Brand New Blog!

That's right, I DO have a brand new blog!

This new blog is called "Orlando Vacation Tips From a Disney Cast Member." Here I'm going to be posting tips that I've learns, tips that readers have submitted, theme park news, and other ways to beat the crowds and save some cash!

Please if you have time, check it out at www.orlandovacationtipsblog.com

I also have a twitter for this new blog you can tweet me   @OVTips

I have a facebook page which you can view by clicking here!

And I have an email address that you can send me a message through, which just so happens to be ovtips@gmail.com


Well I hope that you can sign up for updates, say hi on the social networks, or just stop by the new blog.

Thanks,
-James

Hooooowwwdyyyyy!

Ok... Ok... Ok... Ok... I'm SOOOOORRY!

I totally got lost with working on Disney Cruise Line... There pretty much isn't time to do anything but work, sleep, and eat on land when you can.

So now that I finished my second contract I thought I'd post all that's been going on.

So I went to the Disney Magic as a Merchandise Crew Member. Wow. In the job I learn't sooo much about Merchandising and I have certain managers that I thank for that. As with any job there are some good points and some bad points.

The good points.

- You get to visit AMAZING places. I had the great opportunity to do the Christmas and New Year period. It was pretty hectic with work yes, but they put in extra ports. I basically saw pretty much 40% of the islands in the Caribbean. Then when we were in the Mediterranean on my second contract I got to see Italy, Spain, Malta, France, and a few more places. It's truly a great opportunity to travel, sometimes I may have forgotten that with all the work.

- You get to meet and work with some great people. Some of my team members were amazing at their jobs and I learnt so much from their experiences. Many of them had a great history with the company so getting to share stories with them was great. Many times we had special guests from the company come on board to give presentations.
I met some Imagineers from WDI. One of them (Eric Goodman) gave me a WDI pin... I guess they must carry them around for that reason. I was his host when he came on board and expressed to him my great interest with WDI. He told me all about his work with the Haunted Mansion queue extension, and I attended all of his presentations on board and got a good insight into everything that goes on at WDI. It truly would be a dream to work for them. But I now know how hard I'll have to work to get there.
I met Don "Ducky" Williams, who cruised with us throughout the Christmas cruise. He is an amazing artist and it was fun to watch him draw the characters.
I met a very nice Disney Historian called Stacia Martin. I spoke with her the first night on board and she told me where I could find some info on her history with the Company. Wow is all I can say about this lady. She is ever so sweet and complimented me on the way I speak with Guests... What can I say? I'm British ha ha. Anyway, I attended a presentation that she did privately for the Crew. She drew a few of the characters and we drew out of a hat who would get them... And I won one. I could chose who I wanted so I went to Cinderella as I knew someone special who would want it. I told her that it wasn't going to be for me but I really appreciated her drawing it. At the end of the cruise after speaking a bit about the History of the Company and her learning that my favourite character was Figment, she came into the shop and handed me a scroll, I opened it to find a very nice drawing of Figment with the words "James, One little spark lights up for you." Truly the greatest gift I've ever had. I hope that one day our paths might cross in the company and I can work with her.

- The pay. Now I'm not gonna talk much about this, but imagine if all your meals and rent were paid for and you were confined to one place (a ship for example). You wouldn't spend any of your earnings. So basically I saved a whole lot and came away rich!

The bad points.

- As in every job... Some people aren't there for the right reasons. I met some truly terrible Disney employees. And quite frankly I'm surprised at how they have kept their jobs at all. The loop hole is that people from corporate don't work on the ship and when they do visit the crew tends to put on a show for them. It truly sucks, because they could represent the company so much better by learning from other sectors. Enough about that though.

- The crew food... Wow. It is truly terrible. I mean TERRIBLE! I often wouldn't eat because it was that bad. At first I tried to try new things, but all the food is covered in grease. The only good part is at 10:30 at night they bring all the left over food from the Guest restaurants. Left overs... It's quite shocking now that I take a step back and say that. I ended up buying a lot of dry food (we can't bring all foods on board) and eating it in my cabin.

- Hierarchy. I know it was a ship, and as such we have to follow maritime standards. But there is a serious issue of "I'm wearing a uniform so I'm better than you" mentality. Imagine walking around Disney World and a manager not picking up a piece of trash because it is "beneath them." That's exactly how it is. Now not all of the crew were like that. But it's surprising at how many people weren't like that who came from different sectors of the Company.


Overall I am so glad that I got to work with the Disney Cruise Line part of the company. I'm sure that with the new ships now sailing they will grow and get better and better at their Guest Service. But for now I think I'll stick to working for Disney on land.

