FACE-2-FACE (LONDON) USEFUL LINKS...

WELCOME TO EVERYONE READING THIS:

UPDATED: TUESDAY 29th NOVEMBER 2005. No.1

I would like to say a big hello and welcome to you if you're reading this for the first, second or even third time... The idea came up out of the blue after I was accepted into the programme.  The information contained within helped not only me but tens, maybe hundreds of people beofre you and I.

I would also like to share some useful links with you that 'we' the 12th Nov crew found useful... I shall be updating this at regular intervals, so if you have a link or would like to be added into this post... just message me and I will modify it. Thanks for reading and Goodluck with your application!

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STAGE: FACE-2-FACE INTERVIEW (LONDON):
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HOTEL / OVERNIGHT STOPOVER:

Name: Novotel West.
Location: Hammersmith, London.
You really couldn't be any closer to the Disney Offices! ALL of us who have stayed there have found the service, food (and drink!!) Location etc etc EXCELLENT, cannot fault it in any way.  Although situated up a rather funny access ramp - it's a huge, modern hotel... What's more all major high street shops are extremely nearby for that forgotten toothbrush or black pen! Including Boots, WHSmiths (small one), Starbucks!, Tesco's Supermarket, etc etc. Oh and there are quite a number of cashpoints in the shoppoing centre - if you can't find them, don't worry, just ask someone!  Be sure to pop into the Disney Store in the shopping centre too... it's always a great place to be.

Ok, Hotel facilities:

- All rooms have irons and boards! (For that essential prep of your interview clobber);

- LEFT LUGGAGE AREA (Ground Floor) - FREE - Handy if you arrive early, or want to leave stuff after CHECK-OUT (whilst you're in your presentation/interview) It's easy, They'll simply just give you a ticket, oh and it's 24hour;

- WAKE UP CALL - Just to make sure 900% that you're going to be up and not sleep in (my nightmare) Just simply book an Early Morning Call - Either see the Reception Team or call them, they'll be happy to help (It's Free!);

- GREAT DEAL - Make sure you get a great deal before booking your stay - especially Breakfast included. They have a huge selection of cooked, continental breakfasts etc that start from 0630am... Trust me... You WILL be impressed, and, if your stomach can handle it (with the nerves) Mummy's little soldier will not go hungry - oh and there's nothing worse than a room full of growling stomachs at the presentation... kinda funny though;

- MINIBAR (Non Alcoholic) - To avoid any uneccessary charges, please be aware that all these items within the fridge neatly on display in your room are on sensors. If you pick it up to have a look or just move it out of the way to put your own drink in there, you'll get charged - just a friendly warning!

- SAFE (Electronic) - All rooms come with an electronic safe (free) so that you can keep your valuables & more importantly all your documents in that you'll need for the interview.  The safes are simple to use - so my advice would be to make use of them!

- TELEPHONES - Ok, it goes without saying... Hotel Telephone rates across the world have always been a rip off! There are plenty of Payphones just off the reception area downstairs if you need to use them.  Another good tip is that if you do arrange to meet up with fellow interviewee's at the hotel, do it after you've checked in - that way you can exchange room phone numbers - should you want to give each other ANOTHER early morning call, or simply ask what colour tie your new mates going to wear!  TIP: Dialing other rooms are FREE. However, Add a "5" at the start of the persons room number you need to dial, otherwise you wont have much luck! ie. If your room number's # 8046, then dial 58046... Got it? Good Good! ANOTHER TIP: Take a pen and piece of paper with you to write down everyones room numbers... Trust me again, you'll never remember them all!

Anyway, after all that... Here is the hotel's direct link for you to have a peek around at: (But remember to book through the SUPERBREAKS Website - A better deal to be had indeed!) Considering it's on the doorstep of your interview, which means hassle free travel in the morning (5 minute stroll to the Disney Offices) - it's a small price to pay for a big peace of mind!

http://www.novotel.com/novotel/fichehotel/gb/nov/0737/fiche_hotel.shtml

(SUPERBREAKS WEBSITE LINK COMING SOON, IN THE MEANTIME, SIMPLY GOOGLE SEARCH FOR IT)
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TGI FRIDAY'S - IT'S GETTING KINDA TRADITIONAL NOW I THINK!

Well... Food... Mmm... Good Subject... I'd imagine that albeit you're all nervous/anxious coupled with excitement... and what the best way to help we think would be to arrange to meet up with all your future cast members/work buddies and go for a meal at TGI's.  Covent Garden is probably the easiest to get to and also, there's plenty else going on.

So... Here's the link: http://www.tgifridays.co.uk/storefinder.phtml

Just make sure that you book it as a group and of course book it as soon as you can to avoid dissappointment as it gets exceedingly busy (sounds more like a kipling commercial now) but equally as yummy!!
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DISNEY ATTRACTIONS OFFICE:

Just whilst I'm thinking about it, of course it goes without saying that you will want to arrive slightly earlier than expected at the offices to create a good impression before the amazing Presentation.  Please note (at Nov '05) once signed in at the Offices, there is limited seating available in the upstairs "holding area/reception" where YOU WILL need your BLACK BIRO PEN and WILL be filling out an A4 two sided Disney Application Form - If you have a terrible memory for dates or simply a long emlployment history it will pay off if you take a copy of your CV (i know you need one anyway) with you to this for reference. I found this to help!

Also, if you possess an A4 document folio / folder, it would be advantageous to bring it along... Not only to keep all your required documents neat and tidy, but if there's no more seats available, finding something to lean on whilst filling out your application form can be tricky... So a folder is a GOOD IDEA! Also looks more professional... But bear in mind... it isn't essential!

It may also be a good ide to take a SMALL bottle of water with you as there's limited drink facilities... and added with nerves and aircon... your mouth and throat can get quite dry!
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LEFT LUGGAGE IN CENTRAL LONDON

Ok, not as many places as there used to be, but here are two for you to consider should you need them.

VICTORIA COACH STATION: Considering you're in central London this has to be one of the cheapest places around. Please Note that due to new terrorism threats etc ALL Left Luggage will be processed through 'Airport Style' Scanners before being accepted.  Again, just like at the Hotel, they're give you a ticket and you simply pay when you return.

PADDINGTON TRAIN STATION: Again, considering you're in Central London, it's still relatively good value for money (relative to having to drag your bag around with you whilst shopping in London that is!) but out of the two... this is the most expensive.  Again, exact Security measures are in place here too... So rest assured. There's also CCTV covering your bag(s) whilst they're on the shelf too.
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LONDON UNDERGROUND TICKETS:

It's worth considering that if you intend arriving into London by public transport then it's fair to say that you'll be arriving into  CENTRAL LONDON.

Hammersmith, (if you've looked at it on a map) is quite a way out of the city so if you intend using the underground (which is by far the easiest way) it's also worth considering purchasing a ticket that covers you for Zones 1 & 2 for the day.  Ok, at about £5's-ish it isn't that bad and it is UNLIMITED throughout ZONES 1 & 2 up until (I think) midnight-ish. (Check with the ticket attendant)  This 'forward planning' will pay off, as if you do decide to have a traditional TGI dinner in Covent Garden then you're going to need to use the tube. Hey Presto!... You've still got a valid travel ticket, good ay!

For those of you on a budget when visiting, DON'T forget that you need to buy a NEW ticket the next day, whether it be to get to your train station, coach station or simply head off into the metropolis for a good old shop!!! So keep enough money for that too... of course you can just buy a single if you need to.

Just ONE FINAL word about the LONDON UNDERGROUND - It can be a volatile place to someone who hasn't been on it before. Get yourself a small map from the ticket office, use the maps on the trains and most of all... KEEP YOUR VALUABLES SAFE... Pickpockets work these places all day everyday! But don't let it spoil your visit by being too paranoid! Lots of Love, Uncle Will ;o)
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PENNIES

Ok, the big question: How much will you have to raid from Mr Piggy on the desk?

I suppose it depends entirely on YOU but I'll give you a run down on what I went through. (With the exception of the Underground Ticket costs)

RETURN TICKET TO LONDON - On whatever mode of transport you desire. I flew down from Glasgow to Stanstead - Alot quicker and alot cheaper than the train.

LONDON UNDERGROUND - ZONES 1 & 2 (1 DAY) Again, you can buy lots of different options with more Zones, this is all you'll need to be honest. £5.00

NOVOTEL (WEST) HOTEL, HAMMERSMITH - Ok, if you get a good deal expect to pay around £80 including breakfast for 1 night (as at Nov'05). (At this point you have to bear in mind that you're on the doorstep for the morning, it's a clean modern hotel in London, and most of the other Applicants will be there too.)

TGI DINNER - Again, depends on your choice.  Most of us went straight for a main course and a dessert, with a couple of drinks too. All in all the average cost was around £25 per person. (Welcome to big prices - London Style)

DRINKS IN THE LOUNGE BAR - Ok, it was never going to be as cheap as your local boozer, but what did you expect? (Average cost £5.50 for alcoholic bev)

BREAKFAST - If it's NOT included in your room rate, this will set you back £15.00 whether you just have toast or everything in sight. (So hopefully, you can see why it's important to get a great deal through Superbreaks!)

SMALL BOTTLE OF WATER - (Shop in the Hotel) To take with me to the Presentation/Interview (£1.20 average cost)

LUNCH - Wherever you want to go. Depends on when your interview has been scheduled! Plenty of Baguette Shops, Deli's, Coffee Houses etc in the neighbouring shopping centre next to the Disney Attractions Office.

LONDON UNDERGROUND TICKET - This again varies, and depends on your immediate plans after the interview. Buy accordingly if you haven't already.

DINNER & HOME

I hope all of this helps, and although not everything is priced up, hopefully you'll get an idea.
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If I think of anymore links, or I receive any... then I'll post them as soon as I can.

The Application Process is ONE OF THE BEST ROLLERCOASTER RIDES YOU'LL EVER GO ON - SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE RIDE!!

 

This all looks so useful! Thank you!

Just have to get past that pesky phone interview... :-\

 

Yep very useful Thanks Will

I just hope I make it that far!!!

*Crosses fingers*

Colin

 

Thank you very much Will! Great tips there.
And well done again for getting in! Hope to see you out there! ;D

 

Hey... All you guyz n' girls are Welcome, you know that! *blushing*

 

'I hope all of this helps, and although not everything is priced up, hopefully you'll get an idea.'

My concept of an 'idea' in this context would be just to give the name of a nearby hotel/restaurant, and I think you can rest assured that anyone who's read all that info will be very well prepared for what's (hopefully) coming! Good work!

Also makes me feel pretty spoiled at the thought I'm within a 40 minute train journey of the centre of London...

 

You give all that advice Will but forgot to mention that no matter how close you are to the hotel, make sure you know which Disney office to go to in the morning! tee hee hee

Lou
xxx

 

Thanks Will so Much...you truely are a star.


Getting way to nervous and excited now.

Kirsty

 

Yes please dont any of u end up trying to get into the offices through the wrong door like some of us did : and then end up getting there late which firstly couldnt have looked good and secondly left us nowhere to lean on to fill out application forms and thirdly meant we were last getting into presentation (as were still filling out forms) so didnt get to sit at front :'( still it obviously didnt hold anything against us ;D

 

Jess, i was worried our late arrival might have put us as a disadvantage, how wrong i was!

The whole door concept was confusing, although it was rather funny the first time when me and you walked around Hammersmith for about 20 minutes trying to find the place, and when we did we had the wrong door!.....They should make it as obvious as the Coca-Cola HQ next door!

J.
xx

 

Why Thank you very much kind Sir! No problem atall. I'd just like to make the next person's visit more dynamic I guess.

 

LOL! ;D Errrrr... Call it a selective memory! *embarrassed* 

We had a tremendous laugh though - it's got to be said! See ya real soon!

 

Aww shucks! I do try! ;D

Hey and the whole nerves thing... It's cool, it proves how much you want this and that you are human!!

You'll do fine. Enjoy the Hotel, Enjoy TGI's, Enjoy the Presentation, Enjoy the Interview, Heck enjoy Everything! You only live once!

 

Hey, It could be much worse... We could have all been offered a job with Coca-Cola!!! ???

 

Indeed! Now they are one unethical company! Head some pretty frightening stuff about them on the radio last year

Will...you should concider making a video giving all your great advice to the new applicants....but a kind of 'valerie style' video!...

J.

 

*points*

That's actually a really good idea for some random bored day off out there

Get a camera and make a wdwip.com applicants info video

So, who can do a good valerie impression?

Kev

 

thats it it has to be done now guys, but please dont make me be cheesey valerie!

 

Well... Maybe we should look into it when we're over in Florida???

Maybe even do some footage of London too... TGI's, NOVOTEL, DISNEY ATTRACTIONS OFFICE, US EMBASSY, even possibly get YUMMY in on the act too???

Casting Call for Cast Members!! But of course, it'd have to be labelled 'The Unofficial Guide'

So, who fancies an Oscar for their cameo role?

 

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

ZIPPADEEDOODAHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

oh my gosh I can't stop smiling!!!!
Hey Will, just under 10 weeks now til we jet off!!!
It's so amazing that all of our little gang got through! We'll have to do a reunion in Disney when everyone arrives.

Can't believe I'm on the boards actually talking about leaving for Disney(WHAT A JOURNEY ITS BEEN!!)

 

You're soooooo right! Truly amazing!

As the carpenters once sang: "We've Only Just Begun" hehe... this is the start of the yellow brick road folks... so sit back and enjoy the ride coz we're all going to Disney World people!!! Yeeeeeee Haaaaaaaa!!!