Goodbye Canada

Well, it's my last day in Canada! Tomorrow my dad and I are getting up early to start our drive down to Florida. As I mentioned before we'll be taking 3 days. Tomorrow we drive from Burlington, Ontario to Princeton, West Virgina, and then Friday we drive to Jacksonville, Florida. On Saturday we'll arrive in Orlando and check-in at Disney's Old Key West! I'm definitely excited!

I had another amazing weekend for my last weekend in Canada! My cousin was visiting from the Ohio so it was amazing to get to talk to her before I move. We relaxed, went to the mall, and made sure to hit the bars in Hamilton at least one night. On Sunday, I met a lot of my friends at the Snooty Fox for one more karaoke night. It was incredible! Since it's summer, and Westdale is primarily full of McMaster students the bar was empty and we were pretty much the only people singing all night. Again, it was the perfect way to say goodbye to my friends and Canada!

I'll try my best to keep everyone posted with what's happening at Disney, and on my drive down... I hope the hotels have internet! Either way, my next post will be from the US! Goodbye Canada!

Canada Day / Disney Package

Happy Belated Canada Day!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Canada Day, I know I did. I ended up going to Niagara Falls to relax for the day and watch the fireworks! It was an amazing day, I haven't been to the falls since I was little and I thought it was an experience a good Southern-Ontario Cultural Representative should have! As you can see from the picture, it was a beautifully sunny day, and the sun and the mist created gorgeous rainbows over the falls. I also had one more brand new experience... I went to a Casino! I didn't bet anything, though... just sort of walked in to see what it was like!

Disney Package!
When I got home from Niagara Falls (July 2nd) I was excited to see a note on my front door from the DHL courier company! They came again today and brought my Disney Package! It contained a "Congratulations" envelope which had my visa information, the Disney Look Book (red book), Disney stickers, Disney luggage tags, and information on the Disney work code, and the code of conduct for living in a Disney housing complex. Nothing too new or shocking, everything I'd heard from other Disney people!

Since I had my visa I thought I'd go extend my OHIP so I drove to Owen Sound. Unfortunately, I forgot my birth certificate, so I wasn't able to get the extension (I'll have to go another day), but I was able to pick up lots of maps from CAA! I picked up maps of the Eastern US, a couple of Florida, and a big tourism book of Florida. So it wasn't a waste of a trip!

I still have a lot of stuff to do, including packing, finishing some school stuff, and saying goodbye to people, but I leave in a week. I think I'm just starting to realize how hard it's going to be to say goodbye to everyone. I'm very independent, so I know I'll have no problems being on my own... but I'll definitely miss all of my friends and family. Still, I'm getting more and more excited to meet my new Disney friends who will soon become like my family. 7 days until I leave!

Disney Send-Off

Well, this weekend was one of the most wonderful weekends of my life! I don't think I could have asked for more!

I slept in Friday, packed and then went to my mom's. I had planned to bake a Disney cake, so I thought I should do that first. I wanted to fit on the Walt Disney World Logo and the castle. As you can see from the picture to the left it turned out pretty well! I couldn't fit in "Where dreams come true" at the bottom, but that's okay.... I'm still very proud of my artistic abilities (I traced everything onto the cake... not really artistic but what do you expect from someone who almost fails art!?).

After the cake I got ready and lounged around until the first people arrived! Then we started setting up tents (in my mom's backyard) and firing up the barbecue. By 9:30pm everyone was there drinking around the campfire. We spent the night drinking, and playing Rock Band and Sing Star... Florida watch out... I'm very addicted to these games!

The next morning it was rainy, so we woke up to flooded tents, but that was okay because we had toast, and waffles with berries and whipped cream for breakfast. We tried to make mimosas, but the champagne was a little old... I mean it was dark brown.

