Surfing the Dream

Wednesday 9th May 2012

This morning I got up pretty early and went and collected a trolley to pile all my luggage on. Me and Katie then went and got in a taxi to the check-in desk at Cirque Du Soleil in Downtown Disney. The check-in staff were looking at me in disbelief after asking how many of us were checking in. I replied that it was just me and not to worry - I hadn’t just been on a two week vacation, I had been living here. I checked everything in and then me and Katie got a bus back to the resort and I had my last Mickey Cookie Ice-Cream Sandwich. We then went back to the room and I had a shower and got ready before we checked out and sat in the food court for around 4 hours and we chatted. I had a Cookies & Cream Milkshake. It was then time for me to get on the Magical Express at 17:05. I said goodbye to Katie which was tough, especially as she text me almost as soon as we drove away “I miss you”. Which had me in tears. Added to this was the Disney video that was playing on the bus. Stitch featured quite heavily and at the very end it said “and now it’s time to say goodbye to our company” - which of course to me meant as a cast member and not as a tourist. We arrived at the airport and I hooked my Mickey Mouse plush over my handbag and headed into the airport to go through security. I was shocked that I didn’t have to remove my MacBook or my Ipad from my hand luggage. I head to my gate and bumped into Sam Scott. Feeling teary, I chatted with her until it was time for her to board her flight. My mum phoned me and we had a long chat - I was stressing about how much I had to take on the flight with me. I got on the plane and was shocked to find that I had a row to myself - the plane was rammed apart from me - I had three seats! I spent the flight with either my back against the window and legs stretched out or lying down across all three seats. I cried once as we were taking off as it was 9PM and I knew Illuminations would be starting as we flew over Orlando. The food on board was a bit shocking - but I did appreciate the cups of Tea onboard! The plane landed and I had to go through the electronic passport control as there was a strike. I had a quick phonecall with my mum who was waiting the other side of the doors to greet me. All my luggage arrived, All 5 suitcases and 3 holdalls. I’m not too sure what happened. I text my mum to tell her to get ready and then somehow I just went crazy stacking my luggage onto the teeny tiny trolley. I rolled it through the doors and there was my mum standing with a “Welcome Back” balloon and a huge hug! We put everything in the car and drove to Derby. My nan had planted lots of Union Jack flags in the plant pots outside the front door. We visited Nan and my auntie Shirley and went to Tesco. I just went up and down all the aisles in awe. 

The next day we went to Town and I exchanged my dollars for pounds. 

The next day I went to my Auntie Sue’s house where a surprise Welcome Home Party was thrown with my Aunt & Uncle from Coventry also being there as well as Jo, Phil & Co. 

4 days later I went into work and got my hours sorted. I would be starting 2 days later.

It’s now almost 3 weeks since I’ve been home and I’m still not used to it. I’ve had a down day, missing Florida and my friends - but I’m also in a way loving being home. I love being back with my mum! Because I have gone back to my old job (but at a new store) it feels like Disney never really happened - Like it was a dream or something. Either way - I lived it - and had the time of my life. I just can’t wait to see all my friends again! 

Monday 7th May 2012

We got up and spent the morning chilling out. We decided to explore by walking around the whole resort, starting at Movies followed by Music and then Sports. I had a quick call with my mum before heading to the front desk to ask about the Magical Express. Me and Katie got the bus to Hollywood Studios. We started off by going to watch Indiana Jones. As it had rained previously, they changed the beginning with Iindy jumping down from the rocks instead of climbing down the rope. After this scene they swapped out Indy to my Indy! It’s like Mickey knew it was my last time watching this show (at least for a while) and decided that it needed to be MY Indy! This made me very happy. We then went on Tower Of Terror and then onto The Great Movie Ride, followed by a sped-up Aerosmith. We had dinner - a hot dog and then left the park. We chilled out in the room for a little while before heading to Nic’s bar. I said goodbye to Nic and Nat - I was fine until I saw tears in Natalie’s eyes. We then head back to the room and watched a little TV before heading to bed.