My plans for now are to sort some schooling out. I plan on taking some type of Business and Administration/ Management course and then progressing from there. I would love to work for the Company again, so for now just hold tight and I'll make an update when I'm finished with school.

See ya real soon!

Test Results

Well I found out today that I passed my medical examination :D

They have sent me the original forms that I filled in and the other copies have been sent to the agency and to Disney too I think.

Medical Exam

Hey everyone.

Well on Tuesday I had my medical examination in London. Nothing too much to report here.

When me and my Grandma got to London we found out that the underground trains were all on strike, so we had to get the bus... This made me get to Harley Street a bit later than I should have been there (as they ask you to arrive 20 mins before your appointment in order to fill out forms).

After running down Harley Street to find number 127, I arrived and checked in. I went though all my forms and got asked to go upstairs to see the doctor.

The doctor was a lady... BINGO!!! :D Ha ha. She was very nice.

I had to do the usual things to do with medical tests. I got checked on my eye sight. She took my height, weight, blood pressure, flexibility, and joint reflexes. She also checked my chest and looked in my ears.

As I had to run to make my appointment my blood pressure was sky high! I explained and she agreed but told me to just watch it in the future incase it stays high.

I then went down the road to number 111 to have my blood taken. She filled 4 tubes of it (which she told me equalled to 4 tea spoons).

This is me after my tests with some cotton on my arm ha ha. Sorry for the blurriness in the photo. Thanks Grandma :p

That's basically all that happened. Me and Grandma went to Leister Square for dinner (which I liked because thats where they have all the UK movie premiers).

I will find out soon if I have passed my tests.

Here are a few photos from the day :o)

Toy Story 3 :D

Grandma took this photo so it is a bit blurry :p

Buckingham Palace.

Wellington Arch.

Wicked :D

I seem to take this photo every time I come to London ha ha.

Vaccination records!

Well today I got my vaccination records from my doctor. I have to take these with me to my medical examination on Tuesday!

I never realised that I've had so many shots! Looks like I'm very healthy. But I guess I'll be finding out on Tuesday just how healthy I am. Ha ha.

One day closer :o)

LIGHT SPEED TO ENDOOOOOOOOOOOOOR!!!

G'DAY GAVNOR!!!

Well I have my medical examination booked for Tuesday 7th of September. :D It feels sooooo good to start getting things done finally.

I've heard a bit about what I'm going to do during my medical. But until I actually have it I can't say for sure. I've heard it's just the usual medical type stuff... With tubes and needles ha ha. Nice :D

In other news, it was "the last tour to Endor" recently at Disney's Hollywood Studios. So in this post I would like to include a photo I found on google...

Happy Tuesday!!!

Well well...

I got an email today with info on obtaining my US criminal record check... I haven't got any black marks thankfully :op

I will be sending that off tomorrow along with my UK Criminal Background Check :D

Feels like I'm getting closer every day...! Which I am :op

And to make you smile... Here is a picture of the chimp brothers! :D

Hey hey hey!!!

Well today has been fun. I emailed the agency that represent DCL in England to tell them that due to a change in circumstances would I be able to have an earlier start date with Disney? They emailed back saying that it would be no problem and to start applying for my medical and CBC certificates now, but to hold off on applying for my visa for the moment.

So, great! I will be keeping you posted when I make an appointment to have my medical check in London and when I get my CBC back.

See ya real soon!

Oh P.S. I found this really cool blog online, that is really helping me out with what to expect when I get there :D

http://allears.net/cruise/issue389.htm <--- you can read it here.

Okaaaay... Wow I haven't been here in a while but seen as though I got some very interesting news recently I guess I should start posting again...

My news is as follows...

Hello,

RE: Disney Cruise Line interview

Congratulations! You have been successfully recommended for employment on board Disney Cruise Line vessels as MERCHANDISE HOST/ESS.

In order to move forward you will need to successfully complete and pass a DCL Medical examination, Criminal Background Check and C1/D Visa application. We will contact you to get you started on these, so please continue working until we do. Based on the number of vacancies we anticipate opening up onboard and your own availability, you have been marked you as a ‘wait’ for the time-being. When DCL ask us to get you started on your process, we will call you.

We greatly appreciate your patience! If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Once again… Congratulations! I look forward to speaking with you again soon.

As you can probably imagine i am over joyed!!! I plan on taking a little trip in October to see my good friend Tracey Brown (yes she is related to Charley) and then going to meet my family in Florida for Halloween Horror Nights :D Woop woop!

After that I'm coming home to start my visa and medical applications :D

I am soooo glad that I've finally got my head into gear and am continuing to follow my dream to continue the work of Walt Disney.

If any one is still following this thank you so much and I promise to keep you more posted on my adventures than I did in WDW ha ha.

I'm back...

