Thursday 28 April 2011

Golden Dream '11

So here's one of the things I love about the USA - the patriotism of its people. Sure, sometimes it feels like a bit much but I think that over the last 60 years Brits have indulged in apathy towards their country. The first time I really felt proud to be British was when I moved to Los Angeles in 2006. I was the only Brit in my dorm complex and I really felt proud to be there, representing my country, especially as I am someone that feels far more personally connected to the US than the UK.

Today is the Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton and the entire country is celebrating. Irrelevant of anyone's feelings about the Royal Family today should be an amazing day to be British. We stand united, celebrating our past, our present and our future, watched by the world at large.

Fairytales are about finding your equal. Someone that both deserves and is deserving of you. The press have jumped on the fact that Kate is a "commoner" and I grew up with people with very similar backgrounds to her so am fully aware that it's not quite the rag-to-riches story that the media seem to be selling. I truly believe though that she will make an excellent future Queen and ambassador for my country and I wish her and Prince William every happiness.

One sad thing that seems to have happened because of all the focus on the wedding though is that the events happening in the Southern US States have been largely ignored and my thoughts are with the people that have been affected by the tornados.

That said let us enjoy our day of Britishness and celebrate together. Remember...It's not a party it's an intimate get-together. Take it away Candace!


Tuesday 26 April 2011

Disney Channel

I think i'm pretty lucky to be an '80s kid and one of the reasons is the crazy amount of Disney and Nickelodeon programming that I remember watching. I can actually remember when Disney Channel launched in the UK back in 1995 as well as The Mickey Mouse Club, a weekend kids tv show presented by Andrea Boardman (different to the Britney version). Here's a list of some of the shows I remember watching and maybe even still do :P

-100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd
-101 Dalmatians
- 8 Simple Rules
- Aladdin
- Bonkers
- Boy Meets World
- Brotherly Love
- Caitlin's Way
- Daddio
- Darkwing Duck
- Dinosaurs
- Disney Consumer Arcade
- Disney Channel Games
- House of Mouse
- Doug
- Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman
- Ducktales
- Even Stevens
- Fillmore
- Flash Forward
- Flipper
- Gargoyles
- The Golden Girls
- Goof Troop
- Hercules
- Home Improvement
- Honey I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show
- In a Heartbeat
- Tarzan
- Jett Jackson
- Lilo and Stitch
- Little Mermaid
- Marsupilami
- Men in Black: The Series
- Miami 7
- Micro Soap
- My Best Friend is an Alien
- My So Called Life
- Ned's Newt
- PB&J Otter
- The Proud Family
- Pair of Kings
- Pepper Ann
- Quack Pack
- Ratz
- Rosie and Jim
- Studio Disney UK
- Sabrina, the Animated Series
- Sing Me A Story With Belle
- So Weird
- Student Bodies
- Smart Guy
- S Club 7 Go Wild!
- Short Cuts
- Talespin
- Teacher's Pet
- The Emperor's New School
- The Sinbad Show
- The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
- The Suite Life on Deck
- The Wacky World of Tex Avery
- Teen Angel
- Tots TV
- Timon and Pumbaa
- Touched by an Angel
- Thunderstone
- The Mighty Ducks
- Two of a Kind
- The Weekenders
- The Wonder Years
- Wizards of Waverly Place
- Sonny With a Chance
- Phineas & Ferb
- Hannah Montana
- Recess
- That's So Raven
- Phil of the Future
- Lizzie McGuire
- Kim Possible
-Cory in the House

And here's some of the movies that I got to watch on Disney Channel:

- Alley Cats Strike
- Annie (1999)
- Buffalo Dreams
- Cadet Kelly
- Camp Rock
- Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam
- The Cheetah Girls
- Cheetah Girls One World
- Cow Belles
- Dadnapped
- Eddie's Million Dollar Cook-Off
- Full-Court Miracle
- Get a Clue
- Go Figure
- Going to the Mat
- Halloweentown
- Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge
- Halloweentown High
- Hatching Pete
- High School Musical
- High School Musical 2
- Johnny Tsunami
- Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board
- Jump In
- Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time
- Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama
- Life is Ruff
- Minutemen
- Model Behaviour
- My Stepsister's an Alien
- Now You See It...
- Pixel Perfect
- Princess Protection Program
- Read It and Weep
- Return to Halloweentown
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch
- Skyrunners
- Starstruck
- Stuck in the Suburbs
- The Cheetah Girls 2
- The Even Stevens Movie
- The Proud Family Movie
- The Ultimate Christmas Present
- Twitches
- Twitches Too
- Up, Up and Away
- Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior
- You Wish!
- Brink!
- Genius
- Hounded
- The Poof Point
- Wish Upon a Star
- The Paper Brigade
- Under Wraps
- Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
- Can of Worms
- The Thirteenth Year
- Smart House
- Horse Sense
- Miracle in Lane 2
- Quints
- Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire
- Phantom of the Megaplex
- Zenon: The Zequel
- Motocrossed
- The Luck of the Irish
- Jett Jackson: The Movie
- Double Teamed
- Tru Confessions
- A Ring of Endless Light
- Zenon: Z3
- Tiger Cruise

I think that list sums up just how cool my viewing choices are! :P


Wednesday 20 April 2011

Have you got your passport ready?

This morning I finally received my visa which means I'm all clear to head off to Orlando in June - wahoo!

But until about 2 minutes ago I still hadn't printed my passport yet.

Now, you might be thinking I'm involved in some identity theft scam but let me reassure you by showing you my passport photo.

You can make your own Galactic Passport at www.startourspassport.com. The best bit? If you take it with you to the new Star Tours attraction after it opens on 20th May 2011 galactic immigration officials will stamp it for you. So go on...indulge in a bit of Disney-style Star Wars fun!


SDA: Episode 28 - Irrelevant Roommate Survey


Here are the roommate survey questions for anyone that's interested:

Your name?:
Male or female?:
Gay, straight, bi (optional):
Where do you live?:
Your college:
Your major:
What role will you have at Disney?:
What are your arrival/departure dates/program (fall, fall advantage, fall quarter)?:
Are you legal (over 21)?:
Which apartment complex would you prefer? wellness or non-wellness (if over 21)?:
How many roommates/rooms would you like? (1-7 roommates, 1-4 rooms)?:
Do you drink? (socially, nightly, etc):
Do you like to party? Will you be hosting parties in your apartment?:
Do you smoke, and if so, inside or outside?:
Are you a night person or a morning person?:
Are you driving or flying down?:
What's your favorite food, and more importantly, can you cook well?:
If your friends could describe you in three words what would they be?:
What do you do for fun?:
Any medical conditions (optional):
Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
Do you have freckles?
Do you always smile for pictures?
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Do you ever dance even if theres no music playing?
Do you chew your pens and pencils?
What size is your bed?
What is your Song of the week?
Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
What do you drink with dinner?
What is your favorite food?
What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Can you change the oil on a car?
Ever gotten a speeding ticket
Best thing to eat for breakfast?
What is your usual bedtime?
When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
How many languages can you speak?
Are you stubborn?
Sing in the car?
Dance in the shower?
Dance in the car?
Ever used a gun?
Do you think musicals are cheesy?
Take a vitamin daily?
First concert?
Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
Ever been in love?
Tea or coffee?
Can you swim well?
Do you want to get married?


Tuesday 19 April 2011

SDA: Episode 27 - Flogo Updates


A list for Dumbo

Like most elephants, Dumbo never forgets and this is a list of stuff that you won't want to forget to take with you to the Sunshine State.

Hand Luggage

- Passport (with Visa in it)
- DS-2019
- I-94 (white card to be filled out on the plane)
- Proof of Medical Insurance
- Copy of Itinerary
- Social Security Card (if applicable)
- Medication
- Disney Welcome folder
- Money/Credit Cards/etc
- MP3 player
- Camera
- Laptop
- Phone
- Driver's Licence (if applicable)
- Sunglasses

Checked Baggage

- Business Attire (for Traditions and Park Orientation)
- Bedding (can be purchased at Walmart for under $50)
- Padlock (for in-room locker)
- Electrical Adaptors
- Gym Kit
- Pyjamas
- Socks
- Underwear
- Toiletries (note that aerosol deodorant is hard to come by in the USA)
- Trainers
- Towel
- Suncream
- Swim stuff
- Flip Flops
- Casual clothing suitable for 80-100ºF
- Light Hoodie/sweatshirt/etc for a.c. rooms

If I think of anything else I'll add it to the list later on.