Tuesday 8th May 2012

This morning me and Katie got up, got ready and head to Downtown Disney. We went and purchased our tickets for La Nouba (4th row from the front). We then went to watch The Avengers in 3D at the Dine-in. Chris Evans aka Captain America - Lush!! We got the resort bus back to AllStars and chilled out by the pool and had a quick swim before getting ready and getting the bus back to Downtown Disney. We got caught in a rain storm and had to run from the bus stop to Raglan Road, where we met Chris and Matt for dinner. I opted for the burger which was great. Chris and Matt then walked me and Katie to Cirque Du Soleil and that’s where we said goodbye. The excitement and anticipation of going to watch La Nouba distracted me slightly so there were no tears. But I really am going to miss them both - they made my program. We went in to watch the show and felt like we were a part of it because of how close we were to the stage! The really hunky guy played the role of “The Flying Man” - wahey! I also decided tonight that I would not like the role of being female singer afterall, after listening to a caucasian female perform - it just doesn’t sound right!! I couldn’t help but cringe. However everything else was fabulous - the acrobats performed right above our heads, the flying man flew right over our heads and arched his back *swoon*. I loved being so close that I could see their facial expressions - and The Nuts were as hilarious as ever!! After the show we got the resort bus to AllStar and then popped to the shop and the food court to fill up our mugs so we could enjoy a Hot Chocolate in the room and I could make sure I had everything together and ready before heading to bed. 

Friday 4th May 2012

This morning, me and Katie went to The Magic Kingdom via entering Epcot (stopping to pose with Stitch) and then getting a resort bus from the boardwalk. We saw the Avengers monorail which made me very happy. When we arrived at the park, I put my graduation hat in to be embroidererd. Me and Katie then went and got a fastpass for Space Mountain. We went on Pirates of the Caribbean and then went for lunch - I opted for a hot dog.  We then went on Space Mountain and went to find a good spot to watch the 3pm Parade. I managed to get a really good photo of Stitch during the parade! We then stopped off for some Ice Cream before getting the monorail to TTC and then to Epcot. We had a walk around Future World and Mousegear before heading to The Rose & Crown pub to meet Nicola, Sarah and Natalie. We then moved to the restaurant and seated on 701. Chris picked up our table so he could serve us. We all enjoyed tomato soup (yum) and I opted for the Beef Sirloin Steak and subbed the Onion rings for Mashed potato! Yummy! Chris was amazing as a server of course. We all finished off with a Sticky Toffee Pudding. We watched Illuminations and I cried as I realised it was the last time I would be seeing it - for a while at least. It kind of marked the end of the Disney adventure. Whitnie came down to see me and say goodbye, she hugged me and I cried once more. We exited the park and I couldn’t help but keep looking back at the golf ball. I stayed silent and cried as I mentally said goodbye to Epcot - to my workplace for the past year and to my adventure with Disney. Who knew a big chunk of metal in the shape of a sphere could make me so emotional!? I am definitely ready to go home now! We head home, dropping Katie and Natalie off at The Commons on the way - only to get to the drive and find the road to be blocked off by police cars and fire trucks. Nicola had to turn around and drive an extra 20 minutes to go the long way around and get to the other side of all the commotion. 

Saturday 5th May 2012

I got up and packed everything, making sure it was all ready. Nicola drove us to AllStar and they let me check in at 11am instead of 3pm. My room is in the Surf section of the resort! Perfect!! I spent the afternoon transferring luggage from Nicola’s car in Allstar Movies to my room in Sports, as well as re-packing, sorting through things and having a few phonically with my mum. I’m really excited to go home now! I visited the food court a few times, mainly to refill my resort mug - & also people watched by the pool. I had a nice evening having a well needed relaxing evening on my own. It was bliss. Around midnight, Katie joined me after finishing work. We watched a little of Two Weeks Notice before heading to sleep. Hello Vacation!! Let the memories begin! 

Sunday 6th May 2012

This morning I got up, got ready and met with Chris & Matt in the hotel lobby. We head to the food court to grab some breakfast from the bakery and then drove to SeaWorld. We first watched “Clyde & Seamore take Pirate Island” and then head to watch Blue Horizons. I was happy that all my favourite trainers and performers were present in this show - and wearing face paint! We then went to watch One Ocean and I happily sang along throughout the show, knowing it could potentially be the last time I see this show. Me and Katie made it onto the big screen once again! We exited the park and I didn’t feel sad at all, which shocked me - I thought I would have been devastated. I just said “So long SeaWorld, it’s been fun”. We then drove to the Florida Mall where I picked a few things up and we had lunch at a pizza restaurant. We then went to the Mall at Millenia and had a look around the stores there before being dropped off at my resort. I met up with Katie and we had a little walk around the resort and filled up our mugs before heading back into the room because of an approaching storm. We watched a little TV before walking to Movies and having a chat with Nicola. While there Joe and Rachael joined us and I got to say goodbye. Me and Katie went and got a milkshake from the food court before walking back to our hotel room and then just chilled out and watched a little TV before heading to bed. 

