Hi There,
3 days in a row for internet...too good to be true! Tomorrow, December 17th is a very exciting day. It is the first day that the entire crew has to be in costume.
I want to describe my different costumes to you (before I am able to get a picture up).
My main costume is the one for the desk, where I will be selling the shore excursions. It's supposed to be 40's-esque, travel glamour, yadayada). It consists of three pieces. Firstly, my 'favourite' is the navy blue skirt that doubles as a posture corrector. It is high waisted and flows outwards to mid calf (My costumer had it hemmed up 2 inches oooooh!) It is worn with a long sleeve striped shirt with a Port Adventures crest. My actual favourite part is the white blazer with gold buttons. It's kind of nautical and flight attendant at the same time. I can only wear that at night though (shucks). I have to wear it with nude stockings and black shoes. Oh, and my name tag (I still love my name tag so much).
My second costume I'm assuming is for when I'm helping out the recreation staff on deck. It consists of a blue short sleeve button down shirt that has to be tucked into my high waisted light blue pants. Now, most of the pants on the ship sit higher on the waist anyways (It's Disney...) but these ones are hardcore. And some of you know I suffer from the "Jarosz body type" (thick waist, no hips/butt), so I needed a larger size in the pants to fit my natural waist, but as the pant size increases, the excess material at the hips does too. Long story short, we don't need the engines to propel the ship, we could sail just using my pants. Oh, this look can also be worn with shorts that have enough material to make myself a dress. A short dress (like the kind I will be wearing a lot during my 6 weeks vacation...haha just kidding), but a dress nonetheless. This look is worn with white trainers.
Thirdly, my Castaway uniform is a navy full piece bathing suit, navy swim shorts and a white DCL polo. I love this look. Perhaps it is because I was a lifeguard for a few years, but I feel super comfortable in it. And the shirt is an XXS (why, hello confidence booster). This is worn with white trainers/sandals.
The whole wardrobe process is a little daunting, but relatively well organized. Each item has an RFID tag in it, and it 'belongs' to me. When it's dirty, I scan the item, check that it's been added to the laundry list on a screen, and toss it into a wardrobe chute. The next day I can go and pick up my freshly laundered costume. We have around 2-3 pieces of each item, so we should never be without a costume. It seems like a good plan. There's always a long line up, I will have to work that into my plan for picking up/dropping off costumes. I'll figure it out.
I'm really looking forward to tomorrow...Entertainment Department meeting at 9am (YES...9am start!!), then Port Adventures Training and a team building afternoon! We are headed out to go ice skating and for dinner in Bremerhaven. I can't wait. I saved 2 heating pads for my little toesies just for tomorrow.
I cannot believe we leave Germany on Sunday! Today was our first crew assembly and we got all pumped up. The captain spoke to us, and we are all sooo excited. Before the assembly, we had the crew/ship blessing (they broke a champagne bottle!) at 8am. It's magical to be a part of this. I keep reminding myself that.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
My Least Favourite Thing
Okay, so my blog is a tad less interesting than I would like. But, this seriously was an hour of my day...
If you know me well, you know I hate doing laundry. And asking for help. I did both today in my journey to the laundrette.
I reluctantly decided it was about time to do laundry (one more pair of clean underwear actually forced me to, unfortunately) and I headed down a couple decks to do laundry. Note to all of you: there are 25-30 washers for 1500 people. And no space to hang dry clothes, so you must use the dryer. An extra 40 minutes? Brutal.
Luckily, I went down during when most people were having lunch (I had left the 45 minute line...per side...at the Enchanted Garden before heading down), so no one was in the room. I wandered around, confused by these high-tech machines. If you could see the washer I used in France, you would understand how this would make me so confused. I put all the clothes in the one free washer and then stood there stumped. Um...I know soap needs to go in there...But where? I looked all around (at this point, trying to avoid attention as others had entered the room) but, alas, none of my questions were answered.
