Sick days...

Ok, so apologies for the lack of blogging the past couple of weeks, but I was busy, and then got ill. Bad times. I'll try and remember what I've done but it may not be in any great detail!

Tues (date of last blog evening): was the thanksgiving dinner at patterson. It was nice...ish, but lacked a bit of gravy. And we had to queue, in the rain.

Weds: went to Downtown Disney with Texas and went to the new chicken place which was nice. Then did some shopping before heading to work. Slept post work because wasn't feeling well (take 1).

Thurs: work...then after work went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter with half the UK pavilion. Was good?

Friday: was our 1 month as "the fam" anniversary so we went for brekkie at trail's end at Fort Wilderness. I didn't mind getting up that early for breakfast pizza and other buffet delights. Our server Ken was awesome, and chatted to us more when he knew we were cast members, which normally doesn't happen. After we got the boat to magic kingdom where we did a few rides before heading back for my EMH shift. Bus back was interesting. While Jenna was sleeping I ended up talking to a guy about my opinions of the economic situation in the UK....why did he care...oh well it was funny anyway.

Saturday: work was funny. Fell over, during photo with a child. EMBARRASSING. Saturday eve went to tori's for a bit before sleeping.

Sunday: had work again...then PARLIAMENT. Which was again crazy. We shall not speak of the taxi floor incident, however the photobooth pics of me and daniel are just classic. Pure genius.

Monday: Daniel's birthday so headed to Beaches and Cream at the Yacht and Beach Club (which is awesome, remind me to stay there) where we had a kitchen sink. It was BIG, and had everything, except they could have done with omitting the sponge. Then we headed to Hollywood Studios where we rode Tower as per usual (quickly becoming my fave ride) and then Dan's present was a giftcard to spend in the store so he bought a dressing gown. Afterwards was lasses, which was a takeover so that was fun...then there was an international party so I saw some of the people from my arrival group etc...

Tuesday: had an epic theme park day. Went to Hollywood with Sophie and did some of the smaller rides like muppets and backlot tour, indiana...tower...then we headed to MK for a bit. Was meant to meet up with Dan and other people at the polynesian to watch wishes but ended up geting stuck behind the parade so didn't make it. Andrea and Stu joined us though and we went on loads of rides cos it was EMH!! Didn't get in until after 1.30 pm...

Weds: was not a good day. I got ill. We won't do details, but I ended up being sent home from work. I did get to meet Kit Heath the jewellery designer though.

Thursday: Was thanksgiving, and I got the strength to go to work...to find out I had some training that was rescheduled. That also meant I was late because I didn't know it had been rescheduled. Whoops. Felt ok, but was glad not to be on registers.

Friday-Sat-Sun: Too ill. Barely left my bed. Not good.

Monday: went to the doctors. Service not great but I did get a print out of my diagnosis so that was handy. Not impressed with costs though...need to get onto my insurance. Then came back and went back to bed. Although the nice thing about spending time in my apartment is that I found the time to talk to my Namibian room-mate, as she works totally different hours because she's in Animal Kingdom. We had good convo about Americans and their lack of understanding of the different cultures. From an intellectual point of view, it was good talking to her as I'd learnt a lot about Southern African relations in my degree last year, so it was nice to hear stuff from someone that lives there!!

Tuesday= today= lazy day. Everyone else is going to Mickey's Xmas Party and I'm gutted to be missing it. But I can't really move that far. My bed to the sofa is far enough!!

x x x x

4 weeks in...

Can't believe I've been here 4 weeks now! It's a month on Friday, so me and "the fam" are heading to the restaurant at fort wilderness for breakfast as most of us aren't working until later on.

So since last weds, have been doing more of the same really. Been working in the evenings, the doing stuff after. On thursday we went to Roxy's which was cool as they played some TUNES. Then friday I accidentally fell asleep waiting for Emily and Jenna to come back in...whoops.

Saturday after work (and getting free ice cream on the way out) the merchies went to TGIs. There was so much food it was awesome. Although I made a massive error in forgetting to put my cheesecake in the fridge so I had to bin it. Then Sunday a load of us went to parliament again...it was so much fun...again...

Monday was fairly busy- lunch at premium outlets, then publix then magic kingdom for a few hours in the evening. Did philharmagic which was cool as i've never done it before. We also got to see the beautiful lights on Cinderella castle.... Today has been really lazy. Just went to walmart and not sure what the plans are for later?

x x x

I LOVE HANSON

So, I have been uber busy the past week and haven't had time to write long posts, so here is a brief summary.

