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.

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

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.

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!