The Final Goodbye- The End of a Very Well Detailed Disney blog!

I intended for this blog to capture all my memories, to keep my family and friends up to date, to be filled with endless stories so in 20 years time, I could possibly look back and read everything that happened on my once in a lifetime trip, and as many of you can tell, it didn't exactly go according to plan..

When I was accepted onto the Disney College Programme, I read countless blogs to try and understand what I was getting myself into, and I kept getting frustrated when blogs were started, and not finished. I'm now one of those people.. which is also kinda frustrating! However, my last blog is going to be a completely honest, lets call it a review, of my programme. Not necessarily showing my thoughts and feelings everyday, but I think it's the feelings overall which are most important, don't you?

I'm not even sure where to start, because there is so much to say, actually I do, FLORIDA IS SO DAMN HOT!! I mean, I expected it to be hot, but Jeeeeesus! Then having to wear a full length skirt that's 40% wool, wowza. Buuut, I'd have probably complained had it not been that hot, typical Brit I suppose, never happy with the weather, EVER! Also, I am sure Florida is nicknamed the Sunshine state to lure people over there, because it rains A LOT. I am not exaggerating either. I have never seen rain like it, and I've seen a lot of rain in my time! But less about boring things like the weather, and more onto why you're actually reading this. My experience:

Going to Disney is probably the best thing I could have done. It has changed me as a person, made me more confident, taught me to live on my own, taught me to think on my feet just to name a few. Before I left I was so apprehensive to how it would pan out, the time away from my family and friends but let me tell you something...

10 weeks is a long time away from home. It is also the shortest time to be away from home.

Time flew. Literally. I still can't believe I'm home. If I'd have realised it was going to go by that fast, I'd have appreciated my experience even more.

And what I mean by that was, I began to treat my job like any other, being out there was my life, and the general grinds that can get you down here, kinda bothered me there too sometimes. Working late then starting early, working long hours, going into Stretch for the third time that day, things could grate sometimes.. But I'll tell you something, the second I walked out of Magic Kingdom for the last time, I regretted all of it.

Working at The Haunted Mansion was the most fun job I will probably ever have! I have never laughed so much at the terrible word play such as "We've been dying to see you" or "Gather yourselves into the dead centre of the room". I never thought by going to Disney I would have seen so many children cry, but helping some of them face there fear was also a highlight! I've also never met such a diverse, amazing group of people. If any of you are reading this... and haven't got bored by now YOU ARE AWESOME. And I hope to stay in contact with you all for a very, very long time. These people had a huge part to play in making my summer amazing, they made load 1 and unload bearable, stretch and foyer hilarious, and entry hall a piece of cake and it was such a shame when my time to leave the mansion had to come, because not working with these guys = SO LITTLE FUN.

And playing in the parks, what more is there that needs to be said? They were some of my best memories, who else can say they were able to go into the Disney parks, when they wanted, whenever they wanted? It was so much fun, and actually NEVER got boring! I got to face my fears by going upside down on Rockin, dropping however many feet on Tower, find a Yeti countless times, catch up with my favourite guys Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald (MY MAIN MAN), nearly drown in a wave pool... (Let's not go there) and so much more, with some fantastic friends I'd never have thought I'd get so close to in 10 weeks. I am definitely certain I have friends for life, and even downloaded Snapchat so they couldn't forget this lovely face! Even to think that all this happened is kinda starting to feel like a dream, but it was the best one that could ever happen.

In short, the buses are awful, it's too hot, tour groups drive you crazy, it's busy, you are always exhausted, the goodbyes are awful, but all that aside...

IT GENUINELY WAS THE MOST AMAZING THING EVER!!!

I already miss "Is the waiting time accurate?", "Is this a rollercoaster?", "How many miles do you walk in a day?", "Aren't you hot in that?"

A week on and I maaaay start to have the Disney blues, but as sad as it is, it shows how great of a time I had, and even though the actual experience is over, I have a lifetime of memories, and that my friends, makes Vicky one happy chappy, bro.

Disneyworld, I hope to see ya real soon!

Goodbyes, hellos and... I'M HERE!

