Getting Closer to being caught up

Friday October 2 – I worked 4-10. When I was done work I changed and walked over to the Boardwalk Hotel. I got a bus from there to downtown Disney where I was meeting people to go see the Invention of Lying. The previews made the movie seem hilarious so we were all kind of disappointed when it wasn’t very good.

Saturday October 3 – I got up bright and early to go downtown Orlando. A bunch of people from Epcot were volunteering in the Heart Walk so I went. It was lots of fun because we just talked and sang as we walked. And we got Volunt-ear shirts and flags. Here are some pictures. After the walk I went home and had a nap before working from 4-10. This was my very last TCR shift. They have decided to have 2 UK people do it instead of 1 Canada and 1 UK. There are a few reasons they have for doing it and I am pretty excited. Also that day was AMAZING! A guest came to the cart to pin trade and he had a really cool one I had never seen. So we started talking about random Disney things, because it was from something that most people don’t know about and he was impressed. I think it may have been the Reluctant Dragon. So we talked for awhile and somehow got on to the topic of Disney legends that he has met. One that is actually good friends with is Richard Sherman!!! Richard and Robert Sherman are brothers who have written tons of songs for Disney. Including Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, The Aristocats and It’s a Small World. These guys are huge! Anytime mum hears a song she asks us who it is, we always answer Sherman and Sherman because when we were younger it usually was them. So you can imagine I freaked out a little when I heard this guest is friends with one of them. We had to stop talking because I had to go on my break. But a little later Cassandra gave me a piece of paper with his phone number saying that if I am ever in California I should call him and he can introduce me to some of his friends! He came in the store later that night to make sure I got his message and to reassure me that I can call him.

Sunday October 4 – I worked 10:30-4:30. Another change that was made is that the 2 opening people will come in at 10:30 instead of 10. Before work I called mum to tell her about my guest the day before. She wasn’t home so I left a message (well two actually, the machine cut me off). She called me back but since my phone was on vibrate I didn’t hear it. But her message was one of the funniest things I have ever heard! I let everyone listen to it for the next few days. Mel worked later than me that day and she said the guest came back in. She told him about Mum’s message which he found really funny. He told her that he was serious and that if I can come out in December he will take me to Richard Sherman’s Christmas party that he has every year! Sadly I can’t get time off in December. Movie night that night was Mel’s (not room mate) pick but she had a closing popcorn shift and got out really late. We decided since it was late and we hadn’t heard from her we would just put something on and let her watch her movie the following week. We decided to watch Anchorman which has to be one of the funniest movies ever made.

Monday October 5 – Happy Birthday to Nana!! I called her and of course she kept wanting to hang up saying my mum wasn’t home. Crazy lady doesn’t know that people may want to call her. That day I worked 10:30-4:30. At games that night we played Pictionary. My team kicked some serious butt. It was awesome!

Tuesday October 6 – I worked 10:30-4:30 again and met with Rob and Mel. DeAnna joined us because she got an Early Release (ER). We went the France bakery so they could grab something to eat and walked around a bit. We then got the bus and went to Patterson Court (the newest and nicest apartment complex). They were having a multicultural party. We went and got our free food, the theme was China and the food was pretty good. We sat talking for a little while and listened to the music. We then walked around for a little bit. Met Mulan, had our names written in Chinese, met Chip and Dale in the Chinese clothes and watched the Chinese acrobats. It was fun and I definitely enjoyed the free food! After, we walked to Bryce and Heather’s apartment and sat outside waiting for them. We had plans to watch Rent really loudly and sing along. Heather also had Canadian iced tea (which I have missed) and popcorn. It was tons of fun. Here are pictures from the day.

Wednesday October 7 – I was off. Mel (not roommate), Rob and I went to Blizzard Beach. It was the perfect day for it and we had lots of fun. I especially loved going on the group raft slide because we could see all of Walt Disney World from up there. I really wish I had a waterproof camera because it would be a really pretty picture. Mel (roommate) wanted to go to Carrabas so we went there and a little later I watched Yes Man with Jim Carey. Such a funny movie!

Thursday October 8 – I went to Universal Studios with Heather, Bryce, Cynthia and Maggie (one of the attractions coordinators. We were only there for a few hours but we managed to get on quite a few rides. I also learned a fun fact. The palm trees at Seuss landing are all crooked. Those trees were originally in southern Florida but were hit by a hurricane that bent them. They wouldn’t grow straight again so Universal bought them and moved them up because that is perfect for the Dr. Seuss part of the park. We also saw the new Harry Potter part they are building that I took some pictures of. I will be so upset if it isn’t done by the time I have to leave.

Friday October 9 – I worked 3:30-9:30. Mel and I were planning on going to Carrabas for dinner after work but we were invited to the Olive Garden with all of the attractions people. We got a ride home from work and quickly changed and went out again. They have this really good deal where you can get unlimited pasta for $8.95 so nearly all of us did that. Our waiter was really nice and let us all get a second bowl (because the first one is pretty big) and gave us take out containers. We also put the break sticks in the containers so we all had really good lunches the next day.

