November Adventures - Working in Ireland, Becoming a Trainer, Volunteering & Thanksgiving!

The first few weeks of November were exhausting, yet ever so awesome!

I have been working 6-day weeks for the last month or so; to be able to save up some money so I can do some traveling later in the year.

On Saturday November 9th - there was a special event happening at Disney; The Wine & Dine Half Marathon which was a 13.1 mile course through a number of the Disney Parks and finishing at Epcot.

I started work at 11-30am that morning and was due to finish at 9pm. However; I was offered the chance to work for an extra 7 hours at the Ireland Food & Wine stand!

Normally, I would never extend a shift that long; however, I had previously asked my managers for six weeks if I could work at the Ireland stand during the Food & Wine Festival - and now I finally could! 

Working at the Ireland Stand was absolutely amazing! It didn't feel like work; especially with the length of time I was there! 

It was amazing seeing the Wine & Dine Marathoners with their medals and it was amazing to speak to some of them also!

November just seemed to get better and better though, when I found out I had been picked to become a Disney Trainer!

I attended a Disney Trainer class and received my amazing trainer pin that day.

I trained one of the new arrivals, Emma; and I was extremely lucky to spend five days training her. She made my job so much easier and she picked up everything so quickly. It was lovely meeting and training her.

A few weeks later, I was able to take some much needed time off work to be able to volunteer with Special Olympics Florida. This organisation is very important to me, especially after volunteering as an Event Services Manager with Special Olympics Ireland last year.

I volunteered at the Florida Fall Classic, and my role was to be a 'Fan in the Stand'. I was able to make some amazing posters for the kids that were there, who were all between the ages of 2 and 7. Talk about cute! 

At the end of the evening, all of the volunteers created a guard of honour that the kids ran through - which was fantastic and the smiles on their faces made it all worthwhile!

My experience with Special Olympics Florida is making me extremely excited about further volunteering whilst living in the US.

November was also the month of a very unique day as the whole of the US celebrated Thanksgiving. 

It's days like these that make me personally feel so thankful for having the opportunity to live and work in the USA - and even when I'm having a bad day, I always try to remember how incredibly lucky I am to be here.

So that's November over and done with - It's now December and it's only 24 days until Christmas! I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with my amazing Disney friends. Keep an eye out for more updates!

Podium Problems

Being a Cast Member at Disney is amazing; absolutely fantastic, in fact. Working in the UK Pavilion is full of excitement, enjoyment and magic!

As part of our Cultural Representative Program, we start from the bottom and work our way up. In the UK Pavilion, we start off working in the Fish and Chip Shop, Beer Cart, the podium at the front of the Rose & Crown Restaurant and stocking; (And after three months, I still can't change the gas). 

With all jobs, there are times when your mind is blown by some of the things people say; which brings me to the main point of this post; Podium Problems.

From Ten to One, here is my list of Podium Problems.

10 - It's been a long day in Chippie;

Picture the scene - you're having the longest day imaginable; it' been intensely busy all day; you're just about to shut up shop, and have very little food left. A guest arrives at 8.58pm - '6 Fish & Chips please'. 

9 - Costumes

'So; do you wear these type of hideous clothes back in England'?

Personally, I think our costumes are lovely. Also, I'm unable to answer that question because I'm not actually from England. *Awkward Silence*.

8 - Free Geography Lessons

'Okay, so we're in the English Pavilion'?

'It's the UK Pavilion. It consists of England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland'. 

'Wait, but are you not from Ireland'?

'I am, yes'.

'So why are you working in the UK Pavilion'?

7 - Drunken Comedians

Okay, so you have picked up stocker. You run out of Stella on the beer cart. You go to the keg room and grab a fresh keg to bring back. Numerous 40-something year-old's excitedly watch you pushing the keg;

There's only so many times you can hear the 'you can drop that off right here', & 'you can deliver that to my hotel if you like', jokes before going back to the keg room and crying in a corner. 

6 - Can I get a Strong-baaooow?

When it comes to the pronunciation of drink names, we've heard it all;

Strongbow - 'Can I get a Strong-baaooow'?

