Wow it's been 1 month since my last post!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi all!!

I'm back from the Bahamas, had an amazzzzzzzzing time...I have to say, the holiday blues aren't so bad when you are coming home to Florida.

I wasn't sure what to expect from a cruise but it was fantastic. The first night we sailed to Nassou, we got off the ship for around 11am, we got a cab straight to Atlantis (Paradise Island) - it's where all of the celebs go on hols. We had a look around the resort and then went to the beach and drank rum out of coconuts, was fab! We then headed back to Nassou where the ship was docked, Nassou in itself was a bit of a dump but still a laugh, we went to a bar called 'Senor Frogs', we had a good few cocktails before we set sail again at around 6pm. That night we sailed on to Castaway Cay, Castaway Cay is Disney's private owned Island and is absolutely gorgeous. We got off the ship for around 10/11am and headed straight to Serenity Bay, the adult only section of the Island, we set up camp and lay on sun loungers while being served Miami Vice's, the beach was amazing, gorgeous blue sea and soft sand! We had a BBQ on the beach with steak, chicken and fish, was FAB!

On the final night we went for a seven course dinner at the signature dining restaurant on the ship called Palos, the food was excellent, probably one of the best meals I've ever had. All of the food on the ship was very good, when you get to your stateroom you get a schedule of where you are dining on the ship, you take part in rotational dining so that you get the opportunity to try all of the restaurants on the ship, every night there is a 3 course meal. There is unlimited food and room service too, so we definitely did not go hungry!!

Anyway, back to reality now. I got my schedule today for Christmas and I'm working solidly now, I only have 1 day off which is next Monday. Other than that I'm working an AM shift on Christmas eve and a MID (11:30 - 22:15) on Christmas day....good times!!!

xxxxxxxxxxxx

I'M GOING TO THE BAHAMAS!!

Hi all,

Quick update, just booked a cruise to the Bahamas on the 9th - 12th December. Me, Debs and Caoimhe are going on the Disney Wonder ship, we managed to get a really nice room with a Varandah aswell. The cruise schedule is:

Day Port Ashore Onboard

Day 1 Port Canaveral, Florida 3:45 p.m.

Day 2 Nassau 9:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

Day 3 Castaway Cay 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.

Day 4 Port Canaveral, Florida 7:30 a.m.

Castaway Cay is Disney's privately owned Island, VERY EXCITED!!

x x x x

Hi all,

I have posted a picture of us UK guys with the 'guy' that was put up in the UK pavilion on Guy Fawkes night.... it was really fun, Disney put on pizza and ice cream and things for the cast members as it was firework night!

I'm really enjoying service, it's so much fun. You get so much more interaction with guests it's great.

Debbie, Caiomhe and I all had Saturday off together, it was the first time in AGES!! We all went to Millenia Mall, was FANTASTIC!! I spent $600 but who cares... I was in dire need of some retail therapy!! I bought loads of stuff, treated myself to a coat from Hollister and some stuff from Abercrombie :D . We went for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, was great, I have only ever seen the Cheesecake Factory on the Big Bang Theory. The portions were MASSIVE, I only had a little bit of my entree and couldn't even fit any room in for cheesecake!

Really looking forward to Mum, Dad, Dan and Names coming out at Christmas, I can't believe it's next month, eeeeeeeek! x x x

I PASSED

Hi all!!

Just to let you all know, I AM NOW AN OFFICIAL DISNEY SERVER OF THE ROSE AND CROWN! My test went well today, I am so pleased I passed. I went into work at 9am this morning and completed another written test, this was about 1 and a half hours. I then began my AM server shift, I was sat tables up until my test table. On my test table I had one manager and 2 senior servers/trainers, along with my test table I was sat 2 other tables. They did test me, I had lots of questions and an allergy to deal with.....all was good though! I had to open a bottle of wine at the table which was interesting!

I am so tired right now I can't be bothered to write any more, seriously sleep deprived at the minute. First AM shift tomorrow on my own....WUHOOOOOOOO!

x x x

SERVICE WEEK, EEEEEEEEK!!!

WOW I have finally made it to my service week, WUHOOOO!!

I am finding service really good so far, my week started with Sunday by spieling to Chef Tony, he passed me no problem which was good - he just needed to say that I needed to sound a little more natural and less nervous. I then had a classroom session with Laura who went through all of the service information that I need to know. After my classroom session, I had my first AM shift, this involves serving the lunchtime tables - according to my trainer I did really well, and today was my first MID shift, which is an all day shift AM (lunch) and PM (dinner), again my trainer was happy with me, the only thing I really need to improve on is smiling - it's not like I'm walking around the restaurant like a grump, it's just that I'm concentrating on what needs to be done next. When you are training you are given a 4 table section, so you can be sat with all 4 tables at once, this gets difficult when tables want things all at once and we deliver the high service that they expect.... I really enjoy the buzz though when it gets busy. The only thing I am finding slightly difficult and need to start getting used to doing is spieling, it's amazing what you can sell to a table by spieling, yesterday I had a table that bought everything I recommended. I just need to become more confident and make it flow a little better.

