Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride

Wow.

Last time I posted I hadn’t seen my brother and I had five weeks remaining. I’ve now seen my brother and I have one week remaining – two shifts left.

My last day at the Brave Highland Games went by fast; we closed earlier because of rain. I also received my first GSF (Great Service Fanatic) card on my last day too! Glad to say I at least got one before I left. Ben and Hannah arrived on the 9^th, after some hugs we got our room and first thing we did was: laundry. They had no clean clothes left, so off we went and they did their washing. Afterwards we went to Downtown Disney where they got to try Earl of Sandwich (have I said I’m going to miss that place?!) and told Ben to get the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken – he loves his pineapple. We did some brief shopping then headed home, after several stops we finally got home around 12am.

The first park we visited was EPCOT; we secured our fastpasses early for Soarin’ and roamed around Future World waiting for the World Showcase to open at 11am. We started in Mexico and made our way around there – their first character they met at Disney was Mulan over in China. We finished the World Showcase very quickly and had heaps of times to do some random rides – like Journey into Imagination. We rode Soarin’ which I think they enjoyed, I was so happy we got the front row! I think Ben didn’t think it’d be as good as it was. I showed them where I sometimes work at The Land (Garden Grill) and we went over to The Seas to ride Nemo and let Hannah see her sea animals. After Ben ran our shopping items back to the hotel we went on Mission: Space (Orange) which is the more intense version of the ride. After finding there was vomit in the one we were meant to go in, we waited for them to clean it/for the next round to get on. I think they enjoyed that ride. We headed back the hotel for a break then came back to watch Illuminations, and that was our EPCOT day short and sweet.

Animal Kingdom was the next stop of our four parks in four days. I think Hannah was a bit excited, she loves animals a tad too much. We saw Finding Nemo the Musical, rode Prime Evil Whirl, walked around for bit, we had previously gotten fastpasses for Expedition Everest, but of course it stormed when they were due to be used, so we got fastpasses for Dinosaur, decided to line up since it was raining, went on that, got another fastpass for Expedition Everest, saw The Festival of the Lion King, went back to ride Dinosaur again – which might I saw in all the times riding that ride never has the T-Rex right at the end before you leave the meteor shower popped out, so I never knew it was there, of course it pops on out when we’re in the front row. I’m sure you could hear Hannah’s and my screams from the otherside of the park. Finally we got to ride Expedition Everest and I actually found the Yeti for once! We then went around looking at the animals and departed the park before the next storm came.

Next: Hollywood Studios. A small park, we were done with it very early, no surprise there. But Hannah found one of her favourite rides: Tower of Terror. And I think Ben’s was Rockin’ Roller Coaster (for Disney anyway). We saw Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, ate lunch at Pizza Planet just for Ben, went on Star Tours a couple of times where Hannah ended up being the spy, I think she loved being the spy. We saw the 10:30pm showing of Fantasmic, my favourite nighttime show, I hoped they liked it too.

Our final Disney park day was at Magic Kingdom where Hannah found her favourite ride: Space Mountain. We went on Big Thunder Mountain first, Splash Mountain was down for a while so we had to get a second fastpass for that ride, when we were doing that guess who I saw over at the exit? Woody and Jessie! So of course I grabbed Ben (who I swear was excited, just didn’t show it) and we waited in line. Ben finally got to meet characters from one of his favourite Disney films, I even told Woody he was Ben’s favourite, just so he would give him a hug hehe. We went on most the rides: Pirates of the Caribbean, Dumbo, Barnstormer, PhilharMagic, A Small World, Haunted Mansion, Carousel of Progress (I think they loved this one), People Mover, Laugh Floor. We went back to the hotel to rest up for the night and headed back around 6. We had gotten fastpasses for Space Mountain before we left so we jumped on there again, went on Buzz Lightyear’s Ranger Spin then headed on over to meet Minnie and Mickey, neither Ben or Hannah had ever met them before! It was then dinner time, followed by the Magic, Memories and You, Wishes and the Main Street’s Electrical Parade. T’was a long day.

The 14^th, Saturday, was our ‘resting day’ saving our energy for Universal. We slept in and headed over to the Premium Outlets near my housing complex. Once we had finished we walked on over to my apartment to see what I have been living in for the past 7 months. Hannah felt how hard my bed was and I think understands my pain and why I was excited to sleep in a comfy bed at the hotel. When we got back to the hotel Ben read while Hannah and I went to the pool for a bit and that night we went back to Downtown Disney to get a few more items and have dinner once again at Earl of Sandwich.

