First Hand

I've always had an issue with people telling me "oh, don't see that movie; it was awful!" or "don't even bother trying that brand; it's no good." 

Have you heard the saying "Don't knock it til you try it"? I totally back that statement. Yes, something may not appeal to you, but that doesn't mean I won't like it (and vice versa). And I'm finding that this philosophy is true, even at Disney.

I was scheduled to work in a new location today-- the Magic Kingdom's Crystal Palace. Perhaps you've been there? Well if you haven't, it's a restaurant buffet-style, with a breath-taking view of Cinderella's Castle. Winnie the Pooh and his Hundred Acre Woods friends visit guests there. I ate at Crystal Palace during my very first Walt Disney World trip, and I loved it! But I find that experiencing an attraction as a guest is completely different than working at the attraction...

Last week, I told some work friends that I was working Crystal Palace. In unison, from the girls I was talking to and complete strangers that overheard what I said, they groaned "YOU MEAN CRYSTAL PRISON!!!!!!!!!" 

Crystal. Prison. 

Prison.

As a first time Cast Member... this is not exactly encouraging. I worked at two other dining locations before Crystal Palace, and...well, I did fine at those. They were not necessarily my favorite, but it wasn't bad. 

But from what everyone else was saying, Crystal Prison, er, Palace was a million times worse than any other dining location. And I could never get a straight answer as to why that was. 

I decided to buck up. After all, I was already scheduled, and I wasn't going to opt out of it. So today, I arrived at my location with anxiety woven into every single fiber of my being. I was not looking forward to this. Crystal Prison kept repeating over and over in my head. What horrors awaited me there? What kind of place was I going to? I had never been friends with my character before; would that make things even worse?

Before I even arrived on set, I had this day scratched off as bad. 

Well, now that I'm at the end of the day... I rebuke the name Crystal Prison!! 

Crystal PALACE was absolutely wonderful. I've never enjoyed working at a dining location as much as I enjoyed this place. For the most part, the guests were very sweet. My attendant (shout out to you, Miss Beverly!) was incredible. I mean this lady acted like a second mother to me, making sure every need was met. Crystal Palace was so much fun! 

And to think that I almost let my day be ruined by other people's opinions! Let this be a lesson to us all... don't be afraid to experience things for yourself! Go to that movie that 

everyone else said was too cheesy. Read that book that your best friend's sister said was soooooo cliche. Try a restaurant that has caught your eye, but isn't well known so you don't want to take a chance on it. You are you, and they are them. Two different minds with most likely different opinions. 

Who knows? Taking a chance and experiencing something for yourself can lead to some pretty awesome stuff. Take it from someone who knows :)