I have tomorrow off which I am really great full for, as last week was a 54 hour week. This week is only 42 or something, but today was a 12 hour shift, I clocked in at 11:15am and didn't clock out until 11:25pm, so I am quite knackered!!! I have a classroom session on Wednesday and then I have another PM shift, apparently the trainer should really take a back seat and watch me in this shift and let me do everything on my own. Thursday is an AM shift and is my test day, I am sat in a 3 table section on my test day, and you serve as normal through lunch, and at some stage during my lunch my manager and a trainer will be seated, I will have to serve them as if they are a normal table. They won't make it easy for me though, one of them will have an allergy and they tend to do sneaky little things to check that you pick up on things (e.g. order iced tea and tear up sugar packets and scatter them over the table to see if you clean them up), it's all good things to test the server to make sure that they are picking up on what their guests are doing. I then find out if I have passed or failed, if all is good and I have passed, then I will have my first AM shift on my own on Friday. Watch this space!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry I've not really updated you on anything other than work stuff recently, but all I have been doing is working, hopefully when (if...) I get into service things will calm down a little more.

x x x

AHHHHHHHHHH TOO MANY HOURSS!!

Hi all,

Right, Dad has been bugging me for never updating my blog, so I wanted to explain why....basically since I've started food running I have been working 6 day weeks, each day is a 10 hr shift....so finding time to update is hard.

Dad and I had a lovely weekend together. On Saturday we went to EPCOT for the day, it was a lot more chilled compared to what we normally do. We went to the Rose and Crown for lunch, it was nice that Dad got to see where I worked. It was Debbie's first day in service so she was our server which was nice. We then went to Teppan Edo for dinner which is a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant which was nice. The family that were eating on the same table as us managed to spill and smash a glass of wine on the grill (resulting in all of the food being taken off the grill and the chef had to start again) and melting their credit card on the hot grill...it did add some extra entertainment to the meal!! On Sunday we went to Kennedy Space Centre for the day and then on to Cocoa beach for dinner in a nice fish restaurant, obviously there was a mandatory stop at Dairy Queen for ice cream on the way back :D

Everything else is going well. I am hopefully starting my service training soon. I know that we are short on food runners, hence why I'm working mad hours food running.

xxx

A few recent photos

Happy Mondays - Italian lads and flip cup!!

Debbie's Birthday, shout out at Via Napoli (ITALY)

Drinking around the world in EPCOT

Drinking around the world in EPCOT. Jeni, Debbie me and Iain.

Food running, culinary etc...

Hi all,

I am now in food running, yayyyyyyy!! It's really hard work, I come home so tired. Basically, the idea of food running is that you run the entrées to the servers table, and sometimes the appetizers and deserts. I have only had one days food running so far, it is a tipped position (the servers give you a cut of their tips)....so Saturday is my first day in a tipped position. Yesterday I had my service class at Disney uni, which involved getting up at 5:30 am to get the bus....the morning was really interesting as it was just teaching us about service the 'Disney way' etc.....it is VERY different to service in the UK, the expectations here are so much higher. The afternoon was slightly dull as it was just a whole afternoon about wine...we didn't even get to drink any!! Today I had my culinary day which was a lot of fun. I went into work in chef whites and spent a whole day in different sections of the kitchen. I started off in pantry, then moved to grills and ovens, then fish and then chippie and then I had a plate of food made up for me....I ate soooooooo much today it's unbelievable. I finished the evenings doing salads and desserts in pantry which was fun. Tomorrow is my bar day, which should be useful to get to know all of the different drinks and wines on the bar, it will all help me when I go into service training.

I think I have one more week of food running and then I begin my service training, then all I need to do is pass my test and I should be good to go.

I have 2 days off this week and then another 2 Monday and Tuesday next week. I think I am going to Universal one of the days and then Dad is coming to Orlando on the Friday...yayyyyy! I know I definitely have the Saturday off with him, just need to ensure I have the Sunday off aswell when I get my new schedule on Sunday.

That's all for now...x x

Drinking around the world!!!

Hi all,

It's Debbies birthday today, so we drank around the world yesterday, was soooooo much fun!! We started in Mexico with margaritas, then we went to Italy for wine, then Germany for some weird cherry liquor punch thing, then back to Mexico for some more margaritas, then France for another weird cocktail thing. We ate at the new pizzeria in Italy, it was reallllllllllly good, Clarissa my house mate was working so it was good to see her. We also went and played on Kidcot in Norway to see Hilde :P .

I'll put some pics up soon :D

x x

Last week on Podium!!

Hi all!

I go into food running on Saturday, so I'm enjoying my last week on podium! I went into work yesterday and as soon as I arrived into cast services it started peeing it down with rain... I had my rain coat from costuming, so I volunteered to stand outside and greet guests, I quite like the rain, it makes everything more interesting!!! I've had quite a few training shifts which have been fun, it's a great way to get to meet all of the newbies.

