tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11732457727448064602024-02-07T04:19:51.858-08:00All We Need is Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust . . .GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-28979349707506551842011-07-14T16:55:00.000-07:002011-07-14T17:09:11.303-07:00A Very Bloggy Day...<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>14<sup>th</sup> July 2011 6.26pm (US Time...)</u></b><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><br /></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ooof today has been such a day of boring errands and what not. I initially planned to go to the Premium Outlets, then Hollywood Studios, then maybe go and see Harry Potter. However, I ended up sleeping in until about 10.30am, then doing my laundry and trying to catch this blog up. No joke I’ve been working on my page for about five hours. No harm done though really as the weather is pretty overcast and it even rained at one stage. Plus I know that most of the people I’m friends with are at work so I’d have to hang by myself which isn’t a massive deal, but I knew I had to do this. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So I’ve been here for three weeks right? And I have seen three famous people on Star Tours so far. They are as follows:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bob Iger CEO of the Walt Disney Company</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/bob-iger.jpg" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Chandra Wilson (or Miranda Bailey from Grey’s Anatomy)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://michaelmay.us/09blog/05/0523_mirandabailey.jpg" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Phill Lewis (or Mr Moseby from the Suite Life of Zac and Cody)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://m.s11.pollpigeon.com/media/answer_images/0d/0d7098ca87baacc0fd685df36f787ea2_jpg_170x220_q85.jpg" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pretty cool, huh? We've had a couple of sports people too, but I don't know who they are...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now, I have also met a very ‘special’ guy at Star Tours and he asked me to give him a special shout out. John Holt is a guy from Manchester who actually permanently lives here and works at Star Tours and also at American Idol. He’s also training to be a fireman *insert ‘oooh’s and ‘ahhh’s here*. He is my Gerard Butler in The Ugly Truth. No, he unfortunately does not LOOK like Gerard, however, he has already let me in on a couple of the secrets which determine why guys can be such nobs at times which I quite appreciate. In return, I let him mock me and a particularly incriminating facebook photograph he has seen of me. He blatantly only does it because he wants a piece. And he loves watching me sticker small children. But whatever. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol; mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span> He’s a sweetie. SO THERE IT IS JOHN!!! ARE YOU HAPPY NOW???</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyways, I’m going to go upload some of my more recent pictures on here then I may head out to the pool in a bit, all on my lonesome. Harry Potter will unfortunately have to wait until my next day off... next Wednesday night, it’s so ON, I’m going to be all over that wizard like ‘white on rice’ as the Americans say.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Take care pals.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia </p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-32559606448001720892011-07-14T16:46:00.000-07:002011-07-14T16:59:54.043-07:00Returning to my Home Away from Home... Wilderness Lodge!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>14<sup>th</sup> July 2011 (1.30am US Time...)</u></b><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><br /></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had the day off todayyyyy! Well, yesterday, technically as it is so late. You know what I mean. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Work on Tuesday really wasn’t so bad. I’m really starting (slowly but surely) to get used to the uber-long hours. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, enough about work. Let me tell you about the lush day I’ve had today!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This morning was a bit bizarre. The people that organise the program were holding casting calls to choose some people to star in the next ICP video. If you haven’t seen one of these videos already, check this out... So naturally, you know what I’m like, so I just had to go along! I walked to the Commons where the ‘audition’ was and managed to find my way over to apartment 812. Literally all I had to do was write down my information and answer the following three questions: 1) What’s your favourite part about the program so far? 2) What are you going to take away from being on the program? AND 3) What would you say to someone who is on the fence about applying for the program? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Honestly, I think I gave all the right answers... I was on about making new friends, facing new challenges blablabla. The only problem was that it was all so informal that I was talking in my normal voice. Like, I was expecting to reel off a quick script in my best ‘I’m-a-cheesy-Disney-ICP’ voice. Hmmm, I guess we’ll have to wait and see. The guy said they aren’t sure about how many people they need, but that I’ll hear by Friday if I’m successful, so I’ll keep an eye on my emails I guess!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After all that me and Vikki had planned to go mooch around a Magic Kingdom resort or two, as she’s really not so crazy about the parks. So we decided that we’d head to the Wilderness Lodge. Before we knew it, Louise and Karyn had invited themselves along too (the CHEEK OF IT!) I figured it would be nicer to take the bus to Fort Wilderness then get the boat to the Lodge rather than getting the bus to Transportation and Ticket at the Magic Kingdom then the bus to the Lodge. It was lucky I made that executive decision actually, as we found the best value meal in ALL OF DISNEY WORLD... so far at least.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp5y2dVlt8ZIA1pfUbjK3U8rRE1hMTreHgueGS1qm9pB-cX_WRQ0VNPbp-tiEAvdJp-BlAQWDZnj0m55uUDoH__gMHt_kcYvSNCV8V-S2g_kTXJTwajP52dGjq9gx-32iwAPg2-i1VLg/s320/DSCF1116.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now, Trails End is a family favourite of mine. We often go for the lunch/dinner buffet and it is one of the most reasonably priced buffets in the whole of Disney. They serve fried chicken, pulled pork, chilli con carne etc. Really yummy, rustic type food that makes you think of home comforts and whatnot. Anyway, it would seem that they don’t do a lunch time buffet anymore <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span> HAVE NO FEAR they have an a la carte menu which effectively has all of the buffet items on it. And guess what, if we go to any Disney restaurant at lunch-time, Cast Members (CM’s) get a whopping 40% off as opposed to the usual 20%! Epic win. Plus the serving sizes are massive.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1kJb-v-SqT4h3gGGPUBb9gcwTGHqo70yzplGEaMiUm5BlGyOKg2QyWlEufK7GQcWypXLwwcvOLPXwnYwiEP_pL4O-daJlHhLjgX6mFHBWlIMcyUZ3OrhFWS_lNWurU6nQDNAVkkFl8A/s200/DSCF1117.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXMXT9AhjImSdL25dMyjHDmjr5Oxa9yEtDdSudBjN1hkJzNjWGmEW3RxP8hbs_XtKJNF3S-6C8FeiWGEWWHrEhxWuTtSBdLEDc3YbAtwI8eYf2WB3zBcnSwdYqorTSPuYs4qBFH0t3W4/s320/DSCF1119.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Karyn had an appetiser of chilli as her main meal followed by a s’mores dessert which she shared with me so I think her end price was like, $8. That’s like, £6. Louise and I shared a BBQ pulled pork sandwich which they split across two plates for us, and so Louise spent about the same as Karyn. Vikki absolutely pigged out and had the chilli AND a whopping great burger and still only spent about $14 (£11 or so), whilst I added a pot of ‘Hop n Jack’ to my shared items (it’s basically rice and peas with a BBQ marinade) and I spent about $13. That all includes tips as well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I love it there. I think we’re going to go for the breakfast buffet next Wednesday as we were so impressed with it. Plus, our server, Edsel, was quite literally the nicest man EVER. He had some sort of sexy Southern accent and kept laughing at Vikki for being such a notorious P.I.G and he kept refilling our drinks and being really attentive. We even gave him a Great Service Fanatic card (which is a bit like a gold star or house point on his record card!) as he went totally ABOVE AND BEYOND our expectations. He loved us too.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiKr4MhkPbhYw_Z3L8sz8mpa9nOANDi_XlDl7g-Urq71EwX2LYRQwetQqTiWF7vwlvYjBR72_QTY4oec9Rfwgkv1fFbAq_EphmCwnVJ_XQBevBLguCH6RntPm1CYUKdeWEF_qSsCpLbk/s320/DSCF1123.JPG" /> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264096_241510399201539_100000277423378_948864_3459777_n.jpg" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/281550_10150242634184398_640254397_7473209_4302014_n.jpg" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/283798_241510239201555_100000277423378_948861_5089811_n.jpg" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once we were full up we headed to the dock and waved Louise off on her way to work before getting our boat to the Wilderness Lodge. I'll be honest, it was odd being there without my family :( Then we spent the next four hours lying on the beach by the lake... it’s a hard life. After a while Vikki decided to head back so she could Skype her boyf (kinky, much) and me a Karyn went and dipped in the hotel pool. Naughty naughty. It was so lush! After soaking up the last few rays, drying off and people watching we headed over to the Magic Kingdom to catch The Magic, The Memories and You, then Wishes. We skipped the stupid Main Street Electrical Parade as she’d seen it about a million times, I hate it and Vikki wasn’t there to bully us into watching it just so she could listen to the bleepy snails. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was quite a productive night to be honest. We bought pineapple floats (I had orange ice cream on mine this time and yummmmm), rode Splash Mountain and Space Mountain and saw Mickey’s Philharmagic, which I just LOVE with a fiery passion. I had a really good time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Absolutely exhausted now though! I’m definitely going to go to sleep until whenever I wake up tomorrow as I have another day off. Desperately need to do my laundry but apart from that I have no plans as such, so we’ll see what the day brings. Might pop along to the Premium Outlet mall across the street, sunbathe by the pool and catch Fantasmic and the finale of the American Idol Experience in Hollywood Studios, but I don’t know anyone else with the day off, so we’ll have to wait and see <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Je t’aime!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia </p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-75669313368259582011-07-14T16:39:00.000-07:002011-07-14T16:45:34.491-07:00Charlotte Elliot, Domino's Pizza and Jenna Marbles!<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>12<sup>th</sup> July 2011 3.00am (US Time...) <o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><br /></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jesus it’s so late! Or should I say early? Whatever.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So maybe things aren’t going to work out with the guy <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span> Not going to go into much detail about it, but it kind of sucks.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyways, I guess that’s life. I’ve had today off so I chilled out for a bit and Skyped home. Charlotte came over for a little while which was awesome as I was feeling a tad homesick and she made it all better. I cooked us the pasta I was supposed to cook for The Boy the other night before we decided we’d just eat ice cream instead... *Insert sad/wistful sigh here...* After she left, Joe texted me which was good as I really didn’t have anything to do. He’d been in Epcot all day and wanted to order in pizza, which was absolutely perfect for me. Because Vikki wasn’t finishing work until 9pm and I hadn’t been out of the house all day we took the bus to meet her from work... BAD IDEA as she had gotten and ER and didn’t receive my text until she was on her way home. So we got a fantastic hour-and-ten-minutes round trip on the freezing cold bus in the dark. Was kind of nice though, got me a change of scenery from the apartment and I could vent to Joe for a while.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3kWNFbZD0UftJYUNmvsK6yKQr9zVO50TNss7b5zDajl0ZRneL1bS4THAZKVeTYZ3FDVeZzsQNH0GqXGpm33CcPro3fxH_WhNLsuLlA3lKwPkJOHsoUbD5MyFnDGDTxL6e7PcqYfFvjo/s200/DSCF0363.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once we got back Vikki came over and eventually we found the right number for the Dominos that delivers to Chatham. I had a medium pizza with chicken and pineapple on it and these chicken kicker thingies. NOM. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was really nice being with my bitches <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span> I showed them Jenna Marbles on YouTube and we laughed like loons on loon tablets (thank you, Georgia Nicholson!) If you don't know who I'm talking about, you should start with this video...</p><p class="MsoNormal"><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OYpwAtnywTk?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OYpwAtnywTk?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I think it’s time for bed as I start work pretty early tomorrow (10.15am is early to me, ok???) If you find any lovely boys who aren’t afraid to enjoy an entire summer with a British girl before ‘seeing what happens’ in September, send them my way, yeah? :P </p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia</p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-61714171767546593362011-07-14T16:37:00.000-07:002011-07-14T16:39:45.236-07:00Gummy Bears are Dangerous Missiles.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>9<sup>th</sup> July 2011 1.30am (US Time...)</u></b><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><br /></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oof. So much to report right now...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) On Wednesday morning I got a call from Cameron at the ICP office letting me know that my DS-2019 was sorted! Win! All I had to do was go into Casting near DTD and get it all signed, so I went on Thursday morning as I didn’t have to work until 2ish. Got all my paperwork signed, collected my documents and still had a couple of hours to kill so I crossed the road to DTD and got me some Pollo Campero, which was absolutely delicious. I had a fried chicken sandwich with fried plantain and rice with tons of salsa and hot sauce over it. Then I had a Tres Leches dessert afterwards. Nommage. Made me wish my mom was here as she would have loved it! I got CM discount also so I paid about $13 which was a lot for quick service, but I saved half of it for work later and was pretty content with that!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) Realised that there is not a direct bus to Hollywood Studios so I ended up getting a bus to the Swan resort then getting the boat, yes, the boat (!), to work. It was a nice journey, but I was really cutting it fine to be honest, especially considering that I had to go to costuming before work as something delicious had exploded in my bad all over my uniform. It was some form of chocolate delicacy. No harm done as costuming hooked me up with new gear and sent me on my way. I made it to work with still ten minutes to spare. Success.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) Work was fine.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) Some mutual ‘friends’ of mine and The Guy took it upon themselves to ‘warn’ me against him, saying that he had a girlfriend blablabla and that he’s a big old massive player. Combined with his lack of enthusiasm to get too ‘attached’ to me as I’m going back to England, I assumed that they were telling the truth, so feeling like an idiot, I went and had a big go at him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) The Guy and I texted that night and he insisted upon coming over on Friday (today/yesterday, whatever) I agreed to let him, but kind of thought he would stand me up. I told him to bring me ice cream.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">6) Was up at 5am today to go to social security meeting with everyone. That was a laugh. NOT. At least now I have my social security number and can work in the USA.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270742_10150241700249398_640254397_7464252_426252_n.jpg" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">7) We all went to Golden Coral for breakfast opposite Vista which was just yummy. Some of us may have gotten into a Gummy Bear fight... *COUGH Craig, Karyn, Louise COUGH* I ate the most unbreakfasty foods ever, including fries, chicken tenders and chocolate cake. In all it was a great breakfast.