The beginning of the end

I’ve recently had an email from housing saying that I have only 6 weeks left and I need to send them my details for leaving the country. That’s insane. I can’t believe that its come around so quickly! I well and truly have the fear now. In so many respects I am ready to leave, but then I think of saying goodbye to everyone and seeing wishes fir the last time and I really start to get upset. So for now I’ll think instead about all the exciting things I have done!

The best thing that has happened since my last post was that I went home for a week. When I applied for the programme I originally decided I wouldn’t spend money on returning home when I could spend the money on another trip somewhere else. But my cousin was getting married while I was away and she asked me to be bridesmaid, and that completely changes it for me and I knew I had to be back. And actually, even without the wedding I was so glad to be back. I have recently started to miss home terribly- I think its because now I’ve been sway for so long that it’s really hit me. After being home for a week, I really appreciated what I have here in america and its helped me enjoy the last few weeks even more. But it also made me less nervous about coming home St the end of my programme. I currently have zero plans as to what I’m going to do when I return and was getting a bit worried about it, but just being at home with my family and my pets made me so happy that I know it’ll be fine and I’ll be able to figure things out when I’m ready. So I would now actually really recommend going home to people. Yes, flights are expensive but it helps change your outlook on a lot of things for the better, and helps you look on the programme with fresh eyes.

In America though I’ve also had some pretty sad times now becssue so many of my friends have now finished their programme. One of the nice traditions that we do is called last tables. Your last day is always an am shift on the Wednesday, and anyone who is not working comes in to eat at the restaurant to be served by whoever is leaving, and I’ve done that twice now where both times several people have been leaving that day. It’s so weird as these are the people theta in’ve soent most of my programme with and have been some of my closest friends, and not having them around isn’t very nice at all. I keep coming into work and expecting to see one of them. I know we’ll see each other again, but it just won’t be with the regularity of ease as it is here, but it’ll be so nice to have friends back home with whom you’ve made so many wonderful memories.

On mine and Amy’s last night together we went to magic kingdom and tried to get in at Be Our Guest, the beauty and the bests themed restaurant inside the beasts castle. Reservations run out months in advance, so the best way to get in is to keep going to the podium and seeing if there are any cancellations. We waited outside for an hour before there was room, but we finally got in! It was well worth the wait as the restaurant is beautiful and so well themed. There’s a study room, the west wing (where we ate) and the ball room, and you can meet the beast in his study as well. The food was ok-nothing special compared to other Disney restaurants, but the atmosphere was amazing and it was so special for me and Amy to be there as we’d been talking about doing it for months, and it was the last thing we did together just us two.

I’ve done a few more resort strays as well- contemporary( where we stayed club level so had all the free food, and and an amazing view of magic kingdom and wishes from our balcony) Coronado springs, old key west and the treehouse villas at Saratoga springs. The treehouses were absolutely incredible, as they sleep up to 8 so we had a larger amount of people go and a living room where it was nice and easy to chill out. When I went home I booked a resort stay for the night before my flight home and the night I returned from home. A taxi to the airport is about $40 and with cast discount and splitting between us a room isn’t that much more expensive, and you get free transportation to the airport and its a much nicer experience. And it was so lovely to come from home straight to all my friends saying they’d missed me. Made me feel very loved ❤
So on to nights out- still a big part of the programme! I still go to lasses regularly, and I even now have a position which was fantastic and completely unexpected on my part. I’m songbird, which means I have to make sure everyone is singing and changing our songs- for fun when we’re in the taxi and when we’re playing the other countries to show us as one nig team working together. All very noble haha. One thing I will say is this year I have become a much better drinker- I can stomach beer now which I couldn’t before (we play with beer for the games so you have to be able to drink it) and I’m getting better at downing it when we play waterfall, so I’ve divinely achieved that this year!

There have also been quite a few more throw ins as we’ve had lots of large groups arrive-again some really great people. I do love throw ins because they’re in bars not clubs so you get a good chance to talk to people that you sometimes only see on nights out. Theres a lovely atmosphere, I think because every can’t help but think of their own throw in and how much has changed since their own throw in. I’ve also been to backbooth a few times which I love, and Ibar which is cheesy music that isn’t my thing but I have a good night with everyone anyway. The one place I haven’t been to in agesis House of Blues. Its my favourite club of all time and I’ll probably miss it more than some of the parks so I need to make sure I get back there. There was also another international party in glitz, which is basically like a big happy Mondays meet up but none of the games, just dancing and unlimited alcohol(when you can actually get to the bar). Cracking night out. Me and Sammy have also been to city walk a few times, which is universals version of downtown Disney but. uch better because its a night out for grown ups not kids. They have some really nice bars there, including a karaoke kne but where you are backed up by a live band! We’ve had some really nice nights there, and I’m glad we went even though we kind of started quite late into my programme.
In city walk as well there is the hard rock hotel, where I went to see Deep Purple play. I was so excited when I knew they were touring and made sure I had an am shift so that I would definitely be able to make it and it was well worth the effort. All of the band members are really old now nut they still put on a great performance, and they’d included some really interesting elements into their set, like when all the lights were turned off except for ones at the end of the drummers drumsticks which also lit up the back screen in time with the best which was really cool.

In the cinemas in city walk as well they also put on a live rocky horror show as they show the film, and that was really entertaining. I’d never seen the film before and I think you need to know it to get all the jokes from he film. Nevertheless it was a great laugh and I would love to do it again.

