I'm here!!!!

Well, I’m finally here in Florida! Yay! It’s so difficult to believe as I seem to have been counting down for absolutely ages. However, it’s true. I really am writing this while sitting at a desk inside apartment 1615 of The Commons!

Tuesday’s flight went fine. I got to the airport in plenty of time and met up with Tino, Lauren, Nic, Josh, Andy and another Lauren. We all went and had a drink and then we boarded the plane. The flight was a very long one. I was sitting next to Tino but time still went fairly slowly. The others were all sitting together, except for poor Lauren who was on her own, bless her. However, every time I went over, she was happily chatting with the people next to her. Finally, the flight was over and we all collected our luggage and made our way out of the airport. We hung around a bit because we were meant to be meeting Pippa but eventually we figured she must have gone on ahead so we caught a taxi to Vista Way.

When we arrived at Vista, Pippa was already there. We were welcomed by some cast members and given an envelope full of information, plus our room keys. We also had to watch a short video. It wasn’t very long, only about five minutes. After that, we were taken to our accommodation. The room numbers are four digits and the first two tell you which building you’re in. I’m in building 16 which is about smack bang in the middle. It’s only a short walk up to the clubhouse.

I arrived at my apartment and unlocked the door. Oh my goodness! The apartments are huge! I think I could play badminton in our bathroom! I made a video in which I sound hysterical but this place really is gigantic! I noticed some luggage in one of the rooms and I checked the luggage tag but there was no name. I noticed the letters PHL so I guessed my roommate was from the Philippines. I unpacked some stuff and then headed up to the clubhouse to catch the bus to Wal-Mart. Unfortunately; they don’t run the bus to Wal-Mart on a Tuesday so I had to get a cab. It cost $12 each way so it’s not a cheap way of doing things but I desperately needed bedding. I shot round Wal-Mart and then caught the taxi back.

When I got in, a very pretty blond girl came towards me. I remember thinking, “she doesn’t look very Philippino”. She wasn’t. Her name is Vikki from the UK (yes!) and she flew via Philadelphia (hence the PHL). She’s really nice and after chatting for a while, we went to bed.

Around midnight last night, I heard a noise in the front room. I came out to see who it was and met our other two roommates who had just arrived. Saudi and Nami from Japan. They’re doing food and beverage too. By this time I’d been up for 23 hours so I muttered an apology and went to bed.

I woke up early on Wednesday (I must still be on British time) and had a shower. The shower here is great; it’s so easy to use. I put my hair up because today we had to be “Disney Look” from the shoulders up. Then we went up to the clubhouse. We met up with everyone else and we also met Heather from the UK. She’s been out here for a while and had come to meet us. Next Wednesday she’s invited us all to a “get to know everyone” party which should be good.

The morning was spent doing boring but necessary paperwork. We had to pay the housing assessment fee and they take a photo for your Disney ID. They also go through the 1001 ways you can get terminated. Then we were let loose for the rest of the day. I went back to Wal-Mart to get some groceries plus some “roommate bits”. There are a few things the roommates share (such as toilet roll, cleaning supplies, bin liners etc.) We each put in $10 and I got it all while I was there. I took my suitcase along because there was no way I could have carried it all back otherwise. I struggled as it was. Still, we now have dish cloths and tea towels and all the other bits and pieces we need.

I plugged into the Internet in the evening. For the people coming out, you need to get a Cat 5 Ethernet cable for Internet access (if you have a laptop). You just plug it in and away you go. It’s quite easy. I was able to Skype my mum and let her know I arrived safely. For the rest of the evening, I hung out with the others and Andy and I went out for food. Then it was straight back to bed.

It's now Thursday morning and I haven't got any sessions until 12.30pm so both me and Vikki are catching up with home. That's all I have to tell you at the moment but I'll write again soon!

Here I goooooooo.........

Okay, I leave tomorrow! I am sooo excited but also kind of nervous. When I think about Florida, I feel excited but a little bit sick. Guess that's to be expected.

I met up online with a few of the others I've been talking to. We're all on the same flight so we checked in online and picked our seats. I'm in 15A, right next to the window and I'm sitting next to the amazing Tino (complete drama queen!) We have loads of leg room but I think we have to open the door if the plane crashes. Hopefully that won't happen!