Thursday: after finishing at 1am for Extra Magic, I had to be up at 5.30 for social security. Needless to say I was so tired I don't remember much of it!! Tried to get some sleep when I got back but then maintenance cam to "fix" some things in our bathroom. Work was good, and then went to Santa Fe for BEER. I don't even drink beer.

Friday: had a lazy morning then work again. But it was awesome cos it was bonfire night and we got free pizza and ice cream. And a Union Jack pin. After work went to Jellyrolls on the Boardwalk which was amazing. Then headed to the dance hall. A-MAZING.

Saturday: did a spot of publix, then work. Then to tori's for tea and hobnobs.

Sunday: work...again...then wasn't planning anything in the evening, but ended up at Parliament, a gay bar in downtown Orlando. It was great fun...need I say more?

Monday: Day off!! So went to Animal Kingdom with Charlotte and Caroline (another merch girl). Was a really lovely day, and Caroline had never been before so her reaction to Dinosaur and It's Tough to be a Bug were priceless. In fact my reaction to It's tough to be a bug (despite having been on it several times) was priceless. I'm not scared of spiders yet screamed like a girl when a plastic one came from the ceiling. Led to Charlotte picking up toy spiders in shops to try and scare me!! In the evening was Lasses, which was again fun!!

Tuesday: probably one of the best days I've had here. Had a slow morning and went to Publix to get some bits for Emily's birthday. Then went to my old apartment to meet my old american roommates, and headed to Epcot to see Hanson. We then met up with the others who had been at work, and went for "tea" in China. Also had some Spanish food from Food and Wine but was not all that impressed. We decided that we would sing Happy Birthday to Emily in every country around world showcase, and did so on the way round to Hanson (for the second time). The second show was so much better. Especially due to green t-shirt woman going crazy and a pair of ill fitting jeans from one of Hanson...

After we did her present, a Duffy bear which we had sent to package pick-up. It was so cute! Then we watched illuminations and got the bus home. Then...to finish off, we ordered pizza. And chatted. It was a great day. Really lovely and relaxed.

So today I'm back on extra magic...!! woop!!

x x x x

it finally rained!!

Just a short post from me today!! So I have just had 2 fun days off. On Monday I did Walmart again which was more bearable this time. Then did publix, before coming back and getting ready for lasses. It was great fun, although the dirty pint that curdled. Not so fun. So we were merry and went to Ale House (maybe? I know we went somewhere bar shaped in a taxi). I chatted, played flip cup, chatted, chatted, and then got a taxi home!! So a good night.

Yesterday Charlotte and I went to Epcot and did Test Track, Soarin' and The Land ride before being stuck in the land pavilion due to rain...whe we finally put our anoraks on and braved it we headed to the exit, but then it got heavy again so we rode spaceship earth...again...

Last night went to Charlotte's apartment and got pizza and ate popcorn. It was fun. The newbies arrived too- saw them earlier as I was coming home from the mall with some new trainers. Just done some hoovering as the apt was a but dirty. Working 6.30-1pm later. Gutted.

Anyway, better be off! x x x x x x

The Commons!!

So, finally I have moved to the commons. It feels more homely than Chatham but I miss the americans lots. We were given a three day window to move, so I moved Saturday morning and looked amazing when I was carrying my duvet on my back and wheeling a suitcase at the same time!! I'm living with Emily, but we've moved into an 8 bed place that they've consolidated. We're going to get some cool stuff for our room though. Blizzard beach was awesome on Friday...apart from I think I've turned into a child again. I have bruises everywhere (also from work) and I cut my knee in the wave pool.

Saturday night we had the "Meet and Greet" with the UK people...interesting. Then yesterday I was in work early for my last bits of training before my assessment and then I was on a till all by myself! Scary. Afterwards everyone else was at work so Daniel came over and we went to Chatham to get my last bits and pieces and then headed to Hollywood Studios where we rode tower of terror (which we got on twice because 2 women had been holding their seatbelts so they stopped the ride, and we got to use a lift that doesn't fall back up to the loading area!!). We then watched fantasmic with a beer, and Daniel and I started the slow clap after the announcement. It was AMAZING. We created magic and we weren't even in work!!

Anyway, today is a day off so Charlotte and I are going to go on a trek to find Target! Then we're going to lasses tonight!! Fun!!

Anyhoo just off now!! x x

Big ass fans....