Halloween Horror Nights have also started at universal- me Sammy Jen and Annie went last night. They have a rocky horror show there which is a shortened version of the show and with universal show-ability it was amazing! They also have scare zones where people come and frighten you as you walk around, and of course the scare houses. I’ve done them before at home but was all of a sudden really scared to do it and wanted to back out, but the others helped me and and I ended up really enjoying them. I’ve nought a frequent fear pass so I’ll be able to go as many times as I want for the next month or so so I’m hoping to go again a few times. Mickey not so scary has also started. I’ve got a ticket to go in a few weeks, but I’ve already seen the fireworks as I went with Chloe to see them from the contemporary which was lovely. I saw fanstamic that night as well (taking any opportunity I get to do these things now I’m near the end) and after hallowwishes we sat on the beach for a while and I really knew I was so lucky to be here.

Ive also had a new roommate move in we had a bunked installed a few months ago but no one came, but now aya, my Japanese roommate has moved in. She is really lovely actually- she’s going to be working guest relations in animal kingdom lodge so our ours are basically going to be opposite. Only bad thing is that with three of us and all our stuff in the room it is VERY crowded and I honestly feel like I’m living ins hostel room, which I resent a little bit as after a long day at work I want to come back to a room I feel comfortable in.
Last bit of good news- I finally ticked one of the major things off my bucket list and went skydiving! We went to the skydiving space centre which is next to the Kennedy space centre, which is about an hours drive. It was me will Ashleigh and Sammy. We did the highest tandem fall in the world-18,000 feet! We were all tricking it before the jump, especially as there was so much waiting around to do. But then after all that waiting it happened really quickly and they barely gave you enough time to think. I would recommend anyone to do it- the feeling was indescribable. It was expensive, especially as for something like that you want to buy all the photos and videos you can, but it was worth every penny.

So, that’s a quick overview of the last month. I can’t even fit all of the wonderful smaller things that have happened over here into this post. Will miss it all so much when I got home
Until next time xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

where is the time going??

Another couple of crazy months have passed by. All of a sudden I’ve become one of the more senior CRPs in the pavilion, who only has 2 months left. I’m one of those that sees people in the merchandise shops and have no idea who they are, and who struggles to remember all of the new people on podium. Its so weird- I couldn’t ever imagine it happening but it has!

It’s been incredibly strange to see the pavilion completely change. Most of the people that I worked with on podium have now left, and not one person on podium currently worked with me, and its been like that now for a while. Everything looks different. Not necessarily better or worse though. In general I enjoy it, simply because I am so comfortable here now that I no longer feel shy speaking to people I don’t know, and I know where I am in the programme. I’m happy to see that there are a lot of nice people coming into the pavilion, and despite the fact that ill see them comparatively shortly on my programme id like to think we can still be friends. It’s nice to see them with their whole programme head of them, even though I don’t envy them at all as I am so happy to be where I am right now.

The last few months have been cracking. The job itself- serving- I love. I really do. Its challenging (or it feels so after podium) but yet not ridiculously hard. Theres a lot more scope to have fun with it and you generally work more independently, which I prefer as you’re not relying on other people. And it sounds cheesy but most of the time I genuinely enjoy speaking with my guests. Don’t get me wrong- some of them are dicks, but a lot of the time you meet genuinely nice people. I’ve even had about 5 separate families over the last few months give me their email addresses and say that if I ever need a place to stay when I’m in their city I’m welcome to stay with them. First time it happened I was dumbfounded. Whether I take them up on the offer or not (i’d like to think I would one day, but maybe it would be a bit weird) it is the thought behind the offers that count. And you never know, maybe one day I’ll tour America and run into all my guests again!

Sometimes at the end of the night I’ll have one table left, and want them to go so I can get home. But them I’ll begin talking to them and completely forget about wanting to go home because we get into a really interesting conversation. It sometimes still shocks me how genuinely interested people are in where I’m from, and how I’m enjoying my time over here. They ask loads of questions- if I’m quiet I’ll stand and speak all day to them. the only time this becomes a problem is when I’m really busy. The last month or so has been astoundingly quiet ( which has meant more time off-yay!). But it was busier when I first began and it was hard to find the time to talk when you have a million and one other things to do. Its strange how stressful serving seems while you’re working when its not really. The worst thing that could happen is someone sends their steak back, realistically, but catch any of us in the kitchen when its busy and we’re stressed to hell worrying that someone’s waited more than a minute for some more ketchup! Its funny actually. I certainly don’t worry in work as much as I used to, as I try and keep in mind what it is at the end of the day, serving food, nothing more serious so there is no point getting stressed. And now that I’m comfortable in the job I don’t feel weeded even when I’m busy- experience really does help you keep things under control. I’ve also had the chance to train food running now which I enjoyed, even though once I became a server I stopped enjoying food running by itself.

So, on to more exciting things that I’ve been doing. I went on my first trip outside of Florida which was pretty cool. Me Lydia and Will went to Atlanta for a few days and had a great time. We rented a car and was going to split the driving between us. Problem was I only passed my test a week before leaving here and hadn’t driven since. I spent a bit of time driving but I found it stressful and nearly went into the wrong lane. Had some practice later and got better though, so I’m hoping ill improve my confidence in time until I can drive without another driver in the car keeping me calm!

In Atlanta we went to the coca cola factory, Georgia aquarium(which is so beautiful- I could have spent days there) and the martin Luther king area. The martin lither king centre was great- there was a museum exhibit, you could see his house and also the church where he preached. The coke factory was more interesting than I expected, although its not the original plant. We also spent a day in the six flags park. I have dreamed about going to a six flags park since I played roller coaster tycoon when I was younger, and the place did not disappoint. I couldn’t believe how many amazing roller coasters there were, I think there were like 9!

