I haven't updated in ages, been so busy with work. Work is still going really quick. Been in Candy Shop since Sunday. The 4am shift didnt go too badly, was just really tired. It's been busy as well and it's gonna get busier as the days go on. Yesterday I had just been assigned to the Jelly Belly register and I wasnt even on it 5 mins and Andy, one of my co-ordinators came over and asked if I would switch over to Bulk Register (which is the fudge counter register and its quite hard) because the girl on it was really unsure and he knew I could handle it! SO GO ME! Haha. I've started being good as well and making lunch and bringing it to work instead of buying food all the time. I miss my mummy making me pasta and potatoes!
Today was my day off and I got up really early! SHOCKING! Nicole, Poonam and Lindsey and I went over to cash our paychecks and go to Cast Connection and Property Control. I got a Pal Mickey for $10 which I was so chuffed with! You could actually go crazy in Cast Connection! So much discounted Pirates stuff! Its madness!! I got a Mickey hoody for $20. Definately going back there. Looking forward to bringing my Mum there! She'll go mad on the christmas stuff!! Then Nicole and I went over to Magic Kingdom for a while and Poonam and Lindsey went to work. We rode Space Mountain and ate in Cosmic Rays in Tomorrowland. Then we headed over to Disney-MGM Studios. I was meeting Sara and her parents there. Went on Tower of Terror, Rock n RollerCoaster, Muppets, One Man's Dream and saw the High School Musical Pep Rally (riveting!) We didnt have to queue for Rock n RollerCoaster tho as we saw Stu and he gave us a re-entry pass. So YAY. Also didnt queue for Tower of Terror!
I got a nice Tinkerbell watch as well as I cant wear my Playboy one onstage and it does my head in not knowing the time!
Sara and I then headed back over to Magic Kingdom, went to Tomorrowland looking for Simmy D but couldnt find him, went to Adventureland looking for Laura and couldnt find her either! I swear no one works! hahahah!! We then went backstage to the tunnels so we could get the bus back to Vista.

And thus concludes my day!

Today started my first day officially "on the job". I started at 1.30 and finished at 11.15. It's a bit scary how quickly the shift went! I started off at Tipboard Cart for about an hour. It was very hot and I sold a LOT of squeeze breeze! Although I couldn't believe it when I got bumped off to Firehouse! It's so hot in Firehouse, there's no A.C in that building. Luckily I was only there for around 30mins and I got bumped to Main St. Cinema at around 3. I stayed there for the rest of my shift. I loved it! I worked with Eric and Luisa and they were so funny. Lets just say, I'll think of Eric next time something Harry Potter related happens! Guests were very nice today, I still wore my "Earning my Ears" ribbon just until Im 100% comfortable. Some guests were from Ireland and they were delighted to see I was from N.Ireland! Much fun was had!! The day wizzed by and before I knew it, it was time for my clock out. Roll on another day on Main Street tomorrow!

xx

Sunday June 10th

Today I had Merchantainment in the Disney Uni. It was only 2 hours long as I finished early so I had the evening to myself. Sara and I went to Disney-MGM Studios. We rode Tower of Terror first- Scared the SHIT out of me! haha even though I've done it millions of times! Never gets old! We bumped into Stu working crowd control outside Fantasmic, so that was cool! Ever so official!! Then we got some food at the ABC Commissary and we rode Great Movie Ride. After that it was time to head back home.

Monday June 11th

First day of training in Magic Kingdom. Brenda was my trainer. She was so lovely, she took us on a tour of Main Street East locations. I can work 9 different locations- Main Street Confectionery, Firehouse, Expo Hall, Uptown Jewellers, Main St Cinema and the Chapeau. Its a lot of fun. We also met our managers and co-ordinators. We then did some work in Confectionery which was a bit scary at the start until I got used to all the candy and fudge. Im still not a fan of fudge counter. Just need to get used to it. Got done at 8.30 and came home to bed.

Tuesday June 12th

Second day of training. Today we had Rita. She trained us on the registers and helped learn counting the change back "the Disney way". Awful at first but Im used to it now. We worked some carts which was fun. I'll be glad to get out there by myself and not have a trainer looking over my shoulder. Got done again at 8.30. Came home, chilled out and went to bed.