Saturday October 10 – I worked 12:30-9. I can’t remember if I did anything after work. I know I saw Toy Story 1 and 2 in 3D at some point so maybe I did that after work.

Sunday October 11 – I worked 10:30-4:40. Dan, DeAnna and I hung out for a little while before movie night. We watched the food network. There was a challenge on and then Iron Chef America. It is such a good show. That night was Mel’s pick for movie night. Or her makeup pick and she chose the old Batman movie. I was so tired that night for some reason and didn’t last very long before I fell asleep. I woke up in the middle of the movie and went home.

Monday October 12 – I worked 10:45-4:45 but got an ER at 3. Joanne, mum’s friend, had been in town for a few days but I hadn’t seen her yet. She finally stopped by when I was working so we had a good chat. It was Canadian Thanksgiving so we told lots of guests about it. Most were confused and thought we were crazy celebrating Thanksgiving in October. A little while after getting home Mel, Sean and I went to Publix. The restaurant at Epcot was putting on a potluck for all of the cast members. They were making the few main things and everyone else was bringing stuff. I still didn’t know what I was going to make until I walked around the store for awhile. I decided on chocolate covered strawberries. We then came back to the commons and all made our food over at Sean’s. Mine was really easy to make because I found some chocolate stuff that you just have to microwave and it’s set. It was a little more money but so much easier. I couldn’t believe the amount of food that had been brought to the dinner. Our managers were there and nearly everyone in the pavilion so it was lots of fun. They also had prizes that they gave out. I won a Vivaldi CD. The picture is of DeAnna being fed some of her dinner.

Tuesday October 13 – I worked 10:45-4:45. Mel and Rob met me after work and we went over to the Yacht and Beach Club Resort. Joanne was staying there and gave me a room key so that we could go swimming. We hung out in the room for awhile then went to the pool. This hotel has the best pool in all of Walt Disney World. It is all sand on the bottom which is weird but really cool. The first thing we did was go down the slide. It was weird when you landed at the bottom and felt the sand. So we swam around there for a bit then went to the second pool! Yep second! There are actually 3 different pools. The first one has the slide and is a pretty consistent depth. The second one starts at about 4 feet then goes to 9 or 10 feet. It is in a circle and has a current. There are tubes you can rent to go around that pool but we swam it instead. It was a really good workout! The third pool is really shallow and is pretty much for kids to play in the sand. After we spent a lot of time in the pools we went into one of the two hot tubs. It was REALLY hot but felt good. We then left and went back to the room to change. We had spent ages in the pool so we were hungry. We decided to walk over to the Boardwalk to get something to eat. After wandering for a bit we decided to go to this grill place and I had a really good quesadilla. When we were done we walked to Hollywood Studios to get the bus home.

I know, I know!

So last week I got a message from Stephen asking (or more like telling) me to update this. I guess I will listen to him and tell you everything that has been happening the last month.

Wednesday September 23 – I was off so Craig, Kim and I went to Typhoon Lagoon. It was lots of fun especially since I have only been there for about half an hour with Sarah and David in July. We did everything, even spending quite a bit of time in the wave pool. Kim really liked going out to the deepest part but the waves were a little too strong for Craig and I. By around 2 we decided we were done and went to catch the bus. We were all hungry so we got off at Downtown Disney and went to Earl of Sandwich. This was my first time there and I can’t wait to go back again. They have gourmet sandwiches that are really good. It is hard to describe but I was pretty full after. Later that night Mel wanted to go to Carrabas so of course I went. It was so long ago and I have been there quite a few times I can’t remember who went that time.

Thursday September 24 – I was off again and it was the first day of the Spend a Little, Save Alot sale, Or SALSA sale. I went with Dan and Jeremy and bought a lot of stuff. It was at Disney’s World Wide of Sports which is one of the few places here that I’ve never been so it was cool to see. After the sale we went to Sweet Tomatoes, a fresh buffet style restaurant. They have a huge salad bar, lots of soups, fresh bread and a really good ice cream bar with fresh brownies. It is really vegetarian friendly which is the best part. A little bit after I got home I left again to go to Epcot with Mel (not room mate but a different Mel) and Rob to do a few rides and see the Cast Preview of the Food and Wine festival that is going on until November 8. When we got to Epcot we took the bus around to the front of the park and took a few pictures as we entered. We went straight to Test Track to get a fast pass since Rob had never been on it before. We then went to Club Cool which is a place to try pop from all around the world. Next stop was Soarin’ which had a really long line but since we share a break trailer with the cast members who work there we were able to get a special fast pass and bypass the line. I think that was Rob’s first time on it but I can’t remember. As usual it was excellent. Then we went to ride test track which was also really good. Finally we headed towards World Showcase to try some of the Food and Wine. (or just the food). We started at the Greece booth where I had a Spanikopita, yummy!! At that point DeAnna and Rhonda were off work so the 5 of us headed off around the world. I think our next stop was in Japan for some sushi. I was pretty mad that they didn’t have any vegetarian sushi at the booth. I think the next thing that I bought were perogies from the Poland booth. It was good but definitely not worth the money it cost. But since then some of us have had huge cravings for perogies. They are too good and I miss the fresh ones from Thunder Bay. After I went home a few of us watched the season premiere of Grey’s Anatomy! Yay! Then even later we had a throw in. It was very entertaining because we got a boy in merch (before it was just a ton of girls) and DeAnna did a hilarious dance for him. Here are the pictures from that day.