We drove back really late on the night. It was a seven hour journeys each way. on the day there it didn’t feel that long at all because we had so much to talk about, but it was harder on the way back because we drove through the night and we were all pretty tired. It was non stop though- when we got home I had chance for a ten minute sleep(well, nap) before getting ready for my next adventure…

THE DIAGON ALLEY GRAND OPENEING!!! after watching it be built for months and all the excitement and anticipation, universal studios finally released a date for the opening of dragon alley. Me and Sammy are big harry potter freaks, and Kathryn and us booked time off work and swapped shifts so that we would be able to go. We arrived at city walk, the entrance to the universal studios area at 4:30am because we wanted to be as close to the front as possible. We were amongst the first, as city walk didn’t even open until 5. We waited there for half an hour before being let through, then proceeded to the gates at the universal studios park entrance to wait for another hour or so, before being let into the area just outside of dragon alley, which is modelled to look like a street in London and where the knight bus is parked. It was a fantastic atmosphere. There were massive keenos there- all of the slogan t shirts, harry potter jewellery, and even full robes (despite the heat) were not uncommon. On the whole people were also very happy and friendly. There wasn’t too much pushing in or around and everyone was happy to chat. It was nice to see everyone there for the right reason and just wanting to have a good time

Diagon alley itself opened at 8,but because we were there so early we got pretty much to the front and just waited a while. when we looked back we could see quest were forming way back across the park, and we knew it was definitely the best thing we could have done to get there so early. The actual opening ceremony was great, there were some mini speeches, fireworks and banners… and then we were let in! One of the top moments of the hear was seeing it for the first time. The detail in it is simply beautiful. Everyone was cheering and clapping and the atmosphere was indescribable the gringotts ride is a lot of fun, but for me the best part is just wandering around the shops- the detail is such that you would think you was actually there. They also have a couple of great shows – Celestine warbeck the singer and a mystery play style re-enactment of the deathly hallows story. We ate breakfast in the leaky cauldron and left about 11. We didn’t go on the Hogwarts express because we were all dead on our feet- I hadn’t slept since the morning before and Kathryn had been out to lasses so we went home and I slept for the rest of the day. I’ve been on the express a few times since each way and its fantastic and a much nice way to go between the parks.

Another cool thing was that someone took my photo when I was entering dragon and put it up on the universal studios Facebook page, and its had loads of likes haha. I think they chose it because I had the deathly hallows sign painted on my cheek…
Me and some friends also took the opportunity to go to Tampa for a night… to watch kiss and def leopard! It was an incredible concert, the stadium was an open one so you could watch the sunset over the hill as they started to play. The show itself was unlike i’d ever seen from a rock concert before. Lasers, fireworks, zipwires (fake) blood pouring from the demons moth, massive animatronic spider on stage… just amazing. I even bought a starchild costume to wear and all of us went with full on faxe paint and got loads of compliments 🙂

Some good restaurants that I’ve eaten in that I would recommend are chefs de France, crystal palace, chef mickeys and hoop de doo revue (the last one for the atmosphere more than the food). Ive stayed in a few more resorts also, and I now have 8 left before I’ve stayed in them all. 8 resorts in 8 weeks. Lets do this!
My friend from home visited for 17 days. I unfortunately didn’t bet as much time off work as I would have liked but we still had a great time together catching up and I saw her as much as I could around work. She did the college programme last summer, and we had bonded over Disney when she had her placement arranged and I was applying for the crp. She worked for 3 months on the j-1 visa in the haunted mansion, and on our day in magic kingdom she was telling me loads of interesting stuff. A friend of hers also visited with her, but we had a couple of unfortunate nights were both of them, on separate days, became ill and had to go to hospital for some medicine. Luckily it was nothing major but I have to say it was kinda cool getting to go in an ambulance and seeing an American hospital. One of the drivers used to work as a pyrotechnic wxpert in Disney and helped design loads of shows- like illuminations which I see every night! So he was telling me loads of interesting facts… goes to show you never know where you are going to meet people!

I also celebrated forth of July! I was scheduled a pm but wanted to work an am so I could enjoy the evening off, luckily loads of people wanted to work it so it was easy to swap. I had a few drinks from the world with people from work and ate in the rose and crown before the fireworks began. and the were spectacular- might have guessed how much effort the Americans would out into them!
Other stuff that’s been happening… we discovered a new club downtown. On a Friday night a club called backbooth plays 80s music. Me will and drew went one night hoping for a rock night out. It was nothing like what we expected but the bartender suggested the 80s night so we came back to that and now its one of the regular nights out for some of the pavilion was proud to have started that.
So, more things have happened. more meals out, film nights in and everything in between its crazy to think of now busy life is out here. But its great. Just trying to focus on fitting as much in as possible in the next two months!
Love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Miami, Christmas and the New Year!

Wow, what a time it had been recently! I feel like so much has happened since I last updated this blog!

The first big thing that happened is that I took my first trip outside of Orlando- to Miami no less! I was chatting to Tom about travelling saying that there were so many places I wanted to go that I didn’t even really know where to start, and he asked if I wanted to go with him and Ashleigh, a lovely south African girl from our arrival group to Miami for a few days. We all had the Wednesday off, and him and Ashleigh had Thursday off also- I had the Tuesday off instead, but luckily Sammy wanted to swap so we did that and it meant I could go!

On the Wednesday we got up super early and got the bus into the dolphin resort, where we picked up our car, as Tom drives. We took the toll road down as it was the quickest way, even though it cost us like an extra $20, but it did mean that we got there in just over 4 hours. Tom and Ashleigh had found a backpackers hostel right on South Beach which was just over $22 a night which I thought was pretty sweet- there was a big parking lot nearby for us to use ans it was only a few minutes walk from the beach-and what a beach! It was absolutely beautiful, and even though it was December it was still wonderfully hot and pretty busy. We had a walk up and down the beach and the over the front and had a little explore. The area has a lot of art deco buildings as it was that period that Miami seemed to get its big boom, and it was incredibly beautiful. It looked just like what I imagined it to look like but more so- the art deco buildings, neon lights and palm trees. That night we headed to a sushi restaurant and had another wander through town.

