite is the Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae. I don't need to say much more, but its a brownie topped with vanilla soft serve, hot fudge, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and of course, a cherry. Its a refreshing treat on a hot day that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.

5. Surf Doggies (Typhoon Lagoon)
Let's just stay with the waterpark theme why don't we? There's a "hidden" gem at the waterpark's hot dog/turkey leg shop. There is a sausage and peppers sub that is absolutely to die for. It's only a few dollars more than the hot dog but its worth it. Wash it down with an ice cold coke and you have a winner for dinner.

6. D-Luxe Burger (Marketplace - Disney Springs)
If you're in the mood for a gourmet burger, I suggest taking a trip to D-Luxe Burger in Disney Springs. I went there one night after church since I was hungry and I was very VERY glad I did. They had the best burger that I've ever had there. I first had the El Diablo. I never had it again (because I wanted to explore the menu), and I never had one as good as it. The patty was 50% beef and 50% chorizo and it was topped with fried banana peppers, pepper jack cheese, grilled onions, and pepper jack cheese. It does pack a huge punch, but if you like spicy burgers, this will be the best burger you've ever had. Have one of their gelato (yes, gelato) shakes with it and you will leave with leftovers. I suggest the s'mores or salted caramel.

7. Flame Tree Barbeque (Discovery Island - Animal Kingdom)
Unfortunately, the theme parks really lack much BBQ anymore. It seems the company is trying to get rid of it. But, until then, you can enjoy the delight that is Flame Tree. To my awareness, its the only restaurant on property, with the exception of Disney Springs, that serves actual BBQ. I've talked to a couple southerners and they agree with me that it is some good BBQ. Its the best meal that I ever had inside the parks and I was not disappointed. I'm a pulled pork guy, so I chose that sandwich along with a large coke. I was so satisfied and wish I could have had another. Take note because its one of the few places in the parks where CMs get a discount.

8. L'Artisan des Glaces (France, World Showcase - Epcot)
I'm one for saying there's literally nothing like and ice cream cone on a hot day. Now take that idea and elevate it by 100. In the way back of France in Epcot's World Showcase, there's a small Ice Cream shop that is pretty easy to miss. But, if you happen to see it, don't even think of passing it by. It's the absolute best ice cream cone I have ever had and it is definitely worth the $5 price tag. The best part is, at any given time, they have about 14 flavors to choose from, so its a better selection than the soft serve in the parks.

9. Katsura Grill (Japan, World Showcase - Epcot)
Let's stay in my favorite park, why don't we? I'm a big fan of really any Asian food. So when I saw that Epcot had their own sushi shop with prices lower than normal Quick Service, I was in. I got the California Roll and I was very satisfied. I got 8 pieces for the $9 and left with a full stomach. If you're looking for some good sushi, I suggest Katsura Grill. It's some of the best I've ever had.

10. Pecos Bill's Cafe (Frontierland - Magic Kingdom)
Let's end with my original location at the parks. Although its said that Cosmic Ray's in Tomorrowland is the busiest fast food restaurant in America, I would make the case for Pecos'. I have never not seen people in here and although Cosmic Ray's is the same, I always see more people in Pecos'. But Pecos' has a Taco Burger that is yes, basically a taco on a burger. Someone combined my 2 favorite foods and made them into one. Plus, don't forget about the condiment bar with FREE sour cream, salsa, and yes, guac.

These are my favorite places on property to eat. How about yours? Leave a comment below with the best thing you've ever had in the parks.

Until Next Time, Alex

My DCP Experience: 5 Mistakes I Made During My Disney College Program

Starting today, I'm going to do a series of posts on this blog on my experience during my Disney College Program. I'm writing these to hopefully help you and me, should I decide to do the program again.

To say the Disney College Program changes your life is an understatement. While you don't realize it right away and probably won't till you get back home, there's a lot of mistakes that you can make during your program, that might make it less enjoyable. So here are 5 that I made that hopefully you can avoid.