So, yesterday was my first proper day off, so naturally I headed to a park. Went with my room-mate Katherine so we drove and got the car park tram. Loved it!! We started off at Animal Kingdom, did Everest twice then Dinosaur and then Rafiki's planet watch, where we met my other room-mate Kristin! We did the safari, and the animals were really active. Saw lots of cute babies...and I don't even like animals...

After that we rode everest again (yes, there were no queues in the park) before heading to Hollywood to ride Tower and Rock n roller coaster. In the evening Daniel Tori and I headed to Santa Fe (again) where we had margheritas again...highlight of my evening was when a group of fit girls walked in and stood next to us before moving somewhere else. Meanwhile I was listening to a conversation about how much a pitcher of beer cost (tori was in the middle so got both sides). So I said to Daniel "you should have got a pitcher". To which he answered, "really?" "a picture of the boobs"...so funny!

The others came to join us after work and we had a really good night chatting!! We got a taxi back as we couldn't get the bus because we couldn't get into vista that time of night!!

Today we are off to Blizzard Beach to get a bit of sun!! Have to move tomorrow though, and then have a closing shift...going to be a long day!! x x x

Chicken Fried Steak

Wooo! Ok, so just had a JAR of margaritas and a chicken fried steak (that, as I have now been informed, is not cooked inside a chicken)!! Currently watching the texas rangers playing!! Yeah, I'm so into this whole baseball thing, well, in as much as I nod and agree when they score...

So, yesterday Discovery Day at Epcot was good! Got to know the park quite well! Then last night we did mickey's not so scary. It was awesome. We rode thunder and space mountains' twice. And hallowishes were the best fireworks I have ever seen! Oh, and the enchiladas courtesy of Becca's parents were amazing on Monday night. As was dancing on the wii, with the blinds open.

Today was in work for more training! Was fun but again there was loads of information. My trainer Luke is great though (have to say that incase he reads this!!). Tomorrow...if not too hungover from the wine we are currently devouring...heading to animal kingdom and maybe hollywood studios! Very much looking forward to it.

Just got my rota for next week. All late shifts though....although at least I get a lie in!!

x x x

Embracing the cheese...

Ok, so again, sorry for delays in being able to write, but finally I’ve got a little bit more time to myself (although not for long). So I’ll go back to Saturday; Traditions. I don’t want to spoil it for people who are coming out soon, but the morning part gets REALLY GOOD. Then the afternoon was drumming in the Disney Basics!! It was a really early start though. Met at the commons at 6.30am to get the bus. There was a talk on the union before we started and one woman started to have an argument with the guy doing the talk. Fun times. Anyhoo, after, we got the bus back to Chatham, quickly changed then got the bus to Hollywood Studios.

For Daniel, we did Tower of Terror, which was AM-A-ZING. Then we did the Great Movie Ride and had a newbie person doing the ride so she was really enthusiastic!! Loved it. Then we headed over to Magic Kingdom. I wish we hadn’t. Because it was Extra Magic it was rammed. So we got some food, then went on Splash mountain which was as awesome as ever. Then we did it’s a small world before stepping out to watch the fireworks over our heads in fantasy land for wishes. We kind of missed a lot of them, but Jenna and I moved to a pretty good spot to watch them.

So Sunday “the family” all had to go our separate ways. So for myself and Charlotte this meant going to Epcot for our first day of merch training. My trainer is Luke and Charlotte’s is Jack; they are both really friendly (as were all the other cast members we met). Training consisted of getting our costumes, going through paperwork/ e-learning backstage and then having a tour of the pavilion and shops as well as a meeting with one of the managers. A particular highlight for me was when we were walking the pavilion and a “person who uses a wheelchair” (Disney’s correct phrasing) asked to see my pins. We traded one and she said how pin trading was so exciting for her. I told her that it was also exciting for me being my first pin trade. It was really cool, as a man who she was with said that he was also a Cast Member and welcomed me to Florida!! It was such a good moment seeing the smiles on their faces...just from trading 2 pins with them. We worked 10-6.30 so quite long for someone not used to working...think I have similar hours on Wednesday.

Last night we went round to Emily’s apartment for dinner and a chat to catch up on the day’s activities and then I came back here (we live in the same block ; not far!!). My roommate had bought a large Duffy teddy which is the new replacement idea for Kidcot; it’s kind of like the bears kids have at school and take when they go on holiday!! Might get a little one myself so I can dress it in the camp sailor outfit!!
Today was another early start; bus at 6.45 to got to Merchantainment class. This was a mixture of presentations/ practicals...there were loads of tills set up in the corner for us to practice on! Then this afternoon we had to do e-learning again...so now I know the different types of fire extinguisher and what they are used for!! Having a nap now as tomorrow is discovery day, then might head to Epcot later with the others and I know that my roommates are having a night in with enchiladas/ playing on the wii so I’ll stay up for a bit of that and then hit my bed for another 6am start!