Lauren, Nic, Andy and Josh are in seats 20 D,E,F and H. That's not too far away from us so we should all know each other pretty well by the end of the flight. I printed out my boarding pass and all of a sudden, it feels real. I'm about to go through and check I've packed everything I can and then I'm going to just relax and chill out because tomorrow is going to be so hectic!

I'm up at 5.00am so I can shower and double check I've got everything. We're leaving the house at 6.30am to beat the rush hour and I'm meeting the others at the bagdrop at 9am. Aside from that, I don't know what to expect. I'm "winging" it!

Sunrise - The Demon Moulting Cat!

I went to town yesterday to use the photocopier in the library. I photocopied all the documentation I'm going to need. I put in too much money and as the machine didn't give change, I ended up with about four extra copies of my birth certificate. Still, I'm sure they'll come in useful.

I finally got round to packing today. I know most people who are going the same day (next Tuesday) are already packed. However, I prefer to do my packing later because I hate having to think "oh, I need that, I can't pack it yet". At least now, all I need to put in is my toothbrush, razor and my diary.

I got everything out onto my bed in order to pack it. I spread it out in piles such as "night stuff", "underwear", "swimwear" etc. I was dashing all over the house trying to find certain items that I wanted to pack. I must have looked through the washing box four times for a certain red top without success. I looked again hours later and it was there. God knows how I missed it!

Anyway, it was hot today and my bedroom is the size of a mousehole and extremely stuffy. I left the stuff on my bed and went downstairs to cool off and watch Friends. I forgot one rather important thing though. My cat, Sunrise. Sunny will sit where ever you don't want her to. Buy her a catbed, she'll ignore it. Put down your visa papers, she'll park herself on top of them! I wouldn't mind so much except she is moulting something awful. I have no idea how she still has fur, the amount I'm finding all over the house. When I'd finished laughing at the exploits of Joey and Chandler, I went back upstairs. Sunny was laying across most of the clothes on my bed! I shooed her off but they were so furry, I almost mistook one of my socks for a mouse and battered it to death! I had to wash everything again. I put the remaining piles in my case then headed for the washing machine. Guess who was sitting in my case when I returned?!? I love my cat, I really do but I swear she was doing her best to wind me up today! Still, I'll miss the little furball.

So, that's my main case all packed. I've got all of Sunday and Monday to think if there's anything else I need to put in there. At the moment, I think I've got everything I need. I still need to sort out my hand luggage but I know what I'm taking in there too so it won't be a major job. I kind of wish I was going tomorrow because then I wouldn't have to wait. Still, the next two days will pass quite fast. I still need to get a couple of case padlocks plus a combination lock for my locker in Florida.

Right, well, I'm off to watch some more Friends. Only three more days!

Disney Look Shoes - NOT!

Today was my sister bonding day with my 14 year old sister, Toni. She asked if we could spend the day together as she won't be seeing me for a year. How could I say no to that?

We went over to Margate, our local seaside town and played in the arcades. We also went bowling and (more importantly), SHOPPING! I used our visit to Primark (I love Primark), to buy a few bits for Florida. Nothing wildly exciting. Just a t-shirt and other small things. I made sure I got Toni some new clothes though. She loved all the attention!

We called in at Shoe Express and I bought a new pair of black work shoes. These shoes are the most comfortable shoes I have ever had and I was really hoping they'd suffice for Florida. However, I'm unsure if they conform to "The Disney Look". I read Jenn's blog (highly recommended), and she said they had to be polishable, black and lace ups. However, later she said that by lace-ups she means "go all the way up". I'll take them anyway. If they're right, GREAT! If not, well, its not the end of the world. They only cost £10!

I've really got to start thinking seriously about packing. I'll give it a go tomorrow. I know roughly what I want to take so it shouldn't be too difficult. I'm a little worried about the duvet and pillows. You have to bring your own bedding and a duvet but if I do that, my luggage will be full before I even pack! Our flight lands at 3.30pm and I am hoping to get the chance to visit Wal-Mart the same day to buy the bedding. If not, it may be an uncomfortable first night! I know alot of the others on my flight are planning on buying their bedding out there too so it won't be just me. Wal-Mart is 24 hours so it shold be possible.

