Just say Merry Christmas already! Silly yanks.
Christmas in America was weird. It was strange not going to Meadowhall on Christmas Eve for last minute pressies and to see the lights and decorations, worse still was missing The Snowman on TV for the first year ever! The Snowman can kick every Disney cartoon's bum.
Christmas has been around since Thanksgiving here and that stupid Mariah Carey song has been played over and over and over! I hate it so much, it never leaves your head.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party wasn't all it was cracked up to be, nowhere near as good as Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party anyway. I had lots of fun but it was the people I was with that made it, not the actual event. I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone any way.
Over at Hollywood Studios there were the Osbourne family's spectacle of dancing lights (and no, they're not those Osbournes.) That was really cool. It only lasts about ten minutes to see the streets of America lit up in thousands and thousands of fairy lights which twinkle in time to the music but it's so pretty and best of all, it starts to snow...or should I say snoap? It's all bubbles but it looks so pretty you forget that it isn't actually snow. As an added bonus, the day I went to see them Hara was working over there and gave me a free Mickey Mouse ice cream!
At Epcot the candlelight processional has been going on. It's a choir singing hymns whilst a celebrity reads out the story of the nativity. When Jonathan and I saw it Abigail Breslin was the narrator, I was so gutted that I had missed Neil Patrick Harris but at least I knew who this one was. Most people I've spoken to found it a little boring or said they didn't know the songs, but I loved it. Maybe it's because I can't resist a good sing-a-long? It's practically impossible to get seats in the stage area though. JJ and I stood at the back for ages to get a good spot because there was no way I was queueing for two hours to get in there.
I haven't been over to Animal Kingdom to see their festivities (in fact I've only been there twice in the past three months!) but from what I gather they have a Christmasy parade and that's about it. Nothing too different.
I am now concierge trained so I've been spending most of my time at work explaining to guests why there's no dining reservations available in the Magic Kingdom at Christmas and why it has been booked up for the past six months (who leaves it until the 24th to book? Seriously!). Hopefully Raglan Road, the Irish pub over at Downtown Disney is good because that was the only place I could get people in at last minute so I was pushing it like Hell!
I was working from 4.30 Christmas afternoon so I had the whole morning off. It was a dreary day compared to the sunshine we've been having lately so I spent most of it inside. I called home in the morning and I spoke to my brothers for the first time in three months...I think my Mum made them talk to me! I didn't cry so that was good, the last time I spoke to them I was in tears over Frosty the Snowman and the Christmoose teddies we have. (I know, I'm sad!). Then some of my friends came round for breakfast and present giving. I got lots of Donald and Daisy Duck things, Jonathan even got me autographed photos of them! I'm going to look obsessed when I get home, but if you'd seen me when I met Daisy you'd already assume that about me anyway! I was going to make myself Yorkshire puddings and stuffing for dinner but I had a nap instead and then had the most tedious work shift ever. It was only six hours but it dragged so bad. All the guests were complainers, wondering why Magic Kingdom was at capacity, why Santa had only visited the lobby on Christmas Eve not Christmas Day, why we were open (I wondered that one myself) and I felt like I was talking to my FSA every two seconds to deal with guests demanding managers.
Boxing day was goooood. I had it off and the weather was glorious so I went to the pool to read my new book and go for a swim. It kinda made me feel like I was on holiday so I walked over to Walgreens and bought some Ruffles (not Jamon Jamon unfortunately) and Milka. I was scared about buying Milka because when I bought the Dairy Milk over there it tasted all weird and Hershey's-esque. I discovered afterwards that it was made under license from Cadbury's by Hershey's so it was a milky Hershey's bar in a Cadbury's logo. I was not a happy bunny. So, I was understandably cautious when buying my Milka, but lucily, it was the real thing. Then after dechlorining myself I joined Laura, Lucy and Karina at the outlets for some sale shopping before going to Bennigans, the pub next to Vista Way, for tea. It was pretty good. I was too full for dessert but their cake looked tasty! Afterwards we called into the other Walgreens for sweeties for Laura and I found Dr Pepper lip balm. I had to buy it. I'm going to have to buy up a stock to bring home with me as well. I love it!
So all in all it's been a pretty good boxing day, in fact it's been a pretty good Christmas season in general. Maybe it's the weather or working through it but it never really felt like December 25th so it was never really too difficult to get through it. I guess if I can get through this time of year I should be able to get through the rest of my programme pretty easily right? Let's hope so anyway.
"As long as there's Christmas I truly believe that hope is the greatest of the gifts we receive" - Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
Saturday, 27 December 2008
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Dancing through life
A guest posted this on youTube (it's kinda impossible to not spot me)
This is what I get paid to do! It's my favourite part of the day (in spite of the horrendous costumes). I wish I could do this all day long.
After a long and painful training process, I've just started on the concierge desk, it's so scary! Check-ins are easy, a monkey could do them, I want to go back to being that monkey!
Speaking of monkeys, I met Abu last night! It was amazing. It was right after the parade so Adventure Land in the Magic Kingdom was dead so I met Peter Pan and Wendy near Pirates (Peter had the hots for me and Wendy had the worst British accent EVER!) and then wondered over to the free hot cocoa place where we bumped into Abu and the Genie, tying each other to posts with their scarves! We were the only guests around so they spent about ten minutes playing with us (it ended with Abu and I going on a date while other people were queueing to see them! The character attendant had to drag the monkey back by his tail!) It was amazing. Possibly the best character meet yet.
The ones that might trump it are Belle and the Beast (which was also yesterday) because, well, they're the best! and Belle was telling me how jealous the Beast is of the yeti because he has his own ride, or Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. After standing in line for a little while listening to Jonathan making Pooh/poo jokes, bouncing up to a character and yelling WOOHOOHOOHOOO didn't seem that crazy, so we did! Tigger got excited and joined in...Pooh backed up all scared and started crying! Jonathan consoled him while I cuddled Tigger, which eventually lead to Pooh breaking into the robot Susanne-stylee! It was awesome. I was actually crying with laughter. The people behind us must have thought we were crazies, but oh well.
"Most everyone's mad around here" - Alice in Wonderland
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Americana
Well as my sister-in-law pointed out, it has been about two weeks since my last update (sorry) which means this one is going to uber long again.
Well in the past two weeks I've passed a few American rites of passage. I'll start with most yankee-fied symbolic one; I celebrated my first ever Thanksgiving in the States. As most CPs get lumbered with working the holidays whilst the full timers get it off to spend with their families, Disney put on a free Thanksgiving dinner for us over in Patterson Court on the Wednesday. Patterson is the newest of the housing complexes (the only one newer than my beloved Chatham Square). It's pretty nice, especially the pool area but I think it's a bit too nice, like a hotel. It's not where I'd want to live, it doesn't have it's own personality like Chatham and Vista Way do. it's just too new and shiny for the likes of me, plus when I walk through Chatham I sort of feel like I'm in Capeside! I love it!
Back to Thanksgiving, I only went over as a last minute thing with some people from work but I'm glad I did. It wasn't because of the food! I don't like turkey anyway but this was absolutely rank. The only reason people ate it was because it was free! I picked at a bread roll but it wasn't worth the effort. Apart from the food, I had a great time. I got to hang with new people, not just my fellow Brits for a change and I tried to figure out what the whole Thanksgiving thing was about (the most I got out of the Americans was turkey and football - the American kind, not the good kind). Best of all, we danced a giant Cupid's Shuffle around the pool! I love that dance. Please tell me it's as popular in the UK? If not, I'm going to make it popular when I get home. It better at least be out by the time I return!
On actual Thanksgiving I was the only person not working (and that was only because of a glitch in my scheduling) so I went on a wander to McDonald's for my Thanksgiving dinner. It was the first time I'd been to the one near where I live (I normally go to Downtown Disney) but it is now my favourite in the world because they serve Dr Pepper! AWESOME!
The day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) is when the huge pre-Christmas sales start in the US. Crazy shoppers queue up at midnight to be the first person in the big department stores and malls. I was asked by loads of different people to go queue at this store or the other but I turned them all down. I wasn't waiting in the cold for five hours for a store to open unless it was selling boots for a penny, even then I'd probably think twice. But when I couldn't sleep after my huge Thanksgiving Happy Meal and Oreo McFlurry I started to reconsider. At 1am I was watching House with Lily and Gaby (I had the remote control!) and, as entertaining as Hugh Laurie is, I was feeling dreadfully bored. I was intrigued to find out the shops near The Commons were already open (no waiting in the cold). At 2am I knew one of my fellow Pop Century cashiers would've just got home from work so I dragged him out to the Premium Outlets with me. They're about a fifteen minute walk away from Chatham, a walk I've done many a time at ridiculous times in the morning to go to McDonald's or Taco Bell or Walgreens but this is the first time I've ever actually seen other people out there at silly o'clock. There were so many CPs walking home burdened with huge shopping bags and when Matt and I finally got to the outlets I couldn't believe the carnage. Whenever I've been there before it's always been swarming with bargain hunters and tourists but that morning it was ridonculous! But at east for once people had some pace about them. Normally people here, in Disney at least, are so stupidly slow. I guess they're in vacation mode but if i was spending that sort of money I'd be power walking around the parks, maybe even rent a segway! I kinda sulked because they didn't have the boots I wanted but Matt bought some Christmas presents for his family. This of course didn't stop me from going back to Skechers the next day with Jonathan and buying two pairs with my Christmas fund; one of which Matthew has since dubbed my hooker boots! Clearly that boy has never seen Pretty Woman. Now they were hooker boots!
