Wow. It's been a week... Sorry I've let the blog go for so long. As you can possibly imagine - I've been working a million hours a week, and by a million I mean a few hours over forty. Over the past week I have been both cashier and dock trained. That's right, I was on the boats ALLLLL week. And no one died. I hope you're as impressed with me as I am. Now I'm in the middle of cabana training. That's right, for 185 dollars, you can make me your own personal bitch. hahaha Needless to say, cabana isn't exactly my cup of tea, but I'm having a blast regardless.
The people that I work with are, for the most part, wonderful. It turns out that the recreation department is where Walt Disney World keeps a lot of it's straight male cast members. Everyone has been very helpful and patient, which I'm soooo thankful for. This coming week I finish my cabana training and finally move on to Chlidren's Activity training... which is what they originally hired me for. Not gonna lie, I'm pretty stoked to lead pirate cruises and tea parties.
Outside of work, I haven't really been up to too much. One of the two ways: 1. Work, Dinner, Parks, Sleep. OR 1. Work, Dinner, Downtown Disney/Pool hall/Ultimate Frisbee, Sleep. One of these days Im going to have to venture into Orlando... The only real outing I've had that's been of any real consequence was my trip to see Wicked in Tampa. And, surprisingly enough, Wicked didn't really do it for me. Go figure.
Today is my last day off for nine days.So instead of boring you all with the details of my life here, I'm going to make this list, and then go off and frolic.
Things I love about Disney:
1. Most of my roommates.
2. The Grand Floridian Football Challenge
3. Being paid to go on treasure hunts.
4. The warmmmmm weather.
5. Star Tours at Hollywood Studios.
6. Not being in class.
7. My wonderfully comfortable bed.
8. The ease of park hopping.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Steeeeeeeeve.
So, I haven't updated in a while. Possibly because Monday and Tuesday were my weekend, and I spent them frolicing about in the parks. This Valentine's Day was the most fantastic one ever. I was proposed to in front of Cinderella's castle during fireworks. It was magical... I mean, the boy was gay - but who really cares?
On Monday, I woke up at noon and then proceeded to put on my bathing suit and lay by the pool for hours. I'm still sunburnt. Following my fabulous day of sunbathing, Aubrey and I went to Epcot and had a roommate date, complete with sharing plates at the Chinese food restaurant. Then we picked up Aaron, my finace if you will, and went to Downtown Disney for dessert in a dinosaur themed restaurant.
Yesterday, I spent the day at Animal Kingdom and then went to Magic Kingdom once again. Last night I actually had what I like to call a program highlight. Wishes (the fireworks show with Tinkerbell's flight) happened to coincide with our ride on the Astro Orbiter, which means that we were flying in the air above the rest of the park while the fireworks were going off. Beautiful.
Today I busted my ass at work. And while I would love to tell you all about it, it exhausts me. So instead, I'm presenting you with these lists:
Reasons why there is no Poland in Epcot:
1. Polish weaponry is outdated.
2. Poland has poor parliamentary practices.
3. Even Norway is more exciting than Poland.
4. Derek Vicks would probably destroy it.
5. Disney probably doesn't employ enough Poles to run it.
6. Who speaks Polish anyway?
Reasons why I love Gabby Follett:
1. She's hateful.
2. She has an overall love of things impolite.
3. She loves my hateful, sarcastic moments.
4. We both survived Russian history.
5. We have similar feelings toward the entirey of humanity.
6. She's hateful.
Huzzah!
On Monday, I woke up at noon and then proceeded to put on my bathing suit and lay by the pool for hours. I'm still sunburnt. Following my fabulous day of sunbathing, Aubrey and I went to Epcot and had a roommate date, complete with sharing plates at the Chinese food restaurant. Then we picked up Aaron, my finace if you will, and went to Downtown Disney for dessert in a dinosaur themed restaurant.
Yesterday, I spent the day at Animal Kingdom and then went to Magic Kingdom once again. Last night I actually had what I like to call a program highlight. Wishes (the fireworks show with Tinkerbell's flight) happened to coincide with our ride on the Astro Orbiter, which means that we were flying in the air above the rest of the park while the fireworks were going off. Beautiful.