Universal! I was so excited to go here. ($40 cab ride there, $40 cab ride back – a tad expensive) We hauled ass over to Harry Potter World. There was no way we would be starting anywhere else! I think the grin did not leave my face when we were at Harry Potter World. We rode the Dragon Challenge and then lined up for the Forbidden Journey. Umm. So my eyes were closed for majority of that ride. I survived the dragon part, but once I saw the spiders start my eyes were shut. Thank goodness since I think I would have died if I saw Aragog pop up in front of me. Opened my eyes and we were at the Quddich pitch and what comes along? Dementors. Okay, fine I can do this, yeah up until one popped up right in front of me, eyes closed again. Opened them after Harry sent them away which was pretty much the end of the ride. I bought myself a Gryffindor scarf at the exit (not cheap!) and we made our way out of Potter’s World and into Jurassic Park. We rode (okay I forget the name of the ride) but it’s a boat ride where you get wet. Then continued to make our way over to the Incredible Hulk, 40 minutes later we were hopping into the ride getting ready to scream. I was not expecting to be launched off, so that surprised me, but it was by far the best roller coaster I have ever been on! Afterwards we jumped on Doom’s Fear Fall, yes screams from Amy, and then headed back to Harry Potter to eat lunch at the Three Broom Sticks! Fish and Chips were for lunch with a good old Butterbeer! The drink is AMAZING. So good, yet very filling. We did some shopping – I got myself a chocolate frog, some Berty Botts Every Flavour Beans, then we lined up to visit Olivanders when it started to rain – only lightly at this stage. We got in and I could help but look around, it was great. They chose a kid from the crowd to see which wand chose him and then headed into the store to select our wands. I got Hermione’s, Hannah got Fleur’s and Ben got Sirius Black’s. I also bought a quill whilst I was there. When we got out it was pouring rain. Thunder, lightening, everything. Drenched we were once we got to the exit and to get a taxi. Now our taxi driver – Joseph – was interesting. He definitely made us laugh. He had the funniest laugh and kept joking around, he then learnt I worked for Disney, on came more humour. His favourite thing to joke about was Florida drivers/tourist drivers. We all were chuckling in the back, he said we would remember him and I’m sure we will he was definitely entertaining.

Monday 16, the last day we had together on our holiday. We spent the time relaxing, lucky too since Ben caught a fever – I think it was from walking through the downpour the previous day. We were going to go to Downtown Disney to see The Amazing Spider-Man, but we got down and Ben was burning up. He was keen to go but the bus was taking forever so we went back up. It was a relaxing day, they packed their bags, and we got lunch and dinner from downstairs and then got to bed nice and early.

Tuesday they left, I thought I would be okay saying good-bye, I’d be seeing them in two and a half weeks. Nope, I hugged them both and turned to my brother and balled. I think I was upset that I wasn’t going home with them. Luckily no one was on my bus back to the apartment, because those tears were not stopping. I got back, dumped my bags and headed over to the welcome party at Chatham – my cultural event I had to attend. Afterwards I walked to The Commons to talk about me leaving, I had to go to my manager to tell him and I have to self term, they wouldn’t let me change my program end date.

Wednesday the 18^th I called in, I was moping and wanted to go home. T’was not too cheerful that day. Thursday I had to get my butt to work, as it had been 10 days in a row without working. Crystal Palace 12pm-10pm and it was not a bad night afterall. Friday I had off, and then Saturday I was back at Crystal Palace for the last time 7am-6pm. Again, another good shift thank goodness. I got to hula hoop with my good friend Eeyore – it actually fit around him! Though there was not much space for it to move…  Sunday was another day off, and then Monday came around to begin my week as a Spare. I was pulled to Town Square Flagpole – I was very happy that I got to do my favourite shift before I left! Tuesday, another day off, then Wednesday-Friday Spare 6am-3:30pm once again. Every day I was pulled to do Polynesian Breakfast at the resort. Which I don’t mind, it’s probably my favourite breakfast dining shift, but three days in a row? No change to hang out with my friends TweedleDee and Tweedle Dum before I left, oh well. I’m now finished with working at the Magic Kingdom! Actually made me a little sad, my favourite park and all, but I’m now one week off to going home.