I guess I've been immersing myself in more and more of the American culture if only to de-Disney myself from time time. I've been to the Florida Mall, (which was only really worth it for the cheap bookstore and the novelty of the M&Ms store, not even a good place to be a mallrat), the House of Blues (reminded me of the club from Save the Last Dance, i so do not fit in there but I loved it almost immediately!) and the cinema is like my second home. It's so cheap over here so I've been almost once a week in total, I even went to the HSM3 midnight showing in my Wildcats T-shirt. On the Disney front, I spent last Saturday at DisneyQuest. It's full of virtual reality and interactive games. It was fun but totally not worth the $40 guests pay to get in, especially considering my personal favourite part was playing air hockey! I can probably do that from the comfort of Pop Century's arcade.
The best part of American culture is that I got to go to my first ever American "high school" dance. It was the winter formal for all housing residents (but it was mainly CPs because the CRPs were working right next door to the party). It was held in a secret function hall between Canada and the UK in Epcot. It was a last minute decision to go but I am so glad I did. When I stepped into the hall it just took my breath away. The theming was executed perfectly, as only Disney can. It was "A Night on Mount Olympus" complete with dry ice clouds, giant Hercules statues and photos with the characters. It was absolutely beautiful in there and even the food was wonderful. It was the first half decent bread I've tasted in eight weeks! Of course there was a giant Cupid's Shuffle which made me happy, plus the HSM songs and some cheese. It was mainly catering for the hip-hop/r&b crowd but I loved it. It was like being in Grease or OTH. The only thing that was missing was someone spiking the punch (the Brits were all wishing they'd snuck some alcohol in after about ten seconds of soulja boy).
So I guess in spite of my devotion to all things British (Wetherspoons, we salute you) my slight Americanisation has helped me feel more at home. I was about ready to get on a plane to England this week due to loads of things going wrong all at the same time but I've been feeling more settled for the past two days. I guess things are starting to feel more like I expected America to.
Maybe that's why today I had the bizarre sensation that I was in Stoke. I guess it was the cooler weather and it was damp from the sprinklers...and I made friends with a guy who works in Publix (He recommended some damn good ice cream to his fellow gupper). Delightful Sarah is back, making friends with random locals just like at Staffs!
"I will go most any where to feel like I belong" - Hercules
Monday, 17 November 2008
Roomies
I love my roomies. Obviously I still love the Wedgwood crew and the senors, but the roomies are joining the brigade. They're all lovely. Gaby is so feisty and protective over the rest of us, Lily is such a sweetheart and she makes me laugh so much and Hara is so sweet and entertaining; and she's always trying to feed me (trying to keep my dietary habits under wraps as much as possible but it isn't as easy as I expected, even in the homeland of nuggets and burgers). It's kind of sad that we don't get to spend a lot of time together due to our crazy schedules but I guess it makes our time as an awesome foursome all the more special.
Last night for example, with the exception of Gaby, (who was elated at not having to ride the cruddy American coach home) we were all having a rough time, but we all just sat around our coffee table talking and (hopefully) cheering each other up.
I think the conclusion we all came t was to stay away from Americans. Lily wouldn't be stuck with the dumb guests, Hara wouldn't be avoiding a crazy girl from work and I'd have significantly less drama in my life (I swear it's like OTH over here!). I guess my word of advice is, stay away from American boys, especially if they charm you with their hillbilly accents!
....and get yourself good roomies, they'll always have your back!
"You ain't never had a friend like me" - Aladdin
Last night for example, with the exception of Gaby, (who was elated at not having to ride the cruddy American coach home) we were all having a rough time, but we all just sat around our coffee table talking and (hopefully) cheering each other up.
I think the conclusion we all came t was to stay away from Americans. Lily wouldn't be stuck with the dumb guests, Hara wouldn't be avoiding a crazy girl from work and I'd have significantly less drama in my life (I swear it's like OTH over here!). I guess my word of advice is, stay away from American boys, especially if they charm you with their hillbilly accents!
....and get yourself good roomies, they'll always have your back!
"You ain't never had a friend like me" - Aladdin
Monday, 10 November 2008
Britishness
Gotta say, I love my accent! I get away with murder at work because I play up to the British stereotype. It's like "oh, she's the quaint little girl from England who lives in a castle and drinks tea all day, she doesn't know about the world." I love it. It means the guests are always nice to me, if they have a problem they'll yell at the Americans and the non-English speakers, I get called dear and spoken to calmly. Awesome. People ask me random questions all the time (the most common being do you live in a castle and how much tea do you drink a day). It's just confirming all the dumb American stereotypes I think we all have.
Also telling people about the UK all day does make you miss it more, well random things about it, like crumpets, boots, adverts you can sing along to, having the right of way in a zebra crossing, really random things. A realy big one is roundabouts. You may be thinking who in their right mind misses roundabouts? Well I didn't until someone pointed out that they don't have them here, now it irritates the life out of me. I might have to visit the wife in Milton Keynes to get a roundabout fix when I get back!
Speaking of Britishness, my mum has sent me a poppy so I am hoping it gets here in time for the eleventh! Yay!
"It's grand to be an Englishman" - Mary Poppins
Also telling people about the UK all day does make you miss it more, well random things about it, like crumpets, boots, adverts you can sing along to, having the right of way in a zebra crossing, really random things. A realy big one is roundabouts. You may be thinking who in their right mind misses roundabouts? Well I didn't until someone pointed out that they don't have them here, now it irritates the life out of me. I might have to visit the wife in Milton Keynes to get a roundabout fix when I get back!
Speaking of Britishness, my mum has sent me a poppy so I am hoping it gets here in time for the eleventh! Yay!
"It's grand to be an Englishman" - Mary Poppins
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Yar!
Yar, a pirate I be! Yar! I just spent at least an hour speaking pirate. The people who work on Pirates f the Caribbean were crap and wouldn't speak pirate to me so I brought the bucaneer spirit to them. I was kinda pissed off because their job is almost my dream (after Star Tours and the Tower of Terror) and they're not even savouring the pirate life. My job is so shite and common place, if I was being paid to be a pirate I would be ridonculously into it, to be honest I would probably try to sleep on the ride and it just annoyed me that they have something so special that they don't appreciate.
I guess the same could be said of me though. My job is so boring. I can check people in and out in my sleep it is so easy. Every so often the thought will creep into my mind that I am still doing a cruddy desk job for half the wage I was getting before, then I have to fight the vile think bubble back into it's cage and remember the magic before it drives me completely crazy. My job is more enjoyable than the previous one, no-one ever gets angry with the adorable little blonde girl with the cute British accent over here. I do love that. I can pretty much calm any guest with a sympathetic look and one quaint little British expression! I love it.
Speaking of cute British accents, I met a guest who I kinda fell in love with. I think he was American, which isn't as dumb as it sounds because he was a master of disguise! It was Hallowe'en. I was chatting to Coco, the Chinese cashier next to me when, in what can only be descibed as a scene from a fancy dress diet coke ad, Zorro appeared before us. Tanned, masked and carrying a sword, I think there was a collective sigh from the ladies in the lobby. Zorro strode over to the desk to thank Jake who had helped him earlier, turned to leave to see Coco and I gawping in his direction. Unbeknownst to me a non-Zorro guest needed assistance so Coco was lumbered with them whilst I got to speak to the hotty in the mask. I was having a laugh and a joke about getting his horse from the stable and being careful with his sword, when he suddenly reached over, kissed my hand and called me adorable! Myword, it took all the strength I had not to swoon right then and there. Then he started to speak in a pretty perfect, general British accent. I was entranced! I did have to tell him off though as Zorro is not English so he started speaking THE hottest Spanish accent. OMG! I was smitten! And with a swish of his cape he was gone, out of my life, forever. It was a sad moment (and Coco was so jealous!).
I guess I sould be happy that I do get moments like that, but it's not anything like as enthralling as a life on the seven seas. I guess a girl can dream!
"Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A pirate's life for me!" - Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
I guess the same could be said of me though. My job is so boring. I can check people in and out in my sleep it is so easy. Every so often the thought will creep into my mind that I am still doing a cruddy desk job for half the wage I was getting before, then I have to fight the vile think bubble back into it's cage and remember the magic before it drives me completely crazy. My job is more enjoyable than the previous one, no-one ever gets angry with the adorable little blonde girl with the cute British accent over here. I do love that. I can pretty much calm any guest with a sympathetic look and one quaint little British expression! I love it.
Speaking of cute British accents, I met a guest who I kinda fell in love with. I think he was American, which isn't as dumb as it sounds because he was a master of disguise! It was Hallowe'en. I was chatting to Coco, the Chinese cashier next to me when, in what can only be descibed as a scene from a fancy dress diet coke ad, Zorro appeared before us. Tanned, masked and carrying a sword, I think there was a collective sigh from the ladies in the lobby. Zorro strode over to the desk to thank Jake who had helped him earlier, turned to leave to see Coco and I gawping in his direction. Unbeknownst to me a non-Zorro guest needed assistance so Coco was lumbered with them whilst I got to speak to the hotty in the mask. I was having a laugh and a joke about getting his horse from the stable and being careful with his sword, when he suddenly reached over, kissed my hand and called me adorable! Myword, it took all the strength I had not to swoon right then and there. Then he started to speak in a pretty perfect, general British accent. I was entranced! I did have to tell him off though as Zorro is not English so he started speaking THE hottest Spanish accent. OMG! I was smitten! And with a swish of his cape he was gone, out of my life, forever. It was a sad moment (and Coco was so jealous!).
