Arrival in Orlando

I haven't had internet access for a few days -- otherwise I would've tried to post something yesterday. As it is, I have a lot to talk about and my thoughts aren't particularly organized at this point, so I'm sorry if I end up rambling.

First off! It took us about two days to arrive here, as we had planned. We stopped off in South Carolina the first night, and woke up the next morning to a tornado warning. I don't know if you guys have seen the stories, but it's been all over the news down here since then. About 200 tornadoes ripped through several southern states, including South Carolina and Georgia, both of which we drove through while this was happening. Not gonna lie, it was terrifying. We didn't run into any of the actual tornadoes, thank goodness, but early on we drove into a virtual wall of rain, sleet, and wind. Dad could barely see through the windshield and wanted to stop under an overpass, but there was no place to pull over, so we had to keep driving. Eventually we got out of the storm and the sky cleared up as we got farther south. Watching the news tonight and seeing the destruction was...scary, to say the least.

We've been staying at Disney's Pop Century resort since we arrived here on the 28th (we got in at about four in the afternoon). I'm fortunate to have both my parents and their van with me. It meant that we were able to head to Wal-Mar today and pick up the non-perishable goods I'll need for my apartment. They also got me a pay-as-you-go cell phone to use while I'm down here -- a Samsung, I think. Also available at Wal-Mart! We're not looking into fresh stuff like milk or eggs until Sunday, when I move into the apartment and meet my roommates. My parents will probably pay for certain absent electronics, like a toaster or a coffee maker. Yes, I'm spoiled. But I probably wouldn't have this work opportunity in the first place if my parents couldn't support me financially.

Before the Wal-Mart venture, we drove by Vista Way just to see where it was, and checked out the nearby Walgreens. Man, they have everything! As far as convenience stores go, anyways. My parents expect me to cook most of my meals, but I now I know where I can go if I want to pick up a frozen pizza. And all I have to do is walk over!

Umm, other stuff. Between shopping and writing lists and/or schedules, we've been doing some lounging around the resort, and I've been watching the cast members there closely. Past visits to Walt Disney World were what made me want to be a cast member in the first place, but I never really scrutinized them the way I am now. It's almost a relief to realize they're not all absolutely immaculate -- I think memories of what cast members looked like were obscured for a while there by how self-conscious I am about my hair (it's so hard to manage, ugh). I was confused by one very nice young woman who served me at the food court, if only because she was wearing very heavy make-up. I understand that food handlers like myself aren't allowed to wear make-up at all, and even other cast members can only wear neutral, subtle colours. Maybe I just need to look over my Disney Look booklet again -- I might be mistaken. Or anal-retentive.

We also visited Downtown Disney today, which is the shopping area on resort property that you don't need a ticket to get into. Goofy's Candy Company is my favourite shop there, and I couldn't resist asking one of the cast members there which division they were apart of. Apparently it's sort of a quick service and merchandise mix. Chances are very, very slim (possibly non-existent), but I desperately wish I could work there. I seem to be one of the few in the Candian ICP FaceBook group who hasn't found out where they're working -- not because they're supposed to have found out yet, but because a gentleman popped up with information on work locations and said he'd tell us if we asked. I chose not to, and now it's driving me crazy. Gah! I can hardly stand to wait for Sunday...or whenever we find out officially.

...And that's about it! I would include some photos from around the resort, but I haven't uploaded them from my camera yet, and it's already past midnight. Hopefully I'll have more to talk about tomorrow or after I move in!

Three days to go!

Well, more like two, I guess. Me 'n' the folks are getting up at one in the morning on the 27th and piling into the car. 'But Amanda, you exceptionally beautiful and sleep-deprived creature,' you may well ask, 'why get up at 1:00 AM to catch a plane?' Ah, see, that's the beauty of it -- we're actually driving down to Florida! And while two straight days of driving may not sound incredibly appealing, think of it this way: I can take more with me in the van than I would on a plane. Plus, I get to see more of America! And hopefully stop at a Friendly's at some point. Man, I wish we had those in Canada.

For those confused -- and I don't blame you -- I'm talking about my departure for Orlando, Florida, where I will living in and working for three months (from May 1st to July 29th) at Walt Disney World Resort. It's been a long application process, and for a while, it's almost felt unreal, knowing that I've been hired. But reality is hitting hard now, since I only have a few more days to pack my bags.

I'll be working in Quick Service Food & Beverage. It wasn't my first choice, but I plan to tackle the job with all the enthusiasm I can muster. And believe me, if you knew how long this dream -- working at Disney -- had been formulating in my head, you'd know that's a heck of a lot of enthusiasm.

Also! To match the theme of my role placement, I'm using a tasty photo from my last trip to WDW: a cupcake I treated myself to at Pop Century. And yes, it really was as good as it looks. Disney. Food. Is. Delicious. <3

Next update will probably be around when I arrive, or at least after I've hit the road. See you then!