I go into food running on Sunday, I am at Disney University on Monday for service training, I have my culinary day on Tuesday which means I go into work in chef whites and spend time in every section of the kitchen and I get to eat LOADS of food (really looking forward to my culinary day - no surprise there), Wednesday I have my bar day - so a day behind the bar pulling pints and then Thursday and Friday off and then I have 1 more week in food running - which will be tipped $$$$ . Once I have completed my food running I will go into my service training.

Otherwise everything is good, we had lasses (happy mondays) in my apartment on Monday, Hilde (my Norwegian housemates) joined UK lasses, so she was an honorary UK lass for the evening - I am trying to persuade her to drop Flicka (that's the name for the Norwegian girls happy Mondays) and come to lasses!!!

TTFN x x x

Islands of Adventure - HARRY POTTER

Hi all,

First of all, I just want to let you all know that I have been having problems with my blog, for some reason it always crashes when I try and publish a post, so I haven't been updating because I have been unable too....hopefully this will work fine!

I went to Harry Potter land at Universals Islands of Adventure on Monday, I went with some of the girlies from work. I bought my years pass also, so now I can get unlimited access ... wuhoo!! Harry Potter was excellent, it's great anyway, but as I am a massive Harry Potter fan it was even better. The ride is unbelievable, I won't say what it's like just in case I ruin it for someone, but it really is amazing, not at all what you expect! The actual Harry Potter land is based around Diagon Alley in the book, you can go into Honey Dukes sweet shop...they had chocolate frogs and everything! I also had a butter beer which was a bit of a disappointment, it comes with a butterscotch topping, which when mixed with the fizzy drink kind of looks a little like a dirty pint!! Had a really good day though, was really tiring as we park hopped and went over to Universal Studios aswell....we then came home and went to Lasses (Happy Mondays) in the evening, where we met the Mexican lads, was good fun!!

Here are some pictures from Harry Potter and Happy Mondays with the Mexican lads.

- Girlies at Happy Mondays (Fancy dress - Characters).

- Getting ready to drink against the Mexican lads.

- Entrance to Harry Potter.

- Me with Voldermorts wand....

K x x

I PASSED MY PRE SERVICE TEST!

Hi all,

I passed my service test, yayyyyy, I got 97% which I am so pleased about. I wasn't sure if I would have passed or not. You have to know the whole menu to be able to pass, and the main ingredients to all of the dishes. The salads in the appetisers and the pies in the entrées always confused me because there was so many ingredients to remember, I had to name all of the ingredients for the mixed greens and also the vegetarian Shepherds Pie, I went completely mind blank when I had to name the pie ingredients....but obviously didn't do that bad. I will hopefully get a date for food running within the next couple of days and then I food run for 1/2 weeks and then I go into begin my service training and then I serve my managers!

My shifts at work are a little rubbish this week, I have quite a few late shifts, but I think that may be because a lot of the podium / chippie staff have moved into service. There was a new arrival group last week, so I have quite a few training shifts coming up which I enjoy!

I didn't do much on my days off this week as I was revising for my pre-service...I go to Miami in a couple of weeks though, we are only going for 1 night, the 30th Sept - 1st Oct.

TTFN x x

Hi all,

First of all, I am so sorry I haven't updated in a while, sooooo much has been going on and I just haven't had the time. Last week I worked loads and loads of hours and it was a little strange as Gemma went home :( ...

It was my birthday last Monday, we went out to House of Blues on the Sunday night. Hilde, Morgan and I went to Animal Kingdom on the Monday and then Morgan, Becky and I went on to Magic Kingdom for Wishes. I got my first magical moment on Splash Mountain (my fave ride...in case I haven't mentioned that before), I came off the ride and all the cast members were at the bottom singing Happy Birthday and they gave me the free ride pic.

I am being made an official Disney trainer :D ... we had a meeting about it last week, we have to have an interview with our boss and another training boss and then we can organise the training class. I have already had a few training shifts, I trained 2 new starters on chippie tills yesterday and we were only 1 cent out when we banked out at the end of the day ... wup!

I have 2 days off at the end of this week...really looking forward to chilling by the pool. I think we may be going to see Fantasmic on Thursday night. I haven't been to the pool in 3 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!

I promise I'll update again really really soon!

xxxxxx

A bit of Disney Magic …

Just wanted to drop a quick blog post to say that yesterday I had a really good day and realised why I love this job!!!!!!!

I was in the chippie and met a family from Bristol, we were chatting away for a bit and then they went and carried on with their day. Later on in the evening I was seating guests in the Rose and Crown and I sat the same family that I was speaking to in the chippie earlier from Bristol, we got chatting a bit more about my year and things and then I left them to eat their meal. I ended up having my shift extended yesterday so instead of finishing at 8:30pm, I finished at 9pm. At around 8:45pm I went back to the podium after clearing some tables and the little girl from the family from Bristol was sat behind the podium as good as gold, apparently she was cold inside and came out to warm up. I sat down with her and had a chat, she was so sweet, she was telling me about her trip to the bibbidi bobbidi boutique (you get transformed into a princess), we were chatting for about 15 minutes, she was even asking me about what I wanted to do when I got home from Disney, she was only about 9 years old…really nice young girl! After a while her family came out and thanked me and wished me all the best for my year. It just shows that the really little things can really make your day and realise that what you’re doing is really worthwhile…cheese on toast I know, but that little girl really made my day :D

Gobble Gobble Gobble!!

