Thursday, January 25, 2007

Wednesday 24th January 2007: Day Off

Today I went to Wal-mart for my weekly shop, which I detest with a passion. Because I have to get the bus there and then I can never do all my shopping in 1 hour because the queues are so big and the trip ends up taking me about 3 hours. Then once I got home and emptied all my shopping I was completely worn out. So I watch a film and fell asleep. In the evening Celsey and James (Mooch) came round to watch Highschool Musical and later Johnny came in to use my computer.

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Tuesday 23rd January 2007: Released from work and Downtown Disney

I started work today in the chippy at 1200 and got told I could leave at 1500 if I wanted to, so I took the opportunity and left as it was beautiful sunny day. So I went home and changed and got straight on to the bus to Downtown Disney. I had a look around the shops and bought Beth’s Birthday present, it was a pink princess photo frame and I put in a photo of Celsey, Beth and I from Fort Desota and I also got her some sweets.

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Monday 22nd January 2007: Service and Wine Training

Today was a very long day because I had to leave catch the bus from The Commons to Chatham to change buses to get to Disney University. However the bus was very late and thankfully the bus company sent another bus so that everybody to either go to Magic Kingdom or to the Disney University.

Then we had our service class from 0800 until 1200 and it basically showed us how to lay the table (which we have been doing since we arrived), how to carry plates to a table (again what we have already been shown) and all of the Disney Service Standards, which I have been studying for my pre service test for the a pass two week. Therefore that 4 hour class was a waste of time and we really didn’t need to be there for it.

After lunch at 1300 we came back to take our wine course, which was more interesting then the course before because I didn’t have a clue about wine or how it was made really. Therefore I learnt about different types of wines, where the grapes are grown, how the wine is produced, the correct way to open different types of wine and the Disney Standards for opening wines.

After the course Celsey, Heather and I went to the Outlet Mall and Zack meet us there. We did a little shopping and then Celsey and me came back to mine to make our t-shirts for lassies. Then Celsey, Heather and I went to lassies at about 2330 and I left after about an hour to go to bed because I still wasn’t feeling well and everyone else was going to Old Town.
L to R, Pic 1 - JJ, Amy (Birthday Girl), Gemma: Pic 2 - UK Lassies: Pic 3 - Celsey & Meg: Pic 4 - Me & Celsey. Posted by Picasa

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Sunday 21st January 2007: Sent Home From Work

Today I slept in until 1230 and when I got up I got ready for home and made my way there but I still felt like crap. Luckily for me, Celsey asked the managers yesterday if she could take me chippie shift and I do her seating shift because I was feeling unwell, which they agreed too. However, when I arrived at work my manager Dave asked me how I was feeling because he could see that I was ill and decided that once everyone had completed their breaks I could go home. So I left work at 1530 instead of 2130, which was very nice because I felt completely worn out and I had only worked a few hours. So I went home and slept.

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Saturday 20th January 2007: Feeling Very Sick

Today was my day off but I felt really ill so I spend the day in the apartment. I just updated my blog, watched dvd’s, made a few telephone calls and slept on the couch.

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Friday 19th January 2007: Round Table Meeting

Today all of are arrival group from the UK and Canada had a meeting with our area manager Megan for 4 hours. It was about how we thought our training went, if we had any issues at work or the commons and other stuff. It was very long but hopefully some of the issues we raised with her may be resolved, such as extra buses after 2100 because a lot of people finish at 2100 and there is only 1 bus which is stupid.

Then because Celsey, Johnny and I all finished at 1700 we had decided to go around the park and do some of the rides. So we walked around to the information board and all the rides had a wait time of about a hour so we decided to head back to The Commons, also I had started to feel unwell and was glad to be going back.

When we got back Celsey and I went to Wal-mart to buy some equipment and craft stuff to make some t-shirts for lassies. However, once we arrived I felt even worse so I bought some cough medication and headache tables. Then we bought the craft bits and pieces and our food and when home. Then I went home and after Celset left I went to bed.

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Sunday, January 21, 2007

Thursday 18th January 2007: Seaworld

This morning Laura and I went to Downtown Disney because Virgin was shut last night and we both wanted to get something. Then at 1230 I met with Carla and Celsey and we went to Seaworld. At Seaworld you pay for one day and you get the rest of the year free, so bought the combination ticket that adds on Bush Gardens, which I’m really looking forward to going to, as they have some excellent rides.

The first thing we did was to walk round to the ray pool and touched them and they feel so weird, but I still kept touching them. Then we walked round to see the Dolphins but they have changed it and there is going a small area that you can touch the Dolphins, but it is at the end of the pool and away from the feeding area, so they don’t come up to you. It a way of Seaworld making the tourist buy the fish to feed the Dolphins and to touch them.

Then we watched the Blue Horizons Show at the Whale and Dolphins theatre and it was excellent and they have changed it since the last time I was here and it was even better. This time they even included parrots and eagles. Then we watched the Clyde and Seamore show, which was really funny. We left there and watched these two gorgeous dives collecting oysters from the bottom of the tank and then walked round to Kraken, which is an excellent ride and we all really enjoyed.

On our way to watch the Believe show with Shamu we all got an ice cream, I had vanilla ice cream with a hot fudge sauce and chocolate sprinkles, which was really good. Then we watched the show and it was very good and it was a new show but I remember the show before being better before. In the evening Celsey came round to mine and I cooked us dinner and then we watched Princess Diary 2, chatted and went on the internet.
L to R, Set 1, Pic 1 - Flamingos: Pics 2 & 3 - Sea Turtles: Pic 4 - String Rays: Pics 5 & 6 - Dolphins: Pics 7 to 9 - Whale and Dolphins (Blue Horzons Show).
Set 2, Pics 1 to 4 Whale and Dolphins (Blue Horzons Show): Pics 5 to 7 - Clyde & Seamore Show: Pic 8 - Oyster Diver (for the girls, what a body): Pic 9 - Shamu the killer whale.
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Wednesday 17th January 2007: Safety In Motion

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MUM AND DAD!! This morning I had a safety in motion class with Johnny and Lyndsay, which was a manual handling course and it was very boring because it’s information that we have all learnt about before and it went on for just over an hour but it felt like a live time. After the course I had to work from 1230 until 1900 as a seater, which was really nice because I got I finish early. So in the evening I went to Downtown Disney with Aaron, Laura, Anna and Katherine and had dinner at the Irish Fish and Chip shop and then we went to the cinema to watch Freedom Writers, which was a really good film and it made me cry. It is a film that I will definitely be watching again and possibly buying.

