First Day of Training

Well, technically, first day of class rather than actual training. Today, I spent 7 hours mostly in front of a computer screen learning the ticketing systems that Vacation Planners use. They are actually pretty straightforward and easy to use. We went over all the basic ticket combinations and had to do some role-playing (which I always hate to do!). But overall, it was ok. I still have four more days of computer training before I start my four days of on-the-job training. Sigh!

I really don't know how people manage to keep their blogs updated.. I always run out of time! But I'm trying my best haha!

Sunday we went to House of Blues again. Pre-drinks was at mine and Keri's apartment at Patterson this time. It was nice not having to go all the way to Vista! Although, I still can't wait to move there (although, I will miss the luxury of Patterson and having my own bathroom!). I just hope I don't regret moving to Vista haha!

Right now, I'm just chilling. Think I need to have an early night tonight haha!

Till next time,

xx

Yesterday we had a sleep-in, then Keri, Shannon and myself went to explore Downtown Disney in the daylight. We spent ages in the World of Disney store. It's a massive Disney Merchandise store.. I love it! I could spend so much money in there.. in fact, I have to restrain myself from doing so! I did however, buy the cutest Thumper soft toy! I couldn't resist. I have a mini collection now.. with Thumper and my previously-purchased Eeyore! I love them though!

Then we went to see Horrible Bosses at the AMC dine-in theatre. The movie was hilarious, and the cinema was so comfy! They bring food/drinks straight to your chair.. and free re-fills! It's awesome.

After the movie, we went to have dinner at Planet Hollywood. Disney cast members get 20% off and priority seating.. no waiting around for a table! The food was average though.. but I got a burger which was probably a bad decision. The restaurant is decorated really cool though, with old movie props and memorabilia.

Right now, I'm just chilling. Probably should have an early night tonight!

Til next time,

xx

Training

Hey guys

I'm currently on the first day of my four days off. Apparently, it is almost unheard of to get 4 days off in a row, so I'm very lucky. But then I have 7 straight days of classes and training and early mornings :( So that is going to suck!

Anyway, yesterday was my property orientation for the Magic Kingdom. We spent the first 3 hours being shown all around the utilidors (the tunnels for cast members underneath the park), and around the park itself. It was so hot because I had to wear black dress pants, and a black jacket (which I wasn't allowed to take off due to my tattoos.. grr). We went on Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear though, so that was fun!

After we had our property orientation we meet up with our area trainers. I was the only one doing Vacation Planning in our group. I met up with my trainer - I already forgot his name - and then we walked through the park again, stopping to watch one of the parades. It was so cool, I can't wait to go back and watch again, and get lots of photos. Then we caught the ferry over to TTC (Transport and Ticketing Centre) which is where I will be working. I finally got to see a Vacation Planner in action - basically you sit in an airconditioned booth and sell tickets to guests. You have to constantly be talking and carrying on a conversation with them though, which will be kind of awkward for me! I'm sure it will be fine though. There is so much to remember though, it's a bit daunting!

After that I got my schedule. After my four days off, I have five straight days of class from 8.30-4. Then I have five days off on the job training, from 7.30-4 (with 2 days off in between). Its going to be intense! So many early mornings! And there is going to be so much that I'm going to have to remember.. eek! My trainer even told me that on my days off I have to go to the parks because I have to have a lot of knowledge about all of the parks.

This afternoon, we are planning to go to Epcot, and then have dinner at Mexico! I'm excited to go! At the moment, I'm waiting for my laundry to finish. It takes sooo long, and I still get confused by the machines, and what to wash with what haha! But I haven't ruined any clothes yet.

I'll try do another post with photos soon :)

Off to training!

Just a very quick post today!

I tried uploading photos yesterday but it didn't work for some reason. I'll try again when I have some time!

It's 5.30am here. I've been up since 4am because I have to leave to catch a bus very soon for my first day of training at the Magic Kingdom. It's going to be a very long day =/ I get my schedule and my costume today though, so thats exciting!

Yesterday was Traditions. It was sooo boring. But I finally got to see Cinderella's Castle! And I won a Goofy and Mickey Mouse critter. Plus we had a visit from Mickey himself!

Instead of rushing straight to the park yesterday, I came home and spent the afternoon by the pool. And then I was in bed by 7pm haha! I was just so tired. I have 4 days off after today though, so I will definitely be hitting some parks :D

Well thats it for today, I'll try post soon!

Quick Update!

So keeping up to date with a blog here is way harder than I thought it would be! I run out of time so quickly here! So sorry for the lack of updates!

I've been here a week now! Time is already going fast.

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure were fantastic! The rollercoasters were AWESOME! I had so much fun! It was really really hot though.