Just had my 2 days off, as usual, they have flown by!!! On Thursday we went to Florida Mall, I did some serious retail therapy, I bought an ipod touch :D . Thursday evening we went to a late showing of "The Switch" at the cinema which was good.

Yesterday Gemma, Caoimhe, Vicky and I all went to Hollywood Studios. There was this rumour floating around that if you go up to the turkey leg stand in Hollywood Studios and you dance around like a turkey and go "gobble, gobble, gobble" then you get a free turkey leg. Vicky and I decided to give it a go and its true, I have put the picture up of me tucking into my free turkey leg!!

Yesterday evening we went out for a meal for my birthday (we managed to get a group picture), we went to the Olive Garden which is an Italian restaurant at the cross roads. The portion sizes are so big that they let you share main courses, they are also so cheap, that there is no point in sharing... As it was my birthday they got me a cake :D . There was a new arrival group the other week, so we went to their throw in / meet and greet and then stayed for a few drinks after which was fun. I then came home and rang Mum super early in the morning UK time to wish her "HAPPY BIRTHDAY", I also managed to say Happy Birthday in Italian as Clarissa was still up to translate for me.

Off to work today and tomorrow, I'm starting to learn the info for my pre-service test, so probs going to get stuck into that this week so that I can take my test a week on Monday and then start my spiel...I want to get into service asap!!!

Off to work at 2:30pm, so really should start getting ready as I'm still in my pj's.

x x x

Finally, some home cooking :D

Hi all,

Nearly time for 2 days off, yay!! I'm really tired at the minute actually, even though I had 2 days off not long ago, that was spent with Chloe and Ros, and we had loads of really early starts to get the most out of the parks, so I'm hanging. Thursday and Friday off though which is really good, we think we are going to Florida Mall tomorrow and then a water park on Friday.

Last night the girls and I all went to Down Town Disney for food. We went to a restaurant called Raglan Road, it's an Irish restaurant where there are Irish dancers and singers while you eat, it's such a good atmosphere. I had Colcannon soup to start and then 'bangers and booze', which was guinness sausages and mash with beef stew on top, was so good to have something other than burgers and fries.

Work is going well, I was on a 10 hour chippie till shift on Monday and was only 2 cents up at the end of the day which is good. I did have a staggered till shift though, so I wasn't on tills for the whole of the day which is good, I was only on from about 2pm until 9pm. I'm going to start revising for my service test on my days off, fun times!!!!!!

x x x

Chloe and Ros's visit

Hi all,

Had a really nice couple of days with Chloe and Ros. I managed to get out of work early on Thursday, I met up with the girls and we went to the Ale House on I.Drive for a couple of drinks which was nice. Friday morning was a really early start, we went to Magic Kingdom first thing, we were there from 9am - 10pm, we got everything done including 2 parades and we also saw 'Wishes', the firework display at MK...I lovvvve wishes! Yesterday was another early start, we went to Hollywood Studios to do the big main rides and then we went on to Epcot. Epcot was nice and chilled, we did a few rides in future world and then went on to the world showcase, where we got some food (funnily enough we ended up getting fish and chips), we also went and got a funnel cake. I had never had one, and they came highly recommended by my friend Gemma, it was fantastic, it's basically pancake batter drizzles in oil with chocolate sauce and sugar on MMMMMMMMM! We had one each, but could have quite happily shared one between all 3 of us. We then stayed in Epcot to see 'Illuminations', which is the firework display in Epcot, really enjoyed seeing that whilst I wasn't working, it had been raining ALL day, so a lot of people had given up and gone home, so it wasn't as busy and didn't have to battle for a space to watch the fireworks. I then walked the girls out of the gate and made my way home, it was a really quick 2 days off, but I really enjoyed myself :D .

They have gone to Islands of Adventure today in Universal to see Harry Potter land. They are then off to Portland tomorrow to go on a tour of where Twighlight was filmed.

I'm working now until Thursday and then 2 days off :D . I think I need to chill those 2 days, I'm realllly tired, as these 2 days have been non - stop!

TTFN x

Another day of Disney magic!

Today was busy at work, I was on chippie close which is always a shift that goes quickly, the only problem is that you never get out on time, today I was supposed to finish at 9:30pm and I actually got out at 10:15pm. A guest actually asked me yesterday how I managed to work in the chippie and look so good (aka not sweating loads), I told him that it was Disney magic :D .... which it is, in the form of air conditioning!!

I'm working extra magic hours tomorrow, finishing at 10pm. Extra magic hours is when the park stays open until midnight and hotel and resort guests can go on the rides and stuff, it's good because it's quieter and cooler. I am hoping possibly to get an ER (early release) to get over and see Chloe and Ros as they arrive tomorrow, but it all depends on whether there is enough cover to close.