We sat around for awhile, chatting and playing the video games again until the skies cleared and the sun came out. It warmed up and became perfect beach weather so we decided to head out! We split into 3 groups to walk/drive down. I'd remembered my mom telling me there was a shortcut "path" to the beach, so we walked to the end of the street and looked for a path. We found what looked like a path through the forest and ended up walking up and down some random hill until we ended up in someone's back yard. When we found our way to the street we saw a big path through a field. I guess the path wasn't quite at the end of the road, and wasn't as adventurous as we thought it was. Fortunately, there were only a few more detours until we made it to the beach and met up with another group. The water was amazingly warm and after swimming for awhile (and having a mud fight) we decided to play beach volleyball. It was a ton of fun, even though I'm horrible at it.

After the parade we headed back for dinner and some of us ventured off to the Scottish Parade. If you haven't seen the Scottish Parade in Kincardine and have the chance you definitely should... it is quite unique! There was a huge pipe band that marched from one end of the town to the other and back, all dressed in kilts. They even did this in the pouring rain! Following them were a whole bunch of tourists and locals walking along with the parade. We returned back to my mom's for more video games, star gazing, camp fires, and this time... smores! They were awesomely delicious!

At around midnight a couple of people suggested we head back to the beach to see it at night. Five of us went. It was incredible. We sat on the rocks by the edge of the beach and looked at the stars, then skipped some rocks into the water, and headed for the pier. Mike started playing his guitar softly and then we all laid down on the blanket and stared up at the sky. We must have seen about 5 shooting stars. Before we headed home we went to play on the playground. We went on the swings, the jungle gym, the climbing wall, spiders web, teeter-totters, this huge web, and every piece of equipment we could find. I loved it. I'm definitely a kid inside, but I'm very lucky to have friends who are the same way!

The next morning, we finally ate the cake and packed up all the tents (though they were wet again from more rain). People slowly headed back to the city, but I hope they all had a wonderful weekend. I know I definitely did. I've never felt so happy, or so lucky. I have the most amazing friends, who are so much fun, and so easy to hang out with. I don't think that party could have been any better!

Space Bags

Remember back at 50 days from Disney when I ordered those Space Bags? Well they came in today! I was going to do a set of pictures of my first bag being filled like Tracey did, but I ran into a problem. Not with the Space Bag, but with the vacuum... it kind of overheated and broke. My dad is going to see if he can get it to work when he comes home, so until then here is my half-finished montage of Space Bag photos!

All of the Space Bags laid out!

A half-filled space bag

My first Space Bag filled with my duvet, feather bed, and 2 pillows

Half compressed... then the vacuum broke



UPDATE! 4:14PM
After my dad came home from work we tried the vacuum again... it worked! After a lot of squishing and sitting on the bag we condensed it to it's final state! I'm very impressed! I can't wait to pack the rest of my stuff up!

Re: Circle of Life 5K

Well, if you read my other post on the "Circle of Life 5K" you'll know I was considering signing up. Well, I've done it! I signed up tonight (and even ordered a commemorative pin.

I started the Couch to 5K Plan today and it went well (though, it is only day 1). Still, I figured I'd need some motivation to keep it up, and what's better motivation than signing up to run! Hopefully I'm able to keep this up and maybe find a running buddy in Florida! I gotta get ready for January!

A New Future Cast Member!

I just got an e-mail from one of my friends, Rebecca, and guess what... she's going to Disney! She'd been on the waiting list and just got an e-mail from Kristen saying she's been hired. Not only that, but she's going July 15th for Food and Beverage, the same as me!

This is awesome, now I'll have another friend in Florida, and someone to go through training with (I hope we'll be in the same sessions)! YAY! I'm super excited. Only 24 days until I leave, and 29 days until we start at Disney!

Circle of Life 5K

A lot of people have been talking about running the Circle of Life 5K race at Disney in January. If you click on the link you'll see all of the race details. It's a family race through Animal Kingdom during Disney's marathon weekend (which also includes a full and half marathon you can run). You can see the course in detail by clicking the image below. Tracey is the person behind the idea, she decided to sign up and is encouraging all of the other CRP's to do the same! So far there are quite a few people signed up.

I'm still undecided on whether to sign up. Those who know me know that I do not run. When I was in shape I could swim 5K no problem, but to run it would be a challenge. Now, I'm not even in shape. So I've found this plan on the internet. It's called the "Couch to 5K Plan". It's a 9 week plan designed to get you from being an inactive couch potato to someone who can run 5K. I'm going to start the plan and see how it goes... if it goes well I might sign up!