So, to sum up. I’ve been really busy. Training is fun?!?
Kat x x

Big wheels keep on turning...

I’m here!! It is amazing! We have done SO much since getting here. We arrived at the Vista Way housing at about 6.30pm and got given out welcome pack etc then were driven to our rooms. We’ve been temporarily placed in Chatham Square as The Commons and Patterson Court are too full. But, my apartment is great! I live with 7 American College Program people and they are all lovely- my room-mate is also called Katherine, who is from Texas and she’s brought loads of stuff across so the room is really homely!
On Wednesday we had to be up around 8.30 to go to The Commons for the first of our form filling sessions. It was ok, but a bit slow when we were clearly all really tired out. Afterwards we all gathered and headed to Walmart. I hate it. It’s just too big and sells loads of really pointless stuff. I managed to get some bits though, and I have a cell phone. I got a cheap one for now that I can just text from although calls aren’t too bad- it just costs to receive calls and texts here so it’s much more expensive. As well as out UK arrival group, we’ve also found a Canadian to hang out with, also called Katherine (athough we’ve nicknamed her Canada)!!
Then Weds night we headed to DTD which was great cos we went to RAINFOREST CAFE. Although we were under the mushroom so missed out on the rain part!! Then went to look round the shops which was pretty cool!!
Thursday we had a lie-in and met later on for tea at Charlotte’s apartment, before heading to sessions on immigration and pay. They basically told us to behave ourselves and not lose anything!! After that we headed to our pool for a swim which was great. Then we decided to cook in Tori’s apt and then we had the most epic of nights. At 8 we ran for the A bus to magic kingdom TTC so we could get the ferry boat across to the entrance.” Canada” has never been to WDW so it was all new for her and awesome! We all loved it. Then we headed via monorail to Grand Floridian, had a mooch and then got the monorail back to the Magic Kingdom. We saw some bits of hallowishes but not anything that will spoil it for later on. We then decided to go to Wilderness Lodge’s quick service restaurant where I had far too much frozen yoghurt because I had a special moment with the machine and my inability to turn it off.
Today we had a lazy morning again and then went to the mall to buy Halloween costumes for when we go to Mickey’s Not So Scary. Can’t wait. We have 3 cats, a bumble bee, a fairy and a ladybug. Just got back and we’re heading for a pizza evening before going to Traditions early tomorrow.
It’s weird, I actually can’t believe that we’re here. We already have a Florida song: Proud Mary, hence the title of the post. We’re so cool! Will have time for more in depth stuff soon, hopefully, but we’ll have our gate passes tomorrow so maybe not!!
X x

THIS IS IT.

Oh my, I LEAVE TOMORROW! This is so surreal. I don't know what to write. I'm so excited I feel that if I stand up right now I will fall over. Have almost* got everything ready, but I can't finish as I have to wait for the boiler man to come...

Exciting news, Emily got the seat next to Jenna and I on the plane so we will officially be taking over row 17. This time tomorrow I'll be 3 hours into the flight, probably opening the foil lid of my food and closing it moments later before producing some kind of sugary snack from my bag!

Now, normally when I've read people's blogs they have had a list of what they want to happen in the year. And yes, I kind of have some things that I want to achieve, but they are really boring. Therefore, instead I'll post a link to my favourite piece of WDW park music. The Innoventions music at Epcot. Please listen; it gets good about 6 minutes in. It's so 80s it makes me want to backcomb my hair and buy pink legwarmers. I hope they haven't changed it since I last went or I'll be very disappointed!

Anyway, this is my way of signing off from the UK.
See you across the pond!
Katherine x x x

*except for Ipod and dock.

Saying goodbye...

With 2 days to go things have got a bit manic here. Luckily I did most of my packing throughout the week so can have a bit of time to chill out before Tuesday. The past week I've been saying bye to people. It's really hard, because I don't think it's quite sunk in that I'm not going to see people for a whole year. It feels like I'm just going for a couple of weeks then coming home again.

It's a weird feeling right now, like starting a new school combined with Christmas and going on holiday. It's very surreal. I think it'll sink in when I print my boarding pass tomorrow. Need to tidy my room up a little bit and leave things for mum to sort out or bring with her when my family come out at Christmas.

