Scoop Team Saves City!

     This morning, after baking some fabulous Pumpkin Cinnamon Struesel Muffins, Brooke, Alyssa, Ashley and I headed to Universal Studios.  When we left this morning, I had to put on a sweater, because it was actually chilly!

 And sweaters of courser, equal Christmas. 

     We did the usual, rode some rodes, met some Dr. Seuss characters, got some less-than-disney-quality popcorn, and did some shopping.

 

 

      As we headed out from the park, we decided to head to Joe's Crab Shack to meet up with some of our friends for half-priced appetizers and drinks.  I love Joe's!

 

 A day ended by a bucket of garlicky mussels and the best of friends is okay in my book!

xoxo

Going Wild!

     I finally went to Animal Kingdom!  I got to spend the morning and afternoon at the new-to-me park with
Alyssa, Brittany, Ashley, and her roommate Amanda.  

      I braved Everest, and sort of braved Dinosaur.  We even got to meet Dug with Russel, and Rafiki!

     Now I have to get my minion costume on, I'm going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party tonight!

xoxo

Minion Pit Stop

     I had work today, but my roommates and friend Ashley, wanted to spend some time at Universal Studios.  We headed over this morning, and I got to squeeze in a couple rides before I had to head home and get ready for my shift.

      It's pretty cool that I get to do fun things like this, even if I have to work that day!

xoxo

Pastries, Princesses, and Pachyderms

     The past couple days have been crazy.  I've worked in various workshops, and classes, and training seminars since Sunday.  So much detailed information has been thrown my way, my brain feels like a waterlogged sponge!  I can officially check guests in and out, exchange foreign currency, send messages or faxes, charge accounts, take multiple payments, use the lodging system, refund payments, perform adjustments, enter room requests, change travel dates, take special requests, enter special occasion information, and little extra magic moments.  It's been so much learning!
     That being said, I have managed to have a bit of fun after I'd get home from stuffing my mind of hospitality lessons. One night, I went out with some girls from my class.  We went to Port Orleans: French Quarter, and split some beignets.  They were so fluffy and tasty, and they had made them fresh, just for us!

      Two nights ago, Alyssa and Brittany were meeting up with somebody at Buffalo Wild Wings, so Brooke and I decided to meet up with them there, after we made a necessary Walmart run.  We hurried over, and walked in, looking for their table.  We wandered around and around, and when I finally called Brittany, it turns out we went to the wrong location!  By that time, it was already 9pm, so we decided to just stay and eat.  We lucked out, and there was a guy doing balloon animals there.  He made us princess crowns, it was too funny!

     Last night, once the girls and I were all home, we made a trip out to Magic Kingdom for the evening.  It had been raining lots yesterday, so the park was super empty!  We were able to walk right on to Dumbo, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, The Little Mermaid, and Small World.  No lines, no waiting!

 

 

      The park was so empty, we even had Gaston's Tavern almost all to ourselves!  Can't wait to meet him there!

      We stayed out until about midnight, so thankfully, today I have a day off!  My first scheduled day off, today, and tomorrow!  I've spent the majority of today in the apartment, organizing after this whirlwind of a week, cleaning, doing laundry, and taking it easy.  I have plans tonight to head to Epcot this evening (my half birthday!), to see Illuminations, if the weather holds up.  And tomorrow, I'm tentatively heading to one of the Disney water parks, either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, since we apparently get free admission there now too!
     Saturday, I start my first day of on the job training at Old Key West!  So exciting, and hoping to be well rested for it!

xoxo

Welcome Home, to Disney's Old Key West Resort!

     Today, I had my resort orientation for my home hotel, Disney's Old Key West Resort.  This resort was never one I was familiar with, but I can truly say I'm blown away by how detailed the theming is, and how beautifully it's put together.  Walking in, I was immediately so grateful that this is where i'd been placed.
     After a small snag figuring out the bus system (oops wrong stop!), I arrived at the Cast Services for the resort.  I got to meet some people I could be working with, including some really fun College Program girls from New Zealand.  We had a very long class about the history of both Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs, as they are sister hotels, and we could be scheduled for shifts at either one.
     After lunch, we got to go on a tour!  We were loaded onto a bus, and go to do an on-stage and backstage tour of both resorts.  It was so cool to see things from both sides, and to learn more about the lay of the land!

          We headed back to the classroom once the tour was over, and attended a "Safety in Motion" Class.  SO BORING.  It was a solid hour of learning how to pick things up without hurting ourselves.
     Thankfully, it did eventually come to an end, so I rushed home to change and meet my roommates, who'd been playing in Epcot all day.  I arrived just as they were finishing up the World Showcase (one of my favorite things!), sampled some sodas in Club Cool, met some characters, rode Spaceship Earth, and decided to leave as it started raining.

 

 

 

 

 

      Once we had left, the rain had nearly quit, so we decided to go watch Wishes at Magic Kingdom, so we could all see it together.  We arrived with a bit of time to spare, so what else are four girls expected to do, but meet some princesses!

      When we came out of Town Hall from meeting Rapunzel, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), and Cinderella, the show was about to start, so we made our way through the masses towards the castle.  It's the first time I'd seen it (not counting the brief glimpse during Traditions), it puts a giant smile on my face every time, and I hope that never goes away.  The lights dimmed, and Celebrate The Magic began.  We all stared in awe, took it in, and sang along.
     Right after, the telltale first notes of Wishes began.  Right away, I was hit by a big wave of emotion.  This is my home for the next 4 months.  All these new people, opportunities to make people's vacations, the beautiful hotel, the majestic castle, fireworks whenever we want, and the chance for so many new experiences, it really is magic!
     Once the grand finale smoke had cleared, we got some group shots, and headed back to Main Street to meet up with a friend of Alyssa's, before Brooke and I headed back to the apartment.

Alyssa Wieczorkiewicz Photography

     Brooke and I took the ferry back to the car, and went to bed immediately, ready for another day!  This adventure-business sure is exhausting!  Tomorrow I have my first day on training at Disney University!

xoxo