Tomorrow I’m going to see Dark Knight Rises with Mydni, we’re going to celebrate and go to Fork and Screen. I also discovered not everything is going to fit in the bags I have now… I’ve bought too much stuff! So I have to head out and buy a new suitcase, hopefully it’s reasonable prices here. Sunday I’m a Spare at the Animal Kingdom, which means if I am not pulled I’ll probably be hanging out with Brer Fox or Rafiki I’d assume. My last shift is Wednesday night, Character Spot, which is funny since that was my first shift out of training. Nice to end my program at the same place it started.

Anyway that’s all for now! Hopefully I’ll get around to writing before I depart if not… I’ll write when I get back home.

Seize The Day

Hello Hello,

It’s been a while, but the schedules I’ve been having, nothing at work has been exciting. I mean you get the moments that make you smile. For example I met my first Australian guests the other week, when I told them this, the mum gave me a hug. It was slightly awkward, but it made me smile anyway – they were as close as I could get to home, they live just north of Brisbane of all places. Also, I was at the playground where we stand and make sure everything is safe – Disney is big in safety – and I notice a little girl leave without any parents. I watched her go to their stroller looking around with a worried look on her face – she would have been about 5. I asked if she had lost her parents, in which she told me yes. I pointed over at the shaded areas along the perimeter of the playground where there’s seats for the parents, and said that they may be in there. Alas they were when she went to look. But that wasn’t it, it was when they were leaving the playground the girl stopped, holding her mum’s hand, and said ‘thank you very much for helping me find my parents’. The mum goes ‘what are you on about?’ Obviously had no idea her daughter had panicked a bit trying to find them. I told the mum that she had been a bit lost and upset as she couldn’t find them, I pointed out where they may be. I got another thank you from the mum and they were off. It’s not much, but in America manners are somewhat ignored here. So when you get kids thanking you, it’s sort of special.

Besides working at the Brave Highland Games every working day, on my days off I’ve been shopping and last week I saw La Nouba finally with Alex, one of my roommates. It was amazing, I mean it’s Cirque du Soliel need I say anything else? I recommend it to anyone. I’ve missed two of my good friends back home’s birthdays – Emily and Lauren – Happy Birthday girls! They have to be patient as I have their presents with me. I wasn’t too comfortable sending them home, so they must wait. Brave came out on the 22^nd in America, I managed to get free tickets! Thanks to working at the Brave Highland Games, so there was a good thing that came out of it. I saw it on Monday the 25^th, loved it. I actually want to see it again, but I cannot see me having any time in this next month to do so, but that’s okay.

Ben and Hannah left for America on Tuesday, they’re now in the same country as me, it’s made me a little more homesick actually. I think it’s because they’re so much closer, yet I still can’t see them. Thankfully, however, I only have 9 sleeps and 8 days left until I go on my mini holiday with them. Cannot wait to sleep in a comfortable bed, it’s been 6 months and I still haven’t gotten used to this bed, it’s very uncomfortable. And it’s the Beach Club resort, so we’re definitely getting comfy beds.

I walked to Publix yesterday for the first time. It’s really not that long of a walk, but unfortunately security gave me a broken cart, so it weaved side to side too often that it got annoying very quickly. Publix also has some great deals, a lot of ‘buy one get one free’ deals. Today’s Jen’s birthday and we went to Chef Mickey’s for breakfast; it was nice to be a guest there rather than working there for once. Mickey seemed to know me very well, so that was fun to hang out with him for a bit and get some photos. I would post photos, but I forgot my camera so they’re all on Jen’s camera.

Tomorrow I’m back at; you guessed it, the Brave Highland Games. As I said last post, I’m stuck here till it ends on July 8, though I have yet to find out whether I’m working the last day, that I find out tomorrow with the new schedule. Then it’s the 9^th, which means Ben and Hannah are here! I have just under 5 weeks (it was 5 weeks yesterday) until I go home. I’m very excited to go home and earn some actual money! Sorry America, but your pay checks are nowhere near satisfying.

That’s all for now, just thought I’d do an update before it all gets backed up to one huge post, because I’m sure my post about the holiday I will have with Ben and Hannah will be a long post.

Until then!

