I can't believe I have been here a month already- it's crazy! It's gone so fast!
Well I spent my day off at Magic Kingdom with Darren and Kirsty which was wicked! We watched the Celebration parade which I loved and we went on lots of rides, although I was disappointed Space Mountain was shut! Darren and I also had frozen bananas which are the greatest thing ever! lol.
That evening I went to Hard Rock Cafe at City Walk at Universal for dinner. One of the Irish girls in our arrival group was turning 21 so we went out to celebrate! The food was lush but I think I was allergic to something in the dessert because half of my lip went numb and actually dropped! I was so scared! Fortunately it was fine the next morning!
I also had my first hospital appointment on Monday. Jacki, my Uncles ex-wife who we are still in contact with and who lives in Florida picked me up to take me to the appointment. It was abit scary, I had to fill out all this paperwork which half of it I didn't understand lol. Dr Selsky who is the Doctor I am seeing while I am here is actually a Doctor of childrens leukaemia so the part of the hospital I was in was decked out in everything Disney and each room was a different theme (mine was Mulan!) It was very cool. Dr Selsky is a friend of Jacki's which is why he as agreed to see me, that was very lucky! He was very very nice and made me feel very comfortable, I had some blood taken and everything was great so I was pleased.
Jacki took me for lunch after at a Greek restaurant which was lovely. It was nice to catch up because it's been years!
I have two days off next week which is great! I'm going to go to Animal Kingdom on one of them- I can't wait! I also have to do a big shop in Wal-mart tomorrow before work as I have no food!!
Anyway I need to get ready for work now so here's hoping the next 11 months go as fast so I don't get homesick!
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Throw in, Throw out and other fun!
Wow, what a busy couple of weeks! I feel really settled now and i'm getting the hang of the job! We are very short staffed in UK Merch though so I am working really irregular shifts and have one day off a week but it's all good! We had a meeting the other day and the area manager informed us that they have a few people coming over from Tomorrow Land at Magic Kingdom to help out so hopefully I will then have more regular hours and days off.
I am nearly at the end of my first 9 day week and I have to say I am knackered! I am looking forward to saturday and having a day off. I'm not sure whether to go to a park or spend it by the pool though! Decisions, decisions!! Everyone here says that you have moments when you are down that make you remember why you are here and I've already had one last week! I was out on cart one evening last week when the firework display was on. We were still open but no one buys anything while the fireworks are on! It was a really wicked feeling, how many people can say they have a job where they can watch fireworks in a theme park while they're working?!
I went to my first Throw Out which was great fun! A couple of the girls were leaving and a throw out is where they invite you round and pass on any stuff they don't want to take with them back to the UK. You have to shout shotgun if you see something you want and whoever shouts first gets it! It was like being at an auction, it was great! I was quite quiet at first, being a newbie I felt abit rude shouting but I soon got into the swing of things! I came home with quite alot of goodies- a bedside lamp, a pin board and a princess poster among other things! All kinds of stuff is thrown out, everything from TVs and DVD players to cans of food!
I also had my Throw In with the other newbies. It was a very scary experience as we have been waiting to have it since we got here but it wasn't as bad as expected, I am glad it's over though! I can't explain here what happens as it is a closely guarded secret from any new cast members arriving here and if you let out what happens you are thrown in again which is not something I would like! If you are interested in what happened, send me a private message and i'll happily tell you! I will say that Beth and I went first out of the girls and I am very proud that we were game for everything!
I also went to Lasses on Monday, this time it was alot more fun as only one girl was leaving. The theme was GI Joes and Army Hoes so we all dressed up and looked wicked! I will get the photos up on facebook asap! We had to have an initiation here as well but it was nothing like throw in, we just had to introduce ourselves and have an initiation drink. As I don't drink they made me some weird mix of chocolate and sprite, it wasn't too bad lol. We were also taught the Lasses song which we can't share with the lads and it's very funny! After drinks at the apartment we joined the boys at the bar called Best of British, it's a dive but the name fits well and it was good fun! We also got to experience the leaving song at the end of the night too where everyone stands in a circle and sings 'Time of your life' to the person leaving, there were alot of tears! I met loads of new people and I loved the fact how it's all kind of a tradition that is passed down to each new cast member. I'm looking forward to next week, if you go six times in a row you are eligable for a Lasses shirt!
It is very very humid here at the moment and it hasn't rained or stormed for a few days now so it hasn't cooled down at all like it usually does. I was out on cart today for three hours and I was suffering! Thank god for air conditioning!