It was now or never. I walked over to a nice gentleman (no, actually a gentleman, he was grey-haired) and asked him to assist me, trying not to look like a naive kid who didn't know how to do laundry. He helped me out, and off I went for 30 minutes while it washed.
The fun didn't stop there. When I came back I tried to open to washer door (it's a front opening one) and I was tugging for 5 minutes, trying to find some sort of latch to get it to open. Does it open on another side? No...not that side...I planted my feet firmly on the ground and got a good stance. I am strong enough to open a damn door. It was NOT going to open. Great, I already broke Disney property. How do I always manage to do stuff like this? I wouldn't be surprised if they just tossed me overboard somewhere in the Atlantic.
Now at this point, there were probably six people in the room. Damn it. I either had to tell them I broke it, or there had to be a simple way to open the gosh darn it door...I strolled over to a deck worker, hoping he wouldn't judge me too much, and asked him to help me with the door (Yes, my tail was in between my legs). He pressed the "key" button to unlock it, and it popped open. He was very nice, but the look on his face told me "Yes, little girl, I am judging you".
I am completely paranoid about laundry. I am always worried that I will throw in the red sock with my whites and my entire wardrobe will be pink. I am also terrified of the dryer...I don't want baby-size clothes, I already have a hard enough time doing up the top button on my jeans...Since the clothes were soaking wet, I couldn't actually bring them to my room...as the clothes line in my room is as long as my arm. I kid you not. Luckily the dryer was much easier to work, and I managed to get that done without any more embarrassing moments. But, since I am so paranoid about them getting too shrunk (I never put any of my clothes in the dryer, it's more environmentally friendly to air dry them...that's my story and I'm sticking to it), I only left them in for a few minutes before I ran back and got them.
My room is now nicely decorated with socks and underwear. I hope my roommate likes my decorations. She brings Christmas lights, a mini-christmas tree, and even Christmas tree air freshener...and I bring socks.
But...in the end, I survived my first laundry experience on the ship.
Note to self: buy 10 more pairs of underwear.
If you know me well, you know I hate doing laundry. And asking for help. I did both today in my journey to the laundrette.
I reluctantly decided it was about time to do laundry (one more pair of clean underwear actually forced me to, unfortunately) and I headed down a couple decks to do laundry. Note to all of you: there are 25-30 washers for 1500 people. And no space to hang dry clothes, so you must use the dryer. An extra 40 minutes? Brutal.
Luckily, I went down during when most people were having lunch (I had left the 45 minute line...per side...at the Enchanted Garden before heading down), so no one was in the room. I wandered around, confused by these high-tech machines. If you could see the washer I used in France, you would understand how this would make me so confused. I put all the clothes in the one free washer and then stood there stumped. Um...I know soap needs to go in there...But where? I looked all around (at this point, trying to avoid attention as others had entered the room) but, alas, none of my questions were answered.
It was now or never. I walked over to a nice gentleman (no, actually a gentleman, he was grey-haired) and asked him to assist me, trying not to look like a naive kid who didn't know how to do laundry. He helped me out, and off I went for 30 minutes while it washed.
The fun didn't stop there. When I came back I tried to open to washer door (it's a front opening one) and I was tugging for 5 minutes, trying to find some sort of latch to get it to open. Does it open on another side? No...not that side...I planted my feet firmly on the ground and got a good stance. I am strong enough to open a damn door. It was NOT going to open. Great, I already broke Disney property. How do I always manage to do stuff like this? I wouldn't be surprised if they just tossed me overboard somewhere in the Atlantic.
Now at this point, there were probably six people in the room. Damn it. I either had to tell them I broke it, or there had to be a simple way to open the gosh darn it door...I strolled over to a deck worker, hoping he wouldn't judge me too much, and asked him to help me with the door (Yes, my tail was in between my legs). He pressed the "key" button to unlock it, and it popped open. He was very nice, but the look on his face told me "Yes, little girl, I am judging you".
