Heigh-Ho

Evening Everyone!

Just a small update tonight, nothing major or that exciting really, just thought I’d add another blog to me list. Plus, I’m bored. So I paid my U.S Non Immigrant Visa Application Fee for my J1 Visa interview today whilst I was at uni. I could have done it earlier since there’s an Australia Post down the road from me, literally like 30 seconds drive, but he is the dumbest slowest person on earth and I would have probably paid for some other Visa fee for some unknown country or something. At least I figured the Australia Post at Griffith University would more likely have more people paying this type of stuff. Anyway, $140 dollars later I received a VERY important receipt that I cannot lose. I was kind of expecting a special receipt or something along the special/unique lines, but no. It’s literally an Aus Post receipt. To decrease my likelihood of losing this receipt I’ve put it in an envelope, which is in another folder. Whilst I was at the Post Office I bought the Australia Express Post Platinum 500g bag.

I swear I read on the Australia Post website that it’d be $35.00 but it ended up being $13 something. Oh well, better to be under the assumed cost than over!

The other day when my countdown hit the 70s I had a mild heart/panic attack. Mainly because I realised I’d started the countdown in the 200s now I’m in two digits. BUT it was a positive panic attack (an excitement attack?) since I was going over and over to myself “omg this has always been a dream of mine”, “I’M GONNA BE WORKING FOR DISNEY”, stuff like that. I submitted my last assignments ever (well they better be) last Thursday, now only exams stop me from celebrating the end of university, plus one week of classes still remaining. I’ll tell you now, if I fail something this semester, it’s never happened before so knock on wood, I most likely will not be going back for that subject. Sounds silly, but that’s how much I dislike university. At the moment, and the next few weeks, it’s been work work uni work over and over. It bores me till no end.

That’s all for this evening. 7 weeks until I quit my current job, 76 days until I leave Australia and 79 until the program start date!

Until next time!~

A Spoonful of Sugar

Hello Again!

Yes, it finally came! I took the whole day off uni yesterday (Thursday) – I’m usually there from 9am to 6pm (if I stay for lectures…) but I wasn’t taking any chances since no one would be home all day today (Friday). I attempted to continue and adjust my university assignments – my last two ever – but my brain could not focus. I was getting very impatient and would run to the window next to the front door each time I heard something, which was usually nothing. After working out that I could have gone to uni for my tutorials and be back by now I got a knock at the door! I jumped up from my desk and ran to the door, only to be partly disappointed – my Amazon eBook Kindle thing arrived. At least now I had something to occupy myself with.

Then Jen rang and we decided to book our Visa appointments. My Kindle was charging so there wasn’t much to do with it, plus the 3G network thing wasn’t working so I gave up on it. Anyway I started the whole process of getting a PIN access thing and…. Knock knock knock. Again I jumped up and this time it was Fedex! It was as if I really had a spoonful of sugar (see what I did there?), I was boncing around the place.

BUT, I couldn’t open it. Jen wanted to get the Visa appointment sorted and I was halfway doing my pin thing, so it sat on my lap for another hour unopened – the things I do for friends! Haha! Eventually we got it sorted and have an appointment at 10:15am on November 3^rd. I then figured it’d probably be best to book flights now just in case. So I booked for both of us, we leave the Gold Coast Airport at 6am. Bleh. But it gives us enough time to arrive and get to the embassy before our appointment.

After sorting all that out I ditched Jen to go open my Disney Pack! And this wonderful folder greeted me:

It came with many important documents that I CANNOT ‘misplace’. So they’ve gone straight into my important drawer. What came in the pack exactly? Why don’t I tell you using my favourite dot points:

      The Disney Look Book

      Welcome/Congratulations Letter

      DS-2019 Form and instructions to pay SEVIS fee

      Arrival and Departure Record Form

      Instructions for the Arrival and Departure Record Form

The welcome letter gave us our applicant number, welcome speech and a description of our responsibilities involved with our particular roles – so in my case Character Performer/Operations. I made a blog post a few posts back of when Jen and I got to buzz Jeni with our questions, one of mine being what do the auditions contain and when do I find out when they are, in which she responded there were none. I did find this odd at the time, so maybe I misheard since in the welcome letter the first sentence for my Character Performer role starts with “pending the results of your audition”, so there are auditions, which does make sense since how would they know we can actually portray characters without an audition? Luckily I bought Wii Just Dance! Try and help me with my lack of talent for dancing. I’m a little worried about the animation part, since I don’t know exactly what they’re after – just smile if all else fails! Anyway, my pay rate for Character Performer is $8.25 an hour, which is the highest I’ve seen for International College Program members. My other position for the last six months – Operations – would have me placed in either Attractions or Main Entrance Operations, which I obviously find out when we switch roles. My pay rate for this one is $7.31. I’m taking over a reasonable amount of dollars for back up and for my holiday after the program so it’s all manageable.