I have saturday off and also Monday, I am off to the hospital for the first time on Monday and I am looking forward to meeting Dr. Selsky. Fortunately my Uncles ex wife who we are still in contact with is friends with the Doctor and is taking me to my first appointment so it isn't so scary! I'm looking forward to my first experience at the Disney Hospital though!!
I am nearly at the end of my first 9 day week and I have to say I am knackered! I am looking forward to saturday and having a day off. I'm not sure whether to go to a park or spend it by the pool though! Decisions, decisions!! Everyone here says that you have moments when you are down that make you remember why you are here and I've already had one last week! I was out on cart one evening last week when the firework display was on. We were still open but no one buys anything while the fireworks are on! It was a really wicked feeling, how many people can say they have a job where they can watch fireworks in a theme park while they're working?!
I went to my first Throw Out which was great fun! A couple of the girls were leaving and a throw out is where they invite you round and pass on any stuff they don't want to take with them back to the UK. You have to shout shotgun if you see something you want and whoever shouts first gets it! It was like being at an auction, it was great! I was quite quiet at first, being a newbie I felt abit rude shouting but I soon got into the swing of things! I came home with quite alot of goodies- a bedside lamp, a pin board and a princess poster among other things! All kinds of stuff is thrown out, everything from TVs and DVD players to cans of food!
I also had my Throw In with the other newbies. It was a very scary experience as we have been waiting to have it since we got here but it wasn't as bad as expected, I am glad it's over though! I can't explain here what happens as it is a closely guarded secret from any new cast members arriving here and if you let out what happens you are thrown in again which is not something I would like! If you are interested in what happened, send me a private message and i'll happily tell you! I will say that Beth and I went first out of the girls and I am very proud that we were game for everything!
I also went to Lasses on Monday, this time it was alot more fun as only one girl was leaving. The theme was GI Joes and Army Hoes so we all dressed up and looked wicked! I will get the photos up on facebook asap! We had to have an initiation here as well but it was nothing like throw in, we just had to introduce ourselves and have an initiation drink. As I don't drink they made me some weird mix of chocolate and sprite, it wasn't too bad lol. We were also taught the Lasses song which we can't share with the lads and it's very funny! After drinks at the apartment we joined the boys at the bar called Best of British, it's a dive but the name fits well and it was good fun! We also got to experience the leaving song at the end of the night too where everyone stands in a circle and sings 'Time of your life' to the person leaving, there were alot of tears! I met loads of new people and I loved the fact how it's all kind of a tradition that is passed down to each new cast member. I'm looking forward to next week, if you go six times in a row you are eligable for a Lasses shirt!
It is very very humid here at the moment and it hasn't rained or stormed for a few days now so it hasn't cooled down at all like it usually does. I was out on cart today for three hours and I was suffering! Thank god for air conditioning!
I have saturday off and also Monday, I am off to the hospital for the first time on Monday and I am looking forward to meeting Dr. Selsky. Fortunately my Uncles ex wife who we are still in contact with is friends with the Doctor and is taking me to my first appointment so it isn't so scary! I'm looking forward to my first experience at the Disney Hospital though!!
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Earning my Ears
I've finished my training at work now so i'm on my own! It hasn't been too bad and i'm getting used to the money and counting back the 'Disney way!' We have a few stores in the UK Pavillion- a toy store, The Beatles store, Sports store, Jewellary and perfume store, Wales/Scotland/Ireland store and a tea store. We also have a cart outside which sells UK merchandise and a pin cart. We rotate throughout the day to different locations which is good but everyone hates the cart as you're outside in the heat and completely on your own.
I was on the cart yesterday morning and all of a sudden without any warning a storm hit, things were flying off the cart and I got completely drenched! My manager and a couple of the other cast members came out to help shut it down and we all had to go to costuming to get new costumes! Definitely something i'll remember! It didn't stop raining yesterday and we've had a short but heavy shower today but I think we will have another storm this afternoon.
It was great to experience the 4th July celebrations here in the US, the Americans go mad for it. I went to the Magic Kingdom on the 3rd because they were having 4th July fireworks and they were incredible, they gave me goosebumps! They also lit up the castle with blue stars, it looked so pretty. I watched the Spectromagic parade as well which I have seen twice before but was still really amazing. I have taken lots of photos for you to see!
I was working 'extra magic hours' on the 4th which means the park stays open longer and the stores stay open until late but our manager let us watch the fireworks at Epcot. They were even more incredible than the Magic Kingdom! I was really pleased I had a chance to see them.
