More Adventures

Working Update

Working here the past few weeks has been amazing, stressful, fun, difficult, and enlightening. I am surprised by the amount of rude an disrespectful guests I have worked with. I have witnessed more meanness and ignorance than ever before. But, I have also seen many more kind hearted souls. I make priceless connections with guests and cast members alike every day that I am here. I am learning about other cultures such as those from New Zealand, Spain, Mexico, Australia, an other parts of America. I have learned a lot about myself: my strengths, leadership style, weaknesses, and characteristics. I am forming amazing friendships, experiencing new things, and falling in love with Orlando.  

The past few weeks

I haven't been able to post in a while because my life is just so hectic! I have been working over 40 hours a week at the tree of life. I love it here - awesome co workers and lots to do. It has been draining, though! The park has been very crowded with tourgroups full of hundreds of non English speaking 15yr olds. Every position I hectic for most of the day. However, the last few hours at night calm down a lot and have almost all CPs working. We full the time with dancing, singing, and laughter.

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.