I went to Wal Mart tonight with Morgan (also works in the UK), it seemed like I bought the whole shop, was a struggle carrying it all back. This is when it is a problem living in block 28, it is the end of the earth and take 15 mins walking back from the bus.

I can't believe how quickly the last month has gone, I am really surprised how soon it is until my birthday. I am hoping to swap the day so that I can have the actual day of my birthday off. Hilde also has Mondays off so we can do something together, we haven't had a day off together in ages......with the new schedule bid my regular days off are Thursday and Friday, whereas Hilde's are Monday and Tues. It is pretty easy to switch shifts around though when you want to do things together some weeks. My schedule is also getting better with earlier finishes as there are several new arrival groups coming, so they are now getting all of the late shifts. I like earlier shifts, you can actually do something with your evenings!!!!

Right I am off to bed as it's 2:30am. Night world!! x x x

Debbie and I in our gorgy bonnets!!

Here is a pic that Hilde took when she came to the chippie one night on her day off....as you can see both me and Debbie look lovely in our bonnets!!

Hilde's Blog

Hi all,

Here is a link to my roomie Hilde's blog, check it out!!! It is in Norwegian, but I know if you use Google Chrome you can translate the page pretty easily.

http://disneyhilde.wordpress.com/

x x

Hi all,

Nothing new to report really... I start at 4pm today, so this morning I got up early as I needed to go to the post office. I also popped in to Hooters as I really wanted a Hooters Orlando top :P ... tacky I know ha!!! It's ridiculous, you can actually see Hooters from my window, but it takes 45 mins to get there on the bus because there is no straight forward way of getting there.

I am working pretty solidly this week, quite a few late shifts which is annoying as you can't really do anything with your evening when you have a late. Very excited for Chloe's arrival on Thursday, wup!!!!!

I went for a late night trip to IHOP (international house of pancakes) with Vicky and Gemma last night, I had steak and potatoes there and it wasn't great, we all came to the conclusion that IHOP are only good at pancakes!!

The picture uploaded is when Vicky, Hilde, Louise and I all went to EPCOT for the day!

TTFN x x

Very rainy day off!

Hi all,

Day off today, wuhoo...accept it's raining! I haven't done a lot today, we went to a party with the Italians yesterday so my head is a bit sore today....Cathryn and I went to get a massive burger and starbucks this morning, then we went to the pool for a bit until it started raining. I then came home and broke the washing machine by putting too much stuff in it and now I have kind of flooded our laundry room....my house mates are going to LOVE me :D . I was supposed to be going to a park later on with one of the gals, but I think we'll probs see what's happening with the weather.

Work was good last night, I was greeting during fireworks which can sometimes mean that you get some stick from guests if they have been waiting a while, I have to say though, everyone yesterday was lovely, I even got chatting a family from Bristol last night too. I got handed a tip from a guy last night too, I didn't count it so not sure how much it was but I had to hand it straight to a manager as we aren't allowed to keep tips!

I'm working 7 days straight after today, it's because I swapped 2 of my days off to have next Friday and Saturday off as Chloe and her friend is coming to Florida, so I can take them to Disney and spend some time with them for a couple of days. Chloe will be the first person to get free entry with my main gate pass :D

TTFN x

Day off today!

Hi all,

I have a day off today, wup! I have just made a massive spaghetti sauce to freeze, I'm trying to be organised, because I am eating out way way way too much! I seem to eat nothing during the day, but scoff at night....it's because you work until really late and get home and your starving. I am also going to this place called Panera bread (proper crusty bread and soup) for lunch, then a pedicure (believe me, you need it here) and then we are going to cast connections, it's a place by Disney university where you can get cheap Disney merch.

I have had a good week at work this week, I have chatted to some really nice guests, however yesterday one couple did rub it in that they were going back to England the next day and would have a roast dinner waiting for them. I have to say, I am missing English food: gravy, cadburys, PG tips (accept Mum has got me sorted with PG tips), cheese, baked beans and bread that doesn't taste sweet!!! I did get a gravy fix at work the other day though, we paid $5 for charity and got some rose and crown food, I had sausages, yorkshires, gravy, roast beef and cheesy mash..AMAZING!

I am asking my manager for my pre service pack tomorrow. In order to go into service and to get into a tipped position you need to go through several stages. You need to pass your pre service test with 80% or higher, this is to show that you know your menu, wines, beers and spirits. Then you go into food running where you take the food out to the tables. Then you have to learn your spiel (how to sell the food) and then spiel to your manager and I think the final stage in the process is that you have to serve a table of senior servers and a table of managers. I wanted to get learning my menu asap, I may not take my test for a while, but it's worth getting it done so I can start getting my tips :D :D .

x x x

Magic Kingdom with Vicky : PHOTOS :D

Here are some photos of mine and Vicky's trip to MK. The picture from the ride is Splash Mountain :D x x

Back to work!!

Hi everyone!!

I've had my 2 days off, so back to work at 3:30 today, fun fun!!! Yesterday I went out for a full English breakfast at a British pub on I.Drive, I had BACK bacon, sausage, HEINZ beans, tomatoes, hash brown and coffee (but the coffee was the rubbish American stuff). We then went shopping, I was fairly restrained considering how much I normally spend!