OK. So I'm really sorry I haven't posted an update for like... 6 months! It's been really busy here!

I've became a Disney trainer, and a floorstock for the UK.
I had a backstage tour of tower of terror.
Got into the Encore cast choir and orchestra, and got a solo with them this year.
Casey left for home earlier this month, and I'm going to see her for 6 days on the 9th of July.
Family are coming out to see my show at the end of July... Going home for a week... Then coming back for two weeks lol. Rich? No no... Just incredibly poor!
We have a whole set of new managers now.

I'll keep updating when I can!
Nice to see you all.

! ! ! H A P P Y C H R I S T M A S ! ! !

Happy Christmas everyone.
Today was really good!

From Lyns I got PIRATES MONOPOLY!!! Great fun!
From Julian I got Kingdom keepers 2! and a huuuuge Disneyland train set!
And from Casey I got loads! I got a Pluto teddy, a mickey cap, a Disney drawing kit, a tower of terror towel (to match my dressing gown), a jack monkey (from pirates), a giant gobstopper, some jelly mickeys, two pins, and an orange, all in a Pluto stocking with my name stitched into it!!!

I just rang home and everyone is ok. Not fighting. THEY GOT A BLOODY X BOX 360!!! Nick has only just let Peter on it at 4:00pm ha ha. They got the games lost, fifa 08, and others.

I'm just about to go to work so I will leave it here.

See you in the new year!

SUNDAY MONDAY HAPPY DAYS!!!

I'm soooo happy today!!!
I moved apartments and moved in with a french guy and two other UK lads who I am good friends with.
I now have two days off so I am thinking about going to the beach or sea world as Julian has rented a car for the month.
Everything is going great out here. It's going by soooooo fast!!! Thanksgiving was big but black Friday was immense!!! We have the Christmas ball/ formal tomorrow evening. That should be fun... As in FREE FOOD HA HA!!!

Ok bye bye...

The boys are back in town...

Hey, I'm back from a break of bloggage it seems!
Haven't really had time to post anything on here much recently.
To start with...
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Yep that's right. It's my first ever thanksgiving I've celebrated. It was well good. I got a full dinner for a dollar, and tried pumpkin pie for the first time.
Everyone is getting in the Christmas spirit! It feels really good.
Today I was feeling a bit down at work so I went over to give Tyler some stickers and he decided to find some kids and play Rugby to cheer me up. It worked very well lol.
Tomorrow is meant to be REALLY busy! And we also open half an hour later than usual... So I now am staying until 1 o'clock in the morning tomorrow!!! WOAH!!!
Kirsty is getting here soon. It's gonna be soooo good. I'm excited :o)
Most of the Christmas shows are going to kick off tomorrow. The Osbourn Christmas light shows, and most of the world showcase shows.
Anyways I have a meeting in the morning so I'm gonna get to bed.
Nighty night!!!

I'm walkin' right down the middle of main street USAAAAAYY!!!

Ok... Where to begin...
Sunday morning Casey tells me to go to EPCOT. It's like 8 or something. And remembering that it's the night after cowboys...? I'm like WHY would I do that? I need some sleep!!!
So I decide to go anyways. She gets me excited about getting 50% off for our Christmas discount. So she takes me outside the turnstiles at the park entrance. I'm really confused by this point. She explains that she wanted to see something in the gift shop outside the park.
Then she says we are going to meet someone. I'm like "OOOOHHHH GOOOOOOODDDDDDDDDDDD!!!" I'm sooo tired and I just want to sleep lol.
Then from behind I get attacked by a small child I like to call... Well... MY BROTHER NICK!!! I turn around to see my Mum, Grandma and Peter all stood there. Turns out they had called Casey on the morning to surprise me. It felt GREAT to see them all.
We spent the next few days in the parks, went to Pirates dinner adventure, and then they went home on Friday.
We've just been getting all our stuff with the discount lately. Life is good. Can't complain. Me and Ty swapped costumes randomly one night. That was fun ha ha!
Anyways I think I'm gonna go for an ice cream from main street. Byes!

Grim Grinning Ghosts Come Out To Socialise!!!

OH MY GOD!!! Last night was amazing!!! So Casey, Ty, Heather, and I all went to Fort Wilderness Campground by boat.
We went to this Davy Crocket restraunt for an all you can eat buffet. They had mash potato, GORGEOUS chicken, sausage, sweetcorn, salad, pizza, gravy, and an ice cream factory!!! IT WAS AMAZING!!! AAAANNNNDDDDD we all got discount!!!
Then we went to the campfire and there was this guy with a guitar singing country songs and chip and dale were there and it was MINT!!!
He started playing you got a friend in me and I was sooo overwellmed (I know I didn't spell that right). THEN... We went down to the beach to watch Hallowishes over the water in the Magic Kingdom! They played the music on the beach and everything. It was amazing!!!

