New Year, new me....? Probably not!

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Ah, it's coming to that time of of year when we all reflect on what went well and what didn't go so well in 2014. I can't actually believe we are here!  2014 has flown by, with lots of exciting changes, occasions, happy memories as well as a few hairier moments. 

As I look forward to 2015, I can't believe I am where I am! I'm not going to lie, I've worked really hard to get myself to this position and of course, there's a few things I'd like to change but I'm not going to be making any life changing resolutions this year. I know I'll never stick to them and we're always so hard on ourselves after Christmas, putting ourselves down, saying we've got to do this or stop doing that and I want to start next year as positively as I can. That being said, I am going to make a few "resolutions", here they are: 

1. Read/listen to more French and Spanish. 

I've recently started giving private tuition of French and Spanish and it's made me realise how much I miss being absorbed in the language. My aim is to read at least ten minutes a day of both languages. I received a copy of my favourite book, The Catcher In The Rye, in Spanish for Christmas so that should definitely help with this and I'm going to aim to read a couple of newspaper stories in French. It can only be beneficial for keeping my languages up and hopefully will be something I enjoy! 

2. Drink more water! 

This is pretty much an annual resolution and involves quite a lot of effort on my part. I know I don't drink enough and its started to affect my well being lately, I suffer from headaches, lethargy and stomach problems. Water might not be the answer but it will definitely help. It should help keep me at my Slimming World target weight too.

3.  Save, save, save!
Exactly what it says on the tin really.  Getting to the USA isn't cheap and I need to pay for medical insurance and what not, so I simply need to save money.  Unfortunately, my job isn't very well paid at all so I will need to cut back on any unnecessary extras.  It's all for a good cause though!

Fingers crossed I will be able to stick to these resolutions!

Here's to a happy and healthy 2015! 

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Florida Bucket List

Although I don't actually go to Florida for a while yet (another 232 days... not that I'm counting!), I'm already in my super-organised-planner mode.  I've started to compile my USA/Florida bucket list which I'm sure I will keep updating as we get closer to August and while I'm out there!  

1. Discovery Cove
2. Visit Diagon Alley
3. Drink ALL the Coca-Cola's in Universal Studios.
4. Afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian.
5. Stay in all the WDW resort hotels.
6. Visit the Kennedy Space Center
7. Dine at Be Our Guest
8. Meet Belle.
9. Buy a turkey leg at least once.
10. Drink margaritas in the Mexico Pavilion.
11. Listen to country music at House of Blues.
12. Listen to country music in Nashville.
13. Visit Middlebury in Vermont.
14. NYC, obvs.
15. New Orleans.
16. Watch Fantasmic!
17. Visit all four parks in one day.
18. Trade more pins!
19. Ride Prince Phillip's carousel.
20. See the Welcome show at Magic Kingdom.

Do you have any must-dos or must-sees for me to include?

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CRP Pre-screen interview.

Fancy working here?  You could!

You got through the written application process, so what's next?  Successful candidates will be invited to a pre-screen interview with the British agents for Disney Yummy Jobs.  My pre-screen interview was in London, conveniently on a Sunday, and I know there were also interviews in Northern Ireland but I think that's pretty much it for the UK (even Scottish candidates were asked to attend the London interviews.

I imagine the finer details change from year to year but to give you a general overview: there are two interview times on the day of the pre-screen, 9am and 2pm.  It's just luck of the draw which time they allot you to in your email, so you may want to consider staying overnight if you live a way away from London.  The dress code was business attire but you could wear anything you consider appropriate for an interview; some people wore suits others worse smart skirts or dresses.  I would advise making sure you feel comfortable in what you are wearing, if you hate wearing heels, don't wear them!  You'll feel on edge and it's far better to wear a smart pair of flats and feel confident than nervously tottering along in high heels.  

When you arrive at the interview location (again, this could change but we went to Brasserie Blanc on the Southbank) you find yourself amongst loads of people who you've never met and they all want the same job as you.  It's an odd situation; normally if you go for a job, you don't meet the other candidates!  I think it's important that you chat to the other candidates (no matter how nervous you feel) because you will feel a lot better in the group interview and to be honest, you never know who is watching you from Yummy Jobs!