Harry Potter world was incredible. Like, even better than I thought it was going to be. The Forbidden Journey ride was SO good! Also tried Butterbeer. The frozen one was way nicer than the regular one :)

Our group here is so fun. We went out for dinner on our first day, Saturday, and then had drinks at one of the guy's apartments. Then Sunday we all went to the House of Blues which was fab! Free drinks for girls!

Tomorrow is Traditions. We found out where we would be working.. and I will be at Magic Kingdom! Exciting!

My first day of training is Thursday.. so early. Have to catch a bus at 5.45am! Then I have 4 days off, and have more training on Tuesday.

I'll try keep up to date with my blog. Its hard though!

When I have my days off this week I will try upload some photos and make a longer post about Traditions and training :)

Til next time..

Just Arrived!

So I've just arrived in Los Angeles (well, about 3 hours ago now).
The flight over was really smooth, hardly any bumps at all. I tried to sleep as much as possible, but its really hard on a plane. Hard to get comfortable. But they give you a big pillow and a blanket which helps!

Food was also actually pretty good, for airplane food! We got dinner and breakfast, and snacks in between.

Going through customs and immigration at LAX was the easiest thing ever. It barely took 10 minutes, and there was no full-body scans, or luggage scans, or anything! They didn't even ask about all my medication or anything! So that was awesome.

Ashley's uncle met us at the airport and drove us back to their house. We're just chilling out now until we go out exploring (because apparently, everything opens late here). The traffic around LA is crazy, and there's freeways everywhere!

I'll try post again once I get to Orlando. I'll try put photos up on photobucket then as well.
Cya!

Tomorrow!

I leave tomorrow! 25 hours!

Still haven't fully packed. Haha. Well, I have half the clothes I'm taking in my suitcase, but I have to pull them out because I've forgotten what I put in there =/
I'm worried its not all going to fit (so much for packing light!). My medication is taking up the most room.. grr! Customs is going to think I'm importing to sell it all or something. Hopefully they will believe that I actually require that much medication for 6 months!

I've said goodbye to all my friends and some of my family. Really not looking forward to saying goodbye to my parents at the airport tomorrow though! It's not going to be pretty!

I'm kind of feeling neutral about the whole thing. Not really nervous, not really overly-excited. I think its because it STILL doesn't feel real yet haha. It will all change when I'm sitting on the plane tomorrow. Of course, I am excited to go.. our day out in LA is going to be great! Hoping we get to Santa Monica Pier so I can ride the ferris wheel since its on my America Bucket List!

My next post will be from America! I'll try and update as much as possible, but not entirely sure how often I'll be able to. Defintely check out my photobucket page (Link is on my blog>>>) because I plan to upload all my photos there!

Til next time
xx

Less than a week!

This time next week, I'll be on a plane to Orlando, having just spent the day in Los Angeles!
So many people doing the program are already off on their adventures in the states. I've been stalking all of their facebook photos from their trip so far.. and wow, it's hard to believe I will be in some of those places in less than a week! The weather there also looks so perfect, which will make a nice change.. today, it was hailing, and raining sideways here! Although, I did happen to look at the extended forecast for Orlando, and while temperatures are in the 30s (degrees celcius that is), every day is forecast with storms, and thunder and lightning! I guess its because of the heat.. but I'm still hoping its not as bad as that when we get there!

It doesn't really feel like this is my last week in New Zealand. It STILL hasn't sunken in yet haha!
I've half-packed, but I guess I'll pack properly on the weekend :)
I'm scared I'm gonna forget something important, but hopefully not! And if I do, hopefully it'll be something I can just buy there. I have to make sure there isn't anything I have to buy before I leave too.

I'm really looking forward to LA. Ashley was having a think about what sites we should visit, and I definitely like her list. For me, Santa Monica (to ride the ferris wheel!) and Venice Beach are a must because I probably won't get a chance to go there when I'm back in LA by myself in January.

So it will be the 13th July when we arrive in Orlando, and there will be quite a few others arriving that day. Our group (Keri, Ashley, Jessica T and myself) have planned a day of shopping (Walmart, Florida Mall, Premium Outlets!!) and then we are having a big group dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe with whoever else is in Orlando on the 13th :) Of course, anyone else who is in Orlando on the 13th will be welcome to come shopping too!!

I've also set up a photobucket account to put all my photos on, so everyone can see them :)
There is a link on my blog page (not many photos yet!).
Keep checking it from next week.. there'll be hundreds of photos, I can guarantee it!

Two Weeks To Go!

I can't really believe it, but as of tomorrow, it is exactly two weeks until I fly out!
I think it really hasn't sunken in.. still! Even with some participants already in the states, and more people flying out in the next few days, somehow it still doesn't feel real!

Today was a bit exciting because I went in to see my travel agent, Stephen at Flight Centre. He had called to say that my finalised flight itinerary and Contiki travel documents were ready to be picked up! I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Contiki documents more than anything! They came in a cute little travel wallet, and came with a luggage tag, a information book, my detailed itinerary, the actual 'Ticket To Ride' and information about Contiki's calling kit.



