The other day Disney sent me a link to complete my on-boarding paperwork. I first got super excited as I thought this was my time to make housing preferences! Turns out I was getting a little ahead of myself and it was an abundance of forms and policies I needed to review and sign.
On my first program, I distinctly remember a time within the first couple of days where-by I had to go to the Vista Way housing complex and go through a ‘walk-through attraction’ style paperwork session. We had to present one form to one desk, then get that signed at the next desk, read another document, take that to the next desk, sign it there, initial it here etc. It now seems as though a lot of that process has moved online to the onboarding system. I basically had to electronically sign about ten forms and review all the guidelines and policies that come with working for Disney.
This is my third time starting a contract with the company, so I could probably recite most of the information contained in the policies and as such I didn’t spend as long as a brand-new starter may spend reviewing all the information. I’d say that you’d need a good couple of hours to go through every form and policy (if not longer) in detail. A lot of the conditions they talk about come across as intimidating, including every possible reason I may get terminated (fired) but it’s all corporate stuff and in reality is less scary than it really is in practice. In any case, I’d much rather do all the policy reviewing and form signing from the comfort of my bedroom over the previous method.
Work has been pretty slow and as such I’ve been more and more distracted with thoughts of Florida. I’m working in a digital marketing role at an online retailer at the moment. Since wrapping up the Valentine’s Day campaign there’s not a lot to do until the Mother’s Day product range is finalised and I can crack on with that. So there's a bit of thumb twiddling and the constant thought of 'DISNEY, DISNEY, DISNEY!'
Not being able to kick my thoughts off of Disney, I’ve recently been reading a lot of CRP blogs. The good thing about these is that there’s an abundance of them out there, more so than vlogs that are few and far between! Most of them are a bit 'meh' if I’m honest but the ones that are good are REALLY good! I love reading about what other cultural representatives love and hate about their programs and I’ve learnt some neat tips and tricks buried in these blogs. Sometimes they’re simple things like restaurants that really aren’t worth the time, right through to things that could improve my program ten fold! Dan@Disney spoke about how he got the Tables In Wonderland card whilst on his program and whilst I had considered this, the benefits and savings that he experienced have convinced me to get one once I arrive!
For those not in the know, a Tables In Wonderland card is an annual membership card that allows guests (DVC Members, Annual Pass Holders and Florida Residents) to get 20% off most Walt Disney World restaurants. Whilst this is the same percentage as the cast member discount, Tables In Wonderland includes a discount on alcohol (which the cast member discount does not), there are fewer block out dates and more restaurants that are available!
On my first program, I distinctly remember a time within the first couple of days where-by I had to go to the Vista Way housing complex and go through a ‘walk-through attraction’ style paperwork session. We had to present one form to one desk, then get that signed at the next desk, read another document, take that to the next desk, sign it there, initial it here etc. It now seems as though a lot of that process has moved online to the onboarding system. I basically had to electronically sign about ten forms and review all the guidelines and policies that come with working for Disney.
This is my third time starting a contract with the company, so I could probably recite most of the information contained in the policies and as such I didn’t spend as long as a brand-new starter may spend reviewing all the information. I’d say that you’d need a good couple of hours to go through every form and policy (if not longer) in detail. A lot of the conditions they talk about come across as intimidating, including every possible reason I may get terminated (fired) but it’s all corporate stuff and in reality is less scary than it really is in practice. In any case, I’d much rather do all the policy reviewing and form signing from the comfort of my bedroom over the previous method.
Work has been pretty slow and as such I’ve been more and more distracted with thoughts of Florida. I’m working in a digital marketing role at an online retailer at the moment. Since wrapping up the Valentine’s Day campaign there’s not a lot to do until the Mother’s Day product range is finalised and I can crack on with that. So there's a bit of thumb twiddling and the constant thought of 'DISNEY, DISNEY, DISNEY!'
Not being able to kick my thoughts off of Disney, I’ve recently been reading a lot of CRP blogs. The good thing about these is that there’s an abundance of them out there, more so than vlogs that are few and far between! Most of them are a bit 'meh' if I’m honest but the ones that are good are REALLY good! I love reading about what other cultural representatives love and hate about their programs and I’ve learnt some neat tips and tricks buried in these blogs. Sometimes they’re simple things like restaurants that really aren’t worth the time, right through to things that could improve my program ten fold! Dan@Disney spoke about how he got the Tables In Wonderland card whilst on his program and whilst I had considered this, the benefits and savings that he experienced have convinced me to get one once I arrive!
For those not in the know, a Tables In Wonderland card is an annual membership card that allows guests (DVC Members, Annual Pass Holders and Florida Residents) to get 20% off most Walt Disney World restaurants. Whilst this is the same percentage as the cast member discount, Tables In Wonderland includes a discount on alcohol (which the cast member discount does not), there are fewer block out dates and more restaurants that are available!
If you’re not a big foodie, I can see why the $150.00(ish) cost is a bit off-putting, especially when you consider the cast member discount is a free perk. I would say that if you’re not planning on visiting Disney restaurants often or if you’re under 21, then it’s really not for you. If you’ve seen my vlogs, you’ll know that I’m a big Disney dining fan and I’ll certainly be spending many-a-meal in Disney and making the cost worthwhile in no time! #MagicalStarCocktails
The other day I popped to Tesco and spent about £100 on random bits and bobs I want to take with me to Florida... Gonna be honest, most of it is Cadbury's chocolate! Now that I'm hoarding what is enough confectionary to start my own Cadbury World, I've already started packing in an effort to organise the things I'll be taking. Luckily for me, just across the hall is the spare room which I have now dubbed 'The Packing Cave' and is where two cases are currently holding about eight pairs of shoes and the whole of Tesco's chocolate isle.
The other day I popped to Tesco and spent about £100 on random bits and bobs I want to take with me to Florida... Gonna be honest, most of it is Cadbury's chocolate! Now that I'm hoarding what is enough confectionary to start my own Cadbury World, I've already started packing in an effort to organise the things I'll be taking. Luckily for me, just across the hall is the spare room which I have now dubbed 'The Packing Cave' and is where two cases are currently holding about eight pairs of shoes and the whole of Tesco's chocolate isle.
There's a number of things I'm making sure I get before I go. A big one for me is my hair product (vanity much?), I use it everyday and it took me 22 years to find one I actually like and has yet to be discontinued! Trying to find the right type of hair product was a nightmare last time, so I've bought about ten pots that should hopefully last the year. Some of you that may have not travelled to America before may be questioning the chocolate... If you've been, you'll know exactly why I am taking chocolate. In short, American chocolate is the worst! You know Monica's face in Friends when she tries 'Mocolate?' Yeah... That's all American chocolate (with the exception of Ghirardelli's). Other essentials include spray deodorant (hard to find and not great when you do find it), Vaseline (chapstick is no way as good), crackers (for snobby cheese and biscuit nights) and PG Tips tea bags (because I'm stereotypically British and cannot go without a good cuppa). The days are ticking by nicely right now and I'm enjoying the excitement factor!
Have a magical day!
Adam
37 Days to Go!
Have a magical day!
Adam
37 Days to Go!
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