Pictures from my Adventures

My very first Dole Whip!  #BestEver

EPCAT on Everest!  Cheers to the random guy who joined us!



My first time riding Dinosaur - loads of fun!



There is my Tree!  I love working inside a tree everyday.

Working with Diversity

Working at a large park really tests your abilities, charector, and patience. Animal Kingdom draws in a very diverse group of people from different areas and cultures. I have already learned a lot about working through a language barrier as well as dealing with situations where I am uncomfortable. 

For example, I've noticed that some other cultures have a different idea of personal space than I do. I recently had a guest get uncomfortably close to me while asking questions. Rather than being outwardly offended, I nonchalantly took a step back and answered their question.

It is difficult to constantly be adapting to diverse individuals, but in the end I can walk out knowing that I helped make their days magical - no matter who they are.

Answers to Reader Questions

1. Are you sworn to secrecy on anything?

I have signed a confidentiality agreement on certain subjects - mostly just company information.  Also, I am not supposed to share anything that would "ruin the magic" for our guests.  It's mostly under my own discretion. 

2. Do they educate you on the underground workings of 

Disney?

Yes!  I have gone through the Utilidoors - the series of tunnels underneath Magic Kingdom for cast members and deliveries.  It is amazingly complicated down there!  I have also taken classes on Disney practices, processes, etc.  I will learn even more about this in my Exploring Marketing class and Organizational Leadership class.


3. Do you get a discount?

I get tons of discounts!  I have a "Maingate" that allows me to enter any of the parks whenever I would like! (Except for certain high-traffic days.)  I also received several guest passes for my family members.  I get discounts at the sit-down restaurants in the parks, on Disney merchandise, at Disney Resorts, and on guided tours.  I even get discounts at companies not affiliated with Disney such as local restaurants, hotels, entertainment, automotive, and much more!

Roomba!!

I have learned more than I thought possible in the past week.  Not to mention all of the connections Ive made and fun Ive had!

I am really happy with Disney's training program.  I was assigned a trainer to work with me throughout the week.  She taught me how to do everything and helped me when it was my turn to step up.  I learned how to do over 8 different jobs effectively.  I memorized multiple spiels and recited them for crowds of everywhere from 4 to 400 people.

I also completed readings and e-learning about safety, operations, OSHA, and other important areas.  (That was the boring part of the week...)  In practice I drew upon many lessons that I learned in my marketing program and from multiple clubs and organizations I was in.  It is interesting to see how skills Ive learned from theater, DECA, and even sailing (knot tying) come into play with my role.

While I have been working 9 hour days, leaving me exhausted every night, I am having so much fun!  I have made friends with my coworkers and had the opportunity to interact with multiple guests.  While I was working greeter earlier this week, a little girl was ecstatic to show me her stuffed animal - Marie the cat.  I loved being able to interact with her and help make her day magical.  

To end the work week, I went to a bar called Roomba with some coworkers and leaders last night.  One of the trainers is in a band and performs there often.  Some other cast members also play guitar and sing.  Although it took a while for me to choose the right outfit for this occasion, I am entirely glad I went.  I bonded with more of the cast members and enjoyed the music.  Everyone was extremely friendly and happy to be there.  I am curious to see where all of the photos taken end up!  Ending the night we took a group picture onstage and danced to the cha cha slide and cupids shuffle.

I now have the weekend off before my 6-hr assessment on Monday.  I plan on spending it relaxing and maybe heading over to one of the parks.  

If anyone has questions about the program, my experiences, or anything that pertains to this blog, please feel free to comment them here!  I'd be happy to answer them.

Viva Gaia!

The past two days I have worked 9 hour shifts!  I have a trainer who stays with me throughout the entire day, teaching me tasks and completing them with me.  Her name is Michelle and she is precious! She is extremely helpful and understanding, thorough, and interesting.  Two other girls are being trained along side me, but with another trainer - Nestor.  Nestor is a famous band member from the Philippines. Cool, huh?  I'll post all about Monday right now and come back to talk about today and probably tomorrow.  Enjoy!

Monday

Monday was my first day working on location.  I took the cast member bus at 7am with the other two girls.  We met our trainers at the Pride Rock, which is a cast member cafeteria and the cast services center.  From there we created accounts with The Hub - Disney's employee website, completed online training modules, and went took a break.