The next day we agreed we didn’t want to spend only at the beach, so we got the bus downtown, and then walked for ages in search of an area called Wynnewood. We must have walked for about an hour and a half and went through some really dodgy areas that made me glad that it was the daytime- at one point we had to walk over train tracks and I honestly wondered if it would be worth it…but it so was. So Wynnewood was this really poor area in Miami (hence the scary outskirts) and all of these graffiti artists suddenly started to decorate the area. But not just a few graffiti tags-the covered entire walls and streets with massive art works that all try to make some sort of statement. Some of them were really breathtaking, and in fact there was a little gallery and bar set up for tourists like us. So we got to chat to someone about the history of the place and then have a drink and a bite to eat. It was definitely worth seeing and would tell everyone to see it if they get the chance.

 

After we went back downtown and got a bus into an area know as little Havana  this is where lots of Cuban immigrants came in the 60s after all the troubles in Cuba to settle and make a new home, and the area is indeed its own little community.  there were loads of cigar she, coffee shops and everything seemed to be in Spanish  we stopped and had a cup of coffee in this little corner shop which was actually a gorgeous cup of coffee, and just as we decided to have a mojito we were joined by a fellow traveller also having a wander around, who turned out to be in the wine business, so we had a good chat with him. The whole experience of being in a hostel, travelling and good conversations with strangers kind of reminded me of being a backpacker, and made me miss it so much! Just before it got dark we headed back and then had a great Mexican dinner on the historic Spanish street in south beach.  The whole trip was different to how I imagined a weekend in Miami would be-I guess I imagined more partying and shopping etc, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way as I had such a fantastic time.

We got up early again on the Friday as I had a safety training class  1:45. The journey was fine but the closer it got the more nervous I was that I would be late- Tom dropped me off in the guest car park and I ran through backstage and just about clocked in right on the dot! Best timing ever for sure.

On the 23rd I was sitting in the break room on lunch when Sarah came in for hers as well, and had the bright idea that we book a hotel for Christmas eve night, so that night we booked into all star movies. We both had Christmas eve off, so we checked into our hotel and then had a lovely afternoon in Epcot. I wasn’t feeling too well unfortunately as I was coming down with a cough that a few people at work had, so we didn’t stay too late, but instead headed back to the room and ate pizza and watched films! It was just what I needed actually, as the beds were so big and so comfy and as I don’t have a television it was a real treat to get to see a film.

The next morning, after a cracking nights sleep, we opened our presents, I had a secret Santa gift filled with chocolate and green tea (they chose well!) and a box of gifts from my dad. He’d chosen really thoughtful presents and they all meant a lot to me, as it just shows he knows me so well. It was more emotional than I was expecting it to be, but I just had to not let if get to me as I was working that day. I was actually scheduled to have Christmas day off, but I really wanted the experience of working Christmas so I took Maireads shift as she had flown home to surprise her family. Work itself was strange, as a lot of guests were actually in a bit of a bad mood and I think quite a few staff members were withdrawn because they missed home. But overall it was worth it, especially a few families who were so grateful we were working so that they could enjoy their Christmas! Another lovely present I had was from Anna- she had written me something called a four keys card.  In Disney there are four ‘keys’ to being a good cast member- safety, courtesy, show and efficiency, and these cards are written when you are recognised as doing one or more of these well.  I was so grateful for it, as merchandise people seem to hand them out quiet regularly, but they don’t seem so common in food and beverage, and it was sweet to feel like someone had taken the time to write one for me and it was nice to be recognised for working hard. After that I resolved to start handing them out myself to anyone that I saw being a good cast member. I also got one on Christmas day from a random member of staff after I fixed a rope that was a potential trip hazard, which was nice but pretty random.

A few days after Christmas I was randomly talking to a guest while stocking the condiment bar in chippie, and she said that her mother had fallen over on her way to Epcot and was in hospital for surgery, but had made her daughter and grandkids go into Epcot so as to not spoil their day. Poor thing seemed pretty stunned, so I told her to wait at her table for a few minutes and rushed into the Toy Soldier shop, and asked Danielle and Alex for some help to help her feel better. so we gave her a Winnie the pooh plush toy to give to her mother in hospital and wrapped its arm in a bandage, telling her that it wasn’t to be removed until her mothers arm was better. She was so happy and grateful, and I felt like I had really made a difference to her day. It was exactly this sort of thing that made me want to work for Disney, and I even got recognised yet again with a four keys card!

So in terms of me giving them out myself, I gave one to a girl who worked on Mission: Space, because she was wonderful with this young girl who was crying because she was so scared, and really took time to comfort her and make her feel better. Then on NYE (more on NYE in a moment) I had ordered a chocolate milkshake with my drink, but when I got to the counter they had ran out, and the girl who served me was so helpful about it, offering me any alternative (even more expensive things) and a desert to make up for it so I gave her one as well, and she was so happy for it I was glad I had taken 2 minutes to write one for her.

In other news, I had my first solo stocker shift on the 30th. I was nervous about it but Tom and Natalie gave me some help with it which was really appreciated, and overall it went pretty well-generally I managed to keep on top of things even though I obviously was nowhere near as good as Connor or Mark, who nearly always do it, but now that I’ve done a shift on my own hopefully I can start getting better at doing it. Overall I’ve been working more than previously, as I’ve been asked or have asked myself to come in early a few times and for Christmas week and new years week I have worked 6 days, and several shifts have been between 8-12 hours, when before I often worked only 6. I’m pleased to have more hours, even though it can be tiring!