What I find most strange is that it's hard to know what it's actually going to be like out there. It's not like starting a job where you've seen the work location or been there for interview or an open day, everything's going to be so different even from what I've seen on the internet! I've heard good things from the people I met at interview who are already over there, so I hope it lives up to what they have been telling me!

I can't believe it's been 8 months since I interviewed- I walked past the Waterloo Chez Gerrard the other day and it made me think that my whole "journey" (to use a particularly bad reality TV phrase) started there. Actually, it started in my bedroom at xmas, when I wrote CV/cover letter...

Anyway, I better get off my computer and go and start making my last ever Sunday night tea...for a year! Hopefully I'll have time for a quick post tomorrow before I head across the pond!

Kat x x x x

Packing vs Panicking

Well, with only 11 days until I start my magical/ fun/ awesome year at Disney I thought I'd give a little update post. Today I started packing properly...this involved wrestling my duvet into a vacuum bag, sorting my jewellery and looking with a dazed expression at the amount of clothes that I want to take!!

On Wednesday I had my hair cut, really cut. As in 6 inches lopped off the bottom (see picture). Still abides by the Disney Look though. Then I enjoyed a belated birthday curry with my friends which was fun!! Got a cool postcard from Polly that will be winging its way to Florida for my wall. Dad has been home this week which has been so nice...can't believe it'll be the last time I see him before Christmas though.

Now for the panicking bit. I was doing ok with it until today...mainly because I got a phone call from the doctor saying that my thyroid blood test looked a bit dodgy and he thinks I could do with some more bloods. Hopefully I'll be able to know what I'm meant to do while away; I just hope it doesn't cost lots as my insurance doesn't cover pre-existing...so all this happens just as I think things are going smoothly. Luckily Hannah from yummy jobs is looking into it for me, in terms of the Disney insurance I can get after so long working there.

Other than that, I'm nervous about going but really, really excited. It's something I'll only ever get to do once, so I'm going to take every opportunity while out there! I've joked of having an "I'm not going to say no" policy, although this could get abused so I'll say within reason I'll do anything....

Otherwise I've pretty much got everything sorted- printed out my "mears shuttle coupon" earlier for my airport transfer. I literally just need to buy sweets and magazines for the aeroplane (and pack) and I'm ready to go!

x x x x

Getting things sorted!!

Ok, so now there's just 20 days before heading to the US. This morning I paid my Program Assessment Fee- $104.50, then paid early to choose my seat and add an extra bag for the flight. Mainly so I get to sit next to Jenna and so we're near the front to get into immigration quicker. Forward planning.

Then I got a bit organised and photocopied all my important documents!! I've also done doctors, dentists and now just need a haircut...

I think I've got everything I'll need now- so I'm going to just keep packing and relaxing! Yummy sent us the emails of others going on the same date as us- so we now have an email chain going round of just chatty things and things about Florida. There's another person, Emily, on the same flight as me. And another person doing Merch too so I won't feel like a loner doing training! It's all quite exciting, and definitely feels real.

Yesterday a few of us had a little meet up in London because the Scottish people had their visa apps! Was an awesome day again; Starbucks, Disney Store, The Britannia Pub and La Tasca...then some of us went to Tiger Tiger after for some "Rocktails" and singing to Respect, that good old Aretha Franklin classic!!!

I just can't wait to get out there now and experience more fun times!!!

x x x x

2 posts. 1 week.

Bit excessive for boring chat? Well, it's not so much boring as it is exciting- MY VISA ARRIVED THIS MORNING!!! I've kind of had a Disney day really. Well, delivery was meant to be between 8-6 and it came at 9, so I went to the gym for a bit after. Then I went shopping with my mum and bought a suitcase. I decided to go for a navy number with 4 wheels so that if I get another one I can drag one and kick one at the same time. I had to decide between that one and the purple one, but the purple one didn't have pockets!

I also got some bedcovers, I was going to take my old uni ones- but got a whole set reduced to a tenner in Sainsbury's. Bargain. And it's all neatly folded/vacuum packed so saves me a job. I've decided to take a duvet with me as I like them more than a gazillion sheets and a comforter that the Americans use!! To add to the packing list I also got a toothbrush and some razors. Go me.

Then I put all the really important documents that I'll need in a folder so that I can access them more easily instead of going through millions of sheets until I found the one I was looking for. There have been so many bits of paper along the way that I'm scared of losing them.