1. Looking For Love

I think this is something that everyone will go through on the program. Some people will go to it expecting nothing, while others hope to find their future soulmate. But no matter your intentions, you will develop a crush. Possibly multiple. And it tears you apart. I had 2 during my program and it sucked because I knew I would eventually go back to being far away, but at the same time, I really wanted to have someone to go on park dates or explore Orlando with. There's nothing wrong with it, but just know that Disney has a policy where if you ask someone out once, the second time can be considered sexual assault and you can get fired

2. Not Going to A Park or Out With Friends Because You're Too Tired

Just face it. From the second you check in, there will not be a time where you're not tired. Working for Disney is hard work. So whether your shift (or class) starts at 7 am or ends at 1 am, youre going to be tired. If you're off the next day, wake up early, have a healthy breakfast, drink a coffee or energy drink, and enjoy the park(s) of your choice. For a lot of people, this is only temporary and its very unlikely that you'll ever have free reign to go to any Disney Park for free ever again, so embrace it, no matter how much fatigue you feel.

3. Calling Out/Asking to Go Home Early
This is an easy one to do. Trust me, its not worth it. It's so easy to wake up with just a few hours in between shifts and want to call out. If you don't call out in a situation like that, you'll get overtime pay. If you call out, not only are you missing out on valuable hours (which they are so valuable with how much housing costs), you basically are forcing yourself to stay home all day. And that's not fun, unless you have Netflix. If you really aren't feeling well enough, then do call out. Some positions will give you a point no matter what you do. If you go in sick, though, you could get a bad judgment point which looks worse if you are looking to get rehired by Disney.

4. Joining In Discussions In the Facebook Groups
If you know anything of the Disney College Program, you have probably heard of the oh so famous Facebook groups. Most of the time its civil where people will just ask for some help with something. But there's always that one person who will start problems with a comment or a post. (These include "I deserve a bus seat" or "Why are there no single guys? They're all gay or taken." The first one is rude and the second one is false. There are a lot of good guys you just get have to get past the looks. Think before you join in or even do one of these posts. A lot of the time, people will be savage and start bullying, calling you out for rumors, etc. It's not fun and truly gets to your head, especially if you have anxiety, depression, and have been bullied in the past like me.

5. Not Preparing Yourself For the Inevitable End of Your Program
I know it may be the beginning of your program and you don't want to think about the end, but for you to make the most of your program, you need to. This is especially if your program is only 4 months. One day you'll wake up with only 7 days of your program left and you'll work 6 of those days. Seriously, make a list of everything you want to do while in Orlando and do it. Don't let your dreams turn to tears. Just do it!!!!

Until Next Time, Alex

Thoughts On 13 Reasons Why (From a Christian Millennial Who's Had Suicidal Thoughts)

I want to start this post off by saying if you've never been bullied, if you've never been depressed, if you've never had suicidal thoughts, if you've never watched 13 Reasons Why, and if you're a part of Generation X, you have absolutely no reason to say why we shouldn't let our kids watch this show. That will be explained a little bit later in this post.

If you've been on any social media in the past month, you will have noticed that 13 Reasons Why has taken over the world. I just finished it. It's intense. It's graphic. It's emotional. Most of all it gets you to think. A lot. As someone who has been depressed, still struggles with depression, and HAS HAD thoughts of suicide, I think everyone should watch this. And contrary to what some Gen Xers are saying, it needs to be required at school. Here is why.

You never truly know what someone with serious depression is going through.

Well, you don't, until you go through it yourself. Like Hannah Baker says in the show, "It feels like nothing." And that's the scary truth. Although you still won't be able to know what it feels like, going into Hannah's mind does an accurate description.

When you're depressed and considering ending your life, you think of everything bad that's ever happened to you. Despite what some blog posts that I've read, there are people and events that cause you to end your life. Yes, its your choice, but you wouldn't have to make that decision if people would try to help. And you don't let any good in. I think Hannah was very VERY smart in making the tapes. She's able to tell us why she decided like life was too much. No matter how much investigating the police or loved ones do, no one will know.

BUT WHY ARE PEOPLE SO PUT OFF BY THE TAPES?

I don't know. She's not at all seeking attention. She killed herself. She doesn't want attention. If you watched the show, you will notice that her parents mention that she never left a suicide note. She did, though. The tapes are her suicide note. And a way of telling everyone that caused her to end her life how she feels. And damn it, she's brave for doing it.