Song of the South

For once I’ve kept myself somewhat busy this past week, which was fun. Monday after work I stayed at the Magic Kingdom to meet a friend for the afternoon. We wandered around, rode a few rides – I got to finally ride Big Thunder Railroad. I cannot remember the one in Disneyland Paris well, but for some reason I felt the Paris one was better, no idea why though. It was still fun and a long ride so it’s worth the wait if you don’t fastpass it. Tuesday Alex, one of my roommates, and I went to Blizzard Beach since our free entry to the water parks expired yesterday, and neither one of us had been to that one yet. It was a fun day, but nowhere near as fun as our water parks back home – we have a lot more rides and more worth the money in my opinion.

Wednesday brought along my first Spare shift at Animal Kingdom, which turned out to be very eventful. I got to make a new friend – Brer Fox – who appeared on set with Brer Bear. The first two sets was nice and sunny, the third they were only out for about 10 minutes when it started raining. Since they were not under cover, they had to make a run for it offstage for shelter. The rain continued, sideways might I add, and Animal Kingdom doesn’t follow the same rules as the rest of the parks, so the characters were out in that, which in my opinion was ridiculous. The Brer’s were moved to the Kiosks where normally there’s one character in each kiosk, but since no one expected spares the characters had to be moved around, and in the end the Brer’s shared a kiosk with Pocahontas – slightly odd pairing. So the characters still had to go out in the storm, which again: why? Every time they came back from onstage they were soaked, I’m sure the fury character such as the Brer’s, Baloo and King Louis didn’t enjoy it too much.

The follow two days was Crystal Palace, where a guest pulled on Eeyore’s big nose, hurting him. Saturday was my Magic Kingdom Spare shift, where I got pulled for Contemporary Breakfast. Now that brings me to yesterday: Brave Event – Highland Games. Very different from what I’ve been doing for the past 5 months. It was the first day the Games have been open the whole day since there was no rain until later last night. My goodness it was hot. My usual job is hot, but it’s different. A little hard to explain, but where I’ve been for the past 5 months you sweat like there’s no tomorrow for 45 minutes – running down your face, the works. But then you can change into new clothes. This is a different type of heat. You’re in the sun the whole day. Slightly sweating, but not crazy like my usual job, I got sunburnt – I now have a lovely mark where my watch was. You faint. You get sick. Thank you heatstroke, two people ended up going home because of that, I had less than two hours left so I stayed. After being in aircon to cool down I felt a lot better. What I’m worried about is: that was day one. What will the other days be like? Oh. And guess what. I’m stuck there all next week too. Not too pleased about that, plus the fact I was talking to some fellow Cast Members who said that we’re all most likely stuck there until July 8 (the end date of the Games). In that case: LAME, because then the next day my brother comes, by the time he leaves I’ll have 2.5 weeks left of being a performer. I feel like I’ve been cheated, since I expected I’d have a bit more time to say goodbye to my ‘friends’. Oh well, let’s just hope these weeks fly by, and that I don’t get too burnt.

With A Smile And A Song

Hello,

Again, since my last entry not a lot has happened. Work continues on as usual, majority of my time is with my good friend Pluto and at least once a week lately I’m with the depressed donkey: Eeyore. Honestly I haven’t been minding my last few shifts at Crystal Palace, and oddly enough they’ve been the 11.5 hour shifts rather than the 7 hours. I’ve finally made it to June, and with June brought the departure of many Americans and Australians, so our apartment complexes are a little empty at the moment. I’m sure that’ll change very quickly.

Wednesday the 23^rd I went to see Fantasmic with Brittany, who I hadn’t seen for a while, so it was nice to catch up again. That’s probably the most exciting thing that’s happened for the past two weeks. I’ve been working at Chef Mickey’s a lot this past week, which was both nice and repetitive, next week however I get a bit more of a variety. Monday June 4 I’m at Chef Mickey’s, okay besides that day, Wednesday I had a spare shift at DAK, I’m hoping I’ll get to befriend someone new – fingers crossed. 7^th and the 8^th is Crystal Palace, short shifts so it shouldn’t be too bad. It also gives me the opportunity to visit Cast Connections. Saturday June 9 I’m a spare at MK, hopefully that shift I might get to see my friends TweedleDee and TweedleDum. And the other day before I left for work I got a phone call to let me know in the new schedule I’d be working at the Brave Event that’s currently happening at EPCOT. I’m excited to be out and about in the park, to be able to converse with guests by actually using words and not getting fired for it. I saw the costume for it, nothing too exciting: black shorts, white shirt and a green ‘Scottish’ sash.