Wednesday June 13th

Day OFF!! Finally! First day since I got here! Had a lie in and then went to Wendys with Stu for lunch. After that, I went to Epcot with Laura and we spent the rest of the day there. We rode Test Track, Nemo, Spaceship Earth, Soarin' and saw a few shows. We also did a few countries, did a bit of shopping and watched Illuminations. Was fun! Then came home and went to bed!

Thursday June 14th
Final day of training. Had Jack- such a lovely man. Worked in Uptown all day. I work with a guy called Walt- how cool is that??? Lol!!! Today was a lot of fun as we had more freedom. So Im now a fully trained Cast Member! WOOHOO!! I start tomorrow as NORMAL! I love my job!!

Well I have arrived in sunny Orlando. I actually arrived 4 days ago and Im only getting round to updating the LJ now. Im making myself type this so I can recap on everything I've done!

Tuesday June 5th
Left Belfast on time, cried a bit at departures but I was ok when I got to the other side. Met Sara at Gatwick and we met up with Laura and Liam and Jess and Simon and Ben and Stuart and we sat around Gatwick. Then we got delayed to 2.45 and then we got delayed to 4.30!! We were all so annoyed! They gave us £10 food vouchers though. We finally took off after 5. Arrived in Orlando at 9.30 and took ages to clear Customs as they checked our visas. We met the Disney Rep and she took us to the International Programs desk to check in and collect our welcome packs. I was so so tired and so hungry. Found out I was living in Vista Way as was everyone else so that was good! Laura is the apartment directly across from mine! We finally made it to Vista after 1am and my roomies were all asleep so I had to sneak in and find my bed. I did eventually but it was awful because I was so hungry and was overtired and I missed home. My roomie Dannielle woke up and sat and chatted to me though. She's from Scotland and she's lovely. Ended up with around 45 minutes sleep!

Wednesday June 6th
Had to be up and out for 9am but considering I didn't sleep, I was awake anyway! Met the rest of my roomies- Amy from Belfast, Poonam from England, Lindsey from England and Nicole from Scotland. All really lovely girls, we get on very well. We had to check in at Vista Pavillion and hand in our paperwork. Did paperwork and registration all day and then we had the rest of the day off. Went to Walmart and got some food to which it began raining really heavy and I got soaked carrying my bedding up to my apartment. I got Disney Princess bedding! Its rather fetch! Got back home and sat chatting to the Roomies before bed.

Thursday June 7th
More paperwork!! Only this time we went to Disney's Yacht and Beach Club for the Disney paperwork. Signed loads of contracts and signed a confidentiality agreement so NO ONE ask me any secrets! Because I cannot say! LOL! We got some pretty cool stuff as well. After that, we had to go to the Pavillion to find out our work locations and get our schedule for next week. Im working in Magic Kingdom! I was so excited! Im on Main Street East. Im working in the Candy Store and Exposition Hall. I couldn't be any more pleased. Laura also got Magic Kingdom, she's in Adventureland (Pirates- JEALOUS!), Stu got Beauty and the Beast/Fantasmic in MGM, Sara is friends with Winnie The Pooh, Ben got the California Grill and Simon got Tomorrowland! So pretty cool! After we got done with that, we were free for the rest of the day so Stu, Laura, Sara, Simon, Ben and Ben and myself went to Downtown Disney for the night. We walked around the shops, got dinner in Wolfgang Puck and then we got the bus over to the Contempory and rode the Monorail the whole way, past Magic Kingdom then over to Epcot and back. Had such a good laugh, my little group of friends are so funny, GET THAT OUT OF MY LIFE!

Friday June 8th
Today was Traditions. Had to get up at 5am to be on the bus for 6.55am. So tired!! Arrived at the Disney University and we went straight to class. Got told about the Walt Disney Company and its history and stuff, quite interesting. Then we had to name as many Disney characters in 90 seconds to which I won and got a Minnie Mouse critter :) Yay! We also got our namebadges and our Disney IDs to get into the parks for free! We were done by 12 and the possé headed over to Magic Kingdom for the afternoon. We rode Buzz Lightyear, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, TTA and Pirates. Lots of fun but I was very tired from the early start. We headed home around 6pm and Sara and I went to Walmart for some stuff. Went STRAIGHT to bed as soon as I came home!