There's also been a real tragedy at Disney, I don't know if it has been on the news in the UK but it's been on everything here. On the evening of the 4th at about 2am after the Independence Day celebrations at Magic Kingdom two of the monorails which take you to the park somehow crashed into eachother. Fortunately none of the guests were injured but one of the drivers died, he was only 21 and on a College Program, it's very sad.
I had my first UK Lasses monday night, all the girls from the UK get together every monday and meet at someones apartment for drinks and then go on to a bar. The guys also meet up on the same night for UK Lads. It's always themed as well and this week was to dress as something beginning with the first letter of your first name so of course I went as Minnie Mouse! It was quite a sad affair as three of the girls are leaving this week so it was their last lasses so there were lots of tears, however i'm looking forward to next week as it will be back to normal.
Today is my only day off this week and I only have saturday off next week so I think I'm going to be pretty knackered! There are newbies from the UK arriving on the 14th so I'm looking forward to meeting them all and not being the newbies anymore!
I was on the cart yesterday morning and all of a sudden without any warning a storm hit, things were flying off the cart and I got completely drenched! My manager and a couple of the other cast members came out to help shut it down and we all had to go to costuming to get new costumes! Definitely something i'll remember! It didn't stop raining yesterday and we've had a short but heavy shower today but I think we will have another storm this afternoon.
It was great to experience the 4th July celebrations here in the US, the Americans go mad for it. I went to the Magic Kingdom on the 3rd because they were having 4th July fireworks and they were incredible, they gave me goosebumps! They also lit up the castle with blue stars, it looked so pretty. I watched the Spectromagic parade as well which I have seen twice before but was still really amazing. I have taken lots of photos for you to see!
I was working 'extra magic hours' on the 4th which means the park stays open longer and the stores stay open until late but our manager let us watch the fireworks at Epcot. They were even more incredible than the Magic Kingdom! I was really pleased I had a chance to see them.
There's also been a real tragedy at Disney, I don't know if it has been on the news in the UK but it's been on everything here. On the evening of the 4th at about 2am after the Independence Day celebrations at Magic Kingdom two of the monorails which take you to the park somehow crashed into eachother. Fortunately none of the guests were injured but one of the drivers died, he was only 21 and on a College Program, it's very sad.
I had my first UK Lasses monday night, all the girls from the UK get together every monday and meet at someones apartment for drinks and then go on to a bar. The guys also meet up on the same night for UK Lads. It's always themed as well and this week was to dress as something beginning with the first letter of your first name so of course I went as Minnie Mouse! It was quite a sad affair as three of the girls are leaving this week so it was their last lasses so there were lots of tears, however i'm looking forward to next week as it will be back to normal.
Today is my only day off this week and I only have saturday off next week so I think I'm going to be pretty knackered! There are newbies from the UK arriving on the 14th so I'm looking forward to meeting them all and not being the newbies anymore!
Thursday, 2 July 2009
My First Week
So much has happened in the last week that I think I shall give you day by day info!
Friday 26th June
This was our first day off since we arrived so went went to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for the day. Rachel's friend from home (he got here in February), Dan also came with us and advised us to purchase a yearly ticket for both parks for $160, this seemed like a good idea as once we've been three times we are already making use of it so we all bought one. As soon as we reached the front of the queue for Islands of Adventure the heavens opened and it began to pour so we bought some very attractive ponchos and headed over to Universal as most of their rides are inside. Fortunately the the rain didn't last long and we had a great day. We went on the new Simpsons ride which is excellent and lots of others including Terminator and The Mummy. We also had a look at the new rollarcoaster which is opening soon, it looks awesome, when you ride you choose your own music to listen to as you go round, can't wait to try it!
We went back to Islands of Adventure later in the afternoon to go on some of the bigger rides, we went on Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk and Jurrasic Park where we got absoloutly soaked! It was a wicked day.
Saturday 27th June
We had our 'Traditions' class which started at 6.15 in the morning! We had to go to Disney University which was so cool and it was actually a really fun day! We had a talk from two Disney cast members called Tony and Eric, they spoke to us about the Disney basics and showed us some videos. We also had a couple of games, one where we had to name as many Disney characters in a minute as we could think of. Of course us girls won, we managed 43! Yay! We also received our name tag and Disney ID. Our Disney ID is the coolest thing, this gets us into the Disney parks for free and also gets us alot of discounts in shops and restaurants!