Today everyone is working. So I'm going to go see finding nemo the musical and then go on TOT and Rock 'n' rollercoaster and then go see wishes! I'm kinda excited to spend some time alone as I've been on the go since I got here and it will be nice to chill out a bit.

See ya later mator!!! :o)

Back from work.

OK so I just have to work extra magic hours and then I'm off for the weekend :o)

I worked two full days on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday I went to Caseys for dinner and had meatloaf for the first time. It was really nice.
Thursday we all went to Bennigans. It was awesome, just because Tracey went. It was great to hang our with her and her roomies again.
Tomorrow I plan to go to the parks with Julian, we don't get many days off together so that should be fun.
And Sunday I think I might go to mickeys retreat to see if their pool is open so I can start swimming again.
Talk to you later.

Still my guitar gently weeps...

OK so there has been a lot going on recently.

I have been getting a lot of great service fanatic cards. This is great as it goes on my record with Disney.
Food and wine is going well, most of the Guests are drunk by 6 o'clock, so that's always fun... NOT!!!
My co-worker Lee got terminated. That was really sad, because he was like a role model to me. He was the magical moments rep and was amazing working with guests.
On Saturday Casey and I went to Universal studios for the day. We got chance to see some of the Halloween Horror Nights theming. It looks really good. Not too sure when I'll get chance to see it on the nights though.
We then went to the Pirates adventure dinner show. It was AMAZING! The food was OKish... But the show was absolutely fantabuliosis!!! It started with the pirates taking over and kidnapping the princess. Then each pirate lead us to our table area. We had the red pirate... Who we thought was drunk at first... But was clearly just in character because he was sword fighting later... Very well in fact!
The opening of the main show was brill!!! All of a sudden the music swelled in... Now when I say music... I mean the music from HOOK!!! My most favourite film EVER!!!
Towards the end of the show the orange pirate came near us... Walked behind me... But he didn't keep on walking... SHITE... He shouted, "Get up!" So I stood up. Then he tied a rope around my hands and lead me onto the pirate ship. I was soooo nervous ha ha. I looked over to our table and saw Casey laughing! She took some photos so they will be on facebook soon.
It all ended in a great sword fight and a disco at the end! It was a GREAT night and I had sooooo much fun!!!

Then on Sunday I went to Magic Kingdom with Kim. She showed me round Tom Sawyer island, something that I've never done before. It was really fun. In the tunnels I hid from her and jumped out and made her jump! I guess she got me back later on. She then gave me a driving test on the Indy Speedway to see if I was good enough to drive her car in December... Now I thought she said it was a stunt driver test... Obviously not. She still said I passed though, so I shall look forward to it.
We then used our fast passes for Space Mountain and then went to Hollywood Studios and went on Toy Story Mania... WOW!!! It was soooooooooo good!!! It's a 3D ride where you look at screens and play carnival games. I scored really high... As per!
And finally we did Tower of Terror and went to see Fantasmic, before getting a pizza at home and watching Oceans 11. It was a really good day :)
Anyways it's late so I should go.
Nice seeing ya!

It's gonna be a long long time!

Ok sorry been a bit distant the past few days.
I got three Guest Service Fanatic cards yesterday.
I have the weekend off so I plan to go see finding nemo the musical with Ty tomorrow and I don't know what on Sunday.
I might have to stock up on Ben and Jerrys because I'm getting low on supplies! Ha ha!
Gonna go shopping now anyway,
Talk to you all later!

OOPSIE DAISY!

So I've been really busy doing other stuff than updating my blog... Ha ha clearly!
I've just been working, and making magic at EPCOT lately... You know... Just the usual lol!
I'm going to see the fireworks tonight at Hollywood Studios!
Gonna do a big update soon so watch out!

In the big blue world!!!

Saturday I worked all day and then went to cowboys. I really didn't wanna go until I got in and got bored ha ha. Me and Colin were line dancing all night it was REALLY fun!
Yesterday was my day off. It was Kims birthday so me and Julian took her to Hollywood Studios. We also got her a birthday pin and she got some free stuff through out the park. We then went home and got ready to go to House of Blues... I'm sooooo glad I went... Just so I could say "I'm NEVER going again!" It was soooo slimey and all the guys were perving on the girls. It was horrid.
Today I woke up and rang Casey to arrange going to Animal Kingdom. We saw festival of the lion king and finding nemo the musical. It was amazing! I think that FNTM is the best thing in WDW!!! We have come home and got a chinese! It's sooooo nice :D It poured down today. But I'm dry now so I don't care lol!
Have a magical week!