New years eve I worked from 9 in the morning until 9 at night which was crazy. It meant that me and will, one of the newbies, had to open chippie, even though neither of us had opened since training, which seemed like a flaw in the scheduling. It was easy to be honest though as it’s basically opposite to closing chippie which we do every night, even though there were a few changes because they were expecting it to be so busy, one example being that we weren’t to sell any hot drinks because comparatively they take too much time to make. We also had to create a que line that extended much, much further than usual, and we had to pre bag many more cookies than usual because we would sell so many. For the first 45 minutes after opening, I thought everyone had been over reacting… and then the crowds came. And came. And came. An hour after opening, we had a que for chippie 4 times longer than I had ever seen it before, and it stayed like that ALL THE TIME. Most of us were working today, but we needed it. I was chippie filling for 2 hours, but we had 5 people inside rather than the usual two, and even with all the extra man power we just kept everything running on time. I had my first break at 12 and then took position on chippie register, but I’m pretty sure that inside they had at least 5/6 people working, plus 3 instead of 2 chefs. There were also 2 chippie stockers all day, which is a position that usually only exists for one person for a few hours, and there were 2 people doing the rest of the stocking.  Instead of the usual one, there were up to 4 people on beer cart. Everyone had to work so hard all time  and within a few hours I’m pretty sure many people were starting to get tired, but I have to say I’m pretty proud of everyone because we managed to get through the day well without any major mishaps. There was a terrible moment when on register we were told not to sell any fizzy fountain drinks because the machine had broken, but it was soon fixed and then things carried on as before. And what really impressed me was that all the managers and coordinators got stuck right in, even doing stocking and chippie filling when needed. So even though I was bloody knackered by thru time my shift finished, I left happy. I bumped into Sarah from HRC on the way out, and we got some food at the American Adventure (where I gave out the aforementioned four keys card) and then got a space to watch the fireworks. It was incredible actually, as Epcot had had a showing of illuminations at about half 6, for those with young families that needed to get home early on.  They then showed illuminations again at half 11, finishing with the Christmas section for the last time. For the final 5 or so minutes before the next year was about to start, they listed in turn which countries had celebrated their new years at one time, listing them in order. So china and Japan had celebrated theirs first, so they had a mini firework display set of in turn behind each of their pavilions set to themed music. They did this for all the countries around the world showcase, and the fireworks for the UK was set to Rule Britannia, and was had red white and blue fireworks.  it was way more emotional that I thought it would be, especially because at 7 in the evening everyone had cheered for the UK and I had had to not let myself think about it too much because I didn’t want to get upset while I was working thinking about everyone back home. But watching the UK fireworks was incredible, and it made me so incredibly proud to be working in Disney. And the fireworks that went off at 00:00 were literally the best I have ever experienced, especially with the atmosphere of everyone there cheering and singing and hugging each other. I just couldn’t believe that I was ending one year and opening another in such a wonderful place with so many wonderful people, and it’s made me excited all over again for the time I have left on the programme.

So, happy new year everyone! I hope you all get what you dream for in the new year

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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• Miami, May 2012, just visited for the day, but completely worth it (funkyellasuk.wordpress.com)

No longer the newbie!

As of this week me and Tom are no longer the newbies at work! We’ve had another arrival group, which includes 3 people in food and beverage, so it’s another pretty small group. I first met them last Thursday for their throw in, and they all seem really lovely which is cool. But it was incredibly strange to see them in the some position that I was just a few weeks ago, and to know that they are at the very start of their Disney journey. Quite emotional actually! It’s also nice knowing that it’s getting closer and closer to the girls that I met in Manchester coming out. I don’t at all want to wish my programme away but I am really looking forward to them being here!

We had another Disney housing event as well late week- the Winter Formal. Disney hired out a couple of the Ball Rooms in the Contemporary Resort, and organised buses to take us there from housing, where they had food and a DJ and characters to meet! It was a wonderful event to be part of, because everyone dressed up lovely and it was great to see people making the effort. After a few of U went for some drinks in Applebee’s, and theonly downer on the night was that we wanted to get into Vista only so we could get the bus home, but you’re not allowed in any of the complexes that aren’t your own after 2:00, so we was told we could only come in if were we willing to receive a housing point or warning or something, which we didn’t want, so we had to walk home. That was a bit annoying, they really need to change that system as I would be none to happy if I had to walk back on my own.

I’ve done an awful lot of eating out recently, which has been good and bad. Good, because the food is incredible! Sometimes I’ve gone into work early to go to one of the other pavilions , usually Morocco or Japan for some lunch before work with someone, so it’s social as well. But with that and not going to the gym I was starting to feel a bit podgy! So I’ve tried to reduce my casual eatings out now, and the other good thing about that is that it actually saves quite a lot of money, which I want to try and out towards bigger things like a mini break! It’s finding a balance, as I don’t want to never go out, but also don’t want to be ridiculous at spending. It helps that I’ve started doing better at grocery shopping so I can make proper food to take in with me instead of just snacks. I’ve started taking in things like Pasta to heat up at work, which is a bit healthier and a lot cheaper!

Talking of money, I’ve now also opened a proper bank account here. I have a checking account, which is basically a current account, and a savings account. I actually feel a lot more settled having a proper bank account now, and it wasn’t too hard to set up- me and Tom went up to Disney University on the bus and we only had about half an hours wait before we were seen, and we’d heard it could be much longer, It means that if we want we can put our money into a savings account where we are less likely to spend it!