Today I busted my ass at work. And while I would love to tell you all about it, it exhausts me. So instead, I'm presenting you with these lists:
Reasons why there is no Poland in Epcot:
1. Polish weaponry is outdated.
2. Poland has poor parliamentary practices.
3. Even Norway is more exciting than Poland.
4. Derek Vicks would probably destroy it.
5. Disney probably doesn't employ enough Poles to run it.
6. Who speaks Polish anyway?
Reasons why I love Gabby Follett:
1. She's hateful.
2. She has an overall love of things impolite.
3. She loves my hateful, sarcastic moments.
4. We both survived Russian history.
5. We have similar feelings toward the entirey of humanity.
6. She's hateful.
Huzzah!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Have a grand day.
Yesterday was my first day on-site at the Grand Floridian. I know it sounds cheesey, and facetious, but it really was kind of magical. The resort is absolutely beautiful... but with guests paying over $400 a night for a regular room, I would expect nothing less. The goal for yesterday was to just complete a general orientation. We toured the resort, saw all of the restaurants - and I plan on eating in all of them, including Victoria & Alberts (if you don't know what that is, Google it. Crazy.), both of the pools, and all of the crazy backstage areas (which I still can't talk about it.). By the end of the day I recieved 2 new pins, an old key to the resort which they made into a keychain, and a picture of the orientation group. Precious. I know.
Last night Shannon and I took Brittany O. to Magic Kingdom for the first time. We played games games on Space Mountain - which was part of the renovation. Brilliant idea, Imagineers. I lift my hat to you, rode the ride, watched wishes, hopped on Haunted Mansion, battled with the fabulous cast members at Pirates of the Carribean, had barbeque in Frontierland, did NOT get stuck on Thunder Mountain, and watched Wishes (the fireworks show featuring Tinkerbell's flight). By the time we got home and I crawled into bed it was after 2. I had to get up at 5:45. I need to learn to start sleeping, or this is going to be a long, long program.
Today was my recreation orientation day at both the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. The change in atmosphere between the two is crazy. The theme behind the Grand Floridian is Victorian era by the sea. So we're to say things like "Good evening," "Good afternoon," and "Have a grand day." And then you just walk to the next resort and all you hear is "Aloha," "Hey, bro," and "What's up?" I love both of the resorts, and I know I'll be having a field day with both of them. My totaly training experience today was... interesting. I hate that I feel like I can't say what I mean on here. Let's just say that some of my coworkers & coordinators bring a whole different level of Disney magic to the table, and it will be pretty intersting to see how things go.
Tonight I'm going back to Magic Kingdom to celebrate Valentine's Day. I know, I know. I hate Valentine's Day... but how can you not want to celebrate it at Cinderella's castle? I guess even I'm just a little bit of a sucker. What can you do?
Last night Shannon and I took Brittany O. to Magic Kingdom for the first time. We played games games on Space Mountain - which was part of the renovation. Brilliant idea, Imagineers. I lift my hat to you, rode the ride, watched wishes, hopped on Haunted Mansion, battled with the fabulous cast members at Pirates of the Carribean, had barbeque in Frontierland, did NOT get stuck on Thunder Mountain, and watched Wishes (the fireworks show featuring Tinkerbell's flight). By the time we got home and I crawled into bed it was after 2. I had to get up at 5:45. I need to learn to start sleeping, or this is going to be a long, long program.
Today was my recreation orientation day at both the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. The change in atmosphere between the two is crazy. The theme behind the Grand Floridian is Victorian era by the sea. So we're to say things like "Good evening," "Good afternoon," and "Have a grand day." And then you just walk to the next resort and all you hear is "Aloha," "Hey, bro," and "What's up?" I love both of the resorts, and I know I'll be having a field day with both of them. My totaly training experience today was... interesting. I hate that I feel like I can't say what I mean on here. Let's just say that some of my coworkers & coordinators bring a whole different level of Disney magic to the table, and it will be pretty intersting to see how things go.
Tonight I'm going back to Magic Kingdom to celebrate Valentine's Day. I know, I know. I hate Valentine's Day... but how can you not want to celebrate it at Cinderella's castle? I guess even I'm just a little bit of a sucker. What can you do?
Friday, February 12, 2010
her name was Lola...
**EDIT POST: Some people feel that my posts are a little out of line. So while I believe the entire purpose of a blog is to talk about my life, my job, and my feelings toward all of it (even if it's admittedly less than glamourous) - I have conceded. You will find that this post is now watered down. And to everyone that felt like I was being entirely too negative, I'm sorry you feel that way. I love Disney, and I am thrilled about my job. I can't wait to start work, and I have done everything they asked of me with a smile.