I am completely paranoid about laundry. I am always worried that I will throw in the red sock with my whites and my entire wardrobe will be pink. I am also terrified of the dryer...I don't want baby-size clothes, I already have a hard enough time doing up the top button on my jeans...Since the clothes were soaking wet, I couldn't actually bring them to my room...as the clothes line in my room is as long as my arm. I kid you not. Luckily the dryer was much easier to work, and I managed to get that done without any more embarrassing moments. But, since I am so paranoid about them getting too shrunk (I never put any of my clothes in the dryer, it's more environmentally friendly to air dry them...that's my story and I'm sticking to it), I only left them in for a few minutes before I ran back and got them.
My room is now nicely decorated with socks and underwear. I hope my roommate likes my decorations. She brings Christmas lights, a mini-christmas tree, and even Christmas tree air freshener...and I bring socks.
But...in the end, I survived my first laundry experience on the ship.
Note to self: buy 10 more pairs of underwear.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Finally got internet!!
I am so sorry I haven't written in awhile, the internet has been absolutely horrid! It has been extremely frustrating. I have been going through internet withdrawal (shakes and sweats), especially after the two hours that I was able to call everyone and speak to some of my loved ones.
To be honest, I have forgotten what I have done each day since the last time I posted. Every day goes by quickly, filled with lots of training and learning new things. For the past two days, we've had drills to make sure all of the crew are well versed in the safety procedures. We have a major assessment on Thursday by a company that basically says whether or not we sail...they will come around and ask us all sorts of safety questions. We have a booklet that we are supposed to know inside and out for this assessment, and for when we meet the US Coast Guard in Port Canaveral. It's pretty intense but really interesting. It's like a mini version of the navy...haha! We have two more days of drills...starting at 8am...bahh.
We've also been doing our Professional Rescuer course for the AquaDuck, which has a few changes from my NLS courses...so I have to relearn some things...We're also training on our destinations and our tours, which has been really cool. The tours offered by Disney are great!! I really want to do one of the Dolphin tours, and maybe one of the snorkeling ones...I love my job.
If anyone is interested in going on a Disney cruise, please let me know when and I can try to see if things become available! The Disney product is amazing and I already believe in it..I can't wait to begin working with the guests.
Germany has been snowy and around -2 degrees lately...last night a few of us went out for something called gru wine? (Wrong spelling, I apologize), which is warmed red wine with cider spices. It's a holiday drink found in these areas, and is quite delicious (yes, I drank a hot beverage, shocking, I know).
I miss you all. Love you Lizipooooooo (yes, that's for you my dear).
Happy Birthday Foster! xoxo
PS I am so scared for seasickness....
To be honest, I have forgotten what I have done each day since the last time I posted. Every day goes by quickly, filled with lots of training and learning new things. For the past two days, we've had drills to make sure all of the crew are well versed in the safety procedures. We have a major assessment on Thursday by a company that basically says whether or not we sail...they will come around and ask us all sorts of safety questions. We have a booklet that we are supposed to know inside and out for this assessment, and for when we meet the US Coast Guard in Port Canaveral. It's pretty intense but really interesting. It's like a mini version of the navy...haha! We have two more days of drills...starting at 8am...bahh.
We've also been doing our Professional Rescuer course for the AquaDuck, which has a few changes from my NLS courses...so I have to relearn some things...We're also training on our destinations and our tours, which has been really cool. The tours offered by Disney are great!! I really want to do one of the Dolphin tours, and maybe one of the snorkeling ones...I love my job.
If anyone is interested in going on a Disney cruise, please let me know when and I can try to see if things become available! The Disney product is amazing and I already believe in it..I can't wait to begin working with the guests.
Germany has been snowy and around -2 degrees lately...last night a few of us went out for something called gru wine? (Wrong spelling, I apologize), which is warmed red wine with cider spices. It's a holiday drink found in these areas, and is quite delicious (yes, I drank a hot beverage, shocking, I know).