On my mornings before work I’ve tried to be more productive, so that means grocery shopping, or increasingly going to the gym. Maybe because I’ve never had a full time job before, but I’ve found it exhausting trying to work out and go to work! Still learning to grow up I guess haha.

Work is still fantastic, I can honestly say I do really enjoy it- sometimes, especially after a day off, I would prefer to go to a park or something, but as soon as I get into work I cheer up. Surprisingly I’m really enjoying working in the chippie, despite much preferring podium to begin with. One of the reasons may the moment podium is much busier than usual because of candlelight. Anyone who comes in the candlelight package, which is most of them, have to be in and out quickly in order to make it to the show on time, so tables get turned over quicker. This means more tables are needing to be bussed and sat. Also, because guests have made reservations quite far in advance, they expect to get whichever tables they want- outside if its warm, or inside of its cold and/or windy. If they don’t get what they want them some of them can get really quite rude, more so than guests before candlelight. Whereas at chip shop guests seem more happy in general, and I’ve had some lovely customers recently who I’ve had nice conversations with, especially if it’s quieter and I can spend more time with them.

Some times we’ll also get assigned to tasking, which is basically doing small jobs for between 1o minutes and an hour and a half. I usually do bits of stocking in this time a it is a useful job, and I’ve had some longer conversations here when guests start chatting to me and I know I have the time to talk to them as I don’t have a proper task which is nice.

On another Disney note, I saw Frozen at the cinema the other day, and it was so good! I enjoyed every second of it, mainly because the songs and animation are so beautiful!

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A whole month!

1 month down , 11 to go! God that’s depressing. This whole experience is going too fast! I feel like I’ve only been here for 2 weeks, even though I feel settled and comfortable now. The strangest thing is that I know next week there are some new people coming, so I will no longer be the newbie! I am looking forward to some more people arriving- everyone was so great to me when I arrived that I want to do the same for someone else!

So this week I’ve been mixing it up by doing things other than working, drinking and going to one of the parks. Last Wednesday housing put on an event for thanksgiving, where they gave us a free dinner and put on some music and brought out some characters for us! It took place in some fields in one of the housing complexes and it had a great atmosphere, and the food was actually well tasty! It was nice to have a night out that was a bit different instead of drinking or gong for a sit down meal, and it gave me a chance to meet some of those working in merchandise that I haven’t seen much of yet which was very nice.

meeting Donald at Thanksgiving

 

The next day I met up with several others from the UK and we went to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood studios- my first time park-hopping! It was fab because it was so quiet- we got on the safari ride, expedition Everest, tower of terror and rock n roller coaster several times each! It rained quite heavily at one point but even so it was a fun day, especially when the Christmas lights came on. It was a shame that fantasmic got cancelled because of the weather,  but I know that there is plenty oft time to see it!

I also went to the cinema for the first time since being here to see Caching Fire. It was weird being in a cinema again as it feels like it’s been ages but the film was really good and now I can’t wait for the next one to come out.  I took advantage of having afternoon start at work to go to Cici’s for a $5 pizza buffet with Sarah and have a look around the World Showcase. It was nice being in Epcot as a guest and not a cast member- it’s something I really haven’t done enough, so will try and do it more often!

I have also now completed my final training shifts! One role was beer cart which I only trained on for an hour but is pretty simple. The final role was the one I was dreading most was stocker. In this role, you have to; make sure that all the condiments, trays, cups, cookies, etc etc in the chippie are stocked; ensure that the kegs in the kegroom are full, and change them if they are not; make sure the soda machines are well stocked; keep the fridges in the bar stocked; keep the kitchen fridge stocked; beer cart stocked. I think that’s it. So basically you do all the running around and making sure that the other cast members have everything they need to perform their job. There’s a lot of lifting and running around and up and down stairs in this job, but the good news is that because you are kept busy the shift goes very fast. I had 2training shifts which actually didn’t go bad, but the park was relatively quiet. I am slightly concerned that on busy days it’s going to be incredibly hectic, and probably very stressful as everything needs stocking more regularly and people will be barking orders down the radio left right and centre. Still, I will cross that bridge when I come to it! But the main thing is that now I have done all my training I can safely say there is no job that I dislike so I can continue to have fun at work everyday!

Went to lasses again on Monday and we ended up at  karaoke bar! I loved it but I didn’t sing haha. We played flip cup as usual, and I swear I really need more practice as I am rubbish at it! And then last night to celebrate being here for a whole month, some of our arrival group went to Applebees for some dinner and drinks. 3 of us from the UK went, but in total there must have been 25 of us from all different countries. It was a cracking night and it was lovely to see how everyone was getting on in their respective jobs.

So another fab week. I am sad that this experience is going so fast- it just keeps reminding me to make the most of being here!

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Traditions, training and four loko

Another busy few days, so I thought I would update before I start forgetting things!

After my last post I skyped my Dad for the first time since arriving which was really nice, and then I caught the bus from commons over to Vista Way where we had some more immigration work to take care of. For some reason none of my hire documentation was online, but the staff were great and said they would take care of all of it and I was not to worry. While waiting in the que I sat next to a girl who recognised me from the facebook group which was nice, so I got the bus home with her and we had a nice chat. On the way to Vista I had bumped into my friend Sammy who I had met at both the interviews and Manchester, so I was well excited to see her, She invited me round to her flat on the night for pre drinks before going out to Downtown Orlando, which I of course accepted!

In the afternoon Alex met me Kim and Anne Marie to show us the outlets that are near by and some of the supermarkets that are in walking distance. One thing that really struck me was how friendly everyone was- even in the small stores the cashiers greeted us really warmly which I was SO not expecting! It was useful to have chance to go to another supermarket and I came away with a fair bit of stuff (including nandos sauce).