I guess I sould be happy that I do get moments like that, but it's not anything like as enthralling as a life on the seven seas. I guess a girl can dream!
"Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A pirate's life for me!" - Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Monday, 20 October 2008
First Two Weeks
First of all I apologise if this is a really really long post, it's my fault for not updating things sooner!
Secondly, this may be kind of rushed and all crammed together in a list but I'll tidy it up later.
So, I've been in America for over two weeks. Are you all missing me yet? I managed to get to the airport on time, leave before my mother started blubbering and meet up with the other guys flying from Manchester. From there it was pretty much smooth sailing (including managing to get my food from Spoons before I'd even got back to my table! Service or what?) The flight from Gatwick to Orlando was pretty long and boring but luckily the fine people of British Airways managed to successfully transfer my bags to the right flight. The same could not be said of the Mears shuttles. They left half of the bags behind and brought them on the next coach because there were so many ICPs. I was so tired but I was really excited when we got to Vista Way. Because it was so late, we pretty much just got our room assignments and were sent on our way. I was all the way over in Chatham Square so I had to take another shuttle over there. It's a two bedroom apartment. I share with another British girl named Hara and the other room is home to two Mexican girls, so maybe I'll be able to practice my Spanish rather than randomly lapsing into it when pissed off!
The second day was kinda uneventful. I met about a million people and we watched a bunch of boring presentations and signed a billion forms. I was really unprepared for them to take my photo for my housing ID so I look like poo on it. Plus they've squished it and made it kinda orange so it is pretty much impossible to look good on it. I was also checked for the Disney look which I passed with flying colours, well at least until the brown fades and the bleach blond shows through!
The third day was miles better. I had my first ever Wendy's burger, which was square and really god, and I discovered they serve Dr Pepper! Probably more slightly important than that, I found out where I was going to be working (Pop Century Resort) and I went on my first ever WalMart trip. That place is bloody huge! And everything they sell only ever comes in huge portions. The Sunny D is about my height! Becca, Alexa and I decided to go on a trip to visit each of our hotels. It as the first time I'd been through the WDW gates so I was bouncing up and down in my seat when I saw the Mickey sign. We went to Becca's resort first, Port Orleans. There were (fake) gators playing music everywhere and a huge dragon slide into the pool, it was really nice. It was so big, we only had time to look at hers.
The next day was Traditions class so out came the black trousers and shirt (boo). We got our name badges and Disney IDs which means I can now get into the parks for free! Jealous? Traditions was basically the history of Disney, the future of the company and a load of safety videos; not terribly exciting but my team did win the competition to name as many Disney characters as you can in 30 seconds (33!) so I won a little plastic Minnie Mouse. After Traditions I met up with Becca, Mandy and Laura for our first outing to one of the parks. Of course we went to the Magic Kingdom first. We walked in together holding hands in a very Wizard of Oz type manner. I must admit I squealed when I finally saw the castle and it wasn't a cake like last time. Amazing! We didn't have long so we went on all the little rides around Tomorrowland and ate at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe (my favourite when I was little!). We secured a place on the bridge to watch Wishes (the fireworks show, see the video in my obsession post!). I was the only one who hadn't seen it and I absolutely loved it. It was so amazing. I think all of us cried at one part or another. It was totally amazing.
Some people started work the next day, I was lucky enough to have three days of to enjoy the parks! The next day I went to my favourite park, Hollywood Studios with Hara, Jon and Becca. Becca and I bought mouse ears (mine are pirate princess ears, hers are Steamboat Willie ears) to wear all day. Tower of Terror is as awesome as I remember it being and I think I pretty much want to buy everything in the Star Wars shop. We watched the Block Party Bash parade where the Pixar characters dance in the streets. They always drag little kids up to join in but the one's near us were miserable so they chose me and Brooke to go up as we were joining in with the Macarena anyway!
The next day I ventured out on my own and managed to get lost, ended up walking from the Boardwalk to Epcot, wandered around the countries for a little while and took the monorail over to Magic Kingdom. Monorails should be the standard mode of transportation everywhere, I love them, plus you get to sing the song from The Simpsons every time you ride.
On the Saturday I went to Magic Kingdom again with Laura and Kirsty. We did loads more rides than last time. Kirsty and I were put on the big screen at the Monster's Inc laugh floor. I rode Splash Mountain although I really didn't want to. I hate log flumes but at least now I've done it once I really don't need to for the rest of the six months. Laura and I went to Downtown Disney afterwards so I could top up my phone. The greeter in the World of Disney called Laura a Princess and me a pirate. I sulked until he called me a pirate princess!!
My first day of work was basically a glorified tour of the resort with a safety course on how to pick up boxes. I also got my costume. It is so gross. Black and grey gingham secretary costume with shoulder pads; need I say more? After that I went to Epcot for Illuminations with Becca and Laura. I decided I love the new version of Spaceship Earth (mainly because it takes your photo and makes you part of the ride), Mission Space pissed me off due to the annoying teenage Americans shoving in front of us but illuminations was good. We also managed to make Britain more authentic by sitting on the curb with drinks. A definite improvement!
I had Monday off so I went with Alexa, JJ McCrae and Becca to Animal Kingdom. It was the first time Alexa and I had been there so we all got the first timer buttons. We didn't see everything but it looks cool. I got absolutely drenched on the Kali River Rapids (I will never wear denim there again!), we saw some bats which are so cute and I have a new favourite WDW restaurant, Restaurant-a-saurus! It basically serves the exact same menu as Cosmic Rays but it's like a huge trailer park complete with lawn chairs and plastic flamingos! The yokel in me was loving it! That night we went to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party at the Magic Kingdom. We had to pay extra to get in but it was well worth it. Unfortunately they ran out of tickets so Laura couldn't come with us :( but the four of us went in the most impromptu fancy dress ever. I was the devil, Becca and Jonathan were vampires and Alexa was Minnie Mouse. A strange party mix and we did get some stares on the monorail but it was worth it. We all got Trick-or-Treat bags (which Becca and I pretty much filled). Riding on Big Thunder Mountain in the dark was awesome. I screamed when I saw Woody and Bullseye, and Prince Charming (who was well fit) asked me if I'd always been a little devil! *Blush* The parade was okay, not much different to the normal parade (except Alexa swore at a Lost Boy who made her jump), the fireworks were awesome, even more spectacular than Wishes, and we got to meet the villains who aren't normally around. It was so worth it, even though we got evil looks on the bus ride home from the cast members who had been working when we'd clearly been trick-or-treating!
I was absolutely shattered for my first class at Disney University. All I remember is it was four days of fake checking people inand out of hotels, and I was also told you have to triple the amount of training to do concierge like me so I'll have to go back there in a few weeks for more classes. On the second day of Disney uni we went to Buffao Wild Wings (B Dubs to the local yokels). At first I wasn't uber impressed with the place (sports bar full of people watching baseball), but then the karaoke started! Woop! I luuuurve karaoke! A group of us Brits sang a HSM song and then Don't Stop Me Now. We rocked the place I'm sure!
In the middle of all the Disney uni stuff there was a trip to UCF, and it's just a pretty as in the photos. Unfortunately the only person I spoke to there was rather rude and totally unhelpful so I haven't been given a very good impression of the place so far. I guess I'll try to reserve judgement until classes start on Saturday.
I also got to see Fantasmic, the night time show at the studios. It was so cool and the music just makes me feel happy. Plus Meg was on the boat and they never have characters from Hercules about!
One of the days at Disney uni we couldn't use our canteen so we had to go to Magic Kingdom. I was ridonculously excited to see the utilidoors but I wish I hadn't bothered. Nightmares everywhere! Ariel walking around in a shirt, Sleeping Beaty on the bus, Millificent, the mitress of all evil wearing jeans...I could go on but it's too traumatic. I just know I will ever ever go through the utilidoors again. I'd rather go hungry.
After graduating from Disney uni I had the day off. I went to the premium outlets with Alexa (Tommy Hillfiger jeans for $6! Cheaper than Primark!), then we chilled by the pool and went to see iluminations. I also made her go on Maelstrom, the Norway ride because I love it, Alexa seemed to enjoy it too. Jonathan managed to get us priority viewing for illuminations. It was good not having to look between people's heads to see the globe and the fireworks. Even though it's my least favourite of the night time shows, it is still amazing.
My first actual day at work I was shadowing a runner named Chuck, he spoke like a yokel which made me happy. It was so fun, we got to drive around in golf carts and blow up balloons and all the fun little things around the resort. I wish I could drive just so I could train for that job.
Yesterday I was actually at the front desk and I did my first ever check-in. It was a lovely British family from Manchester so I wasn't as nervous as I would have been if they were scary Americans. The jobs ok but I can see me getting bored in a week or two. Hopefully concierge will be more exciting, if not I am so going to ask for a new role.