Yesterday was my first day of recreation orientation. This meant that I sat in front of a computer for 4 hours to complete Recreation Core, Wild About Safety (which when you open the menu has a giant T-Word on it. I was a little freaked), Labor Operations, Cash Handling (that's right, folks. I had to be trained in how to recognize United States currency...), and Disability Services. My manager and I have a lot in common. We both have really ridiculous Polish last names (Ostrowski & Oleszewski), we both have attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and we both have worked in the Rec. Center there.... so we know a bunch of the same people in Wilmington. Weird.
I also found out that my role isn't limited to Children's Activities, or the Grand Floridian. I've been assigned to two resorts, both the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. Also, turns out I'm being crosstrained. Surprise! Not only will I be a children's attendant, but I'm also going to be trained behind a register, in the marinas, and also in the cabana. Hi, my name is Jackie, and I will be your cabana girl? Then after I'm trained in ALL of that mess (which will take over a month), I go back to Disney Security for an even more extensive background check, and then I will be leading Pirate Cruises and Tea Parties. I feel like my friends got lucky with their single assignment... but at the same time, I'm thrilled about the variety.
After I got off work, my roommates (Brittany J., Shannon, & Aubrey)and some of the boys from a neighboring apartment (Aaron, Matt & Scott) went on an adventure to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Good news, the Tower of Terror is just as badass as I remembered it, as is Rockin' Roller Coaster. It's really nice to go in and just wander around knowing that I have months to do and see it all.
I have the entire day off today, so I think Scott and I are going to hit Animal Kingdom to see Brittany J. and then Epcot to see Matt. Tomorrow I work all day - it's my first day at the Grand Floridian! I'm sure I'll have things to say about today's debauchery, but until then...
Yesterday was my first day of recreation orientation. This meant that I sat in front of a computer for 4 hours to complete Recreation Core, Wild About Safety (which when you open the menu has a giant T-Word on it. I was a little freaked), Labor Operations, Cash Handling (that's right, folks. I had to be trained in how to recognize United States currency...), and Disability Services. My manager and I have a lot in common. We both have really ridiculous Polish last names (Ostrowski & Oleszewski), we both have attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and we both have worked in the Rec. Center there.... so we know a bunch of the same people in Wilmington. Weird.
I also found out that my role isn't limited to Children's Activities, or the Grand Floridian. I've been assigned to two resorts, both the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. Also, turns out I'm being crosstrained. Surprise! Not only will I be a children's attendant, but I'm also going to be trained behind a register, in the marinas, and also in the cabana. Hi, my name is Jackie, and I will be your cabana girl? Then after I'm trained in ALL of that mess (which will take over a month), I go back to Disney Security for an even more extensive background check, and then I will be leading Pirate Cruises and Tea Parties. I feel like my friends got lucky with their single assignment... but at the same time, I'm thrilled about the variety.
After I got off work, my roommates (Brittany J., Shannon, & Aubrey)and some of the boys from a neighboring apartment (Aaron, Matt & Scott) went on an adventure to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Good news, the Tower of Terror is just as badass as I remembered it, as is Rockin' Roller Coaster. It's really nice to go in and just wander around knowing that I have months to do and see it all.
I have the entire day off today, so I think Scott and I are going to hit Animal Kingdom to see Brittany J. and then Epcot to see Matt. Tomorrow I work all day - it's my first day at the Grand Floridian! I'm sure I'll have things to say about today's debauchery, but until then...
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
And we are the dreamers of dreams.
Yesterday turned out to be a fairly slow day in Florida. The weather was particularly miserable, so I spent a lot of my day unpacking. That's right. Some of my clothes still aren't totally unpacked. Shocking, I know. But my bed is all put together, my stuff is on the wall, and the tv is set up!
Today was my very first day of work at Disney, which cast members refer to as "Traditions." Mostly this just means that you sit in a classroom and become bored, but we did do a couple of cool things, too. I can't go into detail about some of them(I can literally lose my job. Go figure.), but the underworld of the Magic Kingdom really is magical, and Mickey delivered our very first nametags... which sounds really lame, but is a Disney right of passage. Wedid other things like go over the history of Disney and cast member standards. Also, I recieved my Disney Cast Member ID, so now I can get into the parks for free, occasionally bring friends into the parks for free, and recieve discounts on nearly everything - including gas, groceries, park merch, and clothes.