I miss you all. Love you Lizipooooooo (yes, that's for you my dear).
Happy Birthday Foster! xoxo
PS I am so scared for seasickness....
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Forgotten List
- Febreeze
- Duvet
- Suitcase
- Magnets
- Pictures
- Clock
- Powerbar
- Small decorations
- Baskets for wardrobe
- Plain t-shirts (Disney Look)
- Laundry Basket/Bag
- More snack foods (granola bars, etc)
They're allowing smoking in the cabins as long as both cabin mates agree...I think that's gross. Hence the febreeze for next time, if I am so lucky to be able to return.
I am so excited for the Aquaduck (the big new slide). Port Adventures runs it, and after speaking to one of the engineers that worked on it, we are going to be doing a great deal of training on it, even shadowing the engineers for like 3 days on it when we're sailing to Tenerife, I believe. We'll get to be some of the first people to ever be on the slide! Eeee.
My wet drill training has been switched to tomorrow, so I have to be in the terminal at 6:30am, ready to go to spend several hours in the pool (gee, sounds familiar), jumping off a high platform with a lifejacket on, flipping over the life raft, etc...all in a funky wetsuit that covers my hands, head and feet...fun! I actually am excited. Unfortunately, I was supposed to have a 10:30am start so I'm a tad disappointed, but I was done work at 4pm today so I can't complain.
I'm getting lost less and less! Wooo!
I got to speak to Lizipoo and Judy today! Yay! :) It was fantastic to hear your voices. Too bad you don't pick up your phone Mommabear!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Disney Experience
I am all done today's training. Today wasn't too bad. I started at 9am with Lifeboat training. Today we actually got to get into the lifeboat, which was "hanging" off the side of the ship (the Port side if you were wondering, oh yes, I've picked up some terminology). Apparently for the general crew drills (some lasting up to 4 hours), they stick 260 people in the lifeboats so you know what it feels like to be crammed in there. When I say lifeboats, I don't mean Titanic-style lifeboats (and yes, we have more than enough on board), these boats are high tech, covered, filled with supplies, a motor and enough fuel to get quite a fair distance. I was impressed to say the least. Impressed, and petrified at the thought of having to use one.
Today we also got a huge shipment of supplies, so every department was fighting over the trolleys to wheel the thousands of heavy stores (another new term) to their respective areas. We had 7 ping pong tables to lug from Deck 4 (where the gangway is) to Deck 11 (where most of the rec areas are). As port adventure hosts, we are also responsible for running and monitoring the sports/rec/slides/pool areas on Decks 11, 12 and 13. While the Rec hosts (we have 3 of them) will do most of the work, we will have to do it too. This is pretty cool because it means I would get to interact with a lot more kids on the cruise. Oh and wear my stylin' shorts ;)
I got fitted for my 'costume' (not uniform) today. The port adventure 'look' is the glamour of the 40's. I wear a high waisted skirt and fancy skirt for my desk work, and a camp shirt (No...not the SummerDaze kind!) with blue shorts/pants for the day/night look. I also get a bathing suit, swim shorts and t-shirt for Castaway Cay. I am excited! I was dreading it...but then I realized, it is Disney and it's a COSTUME. It seems to be okay when I think about it like this.
I know a few of you have been curious as to what my cabin is like. It is...small. Mom, Dad, think about your room at the cottage, and it may actually be a tad smaller. Completely functional though. We have a wardrobe, safe, shelf, shoe rack, 2 shelves, big drawer, desk with 2 drawers, and a small cabinet with 2 shelves. In the bathroom we have a mirror cabinet and a small shelf under the sink. We can shove our suitcases/extra luggage under the bottom bunk...so Mom, I was totally regretting bringing duffel bags. My arms hurt for 2 days...I had to carry them awhile at the hotel in Amsterdam and then onto the ship (The boys in my department helped me carry some them and I declined in cool points for that..just kidding). I may buy something in Port Canaveral before my contract ends. To see my cabin, I will post pictures when I legally can. The ship is not "Show-ready" yet. This is a Disney term that means it's not ready to be seen quite yet, and no pictures can be released.