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Tuesday 16th January 2007: VIP Rope

Today I worked from 1430 until 2130 as a seater and this evening at 2045 I was in charge of the VIP rope for the restaurant guests to view the fireworks. I think this is one of the best jobs of the day because whilst the fireworks are happening you get to stand there and watch them whilst making sure the exits are clear and you get paid for it as well.

After work Celsey and I went to the Cinema at Downtown Disney to watch a film Code Name: The Cleaner, which was about a FBI agent that when undercover to discover something about a company but one morning he woke up and couldn’t remember anything including his name. It was very similar to the Matt Damon films. But we were both so tried that we fell asleep during the movie and woke up about a hour later, so we decided to leave because we didn’t have a clue what was happening (what a waste of $6, a).

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Monday 15th January 2007: Authorised Day Off
Thank God I was given an Authorised Day Off (ADO) today 1, because I think I drunk a wee bit to much last night and 2, it’s a beautiful day outside.

Therefore I took advantage of this and headed to Downtown Disney and walked around in the sunshine and bought a few bits and pieces with my 40% discount (only because it’s the holiday season, then it will go back to 20%). After buying these lovely photo frames I headed back to The Commons and called home so that I could talk to Matt before he left for his travels tomorrow and bless him he’s not feeling well and he’s got a long journey to Malaysia and with Dave too, what will he do (only joking Dave).

Then I the evening Celsey, Flick and I went to Laura’s apartment and watched Pirates of the Caribbean 2, which I thought was very good but I did get a bit confused in parts. This may be because I was very tried whilst I was watching it, Flick left about an hour into the film because she was tried and had to be up early and the other 2 fell asleep during the film to, so Celsey went home about half way through the film.
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Sunday 14th January 2007: House of Blues (yay)

I haven't done anything apart from work over the past few days so i had nothing to tell you all. But today I had a good day as I started work at 1415, which meant I got another lay in (yay) and I worked as a seater (thank god) and I finish work at 2115 but I helped Celsey deep clean the chippie so that she could leave a little earlier, as we were going out. So I really left at 2145 and then we went home, got changed and went to House of Blue with Laura and we meet up with a lot of the other UK people in there. It’s really nice to go out and everyone be there because everyone is so different from when they are at work, as in more relaxed and happy (drunk, hehehe).

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Thursday 11th January 2007: Property Control, Wal-Mart and Beth’s

Today Celsey and I had another day off so firstly we went to EPCOT to collect our pay slips and then we caught the Monorail to Magic Kingdom and we got to sit right at the front with the drive. It was great because you got really good views across the Walt Disney World Estate.

Then we went to property control, which is basically where Walt Disney World Shops send any of their damaged or out of season stock. The place was very busy and it was a mess because nothing was in order and it looked more like a car boot sale. However I managed to get a head bopper Mickey Mouse reduced from $25 to $4.95 and an Alice in Wonderland Bag reduced from $20 to $4 what bargains. The only thing wrong with Mickey is that he has a slight mark on his nose and there are a few beads missing on the Alice in Wonderland bag but you wouldn’t notices unless you were looking.

When we arrived back at The Commons Celsey and I jumped on the bus to Wal-mart and cashed our checks and then when we got back to home I went across to Beth’s for dinner and Kirsty was also there. After our dinner, which was a chill I a small apple pie whilst we were playing Monopoly and I WON (yay). I have a very nice day and it was good to catch up with Beth and Kirsty as I don’t get to see them as much as I would like to.

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Saturday, January 20, 2007

Wednesday 10th January 2007: Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom

For the pass couple of todays I haven't done much as i have been lating late shifts. However today Celsey and I had the day off so this morning we headed to Animal Kingdom, because Celsey hasn’t been there since we arrived. So went on Expedition Everest (right at the front) it was great, Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl, It’s A bug’s Life and Finding Nemo the Musical (which I thought was terrible).

Then because Animal Kingdom closes early we headed across to Magic Kingdom on the Disney buses. We went on the Carousel of Progress ride, met Buzz Lightyear, Winnie the Pooh Ride, Buzz Lightyear Ride, Peter Pan Ride, It’s a small world and Space Mountain.
L to R Set 1, Pic 1 - Animal Kingdom Xmas Tree: Pic 2 - The Tree of Life: Pic 3 - Me & Celsey on Expedition Everest: Pic 4 - Celsey & I on Dinosaur: Pic 5 - The lake in the Asia Area: Pic 6 - Minnie, Pluto and Mickey: Pic 7 - Goofy: Pic 8 - Celsey (wearing the 4D glasses at It's A Bug's Life): Pic 9 - Finding Nemo the Musical.
Set 2, Pic 1 - Cinderella's Castel: Pic 2 - Celsey, Buzz Lightyear and Me: Pic 3 - It's a small world ride: Pic 4 - Space Mountain: Pic 5 - Celsey & Me on the Buzz Lightyear ride: Pic 6 - Celsey and the Carousel of progress sign: Pic 7 - Winnie the pooh ride: Pic 8 - Peter Pan Ride: Pic 9 - Main Street at night.
Set 3, Pic 1, Cinderella's Castel with the Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse Statue at Night (I thought this picture came out very well and it makes the castel look beautiful).






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Sunday 07th January 2007: WDW Marathon and House of Blues

Today was the WDW Marathon and yesterday the did the half marathon (13 miles). The runners got to run through all four prks whilst completing the course, I congratulate all of them becasue it was soo hot over the weekend that i didn't even want to walk to work.
However, I worked from 1045 until 1715 in the chippie (what a change!), So because I finished early I decided to go to House of Blue a club at Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney with Celsey, Johnny, Laura and a load of other people from the UK. I had a really good night dancing and chatting to my new friends, however I didn’t get home until 0300 and lucky I’m not working until the afternoon, which is very nice.
Pic 1 - WDW Marathon (runners going passed the Rose and Crown Pub): Pic 2 - House of Blues sign (none from inside becasue your not allowed to take pics inside becasue of the dances on stage).