BUT THE SHOW IS UNCOMFORTABLE

Exactly. When Selena Gomez and the producers were coming up with the show, they wanted it to be uncomfortable. They wanted it to be scary. They wanted it to be graphic. And I applaud them for it. Gen X grew up in an age where everything was censored. I, as a Millennial (or Generation Y), have grown up in an age where censorship is becoming less and less common. It can be both a blessing and a curse. For this show, its a blessing. Like they said in the aftershow, they wanted the rape and suicide scenes to be uncomfortable. For the rape ones, they talked to rape survivors, who were grateful that someone was finally uncensoring what the horror of being raped is like. The more intense one is Hannah's in Episode 12, because when they focus on her face, as she's getting raped, you just see her basically already dead. It's disturbing. But maybe that will help bring light to this and help rape survivors be able to talk about it easier.

BUT THEY CHANGED THE WAS SHE KILLED HERSELF FROM THE BOOK TO THE SHOW!!!

I'm very glad they did. In the book, she kills herself with pills. In the show, she slits her arms and dies in a bathtub. Killing yourself is by no means an easy decision. If they stuck to pills and kept it less graphic, it wouldn't have done the decision justice. As you see in the suicide scene, she's second guessing it, but like I mentioned earlier, when you're depressed you don't think about the good, you think about the bad. Imagine being in so much pain that bleeding to death in a bathtub sounds better than life. Once again, if you haven't been depressed, you won't know.

A couple more things. This show gets you to think. A lot. But, in a good way.

For the people who are considering suicide, it gets them to say "Hey. Maybe someone out there does actually love me enough. Maybe someone cares." I think Hannah says one of the most haunting lines in entertainment ever but its also excellent. "Some of you cared. None of you cared enough. Neither did I. I'm sorry." Her school counselor didn't care enough to help her. He tried but he couldn't. He couldn't talk about rape. And because of that, Hannah walked out of his office and said that line. Then walked out of school and ended her life.

To the people who have friends that seem a little off, even if you haven't spoken in awhile, go grab a coffee. Make them tell you why they are acting differently. Trust me, having a friend call me when I was fed up with life is what saved my life. My former Youth Pastor called me and talked to me for the first time in about a 2 years at that point. That man had such an impact on my life, that I have felt the calling to be a Youth Pastor myself.

Finally. To the Gen Xers. I feel like you guys have absolutely no right to say a thing about this show UNLESS a relative has killed themselves. You didn't grow up with the internet. You don't know what its like to have someone who you don't know (or sometimes even do know) cyberbully you, with no consequences. Facebook and Twitter and Instagram all have teams that review every report that comes in. But those teams don't do anything. They don't care. It sucks, but they don't. So people will keep bullying you until you're done and end your life. Even if those teams won't do anything, your school should and the cops will. It's no laughing matter. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death to teens these days. It's commonality has risen significantly in the last 30 years and its about damn time we talk about it. Talking about suicide and rape will help the cause to stop it rather than hurt it. But people love you. Ending your life is never worth it.

Until Next Time, Alex

Valentine's Day is Really Special To Me

It's been a few years since I've done something like this but I'm serious man, Valentine's Day is the best holiday in the world. Well, Christmas, Easter, and Halloween might be better. Christmas is the best with Easter following it. But I have gotten off track.

VALENTINES DAY IS GREAT. No, not because I'm in a relationship. Because I'm not. Because I get to celebrate it with all of my loved ones and closest friends.

(By closest friends and loved ones, I do not mean people.)

Because theres so many people who only like being loved on one day in the exact middle of February, I get all this amazing candy. Like BRO. I love Reese's no matter what. But when those seasonal shapes come in, you've got me. It's like I'm a fat kid in heaven.

Oh wait...

Moving on!

Also, I love those hearts with messages. I get to tell myself that I'm loved and that I want to kiss myself.

Awkward...

One last thing. Because I know you're asking this. "Alex, when you do finally get in a relationship, will you stop buying that stuff for yourself?" Now lets not get out of hand. I'm a simple guy. So of course I...........will not stop buying those. Instead, me and my S.O. can share it!

Until Next Time, Alex

PS. The day after any holiday is better than any other day because of cheap candy and decorations.

10 Albums I Want To See Played Live Front To Back

Some albums will stand the test of time and others will become instant classics. In my life of listening to music, there have been a few records that have just been so good that I keep on revisiting time after time. Some of them I would give anything to see performed live front to back, as that's becoming a trend more and more. Here's a list of 10 of them. This list isn't in any particular order.