I was pretty tired when I got back, as I think the jet lag had caught up with me, so I went back home after Vista to do a bit of tidying and to have a nap. It was so hard to get up as I honestly felt like I could have slept through the night, but I managed to get up and cobble together a Halloween outfit. To be honest it was basically a big football shirt but I used some eye shadow to try and look like I had bruises- not the best but pretty good for my limited resources! I went round to Sammy’s place as she lives in the same complex as me and bless her she had bought me a can of four loko to celebrate my arrival! I got to meet quite a few more of the Disney CRPs and they were again really lovely, so it was great to get to meet them, Then we went clubbing in downtown Orlando! I had so much fun and I found downtown…interesting haha. Was definitely feeling it in the morning though, so I took advantage of the day off to have a decent lie in. Then Kim’s friend Josh came to see her- they had met in their own interviews, which took place before mine, so us three went out for a little wonder round the shops and explored the local area. Then me and Kim chilled in our room for a bit before deciding to go out to Downtown Disney again to have another wonder which again was great- the atmosphere was brilliant as there were so many people and types of music. I still can’t wrap my head round the fact that I’ll be here for a year!

Next morning was the day that I had been waiting for…Traditions! We got up really early to get ready into our first day of business attire and then get the bus up to the Disney University (yes, such a thing exists).  The day was to basically introduce us to the company- its past, present and future. Me Kim and Anne-Marie sat at a table with a lovely Canadian called Carolyn who we became fast friends with. The room itself was beautiful with a massive mural on eiother side of the room of Disney characters. I answered the first question correctly and got rewarded with a critter, which is a little figurine that you can only get in a traditions class. I got 2 more throughout the day, one fore being voted team other because me and my team won a round where we had to list as many Disney animated characters as possible. I was so happy to get  my little critters- I got Pluto, Donald and Daisy. The presenters were fantastic and gave us loads of useful and interesting stuff but gave it in a way that felt entertaining to listen to. We also got a tour around Magic Kingdom where the demonstrated different features which made the park as great an experience as possible, Even though it was raining really heavily I had a great time. As team leader I had to keep an eye on my team to make sure they didn’t get lost, but it was pretty easy as we all stuck together anyway.

I couldn’t believe when traditions was over, but I was excited to know what I would be doing next. On the way out Anne-Marie saw a friend also finishing her traditions, who had a car and took us to Mall at Millenia which is BEAUTIFUL to look at phone options, and to a supermarket so we could get some heavy stuff which was so kind of her.

And the today after I was back at Disney University for food training. It was mainly basic computer stuff so it was really boring but I got chatting to some nice people and went to the costume building after to get my GORGEOUS (lol, jokes) non-slip shoes for work. I get to finally go to EPCOT for work tomorrow which I am so so excited for as I’ll get to see where I’ll be working!

A lot can happen in a few days it seems! Will keep things posted as long as I am busy

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Less than 2 weeks left!

Been a while since I last posted so I thought I would give a little update 🙂

Since my last post several more people have had offers which is great news! There are 4 people left on our opportunity list, who are really nice girls, so I hope some more offers will be rolling out soon! I think that means around 7-9 people from our opp list now has an offer. I hope this helps people see that the opportunity list is not a bad thing at all, most of us have dates now and all the waiting has been completely worth it! Applications have now opened again, and I know some people who got through to the pre-screen interviews applied again. Unfortunately no many of them seem to have gotten through the first application stage, which is a real shame. It made me realise how lucky I am to be going to Disney on my first application. I think the first stage must be the hardest and I bet a lot of luck is involved, so to anyone who is applying please don’t be disheartened if you don’t get through the first stage.

I kept trying to log in to the Disney website in order to pay my programme assessment fee. It wasn’t letting me log in, and I wanted to make sure it was paid before I went, so I emailed Disney directly and they emailed me saying it should be working now- which it was! Not long after I got an email asking me to fill in an online form requesting which apartment complex and type I would like to live in. I put Patterson as my first choice and would like it to be a 3-bedroom, as I think 6 would be a nice number. Having said that, I don’t think I’ll mind too much where I go, as everyone I have spoken to says they love where they live, regardless of which complex they are in. I’ve put in to try and get an apartment with a girl called Kim who is arriving on the same date and who I have been speaking to loads

I did a practice pack today, to see if I can take everything I need in my luggage allowance. Luckily it went well, I packed most things and my suitcase came in at just under 30kgs, which is the upper limit I’m allowed to take on the plane. It made me feel better as I was concerned it was going to be too heavy, but it’s all fine!  Packing was well strange- trying to fit a year of your life into one suitcase! It still felt like I was packing for a holiday! Got me so so excited though so it was a bit of a shame when I had to put everything back.  It’s all starting to feel so real now! I just want to et over there!

I’ve done all of my shopping now I think. I plan to spend the next 2 weeks picking up any final bits and bobs, and saying goodbye to people. Will update when I have more to update on! Lots of love,

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50 days to go!

I’ve been excited since I knew I was going to Disney- even since I filled in my application form- but this week it’s really stepped up a notch! A few more people who are doing the CRP from other countries have gotten in contact with me, and I’ve been chatting to them and now we have a facebook group for our arrival date which has several nationalities in which is quite cool! We’re thinking of either meeting up on the day we arrive, or if we all get in too late meeting up the next day to get to know each other.