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Saturday 06th January 2007: Culinary Training Day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! Today Johnny and I had culinary training day, basically what is means is that we went around to kitchen and worked within all the different department throughout the day.

Firstly I went to the prep area with Christian (the head chef) and we prepared the peppers to go into the Chicken Pastries, but chopping the cut into small dice shape (hey mum dad, they are even teaching me how to cook over here, how about that and they’re paying me, oh go poor guests, hehehe). Then I had to pour the pepper into a huge tray then add chicken, carrots, celery and the cream sauce. After that I got the pastry and added a spoon full of the mix into the middle and then folded like a pastry (good fun).

Then I went across to expo which is where all the tickets come in from the servers and then they plate up what is needed. This is passed to the food runners who take to the food to the guest’s table.

After this we went into the fish and chip shop (where I spend my life) and were shown how they cook the fish and chips (not that I didn’t know this already!!). From there we went to the chef’s handover meeting to see what is disgust between. Then I had to follow Ricky (a chef) and he showed me how the handover in the kitchen to do with the fish station and here he made me hold fish and then cut it up - it was disgusting - (thank god for gloves I put about 3 pairs on).

At this point we were given a plate of food and told to go on our break and try out the different dishes. They were the fruit and cheese plate (just fruit for me), fish & chips (just chips for me), Beef Stew (made with Guinness Stout, so didn’t really like it and bangers and mash, which was very nice.

When we went back down to the kitchen I was on the pantry, which is where they make all the ice creams, puddings and salads (me kind of job) and dad I got to try some of that pink stuff called custard, hehehe, it was very good.

Then I had to go over and work with the ovens cooking the pizzas, cottage pie and vegetables, oh my god was it hot hot hot in there, it could do that job at all. Thank god I was only there for half and hour because I was dying.

Finally we had to go to pot wash and help them. Johnny and I worked together which made it better, Johnny unpacked the dishwasher and I put the stuff away in the kitchen. Johnny also thought it would be good fun to splash me, I think it must have been pay back because of Islands of Adventures a few weeks ago. I liked today as it helped me to learn about some of the different meals and what’s in them, ready for my pre service test.

We finished work at about 1800 and headed home and in the evening I went to Celsey’s apartment and we watch Centre Stage and just chilled out.
Pic 1 - Ok guys i hope you didn't laugh to must at the picture of me in the chef whites cos my real costume is even worse.
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Thursday 04th January 2007: Road Trip Day Two


This morning we went to cafe called Britts on the seafront for a fry-up breakfast, it was nice but the bacon out here is horrible it’s really thin and crispy just like the fat with no meat. Then we continued to look through some more tacky shops and I bought a pink vest which says Clearwater Beach on it.

The rest of the day we drove back to Orlando. In the afternoon we picked up Johnny from The Commons and Kirsty from work and went to Walmart to do a bit shopping. Having the car was so convenient to carry heavy shopping and meant I could drive them all to their apartments without having to walk from the bus stop.

In the evening I had such a great time. I drove Kirsty, Celsey and Beth to Old Town, which is in Kissimmee. It was the original town of Kissimmee or something like that. It has a fairground and a long street full of retro shops which absolute fascinate me. We went in a shop which sold loads of vintage American shop signs, one which sold vintage 1950s dresses and an "English" shop. It's owned by a British man who now lives over here and sells British food and other things. We had dinner at Ponderosa, which is like the Golden Corral - a cheap all you can eat buffet. Had such a great two days off - feels like I was off work for ages!
L to R Pic 1 - The Travel Lodge: Pic 2 - View of the beach from the front door: Pics 3 & 4 - Clearwater Beach (beautiful and white sand yay): Pic 5 - The General Store at Old Town (they no longer do the small pepis for 25c mum it's gone up to 49c, what a cheek): Pic 6 - View of Old Towns Main Street: Pic 7 & 8 Beth and Celsey (trying out 50s style dresses): Pic 9 - Motorbike parade at Old Town (very nice bikes, they looked very expensive).
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Wednesday 03rd January 2007: Road Trip Day One

Celsey, Beth and I all had today and tomorrow off, so we decided to make the most of it and go away somewhere for the night. We decided on Tampa, so we rented car and I drove. When I first got in the car I didn’t have a clue what I was doing because it was an automatic and I ’m use to driving manuals. It was really scared as well because once I left the car park I was straight on a main road with six lanes of traffic and I got beeped because I forgot that I could turn right on a red light if there is no traffic.

However, we arrived in Tampa after about an hour or so but struggled to find somewhere to stop and look around - there didn't seem to really be any centre to the city. After getting lost and ending up in what we called the ghetto of Tampa we decided to move on to St. Petersburg.
We stopped off at somewhere by the coast called Fort De Soto and it was absolutely boiling! We looked along the beach a bit and around the fort and I had a rocky road ice cream, which was amazing. Fort De Soto is absolutely beautiful and I will definitely be going back there. You can hire canoes or bikes and follow there nature trails (very nice).
Then continued driving until we got to St. Pete’s beach and we walked along the beach there and the views were great but we couldn't see much for us to do in the evening so we carried on driving and stopped at Clearwater Beach.
We checked into a Travel Lodge which was nice. We thought we would have to stay at a dodgy roadside motel but this place was so clean and big! We got ready for the evening and walked down the main strip to find somewhere for dinner. We felt like we were on a Spanish island holiday more than in Florida. Clearwater has a great white sand beach, a pier and a main road of restaurants and gift shops.