Switchfoot - The Beautiful Letdown

Switchfoot has been my favorite band for almost 5 years now. Although I knew of this album and listened to it since its release, I never really listened to the album and its lyrics until I started listening to the band more. Sure enough, the album just kept getting better the more and more I listened to the album (and it still applies today), the more and more I found myself listening to and relating to the lyrics. Now, almost 14 years since release, all I want is for the band to do at least one date in their hometown of San Diego and play this album in full. What a special night that would be.

Anberlin - Cities

How about another one from the golden age of Christian rock? Anberlin's breakout album turns 10 in just under a month, so I'm not ruling out anything just yet. Bands like Underoath and Boys Like Girls have reunited just to play a tour of their biggest album in full, with many more who are together playing 10 year tours and/or festivals. After hearing the live recording of this album, I can't help but hope each of the guys has a spark inside them to do one more tour to celebrate this record. I guess we will see what 2017 holds.

My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade

Even though My Chemical Romance ruled the mid-2000s, I never truly listened to them until last year. So far, The Black Parade is the only album I have listened to by them and despite how much I love the record, I haven't gone to check out their other material. With that being said, though, I heard none of their albums are anything like this one. And no album I have ever listened to is like this one. It is an amazing album from beginning to end. To me, its like if Elvis made a record in 2006.


Underoath - Lost In The Sound Of Separation

I can already tell you that this will be the only metal in this list, but it's just as deserving as the rest. When Underoath announced their Rebirth tour and that they were going to be playing Self Help Fest 2016, I knew I wasn't going to miss it. I also knew that I needed to refresh my memory on their music. So I listened to all their albums with Spencer front to back, and to me, this one is by far the best. Even they agree. I wouldn't knock them out for doing a 10 year tour for this album next year and if they do, I will be first in line for tickets.

U2 - The Joshua Tree

Now this one is happening for me, but I'm still going to put it on the list. I got blessed with growing up with great music. My dad would always be playing artists like Journey, U2, Stevie Ray Vaughn, among others. But there's one record that he played a lot that still sticks out to me. So much so, that I consider it, in my books, the greatest record of all time. I'm probably going to get tickets for their 30 year anniversary tour for this record and dang it, I can't wait.

Flyleaf - New Horizons

Flyleaf is one of those things that went away way too soon. But it's understandable and as sad as it is, I totally support them. To me, they didn't have a bad record but out of all of them, New Horizons is by far my favorite. I wish they would do one last tour with Lacey and play the 3 albums with her front to back because I just miss them so much.

Skillet - Comatose

Before Switchfoot, Skillet was my favorite band. I still love them, just Switchfoot's music has been there for me through hard times. Anyway, I used to jam this record so much back in the day. Being that its the album that really brought Skillet to mainstream success, I am honestly surprised that they didn't do a 10 year tour for this album last year. But that's besides the point. The second I heard Rebirthing for the first time, I was hooked. I then listened to the album and trust me when I say, its one of my favorites of all time.


Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

Coldplay was the hardest band to pick for just one album I want to see live in full. Their entire discography is just amazing and I love the fact that no 2 of their records are the same, musically and lyrically. Chris Martin is one of my biggest inspirations and what he does from album to album just amazes me. They are a phenomenal live band and this album played live front to back would be INSANE.

Thousand Foot Krutch - Welcome To The Masquerade

What an album this was. Thousand Foot Krutch had been playing music for over a decade when this album came out. I don't know what they did to make this such a great record but props to them. To me, this is their best record and that's funny, considering it was their last record before leaving their label. If you've never listened to this record, do it now. It's not too Christian and there is something for everyone

From Indian Lakes - Absent Sounds

Rounding out the list today is Yosemite-based Indie Rock artist Joey Vanucci, better known as From Indian Lakes. Normally, when I go to shows, I'm there for the main artist and to enjoy the opening artists, without buying anything from the opening artist. But, when I saw Relient K on their MMHMM 10th Anniversary tour, this guys (along with his supporting band) impressed me so much that I had to buy their CD. 2 years and a couple of months later, it is truly one of the best albums I have heard ever.