The race is January 9th 2009, so if you're going to be in the Orlando area, whether it's to work at Disney or for a vacation consider signing up! Maybe I'll see you there!

Disney Package Update

I got an e-mail from Kristen today! It's good news about my visa and preparation for Disney.

Greetings Jenn,

It appears from our end you are all set to go! So at this stage you will want to ensure you have booked medical insurance for your first four months of your program, and have sent your acknowledgment form to Disney if you have not done so already. Also, about a week before you go, please do email the Disney arrivals team (wdw.international.arrival.itineraries@disney.com) and inform them of your travel plans. They will then confirm what time and location to meet them at on the 15th!

Also, in the next 2 weeks you will receive your Disney package with your visa documents!

If there is anything further I am able to assist with, please do not hesitate to ask.

Have a Great Day,
Kristen
Yummy Jobs

I've already sent in the form, and e-mailed the arrivals team! So all I need to do is wait for my visa to book health insurance! Yay!

Convocation

Yesterday was my Convocation (or graduation) from McMaster University! I know that getting my degree isn't exactly Disney related, but in the words of my friend it's "another step reached that brings [me] that much closer to Disney"! Yesterday was also the day that Casey, Kyla, and Katie arrive at Disney! (If you have time you should check out Casey's Blog, it's awesome!) I think it all made me realize how close Disney is. For over 10 years I've been dreaming about graduating University and then going to work for Disney. It was always this far off dream for "when I grow up". Sitting there it clicked that I'm graduating, my friends are at Disney, and I'm going to be joining them in 5 weeks. Needless to say, I cried. I think the guys on either side of me thought I was crazy, but it was seriously one of the most happy and proud moments of my life. There's nothing better than knowing your hard work made your dreams come true!

In more Disney news, I still haven't received my information package or my visa. After what happened to Casey (again, you should really read her blog) I want to make sure I get them early! You're supposed to get them about a month before you arrive, but Kristen (my Yummy Jobs contact) had sent an e-mail a long time ago saying that we should get them in 6-8 weeks... that time's past so I've e-mailed her to see if they've been sent, and when I should expect them. Hopefully, it will all be here soon!

Cell Phones, Bank, and Health Insurance - OH MY!

Well, Disney is getting closer and closer so I've been trying to sort out banking, phones, and health insurance before I go down. Here's what I've found!

Cell Phone
A lot of people go with the "Pay As You Go" plans from Walmart. You can buy a phone really cheaply and just fill it up with the prepaid cards. I have 3 concerns with this: 1. You'll go through cards like mad, and it could end up costing you a fortune. 2. You can't get a text message plan, and most of your money is probably going to go to text messages. 3. It doesn't have voice-mail, and my parents really want to be able to call my cell and leave a message if I'm not in my apartment.

I looked into getting a plan from one of the major telephone companies, Sprint, Telus, etc. but all of them require 2 year contracts with huge fees for canceling early. Definitely not worth it! Then I found Virgin Mobile!

Virgin Mobile (http://www.virginmobileusa.com/) allows you to have a cell phone plan without an annual contract! You buy your phone and activate it online and you can choose a regular pay as you go option, or you can have a monthly plan! Give them a credit card or debit card and they will withdraw the amount of the plan at the beginning of the month! You can cancel or switch plans at any time! Best of all it comes with great text messaging plans and free voice-mail!

Bank
When talking to people there seems to be two main choices: Partners Federal Credit Union (the Disney bank) or Sun Trust, the bank in the plaza across from the housing complexes. I checked out their web pages and decided on Partners (http://www.vistafcu.org/). Partners has cheap rates, free debit (or check) card, free cash withdrawal from Partners bank machines (located at each park and in the various housing complexes). Plus, they will come and do a presentation to the CRP's during orientation and you can sign up then. They'll even arrange direct deposit for your paycheck. It sounds like the easiest option to me.

Health Insurance
Disney requires that you have 4 months of health insurance when you arrive. Then you can go on the Disney plan which will be directly withdrawn from your pay (I'm not sure the details of this plan). My dad and I were looking at it, though, and it seems cheap and easy to just extend the travelers insurance for the entire year.