I've got work again today, apparently I'm in charge all day which is scary. Nobody should leave me in charge of $2000! Tomorrow I have to be on a bus at 6am to get my social security number which kinda sucks but at least I have the rest of the day off. I plan on napping and then going to see the midnight showing of HSM3! YAY! I still can't believe I'm actually here!
"The real summer has just begun" - HSM 2
Secondly, this may be kind of rushed and all crammed together in a list but I'll tidy it up later.
So, I've been in America for over two weeks. Are you all missing me yet? I managed to get to the airport on time, leave before my mother started blubbering and meet up with the other guys flying from Manchester. From there it was pretty much smooth sailing (including managing to get my food from Spoons before I'd even got back to my table! Service or what?) The flight from Gatwick to Orlando was pretty long and boring but luckily the fine people of British Airways managed to successfully transfer my bags to the right flight. The same could not be said of the Mears shuttles. They left half of the bags behind and brought them on the next coach because there were so many ICPs. I was so tired but I was really excited when we got to Vista Way. Because it was so late, we pretty much just got our room assignments and were sent on our way. I was all the way over in Chatham Square so I had to take another shuttle over there. It's a two bedroom apartment. I share with another British girl named Hara and the other room is home to two Mexican girls, so maybe I'll be able to practice my Spanish rather than randomly lapsing into it when pissed off!
The second day was kinda uneventful. I met about a million people and we watched a bunch of boring presentations and signed a billion forms. I was really unprepared for them to take my photo for my housing ID so I look like poo on it. Plus they've squished it and made it kinda orange so it is pretty much impossible to look good on it. I was also checked for the Disney look which I passed with flying colours, well at least until the brown fades and the bleach blond shows through!
The third day was miles better. I had my first ever Wendy's burger, which was square and really god, and I discovered they serve Dr Pepper! Probably more slightly important than that, I found out where I was going to be working (Pop Century Resort) and I went on my first ever WalMart trip. That place is bloody huge! And everything they sell only ever comes in huge portions. The Sunny D is about my height! Becca, Alexa and I decided to go on a trip to visit each of our hotels. It as the first time I'd been through the WDW gates so I was bouncing up and down in my seat when I saw the Mickey sign. We went to Becca's resort first, Port Orleans. There were (fake) gators playing music everywhere and a huge dragon slide into the pool, it was really nice. It was so big, we only had time to look at hers.
The next day was Traditions class so out came the black trousers and shirt (boo). We got our name badges and Disney IDs which means I can now get into the parks for free! Jealous? Traditions was basically the history of Disney, the future of the company and a load of safety videos; not terribly exciting but my team did win the competition to name as many Disney characters as you can in 30 seconds (33!) so I won a little plastic Minnie Mouse. After Traditions I met up with Becca, Mandy and Laura for our first outing to one of the parks. Of course we went to the Magic Kingdom first. We walked in together holding hands in a very Wizard of Oz type manner. I must admit I squealed when I finally saw the castle and it wasn't a cake like last time. Amazing! We didn't have long so we went on all the little rides around Tomorrowland and ate at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe (my favourite when I was little!). We secured a place on the bridge to watch Wishes (the fireworks show, see the video in my obsession post!). I was the only one who hadn't seen it and I absolutely loved it. It was so amazing. I think all of us cried at one part or another. It was totally amazing.
Some people started work the next day, I was lucky enough to have three days of to enjoy the parks! The next day I went to my favourite park, Hollywood Studios with Hara, Jon and Becca. Becca and I bought mouse ears (mine are pirate princess ears, hers are Steamboat Willie ears) to wear all day. Tower of Terror is as awesome as I remember it being and I think I pretty much want to buy everything in the Star Wars shop. We watched the Block Party Bash parade where the Pixar characters dance in the streets. They always drag little kids up to join in but the one's near us were miserable so they chose me and Brooke to go up as we were joining in with the Macarena anyway!
The next day I ventured out on my own and managed to get lost, ended up walking from the Boardwalk to Epcot, wandered around the countries for a little while and took the monorail over to Magic Kingdom. Monorails should be the standard mode of transportation everywhere, I love them, plus you get to sing the song from The Simpsons every time you ride.
On the Saturday I went to Magic Kingdom again with Laura and Kirsty. We did loads more rides than last time. Kirsty and I were put on the big screen at the Monster's Inc laugh floor. I rode Splash Mountain although I really didn't want to. I hate log flumes but at least now I've done it once I really don't need to for the rest of the six months. Laura and I went to Downtown Disney afterwards so I could top up my phone. The greeter in the World of Disney called Laura a Princess and me a pirate. I sulked until he called me a pirate princess!!
My first day of work was basically a glorified tour of the resort with a safety course on how to pick up boxes. I also got my costume. It is so gross. Black and grey gingham secretary costume with shoulder pads; need I say more? After that I went to Epcot for Illuminations with Becca and Laura. I decided I love the new version of Spaceship Earth (mainly because it takes your photo and makes you part of the ride), Mission Space pissed me off due to the annoying teenage Americans shoving in front of us but illuminations was good. We also managed to make Britain more authentic by sitting on the curb with drinks. A definite improvement!
I had Monday off so I went with Alexa, JJ McCrae and Becca to Animal Kingdom. It was the first time Alexa and I had been there so we all got the first timer buttons. We didn't see everything but it looks cool. I got absolutely drenched on the Kali River Rapids (I will never wear denim there again!), we saw some bats which are so cute and I have a new favourite WDW restaurant, Restaurant-a-saurus! It basically serves the exact same menu as Cosmic Rays but it's like a huge trailer park complete with lawn chairs and plastic flamingos! The yokel in me was loving it! That night we went to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party at the Magic Kingdom. We had to pay extra to get in but it was well worth it. Unfortunately they ran out of tickets so Laura couldn't come with us :( but the four of us went in the most impromptu fancy dress ever. I was the devil, Becca and Jonathan were vampires and Alexa was Minnie Mouse. A strange party mix and we did get some stares on the monorail but it was worth it. We all got Trick-or-Treat bags (which Becca and I pretty much filled). Riding on Big Thunder Mountain in the dark was awesome. I screamed when I saw Woody and Bullseye, and Prince Charming (who was well fit) asked me if I'd always been a little devil! *Blush* The parade was okay, not much different to the normal parade (except Alexa swore at a Lost Boy who made her jump), the fireworks were awesome, even more spectacular than Wishes, and we got to meet the villains who aren't normally around. It was so worth it, even though we got evil looks on the bus ride home from the cast members who had been working when we'd clearly been trick-or-treating!
I was absolutely shattered for my first class at Disney University. All I remember is it was four days of fake checking people inand out of hotels, and I was also told you have to triple the amount of training to do concierge like me so I'll have to go back there in a few weeks for more classes. On the second day of Disney uni we went to Buffao Wild Wings (B Dubs to the local yokels). At first I wasn't uber impressed with the place (sports bar full of people watching baseball), but then the karaoke started! Woop! I luuuurve karaoke! A group of us Brits sang a HSM song and then Don't Stop Me Now. We rocked the place I'm sure!
In the middle of all the Disney uni stuff there was a trip to UCF, and it's just a pretty as in the photos. Unfortunately the only person I spoke to there was rather rude and totally unhelpful so I haven't been given a very good impression of the place so far. I guess I'll try to reserve judgement until classes start on Saturday.
I also got to see Fantasmic, the night time show at the studios. It was so cool and the music just makes me feel happy. Plus Meg was on the boat and they never have characters from Hercules about!
One of the days at Disney uni we couldn't use our canteen so we had to go to Magic Kingdom. I was ridonculously excited to see the utilidoors but I wish I hadn't bothered. Nightmares everywhere! Ariel walking around in a shirt, Sleeping Beaty on the bus, Millificent, the mitress of all evil wearing jeans...I could go on but it's too traumatic. I just know I will ever ever go through the utilidoors again. I'd rather go hungry.
After graduating from Disney uni I had the day off. I went to the premium outlets with Alexa (Tommy Hillfiger jeans for $6! Cheaper than Primark!), then we chilled by the pool and went to see iluminations. I also made her go on Maelstrom, the Norway ride because I love it, Alexa seemed to enjoy it too. Jonathan managed to get us priority viewing for illuminations. It was good not having to look between people's heads to see the globe and the fireworks. Even though it's my least favourite of the night time shows, it is still amazing.
My first actual day at work I was shadowing a runner named Chuck, he spoke like a yokel which made me happy. It was so fun, we got to drive around in golf carts and blow up balloons and all the fun little things around the resort. I wish I could drive just so I could train for that job.
Yesterday I was actually at the front desk and I did my first ever check-in. It was a lovely British family from Manchester so I wasn't as nervous as I would have been if they were scary Americans. The jobs ok but I can see me getting bored in a week or two. Hopefully concierge will be more exciting, if not I am so going to ask for a new role.
I've got work again today, apparently I'm in charge all day which is scary. Nobody should leave me in charge of $2000! Tomorrow I have to be on a bus at 6am to get my social security number which kinda sucks but at least I have the rest of the day off. I plan on napping and then going to see the midnight showing of HSM3! YAY! I still can't believe I'm actually here!
"The real summer has just begun" - HSM 2
SORRY!!!