Ive now had 2 full days in Orlando, and my god it is hot! I knew it would be hot but my days!  Met sooo many people so far and every one is so nice :-) .Never drank so much than what I have in these two days! Not toooo much has happened yet, but still enough for a little blog post! 

After the very sad goodbyes on Sunday night, The flight on Monday was great! Think I may... Dare I say it, be cured! Can I have a wahoo?! ... OK maybe not but still, I was so proud of myself! :-D. Started off with being over weight on my case and US Airways wanting to charge $150! Horrendous! But with the help of the lovely girl I was flying with, we managed to sort it, yay! Getting to know the two girls was fab, we chatted most of the way, and with 2 flights and waiting in between, that's a lot of talking! 

Aaaand we made it here in one piece! I found out I was living in Patterson court, which is lovely, and I'm living with 2 American girls and my roomie Gemma, its nice and cosy, and starting to feel a little homely now :-D. My Walmart trip was just as horrendous as everyone makes out, being up for 22 hours and then trying to shop with everyone else who feels the same way, not a good combo! But I got the necessities and swiftly left.. Until the bus broke down! But the drama was solved and I made it back to eventually have some definitely well needed sleep, after waking my roomie in the process, whoops! 

On Tuesday we went on an hour walk (yes in the Floridian heat) to try and find a phone shop, one guy drew a map which led to nowhere! Plain rude if you ask me. Buuuut, after dipping in and out of shops for air con we eventually got that sorted and made it back to a cheery housing talk, nice :-). We made a trip to downtown Disney that night too which was so fun! And I got to have my first Earl of Sandwich, yum! I learned a lot about pin trading (didn't know there were so many rules!) And enjoyed our wander, but by the end I was SO tired, still a little jet lagged I think.

Leading us to today, I found out officially where I'm working, Magic Kingdom! SO excited to start actually working, I want to know what ride! All i know so far is that im in Adventureland, and from what ive heard it sounds fab! We had forms to fill out and a scary and a little boring immigration talk before we had a rest and went on our first proper shopping trip to publix.

We rented a trolley (to be corrected and told it was a cart!) and wheeled it to publix, and didn't we get some funny looks! Pretty much stocked for little while now, and got to have my first full meal, hurrah!

Soooo leading us to now, I've got traditions tomorrow which is my first officially paid day, whoop! And its supposed to be really fun, so I can't wait. Missing every one at home lots but having a blast.

And on that note,

See ya real soon!

Goodbyes, hellos and... I'M HERE!

Ive now had 2 full days in Orlando, and my god it is hot! I knew it would be hot but my days!  Met sooo many people so far and every one is so nice :-) .Never drank so much than what I have in these two days! Not toooo much has happened yet, but still enough for a little blog post! 

After the very sad goodbyes on Sunday night, The flight on Monday was great! Think I may... Dare I say it, be cured! Can I have a wahoo?! ... OK maybe not but still, I was so proud of myself! :-D. Started off with being over weight on my case and US Airways wanting to charge $150! Horrendous! But with the help of the lovely girl I was flying with, we managed to sort it, yay! Getting to know the two girls was fab, we chatted most of the way, and with 2 flights and waiting in between, that's a lot of talking! 

Aaaand we made it here in one piece! I found out I was living in Patterson court, which is lovely, and I'm living with 2 American girls and my roomie Gemma, its nice and cosy, and starting to feel a little homely now :-D. My Walmart trip was just as horrendous as everyone makes out, being up for 22 hours and then trying to shop with everyone else who feels the same way, not a good combo! But I got the necessities and swiftly left.. Until the bus broke down! But the drama was solved and I made it back to eventually have some definitely well needed sleep, after waking my roomie in the process, whoops! 

On Tuesday we went on an hour walk (yes in the Floridian heat) to try and find a phone shop, one guy drew a map which led to nowhere! Plain rude if you ask me. Buuuut, after dipping in and out of shops for air con we eventually got that sorted and made it back to a cheery housing talk, nice :-). We made a trip to downtown Disney that night too which was so fun! And I got to have my first Earl of Sandwich, yum! I learned a lot about pin trading (didn't know there were so many rules!) And enjoyed our wander, but by the end I was SO tired, still a little jet lagged I think.