To do this in Ontario you need to get approval from the government to extend your OHIP during your absence from Ontario. It's fairly simple. Just find your local OHIP office that handles absences. Bring your birth certificate, drivers license, and another card with your name and signature (such as a credit card, passport, or social security card). You also need a letter from your employer that is written on letterhead and contains confirmation of the job you've been offered and the dates of employment. Some people just took their visa, and apparently that was good. They'll process it the same day, and take your picture (not sure what for, I haven't extended mine yet but the very nice lady on the phone said that they'll take your picture... it might be because I still have my old red and white health card). After that you're good to go and can buy your extended insurance :).

So that's what I've learned about getting prepared for Disney... hope it helps!

50 DAYS!

Well, 50 days to go until I start working for The Mouse! So, what did I do to celebrate? I spent the day cleaning and getting ready for Disney, of course! I cleaned out my closet and started unpacking from University. I'll be continuing the work tomorrow. I'm starting to think about packing, and what I'll need to bring to Florida, so today I also ordered some Space Bags to help me pack my duvet, featherbed, and pillows into a smaller space! They should be here in 3-4 weeks and then I can really start packing! Yay!

Preparing for Florida

I'm back from Japan! 52 days until I move into my Disney residence and I'm already starting to prepare! I've paid my Housing Assessment Fee and e-mailed Disney telling them of my travel plans. Today my dad and I ordered a seasons pass for Universal Studios (both parks). So now I have seasons passes to Disney, Sea World, and Universal! I can't wait, it's going to be an amazing year!

Next up my dad and I get to plan our road trip down there and book our hotels. I think we're going to use the GPS to calculate a route tonight and then decide when/where we should make stops! Then, starting Monday I'm going to start cleaning out my closet and all my stuff from Mac so that I can pack and leave my room neat and tidy for my dad.

As I get more information and as the date gets closer I'll keep you updated!

Update!
It's now just after 7pm and my dad and I have successfully booked our route to Florida! We're going to be driving down to my grandparent's house in Burlington on the 9th then on the 10th of July we're driving from Burlington to Princeton, West Virgina. Then the next day we drive to Jacksonville, Florida, then on the 12th we check in to Disney's Old Key West! Fantastic! We've booked hotels and have the Google Map Directions saved. My dad also booked his shuttle back from the Pearson Airport... it's going to be an awesome trip!

Arriving in Florida

An e-mail from Disney about arriving in Florida...

Greetings,

As Disney continuously strives to make improvements in the processes to create a more seamless and welcoming arrival for all of their participants, we would like to share with you a change that Disney will be implementing beginning in May of this year. The Disney International Programs arrival team will now be greeting you at the Vista Way Housing Complex rather than the Orlando International Airport (MCO). This change will allow the Disney arrivals team to be available to you and to answer all your questions. This new change will enable the Disney arrivals team to be able to offer you a warm and inviting environment for your arrival, as well as allow Disney to focus on creating an overall better arrival experience for you.

This change will mean to you are now responsible for making your own way to the Vista Way Housing Complex at Disney from the Orlando International Airport. There are several modes of transportation you are able to choose from, here are a few examples:

· Mears Shuttle Service from the airport to the Vista Way Housing Complex.

o Mears will offer Disney Cast Members a coupon to use the shuttle service at a discounted rate.

o The current one-way rate is $19 US Dollars and Disney Cast Members will receive a $5 off coupon to use towards the transportation. Please do note that you must present the coupon when purchasing the ticket to receive the discount.

o Mears has several counters located throughout the airport to assist you with local transportation. You are able to purchase tickets and board busses from either terminal at the Orlando International Airport.

o Disney Cast Members will receive the coupon via e-mail prior to your arrival, (or as part of your offer packet). The coupon can be printed by you prior to departing for the US.

o Disney encourages you to visit www.mearstransportation.com where you are able to learn more about Mears Shuttle Services, helpful arrival instructions, and to secure a reservation.