Bass Ale Draft - 'Can I get a Bass Alé (alley) Draft'

Stella Artois - 'A Stella Artois please', pronounced 'toise'. Rhymes with the word 'noise'.

5 - Double Stroller to table;

It's 8pm. The restaurant is extremely busy and you've just picked up a ticket to bring a party of 5 to an amazing table overlooking the water on the lower deck. They have an INCREDIBLE view for the fireworks. 

So you page them while you get their menus ready and as they arrive, they ask; 'Can we bring our double stroller to the table'?

Even more fabulous.

4 - Why can't we have that table?

Admit it. If you have ever worked in a restaurant then it is incredibly likely that a party have asked you to move seats.

'I don't like this table. Why can't we have that one'?

3 - Can I check your ID please?

The legal drinking age in America is 21 - and it is Disney policy to ID anyone under 30.

Sometimes, you get a few people who blatantly look under 30 - so you ask for ID. 

2 - 'We cannot seat you until all your party is present'

Ever been in a situation when you go out of your way to make sure a party have got a fantastic seat; and when you page them to be seated, they let you know that 4 of their 8-people party are actually on Test Track and won't arrive for another 10 minutes? It makes the servers job a lot easier if the whole party is seated together (I'm not a server but it must be a little frustrating with a half empty 8-top).

1 - 'Can we get a firework seat'?

Number one on the list. When a party arrives without a reservation at the busiest time of the night - and they ask for a 'firework seat'. There is nothing in life, that is more soul destroying than this!

It's like 'Parade', but with an 'M'!

As a cultural representative, I represent Northern Ireland in the UK Pavilion in Epcot.

However, a lot of guests are unaware that the UK Pavilion actually represents four countries; England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland; and many think of it as the 'English Pavilion'.

This may be the reason for guests becoming slightly confused when they hear my rich Northern Ireland accent (Not as bad as Cora's though) :)

Which brings me to the main part of this blog post - the top ten things people say to me whilst working in the UK Pavilion.

1. 'Where in England are you from'?
2. 'Oh my god you're Irish'?
3. 'Lurgan, is that near London'?
4. 'Are you a leprechaun'?
5. 'Is that really your accent'?
6. 'Why are you working in the UK pavilion if you are Irish'?
7. 'I'm 1/16th Irish - my name is Murphy',
8. 'I love your freckles',
9. 'Do you know my cousin John Finnegan from Dublin'?

However, the question I get asked the most at work;

'How do you pronounce your name'?

Well...

It's like 'Parade', but with an 'M'.

10 Things that Americans do different

Okay. So American life is a lot different than life back home. In fact, majorly different. 

The food is different, the people are different, the weather is different. Everything is different. Here is a list of everything that I find different in America.

1. The Food;

Back home in Northern Ireland, we enjoy a good Irish Fry Up; potato bread, soda bread, sausages, bacon, eggs, Heinz baked beans & if you're feeling really adventurous, maybe a fried pancake as well. In America, the bacon is awful and they have wieners in place of sausages. Totally dissatisfying! 

Back home we also have a Sunday Roast Dinner; potatoes, roast beef, gravy, vegetables and maybe one or two Yorkshire puddings! Over here in the US, our Sunday dinner is a Wendy's or a Dominos. 

We also sell amazing sweets back in Northern Ireland, as well as chocolate and crisps! (Or potato chips if you are American). American stores do not sell multi-packs of crisps; and the one thing I would love to have in my cupboard is a multi-pack of 30 bags of Tayto! (By the way, that was a major hint to anyone who is thinking of sending any surprise packages to America anytime soon).

2. The Weather;

So back in Northern Ireland, a nice day would be classed as anything over 15 degrees. Anything over 20 degrees and that justifies boys walking around shirtless, and girls getting their most amazing summer dresses on.

In America, anything less than 75 degrees Fahrenheit, then that justifies wearing a hoodie and a pair of sweats. Bear in mind also that 75 degrees Fahrenheit is almost 24 degrees Celsius. And that is quite cold!