Sorry guys, I've been in America 2 weeks and I haven't updated this thing yet. I'm going to try and find the computer area tomorrow morning before my first real day of work (eek) and give a proper account of what I've been up to. This is just a quick note in case I can't find them to let you know I haven't forgotten you all, and to give you a sneaky peek of what's to come:
- Dancing with the guys from A Bug's Life
- Singing HSM and Queen at karaoke
- Crying at Wishes
- Screaming at Simba (in a scared way, not a crazed fan way)
- Being traumatised by Disney secrets
- Mingling with villains at the Hallowe'en party
I also need to letyou all know I'm going to the midnight showing of HSM3!! Woot woot!
And I promise I will post a proper update soon!
"After all, Captain Hook never breaks a promise" - Peter Pan
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Par-tay
Well, there's only one week to go now! It's so close.
We had a little bit of a party at our house last night so I could
see all the family before I left. My Auntie Jayne made me a yummy chocolate Cinderella cake and my (fake) Auntie Margaret made me a leaving card with Belle on it. They were both awesome!
Not a lot happened (accept for some majorly bad SingStar sessions) but I got to see everyone and I met my cousin's kid who I've never seen before so it was good. I just can't wait to get out there now.
"It's party time, Woody! Yee-hah!" - Toy Story
We had a little bit of a party at our house last night so I could
see all the family before I left. My Auntie Jayne made me a yummy chocolate Cinderella cake and my (fake) Auntie Margaret made me a leaving card with Belle on it. They were both awesome!Not a lot happened (accept for some majorly bad SingStar sessions) but I got to see everyone and I met my cousin's kid who I've never seen before so it was good. I just can't wait to get out there now.
"It's party time, Woody! Yee-hah!" - Toy Story
Thursday, 25 September 2008
My wish came true!
Well, it just goes to show, if you wish for something hard enough it will come true...not to mention the persistant begging!
"If your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme" - Pinocchio
"If your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme" - Pinocchio
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
U.S. Embassy
Well I went to the U.S. embassy yesterday. It wasn't quite as nerve racking as I thought but it was excruciatingly boring travelling to and from Yorkshire without my iPod. I even forgot to take a book with me so I was just absently staring out of the window which was a little difficult on the way back in the dark. Even worse than that was shivering on the deserted platform at Doncaster train station for nearly an hour waiting for the last train, but I got a day off from work so it was all worth it.
I was shattered when I got home. I had to get up ridiculously early to get down there. I don't like St. Pancras station. It seems to posh for a train station, sort of like the station's looking down it's nose at it's own passengers, but that was easy remedied by the hot, dirty stuffiness of the tube, which I managed to successfully navigate by myself to Marble Arch (Susanne will be so proud!) to look for other Disney peeps and call my Mum from the pay phone. The embassy has a weird rule about not allowing any electronic equipment in the building so I didn't bother taking my mobile with me and for the first time in years I was without my iPod (Is it sad to admit I felt rather lost without it?) but there is a pharmacy named Goulds in between Oxford Street and Grosvenor Square where you can leave your phone for the handsome fee of a fiver.
Anyways, all of our appointments were at 2.30pm so by 1.30 there was a gaggle of cast members congregating in front of the embassy, probably looking mighty suspicious to all the gun-wielding American guards. We were told not to arrive any earlier than 30 minutes for the appointment but by 1.45 we were sick of waiting and joined the visa queue. I was half expecting to be told off for being early but the lady was really nice. I was a little taken aback when I realised she was English so I just sort of stared for a moment when she spoke to me. She made everyone take off any
watches or belts and put any change or keys in a little plastic baggy to go through the metal detector, at least I think that was the reason.
We then had to walk around to the side entrance of the building (maybe they save the front for the President?) where we were issued a number by another lady (American this time) just like at a deli counter and ushered into the waiting room. It was jam-packed with people filling in forms and kids climbing on the chairs. I pretty much resigned myself to a long wait when I looked around the room so I was pleasantly surprised when the Disney numbers started being called within about ten seconds of walking through the door. All I had to do was hand over all my forms at the counter. They were checked for any mistakes and anything missing (I had to fill in my email address) and then I had my fingerprints taken. I was sort of hoping to have black ink stuck to my fingers for a few hours so I could pretend to be a robber but to my dismay, it was all done electronically. Everything was so quick I was amazed, but then I was asked to take a seat and wait for my interview and it dawned on me that that was what the hoards of people were waiting for.
So the Disney crew and I plonked ourselves towards the back of the waiting room and set about getting to know each other. There were about fifteen of us in total so we probably made the most racket in the embassy but it was good to finally meet someone else going to WDW! I found a kindred One Tree Hill lover in Jonathan, defended the merits of High School Musical to the death and reported the Jacob updates. He was an absolute sweetheart. He had already had his visa interview but he came along anyway to meet people and he sat outside with Liam and Nicola's bags for two hours in the cold and the rain even though he didn't have a coat. How nice is that? We could see him
from the waiting room so we kept up to date on his adventures chatting to a Jamaican woman and being investigated by a sniffer dog!
Every so often a number would be called and put up on the screen, making us all shut up and pay attention for two whole seconds in case it was one of us. This went on for so long that when the first of our numbers were called I didn't even notice it was mine! I was pretty nervous walking around the corner to face my future. I was expecting to be walking out with a big DENIED stamp on my forehead. Fortunately I was worrying for nothing. All the guy asked me was if I had graduated from university and if I had been to the States before, both of which were a yes, and he said I'd been approved. I was so relieved but a little disappointed too. We'd been rehearsing a little speech of what to say if they ask you why you're going to America and I didn't even get to say it. They did scan my fingerprints though, just in case I'd metamorphosised in those 2 hours. After that I went back to the group to update them on what happened, hopefully calming their fears a little, and then I had to pay for the courier to bring me back my passport, which was slightly annoying. Just stick it in an envelope! The girl there (a cockney this time) told me it would probably be arriving Friday or the following Monday but I got a text this afternoon saying it will be here tomorrow morning, so I'm rather chuffed at that.
I thought I had better go keep Jacob company on the bench outside so we chatted out there about his "adventures" and Disney whilst waiting for everyone else to finish at the embassy. Eventually we were all done and went on a little walk together. By the time we got to Oxford Street some people had to go get their trains so we all said goodbye and "see you on the plane" etc until there was just six of us left. We all went for a bite to eat at a pub just off of Oxford Street so it was rather pricey, well it was to this Northern lass anyway. Perhaps I've just spent too long getting chips from the students union for a quid so I don't realise how much things cost in the real world? We spent ages talking about Disney and the interviews and all sorts until eventually we had to go too. Paul and I were the only two leaving from Kings Cross so we loitered around W H Smiths for a while together. His train was at 8 o'clock so I had half an hour waiting on my own. I decided Kings Cross suited me more than St Pancras, but it is so poorly organised it's ridiculous. I definitely like Euston best out of the London stations, which is slightly off topic but oh well, it's a little insight into what goes through mind when I don't have any music to drown out the thoughts in my head.
All in all, the entire embassy thing was pretty much a waste of time if I'm honest. There was nothing I did in London that couldn't have been done over the phone or via email! But on the plus side I got to meet some of my fellow cast members which was pretty awesome. I'm less jittery about going out there now I've actually met people in the same boat.
Less than two weeks to go now, bring it on!
"I am on my way, I can go the distance" - Hercules
I was shattered when I got home. I had to get up ridiculously early to get down there. I don't like St. Pancras station. It seems to posh for a train station, sort of like the station's looking down it's nose at it's own passengers, but that was easy remedied by the hot, dirty stuffiness of the tube, which I managed to successfully navigate by myself to Marble Arch (Susanne will be so proud!) to look for other Disney peeps and call my Mum from the pay phone. The embassy has a weird rule about not allowing any electronic equipment in the building so I didn't bother taking my mobile with me and for the first time in years I was without my iPod (Is it sad to admit I felt rather lost without it?) but there is a pharmacy named Goulds in between Oxford Street and Grosvenor Square where you can leave your phone for the handsome fee of a fiver.
Anyways, all of our appointments were at 2.30pm so by 1.30 there was a gaggle of cast members congregating in front of the embassy, probably looking mighty suspicious to all the gun-wielding American guards. We were told not to arrive any earlier than 30 minutes for the appointment but by 1.45 we were sick of waiting and joined the visa queue. I was half expecting to be told off for being early but the lady was really nice. I was a little taken aback when I realised she was English so I just sort of stared for a moment when she spoke to me. She made everyone take off any
watches or belts and put any change or keys in a little plastic baggy to go through the metal detector, at least I think that was the reason.We then had to walk around to the side entrance of the building (maybe they save the front for the President?) where we were issued a number by another lady (American this time) just like at a deli counter and ushered into the waiting room. It was jam-packed with people filling in forms and kids climbing on the chairs. I pretty much resigned myself to a long wait when I looked around the room so I was pleasantly surprised when the Disney numbers started being called within about ten seconds of walking through the door. All I had to do was hand over all my forms at the counter. They were checked for any mistakes and anything missing (I had to fill in my email address) and then I had my fingerprints taken. I was sort of hoping to have black ink stuck to my fingers for a few hours so I could pretend to be a robber but to my dismay, it was all done electronically. Everything was so quick I was amazed, but then I was asked to take a seat and wait for my interview and it dawned on me that that was what the hoards of people were waiting for.