· Taxi, limousine, and car services from the airport to the Vista Way Housing Complex:

o There are several taxi services operating at the Orlando International Airport that your are able to choose to use. The average rate of the fare from the airport to the Vista Way Housing Complex is approximately $55 US Dollars to $60 US Dollars. This mode of transportation may be ideal for arriving with friends.

o Several other independently owned and operated transportation providers are available at the Orlando International Airport. You can visit one of several information desks throughout the airport for assistance

Upon arrival, you will check in to the Vista Way Pavilion, where you will be greeted by the Disney welcome team, who will be offering snacks and assistance with locating your new home at Disney! You also will be provided with computers and/or telephones to call home and let your family know you have arrived safely. You will then have transportation available to assist in arriving to your new home in one of the Disney’s apartment complexes.

Below are frequently asked questions which will also assist you with this new exciting change! If you have any questions regarding the above information, please feel free to contact enquiries@yummyjobs.com

We hope you are excited for this new adventure your about to take and that you enjoy the new enhanced arrival process that Disney has create as a more welcoming experience for you!

Have a Magical Day!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is this change being implemented?

In order to create a more seamless and welcoming arrival process for you, the Disney International Programs team will greet you when you arrive at the Vista Way Pavilion. The new process will allow the Disney team to create an inviting welcome center where you may grab a snack, place a call or send an e-mail home to let friends and family members know they have arrived safely. The Disney staff members will also be available to answer questions and help locate your new home in one of the Disney apartment complexes.

When I arrive, where should I go to find transportation?

Transport via Mears Transportation:

After exiting your aircraft, follow the signs to baggage claim. You will board an elevated tram which connects the airline concourses.

Once you exit the tram you will have arrived at the main terminal. The airport is divided into sides A and B, and the signs directing you from the gate to the terminal will indicate which side you should expect to find your baggage. Pass the security area, continue to follow signs to baggage claim, and then take the escalator or elevator down to baggage claim on level two.

After you claim your luggage, go to the Mears Motor Shuttle service counter. You will see the Mears locations on level two (baggage claim) and on level one (ground transportation). Please visit www.mearstransportation.com for additional information and more detailed instructions.

Transport via taxi:

After exiting your aircraft, follow the signs to baggage claim. You will board an elevated tram which connects the airline concourses.

Once you exit the tram you will have arrived at the main terminal. The airport is divided into sides A and B, and the signs directing you from the gate to the terminal will indicate which side you should expect to find your baggage. Pass the security area, continue to follow signs to baggage claim, and then take the escalator or elevator down to baggage claim on level two.

After you claim your luggage, take the escalator or elevator to Level One – Ground Transportation and follow the signs for the closest taxi stand.

What is the cost of the Mears Shuttle Service from the airport to the Vista Way Housing Complex?

The current one-way rate is $19 and participants have been provided with a $5 coupon to apply to that rate.

What is the average cost of a taxi fare from the airport to the Vista Way Housing Complex?

Taxi fare averages $55-60.

Do I need to make a reservation to use Mears?

It is recommended that you make a reservation prior to their arrival date. Reservations may be made at www.mearstransportation.com.

Who do I make aware of my arrival information?

You should contact our Arrivals Office at 001-407-560-6128 or via email at wdwinternationalarrivalitineraries@disney.com with your arrival flight information once you have secured your flight arrangements. This will allow us to be aware of your anticipated arrival at the Vista Way Housing Complex.

A friend or family member has offered to transport me to the complex. Is that ok?

Yes. On your scheduled arrival date, please ask them to take you to the Vista Way Housing Complex for check-in at the Pavilion.

You should contact our Arrivals Office at 407-560-6128 or via email at wdwinternationalarrivalitineraries@disney.com with your arrival flight information once you have secured your flight arrangements. This will allow us to be aware of your anticipated arrival at the Vista Way Housing Complex.

