Name Tag Dilemma

Sunday we had a half day of training (8am-12:30pm) at Disney University. We had a presentation on Food and Beverage at the Walt Disney World Resort and then completed 5 or 6 online training courses. The training courses were pretty amusing. It's like listening to an animated presentation, that's interactive. The only rough thing about the day was that I forgot my name tag at home (and I had been so excited to get in on Saturday)! Fortunately, I wasn't the only one, Kristen also needed the sticker name tag.

During the afternoon I went to Walmart (again) with Kristen. We tried "Sonic" for lunch. It was actually good. I could get a grilled chicken sandwich and they have tater tots as well as fries, and I love tater tots. I wasn't able to get the shoes for work I needed... they have to be black, polishable, non-slip shoes with laces. It's a lot to look for in a shoe, and they didn't have my size.

After Walmart I tried looking for my name tag, but couldn't find it. I panicked a little, but then we went to Epcot to watch Illuminations and see the world a little. I had my first alcoholic beverage at Disney, a fiesta margarita from Mexico. They are delicious! If you're 21 or over I definitely recommend them! Illuminations was gorgeous as always. We watched them from Canada, but unfortunately our nearest speaker wasn't working. So Emily and I sat there quietly singing it. Of course, midway through I burst out into tears. I'm so happy to be here. It's incredible and it really is a dream come true!

When I got home, I searched for my name tag some more. I spent two hours and looked everywhere. Under my bed, under the couch, in my closet, in drawers. I couldn't find it. I started getting really worried. I'm so excited to be here, I'm doing my best to be a good employee, pay attention and participate during presentations, etc.... but it's the second day and I've already lost my name tag. How good does that look? I called Casey and she lent me her extra name tag (so I could be "Sandi" from Ottawa), which calmed me down a little but I was still so worried I would get in trouble.

Monday was our first full day of training. We spent half a day with D.J., our Coordinator of Training (COT), and the COT for F&B in the UK. We finished up some more online courses and were given a more in-depth talk about serving alcohol. It definitely scares you when you realize all the things that can happen if you accidentally serve someone underage. In the afternoon we took some pictures as a group at the Canada pavillion, and then had a meeting with Linda one of the managers. We got all the information we need for training, our menu to memorize, and our "Earning my Ears" addition to our name tags. That is going to be genius because hopefully then guests will have a little more patience (since we're new and learning)!

Fortunately, it wasn't a huge deal that I lost my name tag. I went to the CIPO (College and International Programs Office) trailer and was able to get a name tag that said "Jennifer" from Ottawa. They have a lot of extra name tags made up in case someone forgets theirs one day, then you return them when you don't need them. Then I went to costuming and was able to order new name tags. They are $5 and take 2 weeks to make. I got one that says Jenn from Kincardine, Ontario, and one that says Jenn from Port Elgin, Ontario. That way, I'll always have a spare.

After work we had dinner as a huge Canadian F&B family! Kristen and I made stir fry(even though we're not the best cooks), Emily brought salad, Stephanie made nachos, and Patricia made a beautiful pineapple cake! We had SUCH an amazing dinner with all the F&B Canadians from July 15th! Also, Tina (my roommie) decided to move in with Ellen (the other Norwegian housemate) and when she was cleaning out the closet she found my name tag! I was so excited!

Monday night was the Canadian Girls event, "Christmas in July". We got dressed up and went to Casey's to play some sing star, but we weren't too interested in partying since we had another 8am day (Discovery Day) the next day. Some of us went to Girls, which looks like a lot of fun, but left early to get some sleep.
Tuesday morning was Discovery Day! On it you learn more about Epcot and get a tour of the park. There are also some other special activities, but I don't want to spoil it for those who have yet to go! In the afternoon we went with D.J. on a tour of our pavillion we saw all the exits, sinks, fire extinguishers, and alternate evacuation routes. The restaurant is VERY intimidating. Everyone was so busy and rushing around. I'm kind of scared to work there. Then we got our costumes. During the process I found out my schedule was wrong... I actually start on popcorn cart with Kristen, not as a greeter in the restaurant yay! It also means I get an hour more of sleep tomorrow! Double yay!After work I definitely fell asleep in the car. We went to McDonalds for dinner, and then another Walmart trip, where I was able to find shoes. They are a little big, but I found out we're allowed to get these velcro shoes (apparently "laces" means they just have to do up all the way), so I picked up a pair. They seem pretty comfy, hopefully I'm right!

When I got home my new roomie, Xiaodi from China (F&B) had moved in! It was really nice to meet her! We didn't get to talk much, because we were both exhausted and pretty much just went to bed, but I can't wait to get to know her!