Fastpasses, Pancakes and Nemo...

Ok, so I haven't posted anything in ages and now my memory is slightly fuzzy but I'm going to try my best to capture my last three weeks working for the mouse as best as I can.

Monday I began work at 1pm which meant that I could get a few odds and ends done before starting. Work itself wasn't the best of experiences as instantly I was at odds with a guest at Fastpass Distribution. Usually I don't mind this position as although you are outside with no fans you are constantly busy. Seriously, someone should really memo Disney - note to update the machines - they are certainly no spring chickens. Anyway back to the point. A guest complained that one of the machines didn't work, well fair enough, however when I put the card into one of the working FP machines she received a ticket informing her that she already had a FP for Soarin' in the two hour between FPs period. According to her she had just entered the park. Anyhoo she asked for my name as it was ridiculous that she would have to take the two minute walk to guest relations to sort out the problem with her park admission card. After offering her the correct spelling of my name I swiftly moved away knowing that I had done my job correctly. Well nothing ever came of it and to be honest I think she was more annoyed about the walk than the actual FP.

We had some downtime during the day and I learnt a few things about the attraction, for example the fact that the crash doors are made of styrofome and are painted to look like real wood. I also had some trouble with a couple of young boys trying to provoke and annoy me on standby. I don't understand why people have to antagonise someone else for their own amusement. Therefore I was really pleased when Andy gave them a little 'friendly' warning and luckily once the attraction was 102 they were on and off the ride swiftly. At the other end of the scale though, I met some lovely guests who came from Hellesdon, Norwich! How bizzare, they had even gone to the same school as me - it really IS a small world!

That night after work I went out with my fellow cast members for a kind of leaving do for some of the international and college programers. We went to Bennigans and I had the most delicious chocolate brownie ever - I had been craving something sweet all day, I think Tyler was pleased when I finally had it so I would stop complaining! Although I had a great night and got a lift home from Amanda's roomates it really got me thinking that I didn't really have that long to go before I would be saying goodbye too. This wasn't a happy thought.

The next day I didn't start work until 4.30 so me and Amy decided to go to another character breakfast. This time though it was the big one - the Grand Floridian 1900 Park Fare character experience. I've always wanted to visit the Grand Flo so this was definately a big deal for me. We had a reservation for 10.50am for breakfast but when we arrived were told that an additional wait time would be added so we decided to have a little look around. The resort itself is absolutely gorgeous and I would love to stay there one day. After a little nosy around and some shopping it was soon time for food. I had the usual - fruit, way too many pancakes and Mickey shaped waffles. Amy had a made- to- order omlette which looked lovely. We were joined by Pooh, Tigger (Tigray!), Alice, Mary Poppins and the Mad Hatter. It trully was magical!

Afterwards we decided we would explore some of the areas in the MK district exclusive to cast members. Although we went to the Disney University Company D we were really disappointed by what was on offer to purchase. We then went to property control/ cast connection where I succeeded in purchasing a lovely (cheap!) t shirt. Our next destination was MK itself and instead of going on our usual rides we figured we'd opt for some of the not so well recognised ones including Snow White's Scary Adventure and Aladdin's Magic Carpets both of which I enjoyed immensely considering the last time I went on them I was 7! Philharmagic was also on our hit list = always a must. Soon it was time for me to scurry onto work and there I worked until 12.45 (grr for Extra Magic Hours).

Wednesday was the day to say goodbye to some of my fellow ICPers and beloved cast members so it definately started with a grey cloud. Yet some light relief was to be had when the Prince of Saudi Arabia visited our attraction. He jumped out of the car when it stopped and started shouting at me in his native tongue, unbeknown to me on pit crew he was upset because he had lost his hat. Um... surelly he would have enough money to buy a new one?!? Oh dear some people are never happy.

The wheelchair lifts were 101 and so we had to give cards to guests for them to come back through the exit. Although this in theory was perfect, in practice it wasn't great as there was no communication as to when to put a return time and so Station Assist kept having a queue of wheelchairs and no method for putting them into cars. I will never understand why, during wheelchair downtown the position of wheelchair wasn't dropped. I dreaded that position as you just stood around until the next rota or break went through. By the end of the night it was time to say goodbye to Fabi, Andre, Andrea and Chad. I'll admit I was upset especially because I felt that Chad was one of my TT best buddies and I knew how much I was going to miss him. Luckily Nick came to pick me up and we spent some quality time together at Downtown Disney. He really lifted my spirits after a hard day - such a great boyfriend! :D

As I didn't start work until 4.15pm I decided I would have some fun and with no one free I went to Animal Kingdom by myself to FINALLY do the safari! Although the wait time was 50 minutes I figured this may be my only chance to go so I waited in line. Of course by the time I got to the front something had gone wrong and they had stopped loading the Range Rovers. Typical! Luckily it wasn't a major problem and they were soon up and running. The thing I love most about the safari is how secluded it makes you feel from the outside world. Disney have really succeeded in making you really feel like you are in Africa, it was amazing. The sky was blue and it was a lovely day so many animals were out for us to see: Hippos, Rhinos, Giraffes and Elephants who were consequently 'playing' with each other. Well at least they had fun, hehe!

After the safari was through and Simba One had scared those nasty poachers off I met Flick whilst walking around the park. A photograph and hug later I had lunch and made my way to the theatre to see Finding Nemo the Musical. This was to be my first viewing in two years so my memory was slightly hazzy. Oh my goodness I LOVED the show, so much so that I've been singing the songs ever since and purchased the mighty soundtrack which I still listen to frequently. It was fabulous, the puppetry was brilliant and the singers were all great, a very worthy visit. After the show Nick came and met me and we went on Everest, a kissy picture later we decided to nip to Epcot as I didn't have too much time left before work and we fancied going on SpaceShip Earth which was lovely.

Work was good and I had two absolutely precious encounters with two tiny tots. Both were adorable and telling me all about their vaccation. I asked the princess for her autograph and we've been firm friends ever since. The pirate also loved test track and was telling me all about his orientation at the Pirate League. As it was extra magic hours I had my second encounter with a celebrity, the first being evac - ing Rubin Stutter (from American Idol) and his family from the ride during a downtown, the second being an encounter with the famous basketball twins the Lopez brothers who are over 7ft tall. I got a sore neck looking up to them! Naturally they wanted a car to themselves (and their puppets) so being the nice track technicians we are we swiftly obliged. Soon it was time to go and after telling guests no you can't ride again, we're closed for the 200th time sleep was calling.