Monday 18 April 2011

Time Machine: 1973

Both of the last two "Facts of the Day" in my vlogs have been about the Magic kingdom in 1971. Today I came across this video on youtube that shows WDW back in 1973 so I thought I'd repost it here for anyone that's interested in how things have changed in the last 40 years.


SDA: Episode 26 - VoluntEaring


Friday 15 April 2011

Are You 23?

Well actually I'm 24, but I'm a member of D23 and have been since its launch 2 years ago. As of yet I have never been able to go to any of the D23 special events which has mostly been an issue of not living in the USA.

My new membership pack arrived this morning. It's been a couple of months since I renewed my membership so I was wondering when it would turn up. Usually the membership stuff just arrives in an envelope or a poster tube but today it arrived in a giant blue box with D23 written all over it.

Every year they send an "exclusive member's gift" when you renew/buy a membership. This year the gift was a watch. In previous years there's been a poster and a calendar. Not hugely exciting stuff but still kinda cool.

Also in the back was the latest issue of Disney Twenty Three which is a super glossy magazine. My first read through typically involved me just looking at the pretty pictures because there's always concept art and stuff in there.

My pack also contained a luggage tag which made me smile. It's got one of those changing image things on it which switched between D23 Expo and Chip and Dale carrying a "D23 Expo or bust" flag. I am so tempted to attach it to one of my bags for Florida.

I don't think I'll be able to make it to the Expo this year because I'll probably find myself working in WDW that weekend but hopefully I'll get there one year. For anyone that's interested the Expo is taking place 19th - 21st August over in Anaheim, California. It's open to everyone although D23 members get a discount on tickets and have access to an exclusive shop. You can find out more info on the D23 website www.disney.com/D23.


Thursday 14 April 2011

SDA: Episode 25 - The American Embassy Adventure


I'm Late, I'm Late, For A Very Important Date

Today was the day of my visa appointment at the US Embassy in London. In the last week I've tried to avoid paper and playing the guitar so that my fingers passed the 10 print scan (no cuts or blisters allowed). Due an alarming increase in the number of people being hit by trains on my line into London I ended up allowing a little too much time for delays and got into London an hour early. I met up with Bethan at Bond Street tube station and we headed to Gould's pharmacy to deposit our electronics. The storage service costs £3 which we managed to halve by putting our stuff in the same envelope (a good money saving tactic for anyone who hasn't had their appointment yet). Getting into the embassy was fairly straightforward and a small group of us collected together and chatted while we waited for our number to be called. There was a massive difference between how long it took people's numbers to come up. Two of us had our numbers announced about 30 mins before the rest despite us arriving after some of the others. All in all it was about 3 hours or so that we were in there.

I've been asked (literally in the last 30 seconds) what the interview is like. The key thing is making sure that you have all your paperwork. The interview is about 30 seconds to a minute long and you're asked things like what will you be doing, how long you'll be there, what you're doing at the moment and what you'll be doing when you come back. If anything you say gives them concern they'll ask for evidence. So if, for example, you're due to graduate in the summer and they asked you what you'll be doing once you graduate don't say things like "well I might be working here" or "hopefully I'll be doing this" they want definite answers not vague ones. But really the whole thing is nothing to worry about.

One word of warning though - be careful about how the courier service phrase their questions. They'll try to up-sell you into requesting a specific timeframe for delivery which can cost upwards of an extra £6 (on top of the £14.80 you'll already be paying). When they ask you what time just ask for the cheapest option (assuming you're not bothered by specific times etc).

After fun and games at the embassy 4 of us went off to the Hard Rock Cafe which was enjoyable with the exception of the waitress being a bit useless and death staring us. It was Bethan's birthday so it was nice to have a meal and chat after sitting in the embassy (especially as by that time we were starving). Here are some pics:

Me and Steven

Gabby smelling her coke for blackcurrant.