Leading us to today, I found out officially where I'm working, Magic Kingdom! SO excited to start actually working, I want to know what ride! All i know so far is that im in Adventureland, and from what ive heard it sounds fab! We had forms to fill out and a scary and a little boring immigration talk before we had a rest and went on our first proper shopping trip to publix.

We rented a trolley (to be corrected and told it was a cart!) and wheeled it to publix, and didn't we get some funny looks! Pretty much stocked for little while now, and got to have my first full meal, hurrah!

Soooo leading us to now, I've got traditions tomorrow which is my first officially paid day, whoop! And its supposed to be really fun, so I can't wait. Missing every one at home lots but having a blast.

And on that note,

See ya real soon!

A Little Bit of Honesty.

I thought now would be a good time to update, with it being only 12 days until I jet off for the US of A! I've decided to write a post that is completely honest, which sums up all my feelings right now. So here goes.

Ok, first I need a little moment to shout from the rooftops just how excited I am to be going to spend my summer in a place that is sunny nearly all the time, a place which means I'm working at Disney world and a place which lets me meet people from all over the world, eeeeep!! This makes me so excited I could pee, but don't worry I won't! I genuinely still can't believe I was chosen out of 1500 people and that makes me even more grateful for being able to go, and I'm definitely going to take every opportunity with both hands, because there were many people that wanted to be in my shoes, and therefore I have to make the most of it. The thought of being able to stroll into the parks for free, when am I ever going to get that opportunity again?! I am one lucky chappy and therefore a very happy one indeed!

And while I am definitely feeling all of the above, I am also very scared. I'd also say I'm feeling apprehensive, I mean, I'm leaving everything, and everyone I know, to go 3000 miles away to work in another country in the hope it's going to be amazing (which I know it will!) but surely I wouldn't be human if I wasn't slightly afraid? But hey.

Shut up, YOU'RE GOING TO DISNEY!!!

The above is where the "depressing" posts ends, because I bet as you were reading this you were thinking exactly what I've written above. Yes I'm going alone, yes I'm going to miss a tonne of people, yes it is slightly scary...

WHO CARES?!

Not everyone gets the opportunity I've been given, so I'm going to embrace every second, knowing I've got people back at home who love me and are willing me on every step of the way. There are sooooo many ways to keep in contact with everybody back home, so (except for the time difference) it will just be like living away at uni, just a hell of a lot warmer, and a hell of a lot sunnier, which I can definitely handle! : D. And with Ste hopefully coming out to see me, what better way could a girl be spending her summer?!

Ohhh, an update you ask?

I supposeeee I could tell you what's been happening since my last post, because I know you're at the edge of your seat waiting to find out, aren't you?! Well you should be, it's exciting!

Well it is for us girls anyway : D. I finally started shopping for clothes to wear out there, my last 2 weeks at uni were crammed full of assignments, work and an exam I had no time to even start looking, and there were others out there already packed! Needless to say, I felt a little behind! So I splurged out at Matalan and a few other places and now have a nice little set of clothes to take out with me, seen as I'm moreee than likely to buy many clothes out there, I thought it would be a good idea not to buy toooo much, and I think I've done quite well actually! Proof will be in the pud when I actually start packing, which kinda needs to be soon!

Also, the last incy bit left to pay was my health insurance, which I finally did this week. Leaving it a little fine? Yes indeed, but that is it! Just my spends which I'm hopefully going to get changed in the next couple of days and the money side of things is all sorted, WAHOOO! Not fully decided how much to take with me yet, going to do the sums and make a final decision soonish.

Aaaaand, me and Ste have just come back from a little break away to spend some time together before I left, and it was lovely! So relaxing, definitely what the doctor ordered after a stressful last couple of weeks at uni for the two of us. Got soaked at South Lakes Zoo, but I got to go into the penguin enclosure, so definitely a worth while trip. It did make me realise that I am going to miss him bucket loads, and just how fab he's been throughout all this, and just how lucky I am! And yes don't worry, that's all the soppiness in this post, but it's all completely true, he's a star.