I hit the 9 week mark yesterday, it’s going by very quickly now, but I’m still looking forward to going home. It’s kind of scary having my life put on hold back home, whilst everyone else’s is moving forward. It’s getting very close to my brother visiting, I cannot wait to vacation with him and Hannah – and to stay at the Beach Club Resort AND finally get to drink a Butterbeer from Harry Potter World at Universal. Let’s hope my new schedule will be interesting and fun, those types of weeks go by quickly.

That’s all for now, nothing too eventful, I’m trying to save to send my Mary Poppins umbrellas home, and for when Ben and Hannah come, oh and for the shopping spree Alex and I have planned. Sometime this month we’re also going to see Cirque du Soleil before the 50% runs out, so I have that to also look forward to.

Under the Sea

Morning!

Well the cruise has been and gone, I got a tan – I swear it’s a first; usually I just burn and go back to white: Thank you Bahamas. I won’t go into a lot of detail about the cruise; otherwise we would be here for days. I worked Sunday and Monday (6^th & 7^th) then had Tuesday off to amuse myself and pack then wait some more for the text message from Lauren saying she’s landed. Alex was a sweetheart and drove me to the Port Orleans Riverside Resort, and Myndi came along for the drive to say hello to Lauren. Thankfully I got a lift as it began to pour down with rain when it was time for me to catch the bus, so again – thank you Alex! We arrived, the girls said their final goodbyes to Lauren and we got our room number and key. Lauren and I stayed in one of the Royal Rooms, which was something we had wanted to do for months, I’m glad we finally got to. It was gorgeous and I loved looking around the room finding the ‘gifts’ left behind from the other Disney princesses for Princess Tiana.

One of the beds in the Royal Room, the bedhead lights up and makes fireworks!

One of the gifts, from Beauty and the Beast

We were up early the next morning as our bags were being collected at 8am, so we disappeared and got breakfast and took a few photos around the resort. Our coach to take us to Port Canaveral wasn’t until 11:15am. Thankfully time went quickly and we were on our way. Our boarding time for our cruise wasn’t until 2pm, but as soon as we go to the terminal, checked in, we were able to board straight away, which was nice. As we entered the ship, one of the crew members announced our names, a tad embarrassing, but fun as well. 6604 was our room number (yay for even number), which meant: we had been upgraded! We had paid for an oceanview room, so that would have been levels 2-3 I believe. But when we got to our room and saw that we had a veranda we were a little excited, I ended up being very grateful for the veranda later that night as I got a little seasick, the aircon didn’t help with my headache and dizzy head, so we opened the door for some fresh air, it immediately helped.

Disney Magic - taken from Castaway Cay

Lauren and I in the terminal, just before we enter the ship

Our dinner time every night was 8:15pm, we chose the second seating to avoid majority of the children. At 6:15pm there was the first Disney show for the cruise – All Aboard! It was just a little introduction show to what we had in store for the future nights. Our first night, we were at Parrot Cay, a colourful restaurant. Thursday we arrived in Key West at about 12pm, but had to be back on the ship by 7pm, we wanted to see the Broadway-style show for that night: Villains Tonight, so we had to be back on earlier to shower and see the show at 6:15pm. We first went into the market area where I bought my first tumbler, Lauren persuaded me to buy one, even if she didn’t realise it! We then walked down the shopping street, ate lunch, then decided to go back near the ship to the beach everyone was recommending and had apparently ‘white sand’. It was $2.50 to go to that beach, I’m not used to paying to visit beaches, and it was certainly not white sand. White rocks would have been more accurate. Honestly I was a little disappointed, I think I assumed I’d be going to a beach similar to home. We swam for a while then it was time to head back.