Wednesday 2nd May 2012

Today, me, Natalie and Katie got up and head to SeaWorld. We started off with watching Pets Ahoy - a show that features trained cats and dogs. I’ve seen it and Chris will now be happy with me but I don’t feel like I’ve missed out in not going to see it beforehand! We then went for a quick ride on Manta - Natalie wasn’t much of a fan, before heading off to watch Blue Horizons. From there we went to watch Clyde & Seymour and then we went for lunch at the Voyager Smokehouse. After Lunch we went and watched One Ocean before leaving the park and heading to Publix to pick up some bits and then head home. Natalie re-packed some of my suitcases and Nicola made us Pasta Bake and a batch of Beale St Cocktails. 

Thursday 3rd May 2012

I have officially been in the United States one year today! It’s crazy to think a whole year has passed since I stepped onto that plane bound for Orlando. It’s been such an amazing year and I’ve made some fantastic friends and some fabulous memories!! Today also marked Katie’s 20th Birthday. Me, Nic, Nat & Katie head to Daytona Beach to celebrate. We sunbathed on the beach before heading to Aunt Catfish - a really lovely restaurant for a spot of lunch. We then had a walk along the pier before driving back to Orlando. Nic dropped me and Katie off at TTC and we got the monorail to The Magic Kingdom. We went and had a look at the new fantasy land before heading onto Philarmagic. From there we had a ride on The Haunted Mansion, followed by Pirates of the Caribbean. We then went to Cinderella’s Royal Table for Dinner where we were introduced as “The Royal Norris Party” after posing for a photo with Cinderella. I look severely sunburnt in this photo which is a shame. We both started off with the cheese plate followed by a roast beef dish. I didn’t really eat much of this apart from the asparagus. We finished off our meal with a dessert trio. It consisted of an Almond Cheese cake, a custard and Kiwi pastry and a chocolate mousse. Our server also brought out a birthday cupcake for Katie’s birthday. The princesses all came to visit our table which was the main highlight for me. Snow White, Princess Aurora, Ariel (who was beautiful) and Belle (who I ended up squealing at when she asked if I wanted a photo with her). We were given wishing stars and wands as mementos of our visit. From there we exited the park and head to The Contemporary to get a taxi back to Nicola’s house. What a wonderful day!!

Tuesday 1st May 2012

I go home this month! Well.. next week actually. Today me and Nic spent the morning chilling out by the pool and sorting out my final Paycheck. We then head to AllStar Sports and I sat at Nic’s bar. I was later joined by Katie and Nic got an ER for around 9. We drove to Epcot and picked up Natalie before heading to The Commons to pick up the rest of my luggage. From there we drove to Chilli’s and I had the Margarita Chicken again. Lush! Nic drove us home and me and Katie played on the air hockey machine before going to bed. 

Monday 30th April 2012

This morning was spent chilling out by the pool and with a quick skype home to my mum and nan. Me and Nicola then head to Chilli’s and I had the grilled chicken sandwich. Nic then drove us to AllStar Movies and I got the resort bus to Downtown Disney to meet up with Katie. We went to the dine-in cinema to watch the “5 year engagement” before then walking the length of Downtown Disney, stopping to look in the shops. I then walked with Katie to the F bus stop and then to the resort bus to get the bus to AllStar Movies. When I got there I sat at Nic’s bar and waited for her to finish work while enjoying a Cookies N Cream Milkshake. When the bar closed I head inside to the food court and read my book in there while waiting for Nic to bank out before driving us home. 

Monday 23rd April 2012

This morning I head to work for my AM shift and spent it in 707. It was a crazy shift with just me and Katie serving the whole of lower deck by ourselves - we were the queens of lower deck. At one point I was literally sat 3 tables at the same time so this meant I now had 6 tables on the go. After work, me and Katie decided to head around the world (showcase). We stopped for dinner in the USA pavilion (a burger of course) and then went to the UK pavilion to go and meet up with Pooh Bear. We then got the C bus home and walked to Publix where we stocked up with snacks. We head back to my apartment and we watched a bit of Michael McIntyre and we were later joined by Natalie and a Dominoes Pizza when she had finished work. 

Tuesday 24th April 2012

This morning I head to work for my penultimate shift. I spent the morning taking quite a few photos as it was pretty slow in the restaurant and I was in 307. After work I went across the road and spoke to Meerah for a bit. I head to The Commons and then me and Katie head to Downtown Disney to watch “Think Like a Man” at the Dine-In. We got a taxi home and then I spent the rest of the evening packing. 

