The Art of Goodbye

Goodbyes seem to be the main theme of the Disney College Program. Even Hollywood Studios is getting in on the farewells; bidding adieu to many of its attractions with the promise of "big plans". 

Before the Animation building (that was the one with the characters and drawing classes) was forced into retirement Alex and I drew a classic character. 

He's got floppy ears,

a hat,

a distinctive laugh

and his name starts with G for Goofy. 

This is Alex's artwork. 

Here is my masterpiece. Before you judge, remember many art movements like Surrealism and Cubism were considered a little off at first too. 

Before art class Alex and I had a history lesson with our viewing of One Man's Dream. 

We thought it best to experience the film that encapsulates the origins of our workplace. You just never know how long a dream will last, especially at Hollywood Studios. 

For some reason I'm writing this post in backwards chronological order. Before the dream production Alex and I took a lovely summer stroll (read sweaty stumble) across the Boardwalk. 

"Why the journey across the Boardwalk?" I hear precisely nobody ask. Well, we had just downed lunch at Chefs de France in Epcot and thought we'd hobble in the heat, rather than bus it. 

Here I had half a burger (because diet) and some salad. 

Alex had salad and sorbet. 

Before lunch we found ourselves on a Transtar bus, which brings me to the beginning of my adventure with Alex that day. 

Goodbye to you (my three regular readers) for now, but #byeforeverseeyounever to the Animation Building. Thanks for the memory. 

Beyond the Bubble

When you're a CP with only sub par Transtar bus services to transport you it begins to feel like you're trapped in the Disney bubble.

I highly recommend surfacing to avoid suffocation. One way to do that is on the iTrolley. I forgot to take a photo of the outside, but here's one of the inside. 

This trolley took Richie and I to Universal Studios for only 25c each. 

It was a little warm, so we trialled a few of the water rides. 

Waterproof mascara would've been a better option that day. Also taking thongs (Australian not American) to avoid the subsequent squelch of my waterlogged joggers. 

We were hurled around in some roller coasters, which resulted in some rather unkempt hair to compliment my smudged mascara. 

Richie phoned a friend. 

And conducted a few spells. 

I solemnly swear he was up to no good. 

We also caught a performance and discovered the red dragon challenge is the really rough one. 

We travelled back into the bubble on the iTrolley for another 25c each. 

Another method of escape is a fellow cast member's car. You should probably seek some sort of invitation to ride with them. Don't just jump in when you see they have a car, no matter how tempted you feel.  

One night after work Mike, Jerry and I escaped in Mike's car to Noodles and Company. 

I strode up to the counter, confidently placed my order and promptly unzipped my backpack to the sudden and awkward realisation that I didn't have my wallet with me. I informed the cashier, to which he said, "I got this." And he did. Diego got my order free of charge. Free! Life outside the bubble was proving to be worth it. 

My fellow Pizza Planetears and I proceeded to find a table outside. Mike seemed unable to cope with the freedom, restraining himself with his own long limbs. 

Jerry was a little unsure of why I needed to photographically document our escape. For my blog of course. I excuse any bizarre behaviour by suggesting it will make a good blog story. 

I can't comment on the noodles because I didn't have any, but the company? Well, they were sweethearts. 

Life inside the Disney bubble isn't really that bad, it just gets a little stale like the loaves of bread a keep slightly longer than I should. 

There's places like Raglan Road and movies like Inside Out to see with friends like Anna. 

My goodness, Joy and Sadness both touched that movie. Bing Bong was (sorry for the spoiler) a beautiful, candy crying, tear inducing creature of courage.

There's also this place called The Magic Kingdom. Apparently you can ride, shop and fireworks watch, which is especially fun if you can find a Kyra to accompany you. 

There's also this bar called House of Blues. It masquerades as a sometimes decent nightclub (Wednesdays are the best night) where you can burn some calories on the dance floor with a friend like Alex. That calorie burn is particularly useful for those that find something there that wasn't there before, like a muffin top.

Life inside the Disney bubble isn't always stale. It's just good to experience the fresh taste of life outside. 

Lost in Translation

Living in America causes me to question what language I speak. I come from a land down under where women (and men) apparently speak a strange dialect that is not easily understood by the American listener. 

It confuses me when people stare at me in confusion immediately after I've spoken in what I believe to be English. However, after that exchange of confusion, I hear phrases like, "I love your accent" and "you have a beautiful accent". These only cause more confusion for me because "beautiful" isn't quite the word I'd use to describe the Australian accent. 

Bogan. 

That's the word. Bogan. We sound like bogans, but apparently everybody likes a bogan over here. The majority of my 5 American readers are probably wondering what a bogan is, which brings me to the point of this blog post. I have spent the past 6 months compiling a list of words and phrases that confuse and amuse Americans. So here it is...

Pardon

Reckon

Heaps

Chemist

Ages

Trolley

Keen

Bogan

Rang

Jumper

Rocket (not arugula)

Windscreen

Biscuits

Serviettes

Rubbish

Hoon

Fortnight

Hot Cross Buns

Can't be bothered

Piddle

Gluggy

Texta

Whinge

Yobbo

Also, the word "no". Not the word, but the way we say it. Apparently it's very amusing.

Unlike those silly articles that provide definitions of words and phrases I'm going recommend you consult your nearest Australian to discover what they mean. That way you can hear their bogan, I mean beautiful, accent.