Key West

The so-called best beach with white sand - Key West

That night dinner was at Lumiere’s, the French restaurant where I tried snails for the first time – yes I liked them. Villains Tonight was a great show with my favourite villain – Hades! – as the main character. The next day was the day at sea, which I can hardly remember. We wandered the ship, went to the pool, ate ice cream, relaxed on the top deck – a whole bunch of nothing, which was fine by me. There was a theme for dinner that night – dress up and yes, people actually wore ball gowns. We ate at Animator’s Palate, where there were sketches along the walls and throughout the night they get colour. It was very pretty. The show that night was Cinderella: A Twist In Time, another great show. Saturday we finally made it to Nassau where I finally did some shopping. I got myself some pearl earrings, necklace and bracelet; I was satisfied with my purchases. Since it was $36 to visit the beach in Nassau, we went back on the ship and enjoyed a very quite pool, then sat on deck 10 (top deck) for a while where I managed to burn my legs, they were very red. Sunday brought along Mother’s Day and our day at Castaway Cay – Disney’s private island. It was gorgeous, ironically enough, my favourite place we went to. There was sand! And the water was so clear it was amazing. Lauren and I got our snorkelling stuff and I attempted to snorkel. Convinced the fish were after me, we didn’t spend that much time looking at them. Afterwards we headed to the 18+ beach where there were no kids, it was very peaceful and we spent most of the day there. On the way back to the ship I managed to find a mother’s day present for mum, she’ll have to wait until August to receive it, but I got her one nonetheless!

Lighthouse at Nassau

Finally met Captain Jack Sparrow!

Castaway Cay 18+ Beach

Me and my smoothie in a coconut shaped cup - Castaway Cay

Monday we were kicked off the ship bright and early, I then had to say my final goodbye to Lauren, then headed back to the apartments.

Since my cruise it’s been work work work. It’s all you really do here, your days off consist of nothing unless you have the effort and money to go to theme parks or shop. Which seeing as I just get the minimum 32 hours a week, I have hardly any $$. I have just under 11 weeks until I go home! I’m looking forward to seeing my family again. My brother comes in 7 weeks and I only really have June left as a full month of working since July is when Ben’s here. We also got our emails about changing roles, I replied requesting to stay in my current role. No reply as of yet though.

Go the Distance

Ooops.

I haven’t updated this for some time. I would say I’ve been busy, which I suppose I have. On my days off or when I started late in the day I’m been doing something (or nothing). Since Give Kids the World not a lot has really happened. Of course, working and a fair bit of shopping, which probably shouldn’t have happened, but sometimes you need retail therapy (or so I try and tell myself).

Saturday 21^st (I think it was the Saturday, it may have been Sunday, either or) Lauren and I went on a massive shopping spree. Lauren took me over to the outlets on I-4, which I found out quickly is a lot better than the outlets we have next to our complexes. We only went in 4 shops and I came out with something form each: Charlotte Russe, Love Culture, Forever 21 and Victoria’s Secret. I was surprised, however, I did buy quite a bit but the end total was about $170, which I suppose I’m use to shopping at home where if I had bought all that at home the total would be a fair bit more. I was finally able to get my summer clothes shopping out of the way, a few shirts, dresses and shorts later – as well as my first bras from Victoria’s Secret. The outlet is definitely worth your while, bras originally $50 down to $15. I will make sure I go back before I leave the program (which I will be – Alex and I made a promise to save a heap, then we can go and just spend it all).

We had a roommate outing on the 24^th to see The Lucky One, which was nice, we’ll have to have more roommate outings in the future methinks. Wednesday the 25^th Lauren and I went to see Chimpanzee in the morning, followed by The Lion king Musical that evening. But first, before we even arrived we stopped for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (no, I did not have cheesecake for dinner mum) I had Fish and Chips, which was a nice change from my diet of…Chicken. The journey to the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre was an interesting one. The way Google sent us was through the ghetto; luckily Lauren’s doors automatically lock when you start the car. She also warned me – no eye contact, so I avoided that. Once we finally got to the parking lot, we went inside and waited for the doors to open to be seated. What was great was that I wasn’t expecting the elephant to come down the aisle during the opening song – Circle of Life – since it seemed very small. Nope! It still made its way down, so that was a nice surprise. It was a great performance, some aspects I had forgotten from the first time I saw it in London. I’m glad I went to see it again.

In the days that followed, I got my Visa stuff sorted for me to leave the country, had to get a formed signed by my manger at work, which was fine until it presented problems later. It was a form to say I had time off for the cruise, which I hadn’t as my requested time off what denied. The manager had signed it anyway as he said I can just give them away or call in personal. Well. Two days later he checks me in for work, then informs me that he was incorrect and that with Disney cruises you can’t call in personal otherwise it’d lead to my termination. Obviously I didn’t want that. So I spent the past week panicking trying to giveaway shifts. I still haven’t given away one last shift, but there’s still a few days until I leave, fingers crossed, although a manager told me that if I can’t give it away that I could do a No Call No Show, which obviously isn’t ideal. Not only does it make things complicated for them (then again that’s what Spares are for) but it’s not the best thing to have on my record. It’ll be the only thing anyway, I’ve got no points so if I have to, that’ll be my solution.