Wednesday 25th April 2012

Today was my last ever shift at the Rose & Crown. It was a 10.45am start. I got the bus in with Chris and we assigned ourselves to setting up the restaurant. We posed for a lot of photos before actually working and spent a lot of time talking at table 201 and then head to pre-meal. I was assigned to section 514. My penultimate guest made me cry by spotting Sam’s “Celebrating Leaving” Button and asking where he was going and then spotted that I had one too. I explained that today was my last day and she asked if I wanted to go back to England and I said no. She started crying and this made me cry. To make it worse, as I was passing my remaining table they then said to me “oh, you’re leaving” so with tears streaming down my face I head into the kitchen. Everyone was very supportive to which I responded something like “No, it wasn’t me, I never got upset - it was my guest that started crying which made me cry becuase she got so emotional for me”. I banked out and got the bus home with Chris after handing in my costume. I quickly head to the outlets and then head back to The Commons and then me and Katie head to Mama Melrose at Hollywood Studios to celebrate the completion of my program. I started off with the Caesar salad and had a chicken pasta dish for my entree. We got the bus home and I went to Katie’s for a bit before heading home. I made myself two Disaronno drinks and finished packing. 

Thursday 26th April 2012

Today, me and Katie head to SeaWorld - for erm… SeaWorld Thursday. We started off going to see the Sharks and then to see the baby dolphins. From there we watched Blue Horizons and then went for some dinner - beef & Chicken wraps. We went to watch Clyde & Seymour before riding on Kracken and then to watch Blue Horizons. We then went on Manta twice before exiting the park. The show times were all over the place today so we never got to watch One Ocean at all as we had to leave the park early to meet Nic & Nat. I head home and Nic, Nat & Katie loaded my belongings into Nic’s car. I said goodbye to Amelia & Katie and handed in my Commons ID and Key to security - and with that I moved out of The Commons. We drove to Chilli’s and I enjoyed the Margarita Chicken after enjoying a few glasses of wine at the bar. We then drove to Nic’s and with that I was at my new home. 

Friday 27th April 2012

This morning I head to Epcot pretty early with Nic & Nat. We met Katie at the front gate. Me and Katie head to Hollywood Studios via the walkway while Nic & Nat head to work. We went to watch Indiana Jones and then Beauty & the Beast. From there we went on Star Tours and then onto Aerosmith. We had dinner next to the Indiana Jones show and watched the parade from there. We did the Backlot tour and then went to meet Pooh and Mickey. Me and Katie then head to Epcot, went backstage and met Natalie and Nicola at the cast services entrance. We went to Wal-Mart and then head to Devenny’s - an Irish Bar. We enjoyed Heinz beans and a baked potato and a chip buttie. Followed by two glasses of wine and then a Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka & Coke. Natalie took part in a bit of karaoke and then we head back to the house. Today was my last official day as a Disney Cast Member. 

Saturday 28th April 2012

This morning Nic dropped me and Katie at Animal Kingdom on her way to work. Katie maingated me in after we waited in line for about 35 minutes - it was crazy. We went on Dinosaur first and then head over to partake on a Kilimanjaro Safari ride. We watched the Festival of the Lion King and then had lunch at the Yak & Yeti (Sweet & Sour Chicken). We had a ride on Expedition Everest and then exited the park. I got the bus to AllStar Movies and sat at Nic’s bar. I was joined by Natalie about 40 minutes later and then all three of us left around 7ish. Nic drove us to a Chinese Takeaway and we picked up some food (Chick Lo Mein for me). We head home and ate it outside along with some Bud Light Lime. After dinner Nic & Nat re-packed two of my cases - I was very impressed with their work! We watched an episode of Law & Order: SVU before heading to bed. 

Sunday 29th April 2012

Today was a bit of a lazy day for me. The three of us spent the morning chilling out - although Nic did make us some breakfast (Beans, scrambled eggs and Toast) for breakfast - yum! They both head to work and I skyped my mum for a few hours. I then spent a while chatting to Katie on FB and then chilled out watching some TV before heading to bed. 

Saturday 21st April 2012

Today I woke up and head to work for my AM shift. Somehow I managed to get my favourite AM section - 307 even though a) I was a 12 o’clock start and b) The section numbers had changed to make it more mysterious. I had an OK shift. I got changed and me, Natalie and Katie Fitz head to Natalie’s sister, Nicola’s house. We were having a divorce party, celebrating Nicola’s divorce - complete with the Beale Street Cocktail, Red Velvet Cupcakes, pasta bake, pizza, crackers and hummas. It was lush. 