I've also realised that it's really difficult to not think about Disney. Or not to "like" every Disney related status on facebook. I might try and have a few days where I don't think or do anything related to the CRP or I might spontaneously combust with excitement. Although it does make me realise how much I really want to do this. I am nervous, but more generally nervous than worried about smaller things like who I'll be living with and whether I'll like working...

Anyhoo, there's nothing much to do now except sort my life out and pack my stuff. Birthday next weekend and our next meet up (will probably post about that)after that, then my dad is home for a few days, and then it'll be less than 2 weeks!!

x x x

Visa day!

So, today was visa day...probably the closest and most exciting thing to being in Disney World...!! Before you go you have to do a stupid online form thing, which is a bit of a hassle but nothing too hard, as long as you keep saving and read all the FAQs that Yummy send and also the ones on the embassy website. Then last week while in London I got my visa photo; see embassy website for detailed instructions!

Luckily, Tori and I got the same interview date and time so we met at Bond Street at 7.25 and headed to the embassy. Advice for everyone...get an 8am appointment- it is quicker!!! After being checked for electronic equipment, we had forms checked outside in the queue. Then we had our passports checked in a second queue. Then we queued for security. Then we walked round the corner to join a queue to check in and be given an appointment number. Waited for 20 mins or so to be called. At the first desk was form checking and finger prints. Then we were given a form to fill out for postage, before being called for the interview bit. I got asked whether I was doing CRP. "Yes". You've just finished school in Durham. "Yes". What will you be doing? "Working a Merchandise- in the shops" APPROVED. Then paid £14 for courier and left in about 1 1.5 hours. Simples.

Told you it was exciting.

Well, the process wasn't but talking to Tori and the fact it made it seem more real definitely did. We later met up with Jenna and had a little arrival group day. It was awesome...amazing that it's only the second time we've met and yet it seems like we've known each other for ages. I think that's the thing with Disney people, they're all so friendly! We went to Wagamama's which was lovely, more chatting...and then did a little bit of shopping before heading back home. Jenna was hilarious in the Disney Store where I picked up a Dory cuddly toy and she burst out with "we could paint you blue" (in reference to dressing up!)...can't wait to spend the flight with her- going to be so much fun, just a shame Tori's heading out a day earlier!

Oh well, that's enough for now! Sorry for the dullness of the description of the visa stuff- it's quite handy to know though as I didn't have a clue what to expect and got really nervous!

Laters x x x

It's getting closer...

7 weeks. 49 days. Panic.

Well, maybe I am panicking a tad but not much. Although I did have a weird dream (if you know me, you'll know that I have weird and memorable dreams bi-monthly, the one with bjork was a real highlight) that they wouldn't let me fly from the airport because I hadn't booked that I was taking bags, which I know would never happen but it still freaked me out. I am starting to worry about the little things, but that's natural right?

So, last week after receiving my visa forms I made a call to the embassy. £1.30 per minute. Then if that wasn't bad enough they took just over £100 from my account (it was $150) arghhh. For those people reading this thinking of applying, take note, it'll cost about £1000 before getting to Florida. Anyway, the phone call was ok, the only thing was that yummy jobs forgot to put in their little visa guide that we'd need to read off some of the numbers from the petition so it took me a while to find them on the page. I've managed to get an appointment for the same day as Tori so hopefully we can do something fun afterwards.

Other than that I've just been making a to do list for before I go, there's actually quite a lot to think about. Luckily I don't think I need to buy very much, and also I'm excited for shopping out there too. I think I'm probably going to try and have a birthday/leaving do at the end of September for some of my home and uni friends, as some of them are going back to uni the week after so it made sense to have it then.

In other news, I went to my cousin's wedding in Alnwick which was fun and I'm still doing very little at home. I'm probably going to do lots of relaxing though as I've heard that Disney will be very manic once I arrive!

x x x x x x x

8 weeks to go: meeting the CRPers and it's visa time!

Hello!

Well, I'm all alone in the house so thought it a perfect time to write another blog post. The time is passing quite quickly now and it's starting to hit home that I'm going to Disney- yes, me- and I'm not reading other people's blogs wishing it were me going!

So what's happened since last week? Well, a few of us Disney kids met up in London town for a picnic/ dodgem ride/ pitchers of woo woo. It was AMAZING. And, to name drop, I officially love Kaz, Tori, Sabrina, Lucy and my "flight buddy" Jenna!! Highlight of the day has to be the drunk old guy from "near Manchester" who first called us "school kids" then said that Jenna looked 16 (she nearly had to get her ID out to prove she was 18), then he started claiming that Surrey was in Kent. Oh dear...