Our roommate, Lauren, had her last night in the apartment on Sunday night, she didn’t finish her program until the 3^rd, but her mum was here so she went and spent the nights in a nice comfy Disney hotel. I’ll be seeing Lauren on Tuesday when she comes back to Orlando for our cruise on Wednesday. We’re staying at Port Orlean’s Royal Room (Princess room as we like to call it), where each princess has left something behind (ie magic carpet from Jasmine etc).

Tuesday I found out some not-so-good news from home, which added to the pile of reasons as to why I should shorten my program and go home early and I pretty much made my mind up on Tuesday/Wednesday that I was going to change my program end date to August 3^rd (hopefully, haven’t spoken to the Programs Office yet about it, I’ll be doing that after the cruise) that date is the date where some Americans finish, so I’ll hopefully finish my program with Alex and Myndi (my two American roommates). Tuesday I went and looked around the outlets near our apartment complex, just to get some prices for a bag I wanted form Verra Bradley. I also made the mistake of going into Steve Madden and saw some boots on sale. But being a good girl I left the outlets empty handed. However…all afternoon I kept thinking I should have gotten the boots (I mean $40 hello?) so…7pm I made my way back and of course they had added to the sale area. $20 pair of wedge heels, so I got those too. And of course, since I was there I went back to Verra Bradley and got my duffle bag for the cruise and when Ben and Hannie come, so I don’t have to cart my suitcase along with me on the housing buses. And…of course I saw the bag I was after for my handbag for when I travel on the plane back home. The one I came over with died, and I need one that fits my large laptop, and because I’m picky, I like one that zips up so when it’s lying on the floor under the seat in front of me, stuff doesn’t go falling out. So I bought that too. My mum would be facepalming or rolling her eyes at me right now as I try to justify my purchases.

Wednesday I went and saw The Hunger Games again, this time with Alex as she couldn’t come with us when all us roomies went. Since then I’ve been working. Yesterday after work I went to MK with Myndi, originally we were going to see the Avengers before going to MK, but they had sold out, we got some characters to sign her bag, then found her friend, Kathy, who had been working. We then spent the rest of the night riding attractions and I had my first hot pretzel – yes mum like that guy that does the voice of Lumiere does in Law and Order – then our legs were dying so we headed home.

I have only today and tomorrow left of working before I have my day off then start my cruise, just a tad excited. My brother and Hannah come in 64 days, 9 weeks and 1 day. Which means…my program ends in 13 weeks. That’s kind of freaky. Jumping from 8 or so months to just 3, a tad disorientating, I guess I should stop thinking ‘I have a whole year to do this’ and start filling in my ‘to do list’. At least my main, big thing that I wanted to do whilst here is coming up in 2-3 days – CRUISE!

Until next time!~

Give A Little Whistle

Morning! (Well only just)

Quite a few things have happened since my last entry, one being pretty exciting (for me anyway). But I’ll get to that eventually; I’ll try and remember things in order.

Nothing really happened on the 8^th and the 9^th, just working. Tuesday was my usual day off and I attended a movement class to get a score for my movement to hopefully get me at least into parade orientation. Wednesday I went to a face audition so see how they differ to the fur character auditions (the one I went to on Tuesday was an audition, like the one CPs go through when auditioning for character performers, I just went to get a movement score), let me just say that they are not fun. At least I somewhat enjoyed myself on the first one, but standing in a line… I’ll pass. I then had work that afternoon at, you guessed it, Contemporary.

Thursday the 12^th was my second day off, which was lucky since Britt’s days off are usually Thursday and Fridays, so we met up at EPCOT and I was able to go on majority of the attractions I had never been on before. That was the morning, we had to get a fastpass for Soarin’, which at 9:30am the passes were valid at 2:40pm. They go quickly! But luckily we got some passes. We then went over to browse through the World Showcase, then back to Soarin’ as our fastpasses were valid. For dinner we went over to Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort, which is right beside EPCOT, it’s set out like a 50s diner. Afterwards we went back and chose our spot to wait and watch Illuminations.