Anyways, after doing a bit of research on the 'free' sim card that you can get through Contiki, I've decided agaisnt it. I'm going to stick with my original plan, and get a sim through Simple Mobile for my iPhone. Their prepaid plans seem really good, and they have quite cheap international calling, as well as unlimited local and global texting. So it sounds like the best way to go!

In terms of things for my trip, I think I am all sorted:

• Flights (all of them!)
• Visa
  
• Insurance (Travel/Medical)
• Pre-Disney Accommodation
• Universal/Island of Adventure Tickets
• Universal Studios Express Passes
• Post-Disney Accommodation
• Los Angeles Accommodation
• Contiki
• Prescriptions/Medication
  
• Letter from my doctor
• Travel Card (with USD on it!)
• Luggage
• Contact Lenses (6 months worth)

Got all that covered. Plus probably a few other things I've forgotten to write down. But yep, pretty much all sorted and ready to go. One more payday before I go to get whatever last-minute things I need.

I've put all my paperwork (and there is actually a LOT) into a document folder. Good idea so I don't lose anything!

I know two weeks is going to fly by so quickly.. at the moment I'm still really excited, but I know as it draws closer I'm going to be freaking out.. actually, I'm going to be terrified! And I'm REALLY not looking forward to the airport, and the dramatic crying scenes thats going to occur when saying goodbye to my family =/
I suppose thats inevitable really! Eeeeek!

Disney Stuff!

Well, here I am, 25 days out from Disney. It still doesn't feel real haha. I'm sure it won't until I'm sitting on the plane about to leave.

Anyway, I'm stuck home on a rainy Saturday night, and I'm getting my fix of Disney. I pulled out my Lion King video and watched it. I still cried when Mufasa died.. Disney shouldn't make their movies so sad!

Then I got into Disney mode, and decided to spend some time on the online Disney Store. I cannot wait to visit the huge World of Disney store at Downtown Disney, and with a 10% discount, I know some of my paycheck will be going straight there. Buying some classic movies on DVD will be my first priority, since most of them you can't buy here for some reason. The Disney jewellery also looks amazing.. some of it is pretty expensive though!

Continuing on with my Disney obsession this evening, I started looking into Disney Cruises again. A Disney Cruise is a must-do for me. It's even on my Disney Bucket List. If I come away from Florida without having done a Disney Cruise, I will be VERY upset. So I'm going to make it my mission.

Anyway, the cruise that I have my heart set on doing is the 3-Night Bahamas Cruise on the brand new Disney Dream. Take a look at that ship - it looks amazing! It has a water coaster on board! Awesome!!

Another awesome thing about this cruise is that it visits Nassau.. which is the home of the famous Atantis Resort (you may have seen it in movies before, I know I have!). On-shore activities while the ship is at the Nassau Port includes the Aquaventure. This is the huge waterpark at the Atlantis Resort.. one of the waterslides goes through a lagoon filled with sharks.. how cool is that?! Its pretty pricey though, so a cheaper yet also cool option is the Atlantis Beach Day.

Cast members at Disney can get up to 80% off cruises. So I am hoping that I'll be able to get that discount on this particular cruise. We aren't quite sure how the cruise discounts work, but we know that we sign up for them on the Hub at Disney, and I've heard they get snapped up quickly! Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until we get there to find out about it.. but as soon as we can get on the Hub, we'll be looking to book this cruise!

Just over 3 weeks to go now! Eek!

Harry Potter Fever!

I have Harry Potter fever!

Tickets for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 came on sale the other day, so Keri and me were keen to buy them, because we were sure that they would sell out, especially cos we are going on the 15th July, which is the release date of the film.

After many attempts, the website finally loaded and Keri was able to purchase our Harry Potter tickets.. in 3D! Yay! We booked at 8.40pm at the AMC Theatre at Universal Citywalk.

Friday the 15th July is going to be long and tiring, but very fun! We have a very early morning; we have to be at the park by 7:45am in order to make our 8am reservation for breakfast at The Three Broomsticks. Speaking of breakfast, I found an image of the breakfast menu online.. it sounds amazing! Take a look: (hopefully it's not too hard to read!)



I think it will have to be an American breakfast for me - totally unhealthy, but totally yum. Plus, my justification will be that it will get me ready for my long day ahead... bacon, eggs, sausage, potatos, croissant... *drool*

In other news, I finally got around to emailing my arrival details to Disney. The responded by telling me to relax on the morning of the 16th (my check-in day), and aim to arrive at Disney around 12 noon. We have to check out of our hotel at 11am, so we will probably just head straight to Vista Way after we check out. I think being the first to arrive in your apartment would be pretty awesome.. get your choice of rooms haha!