Tonight we're making a pizza, watching Family Guy, and going to bed relatively early. I have to be up at 5:45 to make it to the bus stop by 6:45 to make it to Disney University at 7:45 for Recreation Core at 8. But I should be done by noon, so I'm looking forward to a day in the parks tomorrow. =]
Today was my very first day of work at Disney, which cast members refer to as "Traditions." Mostly this just means that you sit in a classroom and become bored, but we did do a couple of cool things, too. I can't go into detail about some of them(I can literally lose my job. Go figure.), but the underworld of the Magic Kingdom really is magical, and Mickey delivered our very first nametags... which sounds really lame, but is a Disney right of passage. Wedid other things like go over the history of Disney and cast member standards. Also, I recieved my Disney Cast Member ID, so now I can get into the parks for free, occasionally bring friends into the parks for free, and recieve discounts on nearly everything - including gas, groceries, park merch, and clothes.
Tonight we're making a pizza, watching Family Guy, and going to bed relatively early. I have to be up at 5:45 to make it to the bus stop by 6:45 to make it to Disney University at 7:45 for Recreation Core at 8. But I should be done by noon, so I'm looking forward to a day in the parks tomorrow. =]
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
"he asked if he could Disney point at me..."
Since some of you asked nicely, and others (Miss Natalie Berejan...) assaulted my Facebook, I figured it might be time for an update. Enjoy.
Sunday was relatively boring. Mom and I went shopping, and then Brittany and I went to meet up with some other interns - most of which were shockingly dull. So mostly we just wandered around Downtown Disney and entertained ourselves. Again.
Yesterday was check-in day. I met the rest of my roommates, moved in to an apartment (err... lugged my shit into my apartmentand then just left it here in my bedroom in a heap), and recieved my job assignment.
My roommates are great so far.
Brittany and I have been hanging out all week, and it was nice to finally move in. She's a native Floridian, and we're really very similar. We even share a birthday week and have Pomeranians that are the same age. Precious. I know. She also is somewhat of a Facebook celebrity, which I think is hysterical. Apparently some people actually added and creeped on others in the College Program, where as I just added and never bothered to follow up. A couple people have actually asked to have their pictures taken with her. I'm pretty sure living with Brittany will never be boring. Brittany even has her own Facebook hate group with over 300 members. "I'm doing the Disney CP and I think Brittany Lauren is a bitch." Good news folks, she's not. =]
Shannon was the second one we added to our Disney World Wolfpack. She stalked me down on Facebook, so we figured ah hell, might as well live together. Shannon is a lifeguard from Salt Lake City. Of all six of us, she traveled the farthest to get here. She's a really sweet girl and is always excited about something. I think she's working as a lifeguard in Typhoon Lagoon. Good luck with that.
Shannon also stalked down a fourth roommate for us. Brittany (part two) is from Pittsburgh, and she's hilarious. I don't know how I would have made it through such a boring cluster f*ck of meetings if she hadn't been there to make me laugh. Brittany is also in Merchandise , and she was placed somewhere in the Animal Kingdom. Apparently it's like a dinosaur shop and arcade place. I can't wait to hear the stories that she comes home with.
While we were waiting in line to check in, I met Aubrey, our fifth roommate. The poor thing was looking a little dazed and confused. Aubrey hadn't met any people on the program yet - so I can imagine that she was frightened. Some of the people that do this program really are kind of bizarre... but Aubrey seemed nice enough, and so our wolfpack expanded to five. Aubrey is from Syracuse and is working full-service food and beverage over at the Yacht Club.
So this left us with quite a debacle. Now Aubrey needed a roommate. How did we solve the problem? Well. Aubrey just looked down the line to find someone who looked like they were lost. And then she saw Ashley, walked up to her and said (and I quote) "Hey! You look normal, wanna be roommates?" And so we added Ashley, who is adorable. She has the cutest Minnie Mouse voice I've ever heard, especially when she's saying something sassy (which is more often than not). Ashely's from Michigan and is working concierge at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Now that we had six in our wolfpack we moved into our apartment at Chatham Square. I'm not gonna lie, this really is one of the nicer places I've lived. Everything is still relatively new, our apartment is huge, and the furniture they provided us is hideous - but very comfortable! The exterior of the complex is beautiful. It looks like Key West with all of the different colored buildings with porches and balconies. The only thing that is going to be a real pain in the ass (I can feel it) is security. They have this place locked down tighter than your nearest penitentury. No guests past 1? Come on now. I'm a big girl. You also have to show your ID just to get into the complex. If you went to Apex, think going off campus for lunch. You have to go through a secuirty station, roll down your window and everyone in the car has to show their housing ID. Or, if they're a guest, you have to fill out paperwork and photocopy picture IDs. Really?! I can't imagine people want in here that bad... but what do I know?