After you've signed in with Yummy, you get taken into a conference room to watch a short presentation conducted by the staff from Yummy.  To get you 'warmed up', they do a little pop quiz on Disney trivia where you can win a little prize and show you a presentation about the program, what you'll do, what it'll be like, tell you about the pay, generally get you very excited about the program.  The staff from Yummy have always done a program with Disney so they are very knowledgable and happy to share their experiences.  Once you have watched the presentation, you're given your group interview time.  If you have a wait for your interview, most people tended to go grab a coffee or drink to kill the time.

When your interview slot arrives, your group will be taken into a room, chairs in a semi-circle with the interviewers sat at a table.  Perhaps the most unnerving thing about the whole group interview is the fact your interview will be taking notes!  You'll have given them your Yummy passport with your photo on so I assume they are making notes on what you say/do etc.  Try to relax and be yourself; they want to see your personality and how you interact with the other interviewees so try not to be too pushy or talk over other people.  Listen, be engaged and supportive.   Don't worry about getting your answer in, everyone gets their turn and will be asked the question.  Don't be afraid to fill any awkward silences either though!

I've compiled a little list of the questions that were asked at mine and my best friend's interview - it's by no means exhaustive though and there are loads of blogs out there with massive lists.

• Introduce the person sat next to you (name, age, job, interesting fact)
• Why do you want to do the program? 
• What's your motivation for doing the program?
• Which object have you brought to represent your culture/country and why?
• The UK Pavilion doesn't have any attractions; what would you add to it?
• How would you deal with a difficult guest?
• How would you cope with living with lots of people from all over the world?
• What will you do after the program?
• What skills/qualities can you  bring? 
• What brand/company do you admire?  

I would suggest preparing the questions the interviewers could potential ask you as some of the questions require quite a lot of thought!  My group interview also had to give a one minute 'sales pitch' on why we were the best candidate.  This was quite nerve-wracking as I'd never read about this happening in a pre-screen before.  Prepare but try not to over prepare, as a new question could throw you completely! 

The group interview lasts around 45 minutes and it really does fly by.  It's easy to say but try not to stew on what other have said or you haven't said once the interview is over.  You will be with excellent candidates but you wouldn't be in the interview if you weren't good enough! It's often hard to tell how you have 'performed' and you don't know exactly what they are looking for!  Be proud of yourself for doing your best!

After this, you have the wait.  You can be waiting a while but if you get through to the next stage, it'll all be worth it!

  

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Festive afternoon tea at The Ritz

If you have read any of my posts before, you may know that afternoon tea is one of my favourite meals.  When Dena and I came across The Ritz's festive afternoon tea menu way back in May this year, we decided to try and get a table.  It's incredibly hard to get a table for afternoon tea at The Ritz - hence our booking way back when we were still in Mexico ! 

To be honest, I'd half forgotten about the reservation until recently but when I did remember, my excitement levels went through the roof! I'd never been to The Ritz before but the decadent opulence is something that has always appealed to me and visiting London is always something I enjoy doing. 

The Ritz, of course, welcomed us with twinkling lights and beautifully festive decoration inside and outside. I love the classic look of their decorations, rich reds and golds, for me, a truly timeless Christmas time look. We were a little bit early for our reservation so we took a quick stroll through a very winters and chilly Green Park to Buckingham Palace, made a wish in the fountain, and walked back. To be honest, being in central London at this time of year really does bring out the most festive in me! 

We had a quick drink in the bar before our afternoon tea, and I definitely want to go back for a cocktail or two. As soon as you step into the bar, you're transported to the 1920s, jazz music in the background, and I imagined myself sitting there with a cocktail in a sequinned flapper dress. I love that era! Unfortunately for us, we had a round of soft drinks and nibbles before heading through to Palm Court for our tea, 

The Palm Court was also beautifully decked out and we were shown to our table.  I felt a little overwhelmed by the formality of it all (maybe I'm more of a spit and sawdust kinda girl) but it's quite easy to relax when you're seated. We were served out glass of champagne and our tea order was taken (Ritz Royal English for me and the Christmas blend for Dena). 