Bethan and Gabby

Creme Brulee and Chocolate Mousse

Right now I'm left feeling pretty tired which is a little weird because we didn't really do anything. Good luck to all those that still have their visa interviews to look forward to and one good piece of news is you find out then and there if your visa has been approved so you can go home feeling triumphant!


Tuesday 12 April 2011

United We Stand, Divided We Fall..

Today was a bit of an ICP-themed day. I had a bit of a catch-up with one of my fellow cast members from last Summer - Victoria (as seen in episode 23) and finally sorted out my flights and insurance. In case anyone is interested I will be flying with United Airlines who have become something of an airline of choice for me via Washington Dulles. These are the exact same outgoing flights that I had last summer except that the day before isn't going to be Memorial Day. Here's hoping that I won't miss my connecting flight this time! Although, if I do I'll hopefully be on the next flight which should get me to Orlando at about the same time as the BA flight that a lot of people are on :D Otherwise I'll be in Orlando by 2:30pm all ready for a trip to Walmart to get my bedding.

Insurance-wise I went against my better judgement and chose STA's policy. Hopefully there won't be any problems otherwise I will be kicking myself.

Pretty much all sorted and I've still got over 2 months to go :(

(Please note that I have no significant associations with either of the aforementioned companies and everything I've said is my own opinion.)


Monday 11 April 2011

My Facebook Friend and Me

Today saw the debut of the Suzie's Disney Adventure facebook page. This should allow everyone to be able to comment about the vlogs and blogs even if they don't have blogger, twitter or youtube accounts. It also means that you can submit your logo designs and Florida project videos direct to the page - yay! To visit the page just click here and press the "Like" button on that page or on the right of this one to receive vlog and blog updates as well as news of what I'm up to on my Disney Adventure!


SDA: Episode 23 - The Summer-y



Sunday 10 April 2011

The Logo Competition: Update

Thank you to everyone that has submitted entries so far. I have officially decided that there will be a prize for the winner (and maybe small ones for the runners up). What will the prize be? I hear you ask. Well, because of the range of people that watch/read my vlog and blog I have decided that the prize shall be tailored slightly to the individual. That way the prize will be exciting for people no matter what country they're from or whether they will be a Cast Member this summer or not. Example prizes are Vinylmation, T-shirts, Pins and that age old failsafe - chocolate. Sounds good? Don't forget to get your entry in by Wednesday 20th April, the more entries the better. Don't worry about whether you think you're artistic or not just have fun with it!

Get Creating!!!!!!!!!


Saturday 9 April 2011

I blogged with you once upon a dream

I think there is a little time for a quick blog post before I go to sleep.

Today has been spent watching videos from over the summer. It's amazing how few of them I actually remember recording, I remember doing the stuff just not recording it! Why have I been watching videos from the summer? Well, other than the fact that some of them are really quite funny, I've been working on Episode 23 of the vlog which is gonna be a combination of highlights from previous vlogs and super awesome new stuff that you have never seen before, including outtakes from vlogs that never quite made it to youtube.

I've also been watching some more of the Fall 2011 CPs' vlogs and right now I'm watching Jessica Nicole's vlogs. I'm loving everyone's vlogs and I'm loving that I finally have time to watch them!

I's like to send a big gold star out to Bethan for setting up the ICP group chat on Skype because it has ironed out a lot of the problems that were going on with facebook chat. GO BETHAN!

Tonight I had a bit of a moment. Why? Well one of the things I got asked a lot last summer was if I wanted to do the CRP after I graduate and I always sad no. As much as I love Disney I don't have quite so much love for the UK pavilion in Epcot, I guess because it's a combination of being too close and too far from home all at once. Tonight though I started thinking for the first time that maybe I would like to do the CRP in the future. Another option is applying to work on the Disney Cruise Line which I think would be a lot more more me in a lot of ways. My only apprehension with that one is that I've never been on a cruise ship. I know I get to work at WDW for another 2 1/2 months but the idea of that being the end of my journey as a Disney Cast Member seems crazy. I am so jealous of all the CPs right now!