Oh and it also says when the commencement of actually work – first paying day – is which is January 11, 2012 according to this letter. So I’m assuming we have a few days where we can settle in, and maybe traditions will be combined with the Americans that arrive on the 9^th? Who really knows… I’m thinking of purchasing my insurance this weekend, I’ve been putting it off since it’s a big chunk of money (at least it is for me), but I’d like to have it by the time of the Visa interview, just in case, because I’m paranoid like that. I’m probably going with itrek insurance, I’ve heard/seen a lot of good reviews from this insurance company plus it’s the only one I’ve found that can do up to 18 months coverage, which is great (I’ll be needing 13 months since I’ll be travelling afterwards).

This has been a very long post, congrats if you’ve made it all the way through. I have work at 12pm. It’s always the downer of my day; I cannot stand my current job, nine weeks until I leave that place! Not that I’m counting… I’m taking three weeks off before I leave where I won’t be working so I have some form of relaxation period. Plus I can afford it, haha. To be honest if it weren’t for me going to America and trying to save, I wouldn’t even be at this current job still. Anyway, enough of the boring stuff that always manages to make me feel all angry inside. Countdown is at 9 weeks until I finish at my current job, 89 days until I depart Australia and 92 days until the program start date!

Try and have a magical day for me, since I won’t be having one!~

Something There?

Hello Blog Readers (if there are any)!

A new month already? Wow. Not that I’m complaining – one step closer to leaving! Countdown is at 92 days until I depart Australia, 95 days until I check in and it all becomes a reality! I’ve decided to do another blog post, not because anything has happened yet, but because of the fact that nothing has happened yet. I literally had to read that sentence 5 times to make sure I made some form of sense. You see…I’m a very impatient person. Especially when everyone is getting what I’m waiting for. The questions that enter my head each day: “Today? Will it arrive today? Maybe today?” What am I going on about you say? The Welcome Pack! A lot of people who have received theirs already said there’s not much, but I’m sure I’ll sit there and stare at it for a while, read the ‘Look Book’ several times – basically be the Disney nerd that I am.

This Saturday we’re having another little gathering with Jen, Nadine, Alice and Jessie. This time bowling and Hog’s Breath dinner, perhaps I should start preparing myself for the embarrassment that awaits me. I can’t bowl to save my life. At least it will be amusing I suppose/hope.

Hopefully tomorrow the Welcome Pack will arrive. I’m sick of this waiting game. At least I’ll be home tomorrow to sign for the delivery!

Have a magical afternoon!~

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo

Long time no see!

So we’re getting closer to October and our welcome pack, in fact apparently they got sent out today (well, when it becomes today over in America)! No paper work or what not has been done since the background check, but I did have a Disney day today. I took the day off work to visit Bond University on the Gold Coast, because Disney was down there having a presentation recruiting mainly for August next year. I went along with Jen who guided me to her University and then we did a little tour – such a nice University, I can see where all their tuition funds go! Then we strolled on over to where the presentation was held, I think we got there early since no one was actually there yet, but it gave us time to talk to Jeni from Disney and a few past participants of the program.

After the presentation we asked numerous of questions and we were informed that our ICP Welcome Packages were being sent out today. One of my questions was about the Character Performer Auditions. Since I was under the impression that we had to audition I was practicing all my animation techniques (well, the small amount of talent that I may possess) and trying to learn at least some dance, but guess what? No auditions! All we do is get on over to a building, the measure our heights to make sure we fit in the height range, get our measurements for costuming (what US size we are I guess?) and do a very small dance routine to determine whether you can go in parades or not! A big weight off my shoulders! I’m fine when it comes to the actual audition stuff, but the lead up I’m full of nerves, so at least I won’t need to go through that. AND I’m just excited that I most likely won’t get over there then get put somewhere else due to poor dancing in an audition, my height doesn’t worry me since I’m fairly tall.

