FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER...I'm NOT GOING HOME!! UPDATE DEC.30 PG 74

[Chrystmasangel]

Just spent the past 4 days reading through the entire report. All caught up now. Sucked me in... hook, line, and sinker! I just found my way to the Dis boards about 6 months ago and just started posting about 2 months ago.

From my very first trip that my aunt took me on to WDW when I was 15 (27 years ago OMG has it been that long) I had always wanted to work at Disney. I went to school for Horticulture because my goal was that I wanted to be a landscaper for the World! Some how 3 kids later and 27 years gone by I am still not there! Now my (and my husbands) goal is to retire and settle near WDW so we can look at getting our foot in the door as a part timer (haven't given up all hope yet that I will be working there one day!)

Experience of a life time and an amazing opportunity! So glad to be reading along on your journey!

We (myself, my husband, my 2 youngest kids) will be at WDW Dec 13-17. Sea's with Nemo and friends is one of our favorite hang out spots. We spend hours in that place. We haven't done TTwC for a while as our kids are older now (12 and 15) but might have to revisit it this December to say HI!

 

[Clio]

You've got love that Florida rain. Sean sounds nice.
Your dinner at Sanaa looks good. unfortunately, my family isn't very adventurous, so I'll probably never get there.
I'm glad you're enjoying your role.
Liz

 

[AwkwardTurtle]

I've been away from the boards for awhile, but I'm so glad you're enjoying your program. I think Epcot has got to be an awesome park to work in.

 

[SparklyDiva]

Hey Caitlin!
I found your report and spent the last 4 hours reading it all and I love that you are documenting your DCP! You have a great writing style and following along with you on all your new adventures is such fun! DH and I will be in town at the very end of September for the Wine & Food Fest and love Turtle Talk so hopefully we will be able to see you! Congrats on the program, a great set of roomies, a great job placement and fun with Sean

 

[POLY1985]

Sanaa is on my bucket list too. We actually had an ADR in October but we ended up canceling it. It looked like a good meal and you can't beat the view.

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

wow Sanaa looks great! I really need to get there at some point and that is very cool that they had the gluten free version of the bread service!

Oooh, so I guess Sean doesn't just like you - he likes you likes you! Seriously though, that is great that things are working out!

Bummer about the buses - that seems so key to the entire DCP that you would think they would have like more buses than they really needed. At least your manager was understanding.

It was delicious! I was very happy I got to try the bread service!

Yep! Thank you!

Everyone knows how terrible they are but they aren't actually Disney buses so I don't think there is much that can be done. They contract out for the buses so I think they make up for the issues by allowing a little slack for CPers.

Sean sounds like a really nice guy. Did you know him before you went down to WDW?

He is amazing! We were friends on Facebook but hadn't met before.

Still sounds like your having a ball. Honestly, the fact that you've not spent a lot a time in the parks (apart from work) may be a good thing. Considering you have months ahead, the last thing you want is Disney burn out. I know that sounds like like a crazy concept, but as with anything, too much of a good thing isn't always a good thing. I think you're being smart (even if it's unintentional, lol). Just hanging out on the Boardwalk or AKL sounds awesome.

I am!

I am beginning to spend more time in the parks and it's a blast! I love it even more now that I work there!

It is a lot of fun to see all of the hotels!

My family and I went to turtle talk and nemo on Monday, June 9th. I looked out for you but didn't see you!

My 6 year old asked Crush if trash in the ocean would kill him...ha!

I'm not always in the show I rotate through the ride positions as well. I hope you enjoyed your show!

Oh the buses!!!! I used to HATE them. I had 5AM shifts since I worked in a resort and that meant catching a bus around 4AM!!! I hated them so much! But anyway, I'm glad you got to cross something off of your bucket list! And I must admit, I have NEVER been to Turtle Talk before. We had it scheduled last trip, but ended up having to skip it. Can't wait to read more about your program!

Ouch! That would be horrible!

It was a fun time!

You need to see it!

The bread service at Sanaa is so wonderful! I'm glad you got to enjoy the gluten free version for yourself. Your meal looks delightful.

It sounds like you are striking a great balance between work and play. I love reading about all your adventures.

I just found out that my niece attends Eastern Michigan University for her Phd. I knew she was somewhere in the middle of the country, but had no idea it was there. Small world.

It was so good!

Thank you!

That's too cool!

I'd heard good things about it too.
And no, a 40% discount wouldn't hurt!



Deja vu?

A bit!

It looks really good, too!



There was cake? I love cake!

:



I like that.
However....

If I'm going in for surgery and my surgeon comes in and says,
"I'm not going to wash my hands, but it's okay, 'cause the truth is I'm not very good with this operation."


I'm bolting.

And I don't care if my hospital gown isn't tied in the back, either!



Was it to see the savanna from Jambo House?
Or just seeing the savanna other than in AK?