Disney have also sent another email out to participants regarding education courses. Of course, I did not receive the email because Disney STILL have my email address wrong. Luckily, a link to the email was posted on facebook so I was able to read it. The information about the available courses is the same as is available on the Disney International Programs website, but it did also include a link for the online registration form for classes. I haven't registered yet, but I am going to sign up for the Exploring Marketing course. I was considering the Corporate Communication course because it would be super helpful for the career I want to get into, but it has exams, and homework, and assignments and I just don't think I want to spend my time off doing homework! The Exploration Series courses on the other hands do not have any homework or assessments, and the classes are only 2 hours long rather than 4 hours, so I'm going with that option. Some people are opting against classes, but I know that it will look so good on my CV, plus it will be a wasted opportunity if I don't take one!

The only downside to taking a Disney course is the fact that they are scheduled on your day off. Luckily, my course is from 8.30-10.30 so it leaves most of the day free (no sleep-in though haha!).

Not long to go now.. the weeks are speeding by!
Til next time!

Los Angeles

So, being the super-organised person that I am, I have already started tentatively planning my stay in Los Angeles in January after I finish at Disney.

I may have mentioned in a previous post that due to a cancellation of a tour by Contiki, I will be spending four days in Los Angeles before my Contiki starts on the 11th January.

So far, this is what I have decided that I want to do:

• Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour (Click here)
  Apparently this is the best tour to potentially spot a celeb, as it's a real working studio. Also, the museum sounds fab, especially the Harry Potter exhibit. Sounds like you only get about half an hour in the museum though, so thats a bit sad!

• The Deluxe Grand Tour of Los Angeles and Movie Star's Homes (Click here)
  This tour sounds awesome! It's 7.5 hours long, so will fill up one of my days in LA. It encompasses everything that is a must-see in LA, as well as Movie Star's Homes (you know thats a must-do when in Hollywood!)

• Disney's California Adventure Park (Click here)
  I had a hard choice choosing which theme park in LA to do. Magic Mountain was out as soon as I youtubed some of the rides - far too extreme for me! Universal was a contender, but I'll be going to Universal Orlando and its meant to be better than the LA one. Then it came down to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure Park. Apparently California Adventure Park is far better, and judging by the photos/reviews/ride videos on youtube, it looks like it is. So thats my choice! Check out some of the photos below.
  Hopefully, I won't have to enjoy the magic by myself - Jason may come along with me, but if he doesn't I'm sure I'll find someone to! I wouldn't want to miss the World of Color by having to leave before dark (cos I'm not going out after dark alone!)

Is it weird that I'm so excited for things that aren't even going to happen for another 6 months!? Probably. Just like its weird that I've already planned my entire trip out. Haha. But oh well, I like to have it all planned out. Plus planning it all out is fun!

Pre-Departure Information

So I have been meaning to post because STB emailed us our Pre-Departure information.. But I have been working and [attempting] to study for my exams of death that I have next week, and am trying not to let the internet distract me. But I've decided that I deserve a break, and thus will fill you in :)

So STB emailed us with all the information we need to know before we arrive at Disney. There was a 24 page Powerpoint and a very long Word document detailing every aspect of the ICP.

It included information about the Housing Assessment Fee (which I managed to pay a couple of weeks ago - some people still haven't been able to log onto the website yet), education, housing, insurance, taxes, income.. even a suggested packing list. It was so much information that I think my brain barely took any of it in. But I printed it out, so perhaps after exams are out of the way, my brain will be able to focus better on it.

One of the major things in the powerpoint that I missed in my first reading is the On-Boarding Paperwork link. Luckily, I was distracting myself from study by reading Ashley's blog which had a post about it, otherwise I may never have discovered it!

The link not only has the forms we must download and print out, it also has information about traveling outside of the U.S whilst on the program (helpful, as I plan to do a Disney Cruise), our payroll card, Disney Look, our Disney discount and our Main Entrance Passes (which I won't be needing since no one will be coming to visit me while I'm there). The website is available here for anyone that is interested.

The payroll card sounds great because I'd really rather not set up a bank account in the states since I will only be there for 6 months. And getting it put into my own bank account from NZ would be a stupid idea cos then you get hit with conversion fees. Plus I'll be able to use my payroll card when I go on my Contiki too.

Meanwhile, everyone on the Facebook group is getting very excited. Some people are leaving in as little as 3 days! For me, it's still 35, but if time keeps going as it is, July 12th will be here before I know it! I am getting excited too - at the moment, I'm more excited for my pre-Disney adventures than I am about Disney I think! Los Angeles is the first stop, with Ashley's family offering to take us anywhere we want to go while on our stopover. Santa Monica is DEFINITELY on that list, especially because it will be summer, and I probably won't get a chance to get to Santa Monica when I'm in LA by myself in January. Also very excited for Universal Studios/Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as well as our planned shopping day at Walmart, Florida Mall and Premium Outlets. Not to mention the final Harry Potter film!