Orlando is world famous for cheap tacky gift shops which we have all fallen in love with, and Clearwater was no exception! After we had dinner in a diner we mosied around the cheap tacky shops! We also stopped at a candy shop which sold the biggest cookies EVER! Beth and I couldn't resist. Beth bought an oatmeal, raisin and cinnamon cookie and I got a plain chocolate chip cookie, I can't explain how big it was, but no joke it was about an inch thick! Check out my photos to see! We came back to the hotel room, watched Sex and the City while in bed for a couple of hours, then fell into a deep sleep.
L to R, Set 1, Pic 1 - Our Car (very nice): Pic 2 - Me in the car: Pic 3 - Downtown Tampa (where we got soo lost): Pics 4 to to 7 - Fort Desoto park with Beth, Celsey and Me (it's so beautiful and quite here): Pics 8 & 9 - St Pete's Beach (very pretty but nothing to do).
Set 2, pic 1 - Beth in the back of the car (I think she may be scaried of my driving, hahaha): Pics 2 to 5 - Our room at the Travel Lodge (not bad for $80): Pic 6 - Celsey & Beth on the Balcony: Pic 7 - Beth, Me & Celsey at Dinner: Pic 8 - Me with my giant cookie (yummy): Pic 9 - Beth with her giant cookie (they were amazing).
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Tuesday 02nd January 2007: Cooking Dinner

Today I worked in the chippie again (I seem to live in at place) from 1115 and I should have been working until 2130 but I was released early from work because the park was very quite, so I finished at 1800, which was very nice. So instead of going out I offered to cook dinner for a few friends (I know what you’ll are thinking, oh my god, hehehe).

So after work Rob and I went to Wal-mart to cash our pay checks and to buy a few supplies. Then I went home and started cooking about 2200, just as Beth arrived, then shortly after Rob, Celsey, Kirsty and Felicity turned up. We all sat in the lounge and ate spag bol with garlic bread - it was very delicious (if I do say so myself), Then for dessert with had a Sarah Lee chocolate cake (very nice). It was a fun evening and it was good to have everyone together just chilling out and having a giggle.

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Monday 01st January 2007: New Years Day

HAPPY NEW YEAR everybody. Today was just like any other day I worked in the chippie from 1200 until 2145 and I felt tried all day after working the extremely long day yesterday. However Chris and Jo gave Paddy, Johnny and I a lift home, but on the way back we stopped off at McDonalds, as its lads and lassies tonight. I got home and ate my McDonalds and then I fell asleep on my bed (in my costume, I must have been tried).

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Monday, January 15, 2007

Sunday 31st December 2006: New Years Eve

Today I started working in the chippie at 1115 and I was on till from went I arrived and Rob (one of our managers) told us that we had a target of $22,000 to beat today as that was what the chippie made last year on new year’s eve. About half way through the day my shift was extended to finish at 0100, so I remained on the till for the majority of the day.

At 1900 the UK the new year for the UK and everyone it the chippie started shouting and hugging each other and the managers came in with whistles and wished us all a happy new year. I think the guests were very confused but when we said that it had just turned midnight at home they joined in with us.

However at 2355 I was told to close the chippie and go into the kitchen and from there we were all taken out to the back of the Rose and Crown Pub to join the guests in watching the fireworks and show over the Lagoon and then everybody wished each other a happy new year again.

Then we all went back to the chippie to carry on serving guests until 0100 and then I went upstairs to cash out however I didn’t manage to leave work until 0230 because the computer system was running very slowly and only one person could cash out at any one time.

We had a very busy evening in the chippie and the queue went all the way down the road and across the bridge into France. After I cashed out I found out that the chippie took $30,000 and had smashed the previous record which was amazing because the chippie was manned by all new cast members. I had a very good evening and new years to remember because the fireworks and show was amazing and I loved ever second of it, so I was glad that my shift was extended.

By the way guys HAPPY NEW YEAR, HAPPY NEW YEAR, have a fanatic year and I looking forward o seeing the people that are coming out here and also seeing you all at sometime in the next new year.

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Saturday 30th December 2006: Christmas Tree Lighting Crowd Control

Today I started work at 1200 and finished on time at 1715 as a seater in the restaurant because then I had to walk over to the Xmas tree so that I could do crowd control for when the tree lights are switched on. What I had to do was tell people that they couldn’t come into or leave the roped off area until the show had finished for the safety of the characters.

So the show started by Mickey, Minnie, his friends and a representative from each country arrive on an old fashioned London Double Decker Bus. Then they did this big song and dance about different Christmas traditions and which they should follow and in the end they all decide on making their own traditions. The show ended with the Christmas tree lights being switched on and the characters leaving again on the bus. It was very nice to watch the show and I got paid to stand right at the front and see the show and tell people what to do (hehehe, lots of power for me!!!).

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Thursday 28th December 2006: Universal Studios


Johnny, Celsey and I went to Universal Studios and went on the Terminator ride then we were going to go on The Mummy Ride but the queue was over 2 ½ hours long so we decided to go and have lunch. We ate in the 50s style American Diner and had a really nice milk shake. So we headed over to Universal Island of Adventure to see how busy it was over there but it was just as bad as the other park, so we the bus back to International Drive. Then we had a look around some of the tourist shops and Celsey and I brought weekend bags ready for when we go away next week. After shopping we got onto the I-ride and paid our 25c and got off at the shopping outlet.

Later that evening Kirsty, Flick and I went to Bennigan’s and meet up with a few other people from the UK and Canada. Then after a few drinks we went to Wendy’s to get some dinner and then walked back to The Commons, which took about 45 minutes. I had a very good day and it was good to see Kirsty as I haven’t seen her properly for a few days because we have been working opposite shifts and also she works in the shops.
Pic 1 - Universal Ball: Pic 2 - Celsey & Johnny by the Universal Ball: Pic 3 - Universal Studios enterance: Pic 4 - Celsey & Me on the Terminator Ride: Pic 5 - Johnny & The Terminator: Pic 6 - Universals Xmas Tree: Pic 7 - Johnny Eating milk shake like a baby: Pic 8 - Johnny being Johnny: Pic 9 - Johnny asleep on the I-ride (bless).
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Wednesday 27th December 2006: Epcot and Candlelight Processional


Today is my day off thank god. So I had a bit of a lie in and then Celsey and I met Beth at Epcot after she finished work at 1545. Firstly we went to Character Connection which is where you can have your photos taken with lots of different characters. We met Mickey (The Boss), Minnie, Pluto, Goofy and Chip n' Dale. It was great!

Then we went on a ride called Universe of Energy which was great fun. We wandered through the showcase, stopping for chips in the UK pavilion. Then we went a concert called the Candlelight processional, which is a Christmas concert with an orchestra and choir - it was good, but maybe a little too long as it was soooo cold!
Then we looked around the countries a bit more and finally went on Spaceship Earth (It's a ride inside the Epcot ball and it travels through time), which Celsey and Beth had been really looking forward to all day, but didn’t really like that ride as I found it rather boring.