When the pastries and sandwiches arrived, I was in heaven! An endless supply of delicious cakes and sandwiches, what more could a girl want? We had macarons, chocolate sponge, a caramelly chocolate dome and a fruit custard tart (I'm sure they had fancier names). All were heavenly! Of course, there were fruit and plain scones, served with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam. If that wasn't enough cake, a waiter brought round slices of Christmas cake, Bakewell slice and warm mince pies! 

I cannot explain how much I enjoyed the whole experience.  My only disappointment was that I couldn't eat more. The Ritz provides an excellent and luxurious five star hospitality - staying on our of their rooms will definitely be on my bucket list! 

What made it so special for me was the festive atmosphere, I think our afternoon there was what really got me into the Christmas spirit! 

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Magical Orlando tag

Although I've only been to Orlando once before (in April for the most amazing birthday trip), I fell in love the minute I stepped onto the sunny Floridian tarmac at the airport.  The next time I visit Orlando will be when I begin my year as a Disney World cast member and until then, I'll be using any excuse to talk about the Sunshine State and in particular, Orlando!  When I saw that FloridaTix were running a blogging competition related to the Orlando theme parks, I had to enter!  What better excuse to reminisce on some amazing memories and think about everything Florida related!  I also tag my partner-in-crime, Dena (also, check out her answers when she does this... bound to be amazing!).

Magical Orlando Tag Questions:

1. Which Hogwarts house would you be sorted into?

I'm definitely a Gryffindor, a weird mixture between Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger!  I'm a total book and learning nerd but not afraid to stand up for what I believe in either.  Go, go, Gryffindor! 

2. Name a Disney character you’d like to have dinner with.

Belle.  We could easily wile away the hours chatting about books over a delicious plate of grey stuff.  We both come from small 'provincial' towns, and like me, she's an opinionated and outspoken young lady at times and in between book recommendations, I reckon we could put the world to rights.

3. Which Marvel superhero power would you choose?

Oh a toughie!  I'd want to be like the Black Widow; she doesn't have traditional superpower but she has the mind of a secret agent, the sass of a powerful, independent woman, she's practically a ninja, and she has the strength of mind to keep Capt America, Iron Man and co in line.  You go girl!

4. If you could bring back one dinosaur breed from Jurassic Park, which would it be?

Triceratops, if only for the fact they're vegetarians.  The T-Rex and velociraptors are truly terrifying and make a Hungarian Horntail look like a fluffy puppy.   

5. You can ride a dragon at the Triwizard Tournament and visit the Owlery at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but where else would you go on a school trip to Hogsmeade?

I think I'd visit the Shrieking Shack; this is where my inner Gryffindor reveals itself.  I would indeed visit the Shrieking Shack and see for myself what actually causes that spooky sound.  Hopefully I'd make it back for a Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks!

6. A scene in any Disney, Harry Potter or Marvel movie you wish you could experience?

I would love to experience Christmas at Hogwarts;  the wizards seem to go all out with the decorations during the festive season!  The school is so much quieter and I too could go and root around in the Restricted Section in the library and wander the corridors while it was snowing outside.  Or cosy up in front of the fire in the Gryffindor common room.  

7. Name one item from any Harry Potter, Disney or Marvel movie would you want for Christmas.

Olaf!  Who wouldn't want a talking snowman for Christmas?  Olaf is keen to make you laugh, cheer you up and generally be sunshine during a dreary winters day!  And he loves warm hugs!

8. Name one unforgettable experience/moment you’ve had at the Orlando Parks.

My birthday breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table was the perfect start to the most magical day.  I was presented with a beautiful tiara, birthday balloons, birthday cake and said hello to four different Disney princesses, all while overlooking Prince Phillip's Carousel.  Such a special moment that could only have been created in a Disney park. 

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