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!