We came back to the Commons at about 2200 and then went out again for dinner. We walked to a restaurant called Bahama Breeze, a Caribbean restaurant. In Orlando there are sprinkler systems everywhere set on a timer on the sidewalks to come on at night to water the grass. We got caught in a set of these sprinklers for about 100m. There was no way of getting round them and we literally had to keep running to get through them! It was so funny. So we arrived at Bahama Breeze at 2300 very wet! However the food was really nice so it makes up for us all getting wet.
Pic 1 - Beth, Celsey, Mickey & Me: Pic 2 - Celsey, Pluto, Beth & Me: Pic 3 - Celsey, Me, Goofy & Beth: Pic 4 - Me, Minnie, Celsey & Beth: Pic 5 - Beth, Dale, Celsey, Chip & Me (just): Pic 6 & 7 - Candlelight Processional: Pic 8 - Celsey & Beth (Outside Bahama Breeze): Pic 9 - Beth & Celsey (Inside Bahama Breeze).
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Tuesday 26th December 2006: Boxing Day

This morning I slept in, which was very nice and then I started work at 1430 and I didn’t finish 0100 because it was extra magic hours, this is where the resort guests can stay in the Disney parks longer than normal guests. However we also had to clean down the chippie and cash up the tills before we could leave. God I’m so tried I need a good nights sleep.

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Monday 25th December 2006: Christmas Day

OH MY GOD its Christmas day and it doesn’t feel like it as it’s warm out side and I’m working from 1230 to 2100 as a seater in the restaurant. However, I got up this morning and went to go into the bathroom and it was locked so I thought Cebile must have come home last night as she was stayed at a friend’s house for the passed few nights, but no there was no light on in the bathroom but the door was locked. So I had to go to security because there was nobody in the office. After a short wait somebody came to the apartment to unlock my bathroom door (Thank God) so that I could get ready for work.

I also called home this morning, which was a wee bit emotional but I think the main reason was because its Christmas Day and I’m not at home or even in the same country as all my family and friends. After getting dressed for work I headed to Celsey’s apartment to open my presents. On the way I passed Johnny who was leaving because he had to go to work. When I arrived Celsey, Flick, Rob, Holly and Adam where all there waiting for me so that they could open their present (bless them for waiting). Whilst we were opening are presents we watched the Christmas Day Walt Disney World Parade, which was really cool as we weren’t allowed to go into Magic Kingdom because it gets so busy.

Celsey and I went to work at 1130 and today I saw my first Floridian tropical storm with tornado warnings since I moved out here. I was sent home at 1745, one because of the storm and I was wet and two because guests were going home because of the rain.

After work I went to Lauren’s apartment for the UK F+B Christmas Day party and then about 23.15 I went to Tracey’s apartment to see all my Canadian friends and say happy Christmas (by this time I was a wee bit drunk) and then Celsey called to say she had just got home from work so Erica and I walked to Celsey’s apartment and watched High School Musical. I had a very good day however I was tried by the time I got in to bed, which was about 0330.

L to R Set 1, Pic 1 - Magic Kingdom Xmas Parade on TV: Pic 2 - Holly (talking to family) and the Xmas Tree: Pic 3 - Celsey with Cadbury's Chocolate (Mmmmm): Pic 4 - Celsey and Me: Pic 5 - Celsey & Adam: Pic 6 - Flick & Rob: Pic 7 - Holly & Celsey: Pic 8 - Johnny: Pic 9: Holly

Set 2, Pic 1 - James & Me: Pic 2 - The girls dancing to Steps: Pic 3 - David, Lou, Adam & Jo: Pic 4 - Me & Jo: Pic 5 - Lousie & David: Pic 6 - Jo & Chris: Pic 7 - Louise & Hannah: Pic 8 - Alex & Laura: Pic 9 - Micheal & Lauren.




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Sunday 24th December 2006: Christmas Eve

Today I worked from 1230 until 2245 but I should have left at 2200 but Meg and I had to deep clean the chippie before I could go home and I hate cleaning and luckily the stocker for the day Aaron came in and help otherwise we could have left at only god knows at what time.

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Saturday 23rd December 2006: Animal Kingdom and MGM

Today I went to Animal Kingdom with Johnny and later Flick joined us. Firstly Johnny and I got a fast pass for the Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain as the wait for the ride was at an hour and a half. So we decided to go on the Kali River Rapids as it was a nice day and the people getting off didn’t seem that wet. However when we got off the ride we were both wet from head to toe and there wasn’t a dry part on our bodies. It was a really good ride and I was just glad that it was a warm day.

Then we walked through the Maharajah Jungle Trek and we saw bats, komodo dragons, exotic birds and tigers. Once we had finished we met Flick just on side and walked round to DinoLand. Here we went on the Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl rides and we played on the derby game to win a brightly coloured dinosaur.

From here we continued to the Bug’s Life 4D show, but on the way we met some characters and they were Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. The Bug’s Life Show was very funny and I couldn’t stop laughing at Johnny because he’s worse than a girl, as he kept jumping and screaming when the bugs came near him, especially the spiders.

In order the catch the last Kilimanjaro Safari, we had to rush through all the people that were lined up watching Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade and we made it. It was a nice ride but it was a little boring as I’ve been on a real safari. However it’s a good way to make people aware of that is happening to the wide animals.

Because the park was due to close we went to MGM to watch The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights on the streets of America, which were really cool. We also watched Fantasmic, which is a night-time spectacular with lasers, lights, dancing fountains and special effects. Afterwards we went on the Star Tours ride and I wasn’t very impressed with the ride as I found it a bit boring.