So after we checked into our apartment, they herded us like cattle to the Casting building. That's right, I finally have a job assignment. I'll be working in the Grand Floridian's Seven Seas Children's Adventure Center, and I couldn't be more excited. So that means me, Brittany (part one), and Ashley are all working in the Grand Floridian. Go figure. "Traditions", which is essentially Disney orientation, is tomorrow for half of us. After Traditions we get into the Parks for free, get our discount on merch. and discounts in nearly every store and restuarant in Orlando. Stoked about that. I'm really excited to visit Hollywood Studios. Thursday is my recreation core class at Disney University, and then Friday is Resort Orientation at the Grand Floridian for me, Brittany and Ashley. I can actually say that I'm excited to work.
After we got at least somewhat settled in, Brittany (part one) and I met up with some friends at one of the other apartment complexes, Vista Way. Let's just say that we feel like we got lucky with Chatham. Visiting Vista was like having an out of body experience.
Let's just say we were happy to be home.
So I have all of today off, so I'm going to be spending some time today with my Mom who is stuck here in Orlando because of the horrendus amounts of snow in Lynchburg. And I thought it was cold here...
Sunday was relatively boring. Mom and I went shopping, and then Brittany and I went to meet up with some other interns - most of which were shockingly dull. So mostly we just wandered around Downtown Disney and entertained ourselves. Again.
Yesterday was check-in day. I met the rest of my roommates, moved in to an apartment (err... lugged my shit into my apartmentand then just left it here in my bedroom in a heap), and recieved my job assignment.
My roommates are great so far.
Brittany and I have been hanging out all week, and it was nice to finally move in. She's a native Floridian, and we're really very similar. We even share a birthday week and have Pomeranians that are the same age. Precious. I know. She also is somewhat of a Facebook celebrity, which I think is hysterical. Apparently some people actually added and creeped on others in the College Program, where as I just added and never bothered to follow up. A couple people have actually asked to have their pictures taken with her. I'm pretty sure living with Brittany will never be boring. Brittany even has her own Facebook hate group with over 300 members. "I'm doing the Disney CP and I think Brittany Lauren is a bitch." Good news folks, she's not. =]
Shannon was the second one we added to our Disney World Wolfpack. She stalked me down on Facebook, so we figured ah hell, might as well live together. Shannon is a lifeguard from Salt Lake City. Of all six of us, she traveled the farthest to get here. She's a really sweet girl and is always excited about something. I think she's working as a lifeguard in Typhoon Lagoon. Good luck with that.
Shannon also stalked down a fourth roommate for us. Brittany (part two) is from Pittsburgh, and she's hilarious. I don't know how I would have made it through such a boring cluster f*ck of meetings if she hadn't been there to make me laugh. Brittany is also in Merchandise , and she was placed somewhere in the Animal Kingdom. Apparently it's like a dinosaur shop and arcade place. I can't wait to hear the stories that she comes home with.
While we were waiting in line to check in, I met Aubrey, our fifth roommate. The poor thing was looking a little dazed and confused. Aubrey hadn't met any people on the program yet - so I can imagine that she was frightened. Some of the people that do this program really are kind of bizarre... but Aubrey seemed nice enough, and so our wolfpack expanded to five. Aubrey is from Syracuse and is working full-service food and beverage over at the Yacht Club.
So this left us with quite a debacle. Now Aubrey needed a roommate. How did we solve the problem? Well. Aubrey just looked down the line to find someone who looked like they were lost. And then she saw Ashley, walked up to her and said (and I quote) "Hey! You look normal, wanna be roommates?" And so we added Ashley, who is adorable. She has the cutest Minnie Mouse voice I've ever heard, especially when she's saying something sassy (which is more often than not). Ashely's from Michigan and is working concierge at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Now that we had six in our wolfpack we moved into our apartment at Chatham Square. I'm not gonna lie, this really is one of the nicer places I've lived. Everything is still relatively new, our apartment is huge, and the furniture they provided us is hideous - but very comfortable! The exterior of the complex is beautiful. It looks like Key West with all of the different colored buildings with porches and balconies. The only thing that is going to be a real pain in the ass (I can feel it) is security. They have this place locked down tighter than your nearest penitentury. No guests past 1? Come on now. I'm a big girl. You also have to show your ID just to get into the complex. If you went to Apex, think going off campus for lunch. You have to go through a secuirty station, roll down your window and everyone in the car has to show their housing ID. Or, if they're a guest, you have to fill out paperwork and photocopy picture IDs. Really?! I can't imagine people want in here that bad... but what do I know?