Can't wait! I just gotta keep pushing on with saving so I have enough moolah to enjoy it all!

xx

Universal Express!

I've been posting a lot lately! But it's getting so close now, so a lot of exciting things are happening!

My last post was just a quick video about the Walt Disney International College Program for anyone who stumbles across this blog and wants to know more about what I'm doing :) The video makes me even more excited!

Today Keri and myself were discussing our two days at Universal Studios and Island of Adventure (AKA Wizarding World of Harry Potter). We are going in the middle of July, so crowds are going to be at maximum. We discussed the pros of getting Express Passes for each of the days we are at the parks. Unlike the Fast Passes at Disney, you have to pay for the Express Passes at Universal. Because we're going in July, the price goes right up. They also only have limited passes available for each day.

Basically, the pass allows you to skip to the front of the line for nearly all the rides and shows (some of the most popular rides are not included however). You can use the pass once for each ride. We decided that the passes are worth the price - it means we will get to ride every ride in the parks at least once, and rather than possibly being stuck with randoms (if we went in the single rider line), it means we get to ride together!

So me and Keri have purchased our Express Passes online. Hopefully Ashley and Jessica will be keen to buy them as well, otherwise they will be standing in lines all day while me and Keri will be skipping past everyone! The passes are going to be great because we will get to do all the rides, leaving more time for looking around, and shopping, and going back to rides we really enjoyed!

All up it cost me just over $95USD, but I am sure that it will totally be worth it.

Bring on July!!

Disney International College Program

Bring on July!

Hey readers!

So with my visa interview completed, I though that I had everything for America and Disney paid for.

Until I was casually scanning through the Disney Checklist that came in the Welcome Email (which remember, I never received. But someone gave me the link for the checklist luckily). Anyways, the Checklist mentioned a non-refundable Housing Assessment Fee of $100USD that has to be paid before we leave for America. A quick email to STB confirmed that we had to pay this, so today I jumped online and managed to log on to the website (a few other people haven't been able to log on yet). I wanted to get the fee paid as soon as possible, since I have everything else sorted, and today the exchange rate hit an all-time high so the timing was perfect!

After entering my passport number, flight details and arrival time into Orlando as well as my credit card details for payment, the website brought up this confirmation:

Dear JESSICA:

Greetings from the Walt Disney World Resort!. You are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime with International Programs. We hope you are as excited to join our team as we are to have you!

Thank you for your Program Assessment Fee. This is your official confirmation that an apartment and position have been reserved for you!

That last sentence makes me so happy! Like, it is actually real, and they are really expecting me! There is no turning back now (not that I would be turning back anyway!)

This weekend I'm going to pull out my suitcase and carry-on suitcase and start chucking things in there that I want to take but don't need at the moment. I need to write a list of things I still need to buy and a list of things I'm going to take with me. I can't believe tomorrow is June! Time is flying by so fast!!

Hopefully my passport and visa will arrive back in the next few days :)

Til next time,

xx

Visa Approved!!

So I sit here writing this out with the wonderful knowledge that somewhere, right now, my visa is being processed :D

My interview was this morning, at the Consulate General in Auckland. Quite daunting for someone who has never done this type of thing before! The big (and I mean BIG) security guard took my bag, scanned it through the xray machine, then scanned me (luckily I didn't beep!), and let me through locked doors into the main room. There, a nice man on the other side of some thick glass took all my documents and scanned my fingerprints and told me to take a seat.
I was only waiting about 5 minutes, if that, when my name was called.
I spoke to a nice lady, who asked what I was going to be doing in the states, and if I like Auckland Uni because her daughter wants to go there, and then we started talking about media studies (my major). It didn't feel like an interview at all, and it calmed my nerves! Our chat only lasted a couple of minutes, and she said "Right, you're all sorted, it will be sent next week".
And that was it! Easy!

So, the moral of the story is definitely don't stress about the visa interview (like I was!). As long as you have all your forms and things, you'll be fine!! I was in and out within about 20 minutes.

As I had about four hours to kill before my lecture, I decided to cross another thing off my America Preperation list, and go to STA and apply for my ISIC Student ID Card (that I can use at lots of places in the states to get discounts!). Because I had just come from my visa interview, it meant I had a passport photo and my uni transcript, which you need to appy for the card, so it was perfect timing really! It only cost me $25, and hopefully will save me lots of money when I'm over in America!

The exchange rate was really good this morning, so I brought another $500NZD worth of american dollars. The Loaded for Travel card is awesome, I can top it up straight from my bank account!

Now all thats left to do for America is to save save save for spending money, plus pick up a few bits and pieces, like new contacts, anti-jetlag pills, my HUGE supply of medications, and whatever else I might need.

I can't believe its nearly June. It's gonna be 12th July before I know it! Argh!!
Til next time,

xx

Welcome Pack!

After months of waiting, it finally came - my welcome pack!