Anyway, the fact that it was an amazing day has made me think that Disney is going to be fabulous. Not just because it's Disney World, but because of the people. Hopefully there'll be another meet up at some point...I hope there is cos it was great!

The other exciting piece of news is that my visa forms arrived this morning. Well the paperwork isn't too bad- I just have to phone to book an appointment with a load of details. However, apparently the online form is hideous and really annoying so I'm not looking forward to trying to do it!

Ah well, that's about it for now...apart from me buying some vacuum bags which is highly uninteresting...

x x x

The interview process (and all that jazz)

Well, I know it’s only been a couple of weeks since my last post, and nothing very significant has happened- apart from me going to Cairo-which was amazing. Didn't get up to much, just getting a bit of sun on me, had a BBQ and spent some time with some people there we know!

Anyway, I know that I said in my first blog I wasn’t going to put anything on here about the application process, however, that’s one of the first things people ask me about it- “how did you get that”? Basically, at the beginning of January I created an account on yummy jobs, uploaded my cover letter/ CV document and some info about myself and then sent it off, expecting to get a rejection letter. However, a few weeks later I got an email from yummy saying to book a slot for my telephone interview, which I arranged for the next day (to get it over and done with). For this, I spoke to a woman named Chloe, and it was more like a structured chat than interview. It’s like a pre-screen test so the Disney Recruiters see people that are suited to the position; according to her she said there were something like 1500 application, of which 300 got telephone interviews, and that I’d been lucky to get that far. She asked me about working in the heat, living with other people, how I’ve dealt with a difficult customer, what motivates me (that was tricky, I think I said something about always being busy). The final question was “which Disney character are you most like?”..I said Dory, as she’s really positive and motivated. Just keep swimming.

So, a couple of weeks later and one of the best emails I ever got came. It was the “you got an interview” email. Woop. Now, whilst I was annoyed that I would have to miss a trip to see my friend Sarah in Germany, I knew that I would regret not going to the interview. So, it was a fairly cold but sunny day in February, a few of us from the forum had arranged to meet up at Waterloo before heading off to Chez Gerard- yes, I know, weird location for an interview. So we rocked up and were some of the first people there. We had to sign in- and I remember having a chat with Hannah the yummy recruiter about my journey etc, and I think that not only the Disney recruiters, but also the yummy people were watching for how we all interacted. After filling in some more forms about job preferences we then went to the presentation room out the back. I remember saying “Good Morning” really cheesily to Jill the recruiter- who was also my interviewer. We were there for at least 20 minutes having a chat before the presentation, but it was great as I chatted to people about their ICP experiences, which made me more excited (thanks Gina !!!). The presentation lasted about an hour, there were some questions but I didn’t get chosen to answer so didn’t win a prize. Gutted. Despite this, I just couldn’t stop smiling throughout the presentation. There’s just something about WDW that gets me excited and I can’t quite pinpoint what it is.

Anyhoo, at the end of the presentation we all got our interview times, mine was at 2.40. So a small group of us headed off to Covent Garden, where we ended up in Pizza Hut devouring their buffet. It was lush. I really loved all the people I met that day, and I can’t thank them enough for making me so excited about going and helping me decide that this was the right thing for me. Sophie had to leave a bit earlier to go to her interview, but we still had some time to kill so went to Starbucks before heading to my interview.

Now, I thought the interview was horrible. Well, firstly I sat with Hannah and went through all my documents to make sure that I’d be eligible for a visa. Then I sat for ages waiting to go in, and I also chatted to loads of people outside, like Lucie, Emma and Jenny who my interview was with. I guess I found the interview so difficult because it was done in pairs, and I didn’t know whether they wanted us to interact with each other as well as Jill. Anyway, this was what I did and Jenny reciprocated which was good because it meant we bounced ideas off each other. And another good thing was that our experiences were completely different so we weren’t repeating each other’s answers. We thought this was bad and both came out saying “but your answers/experiences are so much better”. Alas, we both made it to the “Opportunity List” a week later, so as they say the rest is history!!!

So, that's basically how the process went for me! Will blog again soon with more pre-disney gossip,

Adios!
Kat x x x

How to pass the time, badly.

Ok, so I decided to do a new post, so that I post about 2 times a month before heading out to Orlando (and I still can't believe I can say that). Some exciting things have happened since I last posted so hopefully there'll be a little more to chat about!