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">8) I needed loo roll and fabric softener etc, so me and Vikki went to Walgreens and blew a $50 shaped hole in my purse by also shelling out for pointless items including nail varnish remover and eyelash curlers. Seriously, I shouldn’t be trusted with cash. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">9) We came back to mine and took a nap together. It was really very cute, we were fast asleep for like, three hours. And we missed the space shuttle launch as we were sleeping, although having said that we would have had to go find a place to watch it from as you couldn’t see it everywhere in Florida, so it’s not that big a deal to us. Considering I used to want to be an astronaut, I was very cool about missing it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">10) The Guy came over. I’m not going to go into the details of it, but he’s totally and one-hundred-percentedly NOT a player, nob or meanie. In fact he’s lovely. And he brought really good ice cream <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, that’s kind of the nub and gist of my past couple of days. I’d better go to sleep as even though I had that nap I’m still shattered. Stupid social security making me wake up so early. Idiots. I’m going to go get me a big old bunch of sweet cuddley dreams <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Night</p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia</p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-89576374280034738472011-07-14T16:34:00.001-07:002011-07-14T16:36:58.841-07:00Exhausted ALMOST to Tears... Is this REALLY the 'Happiest Place on Earth'?<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>5<sup>th</sup> July 2011 4,00pm (US Time...)<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><br /></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ok, so I was definitely supposed to be in work from 9.30am until 10pm tonight, but considering the rawness of my throat and the exhaustion I am experiencing from last night, I called in sick. Yeah, I went there, I did it. So sue me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yesterday was... mmm... horrendous. Honestly, it wasn’t that bad until I’d been at work for about 13 hours and was collecting glasses. That’s when I was so exhausted and depressed that I don’t have any interest in Star Wars and hence aren’t as excited about my job as I could have been if I’d been placed elsewhere that I genuinely got tears in my eyes. On my break I texted The Guy as we’ve been texting all day every day since the first text a few days ago and he was so sweet being all, ‘Come on, it’s just because you’re not used to such long hours, you know you can do it, you’re strong, just push blablabla...’ It was very sweet. I was also texting Vikki and she told me that she was feeling the same about her job and that she’d had a massive Cry-Fest earlier on even to the extent of checking flight prices to come home, before she decided to get over herself. Bless her. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I get where she’s coming from, but seriously the worst part for me yesterday was knowing that I have so many more hours than everyone else. Like, seriously, if I hadn’t taken today off sick I would only have had one day off this week and 60 hours worth of work. I know people keep saying, ‘Oh, but you’ll be rich’, but it’s like, if I wanted to be rich I would have just worked at Fedex in the UK all summer like I did last year. I didn’t shell out nearly £1500 to get her because I wanted to be rich, I did it so I could have an amazing experience, which I simply can’t get if I’m working virtually every waking hour of the day: particularly when most of my friends are only really working about 40 hours five days a week. You can see how self-deprecating I am right now. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the plus side I got to watch the Hollywood Studios 4<sup>th</sup> of July fireworks from backstage with this guy from Ivory Coast named Yanik... it was very romantic. Lol jk. Yanik’s really sweet, but it wasn’t romantic... I was all sweaty and wanting to cry from exhaustion. The fireworks were, however, amazing. No joke. The force of their explosions actually blew against my clothes and the stairs were shaking. It was epic.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyways, today I’ve been to the pool for a bit and just lay there. I’ve been drinking Lemsip and the like and just trying to be relaxed to be honest. Found out the other day that I passed my second year at uni which is great news, so that’s one less thing for me to worry about right now <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span> On the other hand I still haven’t received my new DS-2019 so I’ve been calling Immigration Compliance at Disney all weekend and not getting a reply. Eek. My 30 days are nearly up and if I don’t get that document before my deadline then I’ll have to fly all the way home to little old England <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span> Extremely stressful to say the least. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vikki took today off too and Joe already had it off so maybe we’ll do something mellow tonight. Not sure... we’ll have to see.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia</p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-91187104347727203762011-07-14T16:24:00.000-07:002011-07-14T16:34:46.550-07:00Kiddie Dance Party and Earl of Sandwich Pig-Out... NOM!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>3<sup>rd</sup> July 11.30pm (US Time...)</u></b><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><br /></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Totally aced my assessment! Haha, win <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span> And that’s in spite of the fact that my throat is so remarkably raw it feels like I’ve been swallowing glass. So happy that I now get to fly Star Speeders for a living, eep!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Plus my assessor, Steve, was really cool. Like he only really wanted to see me in each role for about ten minutes, so after the written assessment was over my day was just a series of rotations and breaks. Excellent day in all, which I should definitely anticipated as my day started when The Guy (which he shall be known as from now on) woke me at 7am with a text. Call me crazy, but I thought that was pretty cute! Especially as it was all, ‘Wakey wakey, sleepy head, good luck in your assessment’ or whatever. Already when I think about him I smile and just go, ‘Mmm.’ <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgu4fOaLzb22wUVZuquBATFftDNA3zVxFCrB9IAj4jAWZsIfgbdWOiKdzQ_Nyo2BqmfrFnYJe6dP_6d6Tp6pjxnqJ7Bdy6nrm6f3a6GxSmYHFB3GmRjcqWhFamqzNICIxU5k2T6ohLO8/s320/DSCF0350.JPG" /> </span></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41K6Gfzr_WHp45nerTwNXLAlgT42AZaWzjsqC-hiLif2g25KWT9fLiI8XCaBbfoOeU0qXzZm_ZhVEfvuEJqDB8vSYFSRG4uNdEzRGGZD6PDKDzV9ljVz6Idib-TdmmK_0Slr9NfglPAw/s320/DSCF0354.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once I’d finished at work I came back to the flat and did what I always do when I have a little time to spare... I took a nap. When I woke up, Joe and Vikki wanted some din-dins so we decided to head to DTD to get some Earl of Sandwich in us. By the way, Earl of Sandwich is one of the few quick service places which I would say is ACTUALLY worth going to. You get a massive sandwich for just $6 plus we get a CM discount of 20% there, which makes it totally good value for money, particularly if you aren’t a big pig and are able to save half of your sandwich for another meal. Naturally, I did not do this as my Hawiian-themed sandwich stuffed with turkey, ham, pineapple and barbecue sauce was JUST TOO GOOD TO SAVE. Nom.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzPaSHIOTJNNQIczKGnf8kB6lAoKc0ePei_4RnEr5k1Z_H3DSB25kGdjdrkCOkCrofuammK3_XgDaQaIy6t9UWPgICIXgxcvdpUXiTKZ2e0Am4n52vOXH8nXXFJ42bNQ02wLRsN9P-VA/s320/DSCF0355.JPG" /> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">After eating to the stage where I nearly wanted to vomit, we went to watch and participate in the kiddie dance party. Seriously, the American’s have a dance routine for virtually every song. I finally got to grips with the one for Cotton Eyed Joe... I think. Me and Vikki pounded it to Tik Tok by Ke$ha which was fun as we were dancing right in front of the sexy DJ man; quite hilarious as I was wearing incredibly inappropriate knickers considering the shortness of my dress, the enthusiasm of my dancing and the force of the wind. I spent most of the night clutching the bottom of my skirt and trying to make out that it was just part of a new dance move I was trying out. Also, I definitely took out a three year old with my aggressive dancing... woops.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QXFlgbVugnzs_oIZWyimRRjBE-8xFdsm2U1lyNnuwyZ_RQWwPupQjpN2J_48kIRF44CksgIpOh7Y6CZDacZKPluUyJwpWFOgUA7wgxoIx6jZ0b7Jszf86A3EFA0YALbpqkt5mNdmPp4/s320/DSCF0357.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, as usual, I am exhausted so I’m going to get some shut-eye. A good idea I reckon as I have an epic 15 hour shift tomorrow starting at 10.30am. Oh Lord. So my 4<sup>th</sup> of July will be great. NOT!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sweet dreamsss.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia</p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-81544898440363509032011-07-14T16:08:00.000-07:002011-07-14T16:46:51.348-07:00Four Parks in Two Days? Not a Problem!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>2<sup>nd</sup> July 2011 1am (US Time...)</u></b><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><img src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264553_10150233390049398_640254397_7366609_3056982_n.jpg" /></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Definitely had the best couple of days ever! Yesterday after blogging, I napped for a couple of hours then once Vikki and Heather were ready we went to meet Kathryn, Lucy, Leanna, Kristian, Sexy Rich Elliot, Katie, Nisha and probably some others that I can’t quite remember at EPCOT. We did us a bit of World Showcase eating around the world... I have half a portion of fish and chips from England and a Werther’s caramel covered strawberry from Germany. Yum, yum, yum! We rode the little boat ride and took stupid sombrero pictures in the Mexican pavilion, so some of the others decided they wanted Mexican food, but when they realised that you can’t get fajitas at the quick service restaurant there, we decided to just head over to the Electric Umbrella in Future World. I kind of feel for them really as the food wasn’t very good... think rock solid burger bun with grim rubbery burger inside. Yuk. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We were able to just about catch Illuminations from the Future World entrance to World Showcase (again a great spot, particularly for seeing the video clips on the globe...) before deciding to head home as Leanna wasn’t very well and some of the others had work the next day. HOWEVER, once Kristian expressed that he wasn’t quite ready to go home just yet, I suggested we went over to the Magic Kingdom to hang out for a little while and whadya know, it was a good idea! We jumped on the monorail and actually managed to see Wishes while we were riding which was just amazing. I’ll literally never forget how beautiful the view was.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263077_10150232727314398_640254397_7358235_5922028_n.jpg" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once we got into the park, we managed somehow to convince Vikki to do Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (she’s scared of adrenaline rides) and I think she kind of enjoyed it. God knows I did. I spent the whole ride trying to make her laugh by hollering this ridiculous guttural scream from the back of my throat. Once I got off the ride, I literally could not get a single sound out of my mouth. On the plus side, Vikki laughed a ton which took her mind off the imminent death which people with speed-fears and the like usually cower from. Great success.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After all that jazz, we watched the Stupid Main Street Electrical Parade, as I fondly refer to it. I don’t like this parade as I much preferred SpectroMagic as the music was better and the characters were WAY more recognisable. Like, what relevance does Pete, from Pete’s Dragon or some nameless rabbit whom I didn’t even recognise, have in today’s society? None, so there really shouldn’t be a parade dedicated to it, even if it is to commemorate such-and-such-an-amount-of-years-of-Disney. I have spoken. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vikki, on the other hand, went crazy for that parade. She likes the cheeky snails that make a bleeping sound. But again, I have no idea what these snails have to do with Disney. I’m sure they are there for a reason, but they really aren’t very iconic. Unless you are Vikki.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Seriously, the best part of the whole parade was getting a personal performance of Heather Marsh’s incredible miming skills, in the flesh. She mimed the entire opening segment of the parade and Kristian, Vikki and I were really rather impressed, especially as we have watched her miming videos on YouTube since she made them first available to view... it was like meeting a celebrity! If you haven't see the videos before, check it out:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6njNuuGEmVI?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6njNuuGEmVI?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the SMSEP we came home.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/265194_10150233377579398_640254397_7366413_4430056_n.jpg" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today was awesome. A Gabbi, Vikki, Kristian day to remember! We started the day off bright and early (well, it was like 10.30am, but you know how I like my sleep...) and headed over to Animal Kingdom. We collected Fastpasses for Expedition Everest (I still don’t know why Vikki agreed to it...), caught poachers on Kilimanjaro Safaris, rode Everest (and I did my screaming again... I really can’t talk much anymore), watched Finding Nemo: The Musical, got terrified on Dinosaur (especially Kristian... I feared he’d ACTUALLY pooped his pants when I saw the look on his face in the picture afterwards... he hadn’t as it turns out, HIGH FIVE), saw the wonderful Festival of the Lion King (really wish I could perform in that show!) and caught the Jammin’ Jungle Parade. Exceptionally productive visit to the park! Nearly got into a row with some fat pig, because he was stood RIGHT in my way. I asked him politely three times to move, when he didn’t, I shoved his leg and said something like, ‘Just because you’re a fat pig doesn’t mean it’s ok to blog everyone’s view.’ His mom shot me the vilest look ever and swapped places with him. Luckily, she was marginally less obese and didn’t obstruct my vision QUITE so much as her fat bap of a teenage son. Seriously, obesity is an epic problem in this country.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once I’d finished causing trouble, we got the bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge to have a quick mooch around, as Kristian can’t decide where to stay when his boyfriend arrives here in September. I really love that hotel and so did the others. We made the decision to explore more of the resorts during our stay here as they are just as nice to look around as the theme parks! </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261520_10150688197085640_679510639_19269772_5181576_n.jpg" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we’d had a bit of a relax we got the bus to Hollywood Studios (yes, four theme parks in two days, HOLLAAAAAAAA!) We didn’t do too many attractions as we were mainly going to see my favourite night-time thing ever, Fantasmic! But we managed to slip in a quick go on Star Tours and Tower of Terror before grabbing some very average ‘Italian’ sandwiches at Rosie’s All American Cafe. To be honest, I’m getting kind of sick of crappy quick service food. I mean, don’t get me wrong, some places (like Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom where me and Vikki shared a pulled pork sandwich earlier on today) are amazing, really tasty. But seriously, most of them just have the same things on the menu... burger, pizza, chicken tenders, variations on a turkey sandwich and ceasar salad, followed by chocolate fudge cake, key lime pie or marble cheesecake. Boring. Seriously, if you could count how many quick service restaurants in Disney World offer those items, you would be shocked. I’m really craving a full-service Disney meal right now to remind me of the excellent quality and tastiness of the food. I just need more money, that’s all.