Right, so that's all for now because I need to be up at stupid o'clock to do a car boot sale. It's all part of an attempt to make a little extra cash before I head to Orlando.


Friday 8 April 2011

Tapestry of Nations

As a result of working in Towers and Glow last summer I got to spend a lot of time in World Showcase last summer.

As a kid there were three things I loved about World Showcase: Maelstrom, the Teppanyaki Dining Rooms (now Teppan Edo) and the buses that took you around the lagoon. There seemed to be so little for me to do and it used to be my least favourite part of WDW and Epcot my least favourite park. Since those days a lot has changed in World Showcase and it has become a lot more kid friendly, the buses though are long gone.

For those that haven't been to WDW or Epcot before here's a quick summary: World Showcase was originally conceived as a different park to the rest of Epcot and was initially designed to be a series of islands that represented each country. Realising that boat capacities could be a bit of an issue World Showcase ended up as a continuous pathway around the world. I'm going to talk about WS going clockwise around the lagoon but you can start at either end.

1. Mexico
Here you'll see everything from margaritas to sombreros. The bulk of Mexico is contained within a giant pyramid, inside which are various shops, a restaurant and a boat ride with The Three Caballeros (Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito Pistoles). For anyone that has been to Disneyland, the start of the ride is very similar to Pirates of the Caribbean where your boat passes right next to an "outdoor" restaurant after dusk.

2. Norway
Norway is still probably my favourite country in WS, even more so now that I have had the opportunity to work there, awesome considering that I'm not Norwegian! Maelstrom, the boat ride, is like a tamer version of Pirates of the Caribbean except you're in Troll Country. I was based in Norway for approximately 2/3 of my ICP in 2010 and I had the time of my life there. I even found new appreciation for it, including the film that is at the end of the ride. I also spent a lot of time one evening making the Norway Donald plushes look all neat and pretty. I loved taking my glow cart to Norway because you'd see all the princes and princesses heading off to the Royal Banquet at Akershus, the table service restaurant there. If you fancy a sweet treat stop by the bakery, the food there looks amazing.

3. China
This is a pavilion that I didn't really spend much time in last summer, which I'm really ashamed of. Walking past you could see acrobats or Mulan. There's a movie about China as well. I have often had a browse round the shop though. In 2008 they had lots of the Olympic merchandise on sale. No doubt the UK will do the same soon for the 2012 Olympics.

4. African Outpost
This was all that represented Africa in WDW until Animal Kingdom opened in May 1998. There are some drums you can play which is kinda fun and a couple of stores where they sell carvings and the like. One thing worth mentioning is the bridge between China and Africa. For glowers the bridge is very important because it is able to be raised and lowered for the Illuminations barges to get on and off the lagoon. If you were glowing in Germany or Italy you would want to beat the barges to the bridge after the fireworks, otherwise you were left stranded for a while.

5. Germany
Last summer the grassy area in Germany played host to the World Cup attractions. It's home to Snow White, a miniature railway and several restaurants, including a buffet where it is Oktoberfest 365 days of the year. There's also a new store that specialises in Werther's Original treats. If you have a craving for Haribo or chocolate, Germany is the place to go.

6. Italy
If you want gelato, pizza or a mask, Italy is the place to go. Surprisingly, until August of last year the only place to get pizza in Epcot, then Via Napoli opened. I haven't had the chance to try the pizza there myself but it comes in various sizes and is made using water imported from Naples.

7. The American Adventure
I love the American Adventure! It is more open and spacious than the other countries in WS and is home to the various special concerts that happen at Epcot throughout the year like the "Sounds of Summer". It's also the place to hear the Voices of Liberty, an a capella group. But my favourite bit is the show hosted by Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin. It's insanely American but I love it and you leave feeling completely uplifted like anything is possible.

8. Japan
I mentioned it earlier as being the location of one of my favourite restaurants: Teppan Edo, a photo of which is currently featured in the opening titles of my vlog. There are also some beautiful gardens, the Mitsukoshi Department Store, a candy sculptor and a storyteller.