I was so excited to get this, even though I knew it was mostly going to be full of paperwork. The letter from Disney welcoming me to the company is so cool though!

Mostly I was anxious to get started on my Visa application process. From what I had heard from other people who had received their packs before me, this process is very confusing. And I learnt that for myself! The first online form I had to fill out was simple enough - it was the DS-160 that was difficult! Twice I lost my entire application because it didn't save properly, and then it was a mission trying to sort out a photo! But I got there in the end, and completed the form tonight.

Now I just have to ring up and make an appointment at the US Consulate here in Auckland for my interview, and get all the application and SEVIS fees paid for. I definitely cannot wait until this whole process is done, and I have that visa in my passport!

It's been so difficult getting all this visa stuff sorted as well because at the moment I have been swamped with uni assignments - four in one week! (Although, my procrastination is mostly to blame here). But, those are nearly out of the way and then I can focus nearly entirely on preparing for America! (Apart from those pesky exams in June >.>)

Right, that's enough for now, I'll update again after I have had my visa interview... hopefully with good news!!!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!
Hope you are all eating lots of chocolate and having a great day!


Less than three months to go now!

Update!

Hey guys!

So 91 days aye. Aahhhhh!!! Scary!! Exciting!!

Haha. Time is flying by like crazy. It's gonna be July so soon! I've even worked out that I only have 6 paydays left before I leave NZ.. that makes it seem so soon.

So whats new.. Welcome Packs are on their way, some July intakers already have their emails telling them that they have been sent. Of course, being me, I haven't got it yet, but I am assured by STB that I will get it very soon. Yay! I can't wait to get my visa interview booked and paid for, since that's the last major thing on my to-do list for America.

Since I last posted, I have booked my hotel for the night before I fly out of Orlando. I'm gonna be staying at Hampton Inn Orlando Aiport. I booked here because they have a free airport shuttle, and they're not that far from the Airport which is great seeing as my flight to LA is at 7am (!), meaning that will be a very early morning for me! Haha.
Speaking of that particular flight, I found out it had changed, and now instead of a direct flight, I'll be flying via Chicago. So that's a bit exciting. Sucks that I'll only be in Chicago for an hour haha, but still, thats one more state I can say I got to visit!

I have also sorted out my money issues for America. Today I brought a Loaded for Travel card from the postshop. It's basically a prepaid visa card, that holds US dollars, that I can use for eftpos transactions and atm withdrawals. Even better is that I can top it up with money straight from my internet banking and there are no fees for eftpos transactions. Perfect!

I love that I have all the big stuff paid for now. I know people must think I'm ssuuuuupppperr organised, considering I've planned everything right to the detail, right up until I come back home again haha. But I'm happy about it.. I like to be organised, and now I have less to stress about now that flights and insurance and everything is paid for! Now most of what I can save is spending money (woo!), and to pay for bits and pieces like my 'professional' clothes, luggage ties, international sim card and stuff..

Til next time

xx

It's April!

It's April. That is fantastic because it means our welcome packages will be arriving very soon. So exciting! I cannot wait to get that little beauty in the mail! Mostly because I want to get my visa sorted out asap as that is the only thing I have left to pay for.

Yup, that's right. I have literally paid for everything for my trip except my visa.

Flights, pre-disney accommodation, my contiki, my LA accommodation, and my travel insurance!

Such a huge relief to have it all paid for already.. it means everything I save in the next 3 months, will mostly be spending money! Awesome!

So I paid for my insurance this morning. It cost me $549, which was great, because Flight Centre price-matched with 1cover for their insurance by Travelsure (who was the travel insurance company recommended by stb). I LOVE that Flight Centre price match, because if they didn't, it would've cost me over $1000 for insurance, and I just didn't want to have to pay that much!

I'm so happy that most of my trip is paid for and organised! Can't wait to get my visa done. Nearly double digits! :D

Rant!

So remember way back all those posts ago when I mentioned this welcome email we are supposed to get from Disney and that I (along with some other people) hadn't received it yet?

Well with just over 3 months out from Disney.. and I STILL haven't received it. And to make matters worse, everyone else that I know of that were waiting have since received theirs in the last week or so. So I have emailed Disney and STB, who are waiting on a response to find out whats going on.

I hope it comes this week, otherwise I might have to ring them up and see whats happening, because I don't want not having received it to affect me receiving the welcome package which is supposed to come in the next few weeks. Kinda panicking because I seem to be the only one left who hasn't received it.. hope this doesn't happen with the welcome pack too!!!

Ok, rant over. I'll update you when I have finally received it.

Bucket List

Just a quick note to inform you that I've created an America Bucket List (just like everyone else seems to do!)..

So it's up there on the tab.. feel free to have a look or leave me a comment!

123 days.. woohoo!

So Much Planning!