3. The People;

American people are generally lovely; but their mannerisms and personalities are completely different to those I am regularly used to. 

For example, a lot of Americans aren't very good when it comes to interacting with someone from another country. I regularly get asked 'Where in England are you from'? and 'Is that really your accent'?

I have also almost lost count at the number of times I have been asked to 'say hello to me in your native language'. 'Um, hello'?

Not to mention the famous question that I get asked 17 million times a day; 'Oh my gosh, how do you pronounce your name'?

4. Hygiene Products;

When I arrived in the US, I had to go to Walmart on my first night to buy some essentials because the airport had lost my luggage, I was extremely surprised to see that Americans do not use spray deodorant. WHAT??

As well as this; I find it almost impossible to find nice baby wipes! They do not exist over here - so if you ever plan on living in America, bring a lifetime supply of baby wipes and spray deodorant!

5. Television;

American television; Keeping up with the Kardashians, Ridiculousness, Friends - there are so many amazing television series. 

I love seeing the opening credits of friends and singing the theme tune, 'Well it hasn't been your day, week, your month, or even your year, do do do do do'. BOOM! Advertisement.

Why are there so many adverts on American television? I flick through the channels and its advert after advert after advert. Noooooo! Why can't I just watch an episode of friends without seeing so many adverts!

6. Money;

In the UK, we have 7 types of coins - 1p, 2p, 10p, 20p, 50p a £1 and a £2 coin. In America we have 4 types of coins - pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. 

The most annoying thing about American money though, has to be the one dollar bill. Your purse could be bursting, and you think you have lots of money - when in reality, you really only have $17 in one dollar bills. Epic fail. 

7. Sports;

In life, I love nothing better than sitting down in front of the TV and watching some Football! (Soccer for all of you knowledgeable American Sports fans). 

I really miss watching Manchester United play, and the time difference between here and the UK, it is difficult to keep up to date. So I am stuck with American Football. And it's not even real Football.

8. Tipping and Sales Tax;

It is not only common courtesy to tip in America, but it is expected - and most people tip at least 18% - 20%. Add on a little bit of sales tax as well - and the $19.99 Steak that you have just ordered might now just cost you at least $25. That cocktail that costs $6 because it is 'Happy Hour', might actually cost you $8.50 now.

Tipping is not just exclusive to restaurants or bars either; you are even expected to tip your Dominos delivery driver, and your hairdresser too! 

Don't forget the sales tax too - it can spring a little surprise when you head to the checkout! Always have a little extra money with you in case of emergency, and to avoid the embarrassment when your card is declined at the till! (Yes, that has happened me).

9. The legal drinking age;

One of the most annoying aspects of living in America - the legal drinking age. In the UK, the drinking age is 18; in America it is 21. 

Being 20 years of age in America is absolutely awful! You can't go into an off licence and get a few bottles of beer because you will be ID'd. You can't have a nice cocktail at a restaurant with your friends because you will get ID'd. 

Roll on January when I turn 21 - there will be major celebrations!

10. Driving

When I arrived in America, my good friend Eddie picked me up from the airport. I tried to get in to the left hand side of the car, and not realising that it was actually the driver's seat and not the passenger seat. The American road system is so unusual compared to home; there are so many main roads, not a lot of roundabouts, and you don't have to have a number plate on the front of your car. So weird!

So, those are the ten things that I find different about living in America compared to living at home in Northern Ireland. Let me know if you think I have missed anything out! Thanks again for reading! Mairéad.

October Adventures - Volunteering, Mickey's Retreat, and a Missing Minion!

October has been filled with adventure and excitement; I've been working a lot more and earning more money, I was able to visit the Disney parks a few times, and I have spent some amazing time with amazing people! 

As well as this, I found out that I have been accepted to volunteer with Special Olympics Florida and I have also been accepted to volunteer at the Arnold Palmer Invitational Golf Tournament in Orlando in March! I'm so pleased to be able to volunteer here in Florida, because I'm so involved with volunteering back home - especially with Special Olympics Ireland!

