Almost 2 years since I went.. sorry I didn't update!

Wow, so I've just discovered that this blog is still online!
Just reading through everything, it's crazy, it brings back so many great memories. It's coming up to 2 years since I left for Disney, I cannot believe it's been that long!! I realise that I was completely useless at keeping the blog up to date while I was over in America which I now really really regret because it would have been nice to have a record of everything. But I guess I was just having too much fun to keep posting. If I could go back in time, I would definitely make sure I did regular updates.. ahh hindsight is a wonderful thing.

According to the stats, people are still checking out this blog, so I hope that at least the posts I did make have helped the people who have made the awesome journey to Walt Disney World to embark on their international program.

Obviously, I can't recall every single thing I did in my 6months in America, but I will do a recap as a kind of final post for this blog.

Firstly, I have to say that going on the Walt Disney World International College Program was the absolute BEST decision I've ever made. I made some really good friends, had an amazing time and met great people from all around the world.

Vacation Planning
I'm so glad I chose this role at Disney - I met some awesome people from America at this job that I'm still friends with today. I loved the perks of the job - getting free tickets to special events at Magic Kingdom (i.e Christmas and Halloween Parties), getting disney gift cards for reaching sales targets, great hours, air conditioning and getting to watch the 3 o'clock parade on numerous occasions while on parade audience control (even though I hated that particular job!!). If anyone whose reading this is considering what role to choose, I'd definitely recommend Vacation Planning.

Night-life
The disney local is House of Blues in Downtown Disney - Sunday night was the night all the college program kids would be at House of Blues because it was 'industry night' so it was cheap, and also girls got free drinks until midnight. The only downside to House of Blues was how jam-packed it always was inside. If you lost your friends, it was almost impossible to find them in their again!
Downtown Orlando also had some great places - the party bus would go to Makos (which has been closed down now) which was seedy and great at the same time. We also had a fave which was Chillers (a rooftop bar which had $1 alcoholic slushies - so good!) And we always had to end the night with a delicious Five Guys burger.. om nom nom. Bdubs was another popular party spot as well, but I didn't go there too often.

The Parks
Definitely take advantage of the free entry to the parks. I tried to go to the parks as much as I could - even went by myself on many occasions! Even so, there were still some things I didn't do because the parks were always so busy. A highlight for me was definitely the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot  - loved going around and trying food from all the different countries. Soo good. Spent New Years Eve at Epcot as well, the atmosphere was awesome (mostly because it's the only Disney park that sells alcohol haha) and the fireworks were awesome.
Resort-hopping was also fun - although I didn't go to all of them, which again, I regret. But if you have the time, definitely go around the resorts and just walk around and check them out, they're pretty amazing. Especially if you are there at Christmas like I was. The decorations are amazing at that time of year!

Shopping
The shopping in America is crazy good. I ended up having to buy another suitcase to come back home with, as well as having to send a few boxe of stuff back home too! The premium outlets are so close to the disney housing and we went there all the time. Such good buys and designer stuff (like Guess) was soo cheap! Florida mall was also amazing, but so massive! I only went there a couple of times because the outlet malls were good enough. Disney shopping was also awesome, especially around Christmas because our discount went up to 50%. I bought so many Disney souvenirs!

All in all, I LOVED my time in Florida. Whilst there, I was given the opportunity to extend my program from 6months to 1 year but at the time, I was starting to really miss home and also had no money left (the pay was pretty crap lol) so I didn't extend. Sometimes I wish I did, but mostly I'm happy I didn't. I also ended up canceling my Contiki that I had planned for after I left Orlando, mostly because by that point I just wanted to get home and again, had no spending money. I instead went to Disneyland/California Adventure for 3 days and then went straight home, which I'm glad I did. Disneyland and California Adventure was pretty cool!

Now, a year and a half since I've been back, and I'm now planning a trip back to America with Keri (my disney roomie and bestie!). I didn't do much travelling when I was in America last time, so this time, we are planning to go for 6 weeks and do lots of traveling around. I may start a blog for this trip, but need to make sure I'm dedicated to updating it before I do.

Thanks for everyone whose read and continues to read this blog. Sorry I didn't update it, but I hope I helped in some way. And if you're considering the Disney World International Program, stop thinking and just DO IT!!

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..