So after we checked into our apartment, they herded us like cattle to the Casting building. That's right, I finally have a job assignment. I'll be working in the Grand Floridian's Seven Seas Children's Adventure Center, and I couldn't be more excited. So that means me, Brittany (part one), and Ashley are all working in the Grand Floridian. Go figure. "Traditions", which is essentially Disney orientation, is tomorrow for half of us. After Traditions we get into the Parks for free, get our discount on merch. and discounts in nearly every store and restuarant in Orlando. Stoked about that. I'm really excited to visit Hollywood Studios. Thursday is my recreation core class at Disney University, and then Friday is Resort Orientation at the Grand Floridian for me, Brittany and Ashley. I can actually say that I'm excited to work.
After we got at least somewhat settled in, Brittany (part one) and I met up with some friends at one of the other apartment complexes, Vista Way. Let's just say that we feel like we got lucky with Chatham. Visiting Vista was like having an out of body experience.
Let's just say we were happy to be home.
So I have all of today off, so I'm going to be spending some time today with my Mom who is stuck here in Orlando because of the horrendus amounts of snow in Lynchburg. And I thought it was cold here...
Saturday, February 6, 2010
"look at all my woodland friends!"
So, I was rather dismayed to see that my last post did not, in fact, post. This means that none of you got to live my ridiculous 12 hour travel story. And while I would love to re-write it for your enjoyment, it mentally and physically exhausts me. So I'll give you some of the highlights.
Ridiculous things that happened on the car ride to Orlando:
1. We stopped at Big Joe's Trucker Stop. Never again.
2. We played what Mom likes to call Critter Counter. I affectionately refer to our game as Road Kill Bingo. We counted 1 owl, 2 wolves, 2 deer, 1 hedgehog, 1 possum, 1 skunk, 1 raccoon, 1 something with no head, and 3 tires. Success.
3. I got to hold my arm up for 2 hours to find signal for my iPod to play over the radio.
4. I refused to pump gas in the dark. Mom's fit ensued.
Quote of the Car Ride:
Mom: What the hell is this?
Me: Mom, it's the Beatles. It's "All You Need Is Love."
Mom: Well I hate it.
After we got in, I dropped my stuff and headed out to Downtown Disney to meet up with my roommate. And good news, Brittany is wonderful - so this should be a fabulous six months.
Yesterday, Mom and I hit up the Disney Marketplace and did some shopping and had a few drinks at the Rainforest Cafe after scouting out all of the Disney CP housing complexes (which are absolutely beautiful, by the way. Go figure.). Last night we had some horrendus weather. Apparently there were tornados touching down. I slept through it. Naturally.
Today Mom and I visited the Magic Kingdom and the first couple hours were fabulous. No lines and all that. Pictures will follow at some point. It's nice to know that I'll be living this for the next 6 months.
Meet and greet dinner is tomorrow night.
Move in on Monday.
Job assignment Monday.
Oye vey.
Ridiculous things that happened on the car ride to Orlando:
1. We stopped at Big Joe's Trucker Stop. Never again.
2. We played what Mom likes to call Critter Counter. I affectionately refer to our game as Road Kill Bingo. We counted 1 owl, 2 wolves, 2 deer, 1 hedgehog, 1 possum, 1 skunk, 1 raccoon, 1 something with no head, and 3 tires. Success.
3. I got to hold my arm up for 2 hours to find signal for my iPod to play over the radio.
4. I refused to pump gas in the dark. Mom's fit ensued.
Quote of the Car Ride:
Mom: What the hell is this?
Me: Mom, it's the Beatles. It's "All You Need Is Love."
Mom: Well I hate it.
After we got in, I dropped my stuff and headed out to Downtown Disney to meet up with my roommate. And good news, Brittany is wonderful - so this should be a fabulous six months.
Yesterday, Mom and I hit up the Disney Marketplace and did some shopping and had a few drinks at the Rainforest Cafe after scouting out all of the Disney CP housing complexes (which are absolutely beautiful, by the way. Go figure.). Last night we had some horrendus weather. Apparently there were tornados touching down. I slept through it. Naturally.
Today Mom and I visited the Magic Kingdom and the first couple hours were fabulous. No lines and all that. Pictures will follow at some point. It's nice to know that I'll be living this for the next 6 months.
Meet and greet dinner is tomorrow night.
Move in on Monday.
Job assignment Monday.