No going to a restaurant at AKL was on my bucket list.

You gloss over your first day of Turtle Talk???
How was it????


It was so much fun!
!

Congrats!

Thank you!

Special.

I couldn't have said it better myself?

:



Is there a number of points before bad things happen?

3 points equals a reprimand and you can't get 3 points in one month without putting your job in jeopardy.



Sorry, I shouldn't laugh.
Poor Caitlin. All wet.

Nope. I can't help it.
You look so...perturbed!





Thanks for the update!

I was very perturbed!

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for the update! Sanaa sounds really good (I think I'll have to give it a try).

And Discovery Day was one of my favorite classes (I can't believe I had it 7 years ago)

No problem!

You should!

It was a fun day!

Hey hey Starbucks! Sometimes, you just have to live on some coffee.

Oooohhhh...I love those nachos. They're my favorites! And they're slightly spicy for me, but dangit, I will totally endure it.

I think waiting in line for the Mine Train is worth it at least once. I liked to see the details.

Mmmm. Electric lemonade. So good.

Sanaa is so good! My Mom and I did it one time on one of our girl trips. Great restaurant. You are so right on the bread service. You could eat an entire meal with just that.

It's totally okay that you're a special kind of 23 year old. I'm pretty special too. "Wanna hang out?" "No, I have to run tonight".....

Starbucks is life

Soo good!

I agree!

I can't wait to go back and have it again!

Thank you! I have done that before too

Love the picture of the Boardwalk/Yacht Club area at night!

There's no way I would look as adorable as you after getting caught in the rain!!!

Thank you!

I do not look that adorable!

Just spent the past 4 days reading through the entire report. All caught up now. Sucked me in... hook, line, and sinker! I just found my way to the Dis boards about 6 months ago and just started posting about 2 months ago.

From my very first trip that my aunt took me on to WDW when I was 15 (27 years ago OMG has it been that long) I had always wanted to work at Disney. I went to school for Horticulture because my goal was that I wanted to be a landscaper for the World! Some how 3 kids later and 27 years gone by I am still not there! Now my (and my husbands) goal is to retire and settle near WDW so we can look at getting our foot in the door as a part timer (haven't given up all hope yet that I will be working there one day!)

Experience of a life time and an amazing opportunity! So glad to be reading along on your journey!

We (myself, my husband, my 2 youngest kids) will be at WDW Dec 13-17. Sea's with Nemo and friends is one of our favorite hang out spots. We spend hours in that place. We haven't done TTwC for a while as our kids are older now (12 and 15) but might have to revisit it this December to say HI!

Thank you for reading!

That's a very cool dream to have! I hope it ends up working out!

I hope to see you!

You've got love that Florida rain. Sean sounds nice.
Your dinner at Sanaa looks good. unfortunately, my family isn't very adventurous, so I'll probably never get there.
I'm glad you're enjoying your role.
Liz

You get used to it after it happens every day!

He is great!

My family is the same so I had to go with someone who was adventurous!

Thank you!

I've been away from the boards for awhile, but I'm so glad you're enjoying your program. I think Epcot has got to be an awesome park to work in.

Welcome back!

Thank you! It is!

Hey Caitlyn!
I found your report and spent the last 4 hours reading it all and I love that you are documenting your DCP! You have a great writing style and following along with you on all your new adventures is such fun! DH and I will be in town at the very end of September for the Wine & Food Fest and love Turtle Talk so hopefully we will be able to see you! Congrats on the program, a great set of roomies, a great job placement and fun with Sean

Thank you for reading!

Thank you!

I hope to see you too!

Thank you!

Sanaa is on my bucket list too. We actually had an ADR in October but we ended up canceling it. It looked like a good meal and you can't beat the view.

It's awesome you will have to go at some point!

 

[Angeejoe]

Your Saana meal sounded good! We tried Boma for dinner & breakfast last yr & it was really good. Are the buffets hard with your special diet?

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

June 2 and June 3

June 2

Tuesday was my assessment and I was super worried! I did not sleep at all the night before and kept waking up throughout the night. I mean this is a big deal whether or not you're allowed to be on your own! There was a written portion then you had to go through most of the roles. Luckily I passed!!! I earned my ears y'all!!!!! I was so happy and excited!!!! I went home that night and slept then celebrated bit with Sean but we had an early morning so we didn't hang out for too long.

June 3

Sean and I set out early for Tampa this morning! We were headed to Busch Gardens! I had never been to to the one in Florida only the one in Virginia so I was very excited to check it out!



We didn't make it to park opening but we were only a half hour late. Not too bad for two people who are horrible with directions

I had to take a picture of where we parked because of us getting lost at Sea World the week before!





When you get to the parking lot you have to take a tram over to the gates but the tram area is very pretty!



The inside of the park is gorgeous!





You also get a glimpse of the animals as you walk in to the park.