Today
I had Once Upon a Time is Now in Magic Kingdom today. First day of training. We had a walking tour of Magic Kingdom at 7am, its so weird to see Main Street so empty! Perfect shots of the castle really! We got told lots of secrets (to which I cannot blog! Sorry!) and continued on through Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Liberty Square. We rode Buzz and Small World (and got paid for it!!!). By this stage, the park was open so we had to go backstage. WHICH WAS THE WEIRDEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE!!! We got to go in the Utilidors (tunnels that run under the Magic Kingdom) and then we got our costumes (HILARIOUS!) and did some training modules on the computers. Ended after 8 hours and headed home to which Im updating now. TIRED! Happy Birthday Sara btw!! Photos later....

I cannot believe that this time next week I will be in Florida! It's so weird. I have absoultely everything sorted now. I can't believe when people ask when do I go that I answer with "Tuesday morning"! THATS SO WEIRD! haha! Mum and I went into town earlier and got all my toiletries and things so we're starting to pack tonight. I'm packing tonight because on Friday is my leaving party and then on Saturday, Ro and I are going to Liverpool for the day and then we're in Moira with his cousins that night. Then I'll be with him on Sunday and Monday so I don't want to leave it until the last minute! So in 6 days, I'll know where I'll be staying and won't be long until I find out where I'll be working. Not this weekend but next, I'll be doing Traditions! I'm so EXCITED!

[mood| crazy]

I got the most exciting email from Disney Intl Recruitment earlier and I just have to post it here!!

Dear Emma,
Below are a few hints and reminders to better prepare you for your arrival to the Walt Disney World® Resort. Be sure to print this email and review your arrival packet materials one last time to ensure you have everything you need!

Your Arrival Day: June 5, 2007

What documents do I need to bring with me?

Prior to boarding your flight or arriving by car to the United States, you MUST have the following documentation. Please pack these items in your carry on luggage as you will need this information upon arrival.

Passport with visa stamp*
Original DS2019 Form (J-1 visa holder only, Q visa holders do NOT need this form) - VERY IMPORTANT (a photocopy is not acceptable)
One photocopy of the following passport information:
Visa stamp*, information page(s) to include: passport number, expiry date, photo, and your signature
Original or certified birth certificate (a photocopy is not acceptable)
Proof of medical insurance (This information is not required if you will be working with one of the following companies, Alfredo's, China Group, Mitsukoshi, Marrakesh Restaurant and San Angel Inn)
Printed receipt for the Program Assessment Fee
Arrival packet materials
Upon entering the U.S. you will complete a white I-94 Arrival/Departure Record Card. Please be sure to write your name exactly as it appears in your passport. This is a CRITICAL DOCUMENT, DO NOT LOSE IT!

*Candidates traveling on a Canadian passport will not have a visa stamp

Where do I go when I arrive in Orlando?

Once you have picked up your luggage from baggage claim on Level 2 at the Orlando International Airport (or even if you're missing your luggage), please proceed to the International Programs Welcome Desk and check in with a coordinator.

Arrival Side A: Take the elevator located closest to baggage claim # 5 to Level 1. Once the elevator doors open you will see our Welcome Desk
If you are driving to Orlando or arriving earlier than your above arrival date, please contact the International Arrivals team at wdw.international.arrival.itineraries@disney.com for arrival instructions.

If you have any problems en route, such as delayed or canceled flights, please contact our arrivals team at 1-321-436-0425.

What happens next?

After checking in with our Arrivals team you will be taken to your new home and can start to settle in. Depending on your arrival time, transportation may be available to the local shopping center to pick up groceries and other immediate necessities. Remember, you may want to bring bed sheets, a pillow and towels as they are not provided upon arrival. Your itinerary for the rest of the week will include several meetings to get you more familiarized to your new home as well as administrative procedures necessary for becoming a Disney Cast Member!

How should I dress?

Your first orientation sessions are casual in attire; however, your hairstyle, hair coloring, and fingernails must be 100% within the Disney Look guidelines upon your arrival.

You must also be within The Disney Look guidelines in regard to any body modifications or alterations. Examples include, but are not limited to, visible tattoos, body piercings (other than traditional ear piercing for women), tongue piercing, tooth decorations and earlobe expansion.

All males are expected to be within The Disney Look guidelines for facial hair.

You may also click on the link below to review these guidelines on our Web site.

The Disney Look
Please note that you will need professional dress clothes and shoes for your first official day at work.

Safe travels and we will see you soon!


12 days to go!!