9. Morocco
This is another country I haven't spent enough time in but it's great to just wander around. Aladdin and Jasmin do a lot of meet and greets here and if you're lucky sometimes you'll see the genie too

10. France
If you want to go character hunting this is one of the best places to go. Belle, the Beast, Aurora and Marie all spend a lot of their time here. If you eat in the Chefs de Paris restaurant you'll have Remy as your chef. This is another place where you can watch a film about a country and don't forget to stop by the various shops which include a perfumery.

11. International Gateway
This is the second entrance to Epcot, located down a hill between France and the United Kingdom, it provides quick access to the Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin, Fantasia Gardens, and Disney's Hollywood Studios via either a walkway or one of the Friendship boats.

12. The United Kingdom
Last summer I ate in the Rose and Crown for the first time and I warn you now it's full of Brits! The food was delicious though and if you do find yourself craving a Yorkshire Pudding, a Curlywurly or a Penguin then the UK will not disappoint. Take some time to explore around the back of the pavillion because there's a lot of intricate detail back there. Mary Poppins and Alice take turns to visit the area and the red phone booths are well worth a visit.

13. Canada
Where can you eat a Chocolate Moose, watch a film starring Martin Short and see Off Kilter? Canada of course! It's the last (and first) country in World Showcase and the food in Le Cellier is to die for and supposedly one of the hardest places to get into for a meal!

14. Towers!
Last but not least (and partly because I didn't want to end on number 13!) is Towers, my home last summer. Spare a thought for those flag-shirted cast members and feel free to point out your home country's flag on their shirt. They're a fun loving lot and are always happy to entertain by dressing up or playing with Stitch. Duffy the Disney Bear recently moved in with them so his meet and greet is right next door. Before you ask "No, those shirts aren't for sale!"


So ends my tour of World Showcase. There are plenty of videos on youtube that show off this amazing part of WDW so if you ever have a spare few minutes go and check them out!


Tour Around the World

The last 24 hours or so have been very exciting. In the last couple of blogs (and the vlog) I announced "The Florida Project" and the Logo Competition and the enthusiasm for both has been amazing. The logo art I've already seen has been amazing so keep creating everyone and don't forget to start working on your videos. A webcam is all you need!

So over the next few blog posts (and maybe vlogs) Im going to talk about different places in WDW. First up.... World Showcase in Epcot!


Tuesday 5 April 2011

Logo Competition

Well, at the moment it's not really a competition because there aren't any prizes involved but....

I've recently been feeling like my vlog is in desperate need of a logo so I need the help of all you creative types out there in designing one. My favourite will be used on both my vlog and the header for the SDA blog page.

Please, please, please help me out by designing one!

Here are the rules:

1) The logo needs to read - Suzie's Disney Adventure.
2) No Disney font allowed.
3) No Disney characters allowed (or anything else owned by The Disney Company for that matter)
4) It needs to be on a black or invisible background.
5) I need to receive designs by Wednesday 20th April.

Any other queries feel free to get in touch via twitter (helium7suz), youtube (suziewdwcp) or by commenting on here.

Get designing!!!!!!

(and who knows there could be a magical prize of some description for the winning design)


The Florida Project

As I racked my brain this week trying to come up with something awesome to do for the Birthday episode of Suzie's Disney Adventure, Bethan suggested doing a video with clips of all the ICPs for Summer 2011.

So here's what I'm thinking...

Whether you vlog or not make a short video (no more than about 15 seconds) saying your name and something about yourself (where your from, your role, what you're looking forward to, etc). You only need to say your name and one other thing. You can use your webcam, your phone, video camera, whatever is at hand. Just send it to me (via youtube or elsewhere) and I'll edit them all together into one big ICP video montage.

If you're going to the ICP London Meet Up on the 20th April I'll bring my Flip Video along and I can record your video clip then!

Those that are camera shy be not afraid! To quote High School Musical "We're all in this together".

[Update: 7th April 2010]

A couple of things I forgot to mention above:

1) Keep anything you say PG/Disney suitable.
2) I haven't set a deadline as yet for submitting videos. If you're planning on sending one to me it would be really great if you could do so by the 20th. That way I can sort out any technical difficulties and problems.
3) If you're unsure of how to make a video just send me a message/comment and I'll try to help you out.
4) I have said ICPs only but if you're a CP/Summer Alum/CRP/Cast Member reading this and want to submit a video to say hi then I'll include a special section for you. Being British is not a requirement!!!