Either way, the ship will officially be owned by Disney tomorrow morning. This is extremely exciting, and most of the crew is excited for this. There's going to be a party tomorrow afternoon to celebrate!
The food is similar to any uni cafeteria, some variety, but most of you would be proud to know that I have been eating a salad (with balsamic vinegar and olive oil) at every meal...Yes, vegetables...and lots of fruit. Oh, and maybe the odd chocolate chip cookie ;) They are delicious!
My next post will consist of what I forgot to bring.
Next time I finally get internet, I hope some of you are actually online for me to chat/skype with!!
Today we also got a huge shipment of supplies, so every department was fighting over the trolleys to wheel the thousands of heavy stores (another new term) to their respective areas. We had 7 ping pong tables to lug from Deck 4 (where the gangway is) to Deck 11 (where most of the rec areas are). As port adventure hosts, we are also responsible for running and monitoring the sports/rec/slides/pool areas on Decks 11, 12 and 13. While the Rec hosts (we have 3 of them) will do most of the work, we will have to do it too. This is pretty cool because it means I would get to interact with a lot more kids on the cruise. Oh and wear my stylin' shorts ;)
I got fitted for my 'costume' (not uniform) today. The port adventure 'look' is the glamour of the 40's. I wear a high waisted skirt and fancy skirt for my desk work, and a camp shirt (No...not the SummerDaze kind!) with blue shorts/pants for the day/night look. I also get a bathing suit, swim shorts and t-shirt for Castaway Cay. I am excited! I was dreading it...but then I realized, it is Disney and it's a COSTUME. It seems to be okay when I think about it like this.
I know a few of you have been curious as to what my cabin is like. It is...small. Mom, Dad, think about your room at the cottage, and it may actually be a tad smaller. Completely functional though. We have a wardrobe, safe, shelf, shoe rack, 2 shelves, big drawer, desk with 2 drawers, and a small cabinet with 2 shelves. In the bathroom we have a mirror cabinet and a small shelf under the sink. We can shove our suitcases/extra luggage under the bottom bunk...so Mom, I was totally regretting bringing duffel bags. My arms hurt for 2 days...I had to carry them awhile at the hotel in Amsterdam and then onto the ship (The boys in my department helped me carry some them and I declined in cool points for that..just kidding). I may buy something in Port Canaveral before my contract ends. To see my cabin, I will post pictures when I legally can. The ship is not "Show-ready" yet. This is a Disney term that means it's not ready to be seen quite yet, and no pictures can be released.
Either way, the ship will officially be owned by Disney tomorrow morning. This is extremely exciting, and most of the crew is excited for this. There's going to be a party tomorrow afternoon to celebrate!
The food is similar to any uni cafeteria, some variety, but most of you would be proud to know that I have been eating a salad (with balsamic vinegar and olive oil) at every meal...Yes, vegetables...and lots of fruit. Oh, and maybe the odd chocolate chip cookie ;) They are delicious!
My next post will consist of what I forgot to bring.
Next time I finally get internet, I hope some of you are actually online for me to chat/skype with!!
Tired but GREAT!
I don't have much time in between my next training...but I just wanted to say that the Disney Dream is absolutely amazing.
Let's see:
-Ship...amazing
-Team...Amazing
-Cabin mate...Amazing
-Disney sponsored party...amazing
-Ev erybody's attitude...amazing
I am busy most of the day, but it is a good busy. I am super happy, don't worry. When I finally have more time, I will post more. Hope you are all well!
xoxo
Let's see:
-Ship...amazing
-Team...Amazing
-Cabin mate...Amazing
-Disney sponsored party...amazing
-Ev erybody's attitude...amazing
I am busy most of the day, but it is a good busy. I am super happy, don't worry. When I finally have more time, I will post more. Hope you are all well!
xoxo
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Arrived Alive in Amsterdam!