So the Disney crew and I plonked ourselves towards the back of the waiting room and set about getting to know each other. There were about fifteen of us in total so we probably made the most racket in the embassy but it was good to finally meet someone else going to WDW! I found a kindred One Tree Hill lover in Jonathan, defended the merits of High School Musical to the death and reported the Jacob updates. He was an absolute sweetheart. He had already had his visa interview but he came along anyway to meet people and he sat outside with Liam and Nicola's bags for two hours in the cold and the rain even though he didn't have a coat. How nice is that? We could see him
from the waiting room so we kept up to date on his adventures chatting to a Jamaican woman and being investigated by a sniffer dog!Every so often a number would be called and put up on the screen, making us all shut up and pay attention for two whole seconds in case it was one of us. This went on for so long that when the first of our numbers were called I didn't even notice it was mine! I was pretty nervous walking around the corner to face my future. I was expecting to be walking out with a big DENIED stamp on my forehead. Fortunately I was worrying for nothing. All the guy asked me was if I had graduated from university and if I had been to the States before, both of which were a yes, and he said I'd been approved. I was so relieved but a little disappointed too. We'd been rehearsing a little speech of what to say if they ask you why you're going to America and I didn't even get to say it. They did scan my fingerprints though, just in case I'd metamorphosised in those 2 hours. After that I went back to the group to update them on what happened, hopefully calming their fears a little, and then I had to pay for the courier to bring me back my passport, which was slightly annoying. Just stick it in an envelope! The girl there (a cockney this time) told me it would probably be arriving Friday or the following Monday but I got a text this afternoon saying it will be here tomorrow morning, so I'm rather chuffed at that.
I thought I had better go keep Jacob company on the bench outside so we chatted out there about his "adventures" and Disney whilst waiting for everyone else to finish at the embassy. Eventually we were all done and went on a little walk together. By the time we got to Oxford Street some people had to go get their trains so we all said goodbye and "see you on the plane" etc until there was just six of us left. We all went for a bite to eat at a pub just off of Oxford Street so it was rather pricey, well it was to this Northern lass anyway. Perhaps I've just spent too long getting chips from the students union for a quid so I don't realise how much things cost in the real world? We spent ages talking about Disney and the interviews and all sorts until eventually we had to go too. Paul and I were the only two leaving from Kings Cross so we loitered around W H Smiths for a while together. His train was at 8 o'clock so I had half an hour waiting on my own. I decided Kings Cross suited me more than St Pancras, but it is so poorly organised it's ridiculous. I definitely like Euston best out of the London stations, which is slightly off topic but oh well, it's a little insight into what goes through mind when I don't have any music to drown out the thoughts in my head.
All in all, the entire embassy thing was pretty much a waste of time if I'm honest. There was nothing I did in London that couldn't have been done over the phone or via email! But on the plus side I got to meet some of my fellow cast members which was pretty awesome. I'm less jittery about going out there now I've actually met people in the same boat.
Less than two weeks to go now, bring it on!
"I am on my way, I can go the distance" - Hercules
Friday, 19 September 2008
Visa Stuff
I've got my visa appointment booked for Monday. I can't believe how much the phone call cost (£1.20 per minute!) and at the end I accidentally said "thank you for calling T-mobile," D'oh! They'll never let me in the States now.
There's a ridiculous amount of forms involved in the process. There's the one Yummy Jobs filled in which was pretty painless because I just had to sign the bottom. Then there's some others you have to download from the American Embassy's website that want to know loads and loads of stuff that I had no idea about, like where my passport was issued (?) and, like the numpty I am, I filled in the form which was for males only (i guess girls can't be terrorists) and that was asking for every country you'd been to in the last 10 years! Considering the cruises I've been on, that's a lot to ask of someone like me. Luckily I realised I'd filled in the wrong one so now I've got all the right ones filled in and printed off. Now there's just the worrying for the actual interview. Other's who have been have told me it's pretty painless, you just sit around for two hours, get asked one or two questions and job done!
I'm still nervous though.
I've actually been so nervous that I forgot to be scared for tomorrow. I'm supposed to be doing a bungee jump amongst other things...eek! Scary stuff. Well, at least I know that if I get through all of that I should be able to face the embassy without fear...hopefully.
"I'm not afraid." - The Jungle Book
There's a ridiculous amount of forms involved in the process. There's the one Yummy Jobs filled in which was pretty painless because I just had to sign the bottom. Then there's some others you have to download from the American Embassy's website that want to know loads and loads of stuff that I had no idea about, like where my passport was issued (?) and, like the numpty I am, I filled in the form which was for males only (i guess girls can't be terrorists) and that was asking for every country you'd been to in the last 10 years! Considering the cruises I've been on, that's a lot to ask of someone like me. Luckily I realised I'd filled in the wrong one so now I've got all the right ones filled in and printed off. Now there's just the worrying for the actual interview. Other's who have been have told me it's pretty painless, you just sit around for two hours, get asked one or two questions and job done!
I'm still nervous though.
I've actually been so nervous that I forgot to be scared for tomorrow. I'm supposed to be doing a bungee jump amongst other things...eek! Scary stuff. Well, at least I know that if I get through all of that I should be able to face the embassy without fear...hopefully.
"I'm not afraid." - The Jungle Book
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Mickey Shaped Cake
Well, I've been pestering like mad to get myself a Mickey Mouse shaped cake (or one big round cake with two little ones for ears). My Mum hasn't agreed still but my brother thinks it's a good idea at least! That's another step further in my quest for the perfect bon voyage cake. At first my Mum said there was no such thing! Bah, well there is now.
"Eggs, flour, milk, just do it like it says here in the book" - Sleeping Beauty
"Eggs, flour, milk, just do it like it says here in the book" - Sleeping Beauty
Friday, 12 September 2008
Bye Bye Money
After all that hard work to get out of my overdraft, I'm right back there again. I just went to the bank to transfer over my tuition fees. I'm not looking forward to the day I get the letter through saying it's been taken out of my bank. That lovely plus sign will be turned into an ugly red minus sign, boooo! At least my student account means I don't have any interest to pay.
Wiring money is weird. So many confused faces in the NatWest when I asked about it. It took the cashier girl ages to find someone who knew how to do it! And there were loads of forms to fill in but hopefully everything will be successful.
I was only wiring money because the credit card way was stupid. UCF send you a form to fax off to let them know that you are paying by credit card, with space to write the card holder's name, billing address etc but without any gap for writing in the actual number, so as it the seemed the simplest way to pay the tuition fees my Dad filled in his details as it said on the form (because I don't have a credit card) and faxed it off to the UFC, expecting to receive an email or something with a way to give out the credit card number securely. Lo and behold, later that evening I received an email from a lady from UCF named Jennifer, asking me to re-fax the letter with the credit card details written on it somewhere. Writing your personal credit card details, including the CV2 number on a blank bit of a form and then passing it through God knows how many secretaries and office people during the faxing process does not seem particularly secure, so I decided to go with the transfer instead.
I didn't like how I was charged £20 to do it and I'm going to like it even less when I see what I've been charged. :(
"Give me back my money" - Mary Poppins
Wiring money is weird. So many confused faces in the NatWest when I asked about it. It took the cashier girl ages to find someone who knew how to do it! And there were loads of forms to fill in but hopefully everything will be successful.
I was only wiring money because the credit card way was stupid. UCF send you a form to fax off to let them know that you are paying by credit card, with space to write the card holder's name, billing address etc but without any gap for writing in the actual number, so as it the seemed the simplest way to pay the tuition fees my Dad filled in his details as it said on the form (because I don't have a credit card) and faxed it off to the UFC, expecting to receive an email or something with a way to give out the credit card number securely. Lo and behold, later that evening I received an email from a lady from UCF named Jennifer, asking me to re-fax the letter with the credit card details written on it somewhere. Writing your personal credit card details, including the CV2 number on a blank bit of a form and then passing it through God knows how many secretaries and office people during the faxing process does not seem particularly secure, so I decided to go with the transfer instead.
I didn't like how I was charged £20 to do it and I'm going to like it even less when I see what I've been charged. :(
"Give me back my money" - Mary Poppins
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Stressy-Stress Stress-Stress
Who would've thought going to America would be so frickin stressful? I wish I was a Mexican who could just try to skip over the border. Instead I got letter (complete with Mickey stickers) full of a big long list of things I need to do in the next 26 days! Couldn't this information be sent sooner so we had at least a month to sort this stuff out? Communication does not seem to be a WDW strong point. I'm going to have to knuckle down and get all of this sorted, I just feel like tearing my hair out right now. It's so overwhelming but I'll muddle my way through it with a cheesy Disney grin on my face.
"When hearts are high, the time will fly so whistle while you work" - Snow White
"When hearts are high, the time will fly so whistle while you work" - Snow White
Monday, 8 September 2008
Eek
I got an e-mail from Yummy Jobs today about the visa process. I'm quite scared about it all. Not only do I have to haul ass down to the scary old embassy in London but I also need to somehow prove I'm going to return to the UK! What sort of proof are they looking for? Hopefully it won't be a job or something to come back to because I don't have any proof of that, I don't even have one. Someone suggested that a return plane ticket was enough. I wasn't entirely sure so I e-mailed Robert to check. Fingers crossed it will be enough, otherwise I'm screwed. Ugh, this is so stressful.
