Festivities

So I really was blessed this year. Two birthdays... the second being celebrated in DisneyWorld! It's crazy!! 5 months ago when I was just applying for this, it never would have occurred to me to think about what it was going to be like if I got into the program and celebrated my birthday in Disney. Let me tell you though, Disney certainly know how to give you a good day.

I spent the incredibly warm morning by the pool, lunch and the afternoon in Magic Kingdom (where one of my roommates bought me a Princess balloon), dinner at the Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom (best decorated restaurant I have ever seen. Tropical thunderstorms every 30 mins with the animals!) and then the evening at House of Blues for the Night of the Dead party. It was an incredibly full day, but I definitely enjoyed myself!

A couple days prior, I thought that I was going to have a crap time because I wouldn't be celebrating it with anyone back home... but my Australian birthday (being the 26th over here) psyched me up to be pumped for my day! I woke up in a good mood and stayed that way for most of the day. Couple of sad moments, they were to be expected, but overall.. I had a fantastic day.

The highlight of the day has to be Magic Kingdom. It starts as soon as you get off the monorail. You hear the music playing - the Disney music, and then you start to make your way toward the turnstiles to get in. Girls are dressed up in Princess dresses, boys are dressed up as pirates and parents seem just as excited to get in as everybody else! After walking in, then comes my favourite bit out of all of Magic Kingdom:

Looking down Main Street USA toward the Cinderella Castle. The marching bands playing music, the acapella quartet singing old jazz numbers, the ornate shops selling all different kinds of Disney specialties and best of all, the indescribable atmosphere that comes with being in Disneyworld/Disneyland. To put it in the most simple terms, you just feel incredibly happy. Nothing can pull you down. You feel like you're on top of the world. I love it. I just want everyone in the world to experience it!

On that note, I'll leave you with a couple of photos from the day :)

Main Street USA and Cinderella Castle

Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom. Fabulous food, fabulous atmosphere!

Got a little bit of face painting done at House of Blues!

Volcano brownie!

Bizarre

I was given the task by my old colleagues to find something bizarre and take a photo of it.
My immediate thought was to go straight to wal-mart and take a photo of one of the numerous bizarre things that go on in that place... but then I remembered the thing that I see everywhere that is so bizarre it makes me feel sick in my stomach.
So here it is:

The squirrels tail. Yuck. It honestly does make me feel sick in my stomach. Unfortunately I couldn't get a great photo because they run away every time I try get close to them. I'll try describe it.
It's flaky, it's sparse... actually I don't think I can continue because it makes me feel so gross. Just look at the photos and you'll see.
So Brenda, here is your bizarre photo! :)
I'm ready for my next task!

ps - It's my birthday!!

When the world seems just a little bit smaller...

Today I was working in Tatooine Traders, 12pm - 8pm. We are on shift rotation .. .and constantly move to different tasks throughout the day. It was about 5pm when I was scheduled to be on register 5 for about half hour while someone went on their break. It was then a man and his two kids chose to come to my register.
I greeted them as usual, "Hi guys, you ready to go?"
The man nodded. I rang up their purchases and stated their total. It was then that the man spoke.
"We thought you sounded familiar," he answered in the tongue that I'm so used to.
I beamed, "You're from Australia!!! Where abouts are you from?"
"Originally from Cronulla, but we're living in Austinmer at the moment," he swiftly responded.
It was like my heart exploded. God  had reminded me in one little encounter that I'm actually not that far away from home. It made my day in an instant. Speaking with some neighbours about where they from, what they were doing and how long they are in the States for.
As I watched them walking out the door, I was immediately grateful for where I was and how much help I had been given to get where I am at the moment... not only for Orlando, but my life in general. It's funny how one little moment or encounter can help you to realise things that have nothing to do with the original thing at all.
So in saying that, thank you Mum and Dad for everything you have provided me and how you have raised me. I appreciate all you have done. Love you lots.                                                                                                                                                                                            

Newborns

So this afternoon I looked out my window and saw a girl following this black cat. I then saw her make her way into the bushes and picked something small and black up. It was this little fella

We all eventually ventured outside and ended up finding four of these little guys!!! So exciting! I've never seen kittens so little before in my life. That is partly because I never really have anything to do with animals, but also coz we figured they must just only be 1-2 weeks old. They could barely walk! They are pretty cute, and that is saying a lot from a non-animal lover.