Well, maybe I can start some of the packing tonight? I could at least get stuff in one pile, ready to go. Of course, if I pack my actual bag, Sunny will just climb into it too so I'll have to leave that until the very last minute.

Gotta go.

Owwwww!

Can't...type....Hurts to move.....

In case you can't guess, I went to the beach today. It was a beautiful sunny day and it seemed every man and his dog were out. I spent a little too much time in the sun and...well, lets just say Baz Lurhman was right when he said, "wear sunscreen". To be fair, I did put some on but I missed my back and under my watch strap. Now I make Sebastian from The Little Mermaid look pale! I'd better lather the sun cream quite thickly for my first month or so in Florida. Especially as it'll be the height of summer!

I checked through all my paperwork today to make sure I've got all I need. I'm not sure what's relevant and what isn't so I figure I'll take the lot and then I know I've got the right thing. I need to make photocopies of most of it because I always leave a copy at home with mum just in case.

I've had alot of people ask me what my uniform will be while I'm in Florida. (Disney call it a "costume".) It's....well...it's...okay, words kinda fail me right now. It's not the worst thing I've ever had to wear but as that was basically a clown costume, that really isn't saying much. As you can see, the costume consists of what can only be described as a "peasant" blouse and a long loose flowing skirt. I don't mind the skirt too much but I really hate that blouse! I'm actually shuddering. Still, check out the guys. Are those tights?!? I find it amusing to think that Disney believe this is "authentic costume" for the UK. Maybe back in the 1700's!

I guess I'm lucky to be British. Check out the Canadian costume:As I said, I'm lucky to be British!

I've now got EXACTLY seven days. That's one week for the maths challenged among you. It's so bizarre to think Ill be on a plane this time next week. No, wait a sec....nope, I'd have landed. I would have been in Florida for nearly an hour. God knows where I'll be. Possibly already at the apartment I'm going to be staying at. That reminds me, I haven't mentionned that yet, have I? This is copied from the Disney literature they gave me. So, here's the run down on:

"The Living Situation (Sounds like the name of a horror film)

The buildings are co-ed, although individual units are not. Each apartment features a washer and dryer, fully-stocked kitchen, private telephone line, full-cable TV, and one bathroom for every two or three residents. The bedrooms are each shared by two people. You are assigned to a unit based on space availability, although preferences might be noted. Living with a group of people from around the world is the most interesting and exciting experience, however many people find it difficult. Remember that you must be willing to share a room with someone who may fancy some exotic cuisine, or is foreign to the concept of taking the garbage out before the 'roaches appear to do the job for you. (Doesn't that sound charming?)

Security is provided 24 hours, and residents must show ID to enter after 9:00 pm. Guests are only permitted when signed in by a resident, and can never remain on the property past 1:00 am - this is VERY strictly enforced! The overbearing behavior of security has been an issue in the past, however the service exists solely for the protection of residents. It is simply better to have it and deal with the nuisances which can pop up, than not have it and lose the secure environment within the complex.

Transportation is available to work, the theme parks, and Wal-Mart, of course. (I love Walmart!) These vans haul residents around the area in relative comfort (relative to walking, that is). But they have been known to be convenient, and even reliable on occasion! If you have a car (which I don't...sob) it would be a HUGE asset to bring. Plenty of parking is available at your doorstep

Roommates

Each country is represented by around 100 participants, and apartments are intentionally mixed so you are roomed with someone from another country. (Oh no...this will either be brilliant or absolutely awful. I don't think there's a middle ground.) Lifelong relationships can develop from this grouping, and by the completion of your contract, you will have friends around the world. On the flipside, though, you must learn to deal with the cultural differences which will undoubtedly arise.

Partying is a full-time activity here. (Wa-hay!) Whether with roommates, countrymates, or just about anyone else, the environment is never without a party. Of course, those who want to rest are seldom disturbed, but why rest - this only lasts one year! (Good point)."

There are four Disney complexes. Patterson Court, Vista Way, The Commons and Chatham Square. I'm pretty sure I'll be in "The Commons" but I don't know for certain yet. I'll find out when I get there. Anyway, here's a picture of The Commons, where I THINK I'll be living.