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oh, and you know the handsome guy I mentioned a few days ago? He gave me his number today! He wrote it on a Fastpass, bless him <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span> I really like that he went out of his way to be brave and give it a go. I’ve already texted him and we’re having a bit of flirtexting right now. Mmm. This pleases me greatly. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">After finishing our average sandwiches we followed the crowd to Fantasmic. The theatre was rammed, no joke, absolutely rammed. We were going to have to sit in the crap seats round the side when I spotted Jasper out of Jasper and Lobert! You know, they Dutch guys from my airplane! They both work Audience Control so he was able to hook us up with VIP seats RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE STAGE. No joke, I’ve seen that show about 15 times in my life, and never have I had such amazing seats. I am eternally in Jasper’s debt and I have texted him my thanks since. Bless his little sexy pants! <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anyway, I am absolutely exhausted and I have my assessment tomorrow (well, today) which should be a lot of fun as I have NO voice whatsoever. My spiels are going to be a joke. Anyway, wish me luck <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia </p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-14063998676853905732011-07-14T16:01:00.000-07:002011-07-14T16:08:49.110-07:00Maybe I should drop out of uni and work at Hooters instead...<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>1<sup>st</sup> July 2011 4.00pm US Time...<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><br /></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So jeez two days of early starts! 7.30am but luckily I was only in until 2pm, just having a quick run through of the assessment that I will have to do on Sunday before I am officially certified to fly Starspeeders for a living. There is going to be a written paper of about 50 questions, then my assessor Steve is going to watch me in each of the positions to make sure </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also, I met a guy today <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span> He’s really cute and flirty. He has a killer smile and I think he likes me back. Who know what might happen! Watch this space.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4OM4dGSmdY48dpTa1euZeHnCpa7obsrukmr1VMEhOhWmkilTzHgNsAUYoI6n37cQxFpfljHd63_WovE6hTt22MfY4yt2g0had1vT4re-fgcnWL9Qm7WuI0yN7EWIcOoHy4bX0ohIiwA/s320/DSCF0328.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NXV_WamdryYW_zNquKhvA7tBh0hI5a_VX7E6PbysXeC9_9AZMSH8dj2_ENAcgUosXQxhWg4EK65B4fXDXsWPFBiCc4EEYqbY_peuq4NEhY0jYSU13nqhvhDAGjLnA4O6Wa0ee1c3G20/s320/DSCF0335.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Wednesday I finished work early so me and Bethan, Vikki, Rich Elliot, Nipple-Target, Joe, Steven, Emma, Meaghan and Karyn all went to... HOOTERS!!! We had such a good time. It was ‘Wingsday Wednesday’ so I had super-spicy chicken wings with fries and blue cheese dip, followed by a killer piece of chocolate fudge cake. We got the bus to Crossroads which was really easy, but then we had to walk from one side of the strip to the other which proved quite a difficult feat considering the sidewalks were minimal. Following a rather dangerous stroll into some random swamp surrounded by bushes, we managed to find the way, and a whole two hours later we arrived at Hooters! Totally worth it though. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OCK7AhT88W7yVq3AQ975Y9p7IexPEebMVUHgL1k6w9hnq6ox1usP-WFjUWEUoaLH8CyexVcJDuFgxm0pnvSxfwQxE8MYml95T8eeKQCiDvTAD0phUhOo3CzHFa1Q5_uDN22fyLXj2iw/s320/DSCF0338.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1f9vsmUIGvCXqCqSNUAMo8jyDr8obmaTAZHCsCI-FT5y6T4Ar7pwon-6LjGEC-iqsFRPIgEp6KDKOwZE7Vz3aah76faXGL4Os7CKMl5WsEXS_drH45CHcVXck_BrzEgLiH73Ttu0ChA/s320/DSCF0340.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There are tons of restaurants round there, so I hope we’ll go more often. I saw a Black Angus and an International House of Pancakes (IHOP) which are just two of my family favourites, so I hope we can make a trip over there at some point again! As usual I only ate half my food, so I kept the other half for work the next day, where everyone was super jealous of my delicious smelling chicken. NOM.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyways, might head to Epcot tonight with Kristian and the gang... have a bit of a sleep first I reckon. I have the day off tomorrow and I don’t have any specific plans of what to do just yet, apart from have an epic lie-in. I’m pretty sure I’ve earned it with all this week of intense training. Oh and also, Katya took me to eat my lunch in the Great Movie Ride break-room which was just the coolest thing ever. Even though I’m starting to accept Star Tours I still am so jealous of anyone working over there. Oh well. If life gives you limes, don’t whine about them not being lemons... make limeade right? </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia </p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-52971365142019740332011-07-14T16:00:00.000-07:002011-07-14T16:01:27.264-07:00"As Long as I get to Spiel, I'm Happy" :)<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><u>28<sup>th</sup> June 2010 1.00am US Time...<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ok, so maybe Star Tours isn’t the worst thing EVER :D</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I really enjoyed doing my spiel today. This is how it goes...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">‘Hey guys, welcome to Star Tours! Could everyone in rows two through five please watch your arms and legs? I’m about to close the doors to the right hand side...’ Then I push the ‘Close-The-Doors’ button. ‘I’ll be right back!’ At this stage I have to go outside and close some doors with another button and press a button which photographs the whole cabin. ‘Right guys, we’ve just got a couple more cabin checks to run through before we’re ready to launch. So if everyone could give a quick tug on those yellow straps attached to your seatbelts for me, it would be great. We want to make sure everything is safe and secure as we are going into space after all!’ Then I check the seatbelt panel to make sure they are all locked. ‘It’s good.’ Then I have to walk up to the person on the left hand side (his/her left hand side) of the cabin whilst checking that there is nothing behind the doors on that side, before telling him/her that I’m about the close the doors to the left. ‘Right guys, it looks like we’re good to go. At this time could everyone please put on your flight glasses, may the Force be with you, and have a good flight!’ Then I launch the Starspeeder!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Love it. Today I got to go and stand behind the Calamari (these red monster things) and pretend to be looking at their computers. It’s not particularly a requirement of the job at all, but Katya thought it might be fun and all the guests were looking up at us which I thought was pretty cool. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I think I’ll be able to settle into Star Tours just fine. Fingers crossed! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia</p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-26121991257054591162011-07-14T15:55:00.000-07:002011-07-14T16:00:25.291-07:00Too Much Information... Brain Overload!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>27<sup>th</sup> June 2011 1:00am US Time...</u></b><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><br /></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Just a quickie for today guys as I’m absolutely exhausted! I worked from 2.30pm until 11pm tonight and my brain hurts from all the things I’ve learnt so far.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Spent the morning by the pool with Louise who had to vomit because of a particularly heavy night at House of Blues (bless her.)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I took the bus that got me to work about 30 minutes early and I was wearing my white T-shirt with my black sixth form skirt, my brogues and my brown woven belt. I wasn’t sure whether I had to dress all smart or not, but I figured that you don’t get a second chance at making a first impression, so I went the whole hog and topped it all off with a Big Beautiful Eye from benefit. This is how I looked: </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHerKOC1h8J81VbcuCJnU0QzK6Ds4Oqw3qVAFbbBspFcoofWWyXuMraxzXT-dbit5NLaKU-hUoQBeTD9mlQZg7Qvh6SYdrFjGTGQY6BkbW8VFE0pU-SIpX65r8UF1PMDkmwE_TiPSp95U/s320/DSCF0319.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I arrived at costuming I met Katya, my trainer. I think I’m really going to like her. She’s from Puerto Rico and she is also a trainer at The Great Movie Ride! She’s only in her early twenties yet has already been made a relief co-ordinator which shows that she loves her job and that she works hard... definitely my kind of person.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZJYR3tJ_1cD1kijj8-Jm5tqf2IUpAg-Q_hr3rSpPx0Dnms7pNoTRqDtg3_dtCysARthrlLZiyv1zZDwomaczvRRYU_rJuWs5t2d931UzJoaS5yGTwx5kjVUaGQdDd5sp1T2eJ3Gsg_I/s320/DSCF0320.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9v7Gy6Bpq3OBYvQ-7sv_EYD_sAIftXHdWF3k1B9dSFpFtnG8jU-Y1zLjoiw7Owrq0g4UHNmfNv4Z-N3WjfdVo7dtrs9laUZRlm4UM6jmAhXCy7l1lEb1okik82Tg-NWxXqajzOVY0SQ/s320/DSCF0361.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">She took me to get my costume which is rather ‘fetch’ if I say so myself. Ugly black 'sneakers', a pair of grey pants made of wool (!) with stripes down the side, plus a thick silky type shirt (probably polyester... the horror) in a bright blue with red and orange detailing. I actually quite like it, although the pants aren’t quite as tight over my ass as I would like. Then again, I guess they are fitted in order to keep within the Disney Look, so I’ll take it! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Seriously I can’t go over everything I learnt today as it was just TOO intense. Bits that I can still remember are learning how to operate the simulators (pushing a lot of buttons), reading about Safe D (and how it Begins with Me), I got a little practise at Welcome Agent which was pretty cool as I liked measuring kids and letting them know that they are tall enough to ride, I memorised about all six fire exits (Exit 1? We’ve just begun. Exit 2? It’s in the queue. Exit 3? Ewok Trees. Exit 4? Break-room door. Exit 5? Perimeter Drive. Exit 6? Muppet bricks.) AND I got to see the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade, the Jedi Training Academy AND the sexy ass Storm Troopers without their heads on. Nomnomnom. Definitely on my to-do list: Make out with a Storm Trooper.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In all it was a good day considering I was worried I might hate it. Not sure what tomorrow will bring... I’m working the same hours again and Katya says that she wants me to actually launch a flight by myself, including all the little spiel bits I have to say... Kind of nervous but really looking forward to it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Keep reading and I’ll blog as often as possible.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia </p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-61624492254606619212011-07-14T15:45:00.000-07:002011-07-14T15:54:54.718-07:00Two days off before the 'Magic' begins at Star Tours...<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>26<sup>th</sup> June 2011 1.00am US Time...</u></b><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><br /></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just a quick update as I start work tomorrow (don’t start until 2.30pm, but I still want to be relatively fresh for it!) Sorry I haven’t written much... well... at all this weekend. It’s simply because I’ve just been taking it easy and relaxing!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I had a lie-in until just past ten, then me and Vikki decided to head to Walmart. Seriously can’t believe I’ve been to that place three times in one week, but I have! Had to pick up a variety of miscellaneous items including shampoo, bobby pins, lunch bag, sandwich things etc. Ended up spending about $75 but I’m glad because I should be set for a week or two now I would have thought. I hope so at least as $75 is no peanuts! </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnIhVSBzXzClnmq5TW8CwowPl3TbeRFMGp3BUCpftwtv-23oPxEliO0826oPU4_WmyymhBXyTHHyloxHo15JKtHMcAYYSEPOhngkFihsNc_atkzC0Ox3uQGwySLQF7lYTfELSLR9iOc4/s320/DSCF0276.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We decided to head to Downtown Disney for dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express and before we knew it we were being joined by Bethan, Johanna Glass-Doors, Jayne, Kat, Emma, Taryn, AJ and Steven which was nice as it’s very true that, ‘The more, the merrier.’ Unfortunately, while most of us were eating, Taryn, AJ and Steven decided they didn’t like the look of the menu so they left us for a bit to go to TREX. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpneaZWshKprd_PoN08XW9_iy80o8StL9lD6__HvN9xH20HYwygYUMIRbaVILhWlCaQCzdwbaN3Jzocu78SQQwOD6XzzXSzQA6Ikgzde9aCR6kA1sdoJgU4oq7ngW7ah3nC8s7vXzPR-Y/s320/DSCF0286.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wolfgang Puck was really nice! I had a kiddie pasta which was nearly too big for me to finish... I managed it though, don’t you worry. It was in a kind of tomato sauce, pretty lush. After we’d finished eating we went for a mooch around the World of Disney and mused over all the pretty things we can afford with our merch discount enforced by our lovely Disney ID’s. Most of the girls seemed to want the charm bracelets that me and my sister used to have when we were younger. My sister lost hers, but mine’s in a jewelry box in England. With all the charms it must be worth at least $100 now. Anyway, I think I’m going to start collecting Disney pins. Like, a pin per week I’m here. Some of them are really cute... it would be an investment... but I think I like them enough to make them worth it. We’ll see.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We also looked in TrenD which is a really cute shop selling cool girl clothes. There’s a top in there, a slouchey thin wool one with Minnie on the front, off the shoulder which I’ve definitely got my eye on. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once we’d roamed for a while and been to the toilet about 20 times (Kat is pregnant so the baby must have been kicking her bladder or something, I don’t know...) we walked to the bus stop. Steven, Taryn and AJ were there. The boys looked like they were about to vomit. No joke. Their stomachs were puffed right out like those starving people in Africa and they were in actual food comas, really dopey. I’ve never seen anything like it. It turns out they’d ordered a main each PLUS a ‘side’ of ribs, which naturally is massive as we are in America and everything is. Because they are boys and boys never want to let down the side, they’d eaten it all and were really ill. Haha. Hilare.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsuTJb_0BVbwo9s4BefGgcrDDcJKxsdVOBV3E2DNGsv1WrTBLmVxIfBTHTsiiTc0DyeJpQ-NqSE6tjilYCQpsr32qNclOssLhJgQR_fqnUuZGBT0EMjdIB9oDcXdbh3Ztg_XsyJ3ZoeY/s320/DSCF0300.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Went to DTD again today as it was Kathryn Martin’s birthday, hooray! We went to TREX, but I’d already eaten so me and Sexy Rich Elliot just had dessert. I was thinking about going to House of Blues afterwards with Louise and some others. However, Sexy Rich knocked an entire glass of ice cold water all over me, in the ice-cold air conditioned restaurant and as I was wearing denim, I didn’t dry off at all <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span> My bum is still freezing cold now, even though I’ve had a hot shower and are in my pyjamas. I only let him off because he’s so sexy. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyways, we all got home safe and I’m going to jump into bed now so I’m fresh and ready for work tomorrow. Wish me luck!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia</p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-49992722015092527312011-07-14T15:41:00.001-07:002011-07-14T15:49:36.631-07:00So All Our Wishes WON'T Come True???<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>24<sup>th</sup> June 11.30pm US Time...<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><br /></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mmm. So. Today.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, I’d better go ahead and spit it out. I didn’t get GMR. FML. I got Star Tours, the stupid Star Wars themed, boy ride. <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’d better start at the beginning. I caught the bus at the crack of dawn this morning with Kylie in my smart business attire all hopeful. I had on one of my old Sixth Form skirts so it was black with a sheer, grey, silk blouse tucked in with my brown belt holding it at the waist like a paper-bag skirt, my brown brogues and a white t-shirt under the blouse to maintain some kind of dignity. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The bus journey was totally uneventful, but when we arrived at Hollywood Studios I found Jasper, Robert, Kathryn and Marianne so I knew we’d have a good time! A really sweet lady named Mary Virginia introduced herself to us and told us that she’d be our guide. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take any photographs at all, even in the park as the park was not ‘show ready’ but the tour was amazing. It was just a case of looking at the hidden secrets behind the details to the park. I learnt loads of back-stories to why things are the way they are... For example, Sid Cahuenga’s One-of-a-Kind store is a shop selling various film and television memorabilia but it didn’t start out that way. Sid and his wife retired to Hollywood just before it became the Hollywood we know today. Once film makers began setting up their scenes and using shots of the landscape etc, they asked the old couple to move house as they really wanted the space. Sid and his wife refused but during all this, Sid had an idea. In the USA once you throw something out in the trash, it’s officially no longer yours. So when the film directors threw out their old props or costumes, he went to collect them in his car. Eventually, he figured he could make some money by selling the things he found from his Hollywood bungalow, and not the store stands in his honour. Of course, if you’re in on all things Disney, then you know that the entire story I just wrote out was complete and utter bull, invented by the Disney Imagineers in order to maintain the theme of the park and hence the show!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyways, we went around the entire park learning stories like this for a whole two hours. It was pretty hot out too so it was nice to roam the area without any guests there (yes, we started our tour at about 8am before the guests had arrived. Bare early.) When we finally made our way to the Great Movie Ride, I went out of my way to nose at the things the girl outside was doing. You know, for just-in-case. It turns out Mary Virginia works on GMR so I immediately wanted to pick her brain over it... whilst of course maintaining professionalism at all times.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We stopped at Take 5, the Cast canteen, for a fifteen minute snack. I had some ‘Garden Salsa’ flavoured potato chips. Seriously missing Walkers Prawn Cocktail crisps right now. Take 5 is pretty cool really. They have a great salad bar, hot food area, Subway sandwich stall and just basically loads of choices of things to eat. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We went back to a classroom and watched a couple of Disney Traditions-Style videos, all about Making Magic and what not before Mary Virginia left us with this other guy. He told us we’d be doing some E-learning and that we’d find out our actual locations at the end of the session, before out of nowhere he just gave us some pieces of paper with our location training schedules on. Idiot. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">That’s when I thought, ‘This doesn’t say Great Movie Ride on it.’ No, chick. No, it doesn’t. It says Star Tours.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was fine. I just worked through all the E-learning without thinking then very calmly took the guy to one side and asked him if my request had been received. He explained that he wasn’t sure, but that he knew Star Tours have recently had a bunch of staff leave for elsewhere in the company, and since it has been completely renovated, management expect they’ll need tons of staff and so I might have initially been held for GMR, Star Tours may have pulled me due to ‘company needs’. Still I was just like, ‘Oh, ok no problem, thank you.’</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG62MY8TB3wCTDDi_5xLPHG-OZEhhfnMNGLSk_w3kin3wUCVTwt8I-vwE7qZ-i2KFhtD1LvqTaooElqOpoaD4fz45a6G0VY_A2TGg_D5AXnNG1AgqcEtzoTfqA8mftP4L4ZhaU9tAmQmw/s320/DSCF0263.JPG" /></p><p class="MsoNormal">See how happy I look? NOT.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It wasn’t until after I’d finished the E-learning that it kind of hit me. I know NOTHING about Star Wars. I have no interest in it. How am I supposed to make ‘magical moments’ when I don’t even understand the concept myself? Also I was being really childish, but I just thought, ‘It’s a freaking boy ride. I’m never going to see any little girls.’ My eyes kind of stung with tears for a little bit as we were walking back to the bus stop, especially as we walked past Star Tours. Luckily, Kathryn and Marianne were gutted with being placed at Honey I Shrunk the Kids play ground, and you know what they say about misery loving company? We just whined to each other all the way back to Chatham.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I got in I left a message for the Icon area manager, Scott, just quickly outlining my desire to be cross-trained for GMR if possible and jumped into bed for a nap. Everything is better after a nap. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">So how do I feel about it all now? Well, I’ve realized I need to grow up, firstly. We don’t always get what we want right? Not to mention, I’ve been placed on a brand new attraction with a rather snazzy space-related uniform. It really won’t be that bad, I’m sure. Just because it’s not what I hoped for doesn’t mean it can’t be just as good. So, being the optimist I am, I’m going to grin and bear it. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also, I’m so full of food. We went to Cici’s for dinner. It’s a pizza buffet over near Vista but we had to get a taxi from Vista even though we could have walked because the rain was absolutely pelting it down. I was so glad when Craig had a towel with him at the bus stop as I was actually a drowned rat in a denim playsuit. Kind of cute I reckon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So I particularly liked the macaroni cheese flavoured pizza. It was all-you-can-eat PLUS a drink is only $4 with our Cast Member discount. That’s like £2.75 or something. Unreal. So naturally I ate until I felt sick and am now paying for it. Bleaughhhh.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I have the weekend off before starting at my Star Tours training on Monday so by then I should be feeling much more positive about it. Just thought I would keep this blog as honest as possible. It is a bit like a diary after all!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Keep reading to see what happens next...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia </p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-57323466310746856032011-06-28T08:02:00.000-07:002011-06-28T08:13:11.795-07:00Chatham Pool, Illuminations and Strawberry Shortbread...<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>23<sup>rd</sup> of June 11.45pm Us Time...</u></b><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><br /></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What a great day!!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had a lie-in until about 10, uploaded a big old bunch of photos to facebook, started posting some of these blogs I’ve been writing and just generally chilled out until Louise and Vikki came over at about 2pm. We hung out for a bit whilst Louise moaned because she’d been forced to wear a lab-coat in her training because her skirt was inappropriately short. I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I really couldn’t help it. Apparently, Rich Port even walked over to her and said, ‘Did you come in that?’, whilst Vikki wondered, ‘What’s she got on?’ but didn’t want to ask as it was just too awkward. I laughed so hard! Poor Louise. I’ve since lent her my pencil skirt, as we think she’ll get away with that tomorrow and this way she doesn’t have to go buy an entirely new skirt. Bless her.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8TLHev54SI-0nbVLHu4Y3Ypwj8270Y1FNfd2gt1oOirte8MWMPZNrgDHW7QLmGp9rHCdAR3V_IzEPxBUhDZaWiJ9NgtwYbMuyVf68Sw74hmkfQZwzsFWfPUal3l4ebu1Xowk63KJ5Ew/s320/DSCF0210.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At around 3pm we went to the pool with Taryn and we found Karyn there! I love Karyn, she’s from Scotland and it so funny. We met some French boys named Pierre (how stereotypical) and Something Else (didn’t quite catch his name, which was a shame really as he was kind of hot) after confiscating their ball. They were splashing us. And taking up the whole pool with their stupid-boy-game of throw-and-catch. Seriously, boys are so easily amused. They had it coming. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUK_DZyBboYOligH6BDB1mxh805i0iOtK9LkHdznNIMA1DJ3Hnr9Y7P4MLvy9DGwk5tIBJ8W_fQ7kL_6yePnctEd0uQI4fjvfabpWTBlpVOGXSG-GtYZqoM78w-ndUUtI9FCRJbw6mPYk/s320/DSCF0223.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once we’d finished at around 5pm we headed back to our flats because we wanted to catch Illumination: Reflections of Earth firework show at EPCOT and have some dinner too and on the way back we found Joe. YAY! He said he’d come with and we all agreed to meet in half-an-hour. Well because we are all uber-vain, none of us were ready until about half six, but whatever. I love us, so I’ll let us off.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxQGGgmua3h4AtmShDiD-DXFQ2Q-v9b864GK5jN-QI_MmY29IiFbHVYegMVd-4jPsdUPqLYYtpFyfMBJ_7b8I9AOyffGO0d1UzQe9ARb7Jh4Un51TGtTGPWsOGT0envGQVnmnihrM-dk/s320/DSCF0225.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We went into EPCOT via another Cast Entrance (I really don’t think I’ll ever tire of materialising out of thin air) and walked right onto World Showcase. I love World Showcase as its a massive path around a lake and a big old bunch of countries are represented with different pavilions hosting shops, restaurants and attractions. There is Canada, China, Japan, Norway, Mexico, France, Italy, Germany, Morocco and even England home to a proper English pub named the Rose and Crown. Seriously, on World Showcase there are tons of places to eat, and yet we couldn’t all settle on one so decided to go to Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavillion in Future World. Tons of different options to suit everyone’s taste and desert’s galore. NOM. Plus it’s all pretty reasonably priced.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGSboMCfv8kXOkpTJAy66Ka2r5tSoMnWK0V3u5vsN8Ln3m44q-ivaWF6U54VM1GbO_528RcjUby1hpFafxBOuQu4Nb8kHE-qB7G1pN93d6WkAL0MzTXHJx7u37Pg5wStuvNg8E9F-0VM/s320/DSCF0230.JPG" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTlQ4RMHQQQ3LPsDuZcGBVFJzAD2SsjCtXgWf60qoY6CP6UjrmB5HuBQdKkS_7zRacYYbhq9PDwL6ZE5VSRffDwXHdNsNiti6mlulqUdIdVj0n1t-wlAX1hn8T4XJGxVt2e34FLdyiF4/s320/DSCF0231.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Again, I went with a kiddie meal of chicken thigh with mashed potato and rice. I know that potato and rice don’t often go together, but it loved it. Wanged a big load of soy sauce onto my rice and hot sauce onto my chicken. The mash was lurvely so it didn’t need anything extra. I had it with a cup of pink lemonade (NOM) and followed up with a strawberry shortbread which was just scrumptious. Mmm. I could eat it all over again. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xNzYewYalgiGLYdthovJyNgoui0rT7RWmDYhmzgr-E0L0D51zTHaI39rCrNfKnlD6wL7YVkc7di0b2DWH_3VPl2-q-z_0e60kqlaypX3G1TY8d2WG2vG8lYyTacRj8uhliAGnNPeDt8/s320/DSCF0257.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once we’d finished up at dinner we walked back to the lake to catch the fireworks from the bridge near to England (an excellent spot if you’re ever after one). Once again, we had planned to meet up with my Vista pals like Kristian, Sexy Rich Elliot, Katie and Leanna, but we couldn’t find them, <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span> so once the fireworks were over we walked over to the bus stop at the Beach Club Resort (this happened by mistake as we used the wrong exit out of the park. However, it was totally for the best as we didn’t have to wait in line for the monorail back to the TTC (Transportation and Ticket Centre)... WIN!) </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Can’t believe it’s so early and yet we’re all so tired! I think it’s finally catching up on us. I have my in-park training first thing tomorrow, so I really should get some rest. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wish me luck for tomorrow... keep your fingers crossed for the Great Movie Ride for me <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Love</p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia </p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-50711801403381667512011-06-28T07:43:00.001-07:002011-06-28T08:02:02.372-07:00Traditions, The Magic, The Memories and You and Cosmic Rays Nommings.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>23<sup>nd</sup> June 2.00am US Time...</u></b> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Today I finally got to go into a theme park!!! AND got my Disney ID which lets me in on all the perks and good stuff that comes with being a cast member. What does that include? I hear you ask. Well, it’s 20% off in most Disney restaurants, between 20% and 40% off in the shops, between 20% and 60% in the hotels and... well you get the idea. Just a big old bunch of free money basically <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIKvqE01UAqiIWycuunoHW0VeDg1PrTNkkNFctJH9QGOjucKRLZ-TG_FSkTDvyIiOGCSCPMy9qAgfCEGMwrd37asUyPPwCCh6LDCvt3pqzSIs-4UtYmsvRCU9wCeE8FuuVCfaR_9YwfM/s320/DSCF0121.JPG" /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So what happened today? I was up at 5.30am to get the bus to Disney University (yes, Disney has a University) for my Traditions class. We had to dress up really smart in business attire, so I wore a denim-look silk blouse tucked into one of my Sixth Form black pencil skirts, plus nude panty-hose, my tan brogues and a tan belt to top it all off. I think I looked rather chic even if I do say so myself. Oh and I’d curled my hair with the new curlers I’d bought from Walmart (a pair of Conair’s for just $15... I’ll review them on my beauty blog _____________) I was carrying my folders in my hand and I had my little brown fringe bag from Topshop.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">A girl in line in front of me got told off because her skirt was too short, but she was from somewhere Oriental and just giggled saying, ‘Oh oh oh no espeaky eenglish hee hee haha!’ So the woman let her off. Then I saw the same woman checking out my skirt and I thought, ‘Just try it, love, and I’ll be ‘no espeakin’ eenglish’, yeah?’ But she didn’t.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Traditions training is the Disney way of kind of initiating you and making you aware of the Disney employee life style. The mentality behind it is ‘We create happiness’ by using four keys, Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency. Sometimes you have to sacrifice one of the keys a little further down the line in order to preserve one of the others, for example if a Tomorrowland Cast Member (member of staff) sees a child about to get hurt in Fantasy land, sometimes they may need to spoil the ‘Show’ by going to ensure the ‘Safety’ of that child and crossing a Tomorrowland Costume (work uniform) into Fantasyland. But this is ok, because ‘Safe D begins with Me!’ which is another Disney Traditions motto.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtzjcc7KB7vXaRMtZi4M4XDNPa_oj8pOkDiAv8kaLsDx3NBnweXVu1tH-R15Bef53fKLmpcCnw2u3FpSvcr6x41Z7Y1Spas-er05UJkDd_skL7LrzCHjm3ewalAXfMojL81U8TsAXmtM/s320/DSCF0131.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After being brainwashed (I mean learning) about all these things, we got to go to the Magic Kingdom! Our Cast Member status was incognito of course, although we did enter via the Utilidors which are a series of tunnels and pathways beneath ground level in the theme park, designed by Disney Imagineers in order to preserve the ‘Show’ aspect of the resort. It was really cool to be able to see backstage... we saw a room of character heads (like Eeyore and Tigger... tons of them just lined up on a shelf), some people spotted a couple of princesses having their lunch or practising the dances for the parade in their underwear, and we saw this wall of Guess tapestries which was absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to take any photographs here but it doesn’t matter because I’ll never forget the memories <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We entered the park up some stairs via Main Street Bakery and the morning Trolley Show was going on at the time which was perfect. I took a bit of video of us seeing the castle for the first time with the Main Street USA song playing in the background. It was just perfect. We walked towards the castle and into Adventureland before slipping out of another hidden Cast Member entrance... really it feels like you’re walking onto Platform 9 and Three Quarters because the Guests must just see you vanish!