Hey everyone

SO in my last post I was talking about planning all my post-Disney adventures with Contiki. Unfortunately, I left it too late to book my L.A Explorer 4-day Contiki so it was all sold out :( So that was disappointing, but at least I was able to book my 8-day Western Highlights tour, from LA to Vegas. So I'm happy about that! I booked that today, putting down my deposit. I was only able to book 2 nights at the Kyoto Grand Hotel (where Contiki departs from), which meant I had to find somewhere to spend the other 2 nights that I am in LA.

After scouring various websites, I came across a hostel which is right in the heart of Hollywood, and that actually had really good reviews - USA Hostels Hollywood. Private rooms are $92USD per night, which sounds expensive for a hostel, but considering it's location, and the fact that they offer free wireless internet, and free all-you-can-eat pancakes for breakfast, I figured it was a good deal - especially compared to hotels that are so expensive in Hollywood! So I have booked myself into the hostel for the 7th and 8th of January. The great thing about it is that I don't pay anything until I arrive and check-in which is great, since I have to be super careful with my money at the moment! I just have to make sure I put enough aside to pay for it haha.

Another great thing about this hostel is the tours they offer! Unfortunately, since I am only there for 2 nights, I miss out on most of the good ones they offer, but there is a hike up to the Hollywood sign for sunset which I will definitely be keen for! I've decided I will probably take some Starline Tours around LA to fill my 4 days before I leave on my Contiki. Of course, I'm terrified about being alone in the big city, but I'm hoping I will cope (or I'll find someone else at Disney who wants to join me!)

Well thats it for now.. next time I update, hopefully I'll have received my welcome package!

Time to knuckle down and save like crazy!

xx

Update :)

Hi readers!

So just a little update for you today. I spent a somewhat stressful hour or so in the Flight Centre talking to my travel agent Stephen about changing my flights home and booking my Contiki trips.

I had been tossing up, going back and forth about what I was going to do next January after Disney with my 30 days of travel in the USA. I like to be super organised and have a plan of exactly what I'm going to do.. but I wasn't sure if I should plan out my post-Disney travel or just wing it. But, my organised self won over, and I made the decision to book my Contiki trips and change my flights accordingly. I found the flights online, and thinking it would be a simple change, went into the Flight Centre today.

Turns out changing the return flights was not as simple as I had anticipated. It has to do with seat classes, and having to book flights with the same class in order to avoid fees (I don't know, it doesn't really make sense to me haha!). Anyway, with the flight home that I wanted, the booking class that I originally booked with were unavailable. Which meant I had to upgrade my seats to the most expensive (yet still economy) seats. Which meant paying another $395. So that was very disappointing, as that was money I thought I would be able to put towards my Contikis. So all up, my return flights cost me $3000. Disappointing, and I sort of wish that I had've tried to get cheaper one-way tickets. But that works out to $1500 each way, so really it's not too bad. I'm just glad its sorted now.. and I definitely won't be changing again!

Next was to book my two Contiki tours (that I had mentioned previously). We are waiting on Contiki to confirm, then I will be going in to put down the required $400 deposit. And then I will be officially as broke as!

So my new flight itinerary is:

12th July 2011: Auckland - Los Angeles

12th July 2011: Los Angeles - Orlando

7th January 2012: Orlando - Los Angeles

18th Januar 2012: Los Angeles - Auckland

After I pay my Contiki deposit, I am planning to draw up some sort of budget, just to work out how much I have to put towards the rest of my Contikis, insurance and visa, plus whatever else I have to buy/pay for before I leave. I'm sort of stressed, because now I don't know how much money I will have as spending money before Disney start paying me. Ah.. stress stress!!

=]

Until next time

xx

Universal Studios :D

Wow, if I wasn't excited before (well I was), I'm even MORE excited now!

I just booked our Universal Studios Vacation package, for the three days that we are in Orlando before we have to check-in at Disney.

Keri found the package, and we were all on board straight away. If you remember, the four of us (Keri, Ashley, Jessica and myself) were originally planning on staying at Disney's Pop Century resort. However, Keri managed to find us a great vacation package through Universal which included accommodation for 4 nights, a 3-day ticket to Universal Studios and Islands of

Adventure (where the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is), breakfast at the Three Broomsticks (!), free transportation to the parks, early entry into the parks (so we can beat the crowds), and free entry to all the bars at Universal Citywalk - for those of us 21 ;)

And the best part about the package was that it worked out to $199USD each. For everything that I just mentioned. And that was with 1 night free. So that was an amazing deal, considering that a 3-day ticket to Universal is over $100 on its own. The other awesome thing is the early entry, especially because there is a Harry Potter convention on in Orlando during those dates, and the final movie opens up on the 15th. Early entry will be a must to survive the craziness!

So the hotel we will be staying at is the Econolodge Inn & Suites Orlando.