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I know 10 doesn't seem like a lot, but I'm keeping it at 10 for now so I can keep this post as short as possible. If you have never listened to the albums on this list, you seriously need to. I might do another one like this soon, as well so keep your eyes out.

Until Next Time, Alex

A Broken Heart Is A Beating Heart

Sometimes life can really hurt. It could feel like a semi truck just hit you at 200 miles per hour. And that is totally okay. I've been there and it totally sucks. I know. Although maybe I haven't found love yet, I have learn to be more okay with it, if you will. For some people its even harder.

The simple thing here is to trust in God. That's really the only way you're going to get anywhere in this life. I go to an amazing church and am blessed to have so many married or engaged or dating couples in the church. (Literally I think I'm one of maybe 2 or 3 people that aren't in some kind of relationship. Sure, when I'm in public it hurts when I'm walking behind a couple and they're holding hands, kissing, etc., but I have learned to accept it, if you will. My pastors have told me a couple times that the desire to be in love is from God and nowhere else. And whoever God has planned for you has a very similar, if not identical, love history as you or me.

I know getting love advice from someone who has never actually been in love is a little cliché, but at the same time, it really isn't. Unlike many (not all) couples, I've experienced being lead on, played with, used, you name it, I've more than likely been there. The thing with the world, though, is that it puts far too much pressure on being in love, having sex, etc. But God doesn't put pressure on any of it. You know why? Because He is love. If you have Him, you really don't need anything else. God isn't out to get you. But Satan and the world are. It'll all look up from here. And if you're reading this right now and have a broken heart, that means that you are breathing. If you're breathing, you have a beating heart. I know at least one of my friends needs to hear this tonight. Do you?

Until Next Time, Alex

An Open Letter To Dean Spanos

Dear Dean Spanos,

Yesterday, when I went to eat lunch at the Fuddrucker's here in Orlando, I didn't even think that they would have ESPN on. Well, they did. I went from about to enjoy a good burger to seeing what the TV screens said and feeling absolutely crushed and sad and even a little pissed off. I'm 2435 miles away because I'm on an internship. But when you announced that, it felt like someone close to me had died.

 I was born into a Chargers family. I was born in 1994, the one season we made the Super Bowl. The day of the Super Bowl was January 29th, 1995. I was just over 5 months old, so I don't remember a thing. But there is one thing that I do remember because we have it documented in a picture. It's me on my dad's lap as he cheers on his and my team. Were we finally going to be the first San Diego sports team to bring home a championship trophy? No. In my 17 years of being able to watch the team and actually understand what is going on and who is playing, I remember some of the greatest players this game has ever seen. Junior Seau, LaDanian Tomplinson, Darren Sproles, Malcom Floyd, Antonio Gates, Drew Brees, and Philip Rivers are some of my favorites. I used to have a Gates jersey and now I have an LT jersey signed by King Dunlap, Hank Bauer, among others. Now I want you to ask yourself something. It might be emotional but it needs to be asked. "What would Junior say about this if he was still alive?" Junior grew up in San Diego, Played High School and College ball in San Diego. Then in 1990, his dream of playing for his hometown team came true. He was a great guy. Who loves San Diego. Just like me. Just like millions of your other fans. San Diego is the greatest city in the world. Don't you tell me otherwise. Los Angeles isn't bad either, besides the traffic. But the Chargers. Their colors, their legacy belongs in SD and nowhere else. I know the deal is done and there is no turning back now. Just like many of your fans, we can no longer call ourselves fans of the Chargers. It's not the team. It's not the staff. It's you. One selfish and greedy man singlehandedly messed it all up. And that man is you. I don't hate you, Mr. Spanos. I don't hate anyone. But at the moment, you have left a very bad taste in my mouth, as well as other people's mouths.

I will forever remember going to FanFest every year. And for the past 3 years there, I have proudly given blood. I've taken pictures with the beautiful Charger girls. And I've met some awesome people. September 18th, 2016 was my first and last Charger game. I had a fever and almost didn't go. But I went. Just in case you made the decision to leave SD. I'm glad I sat through the misery because it was an awesome game.

Thank you, Mr. Spanos for 22 years of memories that will live on forever in my heart. I wish you nothing but good luck in LA, but January 11th, 2017 was my last day as a Chargers fan.

Thank you for your time, Alex Vanderspek