Oye vey.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Frequently Asked Questions
Well, friends, turns out I'm leaving tomorrow and making a straight shot to Lake Buena Vista Florida, also commonly referred to as the Happiest Place on Earth. Y'all seem to have a lot of questions about what the hell I'm going to be doing in Disney World and this is where I'm going to answer them. Or at least to the best of my ability.
Q: How are you getting to Florida?
A: I can't apparate and I need Ringo (my Chevy Blazer). So I'm driving.(And if you got the Harry Potter reference I love you.)
Q: How far of a drive is it from where you are to Disney?
A: Way too damn long. Or, more accurately, 12 hours and 22 minutes according to Google maps.
Q: Are you driving by yourself?!
A: Obviously not. If you have ever, at any point in our friendship, been with me while I'm driving you know that I have terrible driving anxiety. My ever so gracious (and perhaps slightly insane) mother will be accompanying me.
Q: Are you living IN Disney World?
A: As much as I adore all things Disney, living in the parks would probably make me want to bludgeon myself to death with a Mickey Mouse bobble head. So, to answer your question, no. I will be living in housing arranged by Disney that is about 3 miles from the parks.
Q: How long will you be there?
A: Until August 13th. 6 months and 5 days.
Q: Will you be Minnie Mouse?
A: Absolutely not.
Q: Then what are you doing for your internship?
A: I won't know exactly until Monday. But let me tell you what I know, I'm a "recreation" Cast Member. So this could mean anything from water craft rentals, to working on the golf courses, to working with visiting sports teams and competitions, to slide ops at the water parks, to working in fitness centers in the resorts. I'm looking forward to finding out on Monday.
Q: Is this a paid internship?
A: I sure as hell don't work for peanuts.
Q: Have you met anyone else that's going down there?
A: No. That's the beauty in all of this. New places, new faces.
Q: Will this set you back in school?
A: Maybe. Maybe not. To graduate in May of '11 I'm going to have to kick it into overdrive... however this will provide with fabulous writing fodder, and I look forward to drawing on this experience for the rest of my days on this planet.
Q: Do you get into the parks for free?
A: I'm slaving away for the Mouse for 6 months. What do you think?
Q: Can you get ME in for free?
A: I mean... yeah, I could. But I can only get so many people in while I'm there, so chances are you have to be reeeeaaalll important for me to get you in.
Q: How about a discount?
A: I got you. You just have to pay me in cash.
Have more questions? Comment away.
T minus 15 hours to departure.
holy hell.
Q: How are you getting to Florida?
A: I can't apparate and I need Ringo (my Chevy Blazer). So I'm driving.(And if you got the Harry Potter reference I love you.)
Q: How far of a drive is it from where you are to Disney?
A: Way too damn long. Or, more accurately, 12 hours and 22 minutes according to Google maps.
Q: Are you driving by yourself?!
A: Obviously not. If you have ever, at any point in our friendship, been with me while I'm driving you know that I have terrible driving anxiety. My ever so gracious (and perhaps slightly insane) mother will be accompanying me.
Q: Are you living IN Disney World?
A: As much as I adore all things Disney, living in the parks would probably make me want to bludgeon myself to death with a Mickey Mouse bobble head. So, to answer your question, no. I will be living in housing arranged by Disney that is about 3 miles from the parks.
Q: How long will you be there?
A: Until August 13th. 6 months and 5 days.
Q: Will you be Minnie Mouse?
A: Absolutely not.
Q: Then what are you doing for your internship?
A: I won't know exactly until Monday. But let me tell you what I know, I'm a "recreation" Cast Member. So this could mean anything from water craft rentals, to working on the golf courses, to working with visiting sports teams and competitions, to slide ops at the water parks, to working in fitness centers in the resorts. I'm looking forward to finding out on Monday.
Q: Is this a paid internship?
A: I sure as hell don't work for peanuts.
Q: Have you met anyone else that's going down there?
A: No. That's the beauty in all of this. New places, new faces.
Q: Will this set you back in school?
A: Maybe. Maybe not. To graduate in May of '11 I'm going to have to kick it into overdrive... however this will provide with fabulous writing fodder, and I look forward to drawing on this experience for the rest of my days on this planet.
Q: Do you get into the parks for free?
A: I'm slaving away for the Mouse for 6 months. What do you think?
Q: Can you get ME in for free?
A: I mean... yeah, I could. But I can only get so many people in while I'm there, so chances are you have to be reeeeaaalll important for me to get you in.
Q: How about a discount?
A: I got you. You just have to pay me in cash.
Have more questions? Comment away.