October has been an amazing month - and I was able to visit Mickey's Retreat for the first time, which is an area for cast members and friends to chill out and have some fun! It has two pools, paddle boats, volleyball beach courts, a play-park area, football pitches, basketball courts an tennis courts! Pretty amazing eh?

Me and Geraldine (my amazing housemate), go to Mickey's Retreat a lot because we both have Friday off work and we enjoy being able to chill out and spend some time together.

October was also a pretty significant time during my program because I finally started to go out more! Back at home I love going out with my friends, but for some reason it took me quite a while to finally move out of my comfort zone and make new friends. 

'Lasses' has been a major boost to my happiness over here in Orlando; because it's the one night a week when all the girls in the UK Pavilion can get together for a few drinks and have an amazing time! I had my first Lasses in October, and haven't missed a week since! There are some amazing people who I love spending time with and I'm so glad I've finally got involved with everything!

Not only this, I made an amazing new friend in the first week of October; and you may be surprised as to who it is..

I bought a HUGE minion from a guy who works in the UK Pavilion for 5 bucks. That's an absolute steal for a life sized yellow creature; who we eventually named Kevin. He is now Apartment 16206's new mascot!

As with all friends in life - you go through your ups and downs. Kevin has been an absolute delight to have around the house; his mere presence always brings a smile to my face.

So I was absolutely devastated to wake up one morning after Lasses, and he was gone; along with some of my potatoes (P.s, you should never steal potatoes from an Irish person).

Silly me decided to have a drunken power nap (that lasted, like 12 hours), and when I woke up to find he had disappeared, I was extremely sad and tearful. (The effects of the previous night's antics did not make me feel any better either).

So I made it my mission to get him back!

Well, actually, that was a lie; in totally honesty, I was always too tired or working to go and get him back - and he ended up in yet another persons apartment. He must have felt so homesick! 

We finally got him back a few weeks later - and he is now happy and content at being back in 16206, and is having the time of his life! I made him a promise that I will never let anyone steal him, ever again! :)

So that's it for October's Adventures! I hope you've enjoyed my posts and I promise I will update you all again soon. I will leave you all with a photo of me having a blast at Magic Kingdom! Adios amigos! :)

October Adventures - Andrew's Visit!

Okay, so I got a message from my friend Andrew in September saying 'I might be coming to Florida'. Totally didn't believe him - but then I got another message a few weeks later saying, 'I'm coming to Florida'! I was so excited to see another familiar face from home!

When he arrived, he brought me lots of chocolate from home - Freddos, Dairy Milk Caramels, Wispas, and Brandy Balls. He also collected some spray deodorant from my mum because Americans don't use spray deodorant!


We first met up and went to Hollywood Studios. Andrew's friends Michael and Caitriona came along - so we decided that we would visit the American Idol auditions first. Michael and Caitriona are both amazing singers, so they decided to audition. Little did we know how it would all end later that evening..

Caitriona was first up - singing a rendition of Kelly Clarkson's 'A Moment Like This'. The producer seemed to enjoy it! Michael sang ' Your Song' by Elton John, and she loved it as well! They both got through to the next round of producers; so we were brought to a VIP Coke Lounge where Andrew and I waited until they were finished.

Good news - Caitriona got through to the live stage show that evening! We were given a time to return to American Idol - so we had a quick walk around Hollywood Studios before we returned.

When we arrived, we were given VIP seats to watch the show! 

We waited for Caitriona to perform, and she was the last act on stage. She was incredible! The audience loved her, and luckily they voted for her to go through to the Grand Finale later that evening! 

To kill some time before the Grand Finale - we went on Toy Story Mania - which was so much fun! 

We also grabbed a bite to eat, and had a few pictures taken before we headed back to the American Idol attraction.

Again, we were brought to the VIP seats, and Caitriona was scheduled to be the last singer. After everyone had performed, the decision was down to the audience. We waited in anticipation whilst the crowd voted; and when the result was announced - Caitriona had won!! 

Her prize for winning the show was a 'Dream Ticket', which can be used at any American Idol Audition in the USA, and entitles her to skip the queue at the auditions; and the ticket never expires!