Later that evening Celsey, Flick, Rob, Sarah, Johnny and I went to the cinema to see In the Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith and his son. The storyline was very good but the film was very long and we didn’t leave the cinema until 2.50am. It was a very good day but I was extremely tried by the time I got home.
L to R Pics Set 1, Pic 1 - Animal Kingdom Sign: Pic 2 - Flick, Me & Johnny on the Dinosaur ride: Pic 3 - Johnny & Flick (at Bug's Life): Pic 4 - Me, Winnie the Pooh, Flick & Johnny: Pic 5 - & Me: Pic 6 - Tigger & Me: Pic 7 - Expedition Everest: Pic 8 - Flick, Me and Johnny on Expedition Everest: Pic 9 - Elephants on our safaris: Pics 10 to 18 - The Lion King Show
Pics Set 2, Pic 1 to 3 - The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: Pic 4 to 9 - Fantasmic
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Friday 22nd December 2006: Magic Moment Training

Yesterday was a very busy day at work and I went to James apartment to watch TV after work, so nothing to tell you guys really. But today I was assigned to work from 1500 until 2330 as a seater but I was let go an hour early because we had finished all our jobs for the day, due to the restaurant being really quite. I was also shown how to do the Magic Moment for Illuminations by Andrea and basically what we had to do was choose a child between the age of 4 and 8 years old to light the fireworks on behalf of Mickey Mouse. It was so cool because the child and his parents got very excited and it made his day special as he also received a certificate for lighting the fireworks. Because I did the magic moment I had to stand at the top of the stairs to keep it clear throughout the fireworks, so I had one of the best views of the lagoon to watch the fireworks and I was being paid as I watched them (how cool is that).

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Wednesday 20th December 2006: Greater Training

Today I was training to be the Greater for the restaurant. I like doing this job as it is very similar to working on reception because you have to take the guests details and make dining reservations. Then after work I went home to sleep because I was very tried.

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Tuesday 19th December 2006: MGM and Jelly Rolls

Had to be up early this morning because all us newbies had to take a bus to the social security building in Kissimmee. The weather was sooo good today with no clouds and the sun was so hot. We finished there about lunchtime so Celsey and I went to MGM for the rest of the day.

At MGM we watched The Beauty and the Beast show which was fantastic and I love watching it. We went on The Voyage of The Little Mermaid, which is a show and it was very good and I had never seen it, so it was good to do something new. Celsey also dragged me on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which I hate with a passion because I don’t like the falling feeling. However we did go on the best ride in the park ‘Rock and Roll Coaster’ (I love it). Then we went to the 1930 showing of Fantasmic, (which I also hadn’t seen) and it was amazing it is a night time spectacular with lasers, lights, dancing fountains, special effects and character performances. After the show we decided to head home because it started to get a bit cold.

When we arrived back I cooked dinner for Celsey and I and then we got changed and at about 2300 Beth, James and I got a taxi to Disney's boardwalk, which is a boardwalk marina type place with natty little shops, restaurants, cafes and bars (a little like Port Solent). We went to a bar called Jellyrolls, which focuses on two guys who play grand pianos pumping out loads of great tunes which everyone sings along to - they played songs such as 'Build Me Up Buttercup' 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'I Will Survive' It was a lot fun. We also met up with a few UK people when we got there including Mike, Beth, Amy and Aaron, who all work in the restaurant with me, then Celsey and Laura arrived a bit later at about 1am. I had a good night and I think I will definitely be going back to Jelly Rolls at some point.

L to R Pics Set 1, Pic 1 - Entrance to MGM: Pics 2 & 3 - Signs outside MGM: Pic 4 - Celsey with Tower of Terror: Pic 5 - Entrance to Rock 'N' Roll Coaster: Pic 6 - Large Guitar (outside Rock 'N' Roll Coaster: Pic 7 - Me at Mickey's Fantasia Garden: Pic 8 - Mickey's Hat: Pic 9 - Celsey, Tigger and Me.

Pics Set 2, Pics 1 to 4 - Voyage of The Little Mermaid Show: Pic 5 - One for a Dollar (Warm up group for Beauty and the Beast Show): Pics 6 to 9 - The Beauty and the Beast Show.

Pics Set 3, Pic 1 - Me & Beth: Pic 2 - James, Mike, Beth & Beth: Pic 3 - The Stage & Piano player: Pic 4 - Me, Celsey & Beth: Pic 5 & 6: The Stage and Jelly Rolls Sign: Pic 7 - Laura & Me: Pic 8 - Me: Pic 9 - Me & Celsey

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Monday 18th December 2006: Celebration, Lassies and The Beach Club

Nothing to report about yesterday as all it did was go to work and nothing else that was exciting. However, today I was trained by James to be a seater in the restaurant, what I basically have to do is collect a ticket from the podium, page the guest and when they arrive get some menus and show then to there seat, whilst having a chat and a laugh with them. I also have to help the servers to clear, clean and reset their tables ready for the next party. I really enjoyed working today as I got to chat to the guests and I was kept busy all day and the time just flew past.

After work James, Adam, David (David is James’ room mate) and I went to Celebration is a purpose build town just by the Walt Disney Resort area. It was build and designed by Disney I believe because Walt Disney wanted to build a community. It is very nice and it was a town centre on a lake and there is a cinema, hospital and schools just for the people that live in Celebration. We went because a 2100 everyday it starts snowing because it’s Christmas. What happens is that they close off the street and then they shoot foam into the air, so it looks like its snowing it’s very sweet because all the children got very excited.

Then we walked around for a little bit and found somewhere to have dinner called the Celebration Tavern. It was nice inside, because it was like an American bar and they did delicious food. I had pasta in a sauce because the majority of the menu was seafood.

On the way back to The Commons we stopped off at Wal-Mart to grab a few bits and then I dropped my stuff off and went across to lassies, which is when all the girls from the UK meet in somebody’s apartment and we have drinking games and everyone just chats, whilst the boys are in another apartment getting very very drunk (theirs is called lads). Because I had gone out with James, Adam and David for dinner I was running a little late, so I was there only there for about 5 minutes and we left to go to Pleasure Island (which is where a lot the night time entertainment for the Disney Resort area is) and we went to a club called The Beach Club. Every week lads and lassies have a theme and this week the theme was Christmas so people where dressed up for Christmas or were just wearing Christmas hats (like me). I didn’t get home until very early the following morning however I had a brilliant night out.

