Shiny new bucket (list).

In my spare time, I've started putting together my bucket list for my time at Disney. I've also started thinking about where I want to travel during and after the program, but I still need to work on that a bit.

Take a look. There's a shiny new button up there under the header. You know you want to.

From next week, the Clearance Records office is going to be bombarded with calls from a certain someone asking them if they received my application yet. That certain someone is this weird homeless guy who hangs around my house and likes to douse me in wine. I told him he didn't have to do this, but he insists. I think he's just happy about his new iPhone 4.

I hate iPhones.

Second time lucky

Today I went back to the police station, back to reception, and back to Room 9 on their advice. Once again, the door was open. Once again, nobody was in. After standing around aimlessly for a few minutes, someone came out of Room 8 and asked what was going on.

"I was told to come to Room 9," I said jauntily, "I need a clearance certificate you see."

"Room 9?" he chuckled, slapping me on the shoulder. "Room 9?! Ho ho ho, you silly boy. Don't you realise that 9 is the highest number we police can count to?"

And then he summoned his mysterious goblin librarian, who croaked "Follow me, young sir, there is but one other room that matches the number you have been given."

He had brought me to room 18. 1 and 8. 9. Of course. It all made so much sense now.

Except it really didn't. Luckily, room 18 was home to an efficient old lady and, long story short (well, not actually THAT short), I now have my police clearance application.

Still have to post it though.

Oi... so it begins.

I'm glad I left myself with plenty of time to get a police clearance certificate.

Today I popped in to the police station, asked at enquiries where I had to go and went there (the ominous "Room 9"). The door was open, but there was nobody there, so I figured they'd be back shortly. 10 minutes later a passing policeman informs me in a confused mumble that he thinks the offices are closed.

We both stare at the open door as we ponder his statement.

"Any idea when they'll be open?" I ask, not unreasonably. The officer shakes his head, looking at me as if to say I have a lot to learn about the ways of the world.

"Maybe," he shrugs, "maybe later." He turns from me and stares into the distance. I stare off into the distance as well, imagining a time when all this was just hills and you didn't need a bloody clearance certificate to visit another country, just a spear and a deathwish.

Eventually, like an indecisive mist, the officer floats away, leaving me staring at what I now realise is a telephone pole.

Oh well, I'll try again tomorrow.

Nifty Sites

So I'm going to apply for my police clearance tomorrow (a lengthy process in South Africa - it's unlikely I'll see it until at least April), but tonight I was just browsing my favourite Disney-related sites, and thought it might be a good idea to do a quick post about 'em.

WDWIP - Chances are you found this blog via this site (and if so, hi). It's got a wiki section which is vaguely useful (but poorly maintained and fairly out of date, especially the Africa section) but the real appeal is the forum, which is packed with info from current and past participants. If you haven't been here yet, go. Now. I'll wait.

WDWmagic - My first choice for general information about Disney World. The forums here are great as well, especially the Trip Report section, which got me excited enough to apply for this job.

Official International Programs Site - Some good info on this site, but not that specific about a lot of things. The site gives details on the first step of the application process for each country, so it's a good kick-off point.

Official WDW Site - Currently the best place I've found for photos and information about Animal Kingdom Lodge (the place I'll be working).

If I think of any more sites, I'll either add them to this post or add a new one down the line.

In other news, just over 6 months to go now. I've already booked a flight from SA to London to see my folks before I go. Now I'm scouring the net for a deal on a London-Orlando flight.