Sunday 28th June
This was our first day of on the job training. Beth and I had to take the bus to Epcot where we were assigned trainers for the day, mine was James. We received out costumes which are hilarious! They consist of a white blouse and a white and yellow stripey skirt, at least ours is more attractive than the food and beverage cast members! We were shown the shops and stall they have in the UK pavillion and we were told soooo many things I can't remember! We were also given our login IDs for The Hub which is a website for all cast memebers to check their schedules etc. We went through the Disney basics again on the shop floor and we had to give examples etc. The Disney basics are below:
I project a positive image and energy.
I am courteous and respectful to all Guests, including children.
I stay in character and play the part.
I go above and beyond.
In the evening we went to Downtown Disney where some crazy American man started chatting to us. He told us that he had family in the UK although he couldn't remember where and asked what there was to do in the UK. I told him to visit London and he didn't realise that London was in England- eek. He also asked for our e-mail addresses but fortunately none of us had a pen!
We then headed over to House of Blues which is a club/bar in Disney. The music was great, apparently its one of the only places in Florida that plays house music as everywhere else plays R&B. There were even guys on the dancefloor breakdancing, it was like something out of a movie lol. Also the drinks were free before midnight!
Monday 29th June
This was another long day! We had to go back to Disney University for more training. First we had a couple of online tests on safety, guests with disabilities etc. Then we had training on pretend tills with pretend money! The money is soooo confusing, if someone gives us $20 and we owe them $2.65 change instead of just giving them the change we have to count the money up to make $20 and then count it back to them. This probably doesn't make any sense because it doesn't to me either, I can't count lol. That's the thing i'm dreading most!
Tuesday 30th June
We had our Epcot Discovery Day today which was really fun. Two cast members took us on a tour of Epcot and gave us lots of information, we even got to ride Spaceship earth! We also had a boat tour of the World Showcase which was cool. Something quite special and suprising happened too but I can't write it on here in case any future cast members read it, we took an oath under Mickey not to repeat it! Give me a private message if you want to know!Unfortunately halfway through the tour the heavens opened and with nowhere to shelter we all got soaked. Anyone who has been to Florida knows that when it rains here it really rains, the UK rain is nothing compared to this lol. This was the start of a storm that lasted the next two days! As we finished the tour at midday Beth and I planned to go to the bank to open an account but the weather was too awful, instead I hung out at Beth's apartment and watched trashy TV for the afternoon!
In the evening we went to Rachel's apartment and ordered Chinese which came in those cool little boxes you see on Friends! We just chilled out and watched a film.
Wednesday 1st July
Beth and I had a day off today so we got up bright and early and went to the gym which was quite fun actually and completely free! After the gym session we showered and changed and went to the outlet to buy some shoes for work. This proved alot harder than it sounds as they are very particular on what you can wear but we managed to get some nice Clarks ones! after a subway lunch we made our way to the bank which we were meant to do yesterday, unfortunately neither of us remembered our temporary social security numbers so we couldn't open an account! Instead we headed to Walmart where we did a massive shop of the essentials and struggled back to our apartments!
We waited for Rachel and Kirstie to return from their day at work and we got changed to go to Planet Hollywood in Downtown Disney for dinner. We've made friends with a group of Irish girls and a guy who arrived on the same day as us and it was one of their birthdays so went our for dinner to celebrate. The dinner was great and I had my first chocolate brownie in the US! Hmmm.
That brings me to today! I've had another day off but no one else has so I'm all on my lonesome! Rachel didn't have to be at work until 3 so we went to the bank again this morning and I finally opened an account! This afternoon I attempted to wash some clothes but managed to ruin 3 tops- don't ask! We do need an old top for the throw-in next week though so they kind of come in handy! I don't know what's going to happen but i'm guessing we are going to have something thrown over us- eek. I'm not sure what is happening tonight, i'll speak to the girls when they get back from work but i'm working tomorrow until Monday now and then I have a couple of days off again. I'm looking forward to spending 4th July in the States even though i'm working it!
Friday 26th June
This was our first day off since we arrived so went went to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for the day. Rachel's friend from home (he got here in February), Dan also came with us and advised us to purchase a yearly ticket for both parks for $160, this seemed like a good idea as once we've been three times we are already making use of it so we all bought one. As soon as we reached the front of the queue for Islands of Adventure the heavens opened and it began to pour so we bought some very attractive ponchos and headed over to Universal as most of their rides are inside. Fortunately the the rain didn't last long and we had a great day. We went on the new Simpsons ride which is excellent and lots of others including Terminator and The Mummy. We also had a look at the new rollarcoaster which is opening soon, it looks awesome, when you ride you choose your own music to listen to as you go round, can't wait to try it!
We went back to Islands of Adventure later in the afternoon to go on some of the bigger rides, we went on Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk and Jurrasic Park where we got absoloutly soaked! It was a wicked day.