"PANIC!" - Hercules
"PANIC!" - Hercules
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Insurance
I'm officially insured in America now, well at least medically. I used the Seven Corners Company which Yummy Jobs recommends. I know that other people have been looking at other insurance options but nobody seems to have found anything dramatically cheaper and at least this way I know that I am definitely covered to the college's standards. Plus it means I don't have to do that extra paperwork too. It was $300.46 (no idea why they bother with the extra 46 cents) which I had worked out was roughly £25 a month which isn't too bad. Unfortunately the stupid exchange rate has changed so I'll be getting less dollars for my pound :( so it's going to cost a bit more. I probably should have got it earlier whilst the exchange rate was pretty good. I should learn not to procrastinate. I guess I'd better be getting my cash and traveller's cheques sorted before the situation gets even worse! At least I know I'm protected if I get ill or anything whilst I'm in the states. I don't think I'm going to bother with travel insurance. My flights are covered by BA anyway so it's only really for my luggage. The only thing I'm taking of any value is my iPod which I'll have with me at all times any way. It doesn't really matter about the rest of my stuff. It's only really clothes in my suitcase, and cheap clothes at that. They don't need insuring.
"I will protect you from all around you. I will be here" - Tarzan
"I will protect you from all around you. I will be here" - Tarzan
Monday, 1 September 2008
It's catching
Well, I thought I was the Disney obsessive in the family. Imagine coming home to find out your Mum has been watching a programme about WDW whilst you've been slaving away at work. Gutted.
Hopefully the show is still on Virgin Media so I can get my sneak preview of Disney too.
I reckon my Mum must've caught the Disney bug from me. Obviously she's not as obsesive as I've been but it does seem to be contagious!
"I'm a germ, a rare disease and you caught me..." - The Sword in the Stone
Edit - I just watched it! Made me uber excited!
Hopefully the show is still on Virgin Media so I can get my sneak preview of Disney too.
I reckon my Mum must've caught the Disney bug from me. Obviously she's not as obsesive as I've been but it does seem to be contagious!
"I'm a germ, a rare disease and you caught me..." - The Sword in the Stone
Edit - I just watched it! Made me uber excited!
Friday, 29 August 2008
Obsession
I've definitely become more obsessed with the whole WDW thing. It was quite bad just after I'd applied. I was watching random YouTube videos every day of different things in WDW as well as ex-cast members' photograph slideshows and apartment tours! I felt somewhat like a stalker, but it didn't deter me in the slightest. It was just feeding my determination to get into the programme.
Now I'm in there, I've been getting a little obsessed with every aspect of WDW and Florida in general. I've even started planning what I want to do for my birthday in January, but lately it's mostly been the hotels. I've been trying to decide what hotel I want to work in. I know it's highly unlikely I'm going to get a choice but a little wishing never hurt.
The Boardwalk was my favourite place in WDW when I visited as a youngster so I was sort of hoping for The Boardwalk Inn, but as I've been researching all the different hotels (and the cast members' costumes) I think the Beach Club Resort would be the best for me. It's right next to the Boardwalk, plus you get to wear a sailor-esque outfit! It's only the deluxe hotels that offer the concierge service so pretty much all of them are fabulous and have the best locations throughout the park. Even if I don't get to be in a hotel near the Boardwalk, I'll probably be ale to go to work on the monorail which would be frickin' awesome!
Any who, the best site I've found for all your Disney dreaming needs is this one: http://allears.net/index.html. AllEars has pretty much everything you could possibly want to know about WDW. There are reviews and photographs galore so check it out.
"But who cares? No big deal. I want more" - The Little Mermaid
Now I'm in there, I've been getting a little obsessed with every aspect of WDW and Florida in general. I've even started planning what I want to do for my birthday in January, but lately it's mostly been the hotels. I've been trying to decide what hotel I want to work in. I know it's highly unlikely I'm going to get a choice but a little wishing never hurt.
The Boardwalk was my favourite place in WDW when I visited as a youngster so I was sort of hoping for The Boardwalk Inn, but as I've been researching all the different hotels (and the cast members' costumes) I think the Beach Club Resort would be the best for me. It's right next to the Boardwalk, plus you get to wear a sailor-esque outfit! It's only the deluxe hotels that offer the concierge service so pretty much all of them are fabulous and have the best locations throughout the park. Even if I don't get to be in a hotel near the Boardwalk, I'll probably be ale to go to work on the monorail which would be frickin' awesome!
Any who, the best site I've found for all your Disney dreaming needs is this one: http://allears.net/index.html. AllEars has pretty much everything you could possibly want to know about WDW. There are reviews and photographs galore so check it out.
"But who cares? No big deal. I want more" - The Little Mermaid
Thursday, 21 August 2008
The courses
OK, finally found out what the different courses available from Rosen College are. Can't believe that I couldn't actually find any of this information on the actual Rosen College website (although
it is the prettiest campus ever from what I've seen). I had to find it from a random WDW fansite so here they are...
Guest Service Management - This seminar is created to develop an appreciation for, and an understanding of, customer behavior in hospitality organizations. Since all managers in all organizations have internal and external guests or customers, the focus of this course is on how guests think, respond, and behave in response to organizational decisions. Guestology is the scientific study of guests needs, wants and behaviors.
Theme Park Management – A seminar designed to be an overview of the Theme Park and Attraction business. The program will explore the vast array of Parks that fall under this category so that by the completion the participant has a firm understanding of the for profit park system and the guest allure to them. By the end of the course we will be able to define and understand the concepts of themeing and identify the economic impact and tourism value that this industry brings to a community.
Hospitality Brand Management – The most important asset of a company is its reputation. This reputation embodies many things, including its name, the products it sells, the services it supplies to its customers, and its convenient locations. But there are many more, intangible things, which also build this reputation. All of these things, together, can be called the company’s Brand. How hospitality companies create, maintain, and occasionally destroy, their brand value will be the focus of this course.
At the seminar’s end students will have achieved an awareness of the importance of protecting a company’s brand equity. They will possess a set of skills intended to make them better prepared for a successful career in the corporate hospitality environment.
Food & Beverage Operations in the Hospitality Industry – The intent of this seminar is to provide the participant with a firm understanding of the contribution that food & beverage operations make to the hospitality industry. The scope of the lessons will include free standing restaurants, hotel food & beverage operations (including catering & banquets), as well as food & beverage operations in theme parks.
Information Technology and E-commerce in Hospitality and Tourism -- This course is designed to cover topics related to: (1) concepts of information systems in hospitality and tourism; (2) fundamental principles of communication networks in hospitality/tourism; (3) online consumer behavior and e-commerce in hospitality/tourism; and, (4) future direction of technology development and technology strategies in hospitality/tourism.
Leadership and Strategic Management -- This course focuses on principles of contemporary leadership and strategic management for hospitality and tourism organizations. It introduces leadership and strategic management concepts and perspectives into the hospitality and tourism field. The course particularly emphasizes the development of analytical, decision making, problem-solving and communication skills.
Event Management -- This course considers how organizations use events to achieve their strategic goals and objectives. It includes an introduction to the different types of organizations that produce events, the types of events that are held, the planning process, and evaluation tools. Also, students will learn about the businesses that provide facilities, goods, and services for events.
Survey of Wines of the World* -- A comprehensive study of wine for students that want to learn about using senses to evaluate wines, the methodology of tasting and evaluating wines, and growing, processing, and production of grape varieties used in making wine.
*Additional $100 lab fee
Not sure what I'm going to pick yet, definitely going to be theme park management, definitely not going to be wine tasting. Horrid stuff that's costing an extra $100? I don't think so! I guess I've still got a little while to decide. Once I'm there I'll make sure I give everyone an insider's look at the different classes.
"School, a noble institution. What would this stupid world be without it?" - Pinocchio
it is the prettiest campus ever from what I've seen). I had to find it from a random WDW fansite so here they are...Guest Service Management - This seminar is created to develop an appreciation for, and an understanding of, customer behavior in hospitality organizations. Since all managers in all organizations have internal and external guests or customers, the focus of this course is on how guests think, respond, and behave in response to organizational decisions. Guestology is the scientific study of guests needs, wants and behaviors.
Theme Park Management – A seminar designed to be an overview of the Theme Park and Attraction business. The program will explore the vast array of Parks that fall under this category so that by the completion the participant has a firm understanding of the for profit park system and the guest allure to them. By the end of the course we will be able to define and understand the concepts of themeing and identify the economic impact and tourism value that this industry brings to a community.
Hospitality Brand Management – The most important asset of a company is its reputation. This reputation embodies many things, including its name, the products it sells, the services it supplies to its customers, and its convenient locations. But there are many more, intangible things, which also build this reputation. All of these things, together, can be called the company’s Brand. How hospitality companies create, maintain, and occasionally destroy, their brand value will be the focus of this course.
At the seminar’s end students will have achieved an awareness of the importance of protecting a company’s brand equity. They will possess a set of skills intended to make them better prepared for a successful career in the corporate hospitality environment.
Food & Beverage Operations in the Hospitality Industry – The intent of this seminar is to provide the participant with a firm understanding of the contribution that food & beverage operations make to the hospitality industry. The scope of the lessons will include free standing restaurants, hotel food & beverage operations (including catering & banquets), as well as food & beverage operations in theme parks.
Information Technology and E-commerce in Hospitality and Tourism -- This course is designed to cover topics related to: (1) concepts of information systems in hospitality and tourism; (2) fundamental principles of communication networks in hospitality/tourism; (3) online consumer behavior and e-commerce in hospitality/tourism; and, (4) future direction of technology development and technology strategies in hospitality/tourism.