That now brings me to Friday – TOMORROWLAND DANCE PARTY. I will tell you now, when people say you’ll get exhausted, they are definitely not lying. The first few sets Pluto was doing fine, dressed in his space outfit, but after/during the third set I think you could tell exhaustion had set in, and there was still 2 more sets! But after a very short break, the 4^th and 5^th sets were easy. I’m not going to lie; the dance party is chaotic with kids running everywhere, people pulling on Pluto left right and centre. Thank goodness Pluto and his friends had great attendants that night.

Saturday – Titanic 3D! Lauren and I went early so we could get tickets, and we were hoping to get some Toms we both liked, but unfortunately the shop down at Downtown Disney had none left on the pattern we like. So we explored some, and then headed back to the cinema. I loved seeing it in 3D and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the film. I then had work that afternoon at (surprise) Contemporary. The same story as Sunday, Contemporary, Monday 16 was Crystal Palace, which thankfully went fast.

This past Tuesday I FINALLY sent the gifts I have had since January/February sitting in my closet. I was surprised how much cheaper it was to send the two boxes, I was expecting a lot more, almost double of what I paid. So that was a bonus. Lauren and I then went to Sweet Tomatoes – my first time there. It’s basically an all you can eat buffet, with amazing strawberry lemonade (lemonade here is what we’d call homemade lemonade back home in Australia, lemonade in Australia is what we call Sprite). In the car on the way back to our apartment we started talking about the Disney cruise and I found out that Lauren had really wanted to go on one whilst she was here. Unfortunately her program ends on the 3^rd of May, but then she thought that she could fly back down to go on the cruise. Still, at this point it was just talk not really set in stone that we’re were going to go on a cruise. However two hours later we had booked a 5 night Bahamas Disney cruise on the Disney Magic. We actually couldn’t believe we had done this, but at the same time ecstatic. It was one of the big things I wanted to do whilst on my program, and thankfully I’m able to do that! And with a person I know I’ll enjoy my holiday with. So, on the 9^th of May we set sail! Short notice, but less of a wait at the same time! Lauren flies back down on the 8^th and we’re staying at the Royal Room at the Port Orleans Riverside, jump on the coach that takes us to Port Canaveral. AND I get to go to Key West – another place I wanted to visit whilst here, many people have told me it’s beautiful and that I should see it. So now I am!

If anyone’s interested the link below will take you to see the itinerary (the one I’m going on is the second one, Disney Magic itinerary A)

CLICK HERE

Yesterday afternoon Lauren, Jen and I went and volunteered with Disney’s VoluntEARS at the Give Kids the World Village. It was Village Idol night, which ended up being so much fun. It was very coincidental as the first group of kids were three sisters, there was three of us, so we put our hand up and they were our buddies for the night. The youngest was 3 years old and in the piece of paper we received that gave us information on any dietary needs (as we would have dinner that night with them) and any other comments. One comment was ‘the youngest is afraid of adults’. At first I was like ‘okay that’s fine’ I obviously still forget I’m an adult now. But Lauren, being Lauren, I knew would be able to befriend the youngest and it did happen. I was out playing miniature golf with the middle child and I look up seeing Lauren holding hands with the little one. It was precious. And might I just add, that miniature golf course can be terrifying. Dinosaurs spray water at you, and one comes to life. After playing we all gathered up and headed over with everyone else to the Gingerbread house where dinner is served.

As we were eating the Major and his wife Miss Mary (two giant bunnies) came to visit the kids. Unfortunately the youngest was petrified of them. The moment they came to our table she jumped from her chair straight into Lauren’s lap. Thankfully Lauren was able to take her away until the bunnies had made their rounds. The other two girls loved them though, so that was great. After dinner it was time for village idol where the kids perform whatever they want, if they want to. The eldest and the middle child were going to do an Irish dance, whilst the youngest sat on Lauren’s lap to watch the show. The two girls were amazing. For a 6 and 9 year old it was fantastic! Many people came up and congratulated them at the end for their great performance. After the show it was time for the parents to pick up their kids. The girls parents continuously said thank you and were surprised that the youngest had warmed up to us, especially Lauren. So that was great, we all had an amazing time. One other girl stood out in everyone’s minds as well during that show, a little girl who sang Beyonce’s Single Ladies, it was adorable.

And that’s everything updated with now! A long post, but I did have a fair bit going on, especially in the last couple of days! 81 days until I see my brother, it’ll be exactly two months when I set sail on the cruise until I see him.