TCC offers a cornucopia of knowledge and training.
Everything from math to science, from drones to code, the College can help prepare anyone for the working world.
Take Lydia Mauldin, our resident expert on all things Disney parks. By day, Lydia leads teams in our Admission department, making sure the College is represented well in all the area high schools and beyond. If enrollment is up, Lydia and her teams have had a hand in it. And she can’t enter a room without lifting everyone’s spirits. If you need a book rec, she’s got one.
But her passion is Disney, and it’s all better conveyed in her own words …
“My love for Disney grew while working there, first at Hollywood Studios’ Fantasmic!, an open-air nighttime spectacular, then at Tower of Terror, the Twilight Zone-themed elevator drop ride. The best perk of working there? Free park admission! I spent every spare moment exploring the property.
“My brother later joined the program and now lives in Florida, and my husband, who had never been before meeting me, is now a total fan. Disney can be magical for everyone, but knowing a few tricks makes it even better. And yes — as I type this, I’m counting down to my next trip in February 2026!”
Here are my Top 5 must-know Disney tips:
- Skip the bottled water. Don’t pay $6. You can bring in food and drinks to every park. I always pack a water bottle (there are refill stations) and grab free cups of water at quick-service or sit-down spots.
- Stay on Disney property & consider Skyliner Resorts. If you’re in Orlando just for Disney, it’s worth it. The free transportation to parks is unbeatable, plus you sometimes get early entry. Skyliner resorts are elite. Caribbean Beach Resort is a favorite; the Skyliner takes you straight to Hollywood Studios or EPCOT without waiting for buses.
- Best times to visit. Right after school starts in fall (after Labor Day) or spring (before Princess Weekend in late February) means cooler temps and lighter crowds. Avoid holidays. Christmas through New Year’s is chaos.
- Plan your trip. Don’t “wing it” your first time. There’s too much to see and do. Genie+ and Lightning Lanes are worth it to skip long lines. Whether you want to meet characters or ride rides, everything has a line, so make a list of priorities before you go.
- Check special events. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separate ticket, but you get in from 4 p.m. to midnight and enjoy lighter crowds — make it your Magic Kingdom day. EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival is also a must; over 30 booths mean you can snack your way through lunch and dinner without a formal reservation.