Well, the biggest and best news is that more people have got off the waitlist (god knows how they organise who gets off the list and when, although apparently it's something to do with judging staffing levels for the season?). Anyway, there's a couple more people with the same start date as me, that I know of. So congrats to Tori and Jenna if you're reading this! Jenna's on the same flight as me which is good because it means that I won't be hanging round Gatwick on my own, will have someone to chat to on the plane, and someone to help me find my way through Orlando International to Vista Way!

Also, Lucie who I met at the interview day got the call a couple of weeks ago, and goes in August. That's a scary thought! I'm quite glad I've got enough time for it to sink in and prepare before I go (even if it is a little boring at home).

So, what have I been doing? Well, it turns out that no-one in Horsham will offer me a job...I'm being positive about it though and saying that it's probably because I'm over-qualified to work in a shop...it's just a bit annoying that I can't earn any money. So, I decided to join the gym to get fit instead, as I gathered that having been a student for, well, ever, I'm not used to physical work. I'm doing ok, been going 3 times a week which is good.

Been catching up with my friends- many a spoon's curry, coffee, picnic, you know the drill. Last week Polly and I went to see Toy Story 3 which was amazing, I loved it. And I definitely got goose pimples when cinderella castle came up at the beginning. The time seems to be going so slowly, but I've been told not to wish it away as the year will go so quickly. Next week I'm off to Cairo to see my dad which will pass a bit of time, then he's coming home, then it's my cousin's wedding...and then well, it's September (birthday time), and then it'll only be one month to go so I'll be trying to see as many people as possible and frantically trying to think of things I need to take. Hopefully there'll be some kind of a UK Pavilion meet-up before people start heading out, which will be good to get to know people a bit better...and kill some of the masses of time I have!

Anyway, I've written loads today...must be my boredom!

x x x x

100 days...and counting...

So, at the 100 day mark before Disney I thought it appropriate to write a new post updating on my preparedness. I graduated from university nearly a fortnight ago and am currently taking my "summer break", and trying to find someone to employ me so that I can earn some money before I head out.

Last week I finally got my CRB back. I say finally because the original form I sent back to yummy jobs took two weeks to reach them, so that delayed the process a little- although it came back quite soon after I'd heard that yummy had received it! I think that's all I need to do now before getting my Visa.

What else have I been doing? Well, as a graduation present my sister got me the 2010 Unofficial Guide to WDW so I have been ploughing my way through that. There's loads of handy hints in there, although I won't need most of them as I'll have plenty of time to see everything.

Other than that I'm trying to think of things that I'll need to take with me, and things that I won't. I bought a really cool travel journal when I was in Canterbury a few weeks back, so I've started to make a list in there.

Anyway, I'll update when I have a bit more chat!

Kat x

Why Disney? How I found out about the programme...and more...

Well, I’d just finished my second year at uni and was back home for the summer. I was searching for graduate job opportunities on target jobs and randomly searched “leisure and hospitality”, and up popped a link to the Disney International Progams website: https://www.disneyinternationalprograms.com/crp.html I just read it and knew it was the kind of thing that I’d been looking for. In September I was doing more research and found the forums on wdwip.com, and I was still keen to apply. However, once I was back at uni I felt like I should be applying to some grad schemes, which I did. I was unsuccessful, or was told the “positions had been filled” on many occasions, so by Christmas I thought why not give it a go.

So, I updated my CV, wrote a cover letter and created a profile on yummy jobs. I then had a telephone interview, face-to-face and was placed on the “opportunity list” until a date became available. I’d say that my biggest motivation for applying, apart from the burning desire to work for Disney, at my favourite park (EPCOT) were the people I’ve met along the way. From those who were doing their first applications to others who had done the ICP, everyone was very warm, friendly and welcoming.
For me, this will be the ultimate gap year. I kind of knew when I was applying for grad schemes that I wasn’t ready to spend the next 30 years of my life sitting in an office. I needed more excitement, some time to travel, some time to think about what I wanted to do. This will be the perfect opportunity to do just that...

Kat x

4 months to go!

So, today marks 4 months until I head out to Orlando on the WDW Cultural Representative Program. When I applied back in January I would never have believed that come October I'd be about to embark on the biggest journey of my life. And so, this blog has been created to document all my comings and goings from now...until the end of my program in October 2011!

I'd tell you all about the application process however, two of my fellow applicants and future CMs (Cast Members) have already written loads of really good info about it, so instead of me regurgitating what they said take a look at their blogs- http://www.disneydreamsofred.blogspot.com/ (Natalie's blog), http://disneydreaming-kimmylou.blogspot.com/ (Kim's blog).

This blog is for friends, family and WDW-lovers who want to share this magical journey with me!

Kat x