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After that we headed back to Disney University and did some more training type stuff. They showed a video of Walt and some other people to ‘inspire us’ and it did in fact bring a tear to my eye, especially when he says that line which he gave in the opening Disneyland speech, ‘To all who come to this happy place... Welcome!’ And then as if I wasn’t a big enough blubbering wreck, Mickey came and paid us a visit!!! At least I wasn’t the only teary eyed one, and I think I hid it rather well. I won a little Mickey figurine or ‘critter’ as the trainers called it, and was presented it by Mickey himself. He gave me a hug and everything. In fairness, the question was the easiest ever to answer, ‘Name the founder of the Disney company.’ Wow.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After Traditions, we were free to enter the parks if we wanted to! However, a couple of my friends weren’t getting out of class until after six, and I was exhausted from my early start, so I decided to go take a nap before going to the Magic Kingdom in the evening for dinner and fireworks. After all, we are here for 10 weeks, so there really isn’t any kind of rush at all!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My nap was amazing. I slept for a bit longer than I’d hoped and was woken up by the internet man here to give us the cord we’d been missing. HUZZAH! LET THERE BE INTERNET!!! I was able to Skype home for a little while which was nice and I checked my facebook and university email account. I spent about two hours getting rid of stupid emails. Fantastic.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After all that I went to Walmart with Natalee Jobes for a bit as I really needed an American cell phone! Bought some shampoo and bits to decorate my room too. My cell should be up and running pretty soon so keep an eye out for my number!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_RV4yIV9CY28noqR4MdOD1a8yh_37CuW0ARQUkUg4ogQPGeg69EzyBYYEJpqszBZn2THYw_Xo9vkqgEoVlrURQjhl4c2cRYeeZFxfMpRacQmFhVJZFDfJRuLSclbUq4yQkhHfh4yy_E/s320/DSCF0153.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once I got in Vikki came over and we got the CP (College Program) bus to the Transportation and Ticket Centre with Taryn before catching the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom. Por favour mantenganse alejado de las puertas. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YFfsSVlt6qMNMd4sfO6l0cI4XPw2wUv63mTEo4I6uEKZKEyDc9xzw-NH9Wz3cWG3IhfBFl04bk9ZrMwHW3brb1syg0aXaBadL9VIfkKE9YIcyx2MIpTUUC4PcDSbwuwLZkRaeO1Hz7o/s320/DSCF0157.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had an hour or so to kill and were absolutely famished, so we walked down Main Street to Cosmic Rays quick-service, burger restaurant in Tomorrowland where I had another kiddie meal! This time I had chicken nuggets with carrot sticks, fries and a small Coke. Plus there is a toppings bar which everyone is welcome to, so I had some mushrooms, onions and tomatoes too. All for $5. Seriously, I am a money-saving genius!!!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoE42MkNFAmIuI8Z_czX0GhtZZlD2b9jNC9B4g-k28a4EQpkoX3Tjta_VqP43jStpd-29WSlPNPgiYzvDg9iBafwzaA98SPGQ4KRHb46H6vgCw_tCEa-JFl_70THO9ZJDHKYUXYkjGCA/s320/DSCF0160.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once we’d finished there, we plonked ourselves right in front of the Cinderella Castle for the new projection show The Magic, The Memories and You which was amazing. I’m going to video record it one day so you can all see, because it is really breath-taking. About ten minutes later, the Wishes firework show started which was (again) beautiful. However, whilst the spot where we were sat was perfect for MMY it was a bit of a hindrance for Wishes as any of the fireworks which went off behind the castle weren’t visible for us <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span> Sad times. It didn’t seem to hold a negative effect on Vikki though; it was the first firework show she’d seen here and she was like one of those kids who is completely fascinated with a new toy. She had a massive smile on her face afterwards and it really showed me that Disney does make dreams come true. *Insert vomiting.*</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUZREM7_RSf3yrPOfl7AgKqk6heNfrtnA7Hu_plExw6t7O1JR9m7Bx8oJ6W46Alqhpm7GXBJS3XFLMsO2U1o1Rc3VqlPcF8xLO1UgJEvl5c9ObmHq2OF1XYVIo2nd_UbJLEW0Z-gG7xI/s320/DSCF0191.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once the fireworks had finished we wanted to meet up with the gang from last night, but we couldn’t get in touch, so we rode Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise (our skipper was amazing... and she was an ICP (International College Program Participant) from the UK too!) and Haunted Mansion before waiting in the MASSIVE monorail line to get home as Vikki has an early start tomorrow... well, today. She makes me laugh so much. Whilst she loved the fireworks, she didn’t ‘get’ the attractions. She was like, ‘You sit in a thing, and go around a thing, just looking at things.’ And yet she’s scared of any of the adrenalin type rides, so that’s her lot really! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Despite not having anything in particular to do tomorrow (my in-park training doesn’t start until Friday eeep!) I’d better get to bed. Need to try and kick this jet lag.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So good night. Sweet dreams. Love and miss you all <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia</p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-24621127780108554592011-06-26T16:09:00.000-07:002011-06-26T16:29:08.578-07:00Vista Pool, Purple Jumper, Beaches and Cream. Nom.<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>22<sup>nd</sup> June 1.30am US Time...<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What a delicious day it’s been! I woke up kind of late, like 10.30am(ish) had a nice long shower, put my red bikini on under my red Pearl Jam t-shirt and grey Forever21 jersey shorts, grabbed all my stuff and headed for the bus to Vista at about 12 for my 1pm meeting. I didn’t really know what the arrangements were that I’d made with Kristian so I figured I’d just get the bus over and mooch around the pool hoping to find him, but luckily he was waiting for me at the bus stop! What a sweetie <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So the clubhouse at Vista Way was all set up with different stations where we needed to hand over and receive different bits of information. We had to take along the same documents as yesterday, and because I didn’t have the DS-2019 form I had to hand over the bits and bobs which the hot immigration guy told me to hand over and I was told that they would keep my passport as it would be couriered to Washington in order to verify a new form! How exciting. People keep saying to me, ‘Aren’t you nervous that you don’t have your passport anymore?’ I just reply, ‘I had my DS-2019 and I somehow managed to lose that. It’s probably for the best that I don’t have my passport right now. It’s safer out of my possession.’ Haha. Silly Moron Me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I also received a piece of paper telling me that I would be at Hollywood Studios on an ‘Icon’ attraction... included in this sort of attraction is the new Star Tours, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular show, The American Idol Experience and... the attraction I requested and have been dreaming about since I first applied for the program... The Great Movie Ride! I’m trying really hard not to get my hopes up and I know that my area is full of amazing attraction, yet somewhere in the back of my brain I really want to get excited on the hopes that I may become a Movie Rider... We’ll have to wait and see! Keep your fingers crossed for me!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, after all that paperwork style stuff I came out of the room to look for Kristian (he’d finished a good 20 minutes before me), but he was nowhere to be seen and his phone isn’t working here, so I couldn’t text him. Luckily I knew a girl who was behind me in line and we decided to head to the pool where I found the cheeky child sitting with some of his hot flatmates. Nom. There’s one from France who is just beautiful... but... he smokes. Major turn-off. VOM ALERT. Bleaugh.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq2Yq5B1-3otTb6KMo_ABCsRMWFhtXj9gBnStFNbJ9kdqiAVGSoTfcOxc-jNhg-fWAWi0FD1vxsR7kvIa_GXW9AztVmdbTWKSzyGYNLHLWuJ_QrciZLAjISAgtkL5bPE7S15fFizaJsA/s320/DSCF0092.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We swam together for a little while after which stage I realised I didn’t have a towel with me. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times; Stupid Moron Gabbi. After a bit of a catch-up we walked (and I dripped) all the way to his friend’s flat and got her to join us and before I knew it there was a crowd of us... including Sexy Rich Elliot. Nom.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I definitely got burnt. My nose is red and my shoulders <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span> Leanna did warn me in fairness and I never listened. I had to learn the hard way.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I met some really cool people including Leanna, Katie, Sherrie and others whose names shamefully escape me. They were initially planning on going to Golden Coral but I managed to persuade them that Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort on the Boardwalk is the way to go. Yay! We met at about 8ish on the bus then walked through this cast area to the Beach Club hotel. There were literally about 30 of us, but by the time we made it to the restaurant we had managed somehow to lose a bunch of people. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270067_10150218801334398_640254397_7281131_6558221_n.jpg" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sexy Rich Elliot was definitely wearing a jumper. In Florida heat. Bizarre. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">After about 45minutes of hanging around the Beach Club pool with the NON-alcoholic drinks we’d purchased at the bar, we got seated at various tables. I had a hot dog which was pretty yum then I managed to force Kristian and Vikki to share a Fudge Mudslide with me. *Salivates at the memory*</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkWGiM3ii2fMlQtT14tJRrZ2u0pde1nnL_RizBctRMAqt1QpNRAeEDbTxAGk5UfP5Gu4LAAYFCXFVuLeD0eZbXCwTRx0RgoCys9hJwLIWxMuAt8tKNG3wrnlCFZjovVcaKYONLeSzwAk/s320/DSCF0105.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once we’d finished we went to find the others who had left the restaurant a little earlier on the beach as we realised our bus wasn’t for another half hour. They were showing Finding Nemo on this big screen and it was so cute! </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6q9QOdq-fUNkA4dGazLeBv_-FjBAboDl1BM6-rvGIvT8TevAgwH1E1kiEdlqKAdbcN1YM3RehBbXjN17Lq716P5W9vAQMFwW09WjLEAOJbxlfhFshDxcZCbA1Z_-88skZu8Sbov1mlY/s320/DSCF0109.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we got in me and Vikki went to sit by the pool for a bit since I had no idea where it was. It is pretty lush... can’t wait to jump in tomorrow. We had a bit of a catch-up as we seem to do at the end of every day before heading back and the rest is history!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ciao for now my lovelies and stay tuned. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia</p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-69769852275208755982011-06-26T10:42:00.000-07:002011-06-26T11:35:03.978-07:00Day One Housing Orientation and House of Blues!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>21st June 2011 – 2.30am US Time...</u></b> <p class="MsoNormal">I am so exhausted and yet I really don’t feel in the mood to sleep! I guess I’ve got that excitement going on right now where I don’t want to miss anything, but I’m actually going to have to force myself to go to bed in a minute as I can hardly keep my eyes open right now...</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv13LTHXW12f7CJSuYH39LyraqQj9MN6Hgm-GoBlHette14cfySQpPqT7zUnGO18llNXYiOK8etN1BhcRfYBt-Wlf6ziMPkXXKZ7vh8hX1BSUU_wo_3tOUT93RuKY0JyvBaR3KIlZ5pTQ/s320/DSCF0047.JPG" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlexKSysBA_vY0Zf_qJuVtHVxDZEecoRsnJE_I64EQr_PS84tNvP7FaGf4kNokFVmDHx32ocn6sc6o31H9TWJGiMbddzltvCtsUY6X95S5uzoeMGzMYSbXTQuQqf6B-FDWPUsAcgmkAQ/s320/DSCF0048.JPG" /></p><p class="MsoNormal">So this morning we had to make our way over to The Commons (the living complex for all of the Cultural Representative participants like my friend Charlotte from home) to use their clubhouse for our housing orientation. Luckily, The Commons is only about a ten minute walk away from my place, so this meant that to be there at 8.30am we all met up at about 8.10am by security and headed over as a big group. On this first orientation thing we were allowed to wear whatever we wanted which was a relief as I hadn’t unpacked my smart clothes at this point! On our little yellow paper schedule for the next couple of days it advised us to bring along our Program Guide (given to us yesterday in the envelope), our passport with the I-94 stamped card inside, the dreaded DS-2019 form and our proof of medical insurance, although to be honest I don’t think we really needed any of that... The only time they came in handy was when I needed to fill out my social security form and I needed my passport number. We filled out and signed a few more things including our soul over to Disney; if we have an idea which could benefit the company, we are now legally obliged to share it and hand over the rights to it. Nice.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuhmowhmppRd_GMbrlYtME-N4RHIOUm5sn6vyKMlQhbDavSgwwW0JJL4-8daUxaKwvA4CI0swiAvSqQNipvM7m2ziDDt_Ra3K2NZhIhqSifT3yQ9sUJBLoaYzvqghPpdvTeHsdQZPq-E/s320/DSCF0049.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had a variety of different presentations including a ‘welcome session’, Immigration Presentation, Housing Welcome etc. They gave us a massive run-down of the ‘rules’ which include no hazing or initiations, no weapons or threatening behaviour and NO ALCOHOL if you are under 21. It was all pretty obvious, but I guess it is good that they went through it all as one French boy was still confused despite the repetitions about the fact that if you are in a wellness apartment you really can’t drink... ‘But, what if it’s been a long day and I just want one?’ ‘Well, are you 21, sir?’ ‘No.’ ‘Then no, sir, that would not be allowed.’ Poor guy, everyone laughed so hard at him! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The immigration guy was particularly scary telling us how we shouldn’t pay to bail a friend out of jail or be involved with any drugs or under-age drinking as those mistakes could haunt us for life in border patrol. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">After we’d finally finished at The Commons I realised that I was actually going to faint if I didn’t have something to eat and soon, so we headed to the Premium Outlets across the road from the complex to have a bit of a Food Court Feast. I chose Chinese and went with Sesame Chicken, Vegetable Spring Roll and Fried Rice which was lovely, but not as nice as I’ve had in the past in the Florida Mall... Will definitely have to compare. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the meantime Emma was concerned about what to do as she’d been told that her roots were coming through too obviously to be part of the ‘Disney Look’ and that she would have to dye them... It is bizarre really because I think the colour in her hair is really quite natural. Anyway, she decided she’ll take her chances and leave it as it is.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu12G0MOi1Oj81vwl7EW7wlo_iQoxr-Xvzn7-Qh_EiZD_8LkvdLUvLE5wCsQhh67LTmX6v6M_3UCwjImpVCugoxut2-M2d_jb3oYPUtIY5A47nbmFi3S5866_opTprcaDoZlXMcFwUbo/s320/DSCF0062.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once we’d finished eating we headed back to Chatham as the buses were to arrive for us at 1.45pm to take us to Vista for our official housing check-in. When we arrived we handed over some paperwork, had our pictures taken and got given our housing ID’s which was great as it now means I won’t have to carry my passport and temporary yellow-paper-proof-of-residence everywhere with me. Having said that, my face has been squashed right down in the picture and I look a right chubby pig on it. Wounder.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2-t2AooMRnqykCbQWc9WET7n55HnHJvDHsPW7PuKVU_MTh0o4cMCUF0BPASa-fM1p6ONhrMD2yB_4YkfgYkCJXm_Ds-ZfY9H9W8TrYCq-GKCYJ4pecLn8VE_ydCRCE0IL4y6An-cBuo/s320/DSCF0064.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At least I’m not the only one. Vikki obviously has the same problem with hers.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-6AKGz26eJznKQmli3uiKEvboQ20rbaosrruXB0s-i0yTbe-O9tvET_ZEi4xCIPjIGL36bujy7TgMWZysWU7GvYQP2O6w0UQnoL9aKYK-XOPd12-eyTm7FUfznEtiwUy4A-0JEfeLyE/s320/DSCF0067.