After our break, we all walked over to the Tree of Life.  The show that I work, It's Tough to be a Bug, is actually located inside the Tree of Life.  Behind the theater is a hallway with our very small office/break room, glasses room, and clock in station.  I learned how to prepare the 3-D glasses, or Bug Eyes, for cleaning and collect them from the bins.

I also learned how to be a greeter and took over the position for a short time.  The parade went by and King Louie took me by the hands to dance with him!  It's amazing that even as a cast member the park brings me into the magic.

After working greeter I was trained in stroller parking.  It was my role to park strollers for tons of guests in the post-parade rush.  I had to create extra space when we ran out.  This is my least favorite position.

From stroller parking I went inside to assist wheel chair guests into the theater.  After that I took my lunch and went to the training center to read about safety.  After almost falling asleep a few times and getting through the material I headed back to the tree to work on all of the above roles some more.

Overall I really enjoyed my hectic, overwhelming first day.  I am really using my experience that I gained through my marketing program and that feels great.  I will post about today at a later point, but right now I am falling asleep.

Viva Gaia everyone!
         

DAKlimation

 Today was my DAKlimation class, and also my first time working on location at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  This orientation was exciting, informative, and fun.

They first brought us into a conference room that smelled like a zoo.  Upon looking around, I realized a small dung pile in the center of every table.  I guess they really wanted us acclimated to all aspects of this park!!

While in the conference room we learned the basics of working at this Disney park, including a review of the 4 keys: Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency.  We heard a welcome message from the Vice-President of the park and learned about the conservation efforts of the Walt Disney Company.

From there we took a comprehensive tour of the park, both onstage and off stage.  We met some of the animals but most weren't out yet because of cold morning temperatures.  We learned the greetings of each section of the park and the various attractions throughout.  I even met someone working my role with the same hours as me!

After our tour we received our schedules and took a bus to costuming.  I am excited about my "Its a Bugs Life" costume!  The shirt in these pictures is big on me but it will make do!  (Plus I get a hat! #YES)  *These Pictures are missing my Super Sassy Safari Sash*


Tomorrow I have work (training) from noon till 8:30.

Dare to do what dreamers do

On Saturday I made my first tip to my work location, Disney's Animal Kingdom.  I went with Gisselle and Helen so we could ride Expedition Everest!  It was fantastic to see my home for the next 8 months and take guesses on which costume would be mine!  

We spent a small amount of time exploring the park, but couldnt wait any longer to ride the famous attraction!  Having no knowledge of the ride, I was in for some scary surprises! (No spoilers) ;)  

Having gotten there pretty late from taking the cast bus, we only had minimal time in the park.  Shortly after everest, and trying a chocolate covered frozen banana for the first time, we hopped back on the bus home.  

When we got back to The Commons we took naps and made food.  Only a couple of hours later all of the roommates were home and we left for Magic Kingdom!  This was a special moment because not only was it some of our first trips to the park, but it was the first park trip with everyone.  I was super excited to meet and talk to the boss (Mickey Mouse) as soon as I got in the park!  He said that he was hoping we would show up!  My boss is better than yours.

After meeting Mickey, we went on many rides that I have never experienced before and had a blast.  It was freezing out and I was wearing a skirt, but I was giddy with adrenaline from the coasters!  We all have bonded so much already that we were cracking up to inside jokes the entire time. 

Our main purpose for going to Magic Kingdom was to watch Wishes together.  This was a sentimental moment, considering it was a show about making wishes come true and all of ours just had!  We danced and sung along with tears in our eyes and smiles on our faces knowing that we are all where we belong.  I had a rush of emotions when a Lion King clip to the song Hakuna Matata played.  The following fireworks were brilliant and awe inspiring.

After watching Wishes Toni requested to meet Ariel, and we all wanted to.  So, we got in the very short line to see her!

She was beautiful and charming as anyone would expect of the wonderful mermaid!  

We also caught the parade on our way out of the park, where we started a "USA" chant as the Honor America float passed by.  (The male cheerleaders behind us joined in as well!)  

We left the park and caught a cast bus back to our car at the end of the night.  As soon as we got home (around 1:30) I passed out, knowing I had to wake up for work at 5:30am!

"We're all just children, reaching for our dreams. 

There shining high above us, and even though it seems, so far (so far). 