Jen and I then had lunch with one of the past participants, heard some stories that we most likely face whilst on the program – hopefully I can keep my stubbornness to a minimum. And that I don’t become a ‘typical entertainer’ with the attitude…otherwise I’ll lose my roommate (Jen), or so she warned me!

Really enjoyed my day, oh! I also won an ICP pen! I was bummed last time for not getting asked a question, but this time I did and I got a pen since I know my Disney stuff! Currently have a cold, always manage to get one when the seasons here change so drastically. One day, cold and winter-like, the next is 28C and stinking hot. That’s when I get sick. I also saw The Lion King in 3D in cinemas yesterday; needless to say I got goosebumps! Oh! And we’ve got tickets to see Mary Poppins Musical on the 1^st Jan 2012; it just snuck in before I leave for America! I’m truly a kid at heart…

Anyway, 110 days until we officially start at WDW, 107 until we leave to go to the US and 5 weeks left of learning material at Uni. I hope these next few months go as fast as the last ones have!

Have a magical afternoon!~

One Jump Ahead

Hello,

So, as you can predict, nothing eventful has occurred. I’m sick of the waiting game – I’m a very impatient person, I just want October to roll on over so I can all my information and shiz, then get on with organising my Visa. What would be really awesome is if they go ‘SURPRISE’ and I magically receive it in the mail this month…but being realistic, that definitely will not happen.

This is just a small blog post to post my excitement that my brother and our family friend/pretty much sister are coming over to America in July next year! Of course, they will be visiting me while they’re over there. I’m sure I’ll have a countdown happening for their arrival to Orlando; it’ll be halfway through my program and most likely the first time seeing my relatives since leaving Australia. A long story short as to why I consider her our sister – I’ve known her from day one, since she was a baby. Our families have been friends since I was around two and her older sister was around 1 or 1 and a half. We’ve all unofficially adopted everyone into the families… Yep. So, hence why I’m excited (already) to see them over there! It's my brother's birthday today so here’s a shout out: HAPPY 18^TH LITTLE BROTHER!

This is where I leave you all, I did say it was a short post and pointless…

126 days until I start working for Disney, 123 days until I leave Australia!

Not that I’m counting.

Have a wonderful day!~

My Own Home - 'Living' Component

Morning Everyone!

A fair warning in advance, this blog post isn’t about anything I’ve paid/booked/sent off lately as, besides the Police Background Check, August is a very dull boring month – nothing to do for the program except wait and get excited all over again. Also, in case you haven't noticed: My titles of posts are Disney songs, go check themout if you're bored.

This blog post is just going to be about the ‘Living’ component of the Disney International College Program (ICP). It’s been the main talk in the FaceBook group we have, it’s gotten us all excited about the possible places we may live, who we want to share rooms with (though it’s not guaranteed) and how many rooms we hope to have in our apartment. Personally I’m not too fussed, though I think a 4 bedroom apartment would be extremely crowded and overwhelming at first, I’m sure it’s something that you could get used to, but it’s not ideal for me.

To break it down for those who have no idea about the apartments – those who aren’t in the program, because let’s face it everyone in the program knows the whole ‘Living’ component – if not: where have you been? Apartments are 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms (obviously depending on the apartment), which are shared two people per bedroom, and there are four complexes: Vista Way, The Commons, Patterson Court and Chatham Square. Buildings are co-ed, however individual units/apartments are not. Through the grapevine and reading other blogs, Australians and New Zealanders usually end up in Vista Way, but there are a few cases where Aussies and NZers have been placed in other complexes.

Thanks to the internet I’ve pulled information from several websites, which can be found in the ‘Websites’ tab. I’ll be mainly talking about Vista, Patterson and Chatham since The Commons do not house for the ICP and plus, it’s hard to find information/pictures of that complex. Each room in each complex contain the following amenities upon your arrival:

Bedroom

      Dresser With Mirror

      Nightstand

      Two Twin Beds

Dining Room

      1 Table With Four Chairs

Living Room

      Couch

      Chair

      Two End Tables

      Computer Desk And Chair

      Coffee Table

Additional Items Provided

      Shower curtain

      Two vanity wastebaskets

      Kitchen appliances, utensils, and dishes

      Local phone service and one central phone

      Maintenance of the apartments, including pest control

      All utilities, including water, electricity and waste disposal

      24-hour security

      Cable television hook-ups

Vista Way

Vista Way (VW) is the most likely housing complex for both American College Program and International College Program Members – I guess that’s why it’s a lot bigger than the other three sites. A lot of Vista Way has been renovated over the past few years, which was well over due according to a few blogs and sites. It’s the oldest complex, but has a lot more activities/amenities available to Cast Members. At Vista Way you pay the lowest amount of rent out of the other complexes.