To assist you in reaching Vista Way Apartments by automobile, we offer the following directions:

• From Orlando International Airport
  Take the North Exit Road from Orlando International Airport to SR 528 (Bee Line/Beach Line Expressway)
  Take SR 528 (Bee Line/Beach Line Expressway) west to Interstate 4 (I-4) west. Exit I-4 at Exit 68 – Lake Buena Vista. At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto 535. Proceed to the second light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.
• I-95
  Exit I-95 to I-4 junction heading west to Orlando. Exit I-4 at Exit 68. At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto 535. Proceed to the second light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.
• I-75
  I-75 heading south toward Ocala, FL. Exit on Florida Turnpike south to Orlando I-4. Exit I-4/Orlando. Go west on I-4 to Exit 68. At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto 535. Proceed to the second light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.
• I-10
  Exit I-10 at I-75 junction heading south toward Ocala. Exit on Florida Turnpike south to Orlando I-4. Exit I-4/Orlando. Go west on I-4 to Exit 68. At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto 535. Proceed to the second light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.
• Florida Turnpike
  Exit I-4 west to Exit 68. At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto 535. Proceed to the second light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.
• I-4 from Tampa
  Head east towards Orlando to Exit 68. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto 535. Proceed to the next light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.
• I-4 from Daytona
  Heading west to Orlando. Exit I-4 at Exit 68. At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto 535. Proceed to the second light and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive. The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.

Where do I meet the International Programs welcome team?

Please meet the Disney International Programs welcome team at the Vista Way Housing Complex.

Can I arrive earlier than my scheduled program start date?

If you arrive earlier than your scheduled arrival date, you will need to make your own accommodations. If you would like to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, you may make reservations by calling 001-407-W-DISNEY. Please note that your benefits, including park entry and hotel room discounts, will not begin until you have completed your first day of work.

My flight does not arrive until after midnight. Will transportation be available for me?

Yes. It is recommended, however, that you make a reservation for shuttle service by visiting www.mearstransportation.com Taxi dispatch is also generally available 24 hours a day. Should you have any difficulty finding transportation upon your arrival, please call our team toll free at 1-888-839-4890 so we may assist you.

Who should I call if I experience any delays or have any problems with transportation?

Should you be aware of a delay in your arrival prior to your departure, please call the Arrivals Office at 407-560-6128. Once you arrive in the U.S., please call our toll-free number at 1-888-839-4890 or 407-560-2657.

Will I need the coupon sent to me to use the Mears Shuttle?

Yes, you will need the Mears voucher to receive a discount on your shuttle service. Please visit www.mearstransportation.com for additional information about the shuttle service and to make a reservation.

Once I arrive at housing, will there be transportation to my actual apartment complex?

Once you arrive at the Vista Way Housing Complex, a team will be waiting to welcome you and check you into the housing complex. Following your check-in, you will be transported to your actual apartment location in one of our four apartment complexes

This is good for me, as it means that I know where to go when I arrive (since I'm driving), but it's not so nice for everyone else who's never been to Florida, or never traveled alone and are now in a foreign country after a long flight and have to find their way to Vista.

NEW CAR!

Ok, so this isn't totally Disney related but I picked up my car today! It is a 2009 Toyota Corolla S in "Blue Streak Metallic" and I love it to death. It is the most beautiful car I have ever seen... see for yourself!



It is going to be so much fun to drive to and around Disney!

Disney Acknowledgement Form

Today Kristen sent me my Disney Acknowledgement form!

Greetings!

Within the next 6-8 weeks you will receive a packet from Disney in the Mail. However, as I know you may be extremely excited for more information about Disney, I wanted to send your acknowledgement from to you early!

This is the document that will act as a checklist for your arrival to Disney. Please do read through the acknowledgement form and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask!

You will want to print out the form, fill out the bottom portion, and then fax to Walt Disney World. Please do note that before your arrival to Florida, you will want to pay your program assessment fee of $85.50 US. This will need to be paid online (www.disneyurl.com/internationalPAFs) and will reserve your room in Florida.

Have a Great Day!

Kristen

Here it is!



I can't wait to get the full package... 95 days to go!

Welcome to the Team!