We started out our journey by checking out the gorilla habitat.



The monkeys weren't very awake this morning either



This park has a ton of animals and it was very cool getting to see them! They have a bigger selection than Animal Kingdom and I have to admit I might like Busch Gardens better! Sorry Disney!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Like for instance I love this otter!



We stopped for a bit to watch this turtle and it was the grossest thing i have ever seen! It was eating and the tongue on these things is so gross looking! I know I should be nice because I work with his cousin but too bad.



Once we could pull ourselves away from the grossness/coolness we continued our walk.



The Africa section of the part is very cool!





We fell in love with these elephants! One was swaying in time to the music they were playing and it was adorable! We stood there watching them for a long time!



I had to pull Sean away from the elephants so we could head to see his other favorite animal!








The tiger!







With our late start we were both starving so we headed to the cafe Busch Gardens claimed was their spot for people with allergies but once again got sidetracked by some elephants!



and a cute boy



We finally got here



The view was awesome!



I ended up getting a bacon cheeseburger no bun with french fries



it was amazing! Sean got the same with the bun and we both enjoyed!

After lunch we continued our journey looking at all of the animals.

This time we saw some lions





a hyena




Sean took some time out to take the coolest photo ever!



Love that so much!!!!


Then the coolest thing I have ever done! I got to feed kangaroos!

They have an Australian area with tons of kangaroos and you can pay $5 to feed them! It's totally worth the money!

I fell in love with a baby one who wouldn't eat the lettuce I gave him but loved the pellets and carrots. He was my favorite and I will forever hold a place for him in my heart!




It was Sean's turn to pull me away this time so I didn't end up getting arrested for harboring a wild animal and we headed back to see his favorite animal

Tiger selfie!




My mom had asked for some pictures of Sean and I so we obliged







We were in a hurry though because we were going to see the Madagascar show!

I had to get one of these!



Soooo good! Move over Mickey Mouse Ice Cream!


The show wasn't that great but it's all of the Madagascar movie cast dancing and singing. I did enjoy the penguins dancing but that's about it. If we go back we won't head back to this place.

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

We decided to head back at this point so I will leave you with some pictures Sean took!








We finished off our night at World of Beer and got Jimmy John's again!

 

[dawnbu40]

Fun update! I am so glad you are making the most of your time there. Working hard, learning, sightseeing and making friends! Florida life is good!

 

[MEK]

Thanks for all the great BG pictures. If I get that AP while I'm in Williamsburg I will most definitely head over there sometime this year. It really looks lovely. How were the coasters? Which did you like best? Which do you think is best for someone like me who can handle EE and RnR but really doesn't want anything much more extreme than that?

That sunglass shot really is very cool.

 

[IheartDDuck]

You had absolutely no reason to be stressed about your assessment at all. I knew you would pass with flying colors.

Do I need to buy you a GPS?

From my recollection, albeit my four year old recollection, I think Busch Gardens is definitely more animal focused than the Animal Kingdom. I think Disney tried really hard not to be zoo-like. Maybe they should have re-thought that.

Good thing you didn't get arrested for stealing a wild animal. Because I could totally see the draw of stealing one of those guys.

WORLD OF BEER! Totally got excited about that again.

 

[katt789]

What wonderful updates!!
Glad you're having fun and making the most of your time exploring around down there! BG looks like a fun time, I'll definitely have to check that out that's for sure!

Crappy deal with the busses, I haven't heard anything good about them at all and am definitely not excited, but hey, I'm sure it will be fine lol!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Congrats on earning your ears! Yeah!

We did Bush Gardens a few years ago and really liked it. It is a little more "zoo-like" than AK - but has some dang fine roller coasters (not that Everest isn't, just more at Bush Gardens)

 

[Wood Nymph]

Congratulations on earning your ears. Everyone here on the Dis knew you would do it.

Are those real alligators all lined up like that?

Your cheeseburger looks huge!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

CONGRATULATIONS Caitlin!!!! Even though I already knew you earned your ears, seeing it in print here somehow makes it more official, lol.

Oh yeah, getting to Busch is no easy driving task I can conquer.

Yeah, it is hard to compare AK and Busch. But if you want to see animals up close, Busch is the place. I love Animal Kingdom, but I guarantee you'll not get a pic of a lion like this...

Haha, shame on you for thinking the turtle was gross. Crush is much cuter though.

 

[eandesmom]

Fun update! I've not been to BG since before the Es were born so....long time! I loved it though.

Of course you earned your ears! Silly girl

Cute pics of the two of you and I love the sunglasses shot.

 

[petals]

Congrats on Earning your ears.

Luvin the busch gardens pics as well

 

[RunningGirl]

Great photos from BG! Hope you're enjoying your coworkers in The Seas and making lots of magic! pixie dust: According to DD, that's definitely the best part of the job.