We put our faith and hope on a shooting star."

and my wish really did come true

Day 6 ~First Day Off~

Yesterday was my first entire day off.  After preparing food for later, doing some house work, and resting I headed to Epcot with my roommates Nora, Gisselle,  and Toni.  This was our first time using our Cast ID's to get in for free!  

The park was even more exciting knowing that we were there for free, and didn't have the stress of trying to fit everything into one day.  We were giddy and a bit ridiculous when we jumped around yelling about our discounts, but hey, two cast members cheered for us as well!  

We went on Test Drive, Spaceship Earth and Maelstorm.  We then sat down to eat at the UK Pavillion.  Eating there was amazing for a few reasons:  

     1. Boys with accents. 

     2. An amazing view of the fireworks 

     3. Being able to wait out the crowds leaving the park

After the show, we left the park and took the Cast Member buses back to our complex, where I almost immediately fell asleep.

Day 5 ~Traditions~

Before I get into today's news, I have to highlight last night. My roommates and I all stayed up until 4am pouring our hearts out to each other and bonding. It was amazing and welcoming and fantastic.

~~~~~~~~

Today was my first paid day at Walt Disney World. This was a training experience called Traditions. 

I wish I could share all of the details about Traditions but that is a secret ;)

This took place in a fantastic building called Disney University.

I met new friends and learned about working for the company.

And I cried tears of joy when I received my ears and name tag!

Day 4 ~At Ease~

Today was the first day I actually felt relaxed and at home.  Moving here on my own, figuring out transportation, and acclimating to a city has been more stressful than I care to admit.  (Still fun, though!)

I finally have all of my luggage moved in and a pillow on my bed.  I took a walk over to the outlets in the morning to get myself dress pants and then attended a housing meeting.  The meeting was longer than I expected but there was plenty of excitement.  I am so ready for the different housing events that are offered throughout the program!

After the meeting I went to Chic-fil-a and Walmart with Courtney, Gisselle, and Nora. (three of my roommates)  I was able to get everything I needed for my bedroom plus food for the week.

Annnndddd I am now out of money. :(

Tomorrow afternoon I have Traditions - a 4 hour orientation class for Walt Disney World.  I'm excited for my first paid Disney activity!

P.S. I'll post pictures of my beautiful apartment here later on.

Day 3

I am beyond exhausted right now so Ill just post some pictures and ramble later!

First attraction of my trip. But how did they make fake Captain Jack Sparrow so freakin hot?! 

Another new favorite - Haunted Mansion!

The beautiful Hollywood Studios

Finished the day with fireworks in Epcot!

I've arrived!

I just finished my second day in Florida. 

~Sunday~

My flight got to MCO around noon on Sunday, at which point I met up with my friend Daphne. Daphne and I spent the day swimming at a resort and exploring Downtown Disney. We made friends, got free stuff, and ate tons of food. Everything seemed like a dream. (cliche but true) We ended the day with the kids menus at IHOP.

~Monday~

I woke up at 5:30 this morning to get ready for my day. I met my fantastic roommates and went to Vista Way to begin the check on process. I spent the next six or seven hours in lines, talking to cast members, and filling out paperwork. One of my roommates, Gisselle, has the same schedule as me so we had plenty of bonding! And by bonding I mean fawning over British accents. 

I finally made it to my apartment at 2pm, and let me tell ya, its perfect! It is very close to the gate, clubhouse, mail kiosk, and bus stop. The rooms are spacious and we have a nice corner balcony. 

Ending the day, I couldn't be happier or more exhausted. Daphne and I are heading to Disney World tomorrow so its time I hit the hay! Night folks.

30,009 People Applied. 2,400 Received Internship Offers. 1 Proud Kat is heading to Disney Workd!

Only about 7% of applicants make it into the Disney College Program each semester.  I still have a difficult time believing that I was one of them!  THIS SUNDAY (that's right, in less than a week) I will be on my flight to Orlando, Florida.

I have taken so many wonderful opportunities in my life, each leading to the next.  I am so unbelievably honored that I get to take this next step into my future.

So what have I been doing in the past couple of weeks while all I can think about is Disney?

• Packing
• Night trip to NYC
• Spending time with Kagiso
• Packing
• Crunches
• Meeting up with High School friends
• Packing
• Worrying about every possible thing
• Still not done packing....

Just a few more days.