What a day! As we left, several people had waited behind to meet Caitriona and get photos. It's safe to say she felt like a celebrity!

A few days later, I had some time off from work so I stayed in the hotel with everyone so we could go to Magic Kingdom the next day. 

Andrew had never been to Florida before - and he absolutely loved Magic Kingdom. We were able to pack so much into one day, including checking out all the merchandise stores, meeting Gaston, and getting to see the amazing parade! (Which conveniently rhymes with my name).

After a majorly long day at Magic Kingdom, we decided to head to Epcot to watch the fireworks and illuminations; even though I get to watch them every night at work! 

I also bought everyone some chips from the Yorkshire County Fish Shop which I work in; and they loved them!

After Illuminations, it was time to head home, Andrew going back to the hotel, and myself going back to my apartment. It was the last time I saw him before he headed back to Ireland so it was pretty sad saying goodbye! I wish the visit could have lasted longer because I had an amazing time - and hopefully they will want to come back again before my cultural representative program ends! 

Snippets of September - NFL Sundays, Food & Wine Festival and meeting Mary Poppins!

September; my first full month in Florida! It was a bit of a whirlwind experience - I was still getting used to everything. The heat, my surroundings, the job, the people, the food especially. There's no such thing as Nutty Crust and Heinz Baked Beans for lunch over here. There's no such thing as a plate of your mum's Special Sunday Roast. Most of the food is pretty bland to be honest! 

Living in Florida has required a lot of adjustment and adapting to a different environment - but it has been extremely fun! September has had its ups and downs of course; some of the highlights have been getting to visit some of the Disney Parks, meeting and spending time with new friends, learning more about my job and the history of Disney, and having a good time!

My days off are a lot of fun; we have an amazing pool and fitness center at our apartments which is amazing!

During September, I have had the chance to go exploring on my days off; including some of the parks, Mickey's Retreat and I have had a taste of the nightlife also!

Also, September was the month when the NFL started back; which meant NFL Sundays!

Whether it was Orlando Ale House, or Buffalo Wild Wings; we always seemed to have fun on NFL Sundays! I even met a group of amazing people from New York who were watching the NFL in the same bar as us. Despite the fact I know absolutely zero about NFL, it has still be fun to go out and have fun, and have some food and drinks with good company and good entertainment!

September was also the month in which the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began. Food & Wine is an annual event in which guests can taste their way around the World Showcase. My favourite Food & Wine stand is Ireland; where they serve amazing Fisherman's pie, and a selection of Kerry-gold cheeses - a tasty treat from home!

The Food & Wine Festival lasts for six weeks and runs until mid-November; and Epcot gets extremely busy during this time, especially on the weekends! Events like this make working at Walt Disney World that little bit more special!


September has been a fun few weeks for me in Florida; having met lots of new friends and starting to settle in to a routine. I've had lots of fun so far and can't wait for more adventure and excitement. I'll sign off September with a nice photo of me with Mary Poppins - who is practically perfect in every way! :)

An unexpected yet ever so awesome phone call at Disney!

Okay, so; I was having an amazing time at Hollywood Studios with my brother Michael and his girlfriend Kathryn when my phone suddenly rang.

It was a lady from the Daily Mirror - how exciting! 

She spoke to me at length about myself and how I enjoy volunteering; and asked me would it be okay to publish an article in the English version of the paper. How amazing is that?

The article was published on the 5th September; and was also released as a digital version. My mum and dad were also posted a copy of the newspaper. Very proud parents indeed! Here is a link to the online version. Enjoy!

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/how-volunteering-london-olympics-led-2252231

Michael & Kathryn's Visit - August 2013

Some time before I had accepted my place on the Cultural Representative Program, my brother had booked a holiday to Florida with his girlfriend Kathryn. 

They arrived 10 days after I had left for the States - so we were able to meet up and go to Disney and sample the nightlife!

My brother Michael & myself

I also have a friend from back home; Eddie, who currently lives and works in Orlando. So the four of us decided to go to Hooters for some food and drinks. We went on a bit of a bar crawl after that; to the Lucky Leprechaun, an English Pub and finally, Murphy's Pub.