Monday 4 April 2011

Eggcellent!

It's April and it's 5:52am on a Monday morning. That can only mean....it's the start of the Easter holidays!

WAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Yesterday I found out that I can buy my new laptop about a month earlier than expected.

More WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Now, if you've heard me say how tight money is at the moment then you're probably wondering why I'm buying a new laptop. My black MacBook has stood by my side for the last 5 years and it has done an amazing job. But with me editing vlogs and the like it is beginning to show it's age a little and occasionally has a little bit of an emotional breakdown (like last week when I was trying to work on a presentation - yikes). So for the last 6 months I have been saving towards a shiny new MacBook Pro that can take over with some of the heftier tasks. With graduation soon approaching I wanted to take advantage of the incredible Apple Educational Store pricing which is going to save me a hefty £500. That's like, an iPad 2!

What does this have to do with the ICP? Well, a shiny new laptop means I'll spend less time editing and uploading vlogs which means I'll get to spend more time making them!

Super WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

There's only one way to get excited for making more episodes of SDA and that's by watching other people's vlogs so this morning I've been watching some of the incoming CPs' vlogs.

Awesome WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Unfortunately, there seems to be a huge lack of ICP vloggind happening at the moment :( As far as I know there are only 3 of us (Jules, Gabby and myself) vlogging at the moment. Becca is excused because she makes her super awesome and highly entertaining MouseCast but I want to see more of the rest of you.

Come on ICPs! let's show those Americans what we're made of!!!!!!!

Then I can shout out a super, awesome, utterly fantasmic ....

MAGICAL WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!


Friday 1 April 2011

An Apple a day keeps thieves away

I just came across this story online and thought I'd share it on here as it combines my love of technology with my love of all things Disney (and it shows Disney Cast members going Above and Beyond). To read the full story click here otherwise read on for my summary.

Dave Longstreth and his family were staying at the Wilderness Lodge Resort. For those unfamiliar with WL it's located on Bay Lake and from there you can catch a boat to the Magic Kingdom. Dave and family were playing in the hotel pool and had left some stuff in a bag underneath their sunbed. When they returned their stuff had gone (including iphones, camera, credit cards, wallet, etc). Dave ran to the hotel desk who gave him a new room key and he dashed to his laptop to login to Apple's Mobile Me service which has a 'find my iphone' feature. Within moments he had GPS tracked his phone to the hotel's boat dock. He ran to the boat dock, updating his wife on the way, and noticed 5 people waiting for the boat to MK. He identified one as the likely thief and, with the help of some CMs, managed to delay the boat briefly while MK security were contacted. Once the boat left the dock, one of the CMs downloaded the find my iphone app to his own iphone and GPS confirmed that Dave's iphone was on the boat. They set off on a speed boat to MK and identified the man to security who began to detain and search him. meanwhile Dave locks his phone, sends an alert to it and sets off the phone's alarm. He identified the missing items to security who found them in the bag and the thief was arrested and charged.

1) How awesome is technology that you can actually do that now? He could have also remotely wiped the iphone of all the information as well, which is a particularly handy tool if you have any private info on your phone.

2) You have to hand it to the CMs, they did an awesome job catching the guy. Dave's story goes on to say that the family were fed, watered and given a load of Disney merch!


A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Today Disney announced further details of Star Tours 2 that opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios next month.

As a Star Wars fan I was gutted that I wouldn't be able to make it to this year's Star Wars Weekends but I am really looking forward to the updated ride.

Apparently there will be over 50 different adventure combinations featuring places such as Tatooine, Coruscant, Naboo, Hoth, Kashyyyk, Geonosis and, of course, the Death Star. Methinks I shall be spending a lot of time at Hollywood Studios this summer!

For more info visit the Disney Parks Blog

Oh, I nearly forgot! Apparently my Disney Welcome pack is on its way. Guess that'll mean I can start applying for my visa. I may (or may not) be doing some vlog filming tomorrow in preparation for a special episode. Exciting stuff!