L to R, Pics Set 1, Pic 1 - Celebration Town's Xmas Tree: Pic 2 - Snow in the town centre: Pic 3 - View of Celebration from across the lake: Pic 4 - Celebration Town Tavern.
Pics Set 2, Pic 1 - Pleasure Island Sign: Pic 2 - The Beach Club Performer: Pic 3 - Laura, Me & Beth: Pic 4 - Hayley & Me: Pic 5 - Louise and Rob: Pic 6 - Chris, Me, Carla & Zoe: Pic 6 - Zoe, Rob, Carla & Jack: Pic 7 - Everyone dancing: Pic 8 - Johnny and Zack.
Pics Set 3, Pic 1 - Me, Nat & Jenna: Pic 2 - Jenna, Adam & Holly: Pic 3 - Diane, Dave, James (Mooch) & Jenna: Pic 4 - Heather, Kathy, Lee & Chris: Pic 5 - Lee: Pic 6 - Everyone dancing: Pic 7 - Chris, Carla & Kerri: Pic 8 - Chris & Jo: Pic 9 - Neil, Carla, Chris, Lyndsey & Kerri. Posted by Picasa

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Saturday 16th December 2006: Wal-mart, Downtown Disney and Golden Correl

Yesterday after unpacking all my shopping from Wal-mart I discovered that I had left a few bags on the carousel (I know, how stupid can I be). So I called the store and told them what happened and they said that they had my stuff there and that I could collect, so today Flick and I went back to Wal-mart to collect my shopping and to do hers.

In the afternoon Flick and I headed to Downtown Disney to have a look around the shops. I went into one of my mum’s favourite shops to check if they had the last perfume bottle with the Disney characters as a lid, which mum was been collecting, but I was told they have stop making them (what a shame they are so pretty to).

Later that evening we meet rob and we went to the Golden Correl for dinner. After dinner we decided to walk home as it was a nice evening and it wasn’t far, so we thought and we ended up walking for about 30mins, but it was good to walk somewhere for a change.

Pic 1 - Flick (Felicity from Toronto, Canada)
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Tuesday, January 09, 2007


Friday 15th December 2006: Wal-mart, Magic Kingdom & the Cinema

Today Beth and I went to Wal-mart about 0900 to open our bank accounts and we did a bit of shopping as well. In the afternoon we went to Magic Kingdom with Kirsty. We went through all the Adventureland rides, which include Pirates of the Caribbean of course (again, sure a cool ride), Splash Mountain (got very wet but it was a good laugh), Aladdin’s Flying Carpets and the Swiss Family Robinsons Tree House.

At 6pm we watched the Magic Kingdom fireworks (Wishes). It’s the second time I’ve seen them since I’ve been here but they are absolutely beautiful and could watch them everyday.

After we left the park we went to Jungle Jims for dinner, where they have bar stools which are giant elephants' feet, which is very cool and I had a very nice pasta dinner. Then we caught the bus from Crossroads back to The Commons, where Kirsty and Beth got off and went home.

I stay on the bus and met up with Lyndsay, Zoe, Carla, Rob and Celsey and we went to the cinema at Downtown Disney at watch The Holiday, which was a very good film and I did make me cry a little bit. I had a very good day and I got to spend it with a lot of my new friends and I managed to fit a lot into the day.

Pic 1 - Beth & Kirsty: Pic 2 - Ferry to Magic Kingdom & The Grand Floridian Hotel: Pic 3 - Me, Beth and Kirsy (Pic 1 & 3 on the ferry): Pic 4 & 5 - Swiss Family Robinson's Tree House: Pic 6 - Kirsty & Beth (on Aladdin's Magic Carpets: Pic 7 - Splash Mountain: Pic 8 - Cinderella's Castle: Pic 9 - Magic Kingdom's Xmas Tree and decorations.
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Thursday 14th December 2006: Chinese at Nat's Apartment

I worked my second day in the chippie today and I was on till all day again so nothing very exciting happened. However the weather wasn’t very nice today and it rain most of the day. After work at about 2300 Kirsty, Beth and I went to Nat’s house for Chinese and a girlie night in. When we arrived there was over people there to, which included: Jenna, Diane, Hayley and Meg. I had a very nice night just chilling out and chatting to friends.

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Wednesday 13th December 2006: First Day Working in Epcot

Today was my first day working at the Rose and Crown in the Yorkshire Fish and Chip Shop; I started at 1045 and met my trainer Kathy who is from New Milton, Hampshire (yay another person from near me). She showed me how to use the till system, which is very similar to Woolworths’ tills, so I found it easy to use. I stayed on till for the majority of the day apart from doing old little jobs like filling the condiment cart and stocking up on cups, carry trays and things like that.

I had a very good first day and it was quite busy (but they said it’s going to get worse), but to be honest it’s boring working in there because every transaction is basically the same (fish and chip with a drink). There are no real challenges and you don’t get to have a conversation with the guests because it’s quick service. So I’m looking forward to my seating shifts in the restaurant in a few days because then I’ll be able to chat to the guests.

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Tuesday 12th December 2006: Discovery Day

Today we had Discovery Day at Epcot which is basically just a tour of the park, more information and history of the park. It was really fun to have a tour of the park, although it felt a bit strange as we were the only people in the park in office clothes! The weather in the morning was absolutely gorgeous when we were walking round the park - not a cloud in the sky and the sun was strong.

Our tour guides also had a surprise for us. So if you’re NOT coming out to work for EPCOT or ever thinking for working for EPCOT then highlight the next paragraph and read what happened.

Firstly we were all told to stand in a circle by the dancing fountain and they were telling us about our year working for Disney. We were then told to turn around and raise our right hand in the air. Then over the PA system they announced to all the cast members and guests around that we were new cast members and welcomed us. This made a few people around clap, which was very nice but a wee bit embarrassing. When they made us raise our hands I thought that they were going to made us pledge our allegiants to the mouse or something (it was a good surprise).

Then we moved on and were taken on the boat around the lagoon and we were told about each on the pavilions (that saved us walking, which was really welcomed, as it was really warm and we were all wearing suits. Afterwards we met our managers and were taken on a tour of the Rose and Crown and Chip Shop (where I will be working).
In the evening Kirsty, Beth and I went to Downtown Disney for dinner. We tried the Rainforest Cafe, but the wait was too long, so we headed over to Planet Hollywood, one of my favourite restaurants in Orlando. They are also known for long waits! But as cast members we get priority seating. When we arrived the lady and the desk said it would be a half an hour wait, so we just flashed our Disney IDs and got sent straight in! It was great! The food was delicious and it was fun to have a girlie night. Our waiter was really cute as well, which we kept laughing about all night, even though he looked so young! We said we might have to go back to see him again (hehe, what we all like hay).

