Days off, newbies and Christmas shopping!

I've had the last couple of days off work and it's been brilliant! Just the fact that I don't have to be anywhere or doing anything at a specified time is amazing!

On Thursday, they run a bus from The Commons to the mall. I decided to catch that one but we waited and waited and it never came. The buses here are really unreliable. As there were a group of us, we decided to get a taxi to the Florida Mall instead. Then, when we arrived, we all went our seperate ways.

I spent loads of time at the magic stall. It's alot cheaper than Magic Masters at Downtown Disney but the products are the same. I've stocked up on a few magic tricks so I can keep entertaining the guests. I also spent rather more than I meant to in the Body Shop and Waldenbooks. Plus there are so many clothes shops.....it's a pretty decent mall and I had a great time. They have this one shop which sells weird gadgets and I found something really cool which I bought for my little brother for Christmas. I'm not sure if he has my blog address so I can't say what it is but I know he'll love it. It was on sale so I had to get it there and then. I cannot believe I'm Christmas shopping in August! However, I've really got to start watching the money now! Oooppps!

On the way home from the mall, I called in at the Premium Outlets behind the Commons. They have these weird cakes that are just giant chocolate chip cookies. I bought one and got it iced with "Congratulations Nicola, from all of your friends". Nicola got her university results yesterday and she got a first! We threw her an impromptu party in the evening. Lauren N and Pippa sorted out some food and we all went round to congratulate her. I think she had a good night.

Later on, we all decided to go on to Bennigans as most of the UK were there. It was late and the next bus wasn't for ages (plus, it probably wouldn't have shown anyway) so we walked! It was quite a distance but luckily the rain had stopped and it was a peaceful evening. As TS Fay has dumped so much rain, there are loads of deep ditches next to the road and we were all really nervous about alligators maybe being in them. We gave them a wide berth.

Bennigans was great! Loads of people were there and they were all in a good mood. It was like a regualr bar but you know everyone in there. It was alot of peoples last nights so we gathered around for a "last song". What happens is you make a circle round the people leaving and then sing the Greenday song, "Good Riddance". It was actually really moving and all the people in the middle were in tears. Most of them told me to really enjoy this year as it will fly by so fast. It was a fantastic night and I didn't get to bed until about 3.30pm.

This morning, I called round to the newbies apartment. We have two new girls for UK Food and Bev and unfortunately they are both called Lauren! That brings our running total to four Laurens! They are gonna need some nicknames! Still, they seem really cool (though I only met one of them). I'm not a newbie anymore! Blimey!

Disney Day Off!

Here's the video of my apartment here at The Commons. I know I sound a little bit overexcited and hysterical but I had been up for 23 hours straight and hey, it's Florida!!!!

Right, where did I get up to? Oh yes, Thursday morning.

On Thursday, we didn't have to be anywhere until 12.30pm so everyone woke up in their own time and we all ended up drifting round to Tino's and Andy's. For some reason, that seems to be our meeting place! It was Nicola's 22nd birthday and Tino (bless him) had cooked her a cheesecake from scratch. Rhys brought over candles which they put on the cake before sticking it in the fridge. Weirdly enough, the candles wouldn't light! Still, we pretended they were lit and sang "Happy Birthday" and we'd all got her cards and presents.

We headed up to the clubhouse at 12.25pm where we had to sit through more meetings about paperwork. We also had an immigration talk but that had a cute presentation featuring pictures from Toy Story so that was interesting. My God, I'm such a child! We had the opportunity to sign up for Partners which is an american bank. I signed up so my paycheck will automatically go into the bank account and I'll be able to access it by card. It's alot easier than having to take the paycheck to Walmart every week and paying $2 to have it cashed. At the end of all the sessions, we had to pass the "Disney Look" table where a couple of CM's (cast members) checked to make sure you were "Disney Look". I passed with no problem but a couple of the girls were told they were wearing too much makeup.

Once we'd finished all the sessions, we all met up and went out to Downtown Disney to celebrate Nicola's birthday properly. We took the bus that they provide here and headed straight for the Rainforest Cafe. We were given a time to return (8.30pm) so we spent the time checking out the Disney Marketplace. I have seen so much stuff that I want to get with my discount but we don't get our discount cards until Traditions (Saturday). Still, the time flew and we were seated in the Rainforest Cafe. For those of you who have never been to one, it's a themed restuarant. It's like you're sitting in a rainforest and every now and then they're a storm and all the animatronic animals go nuts. The food was quite nice and as it was Nicola's birthday, Lauren told the waitress. She said Nicola could have a free sundae or a volcano (that's a dessert mountain of brownie, ice cream and cream). We went for the volcano becasue it sounded like it was free. Unfortunately, we were charged for it and when we questionned it, the waitress got really snotty. At the end of the meal, we noticed that she'd added $40 to the bill as a tip! That's about £22! Well, being British, we decided not to pay for rubbish service so we took the tip off, left enough to cover the food and scarpered! We didn't get back to The Common's until gone midnight! Still ,it was still a great night out.

It was our day off today but as we haven't got a Disney pass yet, we couldn't go to the parks. Instead, some of us went to Typhoon Lagoon and some went to Wal-Mart and some others went back to Downtown. I love the way we can all do our own thing when we want to but we still get together in the end. I spent the day at Downtown checking out the shops. There's a HUGE Virgin store here and we will eventually get a 15 - 25% discount there! There's also a magic shop and various Disney stuff, it's awesome.

It's Traditions tomorrow and we're all up for 7.30am so I'll sign off here. Thanks for the comments everyone! If you have any questions about what to expect when you get out here, let me know!

Nic's just rang. She's at Tino's with Rhys and they're ordering pizza so I'm signing off here to go and get some pizza with Vikki!

Bye for now!

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!

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!