Hi everyone! I am here in Blizzardy-Amsterdam!
We managed to make it here before the major snow hit, luckily. We just did all of our paperwork and got our pictures taken for our crew ID's.
Tomorrow starts all of the training, and at 3pm we are loading the bus to head to Bremerhaven. It is a 6 hour drive from Amsterdam, and Disney is treating us to a meal/snacks/etc on the bus. They're feeding me already? I like it.
I have met a few Canadians at the luggage claim, and it's nice to know someone else out there feels the same way as I have for the past couple of months. One girl had ONE day to prepare for leaving, how insane is that?
Oh Mom, I overpacked. Most people have ONE medium sized suitcase and a small duffel carryon...oh well. 2 duffels, a small backpack and a purse...pretty impressive for 4 months, considering the last time I went away for 4 months I had like 120lbs worth of stuff.
I am in good hands, I love Disney already.
We managed to make it here before the major snow hit, luckily. We just did all of our paperwork and got our pictures taken for our crew ID's.
Tomorrow starts all of the training, and at 3pm we are loading the bus to head to Bremerhaven. It is a 6 hour drive from Amsterdam, and Disney is treating us to a meal/snacks/etc on the bus. They're feeding me already? I like it.
I have met a few Canadians at the luggage claim, and it's nice to know someone else out there feels the same way as I have for the past couple of months. One girl had ONE day to prepare for leaving, how insane is that?
Oh Mom, I overpacked. Most people have ONE medium sized suitcase and a small duffel carryon...oh well. 2 duffels, a small backpack and a purse...pretty impressive for 4 months, considering the last time I went away for 4 months I had like 120lbs worth of stuff.
I am in good hands, I love Disney already.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Follow the Dream
Transatlantic Crossing
Dec 20- Day at Sea
Dec 21- Day at Sea
Dec 22- Day at Sea
Dec 23- Day at Sea
Dec 24- Tenerife, Canary Islands
Dec 25- Day at Sea
Dec 26- Day at Sea
Dec 27- Day at Sea
Dec 28- Day at Sea
Dec 29- Day at Sea
Dec 30- Day at Sea
Dec 31- Day at Sea
Jan 1- Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Jan 2- Nassau, Bahamas
Jan 3- Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Jan 4- Port Canaveral, Florida, USA - Welcome Home Disney Dream!
Mail me!
Standard Letter Mail:
Disney Dream
Disney Cruise Line
Amanda Dunning, Port Adventures, 00606290
Caller# 9005
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920-9005
USA
All Packages (air, ground mail)
Disney Cruise Line Warehouse
(Disney Dream, Amanda Dunning, Port Adventures)
8366 Transport Drive
Orlando, FL 32832 - USA
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Ticket in Hand
Today I finally received the email outlining the details of my flight, contract and other important paperwork. I can relax now knowing that yes, I actually am working for Disney and they know I'm coming. This means now one thing: I must pack. Boo. I also have to decrease the amount that I'm packing. Double boo.
PS: I am flying KLM, and I am ecstatic to fly to Europe with the TV-screens again. Flying to and from London on Air Transat without them just made me all-around sad.
Countdown to Disney: pretty much two days!
PS: I am flying KLM, and I am ecstatic to fly to Europe with the TV-screens again. Flying to and from London on Air Transat without them just made me all-around sad.
Countdown to Disney: pretty much two days!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Preparing to leave...
My departure is less than three weeks away, and although I am excited, I am doing the typical Amanda-yell-at-everyone-who-makes-her-think-about-what-she-needs-to-do-before-she-leaves thing. Let's hope I can get my act together and everyone survives.
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