T minus 15 hours to departure.
holy hell.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
winter weather
things I love about today:
1. being harassed from Argentina.
2. international texts from Italy.
3. watching Disney movies with Mom.
4. grilled cheese sandwiches.
5. keys that answer when you whistle to them.
things I less than love about today:
1. being harassed from Argentina.
2. winter effing weather. [GO AWAY ICE!]
3. bathing suit shopping. [I felt that putting bathing suits after winter weather might be appropriate.]
4. people failing to answer their phones.
5. when my dog barks at a pitch high enough to set off my keys.
things about today that frightened me:
1. buying my first suit.
2. driving in the ice.
3. handing over my keys to someone else to drive my car through the ice.
4. realizing how easy it is to find people on facebook.
5. the prospect of 6 more weeks of winter.
My date of departure from Lynchburg has been moved up.
They're expecting 3 feet of snow on Friday.
As a result, Mom and I leave Thursday for Myrtle Beach.
4 days until I'm in Orlando.
1. being harassed from Argentina.
2. international texts from Italy.
3. watching Disney movies with Mom.
4. grilled cheese sandwiches.
5. keys that answer when you whistle to them.
things I less than love about today:
1. being harassed from Argentina.
2. winter effing weather. [GO AWAY ICE!]
3. bathing suit shopping. [I felt that putting bathing suits after winter weather might be appropriate.]
4. people failing to answer their phones.
5. when my dog barks at a pitch high enough to set off my keys.
things about today that frightened me:
1. buying my first suit.
2. driving in the ice.
3. handing over my keys to someone else to drive my car through the ice.
4. realizing how easy it is to find people on facebook.
5. the prospect of 6 more weeks of winter.
My date of departure from Lynchburg has been moved up.
They're expecting 3 feet of snow on Friday.
As a result, Mom and I leave Thursday for Myrtle Beach.
4 days until I'm in Orlando.
Monday, February 1, 2010
lists.
things I loved about today:
1. starting a new adventure.
2. having lunch with Montana.
3. the sunset in the mountains.
4. my brother getting into college.
5. Magellan being a satisfactory co-pilot.
6. getting out of Wilmington.
7. passing World's Largest Frying Pan.
8. discussing the logisitics of Groundhog Day with my mother at the dinner table.
things that I less than loved about today:
1. ice. I hate ice.
2. driving on busy highways.
3. taking the long way home. I didn't really care to see Greensboro.
4. getting stuck behind trucks.
5. aforementioned trucks having license plates that read "rednck1."
6. see number 5.
7. being sick and full of unneccessary phlegm.
8. (most of all)saying goodbye.
songs that I listened to more than 5 times in the car:
1. "Alive With the Glory of Love" by Say Anything
2. "No Children" by The Mountain Goats
3. "My Girls" by Animal Collective
4. "Undisclosed Desires" by Muse
5. "I Will Posses Your Heart" by Death Cab for Cutie
6. "Flagpole Sitta" - both the original by Harvey Danger, and the cover by Julia Nunes.
7. "I And Love And You" by the Avett Brothers
6 days until I'm in Florida.
Do with that what you will.
1. starting a new adventure.
2. having lunch with Montana.
3. the sunset in the mountains.
4. my brother getting into college.
5. Magellan being a satisfactory co-pilot.
6. getting out of Wilmington.
7. passing World's Largest Frying Pan.
8. discussing the logisitics of Groundhog Day with my mother at the dinner table.
things that I less than loved about today:
1. ice. I hate ice.
2. driving on busy highways.
3. taking the long way home. I didn't really care to see Greensboro.
4. getting stuck behind trucks.
5. aforementioned trucks having license plates that read "rednck1."
6. see number 5.
7. being sick and full of unneccessary phlegm.
8. (most of all)saying goodbye.
songs that I listened to more than 5 times in the car:
1. "Alive With the Glory of Love" by Say Anything
2. "No Children" by The Mountain Goats
3. "My Girls" by Animal Collective
4. "Undisclosed Desires" by Muse
5. "I Will Posses Your Heart" by Death Cab for Cutie
6. "Flagpole Sitta" - both the original by Harvey Danger, and the cover by Julia Nunes.
7. "I And Love And You" by the Avett Brothers
6 days until I'm in Florida.
Do with that what you will.
the beginning...
Goodbye, Wilmington.
I'll see you in August.
Orlando, Florida in 6 days,
but for right now...
we are headed north.
I'll see you in August.
Orlando, Florida in 6 days,
but for right now...
we are headed north.
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