Things are so uncertain right now. There's so much that I'll "find out when I get there". Simple things like "where do I put my toothbrush" to bigger things like "where's the alcohol?!" In a week, I should know the answers to these questions. Plus more besides!

Eight Days and Counting

Wow, time is creeping up on me now. In only 8 days I'll be on a plane on my way to Florida! Yikes, that seems really close now.

I'm all sorted with everything I need to do. I've got my visa, flight ticket and insurance. I've even got my US currency. It feels a little like I'm carrying around the bank set from Monopoly but I'll get used to dollars again. I remember the last time I came back from working in America, I was amazed by the shape of a British 50p piece! It seemed so strange to me after quarters and dimes!

The last few days have been taken up with seeing family and friends to say goodbye. I've been up to Shropshire to say goodbye to my best friend, Louise and yesterday my little brother came down from Norwich to wish me luck. Bless him.

I don't think I really realised before but I'm going to be away from my family for an entire year! That's the longest I've ever gone. In fact, it's twice as long as one of my average trips. I'm going to miss everyone loads but the one I'm most worried about is my little niece, Isobel. She's two at the moment and the most amazing little girl! I'm going to be gone for a third of her entire life! I'm so scared she'll forget her Auntie Tori. I love that little girl so much. When I get back, she'll be three and a half! Nearly school age! Scary.

The next few days are pretty busy for me. Tomorrow I'm going out with my sister, Karen and little Izzy. Then I'm spending Wednesday with mum and my younger sister, Toni, has asked for a "sister bonding day" on Thursday which is really sweet....I'm hoping to start packing on Friday. I know some of the others who are on my flight have packed already but I'll wait a while yet.

Eight days to go. Yikes.....

Introduction, cringeworthy names and nine hour flights!

Hi, I'm Tori. I'm an English girl and I've recently been accepted to be part of the Cultural Representative Program at Disney World in Florida. It's a year long program so I've decided to keep a blog for it. Blogging is a new thing for me. I keep a diary but actually putting all my thoughts and feelings out there on the internet for anyone to read? Well, that's something a little different.

I've done quite a bit of travelling over the last few years (that makes me sound so old!) I've worked at a summer camp, did a bit of repping in France and Menorca, a little backpacking in Thailand and Australia and a bit of volunteering out in Africa. I've also worked for Disney before. I worked onboard the Disney Wonder, one of their cruise ships. The hours were crazy. Seventy hours a week (that's ten hours a day) without a single day off in a four and a half month contract. It was exhausting to the extreme. The video above shows a bit of my life on the high seas! I sound like a pirate!

The hours put me off Disney for quite a while but then I learnt about the CRP (Cultural Representative Program - Disney LOVES acronyms!). You get two days off a week so the working hours aren't so important. I can do 16 hour days if I need to as long as I know I can get some time to recover from it! Over the last few months, I've been organising everything I need for my trip. I've sorted out my flight, got my visa, paid the insurance and even got chatting to a few other people who will be doing the same thing as me. It's nice to know other people are in the same boat as me. This time not literally! I just hope I get on well with everyone. I should do as they all seem really great. Luckily, we're all on the same flight so we'll either become good friends or kill each other on the nine hour flight to Florida. I'm hoping for the former.

The agency that Disney use to recruit people for the CRP is called "Yummy Jobs". It makes me cringe every time I have to say the name as it sounds like I'm 3! Still, despite the vomit inducing name, they're really good at helping you with everything you need. They've sent me ALOT of literature. I've been rereading it to make sure I've done everything and there is now only one thing I still need to sort out. They ask you to provide your own bedding for Florida; sheets, pillows, duvets...the lot. Quick question. Do you know how much room there is left in a standard suitcase after packing a duvet into it? The answer is zero room. Maybe you can get a pen round the edge or a a couple of safety pins but any other luxuries such as clothes will need to be forgotten about. My flight arrives at Orlando at 3.20pm (their time). Hopefully I'll have enough time to nip out to Wal-Mart and buy what I need. Packing it really isn't an option. Especially as my cat, Sunrise seems to have decided all I'm taking is her!