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!