Leadership and Strategic Management -- This course focuses on principles of contemporary leadership and strategic management for hospitality and tourism organizations. It introduces leadership and strategic management concepts and perspectives into the hospitality and tourism field. The course particularly emphasizes the development of analytical, decision making, problem-solving and communication skills.
Event Management -- This course considers how organizations use events to achieve their strategic goals and objectives. It includes an introduction to the different types of organizations that produce events, the types of events that are held, the planning process, and evaluation tools. Also, students will learn about the businesses that provide facilities, goods, and services for events.
Survey of Wines of the World* -- A comprehensive study of wine for students that want to learn about using senses to evaluate wines, the methodology of tasting and evaluating wines, and growing, processing, and production of grape varieties used in making wine.
*Additional $100 lab fee
Not sure what I'm going to pick yet, definitely going to be theme park management, definitely not going to be wine tasting. Horrid stuff that's costing an extra $100? I don't think so! I guess I've still got a little while to decide. Once I'm there I'll make sure I give everyone an insider's look at the different classes.
"School, a noble institution. What would this stupid world be without it?" - Pinocchio
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Post
I got a couple of letters through the post yesterday. The first was my criminal background check, that was all clear so happy days. They've no reason to keep me out of the States now!
The second, which bizarrely arrived three hours after the first, was a letter which looks like it should come through with the original acceptance pack but was never sent until the crb check came through. It wasn't just me though, everyone else I've spoken to got the same impression from the letter. It's a little confusing as it advises you to do things you've already done, but the good thing about the letter is it finally explained what my role is! Here's the official Disney spiel;
On the upside, at least I noticed the big ole Mickey Mouse sticker on the envelope this time. The last time Yummy Jobs sent something to me, I didn't even see them. Whoops!
Looks like my savings are going to have to be raided! Oh well, how often does a chance like this come around?
"This just arrived from the palace" - Cinderella
The second, which bizarrely arrived three hours after the first, was a letter which looks like it should come through with the original acceptance pack but was never sent until the crb check came through. It wasn't just me though, everyone else I've spoken to got the same impression from the letter. It's a little confusing as it advises you to do things you've already done, but the good thing about the letter is it finally explained what my role is! Here's the official Disney spiel;
Lobby Concierge Cast Members will be working in one of our many resorts across the WALT DISNEY WORLD resort. Individuals in this role must be willing to work in all of the following areas: Front Desk, Guest Services and Phone Room. Cast Members in this role may experience many different facets of the Front Office operations, including using a computer based system, working in an environment with a high level of Guest interaction, resolving challenging Guest situations and cash handling.Wouldn't this be more beneficial to us before we accept the role? To be completely honest, I am not completely happy about having to be comfortable in a sales environment because I'm not. I hate that sort of thing, not enough to turn down this opportunity but enough to have put a bit more consideration into my decision, plus I would have had more time to get prepared for it. Oh well, I guess it means less time to worry about it, right?
Responsibilities may include: checking Guests in and out of resorts, processing payments, answering Guest phone calls and providing information to Guests. Lobby Concierge Cast Members must be comfortable in a strong sales environment, as they will be responsible for creating individualized ticket packages and making dining and other kinds of reservations for guests.
On the upside, at least I noticed the big ole Mickey Mouse sticker on the envelope this time. The last time Yummy Jobs sent something to me, I didn't even see them. Whoops!
You will work between 30-45 hours per week at a rate of $7.88 per hour.
Looks like my savings are going to have to be raided! Oh well, how often does a chance like this come around?
"This just arrived from the palace" - Cinderella
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
I'm A Customer Service Advisor, Get Me Out Of Here!!
Aaarrgghh!! Can not stand to be working in that crap hole much longer.
:(
Spent most of today just thinking and talking about Disney. Counting down the day until I can quit, pack my bags and get the frick out of here. So do not want to go back. I've completely stopped caring whether I sort things out for the customers or not. Why should I? I'm getting paid either way and I'm not there long enough to get in trouble so why bother? Hoping I can quit sooner than I first thought. I need time to de-stress before I set off for the most magical place on Earth! I do not want to take all that negativity over there considering a perma-smile is a role requirement.
59 days to go!
"Everybody's always talking at me, everybody's trying to get in my head" - High School Musical 2
:(
Spent most of today just thinking and talking about Disney. Counting down the day until I can quit, pack my bags and get the frick out of here. So do not want to go back. I've completely stopped caring whether I sort things out for the customers or not. Why should I? I'm getting paid either way and I'm not there long enough to get in trouble so why bother? Hoping I can quit sooner than I first thought. I need time to de-stress before I set off for the most magical place on Earth! I do not want to take all that negativity over there considering a perma-smile is a role requirement.
59 days to go!
"Everybody's always talking at me, everybody's trying to get in my head" - High School Musical 2
Sunday, 3 August 2008
Long Way Round
Got the sun on my face, Sleeping rough on the road, Tell you all about it when I get home.
Aahh, the magic of that programme. Just watching Ewan, Charlie and Claudio travelling around the world on those big ass motorbikes makes me want to be on my way round the world; granted, they went all the way round the world through the likes of Mongolia and Russia and all I'm doing is flying to the USA and back, but I've got the urge to get going all the same.
Come on October!
"Unbelievable sights, indescribable feeling" - Aladdin
Aahh, the magic of that programme. Just watching Ewan, Charlie and Claudio travelling around the world on those big ass motorbikes makes me want to be on my way round the world; granted, they went all the way round the world through the likes of Mongolia and Russia and all I'm doing is flying to the USA and back, but I've got the urge to get going all the same.
Come on October!
"Unbelievable sights, indescribable feeling" - Aladdin
All becoming real
I booked my flights yesterday so it's all becoming more real. £540 return, so not exactly a bargain but one of the cheapest options available. I did want a direct flight from Manchester but that was about £800-ish with Virgin so I'm flying from Manchester to Gatwick and then on to Orlando. There are quite a few other people doing the same and even more joining us at Gatwick so should be fun. I am going to make sure I've added enough Disney films on my iPod to keep me entertained though, just in case the boredom sets in or if everything is slightly awkward with my fellow cast members on the flight.
What I would recommend to anyone else doing one of the programs, is to book your flights as soon as you are sure you are going to go. I waited for weeks, just in case the flights got cheaper and well, that was a mistake. They don't get cheaper, just more expensive. Back in June I could have booked a Delta flight via Atlanta for £360-ish. By the time I actually booked it had gone up two-hundred smackers! It would've saved money but the one I'm on now is more convenient really. Plus it's British Airways and they let you check-in two suitcases so score!
"Think of all the joy you'll find when you leave your world behind and bid your cares goodbye, you can fly, you can fly, you can fly, you can fly, you can fly!" - Peter Pan
What I would recommend to anyone else doing one of the programs, is to book your flights as soon as you are sure you are going to go. I waited for weeks, just in case the flights got cheaper and well, that was a mistake. They don't get cheaper, just more expensive. Back in June I could have booked a Delta flight via Atlanta for £360-ish. By the time I actually booked it had gone up two-hundred smackers! It would've saved money but the one I'm on now is more convenient really. Plus it's British Airways and they let you check-in two suitcases so score!
"Think of all the joy you'll find when you leave your world behind and bid your cares goodbye, you can fly, you can fly, you can fly, you can fly, you can fly!" - Peter Pan
Saturday, 2 August 2008
Two Months To Go
October 5th 2008=The day I fly over to Florida and start my internship at Walt Disney World.
And in my mind, it can not come around fast enough!
Where did it all begin? I guess it started last summer, aimlessly trawling the Internet for something interesting to do after university. It was then that I came across the Walt Disney World International Graduate Program. Six months living and working in the most magical place on Earth complete with a graduate programme at the University of Central Florida sounded perfect for me. I wanted to apply there and then, but it took until the following Spring to work up enough courage to even send off the e-mail. It took until June to get down to London for the interview and then one agonising week later to find out I'd got the job. I was ecstatic and accepted straight away (even though I had no clue what the role of "lobby concierge" even entailed...in fact, I still don't two months later).
The only problem with it is the funds. There's the tuition fees, not to mention having to pay for flights and visas and a million other things, so I'm stuck in a crappy soul destroying job in a miserable little call centre until then. I guess a girl's got to finance her dreams somehow.
"It's the start of something new" - High School Musical
And in my mind, it can not come around fast enough!
Where did it all begin? I guess it started last summer, aimlessly trawling the Internet for something interesting to do after university. It was then that I came across the Walt Disney World International Graduate Program. Six months living and working in the most magical place on Earth complete with a graduate programme at the University of Central Florida sounded perfect for me. I wanted to apply there and then, but it took until the following Spring to work up enough courage to even send off the e-mail. It took until June to get down to London for the interview and then one agonising week later to find out I'd got the job. I was ecstatic and accepted straight away (even though I had no clue what the role of "lobby concierge" even entailed...in fact, I still don't two months later).
The only problem with it is the funds. There's the tuition fees, not to mention having to pay for flights and visas and a million other things, so I'm stuck in a crappy soul destroying job in a miserable little call centre until then. I guess a girl's got to finance her dreams somehow.
"It's the start of something new" - High School Musical
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