Someday we'll find it ... the rainbow connection

Anybody know which song I'm talking about from the title of this blog post? Think green.
If anyone has figured it out, I'm definitely impressed.
Rainbow Connection is one of 6 songs that I listen to on repeat when I'm working at Stage One.
Now, I know what you're thinking. I can already hear you lot berating me from the other side of the world. I know The Muppets are iconic, but I unfortunately don't have much patience for them... nor their songs.
And because the six songs they have chosen are on repeat at work... my 6-9 hour shifts are more like torture. I have heard of music being used as a torture method before, and I don't doubt that it is probably very effective! I've been welcoming the growing crowds that have hit the park, because they drown out the horrible music!
I go home with them in my head. I've also had dreams and nightmares about it! And Miss Piggy is easily the worst. I encourage you to go out and listen to them. In fact, I'm going to enclose some links for you... so you can all go and listen to what I'm hearing ALL THE TIME!
Other than that, I love working. My colleagues are really lovely and the guests keep telling me that it's a pleasure to listen to my accent. Win! :)

Somebody's Getting Married
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFw4L7-AFdw

Rainbow Connection
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFLZ-MzIhM

Together Again
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_T21urHBQ0

You Can't Take No for an Answer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF0-jHSsgpE

He'll Make Me Happy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0P5FzSe3qw

I'm Always going to Love You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmVgT5-Fz7k

Milestones

Today I reached a milestone. I wore shorts.... and I wore them to work. This is history.
I can't remember the last time I have worn shorts (apart from the other day when I went to Typhoon Lagoon lol). I'm just not the shorts type. I like dresses, particularly maxi dresses and skirts. It's a shame my costume doesn't come in the dress option otherwise I would be totally rocking that out every day.

Also this coming Thursday, I will be auditioning for a Star Wars look-a-like thingo. They are auditioning for the Star Wars weekends that are starting at the end of May and go for four weekends. It is going to be HUGE!!! They say we're all in for a fun time when everyone turns up for them. People come from all around the world to participate and join in the festivities. It is also when the new Star Wars ride opens up, so it is going to be full on. I'm excited for both the audition and the weekends! I unashamedly admit that I am a Star Wars fan deep down haha. So this thursday at 9am, it is on. Wish me luck!

Earning my Ears

It's been far too long since I have updated you all. Right now it is 2:15am and I'm so exhausted that I can't sleep... so I thought I would take advantage of the situation and update!
Since the 30th of January, lots has happened. I have finally finished all of my training... and that is of this week! One of my trainers called in sick the day I was meant to finish my training, so it got set back a couple weeks. However, now I have finally 'earnt my ears' and I'm a fully fledged Disney cast member! I can legit tell people where to go in the park and answer most of their inquiries!
I think I have already mentioned once or twice before... but just as a refresher.. I'm working in the Backlot of Hollywood Studios. There is 5 loops of shops I could be working at. The Prop Shop Complex, Stage One, Tatooine, The Writers Stop and The Superstar Loop. Altogether 15 shops! This last week has been the best. I've finally gotten to know a few more colleagues which has made my shifts a bit more enjoyable.

Other than working a whole heap, on my days off I usually try to get to one of the parks as it is free entry to get in! Woohoo! I've been to Typhoon Lagoon (water park), Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Still yet to go to Animal Kingdom, but that is most certainly on my list of things to do in the near future! Yes, they are all as sick as I thought they would be. Disney knows how to do entertainment. I definitely recommend everyone comes.
Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are the two water parks within Disney. Usually one is open in the off season as they don't get many guests coming in winter. Typhoon Lagoon houses the largest wave pool in the world. It is sooo cool! Every single time a wave comes, everyone goes crazy! I certainly feel for the lifegaurds! (One of them being my roommate).