It’s SO good that people are making the effort to talk and meet with other people. This is what I love about the Disney atmosphere so far. All the people in my application group now feel like firm friends and some of the other UKers I’ve been chatting to have been so helpful and forthcoming with advice and help when I’ve needed it. I was really nervous at one point but because everyone is so nice any fears about meeting new people have gone out of the window. I’m also happy to be talking to people from other countries, because as I’ll be working with other people from the UK a lot I want to take any opportunity I can to get to know people from different countries.

Another milestone this week is that I (finally) got round to sorting my insurance out. Talking to people that are already over there (love facebook so much!) I decided to go with a 4 month plan with STA insurance and then switch over to Disney, as you can’t have Disney insurance until after 4 months of working with them. I rang STA and the woman I spoke to was great and really seemed to know what she was on about- she emailed me different plans and me and my Dad had a look over them to see which would be best. There was a premier, standard and budget, and I went for Standard, so I have good coverage for a wide range of things. The premier had options on it that personally I thought was a little excessive, and the budget one didn’t cover everything I wanted. I guess it’s just personal choice at the end of the day though. There was the option to have the year plan, which seemed like good value, but silly as it may sound I really like the idea of being as connected to Disney as possible so want to be insured with them, and I have heard that their service is excellent.

My visa appointment is this thursday, and me and dad have our tickets to London booked and plan to spend a full day there. Once my visa is approved I’m going to book my flight- I’ve wanted to do it for ages but I think waiting a few more days won’t hurt and I’ll have the knowledge that I am definitely going! Not that I can see any reason at all why I wouldn’t get it!

I also got very excited about luggage this week. I’ve ordered a new tote bag to use as my hand luggage figuring I can use it as a weekend or night bag for any trips that may happen over there. I was thinking about getting a new suitcase, but I can only see me making one or at most 2 trips using it so it may be a waste of money. My new bag is by Jasper Conran though, a lovely dark purple and really smart looking- I found it in Debenhams but managed to get it cheaper online.

Last week a couple of the girls who applied with me and some others I’ve chatted to on facebook flew out. I was major jealous seeing them on facebook but so glad they seem to be having a good time!  I remember when I got the call from Disney and they said I didn’t have long to wait I thought I may be going out on this date, as I knew lots of people were. I was really glad it wasn’t though, because a few months ago I had booked on to do a 10km muddy obstacle course which I’ve really been looking forward to. I would have obviously given it up to go to Disney, but it was nice to do both! We did it yesterday and I am still sore and aching. Here’s how we looked before…

And here’s how we looked after…

It was such an amazing day- I did it with my brother, his girlfriend and a few of their mates. I’m really close to my brother anyway, but doing something so challenging with him was amazing. It’s a great memory to take to America with me! I certainly hope to do another one when I return home (not that I want to think about that) and some of the others will be doing it while I’m away. Even though I’ll be living it up in Disney I’ll probably be a bit jealous!

Anyway, I shall keep you updated when more Disney stuff happens! Wish me luck for my visa appointment!

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Things feel better after a while

So I’ve had a long while to consider these results. At first yes, it was pretty disappointing. I felt sadder than I let anyone know. And it has been awkward when people ask me if I got the job at Disney, because I don’t know, and the opportunity list is kind of hard to explain. I just say I have to wait a few months longer, possibly a few months. They look a bit quizzical, and then the conversation turns to something else while I’m still thinking about Disney. I’ve been through phases of feeling not good enough. That I messed up my interview. That I’m that annoying person people are secretly hoping will just leave

But after a time to think I’m feeling much more positive. Like people have pointed out, if they didn’t like me, they would have flat out told me no. But they didn’t, and chances of me getting it are high. I’m not going to give up hope. About 900 people applied on the Yummy Jobs website, I am lead to believe, and I estimate around 30 of were either offered a place or put on the opportunity list. So not doing bad at all.

“I’m wishing…I’m wishing…for the [job] I love. To [phone] me…to [phone me] today!”

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Preparing for the Face to Face Interview

So the last few weeks have flown past, which is hard to believe. I’ve had lots of uni work to do which I guess has helped- it’s now my last term which is a pretty important milestone…though my mind is kinda on other things at the moment (Disney Disney Disney…). I can’t believe it’s come around so quickly! Today after uni I had to travel down to London ready for my 9:00am interview tomorrow. I got up early to pack my stuff and did (another) hair and make-up trial and packed all my stuff so I could head straight to the train station from uni, again ensuring I had all the relevant documents- CV, train and hotel information etc. I asked for opinions on my hair and make up from my friends (bless them I think they were astounded at how bloody anal I was being about the whole thing- though they did end up advising me to use less mascara on the bottom lashes) and ended up making my friends late for there lecture. One of them recently got a place on the Summer Programme though so I really wanted her opinion and help!

The last two weeks again I’ve tried to prepare, thinking of answers to possible questions etc. I feel more nervous about this one than the last interview as it’s the final hurdle so to speak. And this time, the interviewer won’t just be with Yummy Jobs- it will be with a full-on Disney employee!

Journey down to my hotel was fine. It felt nice to be navigating myself around a city I didn’t know very well, and I’d never been to Elephant and Castle before. I couldn’t make my mind up in the dark if it was a dodgy area or urban quirky- in any case I found my hotel with no bother. The room itself was excellent, especially for the price- nice double bed, wardrobe space and a large bathroom. It felt like a flippin sauna in there- though after it being so cold of kind of appreciated that and all I had to do was turn down the radiator.

Strangest thing happened while I was there- my cousin rang and told me she was in London as well! Not expecting that at all but a wonderful surprise as I hadn’t seen her in a while. We arranged to meet tomorrow evening after my interview.

Right, so now I’m hoping to have a pretty decent sleep so I can feel rested tomorrow. Wish me luck 🙂

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