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once we were sorted over at Vista we headed back to Chatham and everyone kind of wandered off in separate directions. We’d agreed to do Downtown Disney tonight and go to T-REX ages ago on the facebook group, but we had a couple of hours to kill so I decided to come back to the flat and unpack properly, which was very grown-up of me as I could have just gone to sit around the pool. I rearranged our room a bit also as all the plug sockets were covered up by beds and bedside tables for some reason, but now they’re tons better. I even had time for a quick nap before showering, doing my face, choosing a dress and heading out with everyone. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1V3jbiL2RVnOFL94HmNm8VVwjODhNUKRBPaXM5TAPKDJGUMUZsiKnrBWzs4Hh1I9pnvkdytcjavhxoZVO3fMtxiuueyZ37EIfwn2SrVkThBnkVt77p8T8P4uBHgOjmDN_M0G4kIP4aA/s320/DSCF0074.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By the time we got to Downtown Disney T-REX was packed. There were people queuing out of the doors so we decided to give it a miss. We split into smaller groups and everyone headed to different places. Some went to Rainforest Cafe, others to Earl of Sandwich, a couple even went to Pollo Campenero (which I hear was a big of a disappointment) whilst we headed to House of Blues. It was Johanna’s birthday so it was nice to do something special!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2WEE_TKqIgocl75rcNIY4bPeu72a7iWTw8WpIB4stHpD7CSCRxk3GqxH6Z0ZhLJJn0C0ToYHmr0UorrvceP8qwj1v2L2igihSMkCdCNMqfHjfbT0qaTqhFSVrEI5C3v_UYuX9o6mKWI/s320/DSCF0077.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Whilst the servers sorted us a table for 13 people we sat at the bar. Glass-doors (Johanna), Jayne and Bethan celebrated with a cocktail, whilst me and Vikki went wild and savoured our Cokes with lime. Delicious. While we were waiting, a guy called Joe who I’ve never met before materialised and we invited him to join us. I think I’m really going to be good friends with him. He’s so funny. Gay though. Gutted. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once we got seated I decided I would have the kiddie cheese burger which was about $8. I chose blue cheese and had a side of blue cheese dressing too. Vikki chose the adult version of what I had which I think was about $15 but a massive rip-off as when they arrived mine was only about two ounces lighter than hers with a few less fries and a smaller salad. PLUS I only ate half of mine and took the other half away in a doggie bag. Economical Gabbi For The Win!!!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkoE0K5ELNIW2mpzhJ8ZpwJyxdUzTo1MyWa1pnp0OiQZaB_cG0_2P60rFLDOSHrJCyZJfIptN1UjkXKgXJUy4PyGHIC5ff_QHnqsJ3LluTXM15JUftL1fmWgy754I1ryBEnnoB8YyVgU/s320/DSCF0081.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our waitress was lovely and she helped us all choose. She even put all our food on separate bills and wrote a little ‘Good Luck as new Disney Cast Members’ note on the bottom of each one. Attention to detail or what??? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">After we’d finished at House of Blues half of us came home whilst the other (over 21) half went over to Bongo’s for more cocktails. So jealous of them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We waited for the bus in the completely wrong place so ended up missing it but eventually we managed to make it home. Vikki and Joe came back with me and Taryn for a bit and we exchanged some stories and just generally had a bit of a gossip!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">They left about an hour ago and I’ve since had a shower and am pretty much ready for bed. Stupid internet still isn’t sorted even though me and Taryn bought a wireless router yesterday. It turns out we need a cord which they were supposed to provide us with when we moved in but it wasn’t here so we have to wait for someone to bring us a new one tomorrow. Will be nice to be able to check my facebook, Skype my family and of course upload these blogs! I’m supposed to be at Vista Way tomorrow by 1pm so I’d better go to sleep as I don’t want this lack of rest to catch up on me and accidentally sleep until the day after!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thanks for reading and keep checking back <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">ps. The weather has been amazing... can’t wait to get some tanning in tomorrow. Saw Kristian on the way to DTD and he said we could hang together at Vista Pool after our meetings tomorrow so I’m super excited!</p><p></p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-75937627040346740062011-06-25T07:55:00.001-07:002011-06-25T08:29:24.372-07:00Finding 'Home'!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>20<sup>th</sup> June 6.00am (ish) UK Time... 1.00am (ish) US Time...</u></b> <p class="MsoNormal">Phew! I’ve made it. Finally!!! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">So where did I leave off? As soon as the shuttle arrived, the doors opened and Summa was there, a girl I met at my visa interview, with a bunch of friends. Thank Baby Jesus for that. I wouldn’t be on my own on the way to Vista Way REJOICE!!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I’d managed to get in touch with Vikki and Bethan in the meantime and discovered they would be living at Chatham along with a bunch of other people from my flight and I just thought, ‘Oh God. I’m going to be all by myself because I’ve arrived later than everyone else. Great.’ </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7DzyyG7REtzGHy_PzGCMHPC82Ki5wyuNwiPmXtIN5THYacUioFv2SAC7eAhdBQ-aPaI4440nJeGEfRLQp4yx3mTjn4IiUKIiRE11tb99EJrrlrwdTRTmEW1SXXlMsyesxwtm-E3mzQA/s320/DSCF0026.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There was a proper full-on Thunder Storm Extreme occurring which was a beautiful welcome into Orlando as you can imagine... The shuttle journey was kind of uneventful as I was just shattered and I’d had such a nightmare at the airport that I really needed a quiet moment or two. As we got closer to Vista Way I started to see places I know or know of, like Hooters, Applebees, Bahama Breeze, Cici’s and Olive Garden. Yes, they are all restaurants. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">As we pulled up to Vista Way I started to mentally psyche myself up to move again and when we saw the ‘Welcome Centre’ I got a bit excited. We had to put our suitcases in this kind of holding pen while we checked in with some of the staff. There were us Brits then a few Turkish and French people. In fact, there was a rather delicious young man named ‘Clement’ from France who I immediately clocked... le yum. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We were ushered into this room where it was hard to ignore the fact that there were apples, and oranges and cookies on the tables and an ice-cold water fountain in the corner of the room. I was so thankful... my mouth really needed to taste something other than just my tongue. We received a little blue tote bag with an envelope in it... in the envelope was my key... to... my... flat... at... CHATHAM SQUARE!!! Woot woot! The first thing that had gone right all day, I would be with Vikki and Bethan and Louise and everyone I love... well, not everyone as I soon found out that Kristian and Sexy Rich Elliot are over at Vista, but then two out of about 20 ain’t bad right? Beggers can’t be choosers and all that. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">So what happened next? Well, I had to get from Vista to Chatham, right? So this meant I had to move my suitcases (after taking a handful of cookies and apples for the ride... I didn’t know when I would next see real food ok???) to this mini-van where Clement helped me load them in. Then we all jumped in and had a bit of a tour of Vista before heading over to Chatham. I was getting really nervous to meet my room-mates. Although not nervous enough not to, ‘Switch le numbers’ avec Clement. Haha, we agreed to head to Walmart together in about an hour after arriving and he said he would text me. His friend Virginie said she would come too. Totally ruining our little food-shopping-date but whatever, she’s pretty sweet so I didn’t mind... Clement is the boy in the background with the hat at a jaunty French angle... </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniJevlueeduP1DISqJZvrusOyDDhcFulud8gBfBjMQj4a2m70frOzFTLAi8Fs_ajATcN3VQBQzNbas4ryE4Jh03iFr2lLfoFITpJKj-V8rbEAmST-ifr7l0wPWGNZGShSzl9qNNm78Mk/s320/DSCF0035.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We made it to my flat about halfway en route to dropping everyone off... Apartment 17210 baby YEAHHH! The driver guy helped me... well... carried my bags up the stairs for me as I’m one floor above ground level, knocked on the door then unlocked it for me. And who should I find but Taryn Whitman from Wales who I met at the interviews! What a coincidence! So it’s just me and Taryn in this massive one bedroom apartment which I was initially a bit disappointed with, only because I really wanted to get the experience of sharing a flat with other cultures and having a bit more of a party atmosphere. But in hindsight I think it’s going to be pretty sound. We’re both quite easy going and really don’t have much to complain about. I really doubt she’ll cause any trouble with drinking or partying until the early hours or bringing strange men back, so I’m onto a winner <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I kind of ditched my stuff then me and her headed out for Walmart to meet Clement and Virginie. This is after making sure I had this yellow slip of paper, my passport and my keys as we need all these to get onto the busses and into the complex until we get our housing ID’s tomorrow. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vikki was at the bus stop with a bunch of other Brits, so unfortunately I kind of migrated away from Hottie McFrench-Alot but this was fine. We jumped on the bus and half an hour later we were at Walmart. Just before we’d left for the supermarket I’d spoken to Bethan who was already there and she really didn’t seem happy with her flat <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span> As we were getting off the bus I saw her getting on and I kind of gave her a squeeze (oo-er) and said I hoped everything would be ok. I felt bad that I couldn’t stop and talk it over with her really, but she was with Louise and Emma so I knew she was in good hands and I didn’t want to lose Vikki again like I had at the airport! </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIaHQvBnFVb18S1SDLcbk_bkjf3lxW1LoP9G_SdmXyydHlsGGXd8dBhyzkHQakvEZc2C_UicxBp3CeBlQxhyrDA9kn6cV3m1ctTSKV-3uWmJ3uurljmJnW31mrv9cqROHtSlE-s42PBY/s320/DSCF0040.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyEZp6_asM20ief0c-mijprxmPp2lF0Wn5oNg9_J71nmSWDH7Z_GnXDTOUqxb02dQWJ1UQ5TxD2oM7E3Rf4XbFuCqtBEvxnaofdAGudmXF6E-N-ay3GuZwdUlZMVx4lpTAMWhCIi7kag/s320/DSCF0043.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me, Vikki and Taryn shared a trolley and we ended up with so much stuff... It doesn’t help that everything is so much bigger in this country than in England... Here is what I had when I got back:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBzhzEnD5ZxwtszhdIJoby1MHrMm_ZaNEIlqwByOOOwZMCKcNeB82gun3WDD9_PkxiQZdIXJbGkLSv7gwqwKyriUlW0bp8yaauXTj_tk695iP10ovSwLR_si2woAlfVNphQiUyuMh8Z4/s320/DSCF0044.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Very healthy as you can tell. Carrying all the food in was an absolute task. Vikki’s flatmate Heather even had to get some randoms to help her carry all her stuff as she’d bought water.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vikki and Heather have only just left now actually, as I’d taken one of Vikki’s bags by mistake and since it was the bag with her Milka and Snickers she really couldn’t go one night without it. Addict. Yes, her and Taryn were fascinated by the English food aisle... LES CADBURIES FINGERES!!! THEY TASTE THE SAME... THEY TASTE exactly THE SAME!!!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYZuknBEd-xZ9essqHkOlCwUryVTdv3FnpkxczSQKw4Tv6evjm5-oJ9QidxPjwEjgQzfjRM6rRpbZsLSwGNDwWyPHMxToCan5bjwksxo9C6j_X1utW56-dCXkJ8i8OxW9-rv2Gvwin24/s320/DSCF0042.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anyway, I have a big old bunch of stuff to do tomorrow and since I’ve been awake for about 26 hours, I really think it’s for the best that I get some sleep. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Take care and stay tuned!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia</p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-26699571780263089142011-06-23T08:22:00.000-07:002011-06-23T08:32:01.220-07:00Hell in Immigration...<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>19<sup>th</sup> June 11.00pm (ish) UK Time... 18.00 (ish) US Time...<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So remind me never to lose the DS-2019 ever again. Not to scare anyone else that has, but it created a major inconvenience in immigration which I really wish I’d avoided... So what’s the story?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, following an excellent ‘Disney Cast Member Shout-Out’ from the lovely air stewardess, to which rapturous applause and cheering ensued upon landing, we all left the plane. Immediately upon leaving I spotted a delicious specimen of a man with dark hair, a smouldering expression and a federal government uniform on. However, since I was ‘laying low’ due to the loss of my vital US document I let him pass and joined the queue for immigration. Probably for the best. Anyways, after waiting for what seemed like an eternity but probably only lasted about half an hour, I made it to the front of the queue. I got an old-man immigration officer. I gave him my documents, did my fingerprints etc, but when he asked for the fatal document and I said I couldn’t provide it, he looked at me like I’d told his three-year-old the ‘truth’ about Santa Claus. I told him about the nice American guy at Gatwick, but neither of us had any idea who he was. Damn, I should have taken that guy’s name and job role or something. A complete case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing. He said, ‘This is a VERY important document. You now have to enter a room where they will decide whether to let you into the country or not.’ Then he pulled a face like he didn’t hold out much hope, sarcastically muttered, ‘Welcome to America’, tutted and sighed as if exasperated for a little while, took my picture, then escorted me to this little room.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now, he was obviously a complete douchebag because at this stage I was thinking, ‘Oh my God. I’m being treated like a common criminal, like on Nothing to Declare or Border Patrol (yes, I watch too much LivingTV...) I’m going to be led to this dark room alone and have to answer questions and all my friends will be gone <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span>’ He failed to mention the fact that all of us were going to be led to this ‘Doctors-Waiting-Room’ style place. Fool. He could have put my mind at ease. He obviously wasn’t interested in that. So when I got there, I saw Jasper and Robert (two lovely Dutch guys I’d met on the plane who were also coming to work for Disney) and the others began filing in after me. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The immigration guys had kept our passports and after about twenty minutes they began coming out and announcing names, handing people their passports and sending them on their merry way. Jasper and Robert wished me luck and left. Then Louise and Emma did the same even though they were after me, and that’s when I realised I’d probably be there for a long time. I told them to leave me behind and I’d find my own way to Vista Way, which was very grown-up of me if I say so myself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This old-black-man meanie immigration officer came out, read my name, so I was like, ‘YESSS I CAN LEAVE!’ Unfortunately, all he said was, ‘Your DS-2019 isn’t here.’ Well, duh, old man. Get with the program. We’ve already been through this. ‘Yes, I lost it... I told your colleague...’ I replied. ‘Lost?’ Seriously, this guy was even more of a moron than I am for losing it in the first place. ‘Yes. Lost.’ ‘Well. That’s interesting.’ Then he walked off. Thanks dude. Thanks a lot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">More names were read out and the people from the Virgin flights that left Gatwick and Manchester at a similar time came and went. Luckily there was still a bunch of them like Craig, Vikki, Emily and her friend Heather who were still around when this hot young immigration office called me out. I couldn’t decide whether to take my bags or not, and in the panic I nearly broke my neck. Well, that’s an exaggeration, but I stumbled a bit in my heels.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thankfully, this guy was pretty sound. Very professional, but he didn’t seem to be there just to scare me like the others. I explained everything to him and he told me that I was about the 6<sup>th</sup> person for Disney today who had the same problem and that I wouldn’t be the last. When he took my fingerprints, I’m not even joking, Emma who was miles away at the luggage carousel says she could see my hand shaking. I was so nervous! These nerves were eased a little by this mixed-race-hottie-pants immigration officer walking by and very UNprofessionally looking me up and down before going, ‘DAMN! Dude, are you handpicking them???’ to the guy who was helping me. Taking my tights off on the plane was evidently a good shout. ‘No, man, she’s got a 419 (don’t remember the number but it was something like that) you wanna take it?’ That’s when I realised how much of an inconvenience I was to them, because Sexy Immigration Officer was like, ‘No way... it’s not worth it’ before winking at me and walking off. Great. Now Sexy Immigration Officer thinks I’m an idiot too. Boo.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was taken into a little office where me and my guy sat in silence for about 40 minutes while he filled out a form. Eventually, he told me I’d have to talk to my program co-ordinator and get them to sort me a new DS-2019 (which he said was a ‘very expensive document to lose’... naturally I nearly had a seizure as I’m tighter with money then an Oriental's... well, let’s just say I’m pretty tight.) Then he grinned, said ‘Welcome to America Gabriella, have a magical day!’ to which I laughed, gushed some thanks then left with my passport. A mere three hours after my plane had landed. BAH. It was all my own fault for losing the document, I know that. But still. BOO.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now it was time for my next drama of the day. So I come out of this office and was chuffed to see that Vikki and Craig had only just gotten out too. We collected our cases together (I have two massive ones remember) and began to leave with a couple of others. To get from the immigration side of the airport to the area where we needed to catch our shuttle you have to take a monorail, and to get to the monorail, you have to go up an escalator. Well, I was never going to manage that with two suitcases so who was I to turn down the opportunity to meet my bags at the other side? There was some airport people who were like, ‘Ahhh just put your bags on this conveyor belt, then they will arrive at belt B27 when you get off the monorail.’ Like an idiot I believed them. Epic Fail. At least I wasn’t the only one, Vikki and her friend Charlotte did it too, but because they were on a different flight, their suitcases were going to be in Zone A.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Standard. When I got to B27 the carousel was closed. Of course it was. I asked a guy and he was like, ‘Uhhh no, this carousel stopped moving like an hour ago because everyone off the BA flight has gone.’ HELLOOO??? Apparently not! I am living proof of that. So he sent me to a BA office. Which was of course closed. Then I wandered around panicking for a little while with everyone sending me in the wrong directions. By this time I’d lost Vikki, Craig and the others so I was feeling pretty depressed when finally a man from Air Lingus went and found me a BA staff member named Mary Wilson. She was so nice. She took me into the back office and let me use the phone to call Vikki (who didn’t answer... pfttt) and then Disney Arrivals to find where to get the Mears Shuttle from. In the meantime she found my cases for me, then walked me all the way to the shuttle stop, which is where I am now. I bought my ticket ($16 from $31 because I’m a Disney Cast Member eeep!) and I’m now waiting with a little buzzer thing on a bench in the Florida heat! Sucks that I have to get it alone and that I couldn’t get in touch with Vikki, but hopefully I should be there in an hour or so.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">What a day from hell. Managed to call dad just now and tell him that everything went swimmingly... I hate to worry him and to be fair what didn’t kill me made me stronger I guess <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span> Hope he didn’t mind a phone call in the middle of the night... </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyways, I’ll keep you posted guys! Au revior!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia</p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-80584183882014565442011-06-23T07:18:00.000-07:002011-06-23T08:20:19.071-07:00The Journey Begins!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>19<sup>th</sup> June 2011 – 17.00pm (ish) UK Time... 12.00pm (ish) US Time...</u></b> <p class="MsoNormal">Hello guys! So I know I promised more advice on applying back in December, but then I realized that most of that information can be found in my Vlogs anyway, so if you want to see it please check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/TheGabriellaSofia">http://www.youtube.com/TheGabriellaSofia</a> and if you have any further questions please ask and I'll be more than happy to help you :-) Thanks for following my Disney Adventure so far! I’m writing this first blog from the airplane. We are only one-and-a-half hours away now, so that’s not too bad I guess... So let’s do a boring recap of my day <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4.30am – I woke up at the Travelodge where I was staying with Louise and Emma. Realised I had another couple of hours worth of sleep so dozed off again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">6.15am – Emma texted me from her room saying something to the effect of, ‘Eeeeeeeep!’</p> <p class="MsoNormal">6.20am – My dad texted me to wake me up... he seriously thinks I’m an idiot. As if I would oversleep on the day of my flight to the Happiest Place on Earth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">6.30am – I got up out of bed and Louise agreed to let me shower first. Jumped in the shower, brushed my teeth, put on my travel outfit. If you are interested in what this outfit included then... I have on a black pair of tights (which I will remove upon arrival in the US obviously as it’s going to be like an oven...), my little white dress (which has been unzipped for most of the flight as I’ve been feeling a bit bloated <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span>), my denim over-sized shirt, my brown T-bar wedges from Miss Selfridge (I know... ridiculously impractical, but if I’d had them in my case I would have had to pay overweight I bet) and a little denim flower Kirby grip in my hair. I did my makeup and packed up my last bits.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">7.25am – Me and Louise realised we only had twenty minutes left before the shuttle arrived and began to panic. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">7.45am – We made it to the shuttle! It cost £3.50 to get to the North Terminal which really wasn’t too bad. However, us girls don’t travel light and I in particular had two whopping great suitcases, so a variety of ‘big strong men’ assisted us. Good Samaritan, eat your heart out.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5g7t5GIuqTXjnnwUkI7wjbMjP7hHEHhce7SEA4PdSlI_sIyUgAFjrw_zfLALXwxwH3CgVe56zl_cyaGk_4BCyHiRNhLOK10Tk_S18_SBDIs2KigUxb3fjffoK4uBwGo-y-p0BxPJi5A/s320/DSCF0007.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">8.10am – My cases were weighed (I’d paid £34 online the night before so I could take two cases) and surprisingly they were a couple of kilos off the limit of 23kg. GREAT SUCCESS.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">8.20am – Not such a great success, Louise’s case was 3 kilos over <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span> Her case is one of those heavy plastic ones though which the check-in lady says weight about 6kg alone! Remind me never to use one of those bad boys. Louise had to move some stuff to her hand luggage which was difficult considering she didn’t have hardly any heavy things. She ended up chucking some nail varnish remover, deodorant and wax and she also moved some handbags to my hand luggage so all was well and we were back on our way.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">8.50am – Made our way through security without a hitch.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye9PTVIqXFHi_evniB6pWau-OhFeXvksoJ5ee2Q5rbn__lLLpeQrxDWRrAD02yEBYXkzRM3PN_rvv_K61p9MqQHiq6TeVmAYcv4yfhZmI0GgmvXWBqYtEn_oQYZyBv6-X6zY7JKyvftI/s320/DSCF0011.JPG" /></p><p class="MsoNormal">9.00am – Found Bethan John. HUZZAH!!! We headed over to Wetherspoons and were soon joined by Johanna (Glass-Doors) Bretherton, Jayne McEvoy, Rebecca Ripley, Danni T, Karyn, Joanne Lister and Melissa. I epically indulged in a full English to commemorate my leaving the country.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOApuS-eAEl2RH983sJWydRaN3tSpu-40ouarFegG1M8vk5PPdLLVjAjeHNXftOTrPpbhz0XyP6A7k2uGpp_2uXsYII0jvsCd73yWlibQkwboO-5zybMG-6AY_8W4lwe04l2kqnOSK8I/s320/DSCF0009.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFr02Sv2DhaAk5_yXbgK-4hkxSXOku1urC-6G0AQPCYzbDLDVJZLQdcTQFpvo8hC1embHtHKcloTzUAmqraExsA7WQ6Kta3yhrUE6Ekjesq_07aN_1jPZVzbJwqnEtK_mV1ThBAjI4Xc/s320/DSCF0012.JPG" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8G4iYQmwJi-rwkJHOiujoAJjBIpR4QYJojK_GU_0YC4ZuepDK9j0HhFQNMTawNR2sp4FHxvYEeKhV6G8kwKMOROL0Q2Bp6iQPLqbeoXhr5MYNPMcaAMhSZEXOUMA5bGNjD3Rlr5heeaU/s320/DSCF0013.JPG" /></p><p class="MsoNormal">10.00am – Bought a couple of extra adaptors, a memory card for my camera and some batteries in duty free, plus some Jelly Babies, a big bar of Galaxy caramel (nom) and prawn cocktail crisps. I also got Tatler and the Company High Street Edit mags for in case I got bored.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">11.00am – Began boarding the plane after chatting with Mom, Dad and Meewps. I was asked if I had my DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility to Work in the United States... Well... About that... I lost it. I know, how stupid am I??? Yesterday I had an absolute nightmare when I couldn’t find it and genuinely thought I wouldn’t be able to go <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span> But thanks to an absolute HERO named Barbara at Arrivals in Disney, I soon learned that this could be sorted. Anyways, I told the man that asked me the truth and he rang ahead to Immigration for me in the USA to forewarn them. He was really nice actually, while he was one the phone he was like, ‘I have this lovely girl with a beautiful smile here and I just wanted to warn you that you have to let her in once she’s filled out some extra information.’ I was so thankful because the day before, me and Meewps had literally been in tears thinking I wouldn’t be able to go!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL5TwGIsqzxV9cgjhPmZIcK8dNBl7U8pf_MRzweicIqs9L9Rk_vTDIpgBZnCKzKOzdfH2VqidEUq4wQAshyphenhyphenoDl27ZdjgrpnYFZZDSyKzixybjfeydMvKAmheDs8HgE0y3XnEv9PwRIeg/s320/DSCF0015.JPG" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIf2Aen6w_9EI0fKPEVW_kKP7nHyl_1aUNflx-e41Z-waPCLvme8pdKm1P6fDAE8stKvTvyLgqm7THmKiccvLvzrxGKAVIRG9k2n3-4G57zIykEa7XUUktsGYIjn8wE0OhRjFadI6wd0/s320/DSCF0021.JPG" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QH2yf7xT1cTuMyF4br42vfpWyWNvQHAl1GWpSvRPDMD-9RPchnOjtQtktxQfHWraMz9y0Qu07UW4gH4pgS-EBIkTlUyoMdxRxLJpP9RpAE4Cqa7O6jgPlwyS6PKz_JJVNfZQeTPzUxA/s320/DSCF0016.JPG" /></p><p class="MsoNormal">11.20am – HOUSTON WE HAVE LIFT OFF!!!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJBO-vGzWga6GsZr30rccnnmzJj5TmPEop_eNcwU3IDJZGq0iMu1q_lYke_v0024_iYW9tllM5x9lDJKAomXi3djp1KD8ILd7o7-JDjVQ97xUnw_qHdeffCyJbPMHtSrst_TK-2sN_Jk/s320/DSCF0020.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And the rest in history. Only one hour and nine minutes left now. The food hasn’t been bad, I’ll admit. It was a choice between chicken curry or beef casserole for lunch with a smoked salmon salad and profiteroles for desert. Win. I had the curry. Yum. Just now the cabin crew bought around some sandwiches and following the initial outrage that the horseradish sauce was obligatory, the beef sandwiches went down well!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The in-flight entertainment has been great too. The movies have included Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Black Swan, True Grit, The King’s Speech and about ten others, and the television shows were ‘plentiful’ with The Simpsons and Family Guy being some of my top choices.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq12zdhqDNv2OmbAFWx0mZ1saJDtbD_rmPivfLbcOu2YpXh-KMwa44GEzbMe52EUyjd1yuNhqtc-wJNEOeFxXj847Pbkv98dvtMI0e1cID7RWE_1HJ7uTHPDUxQlV5WX_tTsmA9FhBlo/s320/DSCF0017.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Qwlv6ZStkx6AcGm7UgOMB-waaJ_RjLIxBeIaQp6PlBdI6J0hT71GhuJbZyOcpsiDxRa4zgnQVD_GH_LWfLJYzm1rt0i4YgX5_0EWaPgoeadkfv3oGh58oaQMsX77oM0VJPhGFFUb5yc/s320/DSCF0019.JPG" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyways, getting closer so I’d better go fill out my customs form and put my memory card in my camera and my contact lenses back in my eyes (I haven’t watch a single movie but slept for about two hours, so the flight has gone relatively quick). </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wish me luck for immigration... I hope it doesn’t all take too long and I can head over to Disney with all the others! By the time I post this I’ll be in my flat so hopefully all will have been well. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Love you guys and I promise I will update as and when I can!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Have a magical day <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">gabriellasofia<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-39550449495853038942010-12-13T09:48:00.000-08:002010-12-13T09:49:39.118-08:00Registering With Yummy Jobs . . .<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>9<sup>th</sup> August 2010-12-13<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>***WARNING any information given in this blog MUST NOT be used in an individual’s own application, these are the original responses given by gabriellasofia, and those who plagiarise WILL BE PUNISHED by Yummy Jobs***</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I wanted to take some time to talk you guys through the process of registering with Yummy Jobs. It is all pretty simple and fuss-free but there are a few titbits of wisdom which I have learnt from some older blogs which I wanted to hand over! So let’s get started . . .</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You’ve decided that you want to spend your summer doing the experience of a life-time in Walt Disney World Florida, but you just don’t know where to start with your application . . . never fear! gabriellasofia is here! First off, I want you to mosey on down to <a href="http://www.yummyjobs.com/">www.yummyjobs.com</a> and firstly scroll down the page. Along with a ton of other tabs on the left hand side, one should read ‘Disney’s Summer Work Experience’. Click on it, and read the page about how lovely the program is. This step is very important, as it will psych you up and give you little bits of info which might be useful to your application. Now I want you to go back to the home tab, now you are all Disneyed-up and click on the tab on the right hand side of the screen, saying ‘New to Yummy Jobs Click Here to Create Your Profile’. Now we’re rolling.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1) Personal Details – as you can imagine, the majority of this section is pretty self-explanatory. But a few areas where people slip up can affect the success of your application! For example, in the prompt entitled ‘*Full name on passport’ be sure to type your name exactly as it appears in your passport. Also, for the box named ‘*Nickname or preferred name’ please understand that this only really applies to name abbreviations or substitutes. So if I wanted myself to be known on my Disney badge as ‘Gabbi’ or ‘Sofia’ rather than ‘Gabriella’, it would be fine for me to put these alternatives in this box. However, if I had always been known to my nearest and dearest as ‘Sugar Tits’ this would not be acceptable. The same goes for most names with the letters ‘z’ or ‘x’ in them (such as ‘Bex’, or ‘Hazza’) although there are of course exceptions to that rule.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2) Account Details – again, really very simple. Attempt to use a professional-sounding email address such as your university one, or one with just your name in it, rather than something along the lines of ‘<a href="mailto:badboyhizzi@gobshite.com">badboyhizzi@gobshite.com</a>’ or ‘<a href="mailto:applebottombabe@bumfun.net">applebottombabe@bumfun.net</a>’. If you don’t have a professional address, create one; it will only take five minutes and will be so worth it when you are telling kiddies to ‘Have a magical day’.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>3) Education and Skills – having confirmed with Hannah London at Yummy Jobs, they want to know which education level you are working towards, so if you are at university studying a degree which you have not yet finished, then put ‘Degree’ anyway. If you are still at A-Level, then just set it as ‘Other’ then change it once you’ve started at Uni. For ‘Current Status’ beware of America-Mode. What I mean by this, is that with all the research you should recently have done on the USA, Florida and of course, Walt Disney World, you may see the original response setting for this heading set as ‘College’ and think, well yes, I’m applying for an International College Program. However, you are still on English ground, and when you click the drop down box, there is actually an option for ‘University’. Upload your CV (I will do another blog on what sort of CV to upload at a later date!)