Today however, I went to Epcot which was pretty cool. It's divided up into two parts. The Future Showcase and the World Showcase. I definitely liked the World showcase. It's like 10-12 different countries from around the world which showcase cuisine, culture, dress etc. Italy was definitely my favourite.
If I was going to pick a favourite out of all of the parks, I would have to say Magic Kingdom for sure... but that maybe because I am a little 5yr old Disney Princess wannabe at heart. I get so excited when I see the Princess' on stage. Very nostalgic. I wanna run up to them with my autograph book and get them to sign it for me... but then I realise that I'm nearly a 20yr old woman and it is probably not socially acceptable haha.

In other news, on the 1st of  March, I am off to see the Orlando Magic vs the New York Knicks at the Amway Center!!! My first basketball match. I'm definitely looking forward to it. I really know nothing about basketball, but the atmosphere is something I cannot miss! Photos to come for sure!
That week will be great as my birthday is on the 27th! Going to be sad as I'll miss everyone at home... but I'll make the best out of it and have a good time :)

I applied for my social security number a week or so ago. That was one heck of an experience. Thankfully Disney have some agreement with the Social Security Administration, so we were allowed to go before it actually opened to apply for them. You should have seen the queue when we walked out though. It went for like 100metres.That place must get hectic busy!!
I also got to see the new Justin Bieber 3D doco this week! I was never really a Bieber fan to begin with, but you must now know that I have Bieber fever. I don't care if you don't like him... you must all go and watch it when it comes out in your respective countries! If all else fails, you will love his grandfather! :) Trust me on this one guys! Go see it as a birthday present for me!
We also have been to the local club, House of Blues which is in Downtown Disney. Sunday nights are known to 'go off'. Lots of famous artists also come play there too. Kesha is coming up next month and a lot of people are very excited. I'm not one of them.

Nothing much else to report. I'll be sure to update a little bit more regularly so I can update you, but also keep track of what I have done for myself!

Ps - I apologise for my rambling and how all over the place this post is! It is now 3:30am and I'm a little spaced out to say the least!

France in Epcot with my roommate, Alicia 

The Epcot globe!

Belle :)

House of Blues

Magic Kingdom

Typhoon Lagoon

Wave pool

Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios

Vista Way

SO! Where to begin. It's been a week since I have arrived.... but it feels like it has been sooooooo much longer. I feel like I have been here for weeks. I can't imagine what it is going to feel like after a month... and then 6 months!

I'll give you a bit of a run down about what has happened in the last week:
Monday: First orientation day where just listened to a whole lot of housekeeping information. Stuff about the apartment, security, amenities, paperwork etc. Fairly boring stuff.
Tuesday: Short day - more orientation. We got our Vista Way (location) ID cards which we have to show when we go in and out of the premises. 24 hour security - I feel exceptionally safe.
Wednesday: Consisted of our Traditions course at Disney University where we learnt the basics of Disney and what our goals should be when 'on show'.
The four basics are:
- I project a positive image and energy
- I am courteous and respectful to all Guests, including children
- I stay in character and play the part 
- I go above and beyond. 
These four basics are constantly drilled into our head.... and I have to say, it works. That's why Disney does so well. Their guest services are flawless. It's definitely something I am going to take with me when I go to future jobs.
Thursday: Orientation at my actual work location - Disney's Hollywood Studios. The merchandise group walked around the park the entire day, getting us familiar with the shops 'on stage' and the areas 'back stage'.
I'm in the Backlot area, where I will be rotating between about 16 different shops. The uniform is..... interesting, to say the least. However, I count myself fortunate that I got the one that I did. A few of my roommates have some incredibly bad ones.
Friday: First day on the job, full uniform, for a good 9 hours walking around the park looking at all the different shop locations. So much information and so much to learn ... very taxing day. Probably the worst homesick day I have had so far. Luckily we met Dwayne that night (last night), from Louisiana who taught us the Cupid Shuffle and gave us a good lift in our spirits.
Today was my second day at Disney University where we learnt about the registers and all about Merchantainment, because Merchandise + Entertainment = Merchantainment.