Sunday 22nd April 2012

This morning I woke up and head downstairs where me, Nicola, Nat and Fitz enjoyed a coffee, scrambled eggs and HEINZ baked beans for breakfast. We chatted and moved outside, got ready for work and then chilled out, enjoying a bit of pizza and pasta from the night before and then head to work. I was assigned to section 401 for my last ever PM shift at the Rose & Crown - I will never ever be KD again!! It was an OK night, but pretty slow to start with. I ended up with 5 tables on the go by the end of the night. I managed to get out pretty quickly and got home in record time. I wrote in Megan and Charlotte’s leaving books before heading to bed. 

Sunday 15th April 2012

Today I got up early and skyped with my mum. I then head to work and found myself in section 709. It was an OK night but I couldn’t wait to finish my shift and head to Katie’s apartment to gossip about the day! 

Monday 16th April 2012

This morning I got up pretty early and head to Property Control via the A bus from Chatham. I managed to get a few things before heading back on the bus back to The Commons. I skyped with my mum for a little while and then head to Panera with Natalie where I enjoyed some Tomato soup. We head to work and I was in section 707 - I had a pretty good night. I waited for Natalie to finish work and then head home and head to Katie’s apartment for a little while. 

Tuesday 17th April 2012

SeaWorld Tuesday! Me and Katie head to the park, surprised how quiet it was. As a result of it being so quiet (as all the Brits had head back home) there was a decrease in show times. Therefore we ended up heading to see Clyde & Seymour first and then heading to Blue Horizons. From there we head to see One Ocean. We then went to get some lunch and we both opted for a burger. We then went to watch Blue Horizons and we were both happy to see our favourite Dolphin trainer as Delphus. I managed to get a photo with the trainers/performers after the show. We then went to see the last show of One Ocean - which as always was fun as it always seems to be a whatever happens, happens kind of show. We went on Manta, followed by a ride on Kracken and then looked in the shops before going to the underwater viewing area for the Dolphins. One of the dolphins was super friendly and loved watched a kid throw his park map up and down - the dolphin was desperate to play! We left the park and head to my apartment. Me and Katie watched a few Russell Howard DVD’s followed by a Michael Mcintyre one and we ordered in some pizza. 

Wednesday 18th April 2012

Me, Katie and Natalie head to Chatham to get the K Bus to Blizzard Beach. When we got there, me and Katie head to Cross Country Creek - a lazy river that circles the whole park and then rode the Chair Lift that led us to Teamboat Springs - a raft ride. From there we head to Runoff Rapids for a joint ride. We then had some lunch before heading back around the lazy river with Natalie before me and Katie head back onto the Rapids and then onto the Toboggan Racers. We then enjoyed a bucket of Ice Cream that came in a pale with a spade. After this we head into the store before getting the bus back to The Commons. Katie came to my apartment and we listened to my Ipod on the speakers on shuffle listening to Steps mostly. We then went to Downtown Disney and head to Paradiso 37. We both enjoyed some concoction of Enchiladas. We head into the Christmas Store and after being served I ended up crying, which was made worse by the happy Disney music playing outside. It was all because of how nice the Cashier was to me, taking her time and asking me questions. We then got the F bus home and learnt of an ICP who worked at The Haunted Mansion attraction had been fatally killed in a hit and run incident. There was a gathering of cast members holding hands in a circle with candles in a memorial for her. It was by far the most chilling thing I have seen in my life. The roads here are awful for pedestrians - this particular road especially. Today was my last day off as a Disney Cast Member. 

Thursday 19th April 2012

I got up and head to work, disappointed to find myself in section 201. This section is always a bit of a let down - it was full of 1-Tops and then couples ordering 2 Ice Waters and a Fish & Chips with an extra plate. Joy. I finished work and got the bus with Chris. I went home and got changed and head to Matt’s and then me, Matt & Chris head to Agavi Azul - a Mexican Restaurant. After arriving home I head to Katie’s and left there a little later as I was falling asleep on her sofa. From there I bumped into Megan and ended up going to her apartment for a mini - catchup and to trader leavers books. 

Friday 20th April 2012

Today I got up early and managed to skype with my mum for about an hour before heading to work. I got the bus and walked to work with Chris. I was assigned to section 401 which was OK until the afternoon shower started (Yes, Summer is officially here in Florida) as my section was then basically used as a waiting area and my tables did not want to leave and head into the rain. After the quickest section reset and bank out in history, I got changed and head to the boardwalk to go and get my hair cut at Periwigs at the Yacht & Beach Club. From there I got the bus to Downtown Disney and had a quick look around before getting the bus back home where I chilled out for a bit before heading with Megan & Charlotte to the Outlets for a bite to eat in the food court. We then head back to Megan’s and gossiped and ate Strawberry Ice Cream (or medicine as Amanda, who later joined us called it!).