[mood| pleased]

I say its 16 days to go but in about 1 hour and 15 minutes it will be 15 days. It's fast approaching the 2 week mark, which is scary!

I'm smack in the middle of my exams at the minute so this is just a short update. I'm soooooo tired! I'll be glad when they are over and I can just get more and more excited about Disney.

This weekend, I got an email from Yummy with the email addresses of the people on my flight. So my email inbox is full of emails from everyone saying hi etc etc...it's nice to know they aren't strangers anymore...kind of!!

[mood|tired]

Ooh I just recieved an email from Disney International Recruiting with my arrival information!

It's all becoming REAL!

Dear Emma,
As an International College Program Representative, you are about to embark on an amazing journey; an adventure which has been called a life-changing experience both personally and professionally. Not only will you meet friends from all over the world, but you will experience new cultures and create long-lasting memories.

In preparation of your arrival, the Walt Disney World® International Recruitment Team would like to request that you bring the following documents to the first two days of arrival:

Passport
DS 2019
I-94 Card
Proof of Medical Insurance
Official Birth Certificate
If your plans have changed and you are unable to participate in the program at this time, please notify us no later than Friday, May 18 at wdw.int.recruiting@disney.com.

We are looking forward to your arrival!

Sincerely,
The Walt Disney World International Recruitment Team

[mood|enthralled]

Wow. It's now 3 weeks until I head off for Orlando. It's so weird, it feels like only yesterday I was telling everyone "oh 7 weeks to go!" and now it's only 21 tiny days!
I pretty much have everything sorted out now, I just need to get insurance but that can wait until after my exams end. I also need to sort my glasses/sunglasses out but that's in the process.
I got talking to another girl on my flight from WDWIP.com, Sara, she's really lovely. She's from Wales and she should arrive at Gatwick just before me, so I've given her my flight details arriving from Belfast and she's gonna meet up with me. I've started out alone and now I've made a few friends which is good! I wont feel so crap on the plane now!
I made my list out yesterday for my Mum, on what toiletries and things I needed, it felt like I was getting ready for holiday! It still does, I don't think it will actually hit me until Im in London by myself and everyone else is talking about how excited they are to go work for Disney!
Im having a farewell BBQ on Friday June 1st for family and friends so that should be fun. Seriously freaking out here! Cant believe this is all happening!!!

[mood|excited]

Yesterday my passport arrived back with my visa in it. It looks so weird lol! The picture is awful! But sure! So last night I paid my program assessment fee to secure my place and an apartment. Only thing I need left to sort out is my medical insurance. I know where I'm getting it from, just need to actually do it.

Short update, just wanted to note my visa had arrived!

30 days to go!

[mood|satisfied]

Well today I had my appointment at the U.S Consulate in Belfast to apply for my Visa! My appointment was at 9am so we left my house at around 8.15. I got there 15 minutes early! There is actually no parking whatsoever around the Consulate and you actually have to walk up to it because cars aren't allowed! It seems so intimidating but it was actually fine! First of all, I had to clear security, the guard was SO nice though! He talked away to me! I had to put everything through for X-Ray and then walk through the barrier, it was JUST like airport security! Security asked me what I was wanting to do and I said it was Disney and he sounded impressed! I then had to walk up to the Consulate and it was such a nice warm day, it was a nice walk! The waiting room is so small though! Luckily as I was first in the morning, there was only around 3 people in front of me. I handed my forms in at the pre-screening desk and they all got stamped and stapled. Thankfully my pictures were fine, I was SO stressed they wouldn't be! I then had to wait until my name was called. I only waited around 15 minutes though and I had to go to the interview booth and get my fingerprints scanned and asked a few questions. It literally lasted 2 minutes and she approved my Visa and it will be in the post in the next 2 days! How AWESOME! So YAY! Its official! I am definately going to Disney!



32 days to go!

[mood|accomplished]

Well I can't believe that come Tuesday, its only 5 weeks to go. Its so scary! Yet totally exciting!! I have my Visa appointment on Thursday at 9am so thats the next thing on my list to organise. I also finish work in Okaidi on Wednesday forever! Its all becoming too official!! Im still sorting other things out next week such as medical insurance and bits and pieces. But the countdown really is ON! Ro and I also got our tickets booked for Pirates for May 25th so yay its all Disney from here on in! :)

I'll update on Thursday night about my visa experience!!