A few days later, we decided to go to Hollywood Studios for the day. It was also my first time being in the park, as I had only been in the States for a few weeks and hadn't had much time to explore. 

Unfortunately, I only got to meet up with Michael and Kathryn a few times, but I had so much fun when they were out here and it helped me settle in that little bit easier. Hopefully I might see them sometime throughout the year for another holiday!

Eddie, Emily, Aaron and myself

However, as well as my brother and Kathryn coming over to Florida, my cousin Emily and her boyfriend Aaron also came over and we were able to meet up on the last night of their trip. We went to the Lucky Leprechaun for a few drinks before they headed home.

It was amazing to be able to see some familiar faces from home, and I'm so glad that I was able to spend time with them. Such exciting times - and I'd only been here three weeks!

Meeting Goofy at Hollywood Studios

Disney Traditions & the first few days of work

After having a few days to settle in our new apartments - it was time for Disney Traditions!

Traditions was our first official day of work, so we hopped on the bus and made our way to Disney University.

Traditions introduced us to the culture and heritage of Disney and we were taught about the history of Disney, past and present; and the future of Disney and how we would be a part of it.

Once we had all checked in, we were brought to class and met lots of people from different countries. The Traditions class lasted about four hours and we then found out we would be going for a tour of Magic Kingdom.

When we arrived at Magic Kingdom, I was pretty gobsmacked. It was incredible! I'm not sure I could really believe it at the time!

After lunch, we returned to the classroom and we had a special guest there to see us - Mickey Mouse! 

Not only that, we got our name badges too - even though mine was spelt wrong at first (Haha)!

We also had a few (less exciting) training days, when we did a lot of online work; however we were all so excited to get to Epcot and the UK Pavilion and see more of our place of work!

On the day of our tour of Epcot, we got a boat ride around the World Showcase. 

Sounds amazing doesn't it? Well, yes - everyone loved it. Except me - I have a fear of water you see! Ahhh! It was so scary! But the views were amazing and we were finally able to see the UK Pavilion! 

Spaceship Earth - EPCOT

After an amazing tour of Epcot, we headed back to our classes and were given our schedules for the next few days! Exciting eh? Finally a Disney Cast Member!

The Rose & Crown Pub & Restaurant

Arriving in Florida

Hello everyone & thank you for taking the time to visit my blog!

I am currently a Cultural Representative at The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in the UK Pavilion in Epcot.

I have been in the USA for over 10 weeks now - It has been a crazy 10 weeks at that and I apologise for not keeping you all up to date! 

On Tuesday 13th August, myself and Eleanor (my friend from university) departed Belfast after saying goodbye to our families. After a stopover in Newark Airport, we arrived in Orlando; exhausted after a 15 hour journey & spirits dampened by the fact that the airport had held back our luggage.

However; we were both extremely excited to start our amazing Disney adventures! 

Once we had disembarked our flight, we were picked up by Eddie, one of my friends from home who lives in Orlando. We walked out of the airport and felt the Florida heat for the first time; wow - it was hot!

We then made our way to Vista Way to find out where we were living! 

After signing some forms & collecting our housing ID's, a lady called Brittney drove us to our new apartment in Patterson Court. It was amazing! There were three bedrooms, with two beds in each - six of us altogether. 

We met our new housemates the next morning; three of us (Eleanor, Geraldine and myself), were all from Northern Ireland, Natalie from England, Helena from Germany and Synnove from Norway. Everyone was extremely welcoming and excited to be in the States!

Once I had recovered from the jet-lag; I started to decorate my side of the bedroom. I put up dozens of photos from home, along with my 'Good Luck' cards and my lucky Irish flag!

At this point, I couldn't actually believe that I was in the States. Before this, I had only ever been to London and Manchester! Pretty crazy for a little home-bird!

A few days after we arrived, it was time for traditions and training. It was very exciting to finally meet up with our fellow cast-members from various different countries who would all be working in the World Showcase at Epcot!

The Adventure had commenced!