Jake, Elissa and Reece have also booked the same package as us, but they will be staying in a different hotel. But we have booked breakfast on the same day, so that makes 7 of us so far in our awesome Universal group! It's crazy to think that in 5 months we will be dining in at the Three Broomsticks, drinking butterbeer :D (Yes, be jealous!)

So, that makes flights and pre-disney all booked and paid for. It's so exciting. This weekend I'm heading to the travel expo. It will be a busy day - I'm hoping to sort out my insurance (if 1cover are there), book my 2 contiki trips for January 2012 after I finish at Disney, talk to flight centre about changing my return flights and about checking in so that me and Ashley will be able to sit together since she will be checking-in at Christchurch and I will be in Auckland, and besides all that, apparently Disney will be there doing presentations about the parks! (According to Jake who got dvds and all sorts of exciting things at the Melbourne travel expo).

I also had a go at making a video blog today.. but the audio and video was like 30 seconds out of sync, which meant most of the time my mouth was moving and no sound was coming out. So that was annoying. I think I should stick to regular blogging.

Still haven't got my welcome email from Disney.. so I will be chasing STB up on that shortly since Keri got hers the other day..

Well, thats it for now,

Until next time

xx

Time to Save!

So the last few days have me planning my post-Disney travel.. I've been going back and forth on a few ideas for a while, but I think I've finally settled on a plan:

My program finishes on the 6th January, so I am planning on doing two Contiki tours. The LA Explorer starting on 8th January, and then the Western Highlights tour which starts immediately after, on January 11th - 18th. I'm so excited about doing these tours because they visit some places that I have been dying to see for ages! Especially Hollywood, Vegas and Route 66. Contiki was also the best option for me since I'll be travelling alone - although hopefully I'll meet people at Disney who are keen to join me!

So now it's just a matter of booking them and paying them off. I think I'm going to wait for about a month, so then I can change my return flights at the same time (January 2012 flights should be out by then!). Ah so now the intense saving has to begin. I want to pay the Contiki tours off before I leave for Orlando in July, so thats just over $2000 I have to be able to save (and hopefully I'll be able to save spending money while I'm out at Disney - I'll have to be veeerrryy wise with my paychecks haha)..

Argh it sounds so daunting - I've never been the best at saving! But I know it will be SO worth it come next January, so I'll just have to keep reminding myself that every time I go to buy food, or shoes or clothes that I really DON'T need!!!

July can't get here fast enough!!

xx

Flights!

So, today it is official! I have my flights booked and paid for in full!

It still seems like July is forever away. But I wanted to book flights early because they just keep going up in price, and the cheaper the better.

So it took us a while to find a flight that we were all happy with, but we finally did. So me and Ashley are flying together from Auckland to LA with Qantas on Tuesday July 12th, departing at 1:05pm and arriving at 6:30am. Then we have a 15hour layover at LAX (ugh), where we will meet up with Keri, who is flying in from Australia.

We then fly out of LAX at 10:35pm, arriving at Orlando at 6:18am on Wednesday 13th July. I think we are going to be staying at Disney's Pop Century resort for the 3 nights before we go check-in at Disney, but we haven't booked our room yet. Thursday and Friday (the 14th and 15th) are going to be spent at Universal Studios and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, meeting up with Karina and Ariesha and whoever else wants to join us!

I'm so excited! It feels a little bit more real now :) I can't wait until I have the flights in my hand and the visa in my passport!

A 15 hour layover at LAX airport is not ideal. But Ashley has an aunt in LA that might be able to take us somewhere. I'm also looking around to see what people suggest for long layover in LAX. Hopefully there might be a hop-on hop-off tour we can jump on. It all depends on what time Keri arrives in LA and what time we have to be back at the Airport for check-in and stuff.

I still haven't heard anything from Disney or STB, but I've flicked them an email just to make sure they aren't waiting on anything from me, so we'll see what they say.

182 days to go :D

Until next time,

xx

190 Days :)

So, it's officially 190 days until my program starts. If this year is anything like last, the time is just going to FLY by so fast!

I've started thinking about all the things I need to get organised before I leave. There's so much stuff I need to buy or do before I go. My saving has been going backwards over the last few weeks, so my first priority is to get that back on track in order to pay for all the things I need to buy before I leave. Some of the majors are

- Insurance!!

- New glasses

- A huge supply of contact lenses

- Another battery for my camera

- "Professional Clothes"

- Adapters/ Voltage Converters

But the list is much, much bigger than that!

First up, however, is flights! And that is the biggest cost - probably going to take up all my savings I have at the moment. Monday is my next day off from work, and I'm planning on visiting a bunch of travel stores (Air New Zealand, STA, Flight Centre and Student Flights) to get quotes on the flight me and the other girls want to take to Orlando. Once we get quotes, I think we are all going to book the same flight.

I still really want to book the Air NZ flight on Tuesday 12th July, so I'm hoping that the other girls want that flight as well. Fingers crossed that I can get a good deal for us :)

Until next time,

xx