Yesterday night, Vicky and I went to Magic Kingdom just to do some rides and things, was nice to get out in the evening for a couple of hours. We managed to blag a fast pass for Space Mountain as it was a 70 minute queue, we also did splash mountain ( :D :D :D my personal fave), big thunder, haunted mansion and philhar magic...we stayed until closing, was fun!

I'm really sorry I missed Kathy and Ste's wedding yesterday, I have seen one photo from the Wolstenholme's, and they both look fabulous!

TTFN!

K x x x

Photos

PLANET HOLLYWOOD

Life as a CRP in the UK pavilion in Epcot

Hi all!

Well it's been a while since I have properly updated, so I just wanted to let you know what I have been up to this week, as I finally have a day off today. When I have an early finish we tend to go out and do something in the evening, and if I have a late start I just tend to have a much needed lie in, it seems I can sleep all day when I am here - so I am really sorry it has been a while since I have properly updated.

Last week I had a couple of days off, Hilde, Vicky and Louise went to EPCOT for the day, we hadn't been properly other than our discovery day since we have started, so we went and had a wonder around the world showcase and did a couple of rides. The world showcase is where I am working in EPCOT, it is where each of the countries pavilions are. This was good, it seems that cast members who are working can spot fellow cast members that are visiting a mile off, a couple of times we were asked if we were cast members without even showing any ID or speaking to them!! After EPCOT we then went to Magic Kingdom to watch the electrical parade and then the fireworks, unfortunately due to a storm the parade was cancelled, but the fireworks were excellent. Magic Kingdom have a new firework display for summer, it's called summer nightastic, was FAB. The whole fireworks were based around the castle, and you would hear voices of different characters and then there would be fireworks based on the film. For example, Captain Hook's voice was heard and then there were loads of fireworks in the shape of skulls and cross bones and canons, it was fantastic.

On my other day off last week we went to Planet Hollywood for dinner, the service and the food was appalling. The good thing is, as Disney cast members we get VIP queue jump, so we didn't have to wait in the 1hr queue for a table!

The week at work has been good. I have managed to take my 'earning my ears' badge off, I am now officially trained, wuhooo!! Accept this does mean that I can't use the "Oh I'm sorry I don't know because I'm still training" line!! I am enjoying the job, I really enjoy interacting with the guests and playing hop scotch with them, it's great when you get the parents doing it. I have been able to start seating and greeting this week which was nice, it's good to move around, and there is more interaction with guests...however, time does drag, as you tend to get very busy (which is good) periods, but also you get very quiet (baaadddd) periods at the restaurant, which can be hard when you have to stand out in the heat for long periods of time. There has been a couple of good storms this week at work. I really enjoy it when it rains, apart from the fact that it cools you down, it's something different to deal with. We are all outside when we are seating and greeting, so everything moves inside. The only problem is that our costume gets absolutely soaked, and the material doesn't dry off very quickly!

We went to this amazing T-REX restaurant the other day, it's in Down Town Disney, the whole place has a dinosaur theme, and there are loads of dinosaurs around your table that move and stuff, it's great!

I have today and tomorrow as a day off, today I am taking a ride on the i-ride, which is a bus that goes up and down international drive, we are just going on a bit of an explore and then getting some food. Tomorrow I am going to a British pub called 'Best of British' for a full English with Louise (she is from Bristol, and is also my 'Mum' here), we are then going to Prime Outlets and possibly cast connections, where you can get loads of discounted merchandise.

That's all for now, I'll post some photos too! x x x

SUUUUUUUPER quick update

Hi all,

Just wanted to update you, I have been working loads recently, and am off out for dinner in down town Disney in a bit!

Work is going good, I have been working on the podium of the Rose and Crown this week, seating and greeting....there is a lot more guest interaction which is good, it's a bit boring during down time though, so I tend to just wonder round chatting to kids and giving them stickers!!!!!

We had our first tropical storm yesterday which was fun as I was working, I did get quite wet! It's difficult when it rains as 2/3rds of the restaurant is outside, but in the rain everyone wants to sit outside under the cover because they are too cold and wet to sit inside. However in the sun, everyone wants to sit inside....it's really hard to please everyone!!!

Anyway I will do a full post soon, but just wanted to do a quick update.

P.S. I'm getting a cold ... BOOOOOOOOOOOO x x x

Hi all,

Here is a picture of me from the throw in with cream in my face....LOVERLY!!!

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Social Security Visit

Morning all!!

I was up at 5am this morning...OUCH! We had our social security visit today, we get our social security card through in a few weeks, yay! We had to be on the coach at 6:15 am, but speaking to people that have been through it before, they said that it is best to get to the Commons club house (where the bus picks us up from) at 5:45 am in order to get on the first bus and be back to the Commons quickly, we got back around 8:45 am which is good, and as I have the whole day off, I can sunbathe wuhooooo.... there is talk about going to EPCOT for the fireworks tonight, as so far I have only seen the odd spark from them as I am refilling the condiment cart of the chippie when I'm working, but I guess we'll see how that goes, because I think everyone is pretty tired.