Saturday 27th June
We had our 'Traditions' class which started at 6.15 in the morning! We had to go to Disney University which was so cool and it was actually a really fun day! We had a talk from two Disney cast members called Tony and Eric, they spoke to us about the Disney basics and showed us some videos. We also had a couple of games, one where we had to name as many Disney characters in a minute as we could think of. Of course us girls won, we managed 43! Yay! We also received our name tag and Disney ID. Our Disney ID is the coolest thing, this gets us into the Disney parks for free and also gets us alot of discounts in shops and restaurants!
Sunday 28th June
This was our first day of on the job training. Beth and I had to take the bus to Epcot where we were assigned trainers for the day, mine was James. We received out costumes which are hilarious! They consist of a white blouse and a white and yellow stripey skirt, at least ours is more attractive than the food and beverage cast members! We were shown the shops and stall they have in the UK pavillion and we were told soooo many things I can't remember! We were also given our login IDs for The Hub which is a website for all cast memebers to check their schedules etc. We went through the Disney basics again on the shop floor and we had to give examples etc. The Disney basics are below:
I project a positive image and energy.
I am courteous and respectful to all Guests, including children.
I stay in character and play the part.
I go above and beyond.
In the evening we went to Downtown Disney where some crazy American man started chatting to us. He told us that he had family in the UK although he couldn't remember where and asked what there was to do in the UK. I told him to visit London and he didn't realise that London was in England- eek. He also asked for our e-mail addresses but fortunately none of us had a pen!
We then headed over to House of Blues which is a club/bar in Disney. The music was great, apparently its one of the only places in Florida that plays house music as everywhere else plays R&B. There were even guys on the dancefloor breakdancing, it was like something out of a movie lol. Also the drinks were free before midnight!
Monday 29th June
This was another long day! We had to go back to Disney University for more training. First we had a couple of online tests on safety, guests with disabilities etc. Then we had training on pretend tills with pretend money! The money is soooo confusing, if someone gives us $20 and we owe them $2.65 change instead of just giving them the change we have to count the money up to make $20 and then count it back to them. This probably doesn't make any sense because it doesn't to me either, I can't count lol. That's the thing i'm dreading most!
Tuesday 30th June
We had our Epcot Discovery Day today which was really fun. Two cast members took us on a tour of Epcot and gave us lots of information, we even got to ride Spaceship earth! We also had a boat tour of the World Showcase which was cool. Something quite special and suprising happened too but I can't write it on here in case any future cast members read it, we took an oath under Mickey not to repeat it! Give me a private message if you want to know!Unfortunately halfway through the tour the heavens opened and with nowhere to shelter we all got soaked. Anyone who has been to Florida knows that when it rains here it really rains, the UK rain is nothing compared to this lol. This was the start of a storm that lasted the next two days! As we finished the tour at midday Beth and I planned to go to the bank to open an account but the weather was too awful, instead I hung out at Beth's apartment and watched trashy TV for the afternoon!
In the evening we went to Rachel's apartment and ordered Chinese which came in those cool little boxes you see on Friends! We just chilled out and watched a film.
Wednesday 1st July
Beth and I had a day off today so we got up bright and early and went to the gym which was quite fun actually and completely free! After the gym session we showered and changed and went to the outlet to buy some shoes for work. This proved alot harder than it sounds as they are very particular on what you can wear but we managed to get some nice Clarks ones! after a subway lunch we made our way to the bank which we were meant to do yesterday, unfortunately neither of us remembered our temporary social security numbers so we couldn't open an account! Instead we headed to Walmart where we did a massive shop of the essentials and struggled back to our apartments!
We waited for Rachel and Kirstie to return from their day at work and we got changed to go to Planet Hollywood in Downtown Disney for dinner. We've made friends with a group of Irish girls and a guy who arrived on the same day as us and it was one of their birthdays so went our for dinner to celebrate. The dinner was great and I had my first chocolate brownie in the US! Hmmm.
That brings me to today! I've had another day off but no one else has so I'm all on my lonesome! Rachel didn't have to be at work until 3 so we went to the bank again this morning and I finally opened an account! This afternoon I attempted to wash some clothes but managed to ruin 3 tops- don't ask! We do need an old top for the throw-in next week though so they kind of come in handy! I don't know what's going to happen but i'm guessing we are going to have something thrown over us- eek. I'm not sure what is happening tonight, i'll speak to the girls when they get back from work but i'm working tomorrow until Monday now and then I have a couple of days off again. I'm looking forward to spending 4th July in the States even though i'm working it!
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