L to R, Set 1, Pic 1- Celsey & Chris asleep on the bus to work: Pic 2 - EPCOT ball: Pic 3 - Beth, Lyndsay, Chris and Zoe: Pic 4 & 6 - The Rose and Crown Restaurant / Pub: Pic 5 - Celsey: Pic 6 - Morroco: Pic 7 - Japan: Pic 8 - Zoe, Carla, Celsey, Johnny, Rob, Chris & Me.

Set 2, Pic 1 - Japan: Pic 2 - Italy: Pic 3 - Germany: Pic 4 - Mexico: Pic 5 - Planet Hollywood: Pic 6 - Kirsty & Me with Cocktails: Pic 7 & 8 - Our Dinner: Pic 9 - Kirsty, Me & Beth.
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Monday 11th December 2006: Training Courses and Relaxing

Today the same group as yesterday had to go to EPCOT to do our Responsible Vendor Training Course, which basically teaches us about who we can and cannot sell alcohol to, as the legal age is 21 over here and its very strict as we can be sacked if we are caught selling alcohol to an under age person.

We also had to do are Hazcom Training, which is about all the different chemicals I will be using and how they should be stored and at the end of each training course we had to do a test. But all the questions were multiple choice so it wasn’t to difficult.

In the evening I went around to Celsey’s house with Flick, Johnny and Rob and I had Chinese and they had pizza. Then we just sat around talking and chilling out.

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Friday, January 05, 2007

Sunday 10th December 2006: Training Course and Magic Kingdom

This Morning eight of use (Celsey, Chris, Rob, Johnny, Zoe, Lyndsay, Carla and Me) had to go to Disney University to do our food and beverage basics course because we start working at EPCOT.

 We finished there about 1430 and headed back to The Commons and got changed then some of use (Celsey, Rob, Johnny, Chris and Me) went to Magic Kingdom to watch Wishes and go on a few rides. We went on the Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain and the Race cars. Also Caroline and I saw Donald Duck so we lined up to get our photos taken (the first Disney character I meet since I’ve been here).

Then we walked down Main Street and found a perfect spot to stand and watch Wishes. The show was amazing and brought a tear to my eye. I can’t believe that I’m working for Disney and that I’ll be here for a whole year and be able to watch all the different shows, I can’t wait.

Set 1, Pic 1 - The Grand Floridian Hotel at Sunset: Pic 2 - Comtemporey Hotel: Pic 3 - Cinderella's Castle: Pic 4 - Mickey & Minnie Mouse (Switching on the xmas tree lights): Pic 5 - Cinderella's Castle with Xmas decorations: Pic 6 - Me and Cinderella's Castle: Pic 7 - Rob, Celsey and Johnny: Pics 8 & 9 - Pirates of the Caribbean Ride.
Set 2, Pic 1 - Johnny, Chris and Rob on Pirates of the Caribbean Ride: Pic 2 - Johnny and Celsey (playing with the swords): Pic 3 - Chris and Caroline (on splash mountain): Pic 4 - Donald Duck and Me: Pic 5 - Flick, Celsey, Rob and Johnny (waiting for wishes): Pics 6 to 9 - Wishes.
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Saturday 09th December 2006: Traditions, Space Shuttle Launch and EPCOT

Today I had to be up 6am to catch a bus at 7am. We had to go to Disney University today for something called Traditions, which involved wearing professional attire. It was basically a very tiring day involving two hyperactive members of Disney staff talk about Disney, business ethics, harassment etc. We all felt it went on for too long and could have been shortened into half a day. The only good thing was that we got our Disney IDs which let us into the parks for free and our name tags, which everyone was really excited about. Mine says Stephanie on it and then underneath it says Portsmouth, England.
Another cool thing was that we had to eat lunch in the Magic Kingdom staff canteen as the university’s canteen was closed. When we were queuing up for lunch we saw Ariel getting her lunch, she had the full makeup and red wig on but she was wearing jeans and a t-shirt - it looked really strange. Then when we sat down we saw Belle, Alice from Alice in Wonderland and Wendy from Peter Pan all done up in hair and make up apart from they were all wearing casual clothes - it was a really surreal moment!
So about 6.30 Beth, Me, Celsey, and two Canadian girls - Felicity from Toronto and Caroline (pronounced Caroleen) from Montreal, Quebec went across to the Mall to buy some gloves, as it was cold but couldn't find any. Then we all got a taxi with Rob and Johnny to EPCOT to watch the Illuminations show.
EPCOT is the park that I will be working in - it stands for Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow. Or as I like to say Every Person Comes Out Tired, or as the staff like to say Every Paycheck Comes On Thursday(which is does) and Experimental Polyester Costume Of Tomorrow! Anyway one half of the park is futuristic with new technology exhibitions and lots of different rides, while the other half is a World Showcase featuring different pavillions of countries in life size versions.
We used our disney IDs for the first time and got into the park. We were very excited as this was our first time in a Disney parks since we had got there. When we arrived we stood by the fountain and watched the Space Shuttle take off, which was amazing but because we were so far away all you could seee was a light going staight up in the air. Hopefully during the year i will be able to go closer to Cape Caniveral to see the shuttle launch and get better photos. We then walked over to the World Showcase through lots of Christmas lights and trees and went to the UK for fish and chips. Then we mosied through many other countries and settled in Japan to watch the fireworks. They were absolutely amazing! They set them off in time to music and it was a spectacular display!

Pics L to R, Set 1: Pic 1 - Lyndsay, Celsey, Kirsty & Zoe; Pic 2 - Johnny, Beth, Me & Carla (Pic 1 & 2 on our way to Traditions at Disney University); Pic 3 - My name badge; Pic 4 - Me wearing my name badge; Pic 5 - Me at Disney University; Pic 6 - Disney sign; Pics 7 to 9 - Space shuttle launch (view from EPCOT).
Middle Pic - EPCOT Ball at Night (very pretty and all the xmas decorations).
Set 2, Pics 1 & 2 - EPCOT'S Xmas Tree; Pic 3 - View of EPCOT Ball and Xmas tree from Japan; Pic 4 - Beth, Johnny and Me (by Xmas tree outside America); Pic 5 to 9 - IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth and Fireworks.
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