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4) Work and Experience – this is where the Yummy Jobs team can really get to know you, and you can show off a bit! The first heading ‘Key Positions Held’ means just that. Your KEY roles, not just any old role you’ve ever had. I listed mine with numbers because I thought it was more clear and concise;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">***********************</p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) June 2010 – Present day - Call Centre Customer Services Assistant at Fedex UK Central Hub.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) June 2010 - Sales Assistant at Next during the Summer Sale period.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) May 2010 – Present day (term-time) - Student Mentor and Guild Receptionist at the University of Birmingham.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) October 2009 – Present day (term-time) - Waitress at various locations including the NIA in Birmingham with MJ Catering Recruitment.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) June 2008 - September 2009 - Milkshake Artist, Occasional Supervisor and Junior Business Advisor at my parents’ business The Hippy Hippy Shake Company LTD.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">6) November 2008 to January 2009 - temporary Christmas Sales Assistant at the Disney Store in Hanley.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">7) September 2007 - June 2008 - Waitress at Trentham Gardens Garden Centre’s Six Arches Restaurant in the field of Food and Hospitality.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">************************</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As you can see, I put the dates that these key positions were held, followed by the actual role that I played, then the company that I worked for, ending with the ‘sector’ or which this made me experienced in. If I wanted to put all and every position I’d ever held, I would have mentioned Year 10 work experience, my radio show last year and my teacher training placement. However, this is where it is very important to be selective; you can mention those other things in your CV if you really want to! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For ‘Spoken Languages’ I didn’t really know what to put, because I did want to mention that I know a fair amount of Spanish and French, but I didn’t want them to think I was fluent. The way I got around this was by simply stating . . . </p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">*********************</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">I speak English, French and Spanish at ‘A’ grade A-Level standard.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">*********************</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Happy days!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The heading entitled ‘Motivation for Taking Part’ is the biggie. If you can’t list at least ten responses to this question then you wouldn’t be applying. This is just a case of embracing your motivation, and harnessing it into a couple of sentences. A difficult job, but really rewarding if you get it right! I would advise making a written list of responses and then cutting this down for the actual form. This way, you have a well-thought out answer and some preparation for the interview stage if you get lucky enough! My response was as follows;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">**************************************</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Having holidayed in Walt Disney World Florida seven times in the past seven years, I have benefited from the fantastic service and hospitality which the Disney Cast Members provide at all times; in restaurants, in stores and everywhere else in the World. Since completing Traditions Training for my temporary Christmas position at the Disney Store in 2008 - 2009, I thoroughly believe that my high standards match those of the International Summer Work Experience Program (especially in relation to the Disney Look and the 'Audience Experience') and I would love to work with other individuals with similar values. Furthermore, my interest and enjoyment in all things Disney makes this opportunity one from which I can learn invaluable lessons, in terms of team-work, customer service and making dreams come true! I thoroughly believe that my commitment, dedication and loyalty to Walt Disney World will make a positive contribution to each Guest's experience and intensify their trust in the idea that Walt Disney World is the place where happiness lives.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">**************************************</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So it sounds quite cheesy, but they want to see someone who is really enthusiastic, into the ‘Disney-thang’ and is going to be able to stand doing a job with a genuine smile on their face and passion for the company. So get your cheese on!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Under the ‘Area of Expertise’ heading I figured that they meant, what areas do you have experience in which would fit into the roles offered by Disney. For a quick recap, the roles offered by Disney for the Summer Work Experience Program include Character Attending, Character Performing, Merchandise, Quick-Service Food and Beverage, Full-Service Food and Beverage, Lifeguard, Bell Services, Housekeeping, Custodial and Attractions. I wasn’t really sure what to do, because as my CV will state, I have experience in Food and Bev and Merch also. However, I would LOVE to give attractions a go, and wanted Yummy to be aware of this from the offset. So I put . . .</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">*********************</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have worked in both Merchandising and Food and Beverage, but would like very much to try Ride Operating if positions on a ride which includes heavy involvement from the 'skipper' (eg. The Great Movie Ride, Jungle Cruise or Kilimanjaro Safaris) are available.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">*********************</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think that it is best to be upfront about those things, so I basically was just saying, ‘Whilst these are the areas in which I have experience, I would really like Walt Disney World to be the place where I can try something new.’</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The ‘Level of Position Held’ question had a lot of people stumped on the WDWIP discussion boards, as there are only three options, ‘Supervisor’, ‘Manager’ and ‘Assistant Manager’. I emailed Hannah at Yummy to ask about this and she said that if we haven’t held any of these positions, to just leave it set as ‘Supervisor’. Luckily, I have supervised at my parents’ milkshake bars a couple of times, so I wasn’t technically lying! The same goes for the ‘How Many Years Have You Worked in the Hospitality Industry’ drop-down box.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>5) Previous Disney Employment – do not, I repeat DO NOT lie. Under any circumstances or for any reason. The only reason this question is asked, is for the Yummy Jobs team to check your record with the company and make sure you haven’t been caught doing anything you shouldn’t do. So don’t say you have worked for Disney before when you haven’t as it won’t make them any more likely to choose you, and by the same token, don’t deny working in Disney if you have, even if you did something you weren’t proud of. They will know. Also, this question does not just mean if you have worked at Walt Disney World, it means Disney in general. So maybe you’ve worked in a Disney Store like me, or at Disney Land Paris, or even done an internship with ABC who are owned by Disney, you MUST state it honestly here.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Following your registration you may receive an email from Yummy Jobs to say that your registration is complete, and you are now allowed to apply for any of the programs! Result! From this stage it is pretty easy. You go back to the ‘Disney Summer Work Experience’ tab scroll to the bottom and just click ‘Apply Now!’ You can update your profile at any time and as long as the application date is still open, any changes you make will be considered. But remember. You can only apply for one program at a time with Yummy, so make sure you choose the right one! If you make a mistake I’m sure they will be able to sort it for you, so if you have any problems send one of the team a message through the ‘Contact’ tab at the bottom of the page. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Next time I’ll run you through my CV and some tips which I think might be useful! But keep in mind that I have only just applied, and I don’t even know if the tips I’m giving you are going to work yet! I’ve just learnt them from various blogs, vlogs, podcasts, books, websites and discussion boards, so don’t take my word for it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Good luck with faith, trust and pixie dust</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>gabriellasofia <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173245772744806460.post-58142889989279829782010-12-12T14:59:00.000-08:002010-12-12T16:10:37.920-08:00General Information About Walt Disney World International College Programs . . .<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>8<sup>th</sup> August 2010-12-12<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Calling all Disney Lovers!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So I have started this blog to document my application process for the Walt Disney World International Summer Work Experience Program in 2011. For those of you that don’t know, Disney World in Florida (and most of the Disney theme park properties in the world) runs a number of exchange type schemes, whereby people from across the world can come and work for Disney! I know! That was my reaction too! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have literally just clicked apply and sent my application along with my hopes and dreams off into the mysterious world of cyber space, with the aspiration of receiving a shiny new email through by the end of next month. I am shaking. Like, my finger could hardly push the butted to submit my registration because I was so nervous . . . So to take my mind off all that, I’m going to talk you through everything so far.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For those of you who are interested in applying for one of the programs, you should first know that there are three; </p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) The Cultural Representative Program allows people from Canada, China, France, Germany, Southeast Asia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Sub-Saharan Africa and of course, the UK to work in merchandise, food and beverage, Kidcot (activities with children) and in some cases attractions in their home country’s pavilion in EPCOT. This program lasts for 12 months, and my close friend Charlotte from high-school is currently applying for this program, so if enough interest is generated from this blog I might force her to write her own for the CRP’s.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) The J1 Academic Program takes university students from around the world who are undergoing a relevant degree (eg. Marketing, entertainment, hospitality etc) for six months. During this program, the students will gain experience in a couple of different fields, will study within the Disney University and will eventually graduate with a Ducktorate or Mousters which will acts as college credit upon their return to their own country. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) The Summer Work Experience (MY PROGRAM . . . If I get on it!) takes university students to Disney World for three months worth of work experience in one role at the Happiest Place on Earth. The roles available include (as they do for J1) attractions, full-service food and beverage, quick-service food and beverage, life-guard, character attendant, character performer, merchandise, bell services, costuming, housekeeping and in some cases front-desk.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sounds exciting right?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anyway, just a few tips . . . check out the following resources;</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:37.5pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://www.disneyinternationalprograms.com/">https://www.disneyinternationalprograms.com/</a> - the official Disney website telling all about the opportunities on offer. This website goes into great detail about everything which the programs entail, including the living, learning and earning experiences. You can also learn about the requirements of the program, how to apply and what the rules and perks of the program are. Naturally, you only see one side to the program here though, so make sure you do your research before applying!</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:37.5pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.yummyjobs.com/">http://www.yummyjobs.com/</a> - this is the company which Disney uses to recruit people for the programs in the UK and Canada. This may also be so for other countries too, but I’m not sure, this can be confirmed by checking the official DIP website. Yummy Jobs is absolutely fantastic, offering so many different opportunities around the world, so it is definitely worth a check even if you aren’t interested in Disney! There are tons of Case Studies on this website from people who have been there, done that and got the T-shirt which offers a lot of insight into what makes the programs available so great. This is the website which UK and Canadian applicants will use to apply for their Disney Program, so set aside some time to have a mooch through and then create your profile. If you have any questions, just email one of the team; they are all so nice and seem to reply to most queries in hours.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:37.5pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://wdwip.com/">http://wdwip.com/</a> - this is an unofficial website to the programs. This website is a little like a Wikipedia of the Disney Programs, which is great if you want to find out some info that isn’t available on the official websites for some reason as it is written by those who have been and is amended most days. It also has some awesome discussion boards where you can agonise about your application with all the other Disney freaks!</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:37.5pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Mousecatraz by Wesley Jones is quite a good and easy read. This book compiles hundreds of CPers’ anecdotes, both good and bad. You will learn the secrets that only College Cast Members learn, and even though this book is mainly telling of the experience American CPers’ had it is still very useful. However, I would personally advise taking everything said in this book with a pinch of salt, as I noticed different areas of bias.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:37.5pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Dis Radio is a radio station which plays music from the Happiest Place on Earth 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is IDEAL for getting you into the Disney-mood, so have a listen to get inspired during all your research! It can be found at <a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com/disradio/">http://www.wdwinfo.com/disradio/</a>.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:37.5pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.disboards.com/">http://www.disboards.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com/">http://www.wdwinfo.com/</a> and <a href="http://allears.net/index.html">http://allears.net/index.html</a> - these are websites for people of all ages from different walks of life to bond over what they love the most; Disney. More for finding Disney secrets, Hidden Mickeys and getting inspired.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:37.5pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Never underestimate the powers of <a href="http://www.google.com/">http://www.google.com</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">http://www.youtube.com</a>. There are TONS of hidden resources on both, blogs, vlogs, even radio shows JUST ABOUT the programs!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So that will be all for today, I hope this has been useful and has you guys thinking about Disney! Any questions, please ask.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ciao for now.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>gabriellasofia </p>GabriellaSofiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05643825186661877656noreply@blogger.com0