Friday September 25 – I worked 4 to 10 and then went over to Craigs to watch the first Halloween movie. Or I think that’s what movie it was. A couple of the new guys came by so I talked with them through most of the movie. Fine by me, I was scared and didn’t really to watch the movie.

Saturday September 26 – I worked 3:30 to 9:30. I can’t remember if I did anything later that night.

Sunday September 27 – I worked 10 to 4. After I got home I met up with DeAnna, Ashley and Dan who had hung out that day. We sat around for awhile and then decided to go to Cici’s Pizza for some food. Cici’s is a pizza buffet that is really cheap. It is also really bad so I don’t think I will be going back. We then went back to Dan’s and watched Howard the Duck (a weird movie from the 80's) before movie night. That night was Craig’s pick so we watched A Very Brady Sequel. It was fun to watch, and to heard all of Craig’s random facts about the Brady Bunch.

Monday September 28 – I worked 1045-7:15. I had a guest come and talk to me at the cart who said she had met my Aunt Bonnie. I don’t have an Aunt Bonnie so I was really confused. She started saying how she met her at the Disney Store in Toronto and it clicked. My mum has a friend, Joanne, who works at the Disney Store. She talks to people about how I’m working down here and when this lady asked how she knew me it was easiest to say I’m her niece rather than try to explain. The lady was really nice and we had a good talk about Toronto. I also had someone who is pretty high up in Epcot International Programs come to the cart and talk to Amanda and I. It was kind of cool to meet her and a few days later she sent us each a little gift. Mine was a notebook with an R on the front and a note from her. Later on was games night but I can’t remember what we played.

Tuesday September 29 – I worked 10-4 and brought a change of clothes to meet Mel and Alana to go around food and wine. We were standing at the Canada popcorn cart when someone came up to me and said my name, it was the lady from the day before who recognized me out of costume, though it took me a minute to recognize her. I feel so bad when that happens, but we see so many people for really short amounts of time so I can’t remember everyone. After that Mel, Alana and I went over to the American Gardens theatre and watched Richard Marx play. I had no idea who he was until he played his last song. The joy of one hit wonders! We walked around the world twice that night stopping to watch a lady make candy animals in Japan, watch the Canada video, take fun pictures at the Canada cart, belly dance in Morocco, play with drums at the African Outpost, play with puppets in Mexico and of course eating lots of good food. More pictures!

Wednesday September 30 – I was off and Mel, Alana, Jeremy and I went to Hollywood Studios. Mel and Jeremy had never ridden Tower of Terror so we took them on that. Jeremy was not impressed with us at all and kept telling us how much he hated us. But he didn’t chicken out and he survived. The picture of the two of them gripping each other is amazing. Next stop was Rockin’ Roller Coaster, this time it was Mel and Alana who had never been on. Alana was terrified to go on it but she also survived. We did a few other things at Studios but then decided to walk to Epcot to enjoy some more food and wine. Pictures from that day.

Thursday October 1 – I was off again and Rob, Mel (not room mate), Alicia and I went to Magic Kingdom. It was Walt Disney World’s birthday so we all wore birthday buttons. It is crazy how many cast members just see them and say Happy Birthday. I think we only had a few people all day who read it and commented. First we went up the Swiss Family Robinson Tree house. Then went on my favourite ride, The Jungle Cruise!!!! It is so corny I love it. Then we went to go watch the parade. I ran to get us fast passes for Splash Mountain. When I came back the special Snow White thing had started. Since they were celebrating the re-release of Snow White the parades were started with her and her prince in a carriage and the 7 dwarves and a little float promoting the movie. After that was over we got impatient waiting for the parade so we went and rode Splash Mountain. I love that ride! The timing was perfect when we got off because the parade was just reaching Frontierland so we got to watch it. We went and rode the Haunted Mansion and It’s a Small World. We then went to Tomorrowland and rode Buzz Lightyear and went and saw the Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor. That is also corny humour and interacts with the audience. We were hungry then so we wandered around for ages to get something to eat. But since there was a Halloween party that night most places were closed. I ended up just getting fries because there was nothing else for me to eat and the others had some chicken wings I think. Or something like that. I then helped Mel get her costume ready because she was going to the party and the rest of us headed home. I think I did something that night but I really can’t remember. One last batch of pictures.

I know I'm not all caught up yet but this is better then nothing. I need to put more pictures on facebook first.