Is there anything else I need to tell you? Nopeee I think that's pretty much it. Every time I sit to write a post it gets me more and more excited, and to think it's 12 days away is unreal! The first bunch are going this Monday, which is so exciting and I bet the Facebook group will be going crazy with questions, and so all the best to everyone travelling on the 3rd, and I will see you a week later on the 10th!!

It's so close now. 

See ya real soon!


 

Very Bad Blogger!

Ok, so the countdown is really on. It is only 45 days until I jet off, and it's been 25 days since my last update! So much for be blogging the week after my Visa appointment, yes this post is quite overdue, so I will get on with it, much to tell!

Visa Appointment:

So let's start with the sight seeing, on 7th April, me and my mum made the journey down to London for my appointment, and managed to see a few sights (We missed seeing Lizzie's house though, bad tourists!). Harrods was AMAZING, we spent so long in there, unfortunately, I didn't get anything Tiffany, how rude of my mother not to buy me a souvenir! In all seriousness though, the prices they charge for stuff is ridiculous! We also made it to Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford street, Westminster and a few other places, considering we were only there one night we managed to get a lot done! I was meaning to post some pictures from my trip but my mum's on holiday with the camera and I didn't want to leave updating much longer, maybe I'll sneak them in my next post :-).

My appointment was on the Monday at 11.30 and we arrived probably half an hour early once I'd dropped my phone off at the pharmacy for there to be people queuing outside, and from there I knew it was going to be a longgggg process. I won't go into too much detail into what it was like, but once you were inside it was honestly like a huge Argos, just without the items to purchase, obviously... I  managed to sit with some other lovely Disney people and thank god I found them, because if I had to spent nearly 3 hours alone listening to "Can 158 go to window 6 please." I may have gone a little insane. They definitely helped the time pass by, so thanks guys! 

I went to two different windows, the first  window I went to was to hand over my documents and have my fingerprints taken, the second was for my interview. This process, all together, probably took around 5 mintues and I was there for nearly 3 hours! The interview was fine actually, I was asked around 3 questions, only one was about me going to Florida, the others were about University, so all in all, it was nothing to worry about! I did kind of feel like I deserved more of their time for waiting for so long, NOT that I'm complaining, I happily walked off knowing my Visa was approved, which was the biggest hurdle to getting me to Disney!

I'm definitely going, eeeeep!

25 Days Later:

 This leads us up to today, and the reason I've not been blogging is, well there's not much reason actually, time is just flying. I am getting over ran with work from uni as my second year is nearly over. I am almost half way through my degree, shocking! So this is kind of why I haven't been updating as regularly. But, just over 2 weeks of hard work to go and then I can finally get really excited and prepared for my adventure across the pond. 

You're still coming along with me, right?

Until next time!  

 

Exciting times!

Well well well!

It's been a LONG time since I've updated! Simply because there was nothing really interesting to report, but a new post must mean...

IT FINALLY CAME!

After months of waiting my Disney pack arrived, a whole month later than we were all expecting may I add! It was SO exciting, and I was on placement when it fell on my doormat so of course the rest of the day went sooooo slow. But, as I opened it, excited with the prospect of the "few surprises" YJ were giving us, to finally see my offer letter, to begin my visa application...

It really wasn't all that exciting.

I mean yes, the offer letter was amazing, watermarked by Disney so you know it's the real deal, but the pack as a whole is like everyone says, kinda an anti-climax. I think everyone builds up a high expectation that something is going to jump out of the pack, a little Mickey maybe, and congratulate you on your success of getting onto the programme, and sing and dance your praises.

Like a dancing version of this guy!

But of course that didn't happen, and that's why you're kinda left feeling, a little disappointed. Who wouldn't want that... Right?!

But still, it came, which means it is so close until we leave, a little over 2 months is all that there is to wait, 2 MONTHS! And now placement is over, I can really start to feel excited about it, as I haven't had any time at all to even think of what I was having for tea that day, never mind the fact that my Disney journey is closing in, so eeeeep! (Little burst of excitement right there). I mean, when  I found out in November it was 8 long months away and now to think it's only 2 months away its beginning to make me panic a little. It's the time to get off my ass and actually organise everything! I've got so used to thinking it was agessss away I've been really relaxed about the whole thing but there's only 70 days to go, and there's a lot left to do, like one of the most important things, holiday shopping!