Other than that, we have been to a few restaurants like, Lone Star, and Cici's Pizza and Pasta. Such CHEAP food. We also went to the 'Welcome Pirate Party' for all the people that just arrived for the Disney Program. It was hugeee. Some of the best dancers I have ever seen!
We're all finally settling into life at the apartment, which is good. With work starting, we're all falling into routine. My cleaning skills are at their best, like expected, however I'm still currently working on the culinary section lol!

Photos will be attached as usual!

Cinderella Castle @ Magic Kingdom!

View from our apartment @ Vista Way

Australian/Kiwi friends @ the Welcome party

Hollywood Boulevard @ Hollywood Studios

'We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was—and always will be.'

Pool Partyyyy kicking!

Sick dancers!

Mickey Mouse @ Disney University

Andddd my lovely costume. Welcome to the Backlot!!!

GMT -5:00!!!!

I arrived in Orlando yesterday, (21st at 6pm) with pretty much no hassle whatsoever! The connecting flight to MCO (Orlando International Airport) was a little stressful as it took ages to get through Immigration, and then ages to get out of the baggage claim hall, and then ages to get through security... but we got there just as they started boarding our flight.
I have never been so tired in my entire life. I got 40 mins sleep the night before I left ... as I thought to myself, hey why not try stay up so you can sleep on the plane! Well, apart from a couple snoozes here and there, I had no sleep. By the time I got to Orlando, I was wrecked and just wanted to sleep... but alas, I then kicked into Sydney time where it was only 5pm... so I ended up staying awake til 3am - true Erin Watters style. Of course with the little help from my friends!

LA weather was absolutely stunning. No clouds. A very crisp, cool morning. I wished I was staying a little longer, but all I really wanted to do was get to Orlando and have a shower haha!
We got a taxi (reminder: there is tipping in the USA) from MCO to Pop Century Resort where we (I travelled with a girl from Sydney who booked the same flights/accommodation) stayed for one night before we move into our apartments a little later today. Pop Century is the biggest resort in DisneyWorld. It has 2880 rooms!! It also has a mall area where you can buy Disney merchandise, as well as grabbing a bite to eat. However, it isn't something you should be eating all the time!! It also has a couple pools, one of which is right outside my window. I'll post a photo up.
After we had our showers, I got in contact with the girl that I knew over here (we first met in primary school) and she came over to my room with some of her Australian friends. Yes, I have made friends! Woop! When I first arrived, I was feeling pretty homesick as I am on the other side of the world with no friends. But now that I have gotten to know these guys, they have me excited for what lies ahead!

Missing you all loads. More updates to come!

My last week in Sydney!

So, I won't even see the weekend in Sydney. Two more days of work, Thursday I have off and then I will be on a plane this Friday at 1:15pm!!! Everything is well and truly underway!
Insurance - done!
Packing - almost done!
Phone issues - done!
Uni deferral - pending!
Resignation from Burwood - done! Sad :(
More lists - done!
Skype set up with most friends and family members - done! (If you want my skype ID - just email me at nire.watters@gmail.com)
Excitement levels - done!
Farewell - done! (I had a great night! I'll post a few photos up at the bottom).

I also got word from a friend over there that I am most probably going to be working in the Hollywood Studios Backlot area!! How exciting! I can't wait! Regardless of where I am, I know I will love it anyway.

Not much more to update you on at the moment. I'm just insanely excited, as I think I have mentioned a few times before now :)
My next update will probably be from Orlando, Florida!!!! Wooooo!