[mood|lethargic]

Just a quick update! Its now 48 days to go! Ultimately scary!

I'm excited though because my friend Lee-Anne from uni got accepted on the J1 Academic program today! She flies out on June 3rd, just 2 days before me so we'll be together! yay! Another friend!

[mood|relaxed]

Well it's now only 53 days to go. I know it seems like loads but it's going so quickly, it's actually quite scary. I made my Visa appointment last week, I have to go to the Embassy on May 3rd in Belfast at 9.30am. Can't wait to get it over and done with really lol! Once that's sorted, I just have to pay my Program Fee and get my health insurance for the summer. Then it's just getting little essentials ready! Oh my GOD! It's so soon! It will be 7 weeks on Tuesday. I only have 3 weeks left in Okaidi and then its straight into 2 weeks of exams and then once exams are over, its only 11 days until the best summer ever!

Today I've been on Disney websites and listening to Disney music. Ever so excited. I don't stop talking about it! Stu got on my flight so yay. Im happy I have a friend lol! Im in seat 46A on the flight to Orlando but that could change. I'm not sure. I'm kinda worried about checking in! I hope I just leave my bags at Belfast and not see them again until Orlando! Hopefully I won't have to pick them up in London and then check them in again. I doubt it though. Tho if I do have to, it won't be so bad, I'll only have the 1 suitcase anyway as I'll be bringing my laptop as carry on baggage.

OH SQUEAL! Im so excited! A whole entire summer of Disney and Florida sunshine!!!!

[mood|ecstatic]

I was meant to update this but forgot! Oopsie! Can't be slackin when I get to Orlando! Which by the way is in 70 days! :)

*tries to think* hmm...well I have flights booked, background check done and I just have to get my visa and pay my assessement fee and Im all ready. Alexis from Yummy emailed me at the weekend to say they have recieved my visa documents and my offer letter from Disney and they are being posted this week! So hopefully I will have my visa in the next few weeks! It's coming in so close! Can't actually believe how close it is now!

My friend Stu from WDWIP forums JUST got accepted onto the ICP today also so Im sooooo pleased! I have a flight buddy now! :) Yay!!!

xxxx

[mood|geeky]

I haven't updated this LJ in a while! I'm in Uni at the minute passing time for my train and thought I'd do a quick update.

A few Disney related things have happened in the past few weeks. I got an email from Walt Disney International Recruitment welcoming me to the team, I sent off stuff and have had bother with flights!

But I will update this in full later!

xx

[bored|bored]

My Disney pack finally arrived yesterday! FINALLY! I needed that little bit of reality to know this is actually happening! It was like Christmas morning yesterday when it arrived! I sat and read through everything about 4 times! The envelope was sealed with Mickey stickers which is the best ever really!

I took a few pictures of it for my Disney LJ.











I have to wear the Mickey stickers when I arrive in Orlando so the Disney reps can find me!

[mood|happy]

Here are a few entries from my personal LJ regarding the application and interview process of the Program!

( Click Meee! )

[mood| nostaglic]

Hi everyone! Welcome to my Disney LJ!

As you all know, I am participating in the Walt Disney World International Program this summer in Merchandise! I am so so so excited and cannot wait to go! If you actually asked me about it, I would actually emit hyper waves!

I have had a personal LJ for about 3 years now but made this public LJ for family and friends to read up on my Disney adventure. You don't have to have a LJ account to read this journal or post comments but you do need to be on my friends list to read my personal LJ!

I started this Disney journey about 2 years ago when I first left school. I knew about the program and always wanted to take part in it. However it was only last September that I decided to apply and got accepted just before Christmas!

I am going to post some entries about the application process I made in my personal LJ so you can read up on the whole experience and also became it's still 4 months away before my adventure begins!

If you want to leave a comment on this journal (and please do!) just click the "Leave a Comment" link at the end of an entry. If you do not have a LJ account (this means you mother) then just leave an anonymous comment but please remember to leave your name so I know who left me a comment!
Please do leave me comments so I know who's reading this journal! Also a good way to keep in contact with me throughout the summer!

The most recent entries show up at the top so if you want to read older entries or from the beginning, scroll right down to the bottom and read your way up. Click "Earlier Entries" to read older entries as this page only shows the latest 20.

Hope you all enjoy!

Emz

xx

[mood| bouncy]