The following list contains facilities available for those at VW. I don’t know how legit the list is, but these times were commonly listed in several websites.

      Disney Learning Centre

      Clubroom Thirtheen501  

      Laundry Facilities On The Ground Floor Of Each Building

      Pavilion

      Fitness Centre

      2 Hot Tubs

      Outdoor Pool Table  

      2 Swimming Pools  

      Basketball Court

      2 Racquetball Courts

      Tennis Court

      Volleyball Court

Patterson Court

Patterson Court (PC) is the most expensive complex to live in, I assume that’s because it’s the newest complex – opened in 2008. It’s the only complex without a bus stop, to catch the bus you have to waltz on over to Chatham Square to their bus stop. According to websites it’s a 5 minute walk or up to a 10 minute walk depending whereabouts you are living at Patterson and how slow/fast of a walker you are.

The following list contains facilities available for those at PC; again these facilities below are those I found commonly in lists provided by blogs and websites (compared to VW there’s hardly anything!).

      Laundry facilities near buildings 1, 4, 9 and 13

      Computer lab

      1 swimming pool

      Fitness centre  

      Outdoor pool table  

Chatham Square

Chatham Square (CS) is located literally across the street from Mickey’s Retreat and in terms of rent costs – it’s priced between VW and PC’s rent. Due to the closeness to Mickey’s Retreat you have CS’s facilities and amenities plus that of Mickey’s Retreat. Chatham shares their bus terminal with the PC crew, but at least at CS you don’t have to walk as far as it’s located just outside the security gates!

CS was opened in 2002 for Cast Members use, it has a few more facilities to that of PC (which surprises me, you’d think PC being the newer one would have more facilities and amenities), but not as much as VW, but CS does have the advantage of being close to Mickey’s Retreat as I said before.

      Laundry facilities in buildings 2, 7, 15 and 19

      1 swimming pool

      Computer lab

      Fitness centre

      Outdoor pool table

      Tennis court  

      Volleyball court

So that pretty much concludes me regurgitating information from several websites and blogs, it’s nice to have it all one place though. I’llprobably go off and watch some tours of the complexes again. All seem good to me, so I’m not totally fussed where I end up living. Each have their positives and negatives, some more than others, I just want to get over there already!

Have a magical day!~

Just Around The River Bend

Evening Everyone,

Again, nothing too eventful has happened since my last blog post. I just wish October would hurry up and come around. I can’t wait to see my Welcome Pack and too feel all official! But now since I sent off my Police Background Check I have to play the waiting game. A game I’m not too good at, I’m a tad impatient.

The total for the PBC was $43, nothing too big. Still, bit expensive to pull up your name to find out how boring I am since I have not broken the law, not even a speeding ticket, and to print it out and send it to you. Guess you’re paying for the poor individual who sits there and finds your record thing. I hope it doesn’t take too long to get back to me. I’m interested to see what they look like, probably nothing too thrilling.

STB is no longer with Disney in organising the ICP groups; from now on we get direct contact from Disney, which kind of makes it more official to me. Meaning, Disney themselves are contacting me, not Disney contacting a company to then contact me. Does that make sense? So far Disney has proven to be very prompt in replying to emails sent by ICPs who have already sent them some questions, so that’s a good start!

Also, Jen and I are thinking of jumping on one of the Disney cruises! I hope that happens when we’re over there, it’s on my wish list and I’ve wanted to go on a cruise for ages, especially if it’s in either the Caribbean or the Bahamas! Crystal clear water with white sand, it’ll look so pretty and would be so peaceful! And hopefully we can get the time off too. I’ll add a link to the Disney Cruise Line website after this too for anyone who may be interested in what I’m on about.

I hope Uni goes by fast. I want to be boarding that plane already! Uni went by fast last semester; hopefully it’ll do the same this semester, especially since it’s my final year/semester. We’ll see. Maybe it’ll go slow since I’m anticipating something.

I’m off, have a good night!~