70 days until this becomes my reality!

So with the arrival of my Disney pack, it meant one thing, to apply for my Visa, which took me a little over 2 hours. The thought of doing it was really daunting, and when you see the US embassy logo thingy it's quite intimidating, but it's actually not all that complicated. The stressful thing is the to get everything completely correct, because you are really warned...

FILL THIS IN CORRECTLY OR YOUR VISA MAY BE REJCETED

MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO CUTS TO YOUR FINGER TIPS OR YOUR VISA MAY BE REJECTED

MAKE SURE YOU BRING THE CORRECT DOCUMENTS OR YOUR VISA MAY BE REJECTED

Now yes, that does all seem like common sense, but it still causes you to panic which is what made it take so long, and now I've confirmed my application I can't look back at it, which makes me a little paranoid in case of any mistakes, but que sera and all that! Nothing I can do now except go to the Embassy and await my fate. Something Walt said himself is quite prominent here...

But still, I hope I've done it right!

And I'll be going to the US Embassy in London in a week to hopefully have my visa approved. Quite a few people have been already and have described it like a big Argos, with a LOT of waiting apparently, and not being able to take any electrical items in there with you is going to make it a really fun wait if I'm there a long time, because the waiting time can fluctuate big time. With one guy only taking 90 minutes but another girl took 3 hours! To make things better I also have to go in alone. Woo fun!

But I'm really really excited to be going to London for that whole process, because it's one step closer to actually going! There won't be anything left to stop me from going, that's the final hurdle! And the fact that I'm scared of flying, but I'm trying not to think of that one!

So that's a quick catch up of what's happening right now, I'll update next week of how my appointment went, which I'm really scared about but hopefully I will be a happy chappy with an approved visa!

Wish me luck!

A Little Catch Up.

So I decided created this blog for many reasons, mainly for my family and friends to keep up to date of how I'm doing while I'm out there, in the sunshine state that is florida. But also as a little souvenir for myself, hence why I've started blogging so early, so I can read back on what's hopefully going to be the best summer of my life!

I've been reading lots of blogs recently, and they're all really honest about their programme and their experiences of it. The majority of people absolutely loved it and it gets you so excited to go, even if it still is 5 months away! Whereas, some blogs explain why they didn't like their summer working for the mouse, and as daunting as they are to read, they're really good in terms of preparing you what to expect when you're out there, including the ups and the supposed downs!

Speaking to a few people who are going to be on the programme with me this summer has made me realise that I really should do some research! The first and only time I've been to Walt Disney world was way back in 2000 when I was 7 and I keep being asked which park I want to work in and on what ride, but I really have no idea so I might just want to get looking! 

Anyway, since I haven't updated this blog since November, I thought it was about time I should report on what's happened since then.

It had been discussed on the Disney Facebook page that we, like everyone on programmes before us, should get hoodies so we can all recognise each other at the airport and have our first souvenir! After a lot of ideas being passed around, the hoodies were created and bought and I absolutely love mine. I'll have to post a picture at a later date because I swear my mum's hidden it so I can't wear it before I go, I definitely would not misplace it so its the only other reason that I can think of as to why I can't find it!

So that was really exciting, I was like a big kid when it came through the post! But more exciting news, I've booked my flights! Which is also kinda scary seen as I HATE flying. For this reason I really wanted to fly with virign, to have direct flights, but the money they were asking for was just crazy! Nearly £800 just for the flights! So, after a bit of searching, and much help from my sister's boyfriend, I'm flying with US Airways on 10th June at 11AM with a change in Philadelphia, to get me to Orlando for 18.28, slightly daunting, but knowing I've saved a bucket load certainly helps! Plus I was also worried that I'd be flying on my own, but there are 2 other girls on this flight who seem really nice so I'm quite excited!

That's really all to report right now, exciting as it is! We're waiting to hear from yummy jobs again and get our welcome packs from Disney in February, with our acceptance letter, Disney look guidelines and the form so we can book our visa appointment! Its all  going to come by so fast!

Only 158 days to go!

Oh, and happy new year!