	Congratulations, Jennifer! We are so excited that you have accepted our offer to participate in our Cultural Representative Program at the Walt Disney World Resort! We look forward to your arrival on July 15, 2008 as a/an Canada Food and Beverage Cast Member. Tell all your friends and family the exciting news! You are going to be working at the number-one vacation destination in the world - The Walt Disney World Resort! We are sure that you have a lot of questions regarding next steps and your experience here in the United States and we look forward to providing you with all of the answers! To get things started please be sure to review our website at www.disneyinternationalprograms.com. You will be receiving a package of information in the upcoming month regarding your acceptance, complete with a booklet of information to get you prepared. You will also be receiving e-mails from our team to keep you informed of all of the things that you should be thinking of prior to your arrival. Please remember to check your e-mail periodically and let us know if your e-mail address should change between now and your arrival! Congratulations again and welcome to the team! Roger
	If you have any further questions or concerns regarding your arrival or participation on the International Program, please contact Yummy Jobs toll free at 1-877-952-2623 or email enquiries@yummyjobs.com. During "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, Cast Members grant Guests' wishes every day. Experience the magic of the Disney Difference. As a Cast Member at the Walt Disney World® Resort, you receive special discounts and offers created exclusively for you!

100 Days

100 Days until I work at Disney!

Yummy Called!

Kristen from Yummy called today! She just called to confirm that I'd been given a role in Food and Beverage starting July 15th, 2008, and to give me some information on the process.

Um... food and beverage? I told her that I'd been told merchandise but that I really had no preferences, and I'd love to do food and beverage, too! I'm just excited to work for Disney! Since that's what Disney has listed I'm going to stick with F&B! This is actually a great opportunity because you get paid $0.50/hour more for regular jobs, and if you get to be a server it means tips! All of this will help me pay for the gas/insurance for that new Toyota Corolla I bought on the weekend! Plus, Kristen said it's more interesting because you get to be in a wide variety of roles. PLUS I'll get to wear both kinds of costumes, and most of my friends are in F&B so I'll get to work with them! YAY!

So, here's what Kristen told me:

• They have received my background check and correct information from Cast-A-Way... bonus!
• I will need medical insurance for the first 4 months, after which I can get insurance from Disney. The requirements for the insurance will be listed in the package I should be receiving soon! I asked her if she knew anything about the Disney insurance, and she's going to get back to me in a couple of days with the price, etc. I've heard some people just get insurance for the year, and opt out of Disney insurance, so I'd like to get as much info as possible!
• I will need to bring my official birth certificate to Florida
• I will need to bring professional attire for my first few days of work
• A couple days before I leave for Florida I need to e-mail Disney and they'll tell me when/where to meet them!
• When crossing the border I'm going to need to tell the customs agent I'm going to work in Florida to make sure that they stamp my passport
• There is an $85.50 program assessment fee that can be paid online before I go
• Save my gas receipts from driving down... Disney will reimburse them

The full package should be arriving at my dad's house in a couple of weeks. It will have all of this information and more!

Planning

My dad and I, and my mom and I.
This is a picture of our faces on the monuments at the front gate of EPCOT.

118 days to go, and I'm really starting to get excited! Everything I do reminds me of Disney, possibly because I'm doing as much as I can to prepare!

The first thing was to decide how I'm going to get down to Florida. Well, my dad's helped me to make that decision. In order to get all the stuff I'm going to need for the year down to Disney we're going to drive down! My dad's booked a studio in Old Key West from July 12th-15th so we can go down a little early and relax, or start to get things set up. Then my dad has booked his flight home from Florida for the 16th which means... I'm getting a car!!!

This makes me SO excited! On a non-Disney update we're going test-driving this Saturday and I might end up buying a 2009 Corolla S (in blue streak mica, of course)! We're still not sure what needs to be done to register the car once I'm in Florida, but we'll have plenty of time to sort that out! The main point is, I'm going to have a car at Commons!

My dad has also done some Disney planning of his own. He's booked a vacation for January 2009 to come visit me! He's booked a 3 week vacation at Old Key West! It's going to be fantastic that he can come visit me at work, etc.

So lots of prep for Disney, but there's still lots to do!

Online CRP Presentation

Want to see a version of the Presentation given at the Disney Cultural Representative Interviews? You can!

http://www.disneyinternationalepresentation.com/culturalrep/

Make sure to check it out if you're interested... I'll be checking it out lots because it's fun and shows some great pictures of Epcot, the Commons, and the Costumes!