Hilde and I went to WAL Mart late last night to get throws and posters and stuff to decorate the apartment, as we decided that it was dull, we bought 2 pillows (but somehow managed to lose one between the cab and the apartment), throws and posters oooo and a toaster so we can have pop tarts! It looks loads better now :D , we even have candles! We didn't get back from WAL Mart until around 1 am, it is soooo much better to shop at that time, there are no crazy tourists in your way and you don't have to battle your way through the heat either. When we got back we started to tuck into the Ben and Jerry's ice cream we bought....really getting into the American food, Mac and Cheese, chilli dogs, pop tarts, Reeses mmmmmmm! It's all in moderation though, no way am I going to get fat again!!!!! So didn't get to bed until 2 am, so I am going to have a nap now and then go to the pool a bit later.

K x x

P.S. Just wanted to share that I am getting a new bed frame, I found out the hard way that mine had broken by sitting on the end of it and the end collapsing. The team here are really good, all of the Disney properties are owned by Price Management, they seem to be really quick, better than Mill Point anyway.

P.P.S. Totally forgot to tell you all that we had an apartment inspection last week where they check cleanliness and everything and we got the white glove award, which means we are amazing and clean. They gave us a massive box of choccies!!

I am still alive!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi all,

Sorry it has been ages since I last updated, but I have been mad busy, I have been given all the late shifts at work which basically means you have no time to do anything! I am desperate for a WAL mart shop but just haven't had the chance yet, I think Hilde and I may try and go later tonight. I am working at 3pm today, it still doesn't give you much time in the morning, I need to be leaving my appartment around 1:45pm to get to the bus stop and then at Epcot there is another bus back stage to catch that will take me to my Pavilion, it's also a good idea to actually get into work 15 minutes before you start, as if you are on the registers, you need to count all of your money. I am now fully trained on the registers which is good, however there is so much responsibility for your money, if you are out my so many $$ then that can lead to a reprimand, scary stuff!!!! I am enjoying being fully trained and able to do things on my own. I think today I am being trained seating, but I'm not entirely sure, it can change dependant on staff when I get there.

Tomorrow is a day off, but unfortunately I have to get up at 5am to go and get my social security number. I think we are going to make the most of the day though and go to a park or something.

Last night, me and a couple of other girls went to a bar called the 'ale house', was really good, we had a meal and then as it was ladies night, it was free (alcoholic) drinks all night!!!!! FANTASTIC!!!!!

Anyway, I'll try and post again really soon, hope all is well with everyone.

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Magic Kingdom today!!!!!!!

Hi all,

Went to Magic Kingdom today with Hilde :). We did the park as a tourist, was really good. Was nice to see a Disney park from a guests perspective, as since we have been here we have only seen them as cast members. We have both bought autograph books to use whilst we are here. I have put some photos up of us with the characters!!

I am working tomorrow, it's a very strange feeling having to work, because I have had 2 days off and am now in holiday mode again, I haven't quite adjusted to the fact that I am here to work. There are tropical storms scheduled for this weekend, should be interested if I am working tomorrow, as I am outside rain or shine...I just get a poncho to wear if it rains!!!!!!

I survived the throw in, wasn't as bad as I thought, I was asked some pretty embarrassing questions and had a cream pie chucked at my face...but I am still standing, I am officially 'thrown in'. We get assigned Mums and Dads for the year, mine is a Louise and Chris, both from BRIZZZZZLE ;D

I'll update again soon. Mucho love, K x x x

Rain rain go away!!

Hi all,

No news really other than the fact that I fancy a bit of a moan... I have a day off today and it's raining loads, so bad in fact that I had to run across the car park bare foot because I couldn't run in my shoes. Also, I went to the bank to change my travellers cheques today (it's a Disney bank and I was told that I could do this when I got my pay roll card), only to be told that they wouldn't put travellers cheques in my account unless they were cashed. The lady then told me to go to Magic Kingdom guest services to get the cheques changed, which I did, so I got the bus to Magic Kingdom and then went to guest services only to be told they don't do that. So basically, I spent 3 hours running around Disney on my day off and told 3 different things by 3 different people and am no better off now and I'm soaking wet!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRR!!!! On a better note, I'm going to Planet Hollywood for dinner :D x x x

Norwegian Costume

This is my Norwegian room mate Hilde...she has a lovely costume. It's a combination of the different styles of the 'bunad', which is the national outfit of Norway!

x x x

First Day at work in the UK Pavilion

Hi all,

Very quick one tonight! I have had my first days work in the UK pavilion, yay! I was put on the chippy today, was OK actually, day goes quickly as you are kept quite busy, however there isn't a lot of guest interaction, you get more of that with the seater and greeter roles which I get to do next week.

I have just got back from a late night swim at the pool, so cool, you definitely can't go for a swim at 1am in England! Tomorrow I am working a late shift, I think I finish around 10 - 10:30pm ish and then I have Friday and Saturday off. I think Saturday I am going to the Magic Kingdom with my house mate and then in the evening I am going out with a few guys to a club that gives away free beer until 1am!!!

Anyway I am off to bed now, I'm wiped, not used to this hard work, it takes it out of you being in that heat all day long!

I'll update again soon! x x

Hi all,

Here is the photo of me in my costume....nice isn't it, nice and warm, exactly what you want in the Floridian weather :P . I actually quite like wearing it and playing dress up, however I'm sure that will wear off. I do have a very fetching bonnet that I get to wear when I am in the chippy, however, there will be no pics of me in the bonnet, if you want to see it, come to Epcot!!!

All is going really well, I have my training schedule for the next couple of weeks, I am moving between the chip shop and the podium at the Rose and Crown pub, where I am training to be a seater and greeter. I have been down to the pavilion twice now, and there seems like a really good bunch. We have our UK 'throw in' on Friday, it's a little like orientation into the UK group...slightly scared, but I have been reassured that nothing horrible will happen.

Still very tired, a lot of the training has been on computers for about 3 and a half hours at a time, so it's very hard on the eyes, really been feeling it in the evenings. I have Friday and Saturday off this week, really looking forward to the break, I think one of the days will be a lazy day by the pool, but will most likely do a park or something on one of the days. I'm trying not to go overkill on the parks so soon at the beginning of the program, I don't want to get sick of them in a couple of weeks!

Anyway, that's it from me for now.

Much love, x x

More Disney Uni

Hi guys,

More Disney Uni pics, we had a special guest!!! x x x

Hi all,

My Disney traditions training was at the Disney university yesterday, here are the pics :) x x

Just a quicky update!!

Hi all,

Just a quick one from me as I'm verrrrrry tired. I had my Disney traditions training today, was really interesting actually, learnt about the Disney 'way' and a bit of the company history (realised how much of a geek I actually was because I knew everything), I won a Donald Duck (well originally Minnie Mouse, but I swapped as I'm not a big Minnie fan) plastic toy thing for my contribution (most people won things, it's not just me that's special). We received our Disney ID today also, so we headed straight to Hollywood Studios, did the Tower of Terror and the new Toy Story ride and had a bit of a boogie with Goofy and Chip and Dale, we only arrived at half 7 in the eve, so didn't fit much in. We then headed to Sizzlers for dinner $9.99 for a 6oz Sirloin, fries unlimited buffet and pudding....AMAZING!! I ate out last night at the Olive Garden as well, so tonight was my last meal out for a while.

Tomorrow I have my first lot of F&B training at the Disney University, then I think I may head to Epcot for a bit of a play later on...we'll see how we go, I'm up at 6am!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, that wasn't as quick as I'd hoped. TTFN! x x

My new home :)

Hi all,

Just wanted to drop you all a quick update about my first couple of days in Orlando :) . I have moved into a 3 person apartment with 2 very nice girls, one Italian girl named Clarissa and one Norwegian girl called Hilde. We all moved in on the same day, so all being well, we should all be in the same apartment until we leave.

I am still in the middle of all my orientation classes, so in no man's land at the minute. We have our Disney traditions class on Saturday which is our first official day of work, and then I guess from then we'll find out when we we will get to work on properly on the UK pavilion. Met some really nice people from the UK who arrived the same day, they are also on F&B so will have a lot of my training with them. Haven't been out properly in Orlando yet, we did take a taxi (cab ;) ) down to Down Town Disney last night, however we didn't get there until around midnight so a lot of places were closed, I think we'll go earlier next time. Looking forward to having my first proper night out here, I think it'll be very different to the UK!!

Anyway that's all from me for now. Photos are on there way of where I am living for you all to see :) x x

Orlando....I HAVE ARRIVED!!

Hi all!!

I have arrived in Orlando safe and sound! I landed at about 3:30 pm yesterday afternoon, there was a massive que at immigration, was probably queuing for at least an hour, so after I got my luggage and my shuttle I didn't get to my hotel until about 7pm. Just across the road from my hotel was a Wendy's, so I had my first American burger of the year, it went down a treat! I did everything I could to stay awake so that I didn't get too jet lagged, but threw in the towel and went to sleep around 11pm.

This morning I have spoken to some of the other guys in the hotel that are also heading to Disney today, and we are sharing a taxi, so will probs arrive there around 11:30 / 12 noon ish. After that who knows what I'll be doing today, I would guess that a trip to Wal Mart will be involved, I'm looking forward to getting settled in and meeting loads of new people.

I'll try and update again later in the week, TTFN (ta ta for now).

x

I have my visa!!!

Visa has arrived today :D I'm all set for Florida!!

I've taken the decision to book an extra bag for the flight, that gives me 46kg in total...surely I can fit everything into that!?!?!

First Post!!

Hi all!

Welcome to my blog! This is where I'll try and keep you all up to date on what is happening in Florida, so keep an eye out for updates! I'm going to work out how to upload photos on here also.

At the minute Florida prep is coming along slowly but surely, I have sorted most things and am just waiting for my visa to be delivered on Monday. 9 days :D !!

That's it for now, but I'll be sure to update again before I jet off!

Much love,

K x x x