A Magical First Week in Florida

The transition to Florida couldn’t have gone better! I am finally together with my roommates and the six of us are getting along great. There are so many people that I have been talking to since finding out that we were accepted to the program, and getting to meet them in person has been a lot of fun. While one of my roommates and I were waiting in line to check in to our apartment, I got a text that just said “Madi, turn around!” Two of my other roommates recognized me from further back in the line! This week is all about meeting people, exploring the area and setting up our apartment.

The first official order of business was “casting.” At casting we took the photo for our company ID and signed off on more paperwork. The office building had character figurines and murals all around. When we were finished, we got to pick out our very own light saber to join the rebel alliance!

Next we made a reservation for dinner at Kona Cafe in the Polynesian resort. My roommates are Ashley, Laura, Molly, Rachel and Victoria. Our first visit to the Polynesian was magical because we had our first glimpse of Cinderella’s castle in the distance. I also tried the famous “Dole Whip” treat for the first time, which was a delicious pineapple soft serve.

All the roommates on our first visit to the Polynesian resort!

Day two was a long day of grocery and apartment shopping so we decided to end the evening by sharing roommate gifts that we prepared for each other before coming to Orlando. I crafted mouse ears for each of my roommates to have based on their favorite movie or character. My roommates gave me a hand-painted canvas board, a journal to write down magical moments, a pineapple mason jar to save money for more dole whip, a glittery Mickey-shaped ornament that we can use to decorate our home for the holidays and also a key holder to hang by the front door that is themed to my favorite character Anna from Frozen.

Such crafty roommate gifts!

I am looking forward to starting training tomorrow getting to know my roommates and other new friends. Be on the lookout for a new video soon, all about